Nelson Mandela Celebrated his 89th Birthday by forming a "Council Of Elders."
Humanitarian Nelson Mandela spent his 89th birthday with other world leaders, Nobel Peace laureates and peace experts to create a "council of elders" whose purpose is to create peace and resolve global crises.
Noted members of the Elders include President Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.The new alliance will be called the Elders and is the brainchild of British innovator Richard Branson and musician Peter Gabriel, former lead singer of Genesis.
Branson was a factor in the raising of the $18 million in funding over the next three years for the alliance.
Other members of the Elders include Ela Bhatt, an Indian women's rights campaigner; former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland; Li Zhaoxing, a former Chinese envoy to the U.N. who worked in Africa; Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, a longtime campaigner for children's rights; former Irish President Mary Robinson; and Bangladeshi micro-credit pioneer Muhammad Yunus.
An empty chair stood for Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi who was invited but is currently under house arrest by the country's military junta.
E-NOTES: WHEN THE NEWS IS NOT ENOUGH. THE BLOG OF E. ETHELBERT MILLER
Friday, July 20, 2007
My haircut is $13. Did you really want to know this? I'm tired of the media talking about the price of John Edwards haircut. Can't we talk about poverty in the US? Yes, poverty -Not how much money the presidential candidates are raising. That's not going to help us solve the problems in our society. No wonder we keep having bad hair days. It's the news media.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Writers:
Be sure to pick-up The ATLANTIC magazine. The Special Fiction Issue. On the newsstands now.
The last article in the magazine is "Where Great Writers Are Made" by Edward J. Delaney.
This article will give you the ratings of the creative writing programs around the country. Are you interested? What's your assessment of the top graduate writing programs?
Be sure to pick-up The ATLANTIC magazine. The Special Fiction Issue. On the newsstands now.
The last article in the magazine is "Where Great Writers Are Made" by Edward J. Delaney.
This article will give you the ratings of the creative writing programs around the country. Are you interested? What's your assessment of the top graduate writing programs?
Weather forecast?
If it rains today Rihanna won't be under my umbrella. How can this woman have a hit record?
Is she trying to purr while saying um brel la?
Where is the talent scout? Instead of singing in the rain some of these sisters need to sing in the shower. By themselves. Rihanna sounds like a fish that can't swim.
If it rains today Rihanna won't be under my umbrella. How can this woman have a hit record?
Is she trying to purr while saying um brel la?
Where is the talent scout? Instead of singing in the rain some of these sisters need to sing in the shower. By themselves. Rihanna sounds like a fish that can't swim.
Yesterday's Mailbox:
I received the latest issue of 5 AM. This is the fun poetry magazine edited by Ed Ochester and Judith Vollmer.
Website: www.5ampoetry.com
People I know in this new issue include: Chris Green, Tim Mayo, Alicia Ostriker and Liam Rector.
From Pete Davis - a new CD- SHORT HAND, TOWARD ORANGE
Website: www.Artisnecessary.com
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band is what this sounds like to me. Listen to "Everything."
PeteBeatle?
Kendra Kopelke, co-editor of Passager Books (in Baltimore) sent me a copy of IMPROVISE IN THE AMEN CORNER by Larnell Custis Butler. This is a book of poems and portraits. On the back of her book, Butler writes:
I am hearing-impaired, but I'm good at looking at people. I see a nose here, eyes there, I remember my mother's friends, and I put itall together. I love the styles of the forties, so I'll draw lace, a brooch, a hat...
My mother was a fine seamstress and seed all her clothes by hand. Her stitches were perfectly straight and all the same length. I try to imitate her stitches in my drawings. I was born with the divine gift of "sight and touch" - a blessing that can clean or destroy.
I received the latest issue of 5 AM. This is the fun poetry magazine edited by Ed Ochester and Judith Vollmer.
Website: www.5ampoetry.com
People I know in this new issue include: Chris Green, Tim Mayo, Alicia Ostriker and Liam Rector.
From Pete Davis - a new CD- SHORT HAND, TOWARD ORANGE
Website: www.Artisnecessary.com
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band is what this sounds like to me. Listen to "Everything."
PeteBeatle?
Kendra Kopelke, co-editor of Passager Books (in Baltimore) sent me a copy of IMPROVISE IN THE AMEN CORNER by Larnell Custis Butler. This is a book of poems and portraits. On the back of her book, Butler writes:
I am hearing-impaired, but I'm good at looking at people. I see a nose here, eyes there, I remember my mother's friends, and I put itall together. I love the styles of the forties, so I'll draw lace, a brooch, a hat...
My mother was a fine seamstress and seed all her clothes by hand. Her stitches were perfectly straight and all the same length. I try to imitate her stitches in my drawings. I was born with the divine gift of "sight and touch" - a blessing that can clean or destroy.
REMEMBERING SEKOU SUNDIATA
On June 23, 2000 at the Howard Community College Television, Columbia, Maryland, I conducted a 30 minutes interview with Sekou Sundiata. This program was made possible by the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) and was an edition of The Writing Life series. The interview provides a wonderful overview of Sekou's career. If you are interested in obtaining a copy contact - information@hocopolitso.org or visit their website at
www.hocopolitso.org
On June 23, 2000 at the Howard Community College Television, Columbia, Maryland, I conducted a 30 minutes interview with Sekou Sundiata. This program was made possible by the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) and was an edition of The Writing Life series. The interview provides a wonderful overview of Sekou's career. If you are interested in obtaining a copy contact - information@hocopolitso.org or visit their website at
www.hocopolitso.org
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Must reading in The New Yorker - "A Bolt From The Blue" by Oliver Sacks. What a strange but interesting article. A guy gets knocked down by lightning and suddenly a few days later his head is filled with music. This made me think about this morning when I was down on K Street at the Neurology Center. There I was getting my head and body checked out -- a tune by Donovan lingering inside my soul. What's wrong with me? More tests to take. It looks like my brain will have to sweat under a doctor's eye in August. Or is it just something China in my diet?
Don't you just love those polar bears and penguins on the cover of THE NEW YORKER (July 23). I remember those hydrants in the South Bronx. This was before someone put those silly little sprinklers on them. The "bad" kids in the neighborhoods would open a hydrant and get a beer can and shoot the water up against the buildings across the street. The pros could target any kid and bop a spray on his head like they were breaking up a Civil Rights demonstration in Birmingham instead of a street in the Bronx. One kid who wore an Iroquois haircut caught me one day and I cried and wet my pants but everything was also wet so why tell until now. Oh - the heat of it. The summer before the Supremes wore wigs.
I can't keep a straight face when I watch Fran Townsend on television. She's the president's homeland security advisor. This woman sounds like one of those presenters on the first floor of a hotel when you can't find the restroom. You pass an open door and you see people sitting, listening to this woman talking. Someone turns around and winks at you. It's another way of saying I wish I was in the the hall too. Townsend seems to be struggling with presentations that someone helped her write behind the curtain. No way you want this woman talking to you on 9/10 or 9/12.
DARK CLOUDS - Get Back! DadahdoodahDa!
The sun fell down today and we lost Sekou Sundiata. May his voice and poetry give us the strength to place the sun back where it belongs. Sekou's work gave birth to brightness. Let it comfort us as we struggle with the darkness we now find ourselves in.
"Deep, dazzling and down to it,
the spectacular poet,
Sekou Sundiata,
lifts and carries you
a visionary way away
on the wings of this utterly distinctive, new
and furthering-the-tradition
gifts of beautiful poems
landing on holy ground"
- June Jordan
In my files there is a letter Sekou wrote to me back on March 13, 1990. In his last paragraph he said, "I hope things on your end are cool. I know you are as busy as ever. I heard you are no longer just a black man, that you've finally incorporated yourself as a force of art." I want to remember my brother Sekou Sundiata as a FORCE OF ART. I want his art to breathe forever in our lives. Farewell Sekou, Farewell. As Smokey once said in a song - YOU MUST BE LOVE.
The sun fell down today and we lost Sekou Sundiata. May his voice and poetry give us the strength to place the sun back where it belongs. Sekou's work gave birth to brightness. Let it comfort us as we struggle with the darkness we now find ourselves in.
"Deep, dazzling and down to it,
the spectacular poet,
Sekou Sundiata,
lifts and carries you
a visionary way away
on the wings of this utterly distinctive, new
and furthering-the-tradition
gifts of beautiful poems
landing on holy ground"
- June Jordan
In my files there is a letter Sekou wrote to me back on March 13, 1990. In his last paragraph he said, "I hope things on your end are cool. I know you are as busy as ever. I heard you are no longer just a black man, that you've finally incorporated yourself as a force of art." I want to remember my brother Sekou Sundiata as a FORCE OF ART. I want his art to breathe forever in our lives. Farewell Sekou, Farewell. As Smokey once said in a song - YOU MUST BE LOVE.
Terrorist Attack in DC?
Check the front page of the Metro Section (B1). Read the article "Hummer Owner Gets Angry Message." Gareth Groves's Hummer was parked in the 3400 block of Brandywine Street. It was OK until two masked men took a bat to every window and knifed the tires. They also scratched into the body of the car "FOR THE ENVIRON."
Masked men? What type of features were they hiding? Why isn't this a terrorist act?Why are some of the neighbors happy this took place? Who do we associate with Hummers? It seems folks like to bash if they believe they have a right to bash. What if KKK or a Swastika was written on the Hummer? What would be the response? It's like when abortion clinics were bombed. No one wanted to mention it was terrorism.
So what if I decide to harm the pork in the Supermarket this afternoon? Will the vegetarians applaud?
Check the front page of the Metro Section (B1). Read the article "Hummer Owner Gets Angry Message." Gareth Groves's Hummer was parked in the 3400 block of Brandywine Street. It was OK until two masked men took a bat to every window and knifed the tires. They also scratched into the body of the car "FOR THE ENVIRON."
Masked men? What type of features were they hiding? Why isn't this a terrorist act?Why are some of the neighbors happy this took place? Who do we associate with Hummers? It seems folks like to bash if they believe they have a right to bash. What if KKK or a Swastika was written on the Hummer? What would be the response? It's like when abortion clinics were bombed. No one wanted to mention it was terrorism.
So what if I decide to harm the pork in the Supermarket this afternoon? Will the vegetarians applaud?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
In sickness and in health?
