For visitors and residents who yearn to find the real -- and affordable -- L.A. beyond Disneyland and Universal Studios, The Underground Guide to Los Angeles is the book to own. With chapters like Iris Berry's "Black Dahlia Drank Here -- Old Hollywood Landmarks", Libby Molyneaux's biking/walking tour of Laurel Canyon and the Hollywood Hills, and Jayson Marston's "Fetish L.A.", the variety of topics is endless and includes punk L.A.; gay and lesbian hangouts; activities for kids; cheap places to stay, eat, and shop; and emergency phone numbers.

Showgirl Confidential chronicles just some of Pleasant Gehman's amazing adventures, from over thirty years spent constantly on the road. From cross-country punk rock tours in the early 1980's to her belly dancing escapades in Cairo during the Arab Spring, from dressing room antics at burlesque shows to unnerving paranormal experiences, this memoir is as finely crafted as it is riveting. The easy finesse of her writing, her keen memory and eye for detail will leave the reader devouring each story while remaining hungry for more.

The Belly Dance Handbook is the definitive resource for anyone committed to this incredible ancient art. Starting from the ground up, internationally acclaimed dancer and author Princess Farhana shares her extensive knowledge on the practical application of belly dancing as a lifestyle. For new dancers just beginning their journey to seasoned performers, there is something in this book for everyone. With information ranging from technique and history to costuming, props and stage make up; from community-building and networking to turning professional, teaching and traveling, you will learn invaluable tips and tricks culled from Her Majesty's twenty-plus years of performing, teaching, researching and personal experience. Princess Farhana learned these things the hard way...so you won't have to "No matter what style of belly dance you do, or if you didn't know there is more than one style, you need this book in your arsenal. Everyone will learn from this world-renowned dance master's experiences. After all, not just anyone earns the title Princess " -Kajira Djoumahna, author of The Tribal Bible "Princess Farhana entertainingly brings you everything (really everything ) you need to know about navigating the treacherous waters of becoming a professional dancer...or a consummately polished performer. Sew a secret compartment in your dance bag for Princess Farhana's gem of a book, and take control of your destiny " -Marta Schill, author of The Compleat Belly Dancer "Princess Farhana brings us all closer to the dancers we would like to somehow become, the dancers we want to grow up to be. She is absolutely glittering, shimmering and pulsating with life - which is what you want in a dancer, a teacher, an artist, a friend, a mentor, and a force of nature." -Margaret Cho, comedian, actor, dancer

Are you ready to teach belly dance? Are you looking for ways to change up your teaching techniques? Are you keen to find a fresh approach to bring to your existing classes? This is the book Sara Shrapnell will help you set up, plan, teach and enjoy your belly dance classes. From exciting games to make learning fun for your students, to understanding the individual needs, desires, and hopes that each dancer brings to class, Sara will help you hone the learning experience to achieve their goals. This book touches on every major aspect of the teaching process including: Tips for finding the perfect teaching venue Promoting yourself as your teacher Planning interesting semesters Methods for developing comprehensive lesson plans Understanding your students aims and goals Providing useful praise and critique Teaching to a variety of learning styles Organizing your own events and troupe Picking music that connects to the learner Also includes a glossary, handouts, and sample waivers. Sara Shrapnell has taught belly dance for more than a decade, presenting thousands of belly dance classes, both in the UK and US. She teaches privates, groups, workshops, and provides coaching for dancers and teachers worldwide. www.LetsBellyDanceUSA.com

The long awaited book from Punk Hostage Press founding editor Iris Berry, entitled the Daughters Of Bastards, is a ride through the dirty streets of 1980s Hollywood that never stops delivering the real taste of a womanhood claiming a place for itself surrounded by the perverseness of a crumbling mystique that was once a golden tinseled dreamland.