Born on the fourth of July Part 1

Hi folks : What a week! We've got a family reunion  coming up this weekend so lets get right to it, shall we?

1. Tue, Jul 12: Poet Bernie Quetchenbach (Montana State U, Billings teacher/poet and former Brockport resident) featuring at the Free Speech Zone Series @ Tango Cafe, 8 pm. 389 Greggory st. Rochester NY.

2. Sun. July 24: Rochester Poets July Reading. Featured reader, California poet (and Spencerport native) G. Murray Thomas, 2 pm, Skalny Welcome Center Art Gallery. St. John Fisher College 3690 East Ave in Rochester, NY. send email to: rochesterpoets@gmail.com for directions and details

3.Saturday, July 9 · 10:00am - 5:00pm  Location 285 Clarissa St , Rochester,NY Created By Flying Squirrel Community Space CALLING ALL ARTISTS! July 9th 10am-5pm On behalf of the Flying Squirrel Community Space, Dawn Zuppelli and I are hosting the Flying Squirrel Arts Festival! We are looking for arts and crafts vendors willing to participate by selling artwork or other creative creations.
We will charge vendors a minimum fee of $25 for an all day table—free parking. There will be a $1-3 donation door charge for those coming into the Flying Squirrel Arts Festival from outside. Vendors will set up tables inside the Flying Squirrel and we will have limited table space for 2-3 vendors outside.

We want to bring greater visibility to our community space and local artists. We are also raising funds to cover the costs of operating this grass roots space funded and supported by the community. The event will be held on the first day of the Corn Hill Arts Festival on July 9th from 10am until 5pm. If you are interested in participating, contact Dawn Zuppelli at artemiswill@gmail.com/585-415-7808 or Shermeeka Mason at twilightsfriend1981@yahoo.com.See More

4. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry-just-add-words?r=1#sf   The new link for the  INSTANT POETRY (JUST ADD WORDS!)  collection. The book just went Live on the NOOK format last week on June 20th 2011. I had a lot to share in last weeks post so I didn't get the chance to mention it .
Well that's it for this week's events except for the fact that the 2nd "Shryb Tribe" family reunion is scheduled for this upcoming weekend . over 350 of my mother's "relatives" are coming Including me . she's all excited but I'm a little nervous . I'll let you all know how it went in next weeks post. Here's this weeks poem.

be careful what you wish for , you just might get it!

By Lawrerce R. Berger

 

Hayrides are fun if shared

and so are a lot of other things

but getting a root canal doesn't

seem to be one of them.

 

Life gives us joy and sorrow

and helps us make it through

and if we're really lucky

it will give us people to share the journey with

 

thank you for sharing mine.

June is busting out all over ( part 4)

Hi folks: I hope you enjoyed Father’s Day as best you could. It seems there are a Ton of books due out this year! Here's what's come across my desk this week. 

1. Uber poet G. Murray Thomas is coming home to Rochester, NY (He’s a Spencerport native for those who don't know.) to help promote his new book " My Kidney Just Arrived." He'll be doing a set as the featured artist for the Rochester Poets monthly reading in the Welcome Center of St. John Fisher College: 3690 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14618 email: sns1@msn.com for directions. The event starts at 1:30P.M. On July 24, 2011. The place seats 125 with standing room for another 50 and I've made it my personal mission to do everything I can to insure we fill every space! If you’re going to be in Rochester, BE THERE!


2.My third book is being published this Fall and I've devised a blog project on the publisher's website where an editorial board (of 40+ people) critiques each of the book's 51 poems, one each day, and then everyone else can comment on the poem and/or the critique. I will then edit from the suggestions or keep the poems the same. I would love to have your comments on these poems (one or as many as you feel calls you to respond) and also post the project on your next blog so that other poets may have an opportunity to share their thoughts as well. I think we are on Day 6. So far it's been a wonderful experience. Have a great day,

Check it out at: http://booksblog.unboundcontent.com/ Thanks Alice Shapiro


3. Finishing Line Press will be releasing my new chapbook, Wild as in Familiar, in September. It was a finalist in their 2011 chapbook contest. It was also a finalist in the last Split Oak Press contest. Because Finishing Line determines the size of the print run by the number of pre-orders, I'll be especially appreciative of anyone who orders before July 14. Below is the online ordering information. And here is information to order via ground mail: $12 plus $1.49 shipping per copy to Finishing Line Press, P. O. Box 1626, Georgetown, KY 40324. I'm recording the poems in this collection, and after the book is released I'd be happy to send a recorded version to anyone who pre-orders. I'm not sure what form the recording will take yet, but if you want one, please e-mail me your street address. (Finishing Line sends me the names of pre-orders but doesn't release addresses.) Thanks for taking the time to read this and for the support I've received from so many of you.--All the best, Ellaraine. NOTE: Ellaraine was also the winner of the 2008 Skysaje Enterprise poetry contest and came back as a judge in 2009 check her work out!




