Mar 30, 2009
Jane Hamilton at Butler University
Indianapolis Star reporter Konrad Marshall catches up with novelist Jane Hamilton, who was at Butler University last week. Click here.
Music Monday: Teaching Dylan In Boston
NPR's Weekend Edition has this report
"For the past three semesters, Boston University lecturer Kevin Barents has been teaching Bob Dylan's lyrics.
Students in Barents' writing seminar are taught the mechanics and artistry of poetry through Dylan's songwriting. And even if they focus primarily on Dylan's words, Barents says he encourages his students to consider the relationship between the words and the music."
For the full report, click here.
For an audio version, click here.
For previous Music Monday posts, click on the label below.
"For the past three semesters, Boston University lecturer Kevin Barents has been teaching Bob Dylan's lyrics.
Students in Barents' writing seminar are taught the mechanics and artistry of poetry through Dylan's songwriting. And even if they focus primarily on Dylan's words, Barents says he encourages his students to consider the relationship between the words and the music."
For the full report, click here.
For an audio version, click here.
For previous Music Monday posts, click on the label below.
Mar 28, 2009
Nuvo on Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Bonnie Maurer
David Hoppe comments on two new poetry books written by Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Bonnie Mauer. The Nuvo article is here.
Mar 23, 2009
Rita Dove at IU
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
7 p.m. Rita Dove at Whittenberger Auditorium, Indiana Memorial Union, 700 E. Seventh St., Bloomington (on the Indiana University campus). http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/10221.html
7 p.m. Rita Dove at Whittenberger Auditorium, Indiana Memorial Union, 700 E. Seventh St., Bloomington (on the Indiana University campus). http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/10221.html
Music Monday: "Tom's Diner," by Suzanne Vega
"Tom’s Diner"
Suzanne Vega
I love poems that evoke a sense of impending importance even though nothing of significance is happening. Reading between the lines, or in this case, listening to what isn’t being said, makes "Tom's Diner" intriguing. The song first appeared on Suzanne's album Solitude Standing. Later, "Tom's Diner" became a hit after a group called DNA added backing tracks and a hypnotic beat. That version is the video linked below. (I recommend just listening, not watching, the video. The unimaginative images are counterintuitive to the simple language of the words.)
Do you have a favorite song that can appreciated as poetry? You're welcome to be a contributor to this feature.
For other Music Monday posts, just click on the "Music Monday" label below.
Suzanne Vega
I love poems that evoke a sense of impending importance even though nothing of significance is happening. Reading between the lines, or in this case, listening to what isn’t being said, makes "Tom's Diner" intriguing. The song first appeared on Suzanne's album Solitude Standing. Later, "Tom's Diner" became a hit after a group called DNA added backing tracks and a hypnotic beat. That version is the video linked below. (I recommend just listening, not watching, the video. The unimaginative images are counterintuitive to the simple language of the words.)
Do you have a favorite song that can appreciated as poetry? You're welcome to be a contributor to this feature.
For other Music Monday posts, just click on the "Music Monday" label below.
Mar 22, 2009
Indy Airport Houses Original Art
Here's one traveler's reaction to the art/poetry display at the Indianapolis International Airport. This is a posting at examiner.com, a website focusing on Indianapolis and other cities.
Also, this photo (from the website) is the best I've seen of the display.
State of Maine recognizes the poet from Indiana
Thomas Alan Orr sent me this document from the Maine legislature, a joint resolution to honor the contributions of Maine farmers. A Representative Smith read Orr's poem "Soybeans," which was reproduced in this public document. I deleted the actual poem itself, in light of copyright issues (Orr reports that one anthology picked up his poem without permission.) If you're in a hurry, you can skip all the whereas-es and legal flourishes by skipping to the boldface paragraph near the end of the resolution. But half the fun is reading the buildup. And I laughed at the off-handed comment "it does not rhyme."
LEGISLATIVE RECORD
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE OF MAINE
MARCH 18, 2008
ORDERS
On motion of Representative PIEH of Bremen, the following Joint Resolution: (H.P. 1622) (Cosponsored by Senator NUTTING of Androscoggin and Representatives: CARTER of Bethel, CRAY of Palmyra, EDGECOMB of Caribou, GIFFORD of Lincoln, LUNDEEN of Mars Hill, MAREAN of Hollis, PINEAU of Jay, PIOTTI of Unity, PRATT of Eddington, Senators: ROTUNDO of Androscoggin, SHERMAN of Aroostook)
JOINT RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF THE MAINE FARMER AND MAINE AGRICULTURE
WHEREAS, recent statistics show that Maine's 7,100 farms, the bulk of which are small, family-owned operations, provide full-time and part-time employment to more than 65,000 workers, approximately 10% of the State's workforce; and
WHEREAS, Maine's agricultural enterprises provide more than $600,000,000 through the sale of farm products and contribute more than $2,000,000,000 annually to the State's economy; and
WHEREAS, Maine farmers are the stewards of 1,360,000 acres of land, a vital resource in maintaining the food security of Maine people, and an overwhelming majority of Maine people believe that buying local Maine agricultural products helps the State; and
WHEREAS, Maine is first in New England in the production of food, first in New England in the value of aquaculture sales, first in the world in the production of wild blueberries, the world leader in the production of brown eggs, second in the Nation in the production of maple syrup, eighth in the Nation in the production of fall potatoes, second in New England in milk and livestock production and the only state anywhere involved in the production of fiddleheads; and
WHEREAS, agriculture shaped Maine's past, maintains much of Maine's scenic open space, provides recreational opportunities, makes a significant contribution to the nature and character of Maine's many rural communities and provides for a strong future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, pause in our deliberations to honor Maine farmers and innovators who have contributed so much to the betterment of our State, to pledge our support and encouragement and to urge the youth of Maine to pursue the growing opportunities for careers in today's technologically advanced agriculture industry; and be it further
RESOLVED: That a suitable copy of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources as a token of the esteem in which those in this vital field are held.
