Former congressional candidate Angel Taveras announced that he’s running for Providence mayor yesterday. From a parking lot. Of a supermarket. That’s been abandoned. (Actually, he worked at the supermarket as a teenager living with his single mother in a low-income home, so the announcement’s location reflected the problems Providence residents face in this rough economy.)

Getting their names out there to every last citizen, some Rhode Island state congress members have sent their portraits to local libraries for display. We love that they see how important libraries are and appreciate the effort, nothing beats being implored to read by the greatest celebrity minds of our age, like Colin Farrell or the cast of Twilight. (Incidentally, the American Library Association has a page where you can make your own READ poster. Perfect for creeping out younger siblings!)

Rhode Island is going to fight hard to land Newport as the venue for 2013′s America’s Cup, a sailing competition (and the trophy named after it). The fact that Newport of all places isn’t already the permanent venue for the race until the end of time is… reasonable, but still a little bizarre. (Less flippantly, hosting the 2013 race could help out Rhode Island’s floundering economy. Even if it does mean more tourists.)

Starla & Sons Longform Improv Comedy Show
Hunter Auditorim (89 Waterman St), 9:00 P.M.
$1
We hear they’re quite the witty troupe!

Date-a-delt
Delta Tau, 10:00 P.M.-2:00 A.M.
It’s like “The Bachelor” meets “Price is Right”— and no, you don’t have to date Drew Carey. The fine lads of Delta Tau are auctioning off a night of love and romance with the delt of your choice. Yes, it’s probably pretty creepy. But it could also be the start of something beautiful.

Barack Your Body
Phi Psi (Sears House), 10:00P.M.-2:00A.M.
Here is all of the information you need to know: there will be politically-themed drinks. Order a Nailin’ Palin or a Ridin’ Bidin and toast the first year of the Obama presidency!

—Brian Mastroianni & Anne Speyer

Retro-style “Diamonds and Coal” from The Herald‘s issue on February 11, 2000:

A diamond to John McCain, who is suddenly the most popular presidential candidate in the running. On the covers of Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report this week, he’s got W. shaking in his boots.

Can’t get enough D & C? Read slightly more current incarnations in today’s Herald, or submit your own at DiamondsandCoal.com!

A visual cornucopia of cupcakes for every day of the week.  Almost as good as eating them.  Check out the chocolate peanut butter cupcakes above for a bite-sized taste.

Lunch: V-Dub. Chicken fingers plus enchilada bar–a Friday staple just got better.

Dinner: Ratty by default.  With the V-dub offering the dubious combination of Fisherman’s Pie in Puff Pastry and Cheese Raviolis with Vodka Sauce, we don’t even have to check the menu to know it’s a Ratty night.