poetic conversations

2012 4

2012-01-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hi folks: things have slowed down a bit this week.
Here's a few though:

1.Artists, Authors, Filmmakers, Musicians, Poets and Vocalists...

The International Festival of the Arts and Culture is seeking Authors, Artists, Filmmakers, Musicians, Poets and Vocalists for our upcoming events. Festivals begin in April and will happen in Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Nashville. For details go to www.ifota.us or call (313) 446-2262

2.Special thanks to those who responded to last weeks post! Thank you so much for your continued support!

Here's this weeks poem:

YiddishPenicillin

By“Laughing” Larry Berger

Chicken soup is simple to make

just throw the chicken in a pot

with onions, celery and carrots

add spices and boil till the meat falls of the bone

Medical science and years of practice have proven

that chicken soup will actually cure 99.9% of cold and flu

viruses out there.

Problems like cancer

the national debt

over population

diminishing resources

and not enough fresh water in the world

are beyond the scopeof what

Chicken Soup will cure

I guess not everything is supposed to be easy .

Enjoy !

See you next week!

2012 # 3

2012-01-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

Wow! January 2012 is shaping up to be just as busy as last December! Here's what's up this week:

1. Centric Spotlight - Voodoo Lounge Brooklyn, NY Phone: 646-546-7526 Email: info@centricspotlight.com Address: 138 5th Ave, Between St. Johns and 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11217, US Thursday, January 19th 2012 @ 7pm
Tickets: $7 Before 9PM $10 After 9PM $5 For College Students w/ Valid ID

2.Rob Carney and Tom Holmes poetry reading (1-27-12)Friday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. – Rob Carney (from Utah) and Tom Holmes at RIT Liberal Arts Faculty Commons (06-1251), right across from the Wallace Library.RIT Rochester ,NY

3.ABG painter and sculptor R.J. Miller will have a solo exhibition at Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) in The Lab Space from February 3 through March 18. Opening Reception: First Friday, February 3, from 6-10 PM.

4. http://www.thetalkingstick.net The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge 1411 Lincoln Blvd., Venice,

CA 90291 http://www.thetalkingstick.net

5.18th Annual Skyway Open to Benefit the Mental Health Association

Saturday, February 11, 2012 9:30am until 5:00pm Eastview Mall 7979 Pittsford-Victor Road, Victor, NY

Well,that's about it for this week . Please continue sending me your notices for future

updates.

For those of you who don't know yet, I work as a poet/sales consultant for poets. If you want

my help getting your book out there, marketing a reading series etc. just e-mail me at

laughingl@yahoo .com for rates and scheduling info.

Here's the new poem for this week:

I Have a Dream

By Laughing "Larry" Berger

This morning I woke up

in an awful state of depression.

I had no hope

no joy

and I was totally useless.

Then I talked to a friend who had just gone to see their friend who is in a coma.

They told me their friend can"t even open their eyes and it was sad to watch them just lay

there with tubes hanging out of them.

I got even worse myself for feeling depressed despite my obvious lack of this ailment.

I have the use of my hands and feet, fingers and toes, eyes and ears and to some extent my

nose. I have 30 years of sales and marketing training which I can put to use . Some folks

even say I'm a damn good poet. So what have I got to be depressed about?

Today celebrates the birthday of a world class leader. One of the few we've had in the last 60

years or so who actually did everything he said he would do and inspired millions to

carry on his vision . I went back to sleep and dreamed that everything would be okay. So

far at least that dream came true.

Thanks for letting me write this this week. It may not be my best poem but It's one

I needed to write. 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.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts

see you next time.

2012 # 2

2012-01-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, well here we are again. Let's get right to it shall we:

1. Just a couple of weeks left before my Presentation on how I do poetry improv called "Instant Poetry (just add words!) The break down: 1-3 P.m. Wednesday 1/25/12 at the Creative Wellness Center (320 N.Goodman St, Suite 301 Rochester, NY. ) want to come? call (585)325-3145 to reserve your space!

2. Arcade Poetry Series Oxnard Carnegie Art Museum 424 South C Street, Oxnard, CA Host: Jackson Wheeler
all reading start at 7pm January 14 Lance Lee and Sojourner Kinkaid-Rolle

3. Artists Union Gallery poetry every Tuesday at 7:30pm 330 South California Street, Ventura ,CA Host: Phil Taggart http://www.venturaartistsunion.org

4.Open Poetry Reading Hosted by G. Murray Thomas Tuesday, Jan. 10, 7 pm Barnes & Noble Marina Pacifica Mall 6326 E. PCH Long Beach, CA 90803 562-431-2253

5.Moonday East begins the New Year of poetry with Wanda Coleman & Douglas Kearney at Flintridge Bookstore on Sunday afternoon, January 15th at 2 pm. Where: Flintridge Books is at 1010 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada, CA.Date: Sunday, January 15, 2011Time: 2-4 pm Open Reading? Yes, come early to sign up for the open reading.Questions? Email: pero@earthlink.net More about the poets and more poems at: http://www.moondaypoetry.com/moonday-east.html

6. The artists breakfast group's winter show "Hanging out at the Hungerford" 1115 E Main street Rochester NY.Gallery 258 February 3, 2012 6-9 p.m.

7. Palettes & Quills 2nd chapbook contest. For those of you interested in such things http://www.palettesnquills.com/palettes__quills_2nd_biennial_p.htm

Well, that aught to get you started! I think I have room for a poem this time.

Musings# 389

By "Laughing" Larry Berger

The cable is out

but the bills are paid !

There's food in the fridge

and we're making blueberry pancakes

for breakfast. Yum!

Life wasn't so bad

in the days before technology.

People read books and actually talked to each other!

well, at least people still read books anyway.

It's funny the things you think about

when the TV isn't working to do your thinking for you.

Neat huh? Did you catch that Read Books Line? hint hint hint.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts


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

see you next time!

welcome to 2012

2011-12-28T03:35:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, welcome to my first post of 2012,

Lots of new stuff here we go:

1. Got poetry Live: A weekly reading at Blue State Coffee (300 Thayer Street, Providence, RI) held every Tuesday from 8-10pm.We have an open mic followed by a featured reader. We ask only a mere $3 cover and that you support the venue by purchasing 1 drink or food item.

2.The American poetry Journal: APJ seeks to publish work using poetic device, favoring image,

metaphor and good sound. We like alliteration, extended metaphors, image, movement and poems that can pass the “so what" test.

The APJ has in mind the reader who delights in discovering what a poem can do to the tongue and what the poem paints on the cave of the mind.

The APJ wants to provide the poems published within its pages the best possible focus

and seeks to further promote them through reviewers and literary websites as well as by

nominating works to the Pushcart Prize. The APJ also offers the American Poet Prize and the APJ Book Prize.

3.Liberty's Vigil" Book Launch Reading Sunday, January 15, 2012
Time 2:00pm until 5:00pm Ross Gallery, Skalny Welcome Center, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY. Poets Karla Linn Merrifield and Dwain Wilder recently edited an anthology devoted to poems about the Occupy Movement. Titled "Liberty's Vigil: 99 Poets Among the 99%" the book will officially be published on Sunday, January 15, 2012 (see details at http://foothillspublishing.com/2012/id44.htm ) That happens to be the same date as our monthly Rochester Poets reading, We're delighted to devote our reading to the poets and poems of "Liberty's Vigil." 30 poets from the anthology live in the region: Anita Augesen, Bea O'Brien, Bobbie Panek, Charlotte Dickens, Colleen Powderly, Corinne Heschke, Dane Gordon, David White, Debby Rosenfeld, Dwain Wilder, Edward Dougherty, Eric Evans, Frank Judge, Jack Bradigan Spula, John Roche, Karla Linn Merrifield, Kitty Jospé, Laura Klinkon, Laura Glenn, Leah Zazulyer, MJ Iuppa, Mark Block, Martin Willitts Jr., Rachael Z. Ikins, Ron Bailey, Steve Lewandowski, Steve Coffman, Vincent Golphin, William Heyen, and William Seaton

but anyone included in the anthology who happens to be in the area (or loves to travel) is welcome to join us for this celebration.

4. POETRY FESTIVAL SANTA CRUZ -- 2/12/12 -- COCOANUT GROVE Sunday, February 12, 2012 Time 3:30pm until 10:00pm 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

5. I know it's a ways away, but I'm revealing my "secretes" on how I do my poetry improv on 1/25/12 in a workshop at the Creative Wellness Center (320 N. Goodman ST. #301 Rochester, NY across the parking lot from Village Gate Square.) from 1-3 p.m. Come on down! call (585) 325-3145 to reserve your space.

6. Every Sunday 8:p.m. Local Time, Steve Goodie hosts the show at The Bluebird cafe: 4104 Hillsboro Pike Nashville,TN No cover.$7.00 minimum great food and drink . visit http://www.stevegoodie.com and click on the gigs and bits link for more info.

7. Sharmagne Leland-St. John will be featured at the Rapp Saloon NEXT Friday on 1-6-2011.
The Rapp Saloon is located at: Hosteling International Building 1436 2nd Street in Santa Monica,CA
(between Santa Monica Blvd. and Broadway).

8.Second Sunday Poetry Party @ Home Room 1.08.12 Sunday, January 8, 2012

8:00pm until 10:30pm 8pm - doors &; open mic sign-up 8:30pm - poetry

Hosted by Scott Kaestner with featured poet Paul Mabon

Second Sunday Poetry Party is a monthly performance series hosted by Scott Kaestner

and we start the new year right with def poet Paul Mabon featuring at the Home Room stage ...

do come share, come hear, come experience the art of voice and start 2012 in style, word is born!

