Is it a sign of the times? Time Out Chicago, the weekly where-to-go and what-to do magazine, has parted ways with Marketing Director Tony Barnett, a founding member of the TOC staff. He has been replaced by his assistant, Julie Sprich-Hammer. In an email to friends and business associates, Barnett said his departure from the magazine "came as very unexpected news."

Reached by phone, Barnett refused to elaborate on what may have prompted his exit from TOC, which, by all indications, was involuntary. "I'm going to move on, and I wish them all the best at Time Out Chicago," said Barnett.

TOC Editor-in-Chief and General Manger Frank Sennett was just as circumspect in his comments to us on the reasons for Barnett's leavetaking. Sennett declined to say whether Barnett's exit may have been a cost-cutting move. But he did suggest Barnett's exit was not performance-related. "Tony did a wonderful job for us, and now he's moving on," added Sennett.