Image by the "Subway Cyrano," from GothamistNew York City was at its strangest and swellest this week. On Sunday, tens of thousands people ran in the NYC Marathon, including Mrs. Tom Cruise, aka Katie Holmes, who ran it in just under 5 hours, 30 minutes. Gothamist also found out that limes in Corona are sometimes illegal, the weird maple syrup might be back and a famous punk music pioneer-turned-real estate broker was possibly killed by... more ›

This week ended with the launch of the seventh and final Harry Potter installation. But while the world was consumed with Pottermania, it's important to remember that there were more serious things going on in the world, too—two of them in -Ist cities. Sampaist was shocked when a passenger jet crashed into the center of Sao Paulo, killing at least 200 people. The airplane, an Airbus A320, skidded off the runway at the city's Congonhas... more ›

Jagshemash! Borat is a hit. It's getting rave reviews, grossing millions, and definitely the most quotable thing we've seen in ages. But Borat seems to have missed most of the -ist cities, and we were all wondering how the film would have been different if he'd made his way around the world on the -ist tour. In Shanghai, Borat would be observing Inane Learnings of Penis Photos for Make Benefit Glorious Flat World of... more ›

With the start of Out of Bounds just weeks away, Austinist continues its look at sketch and improv happenings around town in this weekly series. (Did you think sketch, improv and stand up were all the same? You aren't alone. Burn off that Burrito el Suiza you had for lunch by making your finger clicky click on improv and sketch). Out of Bounds Tip of the Week 3 for All Improvisers Rafe Chase, Stephen... more ›

*This review comes from new Austinist contributor Rebecca Reed* With its grace notes of post-911 disillusionment, Kyle Henry’s Room screened to an enthusiastic hometown crowd at The Alamo on South Lamar, kicking off its local theatrical run. Julia Barker is a wife, mother, bingo parlor matron and telephone book delivery person who is hitting the proverbial wall. Or maybe four of them. Episodes of excruciating head pain provide her glimpses of a place that... more ›

JetBlue launched its non-stop service from Austin to New York (JFK) and Boston (Logan) this morning. The carrier, which offers Southwest Airlines prices without the Greyhound bus conditions, is starting off with three daily flights to New York City and a single roundtrip to/from Boston. Until next week (Jan 26), you can still take advantage of their super low intro fares ($79/one-way), so long as you fly by May 24th. At these rates, we're more than a little inclined to take a weekend shopping trip in the Big Apple. more ›