Home Room 3121 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Whew! the new year is starting off like gang busters! No poem this week! But here's the link for the books :

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts

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

Oh,by the way, the results of the poll are in . Nobody said they wanted me to do the contest so I guess I won't.  if you have an interest in this market,let me know and I'll tell you how to find whats out there!

see you next week!

Well , this is the last blog of 2011!

2011-12-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hi folks : Well, we made it through the beginning of the HA- HA day season! It runs from October 11th ( (Columbus day) straight up through February 15Th of the following year! ( The day after Valentine's Day for those of you keeping score. ) Did you get what you wanted for Xmas or Hanukkah? Soon we start a new year. Where will you be reading then? Remember, I only post what I get sent or comes across my computer! If I don't know about it I can't post it! There are no readings this week because of year end activities so send me some for next time, okay?

Here's a poem for you:

New year new rules

By "laughing" Larry Berger

We've all got to make a living some how

the bills got to get paid and not just in

beer and pizza!

Home may be a park bench but at least its dry

compared to the snowbank next door

Poets should not have to die to become great

musicians neither

yet who can argue with Graceland or Dollywood?

Hey It just dawned on me

Dolly Parton IS still alive!

I guess some of the great ones do make it while they're breathing!

My resolution for the new year is to do the same!

Whats yours?

neat huh? here's the links for the books and the last chance at the poll.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts

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
And as promised till 12/31/11 I'm still running the poll. here's that info :
There are already an awful lot of contests that exist anyway but running one was fun and I'm willing to do It
 again if you'd want me  to so here's the question: the average literary contest pays out $500.00 to  winner and cost $20.00 to enter. 
If I were to start up the contest would you be willing to submit and pay the fee or not? 
we've still got 1 week to go till the end of the year but if you have not already responded, Please get back to me on this ASAP . My e-mail is laughingl@yahoo.com. You can also leave your comments on this or any other blog related issues by clicking on the word"comments" at the bottom of this page


see you next week.

It's THIS SUNDAY already! Wow!

2011-12-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hi folks:
Well we've made it till yule without the world getting blown up! I'm sure it has not been for the lack of effort of those trying to do so, but more due to the fact that those trying to stop them have had greater success and I for one am grateful because it gives me the time to write this blog and do other things than grab guns and fight to survive! so to all of you who serve on behalf of the rest of us :

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!

Now on to this weeks blog post.:

1. It has been suggested that reminders for this newsletter be sent out via an opt- in list serve rather than direct e-mails to the folks on my lists. So I figured I'll give it a shot . Here's the link if you want to opt-in
http://eepurl.com/hUGEE subscribe or you can tell me if you prefer emails.

2. Most venues are closed for the holidays so enjoy a relaxing week with family and friends.

Here's a poem to round it out.

The Yule 2011

By Laughing Larry Berger

The weather chills and we find that

the temperature is STILL warmer than

a snowflake can find tolerable and we're in

for a green Christmas this year.

one war has ended after 10 years

there are many other things which have finished too.

we lost a lot of special people this year

and gained a few more.

May your log burn brightly enough to embrace all of 2012!

Neat huh? books make great last minute shopping gifts!

here are the 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.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts


And as promised till 12/31/11 I'm still running the poll. here's that info :

There are already an awful lot of contests that exist anyway but running one was fun and I'm willing to do It

 again if you'd want me  to so here's the question: the average literary contest pays out $500.00 to  winner and cost $20.00 to enter. 

If I were to start up the contest would you be willing to submit and pay the fee or not? 

we've still got 1 week to go till the end of the year but if you have not already responded, Please get back to me on this ASAP . My e-mail is laughingl@yahoo.com. You can also leave 

your comments on this or any other blog related issues by clicking on the word"comments" at the bottom of this page
see you next week .

only 10 shopping days left till the big one

2011-12-13T03:27:00.000-08:00

Hi folks: Well it seems the new cleaner look is getting more responses so I think I'll keep it! Here's what's happening:

1. Doctor Mongo Retrospective Web Launch Friday, December 30, 2011
7:00pm until 10:00pm Fernando's HIdeaway 519 South Spring Street
LA CA 90013. Be there if you can.

2. Cindy Blair is reading at the Black Eyed Susan Cafe on Dec. 20th at 7:00pm.
22 W. Main St. in Angelica.NY 585-466-7070 http://www.angelicasweetshop.com

3. SATURDAY, DEC. 17: HOLIDAY SHOW!

HOPE TO SEE YOU @ THE LUCKETT HOLIDAY SHOW 2011!
This is going to be a special night @ Genghis Cohen!
740 N. Fairfax Ave Show time is 8:30 sharp for me.
$8 cover. And I just found out that Jason's old friend Chris Pierce is playing after him @ 9:30.
So it will truly be a magical night of friends and good music.

4. The Last Tango:
The Free Speech Zone reading series is having its Final night at the Tango Cafe (389 Gregory St. Rochester, NY) on Monday December 19 Th, 2011 8- 11 P.M. come join us in the celebration and watch for our rebirth at another venue.

Short List this week huh? Things are slowing down for the big holidays. Here's a little poem

Holiday Mud.

by "Laughing" Larry Berger

Pies come out of the oven

mistletoe gets hung in doorways

the menorah is lit

Celebrations happen in different ways

but this is the season most revered

and now the mud sits up!

Kurt Vonnegut is one of my favorite authors other than myself! did you catch the "Cats Cradle reference?

Here's the links for my books

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.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts

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

I  have the second edition of ,my follow up collection called "Chocolate Box:" 
 available as a down loadable PDF e-book through CFK publishers. 
Here's the link for it:


 http://www.biblio.com/search.phpauthor=&title=Chocolate+box&keyisbn=&format=&dealer_id=27786

And as promised till 12/31/11 I'm still running the poll. here's that info :


There are already an awful lot of contests that exist  
anyway but running one was fun and I'm willing to do It
 again if you'd want me  to so here's the question: 
the average literary contest pays out $500.00 to  winner and cost $20.00 to enter. 
If I were to start up the contest would you be willing to submit and pay the fee or not? 
we've still got 2 weeks to go till the end of the year but if you have not already responded, 

Please get back to me on this ASAP . My e-mail is laughingl@yahoo.com. You can also leave 

your comments on this or any other blog related issues by clicking on the word"comments" at 

the bottom of this page.
see you next time.

one thing after another!

2011-12-07T09:11:00.001-08:00

Hi folks Its 12:11PM on Friday 12/9/11 and so far since my last posting I'd had 6 art shows, two parties, 5 networking meetings, 2 clients and a fund raiser. Tomorrow I've got a job fair, a seminar and a party on Friday and more to come. This is what I meant when I used the term "Holiday Schedule" last time. I was too worn out to explain it then. Sorry for any confusion but now you know. Here's the stuff for this week and the poll. Enjoy!

Join us this coming Monday, December 12, for a real treat when our featured performer will be poet-singer LU HIGHSMITH, followed by one of the best open mics in the area.All are welcome to participate in our open mics: comics, singers, poets, Musicians, storytellers -- you name it! No rants, though!

We hope to see you all on Monday -- it will be the 2nd last Free Speech Zone at the Tango!! 389 Gregory St. Rochester, NY It's been a great 2 years at the wonderful Tango space but the owners recently decided to end our regular spoken word series We'll keep you posted on where & when we'll resurface! And don't forget that our monthly series at Fisher on the 3rd Sundays will be continuing.

Our next event there is the annual Rochester Poets Open Reading on January 15 -- poets of all ages and levels of experience are invited to perform.

Come on out!! If you've never read your work in public, this is your chance to perform in a fantastic venue, the Ross Art Gallery. Thanks Frank ( 585) 260 9005 for more info!

1.www.thepedestalmagazine.com A new lit magazine that's been around for 60 years.

2. It is coming up on Jan. 21st, 3 PM, Saturday, at Lovin' Cup near RIT/NTID campus. John Roche, a Liberal Arts professor at RIT, and I will coordinate this event as our 4th year. This performance will consist of hearing and deaf/hard of hearing poets/performers taking turns on stage, which means that there will be beauty in the honor and respect toward English and ASL poetry/storytelling/whatever else. Before our Def Meets Deaf Poetry Jam 4, on Jan. 13th and 14th, Peter Cook and Keith Wan will perform at NTID (National Technical Institute for the Deaf). Do not know what time their show will be and will get back to you when I find out. These two well-respected deaf performers won't perform for Def Meets Deaf Poetry Jam 4, but they will be our guide toward our performance at Lovin' Cup after their performance. This can be crucial toward growth and honor toward ASL poetry in general.

Henceforth, I would like to ask some of you, who are ASL poets/performers/storytellers/whatever else, to consider joining Def Meets Deaf Poetry Jan 4 at Lovin' Cup on Jan. 21st. Hearing performers who know ASL are welcome to perform, too. John Roche will seek for hearing poets/performers who speak English versions while I will seek for deaf/hard of hearing/ASL-abled performers. If any of you want to perform and can do so on Jan 21st, 3 PM-5 PM time slot, then let me know.

Thank you and shall our hands flutter in the air with beauty like the wings of butterflies.

Eddie Swayze

3. Bush Mango Drum & Dance in Performance!Friday, December 16, 2011 at 7:30pm until Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10:00pm An exhilarating evening of music, dance, theater and song from Guinea, West Africa! Two shows, Friday at 7:30 and Saturday at 7:30. !Bush Mango Drum & Dance 34 Elton Street Rochester, New York. Bring the family!

4. As a part of the debut of Soul Conversations online store,

we are offering you a special discount on all of our literature.

