Kinky Politics

FRI 6/24
The way Kinky Friedman sees it, the fermenting battle between Rick Perry and Kay Bailey Hutchison for the Texas governorship is "a choice between an empty suit and an empty dress…though she's twice the man that he is." That's why the iconoclastic musician/mystery author has thrown his ever-present hat (and cigar) into the ring. Seriously -- and with a platform of the usual (education and criminal justice reform) and the not-so-usual (abolishing political correctness, the "de-wussification" of Texas). There's only one problem: "I don't have a first lady," the unmarried Friedman notes. "I may have to employ one." Friedman is in town to promote Texas Hold 'Em, his collection of autobiographical pieces, profiles on Texas legends like Willie Nelson, and other writings, including his introduction to "Kinkybonics." He'll also hunt for some of the 50,000 non-primary voter signatures needed for a ballot placement. (His official campaign slogan: "Why the hell not?") "Hell, I'm for gay marriage," Friedman says. "They have every right to be just as miserable as the rest of us!" Friedman signs and discusses Texas Hold 'Emat 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Murder By the Book, 2342 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-524-8597 or visit www.murderbooks.com. -- Bob Ruggiero

He Said, She Said

Faith and nature are coupled in "Counterpoint"

You can learn a lot about a married couple by chatting with them or flipping through their photo album. Or, in the case of Kermit and Katie Oliver, you could just check out their joint art show, "Counterpoint." The Olivers met at Texas Southern University art school during the '60s, and now their works are on display as part of a University Museum series on distinguished alumni couples. Kermit's paintings hark back to his religious upbringing in the small town of Refugio (his Pieta depicts the slain Christ being held by the Virgin Mary, with a bloodied moon in the background). Katie, who hails from Seattle, incorporates nature into her whimsical paintings, like Dance, in which a young African woman is transported to another place and time by a gust of wind. See the Olivers' works through July 17. 3100 Cleburne. For information, call 713-313-7120 or visit www.tsu.edu. Free. -- Steven Devadanam

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

Diddy Ball

Mayor Bill White is looking pretty phat in his black V-neck stretch tee, blue jeans and black-and-silver DADA basketball shoes. DADA, huh? Aren't those for serious ballers? What up with the kicks, Mr. Mayor?

"Well, actually, they're my son's," he says with his trademark sheepish grin. "I needed some basketball shoes." Mayor White is chilling on the court of Texas Southern University's H&PE Arena along with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Councilmember Ada Edwards, ready to take in the final big event of the P. Diddy Weekend: the Bad Boy Records vs. Rap-A-Lot Records hoops game on Father's Day. The crowd has been waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of Diddy coaching his Bad Boy Records team. (There's also an unofficial Ashton Kutcher watch -- could Mr. Demi Moore be planning to Punk Diddy at his own event?) I spot former Rockets Sam Cassell, Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley, who suits up for the hometown Rap-A-Lot squad.

After an electric entrance featuring marching drums, cheerleaders in wife-beaters that say "P Diddy for Sale," Mayor White proclaiming "Diddy Day" and Congresswoman Jackson Lee giving him a Congressional Humanitarian Award, Diddy settles in on the sidelines. Wearing a white warm-up suit (Sean John, I'm guessing) and a shirt that says "Quit Snitching," he hops, poses and points to the fans, making sure plenty of kids get pictures with him. Meanwhile, his Bad Boy team, which boasts some serious street ballas, is rolling over our Rap-A-Lot guys. Security is insane: Fans leave the bleachers during the game, pushing to get a look at Diddy. I manage to sneak up behind the Bad Boy bench and snap some photos before the guards push the wall of humanity away from the court.

Like a typical fair-weather Houston sports fan, I leave before the game ends. But I've got to get my dad a gift. Wonder if ol' Pop would want a picture of Diddy...? -- Steven Devadanam

Hot Wax Job

THU 6/23
Ladies, what could be better than watching soap operas while being lathered up by a studly male model? Today, when the cable channel SOAPnet premieres the reality series I Wanna Be a Soap Star, you can celebrate with a free sudsing at Bubbles Car Wash. Show up at the Westheimer location and lounge in the lobby watching Soap Star episodes as hot male models wax your…car (had you going, didn't we?). Aside from your newly spotless rig, you'll score some swag and, if you're lucky, a phone number. The buff models buff your ride from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 23. 5735 Westheimer. For information, call 713-227-9274. Free. -- Steven Devadanam

Hooves and Harleys

FRI 6/24
What do you get when you cross a hog with a horse? The genetics guys at Texas A&M may have their ideas, but we say it's Biker Night at Sam Houston Race Park, where you hogheads can rumble in on your chromed-out Harleys and bet on the ponies. The event features a $500 best bike contest and a performance by Jerry Jeff Walker, not to mention a $500 best tattoo contest, with categories including "weirdest body ink" (umm"). Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, June 24. 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West. For information, call 281-807-7223 or visit www.shrp.com. $3 admission; $3 parking. -- Greg Barr