I read about the new blood pressure medicine I'm taking. It's a good thing I'm not a pregnant woman. Taking these pills could result in birth defects. OK- what's on the next line? Oh- possible damage to one's kidney too. Hmmm. Who makes this stuff.?I'm certain after three months of taking this stuff my inside will rust. Is orange urine another symptom of something wrong? We take so many risks trying to stay well.
I read about the new blood pressure medicine I'm taking. It's a good thing I'm not a pregnant woman. Taking these pills could result in birth defects. OK- what's on the next line? Oh- possible damage to one's kidney too. Hmmm. Who makes this stuff.?I'm certain after three months of taking this stuff my inside will rust. Is orange urine another symptom of something wrong? We take so many risks trying to stay well.
Poet Lore Note:
The last issue of Poet Lore magazine was so popular that we only have 5 archival copies left.
Be sure to get the next one: http://www.writer.org/
The last issue of Poet Lore magazine was so popular that we only have 5 archival copies left.
Be sure to get the next one: http://www.writer.org/
From Bret Primack:
It was forty years ago today that John Coltrane died, yet his influence remains profound. A new film by Bret Primack, "Like Sonny" -- part six of the ongoing Sonny Rollins Podcast series -- celebrates the life and music of this remarkable creator by detailing the story of Trane's unique friendship with Rollins. The film's title is from a song Coltrane wrote about Rollins, taking the melody from a phrase he heard Sonny play.
The thirteen-minute documentary features interviews with Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Heath, and Paul Jeffrey; an excerpt from a 1960 radio interview with John Coltrane; and video performances by Trane and Sonny.
Bret Primack produces performance and documentary videos that are all over the web: on artist/label websites, his video Blog Bird Lives, and YouTube. He also syndicates his videos to blogs and other music sites. As of July 1, 2007, Bret has posted one hundred and forty videos with over one million combined views.
View "Like Sonny"
Check out Bret's Other Videos
Visit Planet Bret
It was forty years ago today that John Coltrane died, yet his influence remains profound. A new film by Bret Primack, "Like Sonny" -- part six of the ongoing Sonny Rollins Podcast series -- celebrates the life and music of this remarkable creator by detailing the story of Trane's unique friendship with Rollins. The film's title is from a song Coltrane wrote about Rollins, taking the melody from a phrase he heard Sonny play.
The thirteen-minute documentary features interviews with Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Heath, and Paul Jeffrey; an excerpt from a 1960 radio interview with John Coltrane; and video performances by Trane and Sonny.
Bret Primack produces performance and documentary videos that are all over the web: on artist/label websites, his video Blog Bird Lives, and YouTube. He also syndicates his videos to blogs and other music sites. As of July 1, 2007, Bret has posted one hundred and forty videos with over one million combined views.
View "Like Sonny"
Check out Bret's Other Videos
Visit Planet Bret
You have to love this woman. A First Lady for sure: Elizabeth Edwards.
Comment made about Senator Clinton in www.Salon.com:
On the issues that are important to women, she has not ... well, healthcare, that's enormously important to women, all the polls say, and what she says now is, we're going to have a national conversation about healthcare. And then she describes some cost-saving things, which John also supports, but she acts like that's going to make healthcare affordable to everyone. And she knows it won't. She's not really talking about poverty, when the face of poverty is a woman's face, often a single mother. She gave that speech on abortion a few years ago [saying abortion should be "safe, legal and rare"].
Look, I'm sympathetic, because when I worked as a lawyer, I was the only woman in these rooms, too, and you want to reassure them you're as good as a man. And sometimes you feel you have to behave as a man and not talk about women's issues. I'm sympathetic -- she wants to be commander in chief. But she's just not as vocal a women's advocate as I want to see. John is. And then she says, or maybe her supporters say, "Support me because I'm a woman," and I want to say to her, "Well, then support me because I'm a woman." The question is not so much how she campaigns -- that's theater. The question is, what does her campaign tell you about how she'll govern? And I'm not convinced she'd be as good an advocate for women. She needs a rationale greater for her campaign than I've heard. When she announced her candidacy she said, "I'm in it to win it." What is that? That's not a rationale.
Comment made about Senator Clinton in www.Salon.com:
On the issues that are important to women, she has not ... well, healthcare, that's enormously important to women, all the polls say, and what she says now is, we're going to have a national conversation about healthcare. And then she describes some cost-saving things, which John also supports, but she acts like that's going to make healthcare affordable to everyone. And she knows it won't. She's not really talking about poverty, when the face of poverty is a woman's face, often a single mother. She gave that speech on abortion a few years ago [saying abortion should be "safe, legal and rare"].
Look, I'm sympathetic, because when I worked as a lawyer, I was the only woman in these rooms, too, and you want to reassure them you're as good as a man. And sometimes you feel you have to behave as a man and not talk about women's issues. I'm sympathetic -- she wants to be commander in chief. But she's just not as vocal a women's advocate as I want to see. John is. And then she says, or maybe her supporters say, "Support me because I'm a woman," and I want to say to her, "Well, then support me because I'm a woman." The question is not so much how she campaigns -- that's theater. The question is, what does her campaign tell you about how she'll govern? And I'm not convinced she'd be as good an advocate for women. She needs a rationale greater for her campaign than I've heard. When she announced her candidacy she said, "I'm in it to win it." What is that? That's not a rationale.
Maybe the best thing going on with the current campaigns are the music videos. I like the Obama Girl. Her encounter with Guiliani Girl is clever too.
Tune to: www.barelypolitical.com
Tune to: www.barelypolitical.com
More sports:
Congrats to Griffey who hit his 587th homer. He is now in 6th place on the career list.
I thought G would be injured by now. It would be nice if he could play the entire season.
Bonds is talking about tired legs.
Ah- the drama. BB was hanging out with JJ (Jesse Jackson).
JJ said:
"Sometimes we fall down. Sometimes we're knocked down. But the ground is no place for a champion. So we rise up."
Jackson can sound like Ali one moment and Angelou the next.
Congrats to Griffey who hit his 587th homer. He is now in 6th place on the career list.
I thought G would be injured by now. It would be nice if he could play the entire season.
Bonds is talking about tired legs.
Ah- the drama. BB was hanging out with JJ (Jesse Jackson).
JJ said:
"Sometimes we fall down. Sometimes we're knocked down. But the ground is no place for a champion. So we rise up."
Jackson can sound like Ali one moment and Angelou the next.
So you didn't sleep well last night. There's only one question on your mind. What do the terrorists want? Well, you look across the bed and you realize it's not your wife or husband.
You're not a rich person, so it can't be your money. You don't live near any borders so you know it can't be Texas the terrorists want. So you slap your head or maybe bang it against a wall - now what? Well, let's see. The terrorist's trap is bigger than Iraq. Right now the bad guys seem to be hanging out in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But as we too often know in our own neighborhood - every block has a bad guy or somebody walking around without an elevator in their heads. But let's put the jokes aside and get down to some simple basics. The kind of stuff those television pundits never seem to want to discuss. We are in a struggle with Islam. You can define the type, branch, the historical roots, etc. Islam is as popular today as it must have been during the Crusades. At times Islam embraces nationalism but too often it just skips around like someone doing a Google search. The faith is one of the largest in the world. Today it seems as if a small minority has "hijacked" this religion. Embracing Islam is an easy way to oppose the cultural imperialism of the West. You don't have to be a very pious person to reach the conclusion that maybe some of the movies coming out of Hollywood might contain negative images. So now you understand why it might be a good idea to pray five times a day. Six if you have to look at some of the stuff on cable. Many terrorists would like everyone to live under Islamic law. This is close to bringing back Divine rule and hail to king. It's almost going with the one book - and that would be the Quran. Some Muslims feel that Islamic law would clean up the mess we are in. But what about the restrictions? No soccer in Somalia? Knock down the Buddha monuments in Afghanistan? It's not a pretty picture. Let's not even talk about sex. Pleasure might be reduced down to saying prayers. But out of respect - maybe this is how some people might want to live.
No problem there. But here comes a Jihad or two. Now - someone wants you to obey certain Islamic laws. It's like a big kid taking away your marbles at the end of the day. You sit on the corner crying for democracy and your daddy is across town at work. Back in those days you believed in comic books and superheroes. You knew Captain America would save you - just as you knew your name was Bucky. Right?
You're not a rich person, so it can't be your money. You don't live near any borders so you know it can't be Texas the terrorists want. So you slap your head or maybe bang it against a wall - now what? Well, let's see. The terrorist's trap is bigger than Iraq. Right now the bad guys seem to be hanging out in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But as we too often know in our own neighborhood - every block has a bad guy or somebody walking around without an elevator in their heads. But let's put the jokes aside and get down to some simple basics. The kind of stuff those television pundits never seem to want to discuss. We are in a struggle with Islam. You can define the type, branch, the historical roots, etc. Islam is as popular today as it must have been during the Crusades. At times Islam embraces nationalism but too often it just skips around like someone doing a Google search. The faith is one of the largest in the world. Today it seems as if a small minority has "hijacked" this religion. Embracing Islam is an easy way to oppose the cultural imperialism of the West. You don't have to be a very pious person to reach the conclusion that maybe some of the movies coming out of Hollywood might contain negative images. So now you understand why it might be a good idea to pray five times a day. Six if you have to look at some of the stuff on cable. Many terrorists would like everyone to live under Islamic law. This is close to bringing back Divine rule and hail to king. It's almost going with the one book - and that would be the Quran. Some Muslims feel that Islamic law would clean up the mess we are in. But what about the restrictions? No soccer in Somalia? Knock down the Buddha monuments in Afghanistan? It's not a pretty picture. Let's not even talk about sex. Pleasure might be reduced down to saying prayers. But out of respect - maybe this is how some people might want to live.
No problem there. But here comes a Jihad or two. Now - someone wants you to obey certain Islamic laws. It's like a big kid taking away your marbles at the end of the day. You sit on the corner crying for democracy and your daddy is across town at work. Back in those days you believed in comic books and superheroes. You knew Captain America would save you - just as you knew your name was Bucky. Right?
Monday, July 16, 2007
Storyteller?
"Iraq is better without Saddam Hussein than with Saddam Hussein. Without a doubt."
- Mario Vargas Llosa
All I can say is that I was in Iraq when Hussein was in power and I'm still here today. Geez.