For each book sold, $3.00 will be donated to persecuted Christian organizations!

This offer is available from November 11th through December 23rd, so don't miss out! Pass the word on to those you know! Go to the 'What I Provide' page of the site and order a book today!know that $3 of each book sold through my company Soul Conversations, goes to Solidarity

International, persecution.org and The Voice of the Martyrs to help persecuted

Christians around the world. Blessings, Liz Ciccone

Soul Conversations Call us now! 651-764-5181 Or visit www.soulconversations.ne

5.Ellyn Maybe's Poetry Rodeo 7:00pm until 10:00pm Thursday, December 15, 2011The Ellyn Maybe Band which includes Harlan Steinberger, Robbie Fitzsimmons, Danny Moynahan and Tommy Jordan will perform and there is also an open reading where the band will improvise behind you. General admission $8, seniors and students $5, members free.
681 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 · Get Directions? Phone (310)822-3006 Website http://www.beyondbaroque.org

6.INTO THE NOW Friday, December 16, 2011 Playing your Favorite Dead,Dylan,Stones, Originals

Temple Bar & Grille109 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14605 hosted by Ray DAR

7.Feral Fusion at the Amsterdam Cafe in North Hollywood.
Feral Fusion has, at its core, the spoken word: lyric poetry, prose poetry, free verse, hip hop, slam, storytelling. .. To combine the spoken word with music, dance, visual art, performance art, digital sound overlays or other voices — that's the Fusion — that's when the spoken word becomes an explosive force. Thursday Nights at the Amsterdam Cafe 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
(NoHo Redline Metro Station) Sign Up - 8:00 pm Start - 8:30 pm Solo poetry/spoken word - 5 minutes or 3 poems Fusion artists - 10 minutes Hosted by Angel Uriel Perales and Cindy Weinstein (aka Feral Artist)

Wow! Looks like I'm not the only busy person this week! Here's a short poem

Seasons greeting to one and all

Lets go out and have a ball

if you feel there is nothing to do

just scroll through this blog and look back a week or two.

Special alert: My upcoming book : The Green Lantern, a Guide for Achieving the

American Dream. Volume 2 How to Survive in a Modern Economy ( Even on a Poets income!)

Will be self published through Skysaje Enterprise and is due to hit stores in March of

2012. We have begun accepting pre- orders.  The price is $15.00  ( $10.00 per signed

 copy , $5.00 shipping and handling charges.)  Here's the blurb for the book:

Well, it’s finally done! The original book was written some 12 years ago and a lot has stayed the same and in some cases has gotten worse: The Bail out, The crash The reduction in credit worthiness of the USA, protection for the “middle class”.  Our “leaders” in congress so unable to come together and discuss these issues that the “emergency measures,” had to be put in place to occur automatically if they could not get the deficit down and they STILL could not agree on a plan!  Contrast that with the Author of this book who in the same 12 year period has successfully put out the first edition of this guide, taught at the university level for three years, conducted an international poetry contest for three years, Written another 5 poetry books (one of which is currently in its third edition and another in its second.), produced a CD and helped teach his fellow poets how to earn a living from their words too.  All this AFTER spending a Year on a Psychiatric Ward in a suicidal depression which writing the first edition of this book helped get him out of. WHO WOULD YOU RATHER TAKE YOUR ADVICE FROM? Send your payment to laughingl@yahoo.com via Pay Pal or send a message to the same email address to inquire where to post the paper check to if you'd prefer that method of payment.

here are the links where you can buy my poetry books , Amazon.com is having a sale on my book  Instant Poetry (Just add words!) it normally retails for $8.95 . I charge $13.00 for signed copies ( you can send payment via pay pal to the same address . just indicate which book you want.) Amazon is selling them starting at $2.26 plus $3.00 shipping.) Here's the 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
It's also available from Barnes and Noble. com and any of their retail stores at full price. Here's the link for that: 
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts
and through the publisher at: http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000187234
I have the second edition of ,my follow up collection called "Chocolate Box:" 
 available as a down Loadable PDf e-book through CFK publishers. here's the link for 


that:  http://www.biblio.com/search.php?author=&title=Chocolate+box&keyisbn=&format=&dealer_id=27786
One last thing: I told you last week I would be taking a poll as to whether or not to restart the contest. so far I've heard from 11 people who said don't, 4 who said go for it  There are already an awful lot of contests that exist  anyway but running one was fun and I'm willing to do It again if you'd want me  to so here's the question: the average literary contest pays out $500.00 to  winner and cost $20.00 to enter. If i were to start up the contest would you be willing to submit and pay the fee or not? We've still got 3 weeks to got till the end of the year but if you have not already responded, Please get 
back to me on this ASAP . My e-mail is laughingl@yahoo.com. You can also leave your comments on this or any other blog related issues by clicking on the word"comments" at the bottom of this page.


have fun! see you next week.

The count down continues

2011-12-01T04:04:00.001-08:00

Hi folks I had fun at the Rochester Arts Council show ! I saw some old freinds and made a few new ones ( including a woman named Sarah who turned out to be the current Executive Director for the Rochester Arts Council who was the hostess for the evening.) Go back over the last two post to see where I might be next. I keep you posted too. Here's this weeks blog. enjoy! :

1. Genesee Reading Series Tuesday, December 13, 2011 7:30 PM, Writers and Books $3 members, $6 public Curated by Wanda Schubmehl The final Genesee Reading Series of the Writers and Books 30th Anniversary Year features our very own Joe Flaherty and his daughter, Caedra Scott-Flaherty. You do not want to miss this opportunity to hear Joe and Caedra read from their own work. Come share with us this very fitting end to the wonderful 2011 Genesee Reading Series season!

2.

3. BEYOND BAROQUE phone#310.822.3006 info@beyondbaroque.org

681 Venice Blvd. West of Lincoln December 16, Friday 7:30 PM
ANAIS NIN'S STUDENTS, A CELEBRATION ANAIS NIN'S students read their work and discuss her impact on their lives Featuring NANCY SHIFFRIN, LEAH SCHWEITZER, and NAN HUNT.

"Eroticism is one of the basic means of self-knowledge, as indispensable 
as poetry…”Anais Nin, In Favor of the Sensitive Man

“Nancy Shiffrin's poems are gut-land responses to a personal life of 
risks, frustrations, and celebrations. Her writing is lean, sensitive, 
erotic. She celebrates the female body with a rare vigor.” Robert Peters

4. The course is called "A PLANT-BASED DIET – Eating for Happiness and Health." In the course, the principles of happily thriving on a low-fat, whole-foods plant-based diet will be thoroughly explored.The course will be given on successive Monday evenings from 7 PM to 9 PM beginning on January 23, 2012 and ending on February 27, 2012. The Monday prior to the first session (January 16, 2012), there will be a showing of the documentary "Forks Over Knives." I will be available to answer questions afterwards.The cost for the entire 6 week course (including all materials) is $60 for JCC members and $75 for non-members. Any profit will be donated to the Rochester Area Vegetarian Society.

The cost of the showing of Forks Over Knives is $8 for JCC members and $10 for non-members.

To register for the course and/or movie, please call (585) 461-2000 or visit the JCC website (jccrochester.org), click on "Registration," and search for "Adult One-Time Programs." Please share this information with anyone who might be interested. Ted D. Barnett, MD

5. Chris-Myth Busters Performance: December 15 at 7:30pm until December 18 at 7:30pm Both Deaf and hearing will enjoy this musical full of singing and dancing, signing

and lots of Christmas surprises. Bring the whole family!FREE! But reservations are

recommended.Email: tickets@anchorchristian.org to make your reservation now!!!Refreshments will be served after each performance.

6. Special alert: My upcoming book : The Green Lantern, a Guide for Achieving the

American Dream. Volume 2 How to Survive in a Modern Economy ( Even on a Poets income!)

Will be self published through Skysaje Enterprise and is due to hit stores in March of

2012. We have begun accepting pre- orders.  The price is $15.00  ( $10.00 per signed

 copy , $5.00 shipping and handling charges.)  Here's the blurb for the book:

Well, it’s
finally done! The original book was written some 12 years ago and a lot has stayed
the same and in some cases has gotten worse: The Bail out, The crash The
reduction in credit worthiness of the USA, Protection for the “middle class” And
our “leaders” in congress so unable to come together and discuss these issues
that the “emergency measures,” had to be put in place to occur automatically if
they could not get the deficit down and they STILL could not agree on a plan!

Contrast that with the Author of this book who
in the same 12 year period has successfully put out the first edition of this
guide, taught at the university level for three years, conducted an
international poetry contest for three years, Written another 5 poetry books (one
of which is currently in its third edition and another in its second.),
produced a CD and helped teach his fellow poets how to earn a living from their
words too.  All this AFTER spending a
Year on a Psychiatric Ward in a suicidal depression which writing the first edition
of this book helped get him out of. WHO WOULD YOU RATHER TAKE YOUR ADVICE FROM? Send your payment to laughingl@yahoo.com via Pay Pal or send a message to the same email address to inquire where to post the paper check to if you'd prefer that method of payment.

neat huh?  no poem this week but here are the links where you can buy my poetry books , Amazon.com is having a sale on my book  Instant Poetry (Just add words!) it normally retails for $8.95 . I charge $13.00 for signed copies ( you can send payment via pay pal to the same address . just indicate which book you want.) Amazon is selling them starting at $2.26 plus $3.00 shipping.) Here's the 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

It's also avalible from Barnes and Noble. com and any of thier retail stores at full price. Here's the link for that:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts

and through the publisher at: http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000187234

 I have the second edition of ,my follow up collection called "Chocolet Box:"

 avalible as a down Loadable PDf e-book through CFK publishers. here's the link for

that:  http://www.biblio.com/search.php?author=&title=Chocolate+box&keyisbn=&format=&dealer_id=27786

One last thing: I've been thinking about restarting a contest I ran from 2007-2009.

