Cover story: These Precious Things: "Stuff is the Issue" for the official Tori archivist by Aimee Lortskell By the time she met the archivist [in 1976], Tori had already copyrighted over 130 songs, and was writing several songs a day. All lyrics are kept on file at the archive, and some of the songs were recorded as demos. We were delighted to be able to listen to selections from Tori's early demos and performances, all of which are now digitally preserved.

Tori & Ann Powers in NYC: Music and Motherhood by Kenya McCullum Tori nurtured her relationship with Natashya in the womb by constantly playing the piano. Not only did it keep Tori sane during her pregnancy, it allowed mother and child to communicate. We got a glance of this communication when Tori sang the song she sings when Tash is upset.

RAINN parties: What I Learned at The RAINN Parties: A Memoir by Sheila Addison Get expert advice. There is no substitute for correct information. Wondering what local ordinances or curfews may affect your event? Never tried to figure out how much food to provide for 100 bingo players? You'd better find out - go to your local officials, to someone who's done events before, to your aunt the lawyer and your neighbor the caterer. You didn't even think of those questions? Better start asking them. Recipe of a RAINN Fundraiser by Angela Reid We had specialized skills that worked very well together for the events we did organize. But more than that, we shamelessly used our acquaintances, families and friends. They helped us find talent, secure location and pull together the things that needed to be done to make our bash a success. Too many cooks don't always spoil the broth.

Tori Story: 21,000 Miles to ToriLand by Tammy Powley My darkening mood was stalled by the screamingly sad melody of a piano accompanied by a haunting voice that seemed to waltz with my emotions. As she sang "Precious Things" a hurt that still lingered found solace in Tori's own expression of vulnerability, and it slowly softened. Although I did not yet know the name of the singer whose sweet voice echoed through my mind, the song profoundly affected me.

Ask the Expert: Ask the Expert by Nadyne Mielke In this month's issue, our Expert answers the following questions: Does Tori's autograph ever decrease the value of a collectible? Has Tori ever considered doing an album of instrumentals? Does Tori keep a keyboard on her bus to refresh her memory?

Multimedia: Album reviews: The Strokes' Is This It? -- An instant classic by Cheryl LaFountain This common effect, voice distortion, is just one of the great rock and roll touches that The Strokes manage to make sound new. It lends an irresistible grainy quality to the stripped-down sound, almost as if I'm listening to my wall mate's stereo at a seedy hotel. It's dirty and it's raw, and I can't get enough of it.

Reader submissions: No Angel Came -- City Under Seige by Jennie Alibasic It's not that the authorities aren't doing anything. 53 men have been arrested throughout this past decade as suspects in the killings, but new bodies continue to crop up. And the ongoing investigation of the murders has been riddled with political controversy.