JOSH RITTER What’s The Deal: Josh Ritter graduated from college with a major in American History through Narrative Folk Music, which makes the title of this folk-pop singer/songwriter’s recently released album, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, fitting as well as boastful. He can boast all he wants with those hearty lyrics fat with imagery and the voluminous songwriting of this, his fifth album. Comparisons to Bob Dylan as well as John Lennon immediately come......

The 2006 Pulitzer Prize winners were announced today, with UT's David M. Oshinsky, George Littlefield Professor of American History, garnering the prestigious History prize for "a distinguished book upon the history of the United States." Said book was Polio: An American Story, what Publishers Weekly hailed as "an edifying description of one of the most significant public health successes" in our country's time. Congrats, Professor! Other winners included Geraldine Brooks for March (Fiction), the Staff......

The Houston Texans exercised their buy-back option on David Carr's contract- implying a pass on Vince Young. We're raking in the celebrities here in Travis County, into our civil courts sytem, including that super-hunk Jason Patric. The gambling industry is vying for some action in Texas (but who isn't?). LaMarcus Aldridge consistently impresses coaches, peers and NBA scouts; he has very real possibilty of being an NBA overall draft pick. What has been coined......

: : FRIDAY : : [music] Early Man, Atomic Bitchwax, Lions and Black Earth @ Emo's [art] "A Pairing:Exhibition of Works by Women of Wine & The Men Who Adore Them," 5:30pm-8:30pm @ Gallery Lombardi [music] St. James, Andy Davis and Matt Wertz @ Stubb's [music] The Ugly Beats and American History Project @ Beerland [music] Beta Valentine CD Release with Super Sonic Soul Squad and DJ Bigface, 8pm @ End of an Ear......