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

Happy May (Part 4)

Hi folks: Let's get right to it, okay?

1. POP every Wed. night Hollywood Studio Bar and Grill 6122 Sunset Blvd (Sunset & Gower)Hollywood, CA Doors open at 7:30 pm Show starts at 8:00 pm $5.00 cover. Details: http://www.facebook.com/pepleofpoetry



2. http://www.indiegogo.com/Support-Juren-Poetris-Wife-in-getting-an-Adult-Stem-cell-Transplant click for info.






3. I was interviewed for the Chicago, IL based inspiration project. I've been told it should be up on the site by tomorrow. They use graphic not pictures which is fine by me. Just look for Lawrence Berger on the site. It's supposed to be up by Tuesday at the latest. Here's the link: www.getinspiredproject2.com.


4. CWC Authors night! Written or Spoken Word. Open to all! Friday June 3 rd. 2011 6-9 p.m. EDT


Creative Wellness Coalition 320 N. Goodman Street Suite 201 Rochester, NY 14607


Phone: 585.325.3145 ext.119 come one come all! http://www.cwcrochester.org/




5. http://poetrysuperhighway.com/ is looking for sponsors for a summer contest. Visit  sponsor the 2011 poetry contest page for details.




Well, that's enough for now!  Here’s this week’s poem:

Better Days

By “Laughing” Larry Berger

Summer is coming
The snow has melted (FINALY)!
Words flow like rain in a fountain
Champagne anyone?




Swimming through the dictionary
I dip my pen in a dangling participle
Hang a left at a verb
and find my way home






Neat huh? Here's the links for the books:






1. www.turnermaxwellbooks.com/The%20Entitlement%20Manuscript.htm






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






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






See you next week!

HAPPY MAY ( PART 3)

Hi folks: Well, another week has come and gone ( Boy, it sure moves fast these days doesn't it?)Here's some things that are going on:

1. Sunday, June 5, 2011, 7:30 pm: 2 Flutists, 2 Pianists and a Poet: Alice Pero, Lois P. Jones, Sheila Zimmermann, Valeria Morgovskaya and special guest, Mario Feninger perform Bach, Honegger, Sancan, Feninger & amp; Jones Brand Recital Hall 601 West Mountain Street Glendale, California 91201-1200 818-548-2051 Free (donation accepted)

2. Arthur Catalanello will be making a free presentation at the Penfield Public Library on June 14th, discussing how to use social media as a job search tool. Advance registration is required (registration begins May 31st for Penfield residents and June 7th for all others).
http://events.linkedin.com/Social-Media-Job-Search/pub/665521


3. Authors day, June 3, 2011: the June "First Friday Event" at the Creative Wellness Center :
Creative Wellness Coalition,320 N. Goodman Street Suite 201 Rochester, NY 14607 ( Directly across the parking lot from The Village Gate Center . Phone: 585.325.3145 ext.119 ask for Sam or Laurie or visit: http://www.cwcrochester.org/ for directions and details.

4.http://www.sparringwithbeatnikghosts.com/Triple_Spar.html June4-6th 2011. Visit site for details.


5. Rochester Poets Monthly Workshop: 1:30 (Ish) P.M.-4:30-5:00 P.M. EDT . Bring 1-3 poems for comments and feedback and a note pad in case we do some "free writing”. Located in the Gallery at High Falls: 60 Browns Race in Rochester, NY's High Falls District. Email: sns1@msn.com or call :(585)260-9005 for directions and details.


6.  http://www.schizothefilm.com/ My Mentor Christian Elder wrote and is planning to direct this project as soon as the financing is in place. You can back the film too if you want! Positions start for as little as $1.00 and you can claim "producers credit" with a position of $10,000 or more. See site for details.



7. While we're on the subject my old friend, mentor and first poetry "teacher" James "Boomer" Maverick does a show called the 9th level on Tuesday Nights from 7-9 P.M. PDT (10:00p.m.-1:00am EDT) for a station called http://www.killradio.org/ It's Jazz, "hip/hop" R&B and Poetry all mixed into a blend that really does put you in an altered state. Log on and give it a listen and you'll see what I mean. ( Oh, by the way, the show used to be called "De Joyn't" and may still be listed that way on the Killradio masthead. so look for the old name too in case you have any trouble finding it.)



8. Speaking of Radio programs: My New friend Doug Curry does a show called "Blacks and Blues" Here's the link: http://www.wrur.org/program/blacks-and-blues I'm not sure if it can be heard Nationally Like Boomer's show or not but it IS on line too. Check it out and let me know. It airs locally in Rochester, NY on Fridays 9pm-Saturday 12am on WXXI RAIDO WRUR 88.5


Whew! Lots of stuff this time! I guess I'm going to need that carpal tunnel work after all! LOL! Anyway, I don't really think I can fit a poem in here this week but here are the book links:


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


or

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


and:

http://www.turnermaxwellbooks.com/The%20Entitlement%20Manuscript.htmVisit the Amazon link if you want to check out reviews.


See you next time!

Happy May 2011 (part two)

Hi folks: I hope y'all had a happy Mother's Day! ( Did you give your Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Cousin or anyone else you can think of who might qualify a big hug from me too? THANK YOU!)



