Hanna Quevado

New York City might be home to the big houses, but this scrappy city just happens to be the epicenter of publishing on the Best Coast. Join Alexis Coe every Wednesday for Read Local, a series focused on books published in the Bay Area.

San Francisco boasts a delightful array of eclectic bookstores, from indies to worker collectives. One may drastically differ from another in character and focus, but they all have something in common: They love books, so who better to turn to than booksellers for holiday gift recommendations? 10 local bookstores share their picks below.

See also:

Downtown San Francisco's Top 10 Secret Spaces and Hidden Oases

This Is Why Your Used Bookstore Clerk Hates You

More »

chantel beam photography/Flickr

San Francisco is a crazy sweet place to live, but in a world where you get what you pay for, S.F. renters freaking pay. Out of all of the cities in the entire country (yes, including New York City) San Francisco renters pay the most. We read over at the US Census Bureau that if your rent is half of your income, you're officially poor, or as they put it, "severely burdened." Our self-made certificate of poverty now hangs proudly on our wall.

See also:

How to Not Die in an Earthquake: Six Essential Tips

This New App Should Ease the Pain of Finding an Apartment in San Francisco

More »

One night in the not so distant past, with the aid of a few beers, I decided to stalk an ex on Facebook. To call her an ex is to use the term liberally -- we didn't have a relationship so much as we had intensity and scarcity, brief encounters of passion followed by months of no contact. We fought terribly and exhaustively, but when it was good, it was really good. It was the kind of relationship I'd never have again, but also one that's stuck with me. "It's been several years," I told myself. "I'll just see what she's up to." When I clicked over, I was startled to find her looking hotter than ever, and immediately looked down at my penguin pajama pants and stained AmeriCorps hoodie in disgust.

See also:

Facebook Drama-Avoidance Tips for the Recently Dumped

So Your Boyfriend Still Has Photos of Him and His Ex on Facebook -- Deal With It

More »

Daniel Hollister/Flickr

In the spirit of Halloween, we present to you life advice from a zombie, who may not have all the answers, but he's definitely got the brains.

I used to have the most beautiful girlfriend in the whole world. I feel like I have too high of a standard now with who I choose to date. I've been single for two years. What do I do?

Beauty is important in a relationship because it is what originally attracts us to each other. It can also help keep the flame lit during those rough times (all relationships have them). So physical appearance does have some importance. But honestly, all that really matters is a girl's brains.

See also:

The Walking Dead Returns: More Gore, Guts, and Glory

Dear Champ: Advice from a Fictitious Pro Wrestler

More »

Jonas Normann

World famous for his skateboard graphics, tattooing, graffiti, fine art, and his work with REBEL8, S.F. resident Mike Giant is a living legend. He recently exhibited a collection of old Think graphics and new works for his solo show at Fecal Face Gallery, "Confessions of an Old Dirty Skateboarder" and now he's here to drop some truth bombs on the philosophy of living.

See also:

How Not to Be an Asshole at Skate Parks: Seven Rules

Dear Champ: Advice from a Fictitious Pro Wrestler

More »

The best part of this SF Weekly gig is all the professional nourishment free stuff. Just this morning my editor left me a copy of Sex Tips for Girls by Guys to review.  Should a newly single, economically challenged writer with virtually no dating prospects be reviewing a sex book?  Probably not, but it's the Internet, so here goes.

See also:

Sex and the Gritty

Remembering Robyn Few, the Patron Saint of Sex Workers

More »

Joseph Schell

If you've gotten past the title of this article, chances are a.) you skate or b.) you were intrigued/alarmed/frightened by the word "asshole" in the headline. Whatever it might have be that inclined you to read further, I'm here to discuss one of the most relevant tragedies facing our society today: people who are jerks at skate parks.

Here are seven rules to live by if you want to be considered a chill person at the park.

See also:

Balboa Park Gets a Makeover, and a Skate Park

Slideshow: Sunny Days at Potrero del Sol/La Raza Skate Park

More »

Joseph Schell

The first in an occasional series on life as a performer in San Francisco.

So, you've practiced those pirouettes, mastered your handstand, or finally beaten that hula hoop into submission, and it's time to get out there and strut your stuff.  Maybe you've signed up for backstage, or stared endlessly at that Cirque Du Soleil open call poster at the dance studio? Auditioning can be a harrowing experience for a veteran, and downright terrifying for a beginner.  Here are seven tips to help get you through:

1. Have your shit together 

You don't want to be that guy running in at the last minute drenched in sweat, clothes flailing, cellphone ringing, with no headshot, no resume, and no clue.  Go to bed early, set an alarm, be on time, and always, always, know what you're auditioning for.

See also:

Social Media Self-Promotion: The Only Advice You Need

How to Not Die in an Earthquake: Six Essential Tips

More »

pic courtesy of WWE

In honor of the wrestling buzz that's been making the rounds in San Francisco's arts scene (and beyond), we present to you this very sincere advice column, told from the point of view of a professional wrestler, known simply as The Champ.

See also: 

Lube wrestling at El Rio

Pulitzer-nominated pro wrestling play is a slam

Fall arts shows share uncommon ambition

More »

Dan Ariely

Dan Ariely, behavioral economist, is giving a talk tonight about why we lie and still think of ourselves as honest people. Here's a brief clip of Ariely on the phenomenon. If you go tonight, be sure to bring flame-retardant pants.

More »