It was kind of fun  but I had to shut it down because it cost more than it brought in. However, this was BEFORE Linked In and Twitter even existed  and Facebook had not gotten more than 100,000 subscribers yet.  I had also required submissions to be sent exclusively though the US post office and could not accept electronic payments yet.

Much of that has changed since Facebook now has 1 in every 7 people on the planet earth as members and both Linked in and Twitter are catching up fast,  I now have a PAY Pal account etc.    So I'm thinking of starting it up again so this is a poll.

There are a LOT of contests already out there for poetry and most require a $20.00 entry fee for up to 5 pages of poems. The biggest prize I could guarantee is $500.00 and considering I still have 35 of the 50 copies of the "Working Title" Anthology I produced from the Last time and only gave 10 to the publisher I'm not sure if there will be a chance to have submitted work published or not so here's my question:

Would you be willing to pay the $20.00 entry fee and submit to a contest I had put together? or would you go with one of the other 500,000 contest already avalible?

Please send and E-mail to me at

Lberger1027@gmail.com before midnight on 12/31/11 and let me know.

If there is sufficent interest I'll take through March 20,2012 and set it up to begin with the start of

 WORD SEASON ( starting with world poetry day 3/21 and running through fathers day in June.)

and have it Live through December 2012 if I can, let me know if you want it.

Btw, copies of the anthology are $5.00 plus $3.00 shipping. send via Pay Pal to laughingl@yahoo.com

See you next week!

26 shopping days and counting!

2011-11-25T00:13:00.001-08:00

Hi folks , again happy Ha ha days! Let's get right to it shall we?

1. Friday, December 9, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. - Create a Sizzling Brand, Brighton Town Hall 2300 Elmwood Ave Brighton, NY 14618

2. Artists Union Gallery: poetry every Tuesday at 7:30pm 330 South California Street, Ventura, CA
Host:Phil Taggart open-mic www.venturaartistsu nion.org

3. People+People=Business2Business Tuesday, December 6, 2011 5:00pm until 7:00pm
Monroe's Restaurant (Former historic Spring House), 3001 Monroe Ave, Rochester, New York

Free Admission *Cash Bar * Free Appetizers * Music RSVP by November 30th email Lori@PeoplePlusPeopleNY.com

4.The Fourth Massachusetts Poetry Festival will be held from April 20-22 in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. The Planning Committee of Mass Poetry is requesting proposals for programming from poets, poetry organizations, presses, and editors. The deadline for getting your proposal for presentations at the 2012 Massachusetts Poetry Festival is December 1.

To submit a proposal go to:
http://bit.ly/ 2012Programs

The Festival seeks programming that encompasses the diversity of Massachusetts poets. We seek diversity of poetic voice, style, vision, language and method. Within that diversity we will select the highest quality of content and presentation possible. We seek diversity of age, region of the state, language, gender, background, race and ethnicity. As well we seek diversity of presentation: readings, panels, poetry and dance, poetry and music, workshops, interactive events, poetry and the other arts.

To see past festival programming, go to: http://masspoetry. crowdvine. com/

5. our Annual Local “Author Extravaganza” this year to be held on Sunday December 11th, 2011 from 2 to 5 p.m. Due to the growing number of participating authors, we have extended the event an extra hour to 5 p.m. Lift Bridge Book Shop 45 Main St. Brockport, NY 14420 585-637-2260 fax 585-637-7823 visit www.liftbridgebooks.com for addtional info

6. Larry, the next deadline for the San Gabriel Valley Quarterly is December 3rd, .As always, we'll accept submitions from everywhere. I would refer people to the website t; http://sgvpq.blogspot.com Thanks, Don " Kingfisher" Campbell ( aka : The Soup (urp!) man!) publisher.

7. Congrats to Prof. Vincent F. A. Golphin of Rochester, NY on being chosen as the Poetry Super Highway's Poet of the Week for the week of 11/27/11 - 12/3/11 ! vistit:

http://poetrysuperhighway.com/PoetLinks.html to check him out!

8. Ellyn Maybe's Poetry Rodeo Thursday, December 15, 2011 7:00pm - 10:00pm

The Ellyn Maybe Band which includes Harlan Steinberger, Robbie Fitzsimmons, Danny Moynahan and Tommy Jordan will perform and there is also an open reading where the band will improvise behind you. General admission $8, seniors and students $5, members free.Beyond Baroque Literary/ Arts Center
681 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 310-822-3006

http://www.beyondbaroque.org/

9. Center at High Falls60 Browns Race Ste 1, Rochester, NY 14614 Currently in the Gallery:“Treasures”Reception December 4,2011 3-6pm P.M.Last view Friday 1/6/12 (585) 325-2030

10. Cindy Blair is reading at the Black Eyed Susan Cafe on Dec. 20th at 7:00pm.22 W. Main St. in Angelica.NY 585-466-7070 http://www.angelicasweetshop.com

Lots of stuff this week huh? I guess that means I have to do a poem doesn't it?

A Thanksgiving Poem
by "Laughing" Larry B.

Past the turkey and the cranberries.
we'll get our exercise later doing the mash potato
til the sun goes down

Past the Football and the parades

we all take Tryptophan induced naps

and dream of what presents we're going to get

that would make getting up at 5:00 A .M. to hit the sales worthwhile

after all
we all need stuffing at least once a year in America
don't we?

Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

2011-11-21T02:19:00.001-08:00

Hi folks: well now It's officaily the Ha-Ha Days! ( happy holidays from "Laughing"" Larry Berger! get it? ) Lots of stuff happening! lets get right to it shall we? :

1. Rhapsodomancy Announces the Writers Reading

Sunday, December 4, 2011

JILLIAN LAUREN
KHADIJA ANDERSON
MELISSA CHADBURN
LISA CHEBY

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Doors open at 7:00pm - Reading begins at 7:30pm
The Good Luck Bar, 1514 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, 90027 (East Hollywood/Silver Lake: corner of Hollywood Blvd. Hillhurst)
21 and over only.
$3 suggested donation at door. There will be a cash bar.

http://www.rhapsodomancy.org

2.Milo Martin's latest collection of poetry is entitled, "Poems for the Utopian Nihilist' (Echo Park Press, 2008).

www. milomartin.tripod.com

http://www.amazon.com/Poems-Utopian-Nihilist-Milo-Martin/dp/0979151457/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1319942924&sr=8-8

3. ANNETTE CRUZ, DENNIS CRUZ, A. RAZOR, IRIS BERRY AND DANNY BAKER

Time

Beyond Baroque 681 Venice Bl. Venice, CA 90291 Saturday 12/3/11 2-5 P.M.

more info : http://www.beyondbaroque.org/

4. MonkeyShines Holiday Improv Show! I don't usualy post ebvents in more than one blog but Robin is a good friend! A smidge over two months later, and we're BACK! MonkeyShines Comedy Improv troupe RE-reunites for another one-night-only show, 8pm, Saturday, Dec 3rd, just before all your holiday parties get rolling. Get the season started with laughter.

Tickets $10 - cash at door. Box office opens at 7:30pm. (Or buy in advance from your favorite cast member or by credit card via the MonkeyShines hotline: 310-576-7561).

LIVE improv comedy! Every show is new, fresh, and laugh-out-loud fun! You, the audience, drive the show with your suggestions!

Starring:
Matthew Moore
Ben Benjamin
Lori Ellison
Daniel Mentz
Robin Gwynne

Directed by the amazing David Jahn!

RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW:
MonkeyShines Hotline: 310 576 7561
--or contact your favorite cast member to buy your tix in advance!

NOTE: The Promenade Playhouse is located on the Third Street Promenade (cross street Santa Monica Blvd). Next door to Anthropologie. $5 parking after 6pm in the structures on 2nd Street or 4th Street.

5 Cultural Council Gallery exhibition entitled, Four Artists: Cook, Keyser, Notides-Benzing, and Sacks, opening Tuesday, November 9th, and closing Wednesday, November 30th. The closing reception will take place on Wednesday, November 30th from 5 PM to 7 PM. Arts ; Cultural Council for Greater Rochester 277 N. Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 473-4000 Be There!

6. 21st Annual Members Exhibition December 2, 2011 – January 8, 2012 Rochester Contemporary Art Center 137 East Avenue (between Scio; Gibbs Sts) Rochester, NY 14604 tel: (585) 461-2222 ( ask for Gabriel.) http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/ My picture by John Retallack is in the exhibit! Come and check it out! His book Colleagues, RIT Faculty/staff portraits is published! See it at http://carypress.rit.edu/subject/photography

7. This is just a quick reminder that the next Rochester WordPress Users Group meeting will be Wednesday Nov. 30th at 7pm at coworking Rochester. We will be discussing plugins at this meeting, so be ready to discuss your favorites, and if you're looking for a plugin to add some specific functionality this would be a great time to bring that up and see if anyone knows of a good plugin!Those of you who have already joined the group on the new Kohort platform (http://beta.kohort.com/groups/rochester-wordpress) can RSVP to the event there. If you haven't joined please let me know if you need another invite. If you don't plan to join please let me know why, and make any suggestions of alternatives I should look at! Have a great Thanksgiving! See you next week, Terran www.Terran.Birrell.us

Whew ! Another busy week and the Ha-ha days are just getting started! Here's a short poem:

Happy Thanksgiving 2011 !By "Laughing " Larry Berger

What a year !
The Arab summer
The debt crisis
The 10th anniversary of 911
at least 3 bombing scares and more!

