It's shark attack season! And to get you in the mood, NPR has a great story on the shark that played Jaws in the famous 1975 movie. While Amity may have been a fictional place, some believe it to be off of New York—and in Jaws police chief Martin Brody has taken the position at the small beach town after leaving the NYPD. (And did you know the book was based on the 1916 shark attacks off the coast of the Jersey Shore?) more ›

If you're a chili fanatic, this is definitely a weekend to stay in town. There are at least two chili cookoffs planned that we know about, both in Brooklyn and both going down in bars, where the beer will flow freely (well, not literally freely) to extinguish any raging fires in your scorched mouth-hole. Up first on Saturday, there's the 2nd Annual Debate Society Chili Cookoff at Moonshine in Red Hook, where $10 gets you unlimited chili from all contestants. Or bring your own chili to compete and eat for free. Email stinky cheese-eating champion Oliver Butler (oliver AT thedebatesociety DOT org) for details, or just show up Saturday at 2 p.m. with $10 and an appetite. more ›