We were super-excited when we got the chance to talk with Alex Ross, the New Yorker's resident classical music critic (and blogger). Ross's writing has profoundly affected the way we think about music and music writing in all its genres and forms, and his twin enthusiasm for new classical music of the 21st century along with his deep love of the profoundly musical Icelandic pixie that is Björk always liven up our weekly periodicals reading list. (Thanks for helping set it up, M.C-!) more ›

(Tony's trips to dangerous countries). more ›

As part of the National Queer Arts Festival, graphic artist and memoirist Alison Bechdel is speaking at Michelle Tea's Radar Reading Series at the SF Public Library tonight! We've been huge fans of Bechdel's , about her relationship with her closeted gay father totally blew our mind with its psychoanalytical depth. Graphic artist Ariel Schrag, whom we also love, is speaking too. Koret Auditorium at the Main Library (100 Larkin x Grove), 6 p.m. more ›

, which tells not only her story, but the story of three of her friends as well. $18, reception at 6, reading at 7, at 595 Market 2nd Fl. (x 2nd). more ›

Other events: more ›

The SFIFF is winding down - only two more days to cram in as much international film as you can! Or are you ready for a quick breather before diving back in? Then take a night off and head out to one of these happenin' events. more ›

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Saturday: Box magazine is having their Issue 3 (Fetish) launch party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Oakland's Golden Bull (412 14th Street). They're promising us DJs, drink specials, giveaways, and more. more ›

Meetup madness! Tonight at the House of Shields, indie publishers, zinesters, filmmakers, podcasters, airwave pirates and the like will descend upon the House of Shields at 7pm for the Webzine 2005 Drinkup! -- this isn't the official Webzine event (that's in September), but it's a chance to meet the organizers, pitch panels, come up with workshop ideas and, of course, drink lots of $2 PBRs (there will be some birthdays celebrated as well). SFist will definitely be there, as we're helping to organize -- we'll wear an SFist tee and introduce you around if you like. Tomorrow, blog nerds will have to make a tough decision -- MetaFilter meetup at the HoS, or SFlickr meetup at the Crossroads Cafe? Tough call. more ›

. They were tripped out, looked great in velvet, and frickin’ rocked. In fact, we still occasionally put on our old casette of “Gish” and do some serious head-banging. We thought “Siamese Dreams” was cool if a bit over-done and thought “Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” was mighty impressive if a bit too long. But then, just as they could almost be called the Biggest Rock Band in the World, it all came to a crashing halt. “Adore” was alright if a bit too sedate (not to mention over-long) but “Machina: The Machine of Gods” pretty much sucked. Then came the inevitable band break-up, online feuding, and career drift (ie Zwan). more ›

Softball article on Maureen Dowd. more ›