Saturday, April 30, 2011

Can’t Stop Now! by John Yamrus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Can’t Stop Now!
136 pages
$17.50

ISBN: 978-1-926860-06-0
Epic Rites Press, 2011


Exterior by Pablo Vision

Can’t Stop Now! is the eighteenth poetry collection by acclaimed author John Yamrus – whose career has spanned more than four decades.

When asked about “endurance,” John replied “I’ve always considered myself to be a lunch pail kind of writer… one who goes to work every day and no matter what, manages to get the job done.”
outside my window
the neighbor’s
cutting his
grass,
the guy
across the street
is hosing down
his driveway
and there’s a kid
going up and
down the
block,
hanging flyers
on mailboxes.
that’s just
the kind of day it is…
nothing
out of the ordinary.
nothing
memorable.
just like
this
poem.
but, it all still
needs to be
done.
the flyers,
the driveway,
the grass,
and,
most especially,
this poem.
i’m pretty
sure
that’s the
way
it
works.
Since the release of his first book in 1970, John’s work has been published in hundreds of magazines, taught at both the high school and university levels, and translated into numerous languages.

The cover of Can’t Stop Now!, by the great multi-media artist Pablo Vision, depicts a 17th century perpetual motion machine – symbolic of John’s remarkably consistent body of work.

“Two major qualities prevail in Yamrus’ recent work: economy and punch. No word is unnecessary or out of place; the timing is impeccable; and, most difficult of all, the endings hit just the right balance of summation, revelation, and surprise.” – Gerald Locklin, author of Charles Bukowski: A Sure Bet

When asked about the economy of his poetry, John remarked:

“I think the hardest thing for a writer to learn is what NOT to say. Writers want to talk and talk and talk in their work and show their readers how good they are. Flashy. That’s not me. I don’t want to impress my readers with bells and whistles. I want to hit them over the head with blood and guts and bone. I don’t want to create an unreality. People can’t relate to that. I want to give them something more. I want to give them something that they know and lead them into thinking something a little deeper about it.”
every year
someone
sends me
an entry form
for the local
Poet Laureate competition.
unable
to throw the thing out,
but unwilling to co-operate,
i take ten minutes
and fill out the form,
sending in
the required
number of entries,
all the while
making sure
that each and every poem
is about hemorrhoids,
a hair on the tip of my nose,
bad breath
or my dog
taking a dump in the yard.
i know the poems
won’t be what they want,
but they
just might be
precisely
what they
need.
When asked about the longevity of his work and how he’s managed to hold onto the fire for over four decades, John replied:

“I think habit plays a certain part in it. Like you said, I’ve been doing this for a long, long time, and it’s just something I’m used to. Old habits like this are hard to break, especially when you’re having as much fun at it as I am. I get a kick out of those aspiring writers who sit around waiting for inspiration. Man, if you can’t look around you, every day, and find something to inspire you, then you’d better pick a different line of work.”

“I read John’s newest book to the end in one sitting, then began rereading. His words get in your head… you can’t stop with one poem, that simply won’t do. It’s like a bag of your favorite flavor of potato chips or that first beer on Friday night after a damn hard week. You sink in to this book and devour it, you savor it. You sit back and wonder… why haven’t I written that before?” – Diana Rose, Write And Radio
doing
something simple,
but making it
perfect,
can often be
a thing of
beauty.
today,
i watered,
pruned
and re-arranged
our potted plants,
and
then,
i thought
of
you.

Can’t Stop Now! by acclaimed author John Yamrus is the work of a master craftsman. This is how poetry was meant to be read: lean, stripped of pretension, pared down to muscle and bone.
AVAILABLE NOW FROM SMALL PRESS DISTRIBUTION

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Jorge Macchi


Argentine visual artist Jorge Macchi produces work in various forms such as videos, sculptures, and installations. According to his web site, "he lives and works at Buenos Aires."

He will be featured at the 'Music Stands Still’ exhibition at S.M.A.K. which is running from April 30 to September 18, 2011.

Personally, I find his short videos entertaining.

