See you at the polls!

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 airport in wet weather, then raced over a very heavily-trafficked avenue during rush hour, before crashing into a gas station.

For Gothamist, New York City's aging infrastructure caused a huge steam pipe explosion in Midtown Manhattan that killed one, left two seriously injured and injured at least forty others. But in lighter news, Whole Foods' release of the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" caused fights amongst eco-trend-seekers. Speaking of eco-trends, congestion pricing was kind of approved to move forward in the Big Apple. NY State finally sued Exxon-Mobil for the mid-century Brooklyn oil spill that was about twice the size of the Exxon Valdez spill. And Gothamist has videos of their conversations with the manager and residents of the famous Hotel Chelsea.

SFist woke up to a minor jolt Friday morning, care of a 4.2 earthquake along the nervously-monitored Hayward fault, but what's really shaking the city is theorange-laced anticipation of Barry Bonds inching closer to more record-breaking behavior. Other behavior includes VVM publication SF Weekly's dismissal of their web editor, Matt Stroud - SFist has the post that booted him out of said position. And speaking of controversial posts, the Propaganda III art exhibit had many arguing about freedom of speech, racism, anti-Semitism, and other precious topics of debate. Also, local SF Supes Chris Daly and Bevan Dufty almost throw down, one automobile owner's desperate plea for a crime-free life, and SFist alum Derrick ("Obsession With Food" scribe) moves on to glory via his cover story in the Chronicle's wine section. SFist couldn't be more proud. Sob.

Londonist celebrated their Britishness this week. Their inner toffs were liberated at the Chap Olympiad, at which the upper classes compete for "golden bowler hats" in events such as umbrella hockey and "slap the bounder." What-ho. They also attended a discussion evening in a ladies restroom - or "toilet," to use the local lingo. Meanwhile, with the Transformers movie on the way to the UK, London's cab drivers have been converting their motors into giant pink rabbits. And a new graffiti artist was in town, decorating London's walls with 22 stencils of Lennon, Jagger and other musical icons. Londonist has got it all mapped.

Next, oh.... the SF Weekly. Matt Smith finds out that Don Fisher got arrested for getting 15 year old girls drunk (when he was 19). The power of investigative journalism, folks! ....and HA! We had that Gavin Newsom uses the word "extraordinary" a lot! Also, the Weekly proposes some more codes of conduct for the Board of Supes. Where's "wipe" on that list? And Will Harper gets some troubling responses to his Craigslist iPhone personal. Cover article: does transgender identification need to be treated? (read this one! it's really good!) Saturday -- Bardot-a-Go-Go and boooo to the Independent Press Association for ruining the businesses of a bunch of local zines. Meredith braves 16th and Capp Street; we got a good chuckle out of SFist Ced's rejoinder. Cults with bands. And the Bouncer says the new Bruno's is kind of boring (who knew you used to be able to sneak in through the back door?)

After the jump: The Bay Guardian and the East Bay Express, along with the coveted Weekly of the Week selection and your running tally of the winners for fiscal year 2007.

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.

After the jump: more photos, including our only-in-San-Francisco guy!

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 are at stake, so arrive early and get a good seat! 950 Geary St., SF.

Tongues will Wag, a new one-man play written and directed by Mike Daisey, catch the two-headed tale of love tonight only at. Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison St, Berkeley.

Celebrate having tomorrow off by staying out late at one of these shows:

Local band Vetiver, of the Devendra Banhart clan, plays a mixture of Cajun folk and gentle pop at The Independent. $15 gets you in the door, 628 Divisadero St., SF.

Trannyshack presents an interpretation of Bowie's legendary 1972 rock/concept album "Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars."At The Stud, 399 Ninth St., SF.

Superstar DJ Paul Oakenfold spins at Ten 15. Tickets are $20 1015 Folsom St., SF.

Soul Afrique Tuesdays at John Colins. Rotating resident DJs mix it up with nuevo soul, funky soulful house and dancehall. 90 Natoma St., SF.

Image of Bowie from the Trannyshack site.

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.