Things were bad under Hussein but look at the country now. Look at all the people who are refugees. How many dead? How many wounded? Llosa should write fiction and let the Iraqi people speak for themselves.
"Iraq is better without Saddam Hussein than with Saddam Hussein. Without a doubt."
- Mario Vargas Llosa
All I can say is that I was in Iraq when Hussein was in power and I'm still here today. Geez.
Things were bad under Hussein but look at the country now. Look at all the people who are refugees. How many dead? How many wounded? Llosa should write fiction and let the Iraqi people speak for themselves.
Quote of the Day:
Discrimination seems to act as a source of chronic stress the same way that marital conflict or strains at work do, increasing the stress hormone cortisol, raising blood pressure, and suppressing the immune system. High stress also has been linked to overeating or smoking.
When African-Americans are shown a racially provocative scene on television, their blood pressure and heart rates rise. A yet-to-be published study by Elizabeth Brondolo, a psychologist at St. John's University in New York found that racism experienced in the day led to elevated blood pressure at night, suggesting the body can't turn off its stress response.
Boston Globe - July 15th
Discrimination seems to act as a source of chronic stress the same way that marital conflict or strains at work do, increasing the stress hormone cortisol, raising blood pressure, and suppressing the immune system. High stress also has been linked to overeating or smoking.
When African-Americans are shown a racially provocative scene on television, their blood pressure and heart rates rise. A yet-to-be published study by Elizabeth Brondolo, a psychologist at St. John's University in New York found that racism experienced in the day led to elevated blood pressure at night, suggesting the body can't turn off its stress response.
Boston Globe - July 15th
Sports:
Ichiro was injured yesterday. Hit by a pitch. :-(
How many games might he miss?
Good to see Chamique Holdsclaw moving beyond basketball. Happiness is more than 2 pts.
My son's team (Widener U) won yesterday. They are now 5-2 in their summer league.
Widener plays in DC on November 23/24 - mark your calendars.
Ichiro was injured yesterday. Hit by a pitch. :-(
How many games might he miss?
Good to see Chamique Holdsclaw moving beyond basketball. Happiness is more than 2 pts.
My son's team (Widener U) won yesterday. They are now 5-2 in their summer league.
Widener plays in DC on November 23/24 - mark your calendars.
Pound for pound and word for word, journalist Wil Haygood is the best. Checkout that profile of Simeon Booker "The Man From Jet" that ran in yesterday's Washington Post Magazine. The picture of Mamie Bradley (Emmett Till's Mom) will stop you too.
I'm glad to see John Edwards back in New Orleans and embarking on his southern tour that will try to put the focus on poverty. We have an unfinished Civil Rights Agenda. We need to go back and study King's last year (1967-1968). What was he trying to do? Poor People's Campaign. Yes - and that's why I've said in a couple of old E-Notes that we need "The March of The Saints" to organize people to walk from New Orleans to DC. To get Congress to act NOW not later.
While Edwards is trying to put the focus on poverty, the media only wants to discuss how much money candidates are raising. This makes it seem like nothing but a game. It's not about donors - it's about improving the lives of the many and not just the few.
I'm glad to see John Edwards back in New Orleans and embarking on his southern tour that will try to put the focus on poverty. We have an unfinished Civil Rights Agenda. We need to go back and study King's last year (1967-1968). What was he trying to do? Poor People's Campaign. Yes - and that's why I've said in a couple of old E-Notes that we need "The March of The Saints" to organize people to walk from New Orleans to DC. To get Congress to act NOW not later.
While Edwards is trying to put the focus on poverty, the media only wants to discuss how much money candidates are raising. This makes it seem like nothing but a game. It's not about donors - it's about improving the lives of the many and not just the few.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I'm back to reading Mabry's biography of Condoleezza Rice. Much one can learn from in this book.
6 packets of Poet Lore submissions to read today. A manuscript to read and blurb. I wrote a new poem today - so that's always a good feeling.
ON AGING
With no end to the war in sight
I've started doing old people things
Sitting and looking out windows for hours
Taking walks instead of jogging
Forgetting about sex before sex forgets about me
I pay more attention to flowers
and an occasional bird
I now do what the old folks do
I count my blessings
I shake my head when I watch the news
or when young people cuss and drive by
I know we didn't always talk this way
When did we become suicide bombers and terrorists?
When did the old world disappear?
- E. Ethelbert Miller
6 packets of Poet Lore submissions to read today. A manuscript to read and blurb. I wrote a new poem today - so that's always a good feeling.
ON AGING
With no end to the war in sight
I've started doing old people things
Sitting and looking out windows for hours
Taking walks instead of jogging
Forgetting about sex before sex forgets about me
I pay more attention to flowers
and an occasional bird
I now do what the old folks do
I count my blessings
I shake my head when I watch the news
or when young people cuss and drive by
I know we didn't always talk this way
When did we become suicide bombers and terrorists?
When did the old world disappear?
- E. Ethelbert Miller
New Release from IPS:
JUST SECURITY - AN ALTERNATIVE FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK.
Cool John Feffer pulled this baby together. John is the genius behind Foregin Policy In Focus:
www.fpif.org
Anyone running for president should read this publication. Everyone who plans to vote should read it too.
Contact IPS for your copy: www.ips-dc.org
JUST SECURITY - AN ALTERNATIVE FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK.
Cool John Feffer pulled this baby together. John is the genius behind Foregin Policy In Focus:
www.fpif.org
Anyone running for president should read this publication. Everyone who plans to vote should read it too.
Contact IPS for your copy: www.ips-dc.org
Today we had the dedication of the poems that will be at the Dupont Circle Metro station. It was a nice affair. Council member Jim Graham wanted to honor the caretakers of people who have died from AIDS. Walt Whitman's poem "The Dresser" and my poem "We Embrace" were selected. Much credit has to go to Michael McBride who is the Art in Transit Manager working with the Washington Metro. The project should be completed next month.
While in the kitchen this afternoon (putting dishes away), I heard an excerpt of Bill Moyers comments at Lady Bird Johnson's funeral. Oh, Moyers words were so well crafted. Try to hear or read his speech. The writing was just fantastic. What a tribute to a former first lady. Do you remember when people wanted Moyers to run for president? The guy might be too smart for the office. I remember doing a poetry program with him in Washington; the guy is a gentle spirit. A good human being.
Poor China. Can China Be Fixed? This is the cover story of the July 23rd issue of Business Week. Who else will be executed? Someone needs to look into all this recent China trade in Africa. Might Africans be getting bad toothpaste too? Black communities are too often dumping grounds for bad products. Once again it looks like capitalism is walking around with a black eye and sore back.
In the mail today was Wiletta Ferdinand's KATRINA MADE ME WRITE IT. Wiletta wrote this book for the people of New Orleans. Her voice is the voice of many. The pictures she took of her home will make you cry. Still you will find the rebuilding here...the moving forward out of the storm. I'm slowly pulling together my research for my Katrina presentation in Norway in September. I need to have everything completed by the middle of August. If there are any books or articles you think I should read, drop me a note at : emiller698@aol.com
Well, I've been sick the last few days. A bad virus. I need to be more careful. Many thanks for folks checking on me - especially Julia G and Ginger G.
Nothing but resting come Sunday. God always has a good idea.
While in the kitchen this afternoon (putting dishes away), I heard an excerpt of Bill Moyers comments at Lady Bird Johnson's funeral. Oh, Moyers words were so well crafted. Try to hear or read his speech. The writing was just fantastic. What a tribute to a former first lady. Do you remember when people wanted Moyers to run for president? The guy might be too smart for the office. I remember doing a poetry program with him in Washington; the guy is a gentle spirit. A good human being.
Poor China. Can China Be Fixed? This is the cover story of the July 23rd issue of Business Week. Who else will be executed? Someone needs to look into all this recent China trade in Africa. Might Africans be getting bad toothpaste too? Black communities are too often dumping grounds for bad products. Once again it looks like capitalism is walking around with a black eye and sore back.
In the mail today was Wiletta Ferdinand's KATRINA MADE ME WRITE IT. Wiletta wrote this book for the people of New Orleans. Her voice is the voice of many. The pictures she took of her home will make you cry. Still you will find the rebuilding here...the moving forward out of the storm. I'm slowly pulling together my research for my Katrina presentation in Norway in September. I need to have everything completed by the middle of August. If there are any books or articles you think I should read, drop me a note at : emiller698@aol.com
Well, I've been sick the last few days. A bad virus. I need to be more careful. Many thanks for folks checking on me - especially Julia G and Ginger G.
Nothing but resting come Sunday. God always has a good idea.
Friday, July 13, 2007
HELP IS STILL NEEDED.
I'm still trying to raise money for the Reetika Vazirani tribute at the Vermont Studio Center.
We have yet to reach our goal of $5000.
If you can make a donation - please send it to:
Gary Clark
Director, Writing Residencies
Post Office Box 613
Johnson, VT 05656
www.vermontstudiocenter.org
A commemorative plaque with Reetika's name will be place in one of the new writing studios at the Vermont Studio Center. Help remember Reetika by making a donation. Some people made a pledge but have yet to send money. Don't forget.
July 16th will mark the 4th year of Reetika's departure.
August 9th is Reetika Vazirani's birthday.
Remember a friend and fellow poet.
I'm still trying to raise money for the Reetika Vazirani tribute at the Vermont Studio Center.
We have yet to reach our goal of $5000.
If you can make a donation - please send it to:
Gary Clark
Director, Writing Residencies
Post Office Box 613
Johnson, VT 05656
www.vermontstudiocenter.org
A commemorative plaque with Reetika's name will be place in one of the new writing studios at the Vermont Studio Center. Help remember Reetika by making a donation. Some people made a pledge but have yet to send money. Don't forget.
July 16th will mark the 4th year of Reetika's departure.
August 9th is Reetika Vazirani's birthday.
Remember a friend and fellow poet.
It's Friday 13th...so where should I start?
Nook Logan leading off for the Nats is a bad joke.
How long will this guy be in the majors.
I was out this morning and bumped into Al Haig. Omen?
Go figure.
I arrived at Howard and discovered guys replacing old light bulbs in the African American Resource Center. Juneteenth in July? I was almost sitting in complete darkness. Does this mean the new HU president is on his/her way? Light at the top of Founders?
