"Each year, we examine the billions of queries that people around the world have typed into Google search to discover the zeitgeist—the spirit of the times," says Google. The global listings were dominated, not suprisingly, by queries on Michael Jackson and New Moon. more ›

A new Harris Interactive Poll ranks Texas as the fourth most popular state that people would choose to live in, trailing behind California, Florida and Hawaii. Among cities, the 2,498 U.S. adults surveyed put Dallas and Austin in 10th and 11th place, respectively, with New York City, Denver and San Francisco in the top three. [BusinessWire] more ›

The Wall Street Journal came out with a ranking today of the best cities for twenty-something professionals to be in when the economy picks up again. Austin came in fifth place, trailing behind Washington, D.C. and Seattle (tied for first), New York City, and Portland. Though some of the panelists questioned weren't sure if Austin would emerge strongly from the downturn, the general consensus was that we've become a "gathering place for tech- and arts-conscious young adults." That, coupled with a relative low cost of living and unemployment rate, makes us, as one panelist described it, "a model for a thriving 21st-century knowledge-based community." [WSJ: The Next Hot Youth-Magnet Cities] more ›