Here’s this week’s update:



1. There's a UK based Magazine that is currently accepting submissions from around the globe (as long as they are writen in the English language of course!) This may not seem like exciting news but I found out their turn- around time between receiving the submissions and getting the writer a notice of acceptance/rejection is only SIX WEEKS! ( After 17 years of helping people get published, trying to publish my own work, and working with no less than 15 companies whose sole business is helping writers get their submissions to publishers and magazines around the world that the ACROSS THE BOARD AVERAGE TIME FOR THIS IS FOUR MONTHS TO A YEAR!) So of course I just had to check it out! Especially since the writer who first told me about the publication did so by stating that the magazine had not only accepted her work but had actually PUBLISHED FOUR OF THIER POEMS WITHIN THE SPAN OF FOUR MONTHS and I had absolutely never heard of any one getting in that fast! I even went as far as to send them an email asking if they were in some way related to the editor or publisher. They wrote back telling me these had in point of fact been " blind submissions" and she had no previous connection to the publisher whatsoever. "Hearing" this I ABOSOLUTLY HAD to ask them for the web site and check out this publisher! They sent it to me and I found out that the magazine has been around for about 100 years and they Do produce a quality publication! The writer I mentioned and the others they published (I did not ask for permission to use their name before writing this blog which is why I have not and can't do so! Sorry!) Easily deserve Pushcart Prizes and other awards for their work! It REALLY is that good. (It kind of makes me a little scared to submit my own work to the magazine. I don't really consider my work in print to be on that level, even the stuff I AM willing to submit.) Anyway, after all that, here's the link:



http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/masquepublishing/decanto.html



Check them out for yourself!



Whew! I have more but I got a little long winded there! Sorry LOL!



Anyway, here's a short poem for you (incidentally, feel free to comment on any of the poems or anything else posted on this blog! You can leave the comments here or go to the "about me" section of the blog, get the address and send me a direct e-mail! Let me know if you think it’s good enough to submit! ) Here's the poem:

Shoeshine

By “Laughing" Larry Berger

Underdog proved worthy


So did “The Spawn"


Sometimes we find our heroes


In the unlikeliest of places.


I think I watch too much TV.





LOL!






If you like that here are the links to 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



Or



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



Enjoy!


See you next week!

Happy May, 2011

Hi folks: Well, we did it! We survived "Word Season!" ( March 21st-April 30th in case you forgot. YAY!!!!!!!!!!) Can you believe that 2011 is already almost half over? Lots of stuff happening! Here are the highlights:


1. Creative Wellness Center's May-Art Show Opening: Location 320 N. Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14607 : These folks have over 150 galleries in the area and provide showcase opportunities for both new and established artist as well as workshops and convention opportunities. Come check them out! Friday, May 6th 2011, 6-9:30 P.M.

2. Thursday, May 5 ,2011 • 8:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Fanatic Salon 3815 Sawtelle Blvd.
Culver City, California. Created by Peter Coca Just below Venice Blvd. Tix $10 Produced by Jack Fry Tales from the Little Apple-Peter Coca, Last of the Knott's - Don Knott: Peter is one of the best character actors currently working in LA. I'm proud to call him both my mentor and friend. If you've never experienced Peter Coca before come and check him out! If you have, THEN YOU'LL KNOW WHAT YOU 'LL BE MISSING IF YOU DON'T SHOW UP! If I still lived in LA I'd be there in a heartbeat! You should go too. and as a special bonus you get Don Knott one of the original "Carma Bums" He's more of a satirist poet ( Think Woody Allen, Andy Kaufman Etc.) whereas Peter is more of a storyteller, monologist ( Walt Whitman, Sir Alec Guinness, Patrick Stewart, ( Capt. Jean Luc Picard for those uneducated among you.) Tennessee Williams Etc.)



3. Just found out about a new call in poetry radio show based out of Chicago, Il called P.O.E.T ( People of Extreme Talent) www.talkshoe.com hosted by Tony Briscoe . Sundays for "Soul and Devotional Poetry" Mondays Anything Goes. Archived shows are available as samples on the web site. Check them out. Shows run 8-9 P. M. EDT.


4. After a 17 year relationship and doing literally hundreds of dollars of business together and dozens of submissions I finally got published by the Poetry Super Highway as one of the 23 poets selected for their special Yom Hashoa ( Holocaust Remembrance Day) Edition as Poets of the Week. In fairness , I know that the site is getting hits from all over the world and after 17 years in existence had become the "gold standard" of poetry related web sites. The web master is a guy by the name of Rick Lupert and like I said I've known and worked with him for years and I know he gets an average of 500 submissions a week and normally only choses two poets as the weekly features. He does look at all submissions personally and does this in his off hours when he's not spending time with his family , working as a Rabbi teaching the youth members of one of the biggest Temples in LA , hosting his reading , or working on his own poetry. It may take him a while to get to your submission but I can promise that eventually he WILL at least look at it! Like most things persistence pays off! Thanks again Rick! . You can check out the issue as the "current installment" through May 8th 2011 and in the Archives forever after that. Here’s the web site: http://www.poetrysuperhighway.com/





5. Because of my "trade name" ( I'm best known as "Laughing" Larry Berger in case you’re wondering , feel free to Goggle me!) I found out that not only was May 1, 2011 Holocaust Remberance Day, but it was also the first ever World Laughing Day as sponsored by Sweden's Laughing Yoga Society. Apparently the group does really exist! Here's the web site :http://www.laughteryoga.org/


Go fig?


Whew! My hands are starting to cramp so I guess I'd better stop! LOL


Sorry no poem this week. Here's the links for my 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

 
See you next week !