Diddy recently lured Justin Bieber (who is in NYC OMG!!!) into his studio with an ugly varsity jacket, and then made him promote his new album in front of the cameras (enough, Diddy, enough). But at least Bieber got a lesson on how to properly walk in New York City. Diddy tells him, "When we walk down the streets of New York... late at night.. after the Usher concert, we're in the street in Times Square... we go SWAG" [and then he does a hand gesture for "pushing the hate back"]. That's a pretty slow pace for New York, hopefully there's a swag lane for this kind of behavior. more ›

If the Bodega Diet hasn't been keeping the pounds off, maybe this innovative new weight-loss technique from trainer Melissa Delancey will. She suggests countering the caloric intake of big meals by walking to and from the restaurant. Delancey got her inspiration when she and her husband decided to walk to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Harlem from their East Village apartment, and are now leading walks to all sorts of places. Exercise: who knew? more ›

If you've ever been to Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg on a weekend day, you'll know the sidewalks can become overcrowded, especially on the north side. This summer the pedestrian traffic jams will be eliminated...at least for four days. The Brooklyn Paper reports "the city will close Bedford Avenue to traffic, turning the thoroughfare into a pedestrian-only plaza between Metropolitan Avenue and North Ninth Street." The project has been in talks for a while now, and is called Williamsburg Walks, appropriate since it is centered around walking, and doesn't include any special events, street fair type activities or vendors. Sadly, there will be no carpet made of artificial grass...but if you're okay with plain 'ol pavement, head over there any Saturday between July 19th and August 9th. more ›

NYC’s air quality has gotten substantially worse compared to other cities, according to the American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" survey. Since last year the city jumped from 10th worst in the nation for ozone pollution (smog) to an eighth place ranking. And in the category of short-term particle pollution (soot), NYC nabbed 13th place after ranking 17th worst in the last study. (L.A., the undisputed smog heavyweight, coasted to 1st place again.) more ›