Okay, first let's just clarify that the title here is clearly a joke. The Sing Off, an acapella singing show, and Nota, the all-male group that is the show's head-and-shoulders best act, is little more than something to watch while you pass the time this week. But just between us, those guys are kind of cool. And not "Look How Funny It Is That I Like These Guys" cool; they seem genuinely talented.

That being said, bigger news today came from an AP story from Washington that could potentially affect many, many Houstonians, and that is that lawmakers are calling for the legalization of illegal immigrants. Here are a couple of quote snippets from the AP wire:

"'For those who say that given the state of our economy, given the unemployment rate, this is not the time, I would say to you there is no wrong or right time. There is a moral obligation,' said Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus."

On the other end of the ideological spectrum:

"'Illegal immigrants currently occupy 8 million jobs. Those stolen jobs rightfully belong to citizens and legal immigrants. We could cut the unemployment rate in half simply by enforcing immigration laws!' said Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee."

So, where do you stand?

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Take a bow, sirs and ma'ams.

Houston made history Saturday night when Annise Parker, the city controller and openly gay candidate, was elected mayor over Gene Locke. It is a watershed moment in American history. Here's a tidy quote from The New York Times who had a person on the scene (I believe):

"Tonight the voters of Houston have opened the door to history," [Parker] said, standing by her partner of 19 years, Kathy Hubbard, and their three adopted children. "I acknowledge that. I embrace that. I know what this win means to many of us who never thought we could achieve high office."

Whether you were for her or Locke (or someone else), it's nice that Houston has finally put its stamp on something other than the America's Fattest Cities list.

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The holiday season is upon us, and there are lots and lots of things to do. However, in a mere three weeks everyone in Houston will be going all batty trying tofind the best, most debauched way to celebrate New Year's Eve.

You can browse our Houston New Year's Eve Guide from last year to help with inspiration -- most of the places listed will be doing something similar -- as well as the list of kid-friendly activities. Or you can pop back in shortly and see the new and improved guide to New Year's Eve in Houston for 2010. Either way, if you've got something you want to have mentioned in the list, just leave it in the comments.

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Chris Gray, proprietor of one of the city's finest mohawks and music editor at the Houston Press, posted today that more music superstars have been added to the concert series at Houston's annual rodeo.

See the Guide to the Houston Rodeo 2010

Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts and Gary Allan were all confirmed as additions to 2010's lineup, meaning that this year's fest is shaping up to be just as enjoyable as last year's. More details can be found here, including information on how to secure some $10 tickets for your family.

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