Tree Killer Ink #10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tree Killer Ink #10 features new poetry by John Yamrus, Wolfgang Carstens, Nahshon Cook, Rob Plath, William Taylor Jr. and Lyn Lifshin; prose by John Macker, Rob Dyer, Marie Lecrivain, John Dorsey, A. Molotkov, R L Raymond, Zack Wilson, and Erik “The Lizardman” Sprague.
The first twenty-five orders also include the Spring 2011 edition of Trash & Crackers (PigeonBike). The issue features poetry by Jhon Baker, Wolfgang Carstens, Emanuelle Catagena, Murphy Clamrod, Jack Cooper, Lawrence Gladeview, Michael Grover, Richard Hartwell, Lynne Hayes, Edaurdo Jones, Tiko Lewis, Milner Place, Rob Plath, David Pointer, R L Raymond, Rick Stansberger, Jack Varnell and John Yamrus; prose by Lynn Doiron, Rob Dyer, Lavonne Westbrooks, and CC Yurkoski; art and images by Rob Dyer, R L Raymond, Jack Varnell and Nicholas Rocco.

The first twenty-five orders of Tree Killer Ink #10 also includes a limited edition broadside printed on Parchtone paper, numbered and signed by the author.

$6.50.

http://www.epicrites.org/tree-killer-ink.html

Monday, April 25, 2011

Local Honey at The Village Idiot

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 9:30 pm there will be performances by Jason Quick and Local Honey at The Village Idiot. Local Honey is comprised of band members Joe Sneider on vibraphone, Vytas Nagisetty on guitar, and Steve Knurek on upright bass.

The Village Idiot is located at 309 Conant Street, Maumee, Ohio.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Call for Art – Theme “Nature” – Apply Now – Deadline May, 29, 2011



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces a Juried Competition with the theme “Nature” in which 2D artists (Including Photography & Excluding Video) from around the world are called upon to make online submissions for inclusion into the Gallery’s June 2011 online group exhibition.

Light Space & Time encourages entries from all 2D artists regardless of where they reside and regardless of their experience or education in the art field.

A group exhibition of the top five finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery during the month of June 2011. Awards will be for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. In addition, 2 artists will be recognized with Honorable Mention awards. Depending on the amount and the quality of the entries there may also be Special Recognition awards posted as well. The theme for the May art competition is “Nature”. The submission process and the deadline end on May 29, 2011.

Winners of the Nature Exhibition will receive extensive publicity in the form of email marketing, 70+ press release announcements, social media marketing and website traffic in order to make the art world aware of the artist’s accomplishments.  There will also be links back to the artist’s website as part of this achievement.

All winners will be selected, announced and featured on the Light Space & Time website on June 1, 2011 and remain online in the gallery through June 30, 2011. Thereafter, the artworks will remain online in the Light Space & Time Archives with links to the artist’s websites. 

Artists give us your best Nature art now.  Submit Here:  http://www.lightspacetime.com/ - Deadline May 29, 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ada Limón


Ada Limón is an American poet that was born in Somona, California on March 28, 1976. So far, she has three poetry collections and two chapbooks in print.

In the You Tube video, "Ada Limón in Conversation" that I posted, Ada compares the modern day poet to a button collector in that someone else might not get why you are passionate about it as a hobby- cool perspective....

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

VOCAL INKorporated features poet Tribal Raine on blogtalkradio

On Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Tribal Raine will be the featured guest of VOCAL INKorporated during their show titled 'Vocality' on blogtalkradio. According to the information posted on VOCAL INKorporated's blogtalkradio site, it will be a time to "discuss life, love, and her incredible artistic career as a poet/performer/spoken word artist".

If you prefer to call in to participate, the telephone number is 347-857-3476. Join a creative conversation from the comfort of your home and help keep the arts alive!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Dzanc Books to Launch eBook rEprint Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2011 – Ann Arbor, MI— Dzanc Books is excited to announce our new electronic rEprint Series. In conjunction with our traditional publishing of new works in both print and electronic form, Dzanc is now set to publish great works ofliterary fiction that have recently gone out of print.  These works will be offered back to the reading public in the form of eBook titles available on all eReaders, including Kindle, Nook, Sony, Cybook, Jetbook and all others. As with all of our eBooks, the author royalty rate on the titles in our rEprint series is 50%.

The first batch of Dzanc rEprint titles will appear in the next two months and include:  Pinckney Benedict’s short story collection, Town Smokes; Noy Holland’s short story collection, The Spectacle of the Body; Brian Kiteley’s novel, Still Life With Insects; Patricia Lear’s short story collection, Stardust, 7-Eleven, Route 57, A&W, and So Forth; two of David Lynn’s books; a trio of Michael Martone’s short story collections; and Michael Hickins’ short story collection, The Actual Adventures of Michael Missing.  We are currently in discussions regarding hundreds of other fantastic titles that we will be announcing in the near future.

