Christopher and Ali talk way too much about cats, so skip the beginning of this week’s issue if you’re not so inclined. First up, Benno Nelson discusses how art hasn’t changed as much as you’d think it might have since 9/11. Megan Stielstra celebrates the launch of Tavi Gevinson’s Rookie Magazine by diving back to the 90’s, to its predecessor Sassy. Sad Brad Smith brings our sad weather report. And there’s a word from our sponser O’Reilly’s artisan wafers, courtesy of Doug Hurley. Music from Chris Damiano on your way out. And as usual, if you can hear us, this magazine is LIVE (and recorded this week by Nick Freed). Download it here, or listen below.

This Saturday, we FINALLY have Brian Babylon, and also Dan Sinker, who’s book reminiscing about his time as the Twitter sensation @MayorEmanuel. They’ll be joined by Ian Belknap of the Writer Club; Mel Evans of ComedySportz;  Nancy Friedrich and Colleen Doyle team up; Dr. Bill Savage, Northwestern professor and Chicago Tribune contributor; and Josh Zagoren will be back with his good puppet friend Chad the Bird. They’ll be talking about the pregnant Beyonce, Mayor Daley’s newly reduced bodyguard posse, and James Franco’s all-over-the-place-ness. And music from Blane Fonda.