Planned Parenthood handed out more than 700 pounds of condoms at the Democratic National Convention, and not just because Dems are sexy. Each condom was enclosed in a hot pink matchbook bearing the message: ''Protect Yourself From John McCain (In This Election).'' The back lists one of Planned Parenthood's top ten reasons to NOT vote for McCain, such as the frightening #10 -- John McCain has voted against women's reproductive rights ... Read More

This weekend I'll be celebrating a belly that has been full of beans and cheese for 26 years, and I really need to have this cake made by Amanda Leamons . The tortilla chips are made out of fondant!!! But I realize my chances are as thin as a finely sliced avocado, which is why I'll be taking baking classes over this next year. By next August, I'll be able to bake this cake myself, and not share with ... Read More

This Saturday, my favorite noise punks, Parts and Labor are performing as part of a three band round robin with Aa and Pterodactyl! All three bands will be set up simultaenously, with the audience in the middle, as they trade off on songs. It'll be epic, and you you will be there. I'm pretty stoked about seeing the new Parts and Labor lineup. They've recently added Sarah Lipstate on guitar and electronics! Saturday August 30th @ HARKET ... Read More

Come ride in train full of artwork this Saturday, August 30th, when a Chicago CTA train is converted into a mobile gallery from 6 pm - 10 pm. The event is organized and hosted by Lethal Poetry and Salvo, a think tank of artists who want to bring art into the public sphere. ''Our passion is not only to provide Chicago artists with a means to exhibit their work unconventionally,'' they say at www.chicagoartontrack.com, ''but to redefine the ... Read More

Hell to the yes! Above, Alice Paul toasts women's right to vote, a fight she faught like a warrior (spending time in jail and going on a hunger strike, etc), and which was ratified 88 years ago today (see Emily's post, below). You've probably heard of Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but today it's time to take a moment and give thanks to Ms. Alice for all she did. To learn more, visit http://www.alicepaul.org, or watch HBO's ... Read More