The New York Times

Times Square, the iconic cultural mecca, is an instantly recognizable landmark. However, many people—tourists and natives alike—are unaware that Times Square is named after the Times Building (now One Times Square), the former offices of the New York... more

Times Square, the iconic cultural mecca, is an instantly recognizable landmark. However, many people—tourists and natives alike—are unaware that Times Square is named after the Times Building (now One Times Square), the former offices of the New York Times in 1904. Prior to then, it was simply known as Longacre Square. After nine years in their Times Square location, the paper relocated to 229 West 43rd Street where it stayed until early 2007. It then moved to nearby 620 Eighth Avenue, a stunning building designed by Renzo Piano. While founded in 1851, the Times gained prominence and political influence in the mid-1870s when it published a series of articles investigating Boss Tweed, the corrupt head of the Democratic political machine. By the late 19th century the Times had also moved away from supporting Republican candidates and positioned itself as a politically independent media organization. The paper's slogan "All the News That's Fit to Print" emerged in 1897 as a means of distinguishing itself from the sensationalistic "yellow journalism" of other New York media outfits such as the New York World and New York Journal American. The paper was also responsible for starting ... more

Times Square, the iconic cultural mecca, is an instantly recognizable landmark. However, many people—tourists and natives alike—are unaware that Times Square is named after the Times Building (now One Times Square), the former offices of the New York Times in 1904. Prior to then, it was simply known as Longacre Square. After nine years in their Times Square location, the paper relocated to 229 West 43rd Street where it stayed until early 2007. It then moved to nearby 620 Eighth Avenue, a stunning building designed by Renzo Piano.

While founded in 1851, the Times gained prominence and political influence in the mid-1870s when it published a series of articles investigating Boss Tweed, the corrupt head of the Democratic political machine. By the late 19th century the Times had also moved away from supporting Republican candidates and positioned itself as a politically independent media organization. The paper's slogan "All the News That's Fit to Print" emerged in 1897 as a means of distinguishing itself from the sensationalistic "yellow journalism" of other New York media outfits such as the New York World and New York Journal American. The paper was also responsible for starting the New Year's Eve tradition of dropping a ball from its roof that very year. For over a century, millions of revelers have gathered in the Square counting down to the stroke of midnight, starring in awe of a shining, lit-up sphere. Now you know who to thank for the all the crowds.

The now iconic Sunday Times crosswords puzzle first appeared in the paper in 1942. It didn't become a daily feature until 1950. The puzzle increases with difficulty as the week progresses, with the easiest puzzle on Monday and the hardest on Saturday. Sunday's jumbo 21 x 21 square crossword is thought to be the equivalent to Thursday's difficulty level. For those who crave more than a daily fill of symmetrical verbosity, Nintendo DS has released a New York Times-approved video game over 1,000 puzzles from the paper's past. Wordsmiths rejoice!

In 2007, "All the News That's Fit to Print" got a bit smaller. That's the year the paper decided to reduce its page width from 13.5 inches to the industry standard of 12.

Meanwhile, some people see the Times as not only fit to read, but fit to climb. The handsome 52-story building often tempts daredevils to scale its ladder-like exterior. Be warned, a visit to the Times might bring out your inner Spiderman. In fact, on June 28, 2008, there were two separate incidents of people scaling the Times Building only hours apart! French stuntman Alain Robert carried a banner which warned of the dangers of global warming, while Brooklyn native Renaldo Clarke claimed his climb was an effort to raise awareness to the plight of Malaria. While both men made it to the top, they were swiftly arrested upon their rooftop arrival.

In 2008 The Times set up an official Media desk, which covers stories that traverse both the Business and Culture sections of the paper. Coverage of media issues was previously split among the two sections. However, the new desk was deemed necessary, as the convergence of commerce and entertainment issues has increased in recent years. The Times is just doing their best to keep up with the times. Speaking of which—with over 50 blogs currently being updated, the NY Times is loaded with fresh web content. Niche topics that include chess, fantasy football, migraine headaches and the wisdom of Dick Cavett are among some of the more irreverent areas that are explored.  Often with written with engaging depth, you're sure to find some great cubicle reading. Check them out here.