The Chinese have a saying
"may you live in interesting times!"
If that's not something to give thanks for
I don't know what is!

neat huh? here are the book links:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=instant+poetry%28just+add+words%21%29&x=18&y=17

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry-just-add-words?
keyword=instant+poetry+just+add+words&store=allproducts

Have a great holiday! see you next week!

New Stuff!

2011-11-16T03:08:00.001-08:00

Hi folks: I'm not sure if this post is going to be early or late this week. Lots of stuff to do and going on! Let's get right to it shall we?

1. Check this out! www.arosewithoutthorns.blogspot.com

2. Ain't Got No Press presents "The Night Goes On All Night" Noir inspired poems edited by Rick Lupert

Available now HERE and at Amazon.com Congrats Rick!

3. Mary Eaton has invited you to the event 'MARYS BRIDGE BOOK FAIRE 2011' on Mary's Bridge - Poetry-Prose-Photography Art and Video Sharing!

Mary's Bridge has many books on our shelf currently... Please show your support to our favorite bridge authors by supporting them through donations... Thanks, Mary

Time: November 13, 2011 at 1am to December 31, 2011 at 11:45pm
Location: MARYS BRIDGE
Organized By: Robert Paul Goode

Event Description:

LIMITED EDITION ENSCRIBED EDITIONS BY OUR FAVORITE MARYS BRIDGE AUTHORS

See more details and RSVP on Mary's Bridge - Poetry-Prose-Photography Art and Video Sharing:

http://marysbridge.org/events/event/show?id=2479753%3AEvent%3A354388&xgi=2C5OQtppV8Hhu9&xg_source=msg_invite_event

4. MonkeyShines Holiday Improv Show!

Saturday, December 3 · 8:00pm - 9:30pm

Promenade Playhouse & Conservatory

1404 3rd St. Promenade

Santa Monica, CA Tickets $10 - cash at door. Box office opens at 7:30pm. (Or buy in advance from your favorite cast member or by credit card via the MonkeyShines hotline: 310-576-7561).

Starring:

Matthew Moore
Ben Benjamin
Lori Ellison
Daniel Mentz
Robin Gwynne

The Promenade Playhouse is located on the Third Street Promenade (cross street Santa Monica Blvd). Next door to Anthropologie. $5 parking after 6 pm in the structures on 2nd Street or 4th Street.

5. http://www.beyondbaroque.org December 3,2011 2:00 p.m. Iris Berry and friends. click on the link for directions and address info.

Well, I guess there isn't as much going on this time as I thought. LOL.

I'm not including a poem this week! sorry but my mind is just to discombobulated from this weekend
( I had 3 arts events where I had gotten poetry involved and was also performing in all of them myself! UGH! I haven't run around so much in years! )

Anyway here's the links for the books:

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.barnesandnoble.com/s/Instant-poetry--just-add-words--?keyword=Instant+poetry+%28just+add+words%21%29&store=allproducts

See you next week! BTW, I switched back to the old font because no one left a comment last week saying the new one was any Better. please feel free to leave me a comment on this.

Happy Veterans day!

2011-11-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks! Happy veterans day to all and don't forget to stop by the Art at the Armory show this weekend if you're in Rochester,NY! All vet's get in FREE ! Details can be found in last weeks post! (11/2/11) Here's the new stuff for this week!

1. Round 27: Sparring With Beatnik Ghosts takes place at Santa Cruz Art League's Broadway
Playhouse (526 Broadway, Santa Cruz) on Wednesday, November 16 at 7 p.m. Doors Open

Open Mic Sign-up @ 6:30 p.m.

Featured readers include Ava Bird (from Berkeley), Lauren Crux, John Laue, Leon Petty, Paul Corman Roberts(from San Francisco) and Donald Young. Event hosted by Yaryan and co-

sponsored by Poetry Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Art League. This event will have an open mic

with sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

www.sparringwithbeatnikghosts.com

2. You've just got to read this!http://www.radiuslit.org/2011/11/08/facebook-and-the-development-of-the-personal-protagonist/ click on the link, read the article. You'll understand!

3. DSO 11/19 @ State Theatre [Our 2000th show!]
Saturday, November 19 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm Tickets: http://stateofithaca.com/darkstarorchestra/index.html
They ARE kind of good. Don't believe me? Here's the YouTube Video. http://www.youtube.com/darkstarorchestra
You decide!

4. Blaise Smith Presents: The Swine n Dine @ Pig n Whistle Thursday, November 17 at 8:30pm - November 18 at 1:00am

Pig 'n Whistle

6714 Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood, CA

Come one, come all. To wine and swine and dine at Pig n Whistle. Sit where Marylin and Bugsy once sat when they wined, swined and dined and made immortal the Pig.

Musical entertainment is top tier. Dig. Enjoy. See some of you there.

$6 cover- 18 and over. Full menu (pub food) Right on the walk of fame (pink marble stars with celebrity names line the side walk) (people fight each other) (they howl) Most importantly, drive safe and dont get a DUI. (Black mini skirts in high abundance parading, stumbling) very entertaining.

5.Stella Adler Open Mic !!!!! Tuesday, November 22 · 8:00pm - 11:00pm

6773 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028 2nd floor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP8Bjb3GdGg&feature=channel_video_title

6. Dear Friends, Moonday in the Village (Moonday West) continues our run at the Buerge Chapel at Aldersgate Retreat in the Palisades. We invite all our poets and listeners to experience this lovely, peaceful spot close to the Pacific Ocean.

The staff at Aldersgate has been most gracious to offer Moonday this wonderful setting for our reading.

Date: Monday (Moonday) November 14, 2011
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Buerge Chapel at the Aldersgate Retreat Center, 925 Haverford Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Open Reading? Yes, come early to sign up.You can also sign up by email: pero@earthlink.net
Questions? Email: pero@earthlink.net
Directions? Call the Aldersgate office: 310-454-6699 during office hours
Please do check out their website: http://www.aldersgateretreat.org/

In November we are proud to feature James Ragan Peggy Dobreer.More about the poets and more poems at: www.moondaypoetry.com

7.

Rochester AreaVegetarian Society upcoming meeting 11/ 20/11: T. COLINCAMPBELL, PH.D.

speaks on “A Whole-Food,Plant-Based Diet: What The China Study Has Taught Us”

Dr. T. ColinCampbell isProfessor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell. His China study, theresults of which were published in 1991, followed thousands of people in 65provinces over twenty years, and was thelargest epidemiological study ever conducted of the connection between diet anddisease. The study showed a direct

correlation between theconsumption of animal protein, includingdairy protein, and chronic disease. Dr. Campbell’s book, The China Study,presents his own research and that of other scientists showing “the connection

between nutrition and heartdisease, diabetes, and cancer, and also its ability to reduce or reverse therisk or effects of these deadly illnesses.” He also “examines the source ofnutritional confusion produced by powerful lobbies, government entities, and irresponsiblescientists” (thehinastudy.com).Recently, Dr. Campbell has received media

attention as one of the majorfigures whose life and research is profiled in the feature length film “ForksOver Knives.” This film has been called “the movie that could save your life,”and the more than 300 people who

filled the Rochester Academy ofMedicine to view it in September can testify to that. Dr. Campbell’s scientificand personal integrity led him to part ways with mainstream nutritionalauthorities and to recommend a completely plant-based diet. Now there is agroundswell of evidence and a growing cultural consensus in favor of this

way of eating. Come to ourNovember meeting to hear Dr. Campbell speak, Dr. Campbell is a member of the

North American Vegetarian Society’sHALL OF FAME! PLEASE NOTE: We always welcome newpeople at our meetings. You may attend just the dinner, just the program, orboth; there is no need to “reserve” for either. If you attend the dinner, weask that you pay a $3 Non-Member Fee in addition to bringing a vegan dish topass. . Non-Member Fee will be subtracted from your dues, if you decide to joinlater in the meeting.No fee is charged to attend theprogram portion of the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated, regular meetings areheld on the third Sunday of the month at the Brighton Town Park Lodge, 5:30 PM VeganShare-a-Dish Dinner, 7:00 PM Program.

Whew! Another Busy Week!
What do you think of this font?
Is it easier to read than previous posts?
Let me know!

I THINK I might have room for a poem this week! I'm not sure, but I'll try! Here goes:

Music

By "Laughing" Larry Berger

It all started with a Rock!

Then a yell.

Next came the lyre and the flute

followed closely by

Minstrels and Fools

who in turn were replaced by the likes of Mozart, Choppan, Beethoven, Baudelaire, Shakespeare and the like.

Today

it's Billy Collins, Tupac Shikur, Areatha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Madonna Cher and me.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

the values are still:

a Bard's tale is worth a portion from the table

and a Poet's song is worth a cup of wine.

We still "sing for our supper."

Food has just simply gotten more expensive!

Neat huh? If you like that then check out my books:

http://www.biblio.com/details.php?dcx=454784755&aid=aa&t=1

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.barnesandnoble.com/s/Instant-poetry--just-add-words--?keyword=Instant+poetry+%28just+add+words%21%29&store=allproducts

Check it out! See you next week!

Happy Ha-ha days! 11/1/2011

2011-11-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hi folks : Well , Halloween and my birthday have now come and gone so I guess It's ha-ha day time ( For those of you who didn't get it, I'll explain. It's the holiday season and I'm known as "Laughing" Larry Berger so I call it the "ha-ha days season." Get it now? LOL.) Here's what's up this week:

1. November 2011 Worldwide Open Reading
Sunday, Noember 13, 2011 1:00 ~ 2:00 pm (pacific)
Join our monthly open reading by listening to the show live and/or calling in and sharing a poem. No content or style restrictions...it's open reading and you don't even have to leave the house to participate! poetrysuperhighway.com/pshlive.html

2. Printer's Devil Review (ISSN 2160-2948) is an independent, open access journal of literary and visual art. We provide emerging writers and artists with access to publication and inquisitive readers with new voices and visions.

