For years, the Austinist staff has fielded queries from friends and acquaintances about SXSW goings-on. "Can I walk to The Salt Lick?" "Does it really take 90 minutes for a Casino El Camino burger?" But most of all: "What showcase do you recommend to see some good new bands I don't know about?" This year, we've made the answer official. Austinist is presenting an official nighttime showcase featuring six different American acts at Spiro's on Thursday, March 13. We've done a lot of listening to different bands and entire showcases, and believe that this one has great potential to impress you. The roster:...

Iraq to review all security contractors working within its borders, after Blackwater screwup kills eight over the weekend. What the hey, they're an autonomous government. Right? Clinton to public: Can I have a health-care do-over? Racism ain't dead, for the 897th time. Mayor Wynn doesn't drive a hybrid, but he will, he tells Sprig.com. Senator Craig is getting support from the ACLU, which has got to sting. Everybody's leaving Britney. Why didn't FOX let......

Okay then. I’m not going to launch into some worthless tirade about Texas weather, but I will say that it is seriously fucking with my sleep. Well, it’s joining forces with other less-pleasant elements to turn my private slumberland into a deranged dreamscape that would likely force Snake Pliskin to gouge out his last functioning eye. ...

Listen up ghouls and goblins, it's time to choose your costumes and prepare to find some connections of your own. Choose your costume wisely, as it very well might determine your connection options. No one wants to go home with the free mammogram guy, as funny as it may seem at the time of creation. While you wait for the glue to dry, you can check out the best of last week's Missed Connections.........