Artist Alexis Peskine has a big review in the NY Times today. Peskine had a show at Busboys last year. He's also the guy who painted my head that's in the HU Bookstore mural on Georgia Avenue. Congrats Alexis. The review in the NY Times is for the show "The French Evolution: Race, Politics & the 2005 Riots." The show is up until September 9th at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, 80 Hanson Place, Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
718 230-0492.
Good news this 13th:
I was invited to participate in the 2007-2008 Georgetown University Poetry and Seminar Series. The date of my reading will be March 11th at 8PM.
Mag Notice:
Fast Al (Gore) is on the cover of FAST COMPANY (July/August 2007).
I like this magazine.
Ichiro Watch on the 13th:
Bad news. Looks like a small slump. 0-4 last night against Detroit.
Must be that All-Star buzz buzz still in his system.
Nook Logan leading off for the Nats is a bad joke.
How long will this guy be in the majors.
I was out this morning and bumped into Al Haig. Omen?
Go figure.
I arrived at Howard and discovered guys replacing old light bulbs in the African American Resource Center. Juneteenth in July? I was almost sitting in complete darkness. Does this mean the new HU president is on his/her way? Light at the top of Founders?
Artist Alexis Peskine has a big review in the NY Times today. Peskine had a show at Busboys last year. He's also the guy who painted my head that's in the HU Bookstore mural on Georgia Avenue. Congrats Alexis. The review in the NY Times is for the show "The French Evolution: Race, Politics & the 2005 Riots." The show is up until September 9th at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, 80 Hanson Place, Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
718 230-0492.
Good news this 13th:
I was invited to participate in the 2007-2008 Georgetown University Poetry and Seminar Series. The date of my reading will be March 11th at 8PM.
Mag Notice:
Fast Al (Gore) is on the cover of FAST COMPANY (July/August 2007).
I like this magazine.
Ichiro Watch on the 13th:
Bad news. Looks like a small slump. 0-4 last night against Detroit.
Must be that All-Star buzz buzz still in his system.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Permanent Tribute
Engravings to honor HIV/AIDS caregivers
by Will O'Bryan
Published on July 12, 2007
SHARE THIS PAGE:
Printer-Friendly version
Those volunteers and caregivers who have responded to the calls of the HIV/AIDS crisis will soon be getting a permanent tribute. On July 14, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and City Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) will dedicate the tribute, which consists of two engravings.
In the circular, granite entrance above the north entrance to the Dupont Circle Metrorail Station, will be engraved an excerpt from ''The Dresser,'' a poem by Walt Whitman, the famed gay poet who lived from 1819-92. Whitman's name is incorporated into Whitman-Walker Clinic, the D.C. clinic founded in 1973 initially as the Gay Men's VD Clinic. Graham, who initiated this project, has a long history with the clinic, having served as clinic president, executive director, and on its board of directors.
The second portion of the tribute will be a contemporary poem, ''We Embrace,'' written by Howard University Professor E. Ethelbert Miller. Miller's poem will be inscribed on the sidewalk above the station.
The July 14 dedication ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the station entrance at Connecticut Avenue and Q Street NW.
Engravings to honor HIV/AIDS caregivers
by Will O'Bryan
Published on July 12, 2007
SHARE THIS PAGE:
Printer-Friendly version
Those volunteers and caregivers who have responded to the calls of the HIV/AIDS crisis will soon be getting a permanent tribute. On July 14, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and City Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) will dedicate the tribute, which consists of two engravings.
In the circular, granite entrance above the north entrance to the Dupont Circle Metrorail Station, will be engraved an excerpt from ''The Dresser,'' a poem by Walt Whitman, the famed gay poet who lived from 1819-92. Whitman's name is incorporated into Whitman-Walker Clinic, the D.C. clinic founded in 1973 initially as the Gay Men's VD Clinic. Graham, who initiated this project, has a long history with the clinic, having served as clinic president, executive director, and on its board of directors.
The second portion of the tribute will be a contemporary poem, ''We Embrace,'' written by Howard University Professor E. Ethelbert Miller. Miller's poem will be inscribed on the sidewalk above the station.
The July 14 dedication ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the station entrance at Connecticut Avenue and Q Street NW.
People keep saying that all hell might break loose if US troops withdraw from Iraq. Where do they think hell is?
It seems as if in th 21st century we are moving from the old cold war curtain to the hot war veil.
Key nations to watch might be Pakistan, Algeria and Turkey. The battle is shaping up around how society is going to be govern. Keep an eye on how culture is handle in the middle of political and religious conflicts. If the artists are being targeted you know where the leak in the levee is.
Anyone not wanting to give young girls education need to be poked in the ribs. The separation of church and state is key if we are to maintain our identity as Americans. And then it all comes down to sex. Why do folks have such problems with sexual matters? Why do we want to keep hiding the body or showing too much of it? Why does sex have so much power? Why do some people feel they have to keep sex in check? Repressive societies always seem to have sexual headaches. What's wrong with pleasure? How many people still want to make love only in the dark? What year is this?
It seems as if in th 21st century we are moving from the old cold war curtain to the hot war veil.
Key nations to watch might be Pakistan, Algeria and Turkey. The battle is shaping up around how society is going to be govern. Keep an eye on how culture is handle in the middle of political and religious conflicts. If the artists are being targeted you know where the leak in the levee is.
Anyone not wanting to give young girls education need to be poked in the ribs. The separation of church and state is key if we are to maintain our identity as Americans. And then it all comes down to sex. Why do folks have such problems with sexual matters? Why do we want to keep hiding the body or showing too much of it? Why does sex have so much power? Why do some people feel they have to keep sex in check? Repressive societies always seem to have sexual headaches. What's wrong with pleasure? How many people still want to make love only in the dark? What year is this?
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
More Plutzik:
You are invited to a special screening of
HYAM PLUTZIK American Poet
Click Here for details.
ANITA SHAPOLSKY ART FOUNDATION
20 West Broadway
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229
SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
4:00 P.M.
Post-screening panel discussion and reception.
LITERARY RESEARCHER:
Edward Moran of Jim Thorpe
PANELISTS:
Bernie and Sarina Berlow
Karen Blomain
Miriam Kiss
Edward Moran
www.hyamplutzikpoetry.com
You are invited to a special screening of
HYAM PLUTZIK American Poet
Click Here for details.
ANITA SHAPOLSKY ART FOUNDATION
20 West Broadway
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229
SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
4:00 P.M.
Post-screening panel discussion and reception.
LITERARY RESEARCHER:
Edward Moran of Jim Thorpe
PANELISTS:
Bernie and Sarina Berlow
Karen Blomain
Miriam Kiss
Edward Moran
www.hyamplutzikpoetry.com
What's Going on?
Race and Class in Hip Hop and Theater
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Mead Theater at Flashpoint
916 G Street NW
12:00-1:30
Moderator: Yvonne Bynoe is an author and founder of Hip Hop Decoded, a monthly e-newsletter for people who use Hip Hop to educate and to empower. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Future Focus 2020 Center at Wake Forest University.
Panelists:Dr. Jared Ball, editor Journal of Hip Hop and Global Culture,Head Roc, artist,Marcella Runell, co-author-The Hip Hop Education GuideBook,David Dower, Artistic Associate-Arena Stage,Quique Aviles, poet, actor and community activist.
Race and Class in Hip Hop and Theater
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Mead Theater at Flashpoint
916 G Street NW
12:00-1:30
Moderator: Yvonne Bynoe is an author and founder of Hip Hop Decoded, a monthly e-newsletter for people who use Hip Hop to educate and to empower. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Future Focus 2020 Center at Wake Forest University.
Panelists:Dr. Jared Ball, editor Journal of Hip Hop and Global Culture,Head Roc, artist,Marcella Runell, co-author-The Hip Hop Education GuideBook,David Dower, Artistic Associate-Arena Stage,Quique Aviles, poet, actor and community activist.
Ichiro Watch:
On an All-Star night when McCovey Cove was filled with kayaks hoping for a souvenir from hometown hero Barry Bonds, Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki stole the spotlight.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118416962351463401.html?mod=djemFIX
I'm loving it.
On an All-Star night when McCovey Cove was filled with kayaks hoping for a souvenir from hometown hero Barry Bonds, Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki stole the spotlight.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118416962351463401.html?mod=djemFIX
I'm loving it.
While in Rochester I saw a few highlights from the 8 part series THE BRONX IS BURNING (ESPN). It's about 1977 in New York - The Yankees. John Turturro plays Billy Martin. Give this guy an award right now. Awesome.
www.bronxisburning.com
www.bronxisburning.com
So you want to be President of the US?
Here are questions we should be asking all of the candidates:
1. What is going to be our foreign policy after Iraq? Where should we place our focus?
2. Under what conditions would you send US troops back into war? Is it possible? Especially taking into consideration the present state of our military. How do we rebuild the US forces? Are there plans to develop a new playbook for combating terrorism? What did we learn from Iraq?
3. If there was another terrorist attack on US soil - how should our nation respond?
4. What if the next terrorist attack inside the US was linked to a Muslim group with no overseas ties?
5. How do we continue to fight terrorism while protecting American civil liberties and institutions?
6. Who would you select to be your secretary of state, defense and national security advisor?
7. Would you undertake a critical examination of the Bush Administration for national security reasons? What mistakes did the administration make? If the Bush Administration was misled by intelligence that wasn't accurate, how do we prevent this from happening again?
8. How should the US respond to the challenge of Islamic law and its advocates?
Well, I have more questions but I don't have a television or radio show. Do you think I could take Katie's place? The E doing Evening news? Nah - too many folks want the poetry and not the news these days.
Oh, I missed the funeral. Sorry. Did the N word have any close relatives? I didn't see Uncle MF
in the crowd. What is sad about all this is how the Black Middle Class will organize silly ceremonies when they don't know what to do. Folks still need housing in New Orleans and
someone is using wood for this? All I can say is N - please!
Here are questions we should be asking all of the candidates:
1. What is going to be our foreign policy after Iraq? Where should we place our focus?
2. Under what conditions would you send US troops back into war? Is it possible? Especially taking into consideration the present state of our military. How do we rebuild the US forces? Are there plans to develop a new playbook for combating terrorism? What did we learn from Iraq?
