Welcome to Room Eight part deux, a more snazzy, dimensional version of our old stomping grounds.

We're thrilled with our new look - and heap much praise on our lead designer, Deanna Zandt (who, might we add, runs a madly skilled shop) ... and her partner in crime, Doug Green, who hails from CivicActions.

We've added a couple modest new features: some snarky NY political headline links at the top, a more official looking Congress Wire block on the right (for which, btw, we are still awaiting your insights), a place to sign up for the Room Eight list-serv up above, and a whole bunch of coloration all over.

As always, you can read the blogs, check in on the latest campaign and government news wires, or start your own blog right here.

We hope when all is said and done that you simply find us more attractive. Because isn't that, after all, the point of cosmetic surgery?