We're currently seeking submissions of fiction (2,000 to 9,000 words), poetry, nonfiction, and visual art. Our reading period for Spring 2012 began October 1, 2011 and ends January 1, 2012.

You can find full guidelines for each section and access our online submission system at

http://pdrjournal. org/submit

3. Poets at the Armory

Saturday, November 12 at 10:00am - November 13 at 6:00

Rochester Poets is participating in the Art at the Armory show at the Main Street Armory

coming up on Saturday & Sunday, November 12 & 13, 10 am - 6 pm

We're going to do 2 readings on each day (2-2:45 pm and 4-5 pm on Sat, 10-10:45; Noon-

12:45 pm on Sunday). So we invite you to join us in the readings on Saturday and/or

Sunday. ( BTW, this event WAS presented to at least 2 other Literary groups in the

Rochester area and only Rochester Poets followed up and got involved!

That's why Rochester Poets is running this event by themselves. It is NOT because we at

any time wished to exclude anyone! How do I know? WHO DID YOU THINK IT WAS WHO

GOT ROCHESTER POETS HOOKED UP WITH THE ART AT THE ARMORY AND GAVE

THEM THE CONTACT FOR THE OTHER GROUPS TOO?

COME ON DOWN AND CHECK IT OUT! COME DOWN AND CHECK IT OUT!

http://www.ArtatTheArmory.com

Frank Mundo, "The Soup (urp!)

Man!"" Don Kingfisher

Campbell, and Karine Armen

read poetry at Catalina Branch

of the Pasadena Public

Library.Location: 999 E.

Washington Blvd., Pasadena,

on November 05, 2011 03:00PM.

Come check it out if you're in

the area. 91104 (626) 744-7272 | Map | Public Transportation

That's what's up this week!

YAY! I actually have room for a poem this week!

Here you go!

What the heck?

By "Laughing" Larry Berger

Who would have thunk it?

I actually did make it to 45!

It's been kinda fun though!

I've lived life on my own terms

and survived! I've made myself Immortal

but fixing my word in print for all time.

Whoops! That may have sounded a little snarky there.

still would we remmeber Confucius, Aristotle or Plato if they had not written down their thoughts?

Okay, okay maybe I'm still aiming a little high!

We'd probably both feel better if I stuck with Jack Michelin. but you get the point.

Still

fish got to swim

birds got to fly and poets have to write poetry don't they?

I mean the phrase IS "publish or perish." right?

Pretty neat huh? I think I wrote this particular poem this week I Goggled myself

and I found 10 PAGES! DON'T BELIEVE ME? HERE'S THE LINK:

gle.com/#q=larry+berger+poet&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&ei=aliwTp_NIuTF0AG-7tCtAQ&sqi=2&start=10&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=403b049f6707cd64&biw=1440&bih=809

feel free to check it out! There's links to the books there too so see you next week!

Happy Birthday to me (part 2)

2011-10-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hi folks: Yes you read that right! My other birthday is Tommorow! (10/27/ Wouldn't you like to know . LOL)
Remember back on 9/14/ 11 I told you I was turning 12 and Celebrated 2 birthdays a year? feel free to go back to the blog for that week and check it out if you don't remember or if you've only started viewing this recently for details ! Tommorow is my actually birthday and I turn 45 this year (If you're REALLY CURIOUS, FEEL FREE TO DO THE MATH FOR YOURSELF! OTHERWISE JUST READ ON!) Other birthdays of note include : Poetri ( my "cosmic twin" because he was also born on 10/27/ Wouldn't you like to know .) Steve Goodie (11/4/ Wouldn't you like to know.) More on this later. Here's what's going on this week

1. Every Sunday 8:p.m. Local Time, Steve Goodie hosts the show at The Bluebird cafe: 4104 Hillsboro Pike Nashville,TN No cover.$7.00 minimum great food and drink . visit http://www.stevegoodie.com and click on the gigs and bits link for more info.

2. Thanks to Steve I got my first " Birthday Present" and now have the ability to hook up with an old friend again that I had also lost touch with. For some reason he uses the name "El Ropo!" professionally now
but to me he'll always be Vaudeville Van the Blues Ridge Mountain Man ! His birth name is Phil Van Tee and if you have NOT seen him yet and you can get to one of his gigs you absolutely should ! His next appearances are at: The Tonopah Civic Center Rotary Club Fundraiser Tonopah, NV on Saturday, November 05, 2011 and at

Friday, November 11, 2011 8:30PM - Magic Castle Peller Theater Hollywood, CA visit http://www.philvantee.com/

for complete details!

3.Marys Bridge Book Faire

Time: November 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011

Location: http://marysbridge.org/main visit the site and check it out!

4. How Usable Is Your Web Site?Presented by: Michael Van Der Gaag

An interactive workshop examining some key characteristics that make a website easy to use and customer relevant. Open to the public. No charge for RPCN members. $8.00 for non-members.When:11 Nov 2011 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Location: Temple B'rith Kodesh

2131 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14620 visit

http://www.rochesterconsultants.org/rpcn_events_all?eventId=395329&EventViewMode=EventDetails

for registration info.

5. Poets at the Armory: Main Street Armory 900 East Main St. Rochester,NY

Rochester Poets is participating in the Art at the Armory show at the Main Street Armory coming up on Saturday & Sunday, November 12 & 13, 10 am - 6 pm We're going to do 2 readings on each day (2-2:45 pm and 4-5 pm on Sat, 10-10:45; Noon-12:45 pm on Sunday). So we invite you to join us in the readings on Saturday and/or Sunday. NOTE that we don't expect participants will join us for all 4 readings -- in fact, we're counting on most folks joining us for 1 or 2 reading sets so we have room for more poets. At the moment, we especially need readers and staff for Sunday.

Among poets already confirmed are: Arthur Aroeste, "Laughing" Larry Berger,Carolyn Coit Cancy,Cynthia Blair,Janet Collinge,Doug Curry,Judy DeCroce,Nick Eckerson,Mary N. Fisher,Tyler M. Gagnon,Dane Gordon,Chris Hammond,Steve Huff,Frank Judge,Laura Klinkon,Gary Lehmann, Anthony Leuzzi,Sheryl de Jong-Loavenbruck,Wynne McClure,Lori D. Nolasco,Beatrice O'Brien

Aceyon Owens,Yvonne Powell,Beth Prewitt,Mary Ritchie,Christopher Robin,Gretchen Schulz,Sevin,Eddie Swayze,Deanna Tiefenthal
Agape Towns,Paula Weld Cary and more! LEASE NOTE that the Sunday readings have been scheduled so no one will have to miss the Poet Walk event at MAG from 2-5 pm. We will also have a display table and will be free to sell our books, CDs/DVDs, broadsides, postcards. We need volunteers to man the table -- preferably in 2 hour shifts -- in other words, at 4 shifts each day, hopefully with each shift staffed by 2 people. These poets can also participate in the readings; however, we obviously need folks who can staff the table during the reading periods.We also need volunteers to staff the ticket booth on Saturday for 1 hour shifts.The organizers need to know the availability of volunteers ASAP. So if you're interested in participating and/or volunteering, please get back to me immediately! We hope you'll join us in this exciting and unique opportunity! for more info visit: http://www.artatthearmory.com/ for complete info!

THE REBIRTH OF SPOKEN FUNK/ POETRI'S BURFDAY & JUREN'S COMING HOME PARTY!

PREFERRED TICKETS - $35

Sunday November 13, 2011 at 9:00 PM (PDT)

(Poetri's latest cd, No Waiting in line, Reserved Seats)

VIP TICKETS - $50

(Poetri's latest cd, dinner entree, Reserved Seating in comfortable, luxurious booth, NO WAITING IN LINE)

$10 Food Minimum

If you've been to any of Poetri's 21st birthday celebrations at Spoken Funk, we expect to see you here on this night. The best EVERYTHING in one night. Pre-sale Tickets Sold NOW! Why pay more when you can pay less?

Don't say we didn't warn you! Doors open @ 9:00 pm.

Show starts at 9:00 pm.

The Mbar :1253 N. Vine Street Hollywood, CA 90038 visit: http://WWW.SPOKENFUNK.COM to purchase tickets.

7. Victor & Lea read in Long Beach, California!Tuesday, November 8 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm Barnes & Noble, Marina Pacifica Mall

6326 E. Pacific Coast Highway

Victor Infante, Lea C. Deschenes, Murray Thomas. Go check them out!

Whew! That's all the stuff that folks have let me know is happening so far for this week!

I'm sorry but I really don't think I left room for a poem this time either. Sorry.

BTW , Instant poetry (just add words!) is in fact one of the books that will be avalible through the Mary's bridge book Faire. they have 10 SIGNED COPIES and when theire gone there gone and you'll just have to PAY SHIPPING TOO if you want a copy of the book! Here's what Mary sent me in the note telling me she did in fact receive the books:

" Hi Larry.Wonderful news, your books arrived safely today... I had to laugh though, those ten books in such a BIG BOX!!!! LOl.... you had me giggling my head off! Then I sat down to read your book and laughed even harder... I love your book.... I hope there will be many more like this...