3. If there was another terrorist attack on US soil - how should our nation respond?
4. What if the next terrorist attack inside the US was linked to a Muslim group with no overseas ties?
5. How do we continue to fight terrorism while protecting American civil liberties and institutions?
6. Who would you select to be your secretary of state, defense and national security advisor?
7. Would you undertake a critical examination of the Bush Administration for national security reasons? What mistakes did the administration make? If the Bush Administration was misled by intelligence that wasn't accurate, how do we prevent this from happening again?
8. How should the US respond to the challenge of Islamic law and its advocates?
Well, I have more questions but I don't have a television or radio show. Do you think I could take Katie's place? The E doing Evening news? Nah - too many folks want the poetry and not the news these days.
Oh, I missed the funeral. Sorry. Did the N word have any close relatives? I didn't see Uncle MF
in the crowd. What is sad about all this is how the Black Middle Class will organize silly ceremonies when they don't know what to do. Folks still need housing in New Orleans and
someone is using wood for this? All I can say is N - please!
So back to Rochester. I had a nice flight out of DC last Saturday. I sat on the plane next to an 88 year old WW II Veteran. What a wonderful conversation we had during the trip. We talked about WWII, the US Navy, politics, etc. The guy was so sweet- the type of elder I would like to be one day. In Rochester (where one of the terminals is named after Frederick Douglass) I met Ed Moran. Ed was responsible for inviting me to Rochester to speak at the Rochester Jewish Film Festival. He was the literary researcher for the film about the poet Hyam Plutzik. You can learn more about Plutzik by going to the website: http://www.hyamplutzikpoetry.com/
After checking into our hotel rooms we went to a nearby restaurant and got some lunch. It was there that I ran into an old friend - poet Vincent F. A. Golphin. Vincent has a new chapbook out - LIKE A DRY LAND. The poems were an outgrowth of a trip he took to the Middle East. You can order the book from FootHills Publishing: http://www.foothillspublishing.com/pop/id127.htm.
After lunch, Ed and I went over to the University of Rochester and met with librarian and curator Phyllis Andrews. Phyllis is the person who handles the special collections. She pulled items from the Plutzik collection. There are about 37 boxes. Phyllis is the type of librarian you just want to tuck inside your heart. I think this woman just didn't have a halo because it was Saturday.
From the University - Ed and I went to visit Tanya Plutzik. Tanya is Hyam's widow. She is the star of the film HYAM PLUTZIK: AMERICAN POET by Christine Choy and Ku-Ling Siegel.
Walking into Tanya's home was like being in the movie. The woman is gracious, funny and super- lovely.
On Sunday afternoon the Rochester Jewish Film Festival - kicked off at The Little Theater.
A good gathering of folks - a success for Moran who worked hard at pulling everything together.
In the old days we would call this a Kodak moment.
After checking into our hotel rooms we went to a nearby restaurant and got some lunch. It was there that I ran into an old friend - poet Vincent F. A. Golphin. Vincent has a new chapbook out - LIKE A DRY LAND. The poems were an outgrowth of a trip he took to the Middle East. You can order the book from FootHills Publishing: http://www.foothillspublishing.com/pop/id127.htm.
After lunch, Ed and I went over to the University of Rochester and met with librarian and curator Phyllis Andrews. Phyllis is the person who handles the special collections. She pulled items from the Plutzik collection. There are about 37 boxes. Phyllis is the type of librarian you just want to tuck inside your heart. I think this woman just didn't have a halo because it was Saturday.
From the University - Ed and I went to visit Tanya Plutzik. Tanya is Hyam's widow. She is the star of the film HYAM PLUTZIK: AMERICAN POET by Christine Choy and Ku-Ling Siegel.
Walking into Tanya's home was like being in the movie. The woman is gracious, funny and super- lovely.
On Sunday afternoon the Rochester Jewish Film Festival - kicked off at The Little Theater.
A good gathering of folks - a success for Moran who worked hard at pulling everything together.
In the old days we would call this a Kodak moment.
THE E MAG
THE E MAG
Treve de blues
- Leon Damas
WELCOME TO THE E-MAG. FROM TIME TO TIME I OPEN MY E-NOTES TO GUEST WRITERS.
TODAY IT'S A PLEASURE TO WELCOME ANYA ACHTENBERG.
ACHTENBERG:
July 11, 2007
Dear Ethelbert,
I am just back from teaching at the yearly conference at Skidmore of The International Women's Writing Guild, which hundreds of women attend, and where an extraordinary array of workshops are offered. I want to let your readers know about my website, http://www.anyaachtenberg.com/. They will find useful discussion about the process and issues of writing, for writers across the genres, with one or more writing explorations suggested in every blog.
Here, I want to bow down to the power of the wrenching state of the world to pull out of us the very things that we must do. In this vein, after years of teaching and writing which have pushed me to bring together the most intimate workings of the creative process with a recognition of the deep hunger for peace and justice present in every part of the world and in every literature, I am, at last, beginning work on a book on writing for social change. Over the years I have developed and taught my Writing for Social Change: Re-Dream a Just World Workshops, so named with thanks to Nigerian writer Ben Okri, for in his novel The Famished Road, his main character and narrator says, after watching his father sleep for three days straight after a terrible wrestling match, "He was redreaming the world as he slept."
I never forgot that, and it was somewhere in the files of the heart/mind/soul, and popped out when I began to name the 3 sections of my writing for social change courses: Re-Dream a Just World; Place and Exile / Borders and Crossings; and Yearning and Justice: Writing the Unlived Life. I know that there are a million paths into writing that, in every word, holds a yearning for justice; writing that undoes itself and reforms itself into a performance of truth that must be listened to. Years of teaching that helped bring people into voice also helped me understand the subtle ways language can gather itself into repeating defeat, repeating ugliness, sealing itself up in history without even an exit wound. And this made me think more on ways to really galvanize our work for change, without ignoring the ugliest truths, without forgetting to celebrate the human spirit. Writing as the work of both the warrior and the healer; writing as resistance, as courage; writing as surrender to hope. Writing that rediscovers language and voice.
So what I did in my teaching is to place the craft and concepts of writing back in some historical and political context, back in a spiderweb of association that helped me see, and teach, the elements of poetry and story and voice, in a way that people could grab them as their own tools, perfect in the hand, at home in the heart, on fire with their truths. These workshops, which I have taught in many places throughout the country, are beyond “effective”. They open the voice, the story, the very activity of the brain and heart, to bring the writer fully into the world; to bring forward stunning and urgently needed writing. So, know that I will be writing a book that brings together the work I have been doing on writing for social change. I think this work is urgently needed, so please think about arranging a Re-Dream a Just World Workshop in your area.
By the way, I just read a fantastic review of Taproot, the latest book of poetry by Indigo Moor, a participant at Cave Canem and a friend of mine, at http://thepedestalmagazine.com/Secure/Content/cb.asp?cbid=5157. The review not only gave a sense of the book and its power, but also placed it within a larger context, giving a real sense of the larger literary and cultural world the poems are connected to. I'm waiting for my copy, and urge your readers to get their own (http://www.indigomoor.com/ for more information).
Please check my website, http://www.anyaachtenberg.com/. If you are interested in my workshops, or in working individually with me, please let me know: anya@anyaachtenberg.com
Bio Note:
Anya Achtenberg is an award-winning fiction writer and poet. Her last poetry collection was The Stone of Language, and she has recently completed a novel about the successive displacements from the land in the Midwest, and how history sits in us. Anya is working on her second novel, about a young Cambodian woman born of an African American father at the moment the bombing of Cambodia begins, and on a new collection of poems. She teaches creative writing and does manuscript critiques and individual consultations with writers. She does national workshops in fiction and memoir; on deepening characterization; and on writing for social change.
THE E MAG
Treve de blues
- Leon Damas
WELCOME TO THE E-MAG. FROM TIME TO TIME I OPEN MY E-NOTES TO GUEST WRITERS.
TODAY IT'S A PLEASURE TO WELCOME ANYA ACHTENBERG.
ACHTENBERG:
July 11, 2007
Dear Ethelbert,
I am just back from teaching at the yearly conference at Skidmore of The International Women's Writing Guild, which hundreds of women attend, and where an extraordinary array of workshops are offered. I want to let your readers know about my website, http://www.anyaachtenberg.com/. They will find useful discussion about the process and issues of writing, for writers across the genres, with one or more writing explorations suggested in every blog.
Here, I want to bow down to the power of the wrenching state of the world to pull out of us the very things that we must do. In this vein, after years of teaching and writing which have pushed me to bring together the most intimate workings of the creative process with a recognition of the deep hunger for peace and justice present in every part of the world and in every literature, I am, at last, beginning work on a book on writing for social change. Over the years I have developed and taught my Writing for Social Change: Re-Dream a Just World Workshops, so named with thanks to Nigerian writer Ben Okri, for in his novel The Famished Road, his main character and narrator says, after watching his father sleep for three days straight after a terrible wrestling match, "He was redreaming the world as he slept."
I never forgot that, and it was somewhere in the files of the heart/mind/soul, and popped out when I began to name the 3 sections of my writing for social change courses: Re-Dream a Just World; Place and Exile / Borders and Crossings; and Yearning and Justice: Writing the Unlived Life. I know that there are a million paths into writing that, in every word, holds a yearning for justice; writing that undoes itself and reforms itself into a performance of truth that must be listened to. Years of teaching that helped bring people into voice also helped me understand the subtle ways language can gather itself into repeating defeat, repeating ugliness, sealing itself up in history without even an exit wound. And this made me think more on ways to really galvanize our work for change, without ignoring the ugliest truths, without forgetting to celebrate the human spirit. Writing as the work of both the warrior and the healer; writing as resistance, as courage; writing as surrender to hope. Writing that rediscovers language and voice.
So what I did in my teaching is to place the craft and concepts of writing back in some historical and political context, back in a spiderweb of association that helped me see, and teach, the elements of poetry and story and voice, in a way that people could grab them as their own tools, perfect in the hand, at home in the heart, on fire with their truths. These workshops, which I have taught in many places throughout the country, are beyond “effective”. They open the voice, the story, the very activity of the brain and heart, to bring the writer fully into the world; to bring forward stunning and urgently needed writing. So, know that I will be writing a book that brings together the work I have been doing on writing for social change. I think this work is urgently needed, so please think about arranging a Re-Dream a Just World Workshop in your area.