Continuing with our commitment to publish great works of new literary fiction in both traditional print and electronic form, Dzanc is proud to add this new rEprint series to our roster.  The titles that are published under our rEprint arm will also be available through our eBook Club, which distributes a different eBook title on the first of every month at an incredibly low rate to members.  When joining the Dzanc eBook Club, members also receive 5 new books free.  Dzanc’s eBooks are designed in house, and as noted, work on all formats, ensuring that they look exactly the way they are supposed to on all reading machines.

Dzanc’s eBook titles are available both at our websiteand distributed by Constellation, the digital management arm of Consortium Book Sales and Distribution, LLC, which makes them available through all standard retail outlets, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

About Dzanc Books

Dzanc Books was created in 2006 to advance great writing and to impact communities nationally with our efforts to advance literary readership and our advocacy of creative writing workshops and readings.  As a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, Dzanc Books not only publishes literary fiction, but works in partnership with literary journals to advance their readership at every level. Dzanc is also fully committed to developing educational programs in schools.

For more information on Dzanc Books and its mission, imprints, books, authors, awards, and programs, please visit www.dzancbooks.org.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Gabrielle Calvocoressi



Gabrielle Calvocoressi is the author of two collections of poetry, "The Last Time I Saw Amelia Earhart" and "Apocalyptic Swing". You can listen to her read some of her poetry on the Fishouse web site.

Surviving Love in the Midst of Empty Pockets

FJ Carter will be hosting a talk on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ about the topic of surviving in a relationship in the midst of layoffs and job losses. For more information on this event, you can check out the Facebook page for it.

The show will air on Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. In order to participate, you can either click on the web site for the show or call in at (619) 789-6819.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Red Fez Publications Releases 33rd Issue Online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEZLANDIA. Wednesday, April 13, 2011 – Red Fez Publications has just released Issue #33. Monthly issues are published online on the 13th of each month.
Featured in this issue is the column of Paul Corman-Roberts, “Dispatches from Atlantis”. Going from Vegas to Cali can’t be that hard, right? Maybe if there’s not any warlocks out for you– Winning!

In the Articles and Reviews section you will find a strange and informative non-fiction piece, “Art History” by Anthony Spaeth along with three new book reviews.

David Blaine (the poet, not the magician) brings us a video called “Vitamin Water” and Leopold McGinnis (our founding editor and awesome benefactor) gives us a groove-daddy listen to one of the poems from his recent collection “Zeus and the Giant Iced Tea”.

There’s a special on appendages in the Photos department with images from Eleanor Leonne Bennett and Marvic Adecer clocks in with a comic we can all relate to.

Red Fez is pleased to present poetry by first-time contributors Todd Cirillo, Richard Cody, Melissa Studdard, Miguel Caldas, Dan Smith, Greg Peters, Catfish McDaris, James D. Quinton, Alexander J. Allison, Damian Rivera, R L Raymond, Stacy Skolnik, Sweta Srivastava Vikram, Jason Ryberg, Valery Oisteanu, Gillian Prew, and Melissa Hansen as well as new poems by returning contributors Rebecca Schumejda, John Dorsey, Alan Catlin, Simon Friel, Mather Schneider, James H. Duncan, John Rocco, and John Grochalski.

Nathan Graziano returns to the stories section with two flash fiction pieces and Bill McLaughlin is back with the second installment in the six-part series, “Breakfast and a Cigarette, A Novella in Four Directions”. The other talented authors included in this section are William Taylor Jr., F. N. Wright, J. Claudius Cloyd, Kenneth Weene, Tom Andrews, Andy Henion, Jon Beight, and Paula Sophia Schonauer.

For more information visit http://redfez.net/

About Red Fez Publications:

Established in 2002 and founded by Leopold McGinnis, Red Fez Publications is an Independent publisher committed to bringing recognition to underground and under-recognized writers and artists. Red Fez publishes an online literary journal featuring literature and art outside of the narrow, academic stream and has published over 350 authors from around the world. Poems and short stories that have first appeared on Red Fez have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, storySouth Million Writers Award, Sundress Publications Best of the Net and Dzanc Books Best of the Web.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Karin Sander's solo show at Neuer Berliner Kunstverein


Karin Sander, is a contemporary artist that focuses on creating art out of everyday acts such as throwing trash away. At her most recent exhibit, which is running from March 5, 2011 through May 1, 2011 at Neuer Berliner Kunstverein, her art work on display is trash falling through the ceiling that lands on the floor in a sculpture like form. Cool concept!

