I'm So Loathsome I Could Cry, or Five of the Least Loathsome New Yorkers

Following the oft-bandied-about New York Press list of the 50 Most Loathsome New Yorkers, we can't help but wonder why a small magazine few people actually read is always so, well, hateful. And while it's certainly easier (and ok, perhaps slightly more fun) to bitch your way into New York's blogland, we prefer to celebrate the best NY has to offer. Without further ado, we present five of dailygusto's Least Loathsome New Yorkers.

5) Ed Grant, host of Media Funhouse on MNN

We've mentioned him before, and we'll doubtless mention him again. Although his timeslot is more elusive than Bin Laden, every week Ed brings us the "premier guide to high and low culture" on cable access TV. From the impossible-to-find film clips to the "Deceased Artiste" tributes, Ed is a fount of both useful and useless information delivered in his frighteningly overcaffeinated fashion.

For more info on Ed, check out this oldie but goodie article on him for SVA's Visual Opinion, penned by dailygusto's very own J. Mattthew Brauer.

4) Mario Batali

Mario could make this list simply by not being the ubiquitous, smirking Bobby Flay. While we at Gusto aren't rich enough to afford Babbo, the antipasti at Otto is terrific.

3) Sarah Vowell

Smart, witty, prolific, and a gifted storyteller. Also a great Conan guest. 'Nuff said.

2) The Good People at NY 1

Ah, the All Nerd Network. Despite its Time Warner Cable ownership, NY1 is consistently a welcome break from the sensationalist Problem Solving morons at Fox 5 News and their many program tie-ins ("Tonight's story - could you be America's Next Top Model?"). With its long-format, in-depth news, interviews, and opinion, NY1 is the best news thing going on local television.

1) Jen Chung, aka "Jen Gothamist"

We honestly don't know how Jen does it. Not only does she manage to post stories light-years before anyone else, while holding down a full-time job, she goes where few bloggers before her have dared to go -- she updates on the weekends. And unlike the "loathsome" Choire Gawker (for whom we will admit to a certain fondness, anyway), her posts are funny and interesting without unnecessary bitchiness or hipster posturing. Gothamist is THE place to go for all things New York (or alternately, all things Law & Order).

p.s. We wanted to make this a round ten but work is sadly interfering. I'd love to hear other ideas, though, so email me at teapot at dailygusto dot com if you have suggestions.