By the way, I just read a fantastic review of Taproot, the latest book of poetry by Indigo Moor, a participant at Cave Canem and a friend of mine, at http://thepedestalmagazine.com/Secure/Content/cb.asp?cbid=5157. The review not only gave a sense of the book and its power, but also placed it within a larger context, giving a real sense of the larger literary and cultural world the poems are connected to. I'm waiting for my copy, and urge your readers to get their own (http://www.indigomoor.com/ for more information).
Please check my website, http://www.anyaachtenberg.com/. If you are interested in my workshops, or in working individually with me, please let me know: anya@anyaachtenberg.com
Bio Note:
Anya Achtenberg is an award-winning fiction writer and poet. Her last poetry collection was The Stone of Language, and she has recently completed a novel about the successive displacements from the land in the Midwest, and how history sits in us. Anya is working on her second novel, about a young Cambodian woman born of an African American father at the moment the bombing of Cambodia begins, and on a new collection of poems. She teaches creative writing and does manuscript critiques and individual consultations with writers. She does national workshops in fiction and memoir; on deepening characterization; and on writing for social change.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Red Mosque down in Pakistan.
You keep wondering when things are going to fall apart in. A bad case of Pak man? Keep an eye on Islamic student movements around the world. Radical Islam coming out of the classroom/colleges and mixing with a dictator and we might move backwards in time. What could be taking place right now is the changing of borders and boundaries - where faiths collide.
Constantinople anyone?
You keep wondering when things are going to fall apart in. A bad case of Pak man? Keep an eye on Islamic student movements around the world. Radical Islam coming out of the classroom/colleges and mixing with a dictator and we might move backwards in time. What could be taking place right now is the changing of borders and boundaries - where faiths collide.
Constantinople anyone?
News from my friend Sally Ashton:
We are pleased to announce the release of the Spring&Summer2007 issue of the DMQ Review featuring the poetry of Neil Aitken, Shurooq Amin, Arlene Ang, E. Louise Beach, Traci Brimhall, Christopher Cunningham, Dana Elkun, John W. Evans, Jody Helfand, Ron Klassnik, Jennifer K. Sweeney, Jennifer Wallace, and Joe Wilkins with artwork by Robyn York.
In collaboration with Peter Davis, editor of Poet’s Bookshelf: Contemporary Poets On Books That Shaped Their Art, Barnwood Press, 2005 (www.barnwoodpress.org), the DMQ Review is also pleased to present the work of poet Lisa Jarnot as Winter’s Featured Poet. This includes his Poet’s Bookshelf excerpt as well as a selection of new poems.
Poet’s Bookshelf is an exciting collection of responses from some of America’s leading contemporary poets discussing the 5-10 books most essential to their development. Each thoughtful response provides both young and veteran poet insights into the creative process and underlines the importance of reading in the life of any successful writer.
Check it out, www.dmqreview.com
Sally Ashton, Editor in Chief
Associate Editors: Mary Donnelly, Kelsea Habecker, Marjorie Manwaring,
Assistant Editor: Martha Kinney
Features Editor: Peter Davis
editors@dmqreview.com
We are pleased to announce the release of the Spring&Summer2007 issue of the DMQ Review featuring the poetry of Neil Aitken, Shurooq Amin, Arlene Ang, E. Louise Beach, Traci Brimhall, Christopher Cunningham, Dana Elkun, John W. Evans, Jody Helfand, Ron Klassnik, Jennifer K. Sweeney, Jennifer Wallace, and Joe Wilkins with artwork by Robyn York.
In collaboration with Peter Davis, editor of Poet’s Bookshelf: Contemporary Poets On Books That Shaped Their Art, Barnwood Press, 2005 (www.barnwoodpress.org), the DMQ Review is also pleased to present the work of poet Lisa Jarnot as Winter’s Featured Poet. This includes his Poet’s Bookshelf excerpt as well as a selection of new poems.
Poet’s Bookshelf is an exciting collection of responses from some of America’s leading contemporary poets discussing the 5-10 books most essential to their development. Each thoughtful response provides both young and veteran poet insights into the creative process and underlines the importance of reading in the life of any successful writer.
Check it out, www.dmqreview.com
Sally Ashton, Editor in Chief
Associate Editors: Mary Donnelly, Kelsea Habecker, Marjorie Manwaring,
Assistant Editor: Martha Kinney
Features Editor: Peter Davis
editors@dmqreview.com
Monday, July 09, 2007
Well I'm heading back to DC today. Since Saturday I've been in Rochester, New York. I was here for the opening of the Rochester Jewish Film Festival and the screening of the movie about the life of Hyam Plutzik. More details when I get back home.
I read a good short story - "Traveling" by Grace Paley. It's in her new book (with Robert Nichols). HERE AND SOMEWHERE ELSE published by The Feminist Press.
All-Star game tomorrow. Ichiro time?
I read a good short story - "Traveling" by Grace Paley. It's in her new book (with Robert Nichols). HERE AND SOMEWHERE ELSE published by The Feminist Press.
All-Star game tomorrow. Ichiro time?
Saturday, July 07, 2007
June Jordan's birthday is July 9th. Be sure to read her poems and essays. Write the political poem.
Nothing but meetings during the rest of July. Where did the summer go? The only way I can complete work on my memoir is by going away. Retreat time?
Look for the next E-Note to be on Monday.
Now's The Time For A Sunday Kind of Love. Be good to yourself and others.
Nothing but meetings during the rest of July. Where did the summer go? The only way I can complete work on my memoir is by going away. Retreat time?
Look for the next E-Note to be on Monday.
Now's The Time For A Sunday Kind of Love. Be good to yourself and others.
Friday, July 06, 2007
The Van Man Cometh:
Book party and reading - A. Van Jordan - QUANTUM LYRICS: POEMS
July 22.
4-6 PM
Karibu Books: www.karibubooks.com
The Mall at Prince George's
3500 East West Highway
Hyattsville, MD.
The event is a D-Man production.
Book party and reading - A. Van Jordan - QUANTUM LYRICS: POEMS
July 22.
4-6 PM
Karibu Books: www.karibubooks.com
The Mall at Prince George's
3500 East West Highway
Hyattsville, MD.
The event is a D-Man production.
Are they talking about me or talking about someone else?
http://www.blackandmaleinamerica.org/
Deja vu or black all over again?
I missed this conference but how much did I miss?
Some people like to paint the same wall black. But as my mother would say - "we mean well."
http://www.blackandmaleinamerica.org/
Deja vu or black all over again?
I missed this conference but how much did I miss?
Some people like to paint the same wall black. But as my mother would say - "we mean well."
Excessive? You make the call.
I. Liewis Libby Jr paid the $250,000 fine for his conviction on perjury and obstruction of justice charges. The payment was made with a cashier's check. Libby paid the money out of his own pocket.
Do you have $250,000 right now? How long would it take for you to get it? Will you ever see $250,000 this year?
Looking for work? You make the call.
P.J. Carlesimo is back coaching. This time for the Seattle SuperSonics.
As an NBA coach Carlesimo was 36-103 with Golden State.
Could you find a new job with this type of record? Who would hire you?
Can you imagine working for the State or Defense Department with this type of record?
Who hires these guys?
I. Liewis Libby Jr paid the $250,000 fine for his conviction on perjury and obstruction of justice charges. The payment was made with a cashier's check. Libby paid the money out of his own pocket.
Do you have $250,000 right now? How long would it take for you to get it? Will you ever see $250,000 this year?
Looking for work? You make the call.
P.J. Carlesimo is back coaching. This time for the Seattle SuperSonics.
As an NBA coach Carlesimo was 36-103 with Golden State.
Could you find a new job with this type of record? Who would hire you?
Can you imagine working for the State or Defense Department with this type of record?
Who hires these guys?
Yesterday I received a copy of DUENDE by Tracy K. Smith from the Academy of American Poets. Smith's collection of poems won the James Laughlin Award in 2006. Keep an eye on this writer - I first heard her read in New York at a celebration for Poet's House. It was outside where New Jersey keeps an eye on Chambers Street. Smith was reading with those bards - Espada and Stein and maybe even Willie Perdermo was there.
"There was a sea in my marriage,
And air. I sat in the middle
In a tiny house afloat
On night-colored waves."
DUENDE is published by Graywolf Press: www.graywolfpress.org
"There was a sea in my marriage,
And air. I sat in the middle
In a tiny house afloat
On night-colored waves."
DUENDE is published by Graywolf Press: www.graywolfpress.org
Note from Al Gore:
Dear MoveOn members,
I've got some exciting news:
With the help of our friends at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, "Mother Earth," a Live Earth-affiliated event, is coming to Washington D.C. tomorrow.
If we want to show our elected leaders that Americans want real action to solve the climate crisis—nothing will make that more clear than thousands of people joining me at the concert tomorrow morning.
I'll be there at 10:30 a.m. and then some special friends of mine, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, will each perform a song and the classic blues band Blues Nation will take the stage.
The day will also feature Native American rock, funk, punk, reggae, gospel and Andean music in addition to films.
Be sure to arrive early—you won't want to miss the opening acts.
Event Details: A FREE 7/7/07 concert near the Capitol
When: Tomorrow, Saturday, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Outdoors on the National Museum of the American Indian's Welcome Plaza at 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW, facing the U.S. Capitol.
On Google Maps:http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2743&id=10762-8449446-XjGNz5&t=1
7/7/07 is going to be an amazing day linking together 7 continents, over 100 artists and 2 billion people to "answer the call" to combat the climate crisis.
I'm looking forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
Al Gore
Dear MoveOn members,
I've got some exciting news:
With the help of our friends at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, "Mother Earth," a Live Earth-affiliated event, is coming to Washington D.C. tomorrow.
If we want to show our elected leaders that Americans want real action to solve the climate crisis—nothing will make that more clear than thousands of people joining me at the concert tomorrow morning.
I'll be there at 10:30 a.m. and then some special friends of mine, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, will each perform a song and the classic blues band Blues Nation will take the stage.
The day will also feature Native American rock, funk, punk, reggae, gospel and Andean music in addition to films.
Be sure to arrive early—you won't want to miss the opening acts.
Event Details: A FREE 7/7/07 concert near the Capitol
When: Tomorrow, Saturday, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Outdoors on the National Museum of the American Indian's Welcome Plaza at 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW, facing the U.S. Capitol.