4. Being a literary based public relations firm (Skysaje Enterprises as listed above) I'm wondering if there would be a real need for such a service. Like a lot of poets I get asked "where do you think I should submit this to? And “where should I go with this poem?" etc. after nearly 18 years in the business of answering these questions for both myself and my clients I'm wondering if the market would be there for a "pre -screen review" type of service that would work like this: you send $5-$10 to my PayPal account and then email me up to five poems to review. In exchange I send you back a list of publishers, magazines, venues where your work is most likely to get published/produced saving you time and money in postage and electricity costs.

Is there a place for such a service? Let me know your thoughts. Oh, book length manuscript would go at about $35-$40 for an 80 + page collection. If really interested send the payment to laughingl@yahoo.com at PayPal and we’ll get it started.


5. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry-just-add-words?r=1 It's now available in paperback and the Nook eBook format. Check it out!



6. We are now accepting prerelease orders for The Green Lantern: A Guide for Achieving the American Dream. Volume 2 How to Survive in a Modern Economy (Even on a Poets Income!) Final price will be $14.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling costs. Advanced books may be ordered for $10.00 each plus $3.00 shipping & handling for books due out in January of 2012. Send payments to laughingl@yahoo.com via pay pal to place order. .


7.The woman show Featuring Allison Nichols : July 1, 2011- August1, 2011 contact:  creativeframing@yahoo.com  for details


Whew! That's quite a list of books this week huh? Here's a short poem to close out:

Reading is fundamental

By "Laughing" Larry Berger

We take it for granted sometimes


But it has become a necessary life skill


Some learn in childhood and find it easy


Others much later in life but they too become skilled.






Much has changed in this modern world!


Books have almost become obsolete


And these days "writer's" are a dime a dozen.


And we should thank God for it!




see you next week!

June is busting out all over( part three!)

Hi folks: well, it's that time again so here you go!:



1. Uber poet G. Murray Thomas is coming home to Rochester, NY ( He's a Spencerport native for those who don't know.) to help promote his new book " My Kidney Just Arrived." he'll be doing a set as the featured artist for the Rochester Poets monthly reading in the Welcome Center of St.John Fisher College: 3690 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14618 email: sns1@msn.com for directions. The event starts at 1:30P.M. On July 24, 2011. The place seats 125 with standing room for another 50 and I've made it my personal mission to do everything I can to insure we fill every space ! If you’re going to be in Rochester , BE THERE!


2. http://artistsbreakfastgroup.com/ : a weekly gathering of artists of all types in Rochester ,NY. We get Dancers, Poets, Sculptors, and a TON of photographers. Meets Tuesday mornings. See site for details.



3.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onword/2011/06/14/the-reading-is-poetry-review

Poet AK Tony reviews Jazz, poetry and the hip hop movement . check it out!


4. Poet Singer Andrew Marks will be doing a set on 7/1/2011 at the Starry Nites Cafe 696 University Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 271-2630



5. I just did an interview with Morgan Baily for her blog check it out at :http://wp.me/p18Ztn-dL.



6. Dear Friends, Please join us for our June reading Moonday East reading on Sunday, June 19th at the beautiful new Flintridge Bookstore in La Cañada-Flintridge.Our June feature is Los Angeles poet, Sarah Maclay. When: Sunday, June 19th at 2 pm Where: 1010 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada-Flintridge (directions below)Open Reading? Yes, please come early to sign up for the open reading. More about the poet and more poems at: http://www.moondaypoetry.com/sarahmaclay.html



7.Favorite Poem Open Reading hosted by G. Murray Thomas: I'm trying something different this month. Please bring your favorite poem written by someone else to read in the open. You can also read a poem of your own, but we really want to hear the poetry you love. If this works, I will Make it a regular part of my B&N reading, once or twice a year. Tuesdays,, 7 pm Barnes & Noble; Marina Pacifica Mall 6326 E. PCH Long Beach, CA 90803 (562)-431-2253



8.Time and Place! Williams Gallery First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd South, Rochester NY (585) 348-8114 mailto:facilitator@artistsbreakfastgroup.com  %20June 23 - August 22, 2011



Whew ! That's a lot this week! Here's a short poem to finsh off with:

Life is good!

By "Laughing" Larry Berger

Sometimes


Things go right for a change


the sun is warm


the grass is green


life is good!






Neat huh? Here's the book links:



http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry-just-add-words?r=1#sf



http://www.tunermaxwellbook.com/the%20entitlementm%20manuscript.html



http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000187234



see you next week!

June is busting out all over (part two)

Hi folks: Well I'm running a little bit early this week and I had some extra time so I thought I'd go ahead and post now rather than RUSH tomorrow. So let's get going:
1. The Rochester Professional Consultants Network provides opportunities for people to open their own businesses. Based in Rochester, NY they serve as a "one stop shop" for help in this area. Visit their website at: www.RochesterConsultants.org


2. Friday, June 17 • 8:00pm - 11:30pm Location Luna's Cafe 1414 16th Street
Sacramento, CA Created by NorCal NoiseFest, Livercancer Harshnoise, Pete von Petrin
More Info INSTAGON:mixerset LIVER CANCER PETE VON PETRIN vs.ICKNAME:REBEL
MEDICINE CABINET HEADBOGGLE Kevin CORCORAN / Wes STEED TARANTULA PRINCESS MATT KRETZMANN,8:00 p. m. $5 cover all ages this is an official norcal noisefest org event


3. As the sad news that Village Books is closing has been announced, we are redoubling our efforts to keep our treasured Moonday West reading alive. We hope very much that you join us for the last Moonday reading at the Village Books venue in June. Our wonderful features for the celebration of the life of Village Books will be Florence Weinberger & Jacqueline Tchakalian.


