Miss Texas had the sizzling stage presence and big voice, Miss Georgia the crowd-pleasing tap dancing and quick wit. So how did Oklahoma — whose song was a little pitchy and interview a little blah — seize the Miss America crown in Las Vegas?

If you hear some scratching noises on XM radio, it’s probably not static — but it might be rats. The satellite radio’s District headquarters is so infested with the furry little critters that the company has gone to the rat-eradication equivalent of DefCon 1.

A tipster raised a big old eyebrow at the new issue of Capitol File, with cover star Katie Couric. Inside: a Q&A interview and two more radiant photos of the Arlington native, complete with captions detailing how to get Couric’s dynamite look: “Cashmere sweater by Banana Republic ($128). Banana Republic, 3200 M Street NW . . . Flannel chalkstripe cuffed suiting pants by J. Crew ($138). J. Crew, The Shops at Georgetown Park . . . Deco collection earrings in 18k white gold and diamonds ($18,000) by H. Stern . . .”

We expected to learn plenty about being a power businesswoman from Carly Fiorina, Hewlett-Packard’s famous ex-CEO. And yes, yesterday’s sold-out lunch at Nathan’s had its share of glass-ceiling anecdotes. But the real revelation was her set of tips for winning a drinking contest.

White House Social Secretary Lea Berman is stepping down next month after two years on the job.

First the book, and then the stage play/movie deal . . . isn’t that how it’s supposed to work? Not for Chevy Chase author Jim Reston, whose unlikely path to a new book deal started when a play based on historic events — a play in which Reston is a central character — became a hit on the London stage.

The party’s not over! Newly minted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not only sit behind President Bush at tonight’s State of the Union address, but she’s filling the normally staid speaker’s box with a cluster of political stars.

Nancy Pelosi — first female speaker of the House! Hillary Rodham Clinton — first woman who maybe, kinda, has a chance of getting elected U.S. president! We haven’t been so excited since . . . well, since Katie Couric became the first female solo anchor of a major American network evening newscast! Let’s look back at some of our sister pioneers.

Sara Albert, the D.C. policy wonk who found whirlwind fame and an unexpected new career via “America’s Next Top Model” last year, has fled the shallow rat race of L.A.’s actress/model scene for the calmer pace and down-home values of . . . uh, well, anyway, she’s moved back to Washington.

BALTIMORE, Jan. 17 — (Was there a chance that Martin O’Malley would pick up a guitar and croon a few Irish ditties at his inaugural ball - any chance at all?