Think it's the collapsing economy that's the major problem in the world? Well, thank Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, for reminding you that it's illegal immigration. Riddle claims in a press release that "Texas lawmakers drew attention Monday to what they claim will be the number one issue before the legislature in the 2009 session: illegal immigration" (this ignoring that, under the pre-emption clause of the U.S. Constitution, immigration is solely a Federal issue). Riddle has been riding high on the tide of getting invited to Kansas in March to speak for an immigration bill that promptly failed. But not to worry: She says her advocacy on this issue is divinely inspired (seriously: "I think God would have us work on this and then vote," Riddle said in the press release.) But which god? In the same release, Riddle notes that another member noted, "John Quincy Adams said 'Duty is ours, results are Gods,'" … Erm … what Adams (who, ever since HBO started that series, Republicans have been namedropping constantly) said was "results are God's". So either Riddle's staff don't know how to use an apostrophe, or Riddle is secretly a polytheist.

Femme Film Texas' mission statement reads "teaching filmmaking and media literacy to young women and girls in Austin, Texas," and who can't get behind that? The real question is, how much can you get behind that? They're currently seeking donations for their summer film camps for girls, and every little bit counts. Hey big spender: $975 provides full tuition and housing for one girl at the overnight camp. A bit rich for your blood? Even 10 bucks makes a difference. A handy donation site here details exactly where your contribution will go.

The City of Austin is officially declaring today Kat Edmonson Day in honor of the local jazz-pop singer's inspiring "Be the Change" video, which was shot locally to raise awareness for the Texas primary and has since received more than 25,000 views on YouTube. Edmonson's eco-friendly, enhanced single is in stores now, and all of this week's proceeds from the album benefit the Capital Area Food Bank.

The ACLU of Texas' Central Texas chapter is actively opposing the elimination of the Capital Metro transfer center on 11th Street in front of the State Capitol. Although it is one of the busiest stops in the Cap Metro system, Gov. Rick Perry and the State Preservation Board said it must be removed for security concerns. (See previous story.) The ACLU is encouraging the public to show up and speak out against the changes at these upcoming public hearings: • Thursday, April 24, University of Texas Campus, Bellmont Hall Building - BEL, Room 328, 2100 San Jacinto (San Jacinto and 21st Street), 5:30-7:30pm • Monday, April 28, Capital Metro Main Administration Building, 2910 E. Fifth, 5pm • Thursday, May 1, 2008, Capital Metro Downtown Customer Service Center, 323 Congress, 11:30am-1pm

Jen got the boot on Top Chef tonight. I'm devastated. Don't even try to cheer me up.

Not to be outdone by D.J. Augustin, junior guard A.J. Abrams officially declared for June's NBA Draft an hour and a half after his younger counterpart. Unlike Augustin, Abrams left the door more than cracked for a senior season with the Longhorns. “Playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” Abrams said through the Texas media relations office. “Right now, I have the opportunity to test the waters to see where I stand. If I’m comfortable with where I feel I’ll be drafted, I’ll stay in the draft. If not, I’ll be back for my senior year.” No comment from coach Rick Barnes was released.

Texas' consensus All-American D.J. Augustin declared today for the June 26 NBA Draft, though he hasn't hired an agent which leaves open the possibility he will stay. But "listening" to the sophomore's words, issued today through the Texas media relations department, it doesn't seem likely he will be in burnt orange next season. "I have had a great experience here at the University of Texas," Augustin said in the statement. "All I can say is ‘thank you’ to my teammates, coaching staff and fans that have supported us during my two years at Texas. I have matured a lot as a person, both on and off the court. I have dreamed of playing in the NBA since I was a little boy, and I am ready to start living this dream.” Rick Barnes has also seemingly given up on the thought of having his star player and court general back.

For those lucky people that received passes we are holding a Special Advance Screening of Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay tonight at 7:30. It is sure to be filled with a bong's share of dick jokes and chronic innuendo with subtex that is smarter than you would expect. I re-watched Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle a couple of nights ago to prepare myself and I was impressed with how the jokes weren't tired or lame. From the buzz I am hearing on the internets it sounds like Harold & Kumar's second adventure holds up well with with the first. We still have some extra passes here at the office if anyone would like to try to make it. Just like most of our special screenings, you must have a pass to gain admission but the pass does not guaranty that you will get in so please show up early. www.haroldandkumar.com

How many anti-Randi Shade blog posts will Burnt Orange Report promote without the disclaimer that BOR big cheese Matt Glazer is working for Jennifer Kim's campaign? Seriously, regarding Place 3, their credibility is a notch below Austin Political Report. UPDATE: BOR now has a counterpoint up by Phillip Martin called "Why I Agree With Randi Shade on Barton Springs." Doesn't quite make up for the Glazer-penned, disclaimer-free "Randi Shade Gets A Little Help from Her Toll Road Friends," but it's a start. UPDATE REDUX: In fairness, Glazer has pointed out to Newsdesk his anti-Shade post was penned approximately two-weeks prior to joining the Kim campaign – so make of that what you will. But in the future, Glazer and BOR might want to draw these lines more distinctly.