Have you ever noticed that there are certain names in the newspaper day after day, industry "experts" whom reporters seem to constantly hit up for quotes? That journalists go back to the same well again and again is no surprise. Journalists are lazy. Why bother trying to squeeze a soundbite out of someone new when you have ten minutes to finish an article and there's already an eager pro who's given you his cell phone number and told you to call him day or night? Below, some of the most prolific quote-givers—who they are, the topics they're inevitably called to comment on, and how many times they got their "expert opinions" into newspapers for the first half of 2008.

The Straphangers Campaign report card is out. You know, that group led by Gene Russianoff that really only surfaces in the news when it issues its annual "State of the Subways" report? Anyway, L riders will be happy to hear they ride the best line in the city. If you take the W to work, you may want to think about moving. Or taking a job that comes with car service. [NYP]

Gene Russianoff