Upcoming art class at FUZED, Kilnformed Glass Studio

On Thursday, April 14, 2011, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, there will be a glass pendant class at FUZED, Kilnformed Glass Studio. This is a great opportunity to make a spring themed pendant out of dichroic glass.

FUZED, Kilnformed Glass Studio is located at 114 W. South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 (it is around the back of the Dollar General store).

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Artomatic Film Event: Bad Dads Screening with Derek Westerman

On Friday, April 15, 2011, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, there will be a reception for Derek Westerman at the Blarney Bullpen on Huron Street. Special screenings of the short film series "Bad Dads" featuring Michael Cera, which was recently released by Westerman, a cash bar and a chance to ask him questions will make it an exciting night out on the town.

The admission is $5.00 and all of the proceeds will directly benefit the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo.

This event is being sponsored by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo and the Toledo Free Press Star.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Fran Lebowitz's new film "Public Speaking"


I watched the movie, "Public Speaking", the other night and it was intellectually stimulating to listen to Fran Lebowitz's insights into modern culture. My favorite quote from the movie is "There are too many books, the books are terrible and this is because you have been taught to have self-esteem."

Peregrine and Microdot perform for Miserable City

On Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 8:00 pm there will be live performances by local bands Microdot and Peregrine at Mickey Finn's Pub. The performances will be part of the "Miserable City...you're in good company" project which is being led by Justajunkie Films producer Tim Ide, Megan Bremer and Toby Fey.

Microdot band members: Nathan Mattimoe, Ben Langlois, Russell M Jones, and Alan Leizerman.

Peregrine band members: Dan Kosmider, Kenny Poupard, Chad Morgan, and Javier Rodriguez.

For more information on the event, check out the Miserable City...you're in good company web site.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Artist Tyree Guyton helps homeless in Detroit


Tyree Guyton has transformed social issues into art that is designed to give back to the community. According to the biography posted on his web site, he is "as an urban environmental artist. He has waged a personal war on urban blight on Detroit's East Side, transforming his neighborhood into a living indoor/outdoor art gallery. Through his art, Guyton has drawn attention to the plight of Detroit’s forgotten neighborhoods and spurred discussion and action."

His most recent project, Street Folk, has been awarded a $25,000 Artist Fellowship and he has received approximately 10,000 donated shoes which have been used in it. It is wonderful that he uses his art both to help others in need and  to bring beauty to abandoned buildings.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

An Evening of Music with Tony Benn at the Claddagh Irish Pub

On Sunday, April 17, 2011, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, there will be an evening of music with singer/songwriter Tony Benn at the Claddagh Irish Pub. He is from Miltown Malbay Co. Clare, Ireland and his career began in the 90s while singing and playing with various grunge and folk bands.
 
In 2005, one of his collaborations, "Exploding Marmalade", was the winner of the new bands competition at the Temple Bar. He has also been featured on the Irish Top 30 list. Recently, he has been touring all of the
Claddagh Irish Pubs.
 
Come on out and see his one night only performance in Toledo! The Claddagh Irish Pub is located at 5001 Monroe Street,Toledo, OH 43623-3627
.
 
 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Ansel Adams sharing his inspiration


Here is a cool video of Ansel Adams, a famous American photographer and environmentalist, being interviewed a year before his death....

Boone's Dock Press Open Call for Submissions

Are you looking for somewhere to submit your most recent work of fiction? Boone’s Dock Press recently announced an open call for submissions of short fiction, novellas and novels.
 
According to their Facebook page, they are not limiting it "to a specific subject matter, or sub-genre; instead, we seek fiction that demonstrates artistic vision through quality. Whether a writer’s work is innovative and visionary, or superbly executed in a fashion that is tried and true, we will publish what we see as being exceptional literary work in any style. Writers should visit www.boonesdockpress.com for guidelines. The call for submissions is open to all writers in all locations until further notice."

Monday, April 4, 2011

Suheir Hammad


Suheir Hammad, a Palestinian-American poet and activist, was born in Amman, Jordan on October 25, 1973. Her parents were Palestinian refugees. When she was five years old, her family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York City.

Some of the books she has written are 'Born Palestinian,Born Black' , 'Breaking Poems', 'Drops of This Story', and 'ZaatarDiva'. Her words are powerful.....

The Academy of American Poets Announces 30 Guest Poets on Twitter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, April 2, 2011 — In April, the Academy of American Poets will launch a month-long series of guest poets featured on its streaming Twitter feed. Throughout each day during National Poetry Month, a selected poet will have 24 hours to post his or her daily insights before passing the baton.