On Google Maps:http://www.moveon.org/r?r=2743&id=10762-8449446-XjGNz5&t=1
7/7/07 is going to be an amazing day linking together 7 continents, over 100 artists and 2 billion people to "answer the call" to combat the climate crisis.
I'm looking forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
Al Gore
I received my flight information today from Norway. I'll be heading back there in September. This time it will be to attend an international literary conference in Stavanger. I'll be reading poems, introducing poets Toni Blackman and Martin Espada. I'll also be giving a 40 minutes talk on Katrina. It will be good to work on a new lecture. I have a number of ideas I need to pull together.
Yesterday I had a nice conversation with Keith Leonard (AU). Keith interviewed me for the Callaloo issue he is editing with Kyle G. Dargan. Their guest edited issue of the magazine is called "The Next Thirty Years of Callaloo."
And to think all this started back in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in December 1976. Congrats to Charles Rowell for being DuBoisian.
Yesterday I had a nice conversation with Keith Leonard (AU). Keith interviewed me for the Callaloo issue he is editing with Kyle G. Dargan. Their guest edited issue of the magazine is called "The Next Thirty Years of Callaloo."
And to think all this started back in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in December 1976. Congrats to Charles Rowell for being DuBoisian.
A profile of my friend Vineeta Gupta:
http://www.asianfortunenews.com/site/article_0707.php?article_id=48
http://www.asianfortunenews.com/site/article_0707.php?article_id=48
Jobs:
ON-AIR NEWSCASTER OPENINGS AT WPFW-FM
There are currently openings for volunteer newscasters, reporters and producers at WPFW-89.3FM. If you would like to be a part of a news team that is Progressive, Professional and Local, please contact WPFW News Director Askia Muhammad via e-mail at: muhammad_askia@wpfw.org
ON-AIR NEWSCASTER OPENINGS AT WPFW-FM
There are currently openings for volunteer newscasters, reporters and producers at WPFW-89.3FM. If you would like to be a part of a news team that is Progressive, Professional and Local, please contact WPFW News Director Askia Muhammad via e-mail at: muhammad_askia@wpfw.org
Thursday, July 05, 2007
POETRY NEWS:
NEW RELEASES
Anne Becker, The Good Body (Finishing Line Press) http://www.finishinglinepress.com
Sarah Browning, Whiskey in the Garden of Eden (The Word Works) http://www.wordworksdc.com
Mike Maggio, deMOCKracy (Plain View Press) http://www.plainviewpress.net
Rosemary Winslow, Green Bodies (The Word Works) http://www.wordworksdc.com
NEW RELEASES
Anne Becker, The Good Body (Finishing Line Press) http://www.finishinglinepress.com
Sarah Browning, Whiskey in the Garden of Eden (The Word Works) http://www.wordworksdc.com
Mike Maggio, deMOCKracy (Plain View Press) http://www.plainviewpress.net
Rosemary Winslow, Green Bodies (The Word Works) http://www.wordworksdc.com
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
News:
Michael Eric Dyson is taking a position at Georgetown University. A good move by that school.
But what about Howard? Do they get draft picks? Any trades in the works? Miller to Mason?
Too many frequent flyer miles will give you those magazine points. So I decided to subscribe to VIBE. Yipes -the new issue arrived like strange gunfire down the street.There was nothing to read from cover to cover. Talk about a magazine that disappeared like a black person on U Street...
I remember when you could find an essay by Tate or Powell in those early issues. The current VIBE is 3/5th of a magazine. The return of slavery might be a subscription. Not a good vibe if you have freedom on your mind.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The political knowledge of the average voter has been tested repeatedly, and the scores are impressively low. In polls taken since 1945, a majority of Americans have beeen unable to name a single branch of government, define the terms "liberal" and "conservative," and explain what the Bill of Rights is. More than two-thirds have reported that they do not know the substance of Roe v. Wade and what the Food and Drug Administration does. Nearly half do not know that states have two senators and three-quarters do not know the length of a Senate term. More than fifty per cent of Americans cannot name their congressman; forty per cent cannot name either of their senators. Voters'notions of governnment spending are wildly distorted: the public believes that foreign aid consumes twenty-four per cent of the federal budget, for example, though it actually consumes about one per cent.
Excerpt from Louis Menand"s book review of THE MYTH OF THE RATIONAL VOTER: WHY DEMOCRACIES CHOOSE BAD POLITICS by Bryan Caplan.
The New Yorker, July 9 & 16, 2007.
Page 88.
Michael Eric Dyson is taking a position at Georgetown University. A good move by that school.
But what about Howard? Do they get draft picks? Any trades in the works? Miller to Mason?
Too many frequent flyer miles will give you those magazine points. So I decided to subscribe to VIBE. Yipes -the new issue arrived like strange gunfire down the street.There was nothing to read from cover to cover. Talk about a magazine that disappeared like a black person on U Street...
I remember when you could find an essay by Tate or Powell in those early issues. The current VIBE is 3/5th of a magazine. The return of slavery might be a subscription. Not a good vibe if you have freedom on your mind.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The political knowledge of the average voter has been tested repeatedly, and the scores are impressively low. In polls taken since 1945, a majority of Americans have beeen unable to name a single branch of government, define the terms "liberal" and "conservative," and explain what the Bill of Rights is. More than two-thirds have reported that they do not know the substance of Roe v. Wade and what the Food and Drug Administration does. Nearly half do not know that states have two senators and three-quarters do not know the length of a Senate term. More than fifty per cent of Americans cannot name their congressman; forty per cent cannot name either of their senators. Voters'notions of governnment spending are wildly distorted: the public believes that foreign aid consumes twenty-four per cent of the federal budget, for example, though it actually consumes about one per cent.
Excerpt from Louis Menand"s book review of THE MYTH OF THE RATIONAL VOTER: WHY DEMOCRACIES CHOOSE BAD POLITICS by Bryan Caplan.
The New Yorker, July 9 & 16, 2007.
Page 88.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Save the Date:
October 3-7, 2007
92nd Annual Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Hilton Charlotte at University Place Hotel
Charlotte, North Carolina
www.asalh.org/92ndconvention.html
October 3-7, 2007
92nd Annual Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Hilton Charlotte at University Place Hotel
Charlotte, North Carolina
www.asalh.org/92ndconvention.html
Quote of the Day:
"He said he used to reach the former mayor with one phone call, and was offended when Mr. Booker suggested that the best way to communicate with him was text messaging."
Excerpt from the NY Times (7'3/07)
Rev. Dr. Jethro C. James, pastor of Paradise Baptist Church, commenting on his displeasure with Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker.
It's obvious from the above quote that James hasn't adjusted to the loss of access and influence.
Is this about ego? Politics? Would you decide to recall a mayor because you don't want to text message? Is it possible that using the phone was once a "black" thing to do? Oh - where is thy drum, my brother?
"He said he used to reach the former mayor with one phone call, and was offended when Mr. Booker suggested that the best way to communicate with him was text messaging."
Excerpt from the NY Times (7'3/07)
Rev. Dr. Jethro C. James, pastor of Paradise Baptist Church, commenting on his displeasure with Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker.
It's obvious from the above quote that James hasn't adjusted to the loss of access and influence.
Is this about ego? Politics? Would you decide to recall a mayor because you don't want to text message? Is it possible that using the phone was once a "black" thing to do? Oh - where is thy drum, my brother?
Mayors Cory A. Booker and Adrian Fenty need to talk and spend more time together. They both are being attacked for similar things - decisions that they made. Both are having their blackness placed in a test tube. Is this fair? Not really. It's all about poor black people losing their landscape identity and the little power they had. Much of the power however was simply black pride politics. Feel good stuff with no change or substance. You can't eat blackness or pay a bill with it. Funny how folks want black representation even when black leaders put money in their freezers. How many black people are working but doing no work for other black people? How many simply have good jobs and don't even want to help others? How many get appointed to big positions and do nothing but decorate their office? Meanwhile, public services go down the drain. I like how Fenty has selected people based on their work ethic. People standing around mumbling about race are really standing around and doing nothing - but mumbling. Can you imagine if DuBois, Washington or Woodson did no work but only talked about race? Where would the souls of black folks be? Not even on a bookshelf.
"All The News That's Fit To Print" is one of the first things I learned about the New York Times growing up in the South Bronx. That little quote is in the box on the left side of the front page. "Hi" is what I said to the box whenever I read the newspaper. But what about all the "pictures" that's fit to print? Why did the NY Times run a picture of three Iraqi kids staging a mock execution on page A9 today? There is no need to show a photo like this. What message is it trying to send? Are the kids posing for the photographer? Why does the little kid in the middle seem to resemble his nation? Iraq is nothing but a country that has a gun to its head.
What does the E stand for? Excessive? Bush must have received some advice from his father regarding the handling of the Libby case. Father Knows Best?
McCain's campaign seems to be dead in the water. Seafood anyone?
Look for a quiet "World War" to spread slowly in the Middle East. No media coverage of certain conflicts and conditions. No one is going Ga Ga over Gaza these days. There is too much "chatter" in the news about Iran being responsible for stuff. One fears that after Beirut - Tehran could be next.
Question: What did you do during your summer vacation?
Answer: I started a larger war.
If you thought terrorism made you take your shoes off in the airport - the recent discovery that medical doctors were the bomb culprits in the UK - means some of us are not going to open our mouths during the next hospital or clinic examination. Do you want a doctor touching your parts and also working for some terrorist organization? Might someone give you the wrong medicine - or hide your X-rays? Yipes. It looks like it's going to be downhill again for some of us. Look for anyone in medical school from certain nations to be secretly placed on a list. It's a good thing we only have to watch doctors right now. Can you imagine if it were lawyers? Folks would be looking for a sleeper cell trying to takeover the Supreme Court. Might that be reason behind the recent court decisions? Hmmm.
McCain's campaign seems to be dead in the water. Seafood anyone?
Look for a quiet "World War" to spread slowly in the Middle East. No media coverage of certain conflicts and conditions. No one is going Ga Ga over Gaza these days. There is too much "chatter" in the news about Iran being responsible for stuff. One fears that after Beirut - Tehran could be next.
Question: What did you do during your summer vacation?
Answer: I started a larger war.