I love your humor and everything about the book is great! I will be sharing your book with everyone I know... I called Rob, and shared with him that the books arrived today, he went online and found your book then copied the cover to add to the book faire....
I'm sure it do well... I am going to tell Oren and a some others how i enjoyed it... I'm sure Oren will want me to send him a copy....
Thank you so much Larry for your support of our book-fare, and for being my friend and fellow bridge-mate.You are very much appreciated....Do keep in touch with me....
Best to you today and always,

Mary ps, thank you !!!!! :)" Pretty neat huh? whanna see what she was talking about? Here are the links to the book:
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.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts

http://www.biblio.com/books/454784755.html

See you at some of these and next week for sure!

The hits just keep on coming!

2011-10-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hi folks: Wow! Lots of stuff happening and I've just got to say that the Billy Collins reading last week was totally Awesome! He has now joined my list as one of the three poets who's book I would absolutely be willing to Pay money to buy . The other two are Brendan Constantine and Kitty Jospe. ( you notice my own name is not on that list! That's because even with the titles I've self published I expect to GET PAID by selling them not pay to buy them!) You can see samples of my work in previous post on this blog and I might even include one this week. We'll see . More on this later! Here's what's up:

1. Congrats to Wendy Sacks ! Here's the info:I am pleased to confirm your participation in the upcoming Arts; Cultural Council Gallery exhibition entitled, Four Artists: Cook, Keyser, Notides-Benzing, and Sacks, opening Tuesday, November 9th, and closing Wednesday, November 30th. The closing reception will take place on Wednesday, November 30th from 5 PM to 7 PM. This may seem a little early but she's also the featured artist the Rochester Arts Council's Metropolitan Magazine this month! Here's the contact info so you can get a copy!Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester, Inc. 277 North Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14607
http://www.artsrochester.org Phone: (585) 473-4000 Fax: (585) 473-4051 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM

:2. I just got this and had to post it! Hi Larry. I went to your blog today and discovered your "Instant Poetry." I'm a member of a writing group, Payson Raconteurs (in Payson, Arizona), and it occurred to me that writing such poetry as a group project might be fun, and I wish to order a copy of your book. If that can be handled through you, I would be pleased to send a check to you.
Sincerely,

Carole Emma Mathewson. !
Thanks Carole!

3. Dear authors/readers: Because of the success of the Authors/Readers group (we are now at over 3,500 members!), I partnered with a talented web designer named Ashley Farrand to create a book social network that uses genres as its central theme. The website is called GenreBuds. It has an "open book" layout, as well as many unique features to aid authors and readers in finding books and networking (eg. author pencil icons, genre bubbles/tags, virtual ribbons and gifts).

Because it's a new site, we would love to have you join it (it's free), spread the word by telling your friends on Facebook/Twitter, and help us build our online library by uploading books. Reading is a great thing that should be encouraged!

Here is the link to GenreBuds: http://www.genrebuds.com

Any help and feedback is greatly appreciated. (Feel free to email me here or on GenreBuds.)

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on the site!

Sincerely,

Vincent Lowry (Moderator) PS - If you are a blogger (or have websites/networks with several followers), please let me know. We are giving 100 extra points to members on GenreBuds who help us blog/broadcast about the new site.

4. http://marysbridge.org/events/marys-bridge-book-faire check it out!
5. Breath and shadow volume 8, Number 4 Fall 2011

In our Fall issue we feature poems by Mike Wood, Cindy Lamb, Charles
Thielman, and William Harris. There is a short story by Mark Cornell,
a tale of nursery rhyme noir by David C. Kopaska-Merkel, and Michael
Callahan reveals the government’s erroneous thinking in his essay on
sub-minimum wages for American workers who are disabled.

Our editors hope you enjoy this issue of Breath and Shadow. Please
recommend us to your friends. In this difficult economy, we are
struggling along with most non-profits. Your tax deductible donations
are essential to the work we do. Visit our web site for details. We
are also seeking submissions in all categories—please visit our
website for guidelines.

To read this issue, please visit:
www.abilitymaine.org/breath

I used to sit on the editorial board for this magazine myself! Please check them out!

6. On October 23rd (Sunday) at 1PM, Thom Ward, one of the most talented poets in the Rochester region will be reading from his recently published book of poetry,Etcetera's Mistress. He also has a number of previously published books of poetry including Small Boat With Oars Of Different Size, Various Orbits, and Matter Of The Casket. Thom is no stranger to Lift Bridge and I look forward to welcoming him back. Wine and cheese reception to follow his reading. Link with more information below...

http://www.liftbridgebooks.com/event/thom-ward-read-his-latest-book-poetry-lift-bridge

7.WORD PRESS GROUP: Based on feedback I got from many of you I'm going to try out the 4th Wednesday of the month for our meetings. That means our next meeting will be on October 26th at 7pm. You can find directions, etc. here: http://bit.ly/rocwp

There were a few people at the last meeting who wanted to learn about installing WordPress, so in the interest of starting at the beginning I'm going to do a tutorial on WordPress installation at our next meeting. If anyone is interested in having me do the installation for them as part of the tutorial just let me know! This meeting will be a great one for the beginners to attend!

For the more advanced among you: it would be great to have you there to help me out as we go through the tutorial, and I expect we'll have some time afterwards to have a more free flowing discussion.

8.Thursday, October 27, at Cary Collection, Wallace Library, RIT: Photography and Poetry book launch for "Colleagues" by John Retallack and Anne Coon. ( it also just happens to be my biological birthday! I turn 45 and I know how I'm going to celebrate!)

9. M.A.H. (Mama's American Herstory) monologues

Sunday, October 30 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Flying Squirrel Community Space

285 Clarissa Street

Rochester, NY

Starring the women of SSS, who brought you the HER show ; WOMONSTOCK: Lori Nolasco, Katrina Scott, Chan McKenzie, Lu Highsmith Jenna Rossi, Grace Flores, Jess Cohen, Diane Conway and introducing: Loekie Windig, Marsha Jones LaTasha and many others.Cost: No one will be turned away d/t lack of funds because this event is FREE!!Signed Interpreted (may or may not be provided)Wheelchair AccessibleIf you'd like more information about Mama’s American Herstory please contact Chan McKenzie for more information about C.S.W.A. please contact Diane Conway, both at c_s_w_a@yahoo.groups.com.You may also call and leave a message on the 24hr voice mail at 585-442-5432 and someone will return your call. Thank you for your support…

Culture starts with ART!

Whew! Lots of stuff again this week ! as much as I'd like to, I'm not sure if I could even possibly squezze in a poem here! Sorry! maybe next week! however, If you'd like to check out my book here are 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.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry--just-add-words--?keyword=instant+poetry+%28just+add+words%21%29&store=allproducts

http://www.biblio.com/search.php?author=&title=Chocolate+box&keyisbn=&format=&dealer_id=27786

See you next week!

Hi again! Lots more going on! see blog for info!

2011-10-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a busy week! Lyn Lifshin tomorrow, Billy Collins the next day, Michael Meyerhofer this weekend and even more going on than that! Check the last two blog posts for details on these events. Here's what's going on between today (10/12/11) and next week (10/19/11) as far as I know right now!:

1. October Milonga
Saturday, October 22 at 9:00pm - October 23 at 1:00am
Tango Cafe Dance Studio
389 Gregory St. Rochester,NY
( They have a music/poetry open mic on Mondays from 8-11 p.m. there too!) reserve your space today by calling the studio at 271-4930!

2. Holiday Fair at Custom Brew Crafters:

300 Village Square Boulevard Honeoye Falls, NY 14472-1180 (585) 624-4386

My friend Kim Pandina of Panda Wear sent me this for more info vist:
http://www.PandaWear.etsy.com/

3."BETLEM AND GEOS: MATTER AND COLOR" art opening
Davison Gallery, Roberts Wesleyan College2301 Westside Dr. (at Buffalo Rd)

Rochester, NY

4. New England Bloody Roots Music Festival
Saturday, October 22 at 12:00pm - October 23 at 2:00am
Ralph's Diner, Worcester Massachusetts

148 Grove St.

Worcester, MA

The New England Bloody Roots Music Festival is the Northeast's own heavy roots, country, folk and deep blues all day musical event featuring local and touring artists.

Bands Performing at the Festival:
(The 2011 Line up is full)

Ten Foot Polecats
Jeff Norwood
James Keyes
Geo Poor and Amy Levine
Scott Ricciuti and Pistol Whipped
The Farmer's Union Players
Jon Short
Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers
Sharks Come Cruisin'
The Sarah Levecque Band
Angry Johnny and the Killbillies

The band line up is full for the festival, but we are currently looking for Vendors and Sponsors interested in being part of the festivities.
Is that you? Email: NewEnglandBloodyRoots@gmail.com for more info on how you can join.

5. Please don't forget to register and show up!
The mutli-million dollar poetry Industry workshop
Wednesday, October 19 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm

The Creative Wellness Center

320 N. Goodman Street Suite 201 Rochester, NY 14607

More Info

This is the first of 3 work shops being sponsored by the center on behalf of the Rochester Mental Health Association. This workshop will cover the 7 basic markets in which you CAN earn a living from poetry! ( IT WILL NOT COVER THE GREETING CARD OR SONG WRITING MARKETS) which together make up
the $7.5 Billion (YES I SAID BILLION WITH A B!) DOLLAR US POETRY INDUSTRY. This workshop will be presented by "Laughing" Larry B. Aka. Mr. Lawrence R.Berger who Is both a coalition member and a nationally famous poet with over 30 years of Sales and marketing experience who has also spend 12 years and one moth( on the day of this workshop) making his living in poetry by working in all seven of these markets. In addition you'll learn part of his history as well as : The two basic poetic orientations, how to develop a venue,Local ,regional,national and global reputations and the differences between them. How to "brand" yourself as an artist/business owner and why he thinks the term brand is misused. And ( depending on time available) a demonstration of " Laughing" Larry's Instant Poetry (just add words!) writing style and of course the opportunity to get any questions you might have going in or that may come up during the workshop answered. Space is Limited so please reserve your spot as soon as possible by calling CWC office manager Samantha McLean at (585) 325-3145 ext 142 the center is open to the public from at least 10:00 am-4 Pm Monday through Friday, later for special events. See you on the 19th of October you can also register via email. visit www.cwcrochester.org for the address and please let Sam know if you need an ASL interpreter!