Users are invited to follow the Academy of American Poets on Twitter to keep up-to-date on the latest poetry posts online at: http://twitter.com/POETSorg

Guest tweeters include

4/1 D.A. Powell
4/2 Dawn Lundy Martin
4/3 Noelle Kocot
4/4 Richard Siken
4/5 Jennifer Chang
4/6 Joshua Clover
4/7 J. Michael Martinez
4/8 Mark Bibbins
4/9 Jenn Knox
4/10 Randall Mann
4/11 CAConrad
4/12 Ada Limon
4/13 Graham Foust
4/14 Evie Shockley
4/15 Jen Bervin
4/16 Ken Chen
4/17 Sherwin Bitsui
4/18 Noah Eli Gordon
4/19 Ronaldo Wilson
4/20 Nate Pritts
4/21 Danielle Pafunda
4/22 Amy King
4/23 Ching-in Chen
4/24 John Gallaher
4/25 Srikanth Reddy
4/26 Jericho Brown
4/27 Gabrielle Calvocoressi
4/28 Kazim Ali
4/29 Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon
4/30 Dorothea Lasky


Press release provided by Small Press Center.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Ai Weiwei



Ai Weiwei is a hardcore Chinese artist and activist who is not afraid to be outspoken in his criticism of the ruling Communist Party in China. He definitely stands up for his beliefs with what he produces through his creative efforts.

According to an article titled "Chinese Authorities Detain Outspoken Artist" in the Wall Street Journal's Digital Network/ Asia News, dated April 3, 2011, he was detained today "as he tried to board a flight from Beijing to Hong Kong, making him the latest target of a sustained clampdown on dissent that is raising concern among many Western governments." 

He is truly inspirational.

Red Fez Publications Announces New Book Series: Red Reader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ILLINOIS, USA. Sunday, April 3, 2011 –Red Fez Publications is pleased to announce the upcoming publication of “Red Reader #1”, the first in a series of print publications aimed at promoting the work of underground and under-recognized writers and artists.

In conjunction with Lit Vision Press, Red Fez Publications will release a limited print edition of “Red Reader #1” on August 6, 2011.  This collection of poetry, prose and art provides readers with a wide range of topics, styles and themes and includes work from fourteen talented writers and artists.

Edited and designed by Michele McDannold, this limited edition is a 8 ½ x 11 side-stapled book with a sandpaper cover.  Aleathia Drehmer, Puma Perl and Misti Rainwater-Lites provide the artwork and photography with poetry and prose selections by Lynn Alexander, Shane Allison, Shaindel Beers, Tyson Bley, April Michelle Bratten, Judy L. Brekke, Brad Burjan, Paul Corman-Roberts, Aleathia Drehmer, Mary Ann Loesch, Mathias Nelson, Puma Perl, Misti Rainwater-Lites and Luis Rivas.

“Red Reader #1” will be available for free at the Zygote in my Fez event being planned for August in Dayton, Ohio.  Advance reading copies are available for book reviewers and journalists.

For more information visit http://redfez.net/

About Red Fez Publications:

Established in 2002 and founded by Leopold McGinnis, Red Fez Publications is an Independent publisher committed to bringing recognition to underground and under-recognized writers and artists.  Red Fez publishes an online literary journal featuring literature and art outside of the narrow, academic stream and has published over 350 authors from around the world.  Poems and short stories that have first appeared on Red Fez have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, storySouth Million Writers Award, Sundress Publications Best of the Net and Dzanc Books Best of the Web.  You can visit Red Fez Publications online at http://redfez.net/.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Maggie Estep on Def Poetry Jam


Maggie Estep has attended the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics in Boulder, Co. She has also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from The State University of New York.

This poem, "I'm an Emotional Idiot" is funny because I totally relate to it :-)

Poetry Speaks! at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library

On Monday, April 4, 2011, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library is hosting an event called 'Poetry Speaks!'. According to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library's web site it is "in celebration of National Library Week, Poetry Speaks @ Your Library is pleased to welcome renowned poet and editor of The Kenyon Review, David Baker. Baker will be reading from his recent collection of poems, Never-Ending Birds."

There will also be an opportunity to hear the prose of many talented local poets:

6:15 George Majchrzak
6:30 Jonie McIntire
6:45 Matthew Potack
7:00 Intermission
7:15 Kerry Trautman
7:30 Gary Bond
7:45 Joel Lipman

This event will take place at the Huntington Meeting Room Main Library, 325 Michigan Street, Toledo, Ohio.