Image of the winning plate from TxDOT
• We're hoping for Soledad O'Brien as moderator: Obama and Hillary to appear next Thursday the 21st in CNN/Univision-sponsored debate in Austin.
• Bloggers can moderate debates, too: Eileen Smith from In the Pink Texas (and Texas Monthly) and Karen Brooks from the DMN will moderate the Democratic Senate debate between candidates Noriega and McMurrey in Austin this Wednesday, Feb. 13.
• 4 men arrested for the kidnapping last week of Adrian Jaimes; one of them is his father's cousin.

Our favorite local posts of the week:And She Wrote About Austin has Leslie on her fridge. Michael A. posts on his disappointment that one of his Dobie Food Court options has gone away. SxSW Baby! rates local breakfast taco joints so we don't have to (although we notice that El Chilito is missing on their list). Omar G. visited the set of Friday Night Lights and took some great photos. Eileen posts on TXU... more ›

Random Favorite Blog of the Week: We just happened on to the LJ Austin community, which is a blog of sorts. There are all sorts of posts there about local happenings and other such topics. more ›

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We don't know how any of you can possibly think about drinking after last week, but these two reasons are as good as any: Keep Austin Blue, founded from the remnants of Kerry supporters back in 2004 and whose mission is to "celebrate the fact that we live in a cool, blue oasis in a desert of red," is hosting their monthly social hour over at Mother Egan's Irish Pub. Tonight's is a special Blogger... more ›

MONDAY [20][film] "Flying Nun" documentary, courtesy of End of an Ear, at Alamo Downtown (link) [books] Rabbi Michael Lerner presents The Left Hand of God: Taking Back Our Country from the Religious Right at Bookpeople (7pm) (link) [film] "Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde" at Alamo Downtown (7pm) (link) [art] Blanton Museum of Art hosts "Art is Intimate: Prints and Drawings" at Blanton Museum of Art (6pm) (link) [music] Karaoke at Beerland (9pm) (link) TUESDAY [21][film]... more ›

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Our favorite local posts of the week: AngryRobot reminds us to shop at our local independent music stores. Life Distilled is happy that the EFF is around (we are too!). BOR informs us that Austin's own Glen Maxey will be running for TDP Chair. Chaka "I'm Every Woman" Khan is coming to Austin for the Urban Music Festival. It's not until April, but Austin Hip-Hop Scene wants us to put it on our calendars.... more ›

With the help of our friends over at In the Pink Texas and a little internet investigating, we have uncovered some juicy details about the Cheney shooting incident. Rumors are surfacing that the delay in reporting Dick's little incident was due to an effort to hide or spin Cheney's female companion. more ›

Our favorite posts by Austin bloggers for the week: Queen Kandis wonders about the Da Vinci Code hoopla. AroundAustin.com reviews Fonda San Miguel’s new book of recipes and art. In the Pink Texas has one of the best post titles ever: Cheney Argues Against Pulling Out. Yes, we’re easily amused. Kimberly at A Little Pollyanna mulls over her upcoming trip to Hawaii and we are sooo jealous. Grits for Breakfast reminds us that "It’s always... more ›

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 14 because starting at 6 p.m. the political smack talking begins. In The Pink Texas, a non-partisan political blog, and PinkDome, a not-so non-partisan political blog, are celebrating the holiday by hosting, “Pink Is The New Christmas,” at the Brown Bar. This is not to be confused with any activity regarding the website Pink Is The New Blog. If you do not have an e-mail invite you may click on the link and add your email and RSVP. The Brown Bar is located at the corner of 8th & Colorado and there will be happy hour drink prices all night long. more ›

PinkDome, Burnt Orange Report and In the Pink Texas just reminded us that early voting started today. Familiarize yourself on the issues at hand with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters Voter's Guide, and check out the Secretary of State's list of proposed constitutional amendments. more ›