The death toll from the cyclone that hit Bangladesh is over 3,000 now; the UN says a million people have been left homeless. We're (*cough*) so surprised: Austin named the fall allergy capital of the nation. Alberto Gonzales didn't have an easy time speaking at the University of Florida last night. After child workers were found at one of their factories in India, Gap is determined to improve working conditions there. US Military calls......

WEDNESDAY [12] [music] Brightblack Morning Light, Daniel Higgs, Mariee Souix at Emo's (Inside) (link) [music] The World Famous Bros Grim Side Show, the AK 47s at Emo's (Outside) (link) [music] Bill Stidham and Jimmy Scarborough at the Parish (link) [music] Blues on the Green presents Antone's 31st Anniversary Celebration w/ Eve Monsees & The Exiles, Gary Clark Jr. at Zilker Park Rock Island (Free, 7:30pm) (link) [music] Graham Wilkinson and Underground Township at Cactus Café......

MONDAY [10] [music] Rancid, Street Dogs, Complete Control at Emo's (link) [music/party] End of an Ear and XL Recordings presents a special midnight sale and listening party for Thom Yorke’s The Eraser, with loads of giveaways! Plus, hear new albums from Peaches, Sufjan Stevens and others at Emo's Lounge (Free, 10pm-1am) (link) [music] Girls' Tribute to Clifford Antone with Marcia Ball, Angela Strehil, Lou Ann Barton, Toni Price, Carolyn Wonderland, and Eve Monsee at Antone's......

French MP goes on hunger strike. "Like a sad clown," he says, "I'm not asking to win. I'm asking for good sense to triumph." Reason for the dramatics? He didn't want a paint factory in his district to close. When they say "Long Live the Queen" they're not kidding. Today Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 80th birthday with a small get-together. MySpace has been quite the forum for do-no-gooders lately. Some kids were planning......