Photo showing the lack of excitement associated with our mayoral race. ...

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......

Back after the July 4th break! The winner from two weeks ago: the SJ Metro. This Media News Corp. group taking over the Merc News is bad for local news coverage. Dude! We need to start following San Jose local politics -- one of their city council members eloped last weekend! Annalee Newitz liked Transformers. Bodybuilders in San Jose this weekend -- look at the cords on that guy's neck! Cover article: we're embarrassed to......

OK, we didn't actually attend the premier last night. But we were at the Metreon to check out the travesty of The Transformers, and we were right next to the line for the midnight showing of the 3-D IMAX Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. As you can see above, it was a mob scene....

The cherished Scott Beale brought to our attention the following bit of, well, awesomeness. We know, we know -- we’re no longer supposed to fall for ultra-annoying viral marketing bullshit. And producer JJ Abrams finally lost us. (Heh. Yeah. Sorry.) And, no, we have yet to see The Transformers, for which this clip is said film's trailer. But we're tired of doing the dance, so we give in, modern marketing scheme. And after several viewings,......

LAist was comped front row seats by the Dodgers due to Malingering being struck by a foul ball last week, and she came back with some great photos, and earlier made fun of 4th of July on Venice Beach. But the biggest stories of the week was that the Mayor's Hot Tamale was revealed, and that a Kwik-E-Mart was erected in Burbank. Phillyist was busy doing the Fourth of July up right, exercising their......

Avoiding the masses storming the theaters for Transformers? Here are a few things to keep you busy until the 4th... If you haven't been yet, stop by Gallery Nineteen Eighty Eight to check out Back for Seconds, a diverse group show with 37 different artists. 1173 Sutter St, SF. Kick back with Castle Quiz at the Edinburgh Castle with seven rounds of questions about music, history and pop culture. Drink specials and cash prizes......

Transformers.... more than meets the eye! Not only robots in disguise, but also the source of today's MUNI irritation. Curse you, Decepticons! A transformer explosion and subsequent electrical pole damage at San Jose and Ocean has rendered the following lines extremely delayed: the J, the 26 Valencia, the 36 Teresita, and the 49 Van Ness. Plan accordingly, Optimus Prime. We went with a picture from the 1986 Transformers animated movie rather than the live-action movie......

Last week's winner, the Bay Guardian. Tim Redmond wants.... Ques-tion TIME! Ques-tion TIME! Also -- impeach! And be nicer to pigeons. Chris Daly likes putting city propositions on the ballot. Ed Jew -- get to know him now, since he didn't get any coverage during the election. A tattoo artist shot in the head in East Oakland. Buy a San Francisco Values t-shirt from the Guardian. Cover articles: The Year In Music (why the Bay......