It's just a rumor for now (thankfully), but speculation abounds that Republican puppetmaster Karl Rove may be assisting Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in her bid for the governor's seat in 2010. If so, current Gov. Rick Perry better start packing his hair gel and other personal effects now, because the prospect of duking it out against old Turd Blossom is a poor one indeed. [Dallas News Blog] via [@Texas Monthly]... [continue]

Preston HollowIt turns out that New York Post gossip columnist Cindy Adams was spot on about the Bushes: after leaving office next January, the President and First Lady will be settling down in the modest town neighborhood of Preston Hollow in north Dallas. The following note was released by the White House today: The President and Mrs. Bush have purchased a home in the Preston Hollow neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, where they will live after... [continue]

Texas continued its downward descent in the "Annual Health Rankings" published by the United Health Foundation, dropping from 37th to 46th in the United States. ... [continue]

News 8 Austin reports that companies wishing to use photographic evidence in court must possess a certain "private investigator's license"—neither the camera company used by the City of Austin nor the largest firm in Texas has this license.... [continue]

It's hard to tell from today's perfect autumn weather, but forecasters are predicting that another cold front is headed our way this week. Weather.com and News 8 Austin both show temperatures in the high 30s tonight and dipping below freezing point tomorrow evening. News 8 Austin also hints that "some" computer models are calling for possible snow next week, but we're unconvinced. [Weather.com for 78704] [News 8 Austin]... [continue]

Mac Blake... [continue]

The carnival on HWY-71/290 between South Congress Ave and I-35 opened for business over the holiday weekend. It'll remain in operation for the next three weeks, Monday through Sunday, with admission more or less between 4 p.m. and "when they shut down for the night," which can be as late as midnight if there's an audience. "Unlimited Ride" wristbands cost $20, or you can opt to purchase tokens for the various concessions, rides, and games. Be prepared to shell out plenty of cash if you decide to go — nostalgia and funnel cake don't come cheap here.... [continue]

We at Austinist were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Josh Talbot, the 21-year-old RTF major at UT for whom a large-scale platelet drive had been scheduled tomorrow. The following is a letter posted on Thanksgiving Day to Josh's CaringBridge page by a loved one: It is with a deeply hurting and grieving heart that I must share with you that Josh Talbot was called to go to his heavenly home early this... [continue]

At this year's chilly Trail of Lights 5K race, don't be surprised if you happen upon a pack of sexy sprinters sporting little more than red swim briefs.... [continue]

Mac Blake... [continue]

Whole Foods Downtown will open "Skating on the Plaza," its annual rooftop ice-skating rink, this Friday. The outdoor rink will operate between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. most days, with eleven daily 50-minute skating sessions starting on the hour. Tickets, which are $10 for all ages and includes skate rental, can be purchased from the Guest Services desk up to an hour before each session. The rink will be open through January 11, and closed... [continue]

Out magazineAustin singer Amy Cook was honored as one of Out magazine's "Top 100" GLBT men and women who made a difference in the community in 2008. Cook is listed alongside such esteemed individuals as designer Todd Oldham, Weeds star Guillermo Díaz, and beloved actor George Takei. From the online version: Alt-folk thrush Amy Cook (far right) fled Los Angeles, headed to west Texas for a four—week retreat from civilization, and turned her gaze to... [continue]

Hundreds of Austinites came out to celebrate the second birthday of local arts nonprofit strataTX at este last Wednesday. Dubbed "Second on Sixth," the anniversary fête featured: a set by local musician John Pointer; hip-hop moves by the Bboy City Dancers; video installations curated by AMODA; a performance by improv troupe Paralellogramophonograph; and live graffiti art by Sloke, aka Austinite Nathan Nordstrom.... [continue]

Former adjunct professor Loye Young was fired from Texas A&M International University in Laredo after posting the names of six students on his blog whom he caught plagiarizing. Young, who previously taught a course in management information systems at the university, had stated clearly in his syllabus that any forms of academic dishonesty would be severely punished. "No form of dishonesty is acceptable," he wrote in the course syllabus. "I will promptly and publicly fail... [continue]

Round Rock Superintendent Jesus Chavez’s Letter to Sherry JenningsParents in Round Rock are in a huff after area Superintendent Jesus Chavez decided to pull a steamy young-adult novel from all district middle school libraries. The book in question is written as a series of instant-message exchanges between a gaggle of teenage girls, and titled "TTYL"—internet shorthand for what-a-total-beating. The editorial review on Amazon sums it up best: Far from being precious, the format proves perfect... [continue]

Inimitably talented indie rocker and one-man-symphony Andrew Bird rarely ventures this far south of Illinois, so we were thrilled to find out that he'll be playing a show at the Paramount Theatre next February—and, coincidentally, on the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birthday. Tickets go on sale this Saturday at noon, starting at $31 including service charges. Loney Dear, who played our second annual SXSW day party, will open. [Andrew Bird Shows] [Gettix Link]... [continue]

Mac Blake... [continue]

The dozen or so speakers at the rally, including representatives from Equality Texas and "straights for gays" alliance Atticus Circle, supplanted vitriol with grace and tact. Instead of an angry backlash against those who supported California's Prop 8, the focus was on family, respect, and the need for our entire community, regardless of sexual orientation, to demonstrate to others that the only "gay agenda" at hand is, simply and genuinely, to be granted the right to love.... [continue]

via LAist.comTomorrow's simultaneous nationwide protest against California's Prop 8, the referendum that overturned the state Supreme Court's ruling in May allowing gay marriages—thanks to the collective contributions of hatemongering religious zealots from other states—is a go. In Texas, at least nine cities are participating in this unified effort, and, though we're missing from the map on the left, Austin's looks like it's going to be huge. Here's how you can participate in Austin's protest, which... [continue]

PapermagAustin's own Rock the Casbah, hosted by DJ Mel, is up for the "America's Best Party" award in this year's PAPER magazine Fourth Annual Nightlife Awards. You can cast your ballot here, but hurry—the poll closes at 5 p.m. CST.... [continue]