Before we begin, we'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of James Kim. We are not, by any means, trying to discount that tragedy by juxtaposing posts about the Kims with more light-hearted posts. It's the nature of doing a compilation such as this one: we're trying to give a full slice of the goings-on in the Ist-a-Verse: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Londonist wants you to know where to avoid radiation poisoning if you're traveling to London. They also sat down with an aspiring space cadet, featured a woman who was very lucky to have a camera phone, let their readers know what sloppy drunks they really are and wonder what's better: a real Christina Aguilera, or a fake one?
Chicagoist says there ain't no such thing as a free lunch if you're not reviewing a restaurant, but would gladly accept a free drink—if it was a hot toddy or made with flavored vodka, that is. Chicagoists also love local bands and the CTA's holiday bus, even if plenty of people seem to disagree.
Parisist welcomed the Wii to Europe, as did about twice as many people as there were Wiis for. Also on the technology front, Parisists love to party with graphic designers, and, France just welcomed their first (!) twenty-four hour news station, which may or may not be politically motivated. And hey, everyone knows how much the French like their cheese.
Gothamist is in pre-mourning for French fries, but pleased to announce that happy, healthy dogs have been approved in New York City. Gothamists are now going to start frequenting stoop sales that might contain hidden treasures, and making fun of NYU students, even more than they have in the past. Unfortunately, it's not all fun and games in New York. There was a teenage riot (of the non-musical, and therefore, negative sort) in the Union Square Greenmarket, and a drunk driver killed an NYC teaching fellow and unfortunately, the punishment probably won't fir the crime.
SFist respectfully mourns James Kim, but doesn't let their tears interfere too much with their increasing obsession with San Francisco mayor Gavin Newson or their disdain for Barry Bonds. And they missed out on the chocolate bus.
Torontoist was robbed, they say—robbed! They totally heart their gorgeous skyline, their ballet, and Dirty Dancing Especially Dirty Dancing.
Houstonist is finding the city surprisingly cold, but Houstonists are warming themselves up quite nicely. And in the world of things that make Texans look bad, they bring you Enron, xenophobia, and Evangelicals.
LAist got to interview George McFly (don't tell him we called him that), and wants to make sure you know the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Area college soccer fans have started acting like real soccer fas, and hey, who in Southern California doesn't love cars?
Shanghaiist thinks that prostitutes might need a little more [non-sexual] love and respect, and misses their favorite cigarettes. Good thing that it's pretty easy to cheer up at Toys'R'Us, also a choice location to get video games, like this one set in Shanghai. But there is nothing cheery about this controversial BenQ ad, which uses an image of the WTC ruins to sell an mp3 player.
Seattlest wants to help you find the perfect gift for your racist friends and family, and they're feeling a little baffled after the local football-and-hooters mortgage company went under. The Sonics aren't helping, either. Seattlest also lent very thorough coverage to the Kim family's disappearance and reacts to its tragic end.
Bostonist now knows who to pray through when the going gets rough, and who to talk to when they really need to get high. And the MBTAis ready to join the twenty-first century.
Phillyist loves chocolate. Like, really. They're slightly less fond of office Christmas parties and tourists. Things aren't looking so good for America's finest, either. But they have a great, and literal, pick-me-up.
DCist likes pizza and booze. (Hmm... sounds like college...) They're also big fans of stuffed animals, and not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even if it doesn't make their commenters happy.
And last but not least, Austinist goes political (twice!), but make up for it by supporting the arts. Of course, art can't always make up for gentrification.
Compiled and edited by Jillian Ashley Blair Ivey.
James Kim photo via Seattlest. Toronto skyline via Torontoist reader Gareth.
