Want to feel even better about picking up the latest Zadie Smith, Junot Diaz, or J.K. Rowling novel? (Is this September the best month ever for book releases or what?) Check out these vintage ads in support of libraries and reading from brainpickings.org:       Reading isn't just a form of entertainment or a way to open your mind--apparently it can also solve problems like being thrown off a cruise ... Read More

We want to say a great big early happy birthday to Girls Write Now! The first organization in the United States with a writing and mentoring model exclusively for girls, Girls Write Now celebrates its 15th anniversary on Thursday, September 20.       Girls Write Now matches high school girls from underserved neighborhoods in New York City with women professional writers as their personal mentors. In this program, ... Read More

Is anyone really surprised?  Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s closing prayer at the Democratic National Convention last week was filled with doubletalk calling for an end to abortion rights, gay marriage, and contraceptive coverage. Dolan gave a similar benediction at the Republican National Convention. The Archdiocese of New York, of which Dolan is Archbishop, gave a statement that Dolan would pray at both conventions “solely as a ... Read More

D.C. ladies, now is your chance to celebrate women who rock! The National Museum of Women in the Arts is closing its 25th Anniversary year with an awesome exhibit called “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power,” opening September 7.     The exhibit covers women in popular music from the 1920s to today, including icons like Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Yoko Ono, and Madonna. Visitors will see handwritten lyrics, instruments, and ... Read More

You're familiar with the stereotype of the crazy middle-aged lady with fourteen cats or the hoarder who keeps more pets than she can count. Academy Award-winning actress Melissa Leo plays just such a woman, sans stereotypes, in the new movie Francine, opening September 12. Award-winning documentary filmmakers Brian Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky (The Patron Saints, Fish Kill Flea) make their fiction debut with Francine. After serving time in ... Read More