Please come Monday, June 13th to hear news of where the Moonday West (Moonday in the Village) reading will be continuing.

Date: Monday (Moonday) June 13, 2011


Time: 7:30 pm


Place: Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Ave. (just north of Sunset) Pacific Palisades. (Free parking in rear of building)


Open Reading? Yes, come early to sign up. We start on time!


Questions? Email: pero@earthlink.net or call the bookstore at: 310-454-4063


More about the poets and more poems at: www.moondaypoetry.com






4. This is the biggy! You're going to see this in all of my blog post from now till it happens:


Uber poet G. Murray Thomas is coming home to Rochester, NY ( He's a Spencerport native for those who don't know.) to help promote his new book " My Kidney Just Arrived." he'll be doing a set as the featured artist for the Rochester Poets monthly reading in the Welcome Center of Saint John Fisher College: 3690 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14618 email: sns1@msn.com for directions. The event starts at 1:30P.M. On July 24, 2011. The place seats 125 with standing room for another 50 and I've made it my personal mission to do everything I can to insure we fill every space ! If you’re going to be in Rochester , BE THERE!



That's what's up this week. Here's the poem :

Deity

By "Laughing" Larry B.

Truth is stranger than fiction


But God does have a weird sense of humor


Sure makes life interesting don't it?






LOL. Here are the book links:






http://www.amazon.com/Instant-Poetry-Just-Add-Words/dp/1450255523/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1296114461&sr=1-1






http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000187234










http://www.turnermaxwellbooks.com/The%20Entitlement%20Manuscript.htm






See you next week!



June is busting out all over! (Part one)

Hi folks: It's a new month AND it's the beginning of summer! Lots of stuff going on so Here goes:



1. "Mr. Electricy" Jim Bolt will be performing in the Sunday matinee show of Sparring With Beatnik Ghosts will inspire and entertain at the Whitefire Theatre (13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks) – June 5 at 11 a.m. (doors 10:30 a.m.). The special matinee show will offer six featured performers plus an open mic segment at the conclusion (sign-up at 10:30 a.m. as time slots are limited). Mani Suri will host and produce the Round 16 reading at Whitefire, showcasing the talents of Peter Coca, Jim Bolt, Amélie Frank, Elizabeth Iannaci, Angel Perales, Mehnaz Turner and special guest San Francisco poet Cara Vida. Visit www.sparringwithbeatnikghosts.com or email dyaryan@gmail.com. for more info



2. Sunday, June 19 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location Electric Lodge Theater, 1416 Electric Ave, Venice CA 90291 Created By LeVan D. Hawkins More Info Join me at my Masters Graduate Reading (Antioch University at L.A.) I will be reading from a book I have been working on. Admission: Free! Hang out afterwards!*Also featuring: Elaina Ellis, Aaron Link, Jennifer Morales, Rob Roberge and Peter Selgin.



3. The Tango Cafe: 389 Gregory Street, Rochester, NY 14620 •Phone 585-271-4930 events every night "All artists open mic night " Tuesdays, Musicians, comics, magicians and of course poets and singers welcome 6/7/11 feature :poet Cindy Blair. call 585-260-9005 to arrange a booking .



That's what's has come across my desk recently. If you have an event that's at least 7-14 days out and want to be considered for this blog send me an e-mail or Facebook note . I may not actually use it but I will consider everything that comes my way! Here's this week’s poem:

Fair Warning

By "Laughing" Larry Berger

Unless you are willing to have the situation


wind up in their material and all the risks that that might entail


and know that this artist might not only be willing but eager


to take any and all risks that might come from using the material


NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRUMSTANTSES SHOULD YOU PISS OFF A POET!



LOL! Believe it or not I been working on this one since FEBRUARY 2011!



Here are the book links:

http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000187234



http://www.amazon.com/Instant-Poetry-Just-Add-Words/dp/1450255523/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1296114461&sr=1-1



http://www.turnermaxwellbooks.com/The%20Entitlement%20manuscript.htm





And lastly, there are two "collector’s edition" copies of the anthology WORKING TITLE which was produced for the contestants of the 2009 Skysaje Enterprises Poetry Contest. These are the only two available still and when their gone their gone! They are currently on consignment at Lift Bridge Books in Brockport, NY If you have any interest in either copy either get to the store if you happen to be in the area or contact the store manager , Mr. Joe Hoffman via e-mail at: jhoffman@liftbridgebooks.com to see if they are still available and find out about the stores other services.



See you next week