Check out these cool links. They’ll make you smarter, funnier, and 87% more attractive.*

• The People’s Law Library of Maryland.  This site has solid info about Maryland law; can guide you through some of the legal issues you can probably handle on your own; and provide a heads-up if the type of issue you have really warrants hiring counsel.

• The White Aisle Foundation.  My kids’ aunt, Rebecca Garrison-Sokoloff, died from melanoma in 2011 at the age of 34. She was a talented, generous woman who worked make the world better for some very vulnerable people. Her family started this foundation to continue her philanthropy. Read about Rebecca’s amazing life, buy some gorgeous jewelry she designed, and help her work live on.

• Andrew Rothkin.  One of my very favorite people ever. If you go to New York City, take the opportunity to see him act or to see one of the plays he has written being performed.  He is a driven professional, but also as sweet as the kitties he’s rescued and given homes to over the years – a kindness he probably learned from his mom, Gail, who was one of the warmest people I’ve ever met.

• The Weird and Wonderful World of Louis Maistros.  I first fell for the artistic brilliance of Louis Maistros in the 80’s, when he was the lead singer and creative force behind The Last Picture Show.  People know him better now as the New Orleans novelist who wrote The Sound of Building Coffins, among other cool books. He’s also an accomplished fine art photographer and owns a groovy shop that sells records, roots memorabilia, and a buncha other coolness.

• Erica Rimlinger’s Blog.  Erica is an excellent writer and crazy funny.  You should follow her blog so when she is a big time published author, you can be all hipsterlike and say you knew her back before she went all mainstream and sold out.

• Whitful Thinking. I’m pretty sure the universe arranged for me to fail 9th grade history so I would have the opportunity to meet Whit. He helped me transform from a kid who was “doomed to repeat it” to a History Major in the National History Honor Society. He’s that teacher you never forget, the one who saw your potential when you didn’t and who taught you the curriculum, but also critical thinking and confidence… and the discographies of some amazing bands. He’s got a new blog that will document his travel adventures. First up: Tanzania. Check it out.

• Billy Bragg. The Bard of Barking.  Singer, songwriter, activist, poet, Socialist, humanitarian, Woody Guthrie-lover, trailblazer, hero. And a hell of a nice guy.

• Neil Gaiman. An amazing author who manages to write hauntingly beautiful (and sometimes just haunting) books for adults, but also delightful, age-appropriate fare for kids. And he wrote The Sandman series, for pete’s sake.

• John Green. There is not enough room on the internet for me to write all the reasons John Green is full of awesome.  Read his books, watch his videos, become a member of Nerdfighteria.  I wish there was John Green when I was a teenager, for me and for all the geeky outcasts who had to wait until they were adults to realize how much they rock.

• Hank Green. John’s brother.  He is the king of the internet. I’m not kidding.  Click all the links on his page to see the amazing projects he does.  Man, their parents must be insanely proud of how their sons turned out.

• Hyperbole and a Half.  She is so funny she makes me worry I’ll pee or spray my tea out my nose or something.  Go potty and don’t drink anything while reading her blog.  You have been warned.

• Sinai Hospital.  I feel like I also owe a shout-out to the Heart Center and the Intensive Care Unit at Sinai Hospital since they are primarily responsible for me not being a dead person right now. I really appreciate the work they did and the care of my ICU nurses.

* results not guaranteed