We feel way dirty for posting this, but maybe someone cares. According to what is supposedly actually Paris Hilton's blog via some youth-oriented contraption called "MySpace," the omnipresent socialite is going to be at Macy's Union Square tomorrow at 3 p.m. to launch her clothing line. more ›

Dilbert artist and bay-area restaurateur Scott Adams poses a query to his readers: what can be done about the bone-crushing competition from chain restaurants? Just like Wal-mart, the Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang are putting the squeeze on locally-owned spots like his Stacey's Cafe in Pleasanton and Walnut Creek. So, to boost business, he's been trying to find a smart way to bring customers into his banquet halls, and he's turned to the internet for clever suggestions. more ›

Someone get Jake McGoldrick a green fuzzy costume -- he's gone all Oscar the Grouch about people who leave their big trash and recycling bins out on the sidewalk after trash pickup day. He's proposing a $100 fine for the first time and up to $500 for repeat offenders. Hey, even Sesame Street let Oscar stay on the street all week. (Maybe Oscar's in a municipal container.) more ›

Realtor-slash-blogger Matt Lanning points up a new information site, San Francisco Bay Window, for that rare beast known as a San Francisco homeowner. Hey, it's free to dream, right? Cheesecake Factory employees dreamed of being able to take breaks, and now their dream has come true. more ›

roundup of the local weeklies. more ›