UltraViolet, an organization that combats sexism at all levels of politics and media, has released a shopping guide just in time for the holidays. The UltraViolet Holiday Gift Guide: a 21st Century Guide to Non-Sexist Holiday Shopping provides 21 gift ideas for the wee little feminists in your life. It features presents like the “Girls are Not Chicks” coloring book, Nancy Drew Computer Games, and other gifts that encourage kids ... Read More

I don’t know about you, but I grew up positively drowning in Barbies. As I got older, I began to notice that all mine looked the same. (Go figure!) I read articles explaining just how unrealistic Barbie’s proportions are, and had to come to terms with the fact that I would never have perpetually pointed toes, hair that changes color in the pool, or perfectly symmetrical lady parts. We all know the dangers of comparing ourselves ... Read More

Alpine is a Melbourne-based pop band with a distinct dark side, and I couldn’t be more psyched that they’re hopping across the pond to grace us with their presence. The sextet, signed by Ivy League Records, puts dreamy vocals on top of bouncy, danceable percussion. Their debut album, A is for Alpine, will finally be released in the U.S. in 2013 (it’s been available in Australia since August). Alpine’s videos ... Read More

The British Government is planning to legalize same-sex marriage by the time next summer rolls around. This means that marriage ceremonies between same-sex couples could be performed as early as 2014. Maria Miller, the Equalities Minister, presented this plan to the House of Commons today. This new legislation includes several particular exceptions, added to pacify opponents of the bill—including a ban on gay marriage within the ... Read More

Last Friday, I met singer/songwriter/maestro Erin Barra before she played the Paperbox Theatre in Brooklyn. I get really excited about strong, female musicians. But as pumped as I was to meet her, I didn’t expect to have her songs running through my head for the entire rest of the weekend. She tells me during our interview that she’s constantly hearing “you don’t look the way you sound.” With her shock of red ... Read More