Martha Stallman, a Texas State Master's student and UT-Austin grad has won Playboy's 2011 College Fiction Contest. Her story, Hot Damn (featuring illustrations by Charles Chaisson), tells the tale of a man trying to pick up a social security check. Needless to say, something unexpected happens. Stallman's story is featured in the November issue of the magazine, and she's also won a $3,000 prize. For more information about the contest, go here. more ›

• Giffords shooting suspect charged with attempted assassination
• Millions vote in referendum that could split Sudan into two countries
• Death toll rises to 77 in Iran plane crash

• This recession is still holding on if Cool-Aid Pickles are a new food trend.
• The Houston Chronicle loves food-spots Uchiko, Foreign & Domestic and Torchy's trailer.
• The New York Times Magazine also loves Uchiko, Foreign & Domestic.... and a couple of food trailers.

Another one of those “stick around here all day because every band is awesome” shows, the Radio Room was home to this event on the 19th. The crowd enjoyed sets by Cursive and The Avett Brothers, but the top highlights had to be an intimate set by Daniel Johnston and a blistering set by The Wrens, both clearly proving that the magic is still there. more ›

All week long, Austinist is giving away tickets and guestlist spots to some of the hottest private, unofficial parties taking place during the annual SXSW Festival. Contests will be posted throughout the day and run for a few hours apiece, so check back frequently for your best chance to win. more ›

Because we love you so very much, we've gone ahead and put together a special mini-site dedicated to this year's SXSW Festival. more ›

Your dream of being invited to a private, invite-only Playboy party might just be realized tonight: head over to Austinist's brand new SXSW site to enter the Rock the Rabbit contest. The winner will receive a pair of tickets to the Annual Late Night Party in Austin on Thursday, March 13 (11 p.m. at the 301) as well as a t-shirt from The Heavy. more ›