It's Memorial Day weekend which marks the unofficial start of summer - and the weather is cooperating. Our pals at Gapers Block were kind enough to point out that both The Reader and NewCity have their summertime issues up for your perusal of what to do this summer. And don't forget Metromix Chicago's fest guide to plan each weekend neighborhood exploration this year. You know, besides just Lollapalooza. Check back later when Carrie has a few more great grilling suggestions for your weekend and let us know if there are other great local summer guides we missed. more ›

What happens when you mix a prankster with a cable access host with a limited knowledge of pop culture? Fun. [via] more ›

As the world holds its breath, teetering precariously on the cusp of the Super Bowl (well, at least in America), the wheels of the -ists keep on turning. Austinist was in a musical frame of mind as they listened to the new Shins album, updated the SXSW band listings and got called "punk rock" for their efforts by MTV. And an ice storm swept through the area. Bostonist said goodbye to John Kerry's plans... more ›

Another item for the Cart Before the Horse file: Will Smith was in town last week for the Chicago premiere of his new film The Pursuit of Happyness. In the film he plays real-life Cinderella man Chris Gardner, who went from being homeless on the streets of San Francisco to managing his own very successful investment firm here in Chicago. That's not the real story however. The real story is that Will Smith wants to... more ›