Love Does Not Make me Gentle or Kind
by Chavisa Woods
This is the debut story collection from Woods- and it is heartbreaking and lovely. Please do check it out, and keep your eye on her,
'cuz the lady can write.

Adam Roberts (bassist)
Holy shit, can this guy play. He can't get a haircut to save his life, but his bass antics make you all fizzy and happy inside.

Daphne Gottlieb
This Bay Area poet has a razor tongue and a tender heart.
(San Francisco)

Ladyfest
A wonderful DIY arts festival for upcoming women artists.
(everywhere)

curious theatre branch
the best theatre in Chicago, methinks. always original, always good.

Bluestockings Bookstore
The only place left in New York where community is constantly encouraged, thoughts are provoked, and the bookstore has a dog. Go. Go right this minute- check out their incredible calendar of events.

Femina Potens
bondage model/performance artist/rocker tina butcher began this space as an arts galleryfor women, queer, and trans artists.
(San Francisco)

Chicago Arts
This is an incredible video project started by Martin Jon in Chicago all about the art scene in Chicago. It's a way of making an art community vibrant and accessible, and has great interviews!

Martin Jon
Martin Jon is a great artist and a great friend. We met when he drew my portrait for his portrait project. Years later, he has painted over 1,000 portraits, as well as his own series of paintings. He's an inspiration!

Dave Sanders Photography
From editorial photos to portraits, Dave's photos are amazing wordless narratives that will give you an entire story in a single click. Check out his forays into high art, and also his hot (now defunkt) hardcore punk quartet- Hiretsukan.

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls
In this camp- girls 8-18, learn how to rock from women musicians who volunteer their time. The results are killer.

Paintings by Maggie
My mom, Maggie Chapadjiev, has been painting and drawing for over twenty years. She has finally opened her doors to the gallery world and is now accepting commisions and selling her original work. Go Mom!!

burkhart underground
Undeniably the best underground scene Chicago has in developing new talent. Check out fred's photos, which are wonderful.

Center for Sex and Culture (San Francisco)
Sexologist Carol Queen and her partner, Robert began this wonderful thing.

Sissy Butch Brothers Burlesque
the wonderful duo of Gwen Lis and Big Red have been putting up Burlesque showsfor the past three years in order to raise money for their documentary on burlesque.
(Chicago)

Von Foxies
my friend, Megan White, is a part of this power trio of burlesque babes. (Seattle)

NPR's
'Wait Wait don't tell me'
and 'This American Life'
I can't figure out if I would rather marry Peter Segal or Ira Glass. I'm in love with both of them. Yes. I'm a geek. So what.