If you thought terrorism made you take your shoes off in the airport - the recent discovery that medical doctors were the bomb culprits in the UK - means some of us are not going to open our mouths during the next hospital or clinic examination. Do you want a doctor touching your parts and also working for some terrorist organization? Might someone give you the wrong medicine - or hide your X-rays? Yipes. It looks like it's going to be downhill again for some of us. Look for anyone in medical school from certain nations to be secretly placed on a list. It's a good thing we only have to watch doctors right now. Can you imagine if it were lawyers? Folks would be looking for a sleeper cell trying to takeover the Supreme Court. Might that be reason behind the recent court decisions? Hmmm.
Monday, July 02, 2007
THE E MAG
Treve de blues
- Leon Damas
Welcome to the E-MAG.
From time to time, I open my E-Space to receive E-Notes from other writers. My guest today is
CLAIRE BURGOYNE.
BURGOYNE # 1
Northern Ireland has come to Washington DC this week. A veritable feast of musicians, painters and wicker coffin-makers...have set up their stalls on the National Mall for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This has been a brilliant opportunity for NI to showcase its talents and show-off about its beautiful tourist attractions.
I had the good fortune to visit DC earlier in the year when some of our esteemed poets were taking part in a symposium at Georgetown University - it was a brilliant week, culminating in an event at the National Geographic Society.
What I took away from DC was the enthusiasm and charm of its people - and their extraordinary networking abilities - something we Europeans could learn a lot from.
Back here in Belfast, I'm adjusting to married life and normality after a very happy June wedding - we have reports on the news of a terrorist incident in Scotland and deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, parts of northern England are submerged by rain and our religious leaders are telling us that we're reaping what we sow.
Oh to be in Washington...
Claire Burgoyne is a radio producer working for the BBC in Belfast, UK.
THE E MAG THE E MAG THE E MAG
I had a nice conversation this morning with Janette Cosley. She is the executive director of THE ENSEMBLE THEATER in Houston. A place to visit when you visit Texas. The play in production right now is - One Monkey Don't Stop No Show.
How many times did my Mom say that? Bless her heart. My sister calling me "Monkey Gene" in the hallway. I can still see myself pouting and then running away - my cap flying off my head like I was Willie Mays.
How many times did my Mom say that? Bless her heart. My sister calling me "Monkey Gene" in the hallway. I can still see myself pouting and then running away - my cap flying off my head like I was Willie Mays.
The latest issue of THE DOS PASSOS REVIEW is out.
Volume 4, No. 1.
The journal is a publication of Longwood University
www.longwood.edu/dpr/
The editor is Mary Carroll-Hackett.
Poets and fiction writers might want to submit work.
Volume 4, No. 1.
The journal is a publication of Longwood University
www.longwood.edu/dpr/
The editor is Mary Carroll-Hackett.
Poets and fiction writers might want to submit work.
Party Like It's....
Washington DC Branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) will have on Friday, July 6 at 7 p.m.
The Black Panther Party: Who They Were and What We Can Learn.
It will include screening of movies from the Black Panther Party archives, and reports and discussion.
It takes place at 1247 E Street SE, Washington, DC (the corner of 13th and E Streets, SE, just a few blocks from the Potomac Avenue Metro Station on the Blue/Orange line). Admission is free. If people want more information they can call 202-543-4900, or email dc@SocialismandLiberation.org. Our web site, www.pslweb.org has more information about PSL as well.It should be an interesting evening, with good discussion.
Washington DC Branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) will have on Friday, July 6 at 7 p.m.
The Black Panther Party: Who They Were and What We Can Learn.
It will include screening of movies from the Black Panther Party archives, and reports and discussion.
It takes place at 1247 E Street SE, Washington, DC (the corner of 13th and E Streets, SE, just a few blocks from the Potomac Avenue Metro Station on the Blue/Orange line). Admission is free. If people want more information they can call 202-543-4900, or email dc@SocialismandLiberation.org. Our web site, www.pslweb.org has more information about PSL as well.It should be an interesting evening, with good discussion.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
A Dunn Deal:
Read Stephen Dunn's poem "The Mermaid" in the latest issue of The American Poetry Review. It's the best of the nine poems. I like Dunn's "Little Craft Manifesto." Here are 3 excerpts:
Craft is an orchestration of words and desired effects. Essentially, its job is to reveal content. It's in the business of heightening, subordinating, pacing. It controls rates of disclosure, degrees of importance; it manages tone. Like a compass, it's what you need when you're lost, but it is not sufficient.
If you're a serious poet, every poem you write is part of a long unspoken dialog with the poets who preceded you. Craft is part of that dialog, also preferably unspoken. As you write, you need not be conscious of your forebears and their work but the poem should in some way reflect that you 've been standing on the shoulders of those giants.
Craft is nothing if not an agent of the possible. Sloppiness is its main nemesis. Certainly the carpenter who poorly frames a door doesn't go around saying how well it shuts. Sloppiness embrarrasses him. But who hasn't heard poets defending the equivalent of a poorly made door? And doesn't the carpenter's apprentice know he's an apprentice and therefore, tend to be keenly aware of what he has yet to master? Beginning poets take note: the artisan never believes that how he feels is more important than how he executes.
Read Stephen Dunn's poem "The Mermaid" in the latest issue of The American Poetry Review. It's the best of the nine poems. I like Dunn's "Little Craft Manifesto." Here are 3 excerpts:
Craft is an orchestration of words and desired effects. Essentially, its job is to reveal content. It's in the business of heightening, subordinating, pacing. It controls rates of disclosure, degrees of importance; it manages tone. Like a compass, it's what you need when you're lost, but it is not sufficient.
If you're a serious poet, every poem you write is part of a long unspoken dialog with the poets who preceded you. Craft is part of that dialog, also preferably unspoken. As you write, you need not be conscious of your forebears and their work but the poem should in some way reflect that you 've been standing on the shoulders of those giants.
Craft is nothing if not an agent of the possible. Sloppiness is its main nemesis. Certainly the carpenter who poorly frames a door doesn't go around saying how well it shuts. Sloppiness embrarrasses him. But who hasn't heard poets defending the equivalent of a poorly made door? And doesn't the carpenter's apprentice know he's an apprentice and therefore, tend to be keenly aware of what he has yet to master? Beginning poets take note: the artisan never believes that how he feels is more important than how he executes.
The Writing Life:
Read Martha Southgate's essay in The New York Times Book Review (July 1, 2007). It's about the problems of African American "literary" writers. Her essay fails to discuss the reading habits of the African American community. I could go into any bookstore in America and I could judge a black book by its cover. Many of the black books look like pork. And you wonder why we suffer from hypertension and problems of the heart? Remember when a "serious" black book had a Jacob Lawrence or Romare Bearden cover? Give me the old Downbeat blindfold test and I bet you I can always find a play by August Wilson. The next time you walk by a vendor in the street selling books - sniff the pork. The good chops are always on sale. Black romance readers are simply eating high on the hog. Those book clubs ain't nothin' but black picnics and family reunions. Will the "black " muslim food critics please step forward.
Read Martha Southgate's essay in The New York Times Book Review (July 1, 2007). It's about the problems of African American "literary" writers. Her essay fails to discuss the reading habits of the African American community. I could go into any bookstore in America and I could judge a black book by its cover. Many of the black books look like pork. And you wonder why we suffer from hypertension and problems of the heart? Remember when a "serious" black book had a Jacob Lawrence or Romare Bearden cover? Give me the old Downbeat blindfold test and I bet you I can always find a play by August Wilson. The next time you walk by a vendor in the street selling books - sniff the pork. The good chops are always on sale. Black romance readers are simply eating high on the hog. Those book clubs ain't nothin' but black picnics and family reunions. Will the "black " muslim food critics please step forward.
Ichiro Watch:
Well, look where Ichiro is right now. 2 pts behind the AL leader. Ichiro is at .368.
Might he slump after the All-Star game? One slump and he won't hit .400. A slump might send his average down to .338 or somewhere there. He could still win an AL batting title but he wouldn't be making history. But this could be his year. Might he break his own single season hit record? Ichiro would have to be hotter than July. He would have to end this month around .395.
Then comes August. I think if Ichiro is going to hit .400, he would have to be hitting over .400 in early September. This would give him a cushion and with the pressure (from the media) still hit a Williams .406. The key thing to watch are his multiple hit games. This is exciting baseball. Bonds who?
Well, look where Ichiro is right now. 2 pts behind the AL leader. Ichiro is at .368.
Might he slump after the All-Star game? One slump and he won't hit .400. A slump might send his average down to .338 or somewhere there. He could still win an AL batting title but he wouldn't be making history. But this could be his year. Might he break his own single season hit record? Ichiro would have to be hotter than July. He would have to end this month around .395.
Then comes August. I think if Ichiro is going to hit .400, he would have to be hitting over .400 in early September. This would give him a cushion and with the pressure (from the media) still hit a Williams .406. The key thing to watch are his multiple hit games. This is exciting baseball. Bonds who?
Where is the ghost of James Brown? I remember after the riots how he was at the White House with Nixon - telling people to be cool. Go home and play some music he said. It seemed so simple then. Folks dancing in the streets. There were no car bombs. Only people crashing into stores for televsion sets. There was no talk of religion. God didn't make anyone riot or set a building on fire. We grew our hair into afros and changed our names and a few things did change.There was always hope that America would be America again. Now we must ask the same thing of the world. Will the world be the world again? How long will we let wars break countries into two? Why do some people believe they have to kill just to get to heaven? Maceo - hit it!
So much going on in the news. Terrorist increase in England. Sleeper cells? Israel's movement into Gaza. More deaths in the Middle East. And somehow we survive. I think of countries that disappear from the news like Haiti. What should one plug into? I see everyone on a cellphone. A tremendous amount of chatter in the world these days. Are we discussing the problems of poverty, healthcare, unemployment, or climate change? Around me nothing but a desire for clothes or the focus on how someone looks or didn't look. We talk about the people we work with. How urgent is the last report? Is it the last bottle of clean water you have? I keep meeting women whose names are Katrina. Strange. Where did they suddenly come from? And why would anyone want to be the president of all this? We could all be in Ellington's band waiting for our solo. If I could just learn how to play that one note that would bring peace back into the world. Help me Buddy Bolden. In a few hours the morning newspaper will be here. Will Bush be doing the funky butt? Horns. And the band keeps playing.