* Special note to LA Poet/Comedian Dana Snow: Thanks for letting me use the title my friend!

( Hey, I'm doing this one myself so you just KNOW I'm gonna push it!)

LOL! I THINK I CAN SQUEEZE IN A POEM AGAIN THIS WEEK! i'M NOT ENTIRELY SURE! BUT LETS TRY! (LOLA!)

Swamped!

By "Laughing" Larry B.

Holy Halibut! I got the reading tonight! Lyn tomorow! Billy C. and Greg Taylor and crew on Wednesdays and clients all week!

When the heck am I gonna have time to write? Poetry takes time to develop! each letter of each word must be painstakingly puzzled out !

Not to mention just which words will go in which stanza? These things take time! and...

Whoa! Hold on there a second!

This is My Poetry we're talking about here!

the guy who does

Poetry improv in 30 seconds or less

Who has done this for a living for over 12 years now and reguarly gets favioable comparisons to Legends like Whitman , Dali and Bly!

Whew! I almost forgot !

I guess I had time to write at least one poem this week huh? (lola!)

Yay! I did it! If you like this poem check out the books! here are the links:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Instant+Poetry&x=0&y=0

http://www.biblio.com/books/454784755.html

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry--just-add-words--?keyword=instant+poetry+%28just+add+words%21%29&store=

see you next time!

This week is Yom Kippur 2011 too!

2011-10-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi folks: Lots of stuff again this week! Let's get to it shall we?
This week is Yom Kippur 2011 too!
1.SUPERGROOVE:w/ INSTAGON, CROSSING THE RIVER, & CHIKADING! plus DJ Erockb Saturday, October 15 at 9:00pm - October 16 at 12:00am

Vega's

910 2nd Street

Sacramento, CA

the monthly happening is happening and you can be there when it happens!

THEE INSTAGON FOUNDATION brings you SUPERGROOVE
a monthly night for ADULTS WHO LIKE TO GROOVE

This installment brings us the furious funky sounds of CROSSING THE RIVER.. Sir Derek Everett, his pocket trumpet, and his band of merry men will take you on their journey with them! also laying down the heavy riff worship will be the INSTAGON ritual.. Starting the night off will be the fantastic fusion freakout called CHIKADING!.. ALSO spinning all night will be DJ Erockb (from SAMMIE winning band E2) gonna be a hella funky fun night of SUPERGROOVE!!

21+
$5 cover

TAPERS WELCOME

INSTAGON SESSION #583 scheduled players:
LOB
JONATHAN BAFUS
+ TBA

2. http://www.indiegogo.com/Poetry-Festival-Santa-Cruz check for details!

3..Greetings!

          I wanted to pass on to you and ask your help in letting others know about two poetry readings that will be taking place at Lift Bridge Book Shop during the month of October...

           First, on October 14th (Friday) at 7PM, Michael Meyerhofer will be reading from his most recently published chapbook of poetry, Pure Elysium  which won the 2011Palettes & Quills Chapbook Contest. Michael has also published books of poetry including Blue Collar Elegies, Damnatio Memoriae, and Clay Shaper's Husband Poems. Link with more information below...

        http://www.liftbridgebooks.com/event/michael-meyerhofer-poetry-reading-arranged-just-poets-rochester

2. Second, on October 23rd (Sunday) at 1PM, Thom Ward, one of the most talented poets in the Rochester region will be reading from his recently published book of poetry,Etcetera's Mistress. He also has a number of previously published books of poetry including Small Boat With Oars Of Different Size, Various Orbits, and Matter Of The Casket. Thom is no stranger to Lift Bridge and I look forward to welcoming him back. Wine and cheese reception to follow his reading. Link with more information below...

         http://www.liftbridgebooks.com/event/thom-ward-read-his-latest-book-poetry-lift-bridge

          Both events are free and open to the public and will include a question/answer period and book purchasing/signing opportunity.

                Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

                 Also RSVP is NOT required, but appreciated if you are able-

                 Look forward to seeing you at one or hopefully both events!

                              Joe

4.Rhapsodomancy Announces the Writers Reading at the 7th Anniversary of the Series

Sunday, October 16, 2011

BERNARD COOPER
ELOISE KLEIN HEALY
DAVID HERNANDEZ

Sunday, October 16, 2011
Doors open at 7:00pm - Reading begins at 7:30pm
The Good Luck Bar, 1514 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, 90027 (east Hollywood/Silver Lake: corner of Hollywood & Hillhurst)
21 and over only.
$3 suggested donation at door. There will be a cash bar.
http://www.rhapsodomancy.org

5. Our next meeting The Word Press User's Group: will be on October 26th at 7pm. You can find directions, etc. here: http://bit.ly/rocwp

6. Lyn Lifshin Poetry Reading

Tuesday, October 11 · 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Bamboo Room of the Campus Center at RIT

90 Lomb Memorial Drive

Rochester, NY

Distinguished poet and editor of four anthologies of women's writing, Lyn Lifshin has been called "the Queen of the Small Presses." She is the subject of a documentary film called "Lyn Lifshin: Not Made of Glass."

http://www.lynlifshin.com/

7. Dave's Officially Official Book Release Party Saturday, October 15 · 8:00pm - 10:00pmArtlife Gallery

El Segundo, CA 2008-I Park Place

Finally! We've been able to reschedule the shindig! And boy is it gonna be a good one! We've got Brenda Petrakos" ,Mr. Electricity" Jim Bolt and Brendan Constantine doing their own awesome takes on my poetry. We've got totally uniquely artified books, namely my new chapbook, Other, decorated in a handmade, DIY kinda way by me and the beautiful Cat! We've got music from me and my friends Duke; Ronnie! We've got food type snacks from the Cat as well! Also working on some other surprises and fun stuff so stay tuned!

8. 2011 iWPS Day Events!!

Friday, October 14 at 11:00am - October 15 at 5:00pm

I need yall to be ready for ALL the Day events about to jump off at iWPS:

Oct. 14th: 11am- 1pm Writing workshop
11am- 1pm Performance Workshop
12pm - 1pm LGBT Open Mic
1pm - 3pm Beauty vs. Brawn
3pm - 4pm Bad Poetry lol gotta be there

; other fallen soldiers)

4pm - 5pm Remembrance ( Dedication to Will Da Real One

Oct. 15th: 11am - 1pm Youth Slam (winner opens for Finals Stage)
1pm - 3pm Head to Head Haiku
3pm - 5pm Volunteer Open Mic (gotta show love)
3pm - 5pm Hip Hop Open Mic

All Day Events admission is $3 for each event!! What a Bargain!!!

Whew! Like I said , lot's of stuff this week. Here's a short poem ( I Think I can squeeze it in!) :

Life gets busy sometimes!

By "Laughing" Larry B.

There are only 24 hours in a day!

And normaly we spend at least 8 sleeping.

that leaves only 16 to get everything done!

No wonder everybody is always playing catch up.

Still ,it might be nice to use mustard every once in a while!

Neat huh? if you like that then check out the books! here are the links!

http://www.biblio.com/books/454784755.html

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/instant-poetry?keyword=instant+poetry&store=allproducts

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Instant+Poetry&x=0&y=0

and don't forget about the workshop on the 19th ! space is limited! reserve your spot now!
once again, here are the details:

The mutli-million dollar poetry Industry workshop

Wednesday, October 19 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm

The Creative Wellness Center

320 N. Goodman Street Suite 201 Rochester, NY 14607

Rochester, NY

This is the first of 3 work shops being sponsored by the center on behalf of the Rochester Mental Health Association. This workshop will cover the 7 basic markets in which you CAN earn a living from poetry! ( IT WILL NOT COVER THE GREETING CARD OR SONG WRITING MARKETS) which together make up
the $7.5 Billion (YES I SAID BILLION WITH A B!) DOLLAR US POETRY INDUSTRY. This workshop will be presented by "Laughing" Larry B. Aka. Mr. Lawrence R.Berger who Is both a coalition member and a nationally famous poet with over 30 years of Sales and marketing experience who has also spend 12 years and one moth( on the day of this workshop) making his living in poetry by working in all seven of these markets. In addition you'll learn part of his history as well as : The two basic poetic orientations, how to develop a venue,Local ,regional,national and global reputations and the differences between them, how to "brand" yourself as an artist/business owner and why he thinks the term is misused. And ( depending on time available) a demonstration of " Laughing" Larry's Instant Poetry (just ad words!) writing style and of course the opportunity to get any questions you might have going in or that may come up during the workshop answered. Space is Limited so please reserve your spot as soon as possible by calling CWC office manager Samantha McLean at (585) 325-3145 ext 142 the center is open to the public from at least 10:00 am-4 Pm Monday through Friday, later for special events. see you on the 19th of OctoberYou can also register via email. visit www.cwcrochester.org for the address and please let Sam know if you need an ASL interpreter!

* Special note to LA Poet/Comedian Dana Snow: Thanks for letting me use the title my friend!

see you there ! and see you next week!