Motivated by the ideal of a world where cities and nature live harmoniously, and armed with nothing more than dissolved sumi ink, rice paper and a behemoth aloe plant for inspiration, Birk has been working with quiet diligence on a graphic novel, The Pollinator's Corridor.

Opening reception Fri., Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m., free, exhibit through Dec. 28, Proximity Gallery, 2434 E. Dauphin St., 267-825-2949, proximityart.com

Usually we sit around the art meeting talking about upcoming issues and trying to come up with a couple of striking images that might work on our cover. This time we had a million of 'em. That's Fringe for you.

Thu.-Sun., July 10-13 and 17-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,Molly's Bookstore, 1010 S. Ninth St., 215-923-3367, mollysbooks.com

"Comics can't really be described adequately with words alone. They're a unique language with their own alphabet."

"I love the queer community — the bars are friendly and mixed and down-to-earth ... and the drinks are cheap."

Dave Eggers | Trudy Rubin | Julie Buxbaum | Scott Heim | Chinua Achebe | Arlen Specter | Chris Coste | Richard Price | Samantha Power | Theodore Harris | Brian Hall | Michael Eric Dyson | Tobias Wolff | Paul Martin | Jhumpa Lahiri

In short, we've fallen head over pumps for modcloth.com, billed as an online destination for "mod, retro indie clothes" as well as unique vintage finds.

Jenkintown Jazz and Brewfest | Who Let the Dogs Out? | Brooklyn Brewery & Garrett Oliver | Teen Cuisine: Bake Shop | Back-to-School Tasting for Kids