READ.
The SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes the Representative from Bremen, Representative Pieh.
Representative PIEH: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. The only thing I would like to say is just let's remember: no farms; no food. Let's do everything we can to support our farms; and do remember the second floor is full of food; and The Grange, just a beautiful walk down past the rotary, this is their annual day to serve lunch to our Legislature. Thank you.
The SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes the Representative from Monmouth, Representative Smith.
Representative SMITH: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Men and Women of the House. I have conversations often times at the Farmer's Market with my customers who want to know what it is like to be a farmer. They have a very idealized view; and despite the Representative sitting directly in front of me, food actually has to get from the farm to Hannaford before you can buy it.
The best description I have for farming is to quote my husband, who says that "farming is the largest form of gambling in the State of Maine." But there is also a poem that I would like to read; it does not rhyme, it is one of those poems but it comes the closest to describing farm life. Representative Percy gave it to me from the collection she is reading from Garrison Keillor, and it is "Soybeans," by Thomas Alan Orr:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Subsequently, the Joint Resolution was ADOPTED.
LEGISLATIVE RECORD
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE OF MAINE
MARCH 18, 2008
ORDERS
On motion of Representative PIEH of Bremen, the following Joint Resolution: (H.P. 1622) (Cosponsored by Senator NUTTING of Androscoggin and Representatives: CARTER of Bethel, CRAY of Palmyra, EDGECOMB of Caribou, GIFFORD of Lincoln, LUNDEEN of Mars Hill, MAREAN of Hollis, PINEAU of Jay, PIOTTI of Unity, PRATT of Eddington, Senators: ROTUNDO of Androscoggin, SHERMAN of Aroostook)
JOINT RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF THE MAINE FARMER AND MAINE AGRICULTURE
WHEREAS, recent statistics show that Maine's 7,100 farms, the bulk of which are small, family-owned operations, provide full-time and part-time employment to more than 65,000 workers, approximately 10% of the State's workforce; and
WHEREAS, Maine's agricultural enterprises provide more than $600,000,000 through the sale of farm products and contribute more than $2,000,000,000 annually to the State's economy; and
WHEREAS, Maine farmers are the stewards of 1,360,000 acres of land, a vital resource in maintaining the food security of Maine people, and an overwhelming majority of Maine people believe that buying local Maine agricultural products helps the State; and
WHEREAS, Maine is first in New England in the production of food, first in New England in the value of aquaculture sales, first in the world in the production of wild blueberries, the world leader in the production of brown eggs, second in the Nation in the production of maple syrup, eighth in the Nation in the production of fall potatoes, second in New England in milk and livestock production and the only state anywhere involved in the production of fiddleheads; and
WHEREAS, agriculture shaped Maine's past, maintains much of Maine's scenic open space, provides recreational opportunities, makes a significant contribution to the nature and character of Maine's many rural communities and provides for a strong future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, pause in our deliberations to honor Maine farmers and innovators who have contributed so much to the betterment of our State, to pledge our support and encouragement and to urge the youth of Maine to pursue the growing opportunities for careers in today's technologically advanced agriculture industry; and be it further
RESOLVED: That a suitable copy of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources as a token of the esteem in which those in this vital field are held.
READ.
The SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes the Representative from Bremen, Representative Pieh.
Representative PIEH: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. The only thing I would like to say is just let's remember: no farms; no food. Let's do everything we can to support our farms; and do remember the second floor is full of food; and The Grange, just a beautiful walk down past the rotary, this is their annual day to serve lunch to our Legislature. Thank you.
The SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes the Representative from Monmouth, Representative Smith.
Representative SMITH: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Men and Women of the House. I have conversations often times at the Farmer's Market with my customers who want to know what it is like to be a farmer. They have a very idealized view; and despite the Representative sitting directly in front of me, food actually has to get from the farm to Hannaford before you can buy it.
The best description I have for farming is to quote my husband, who says that "farming is the largest form of gambling in the State of Maine." But there is also a poem that I would like to read; it does not rhyme, it is one of those poems but it comes the closest to describing farm life. Representative Percy gave it to me from the collection she is reading from Garrison Keillor, and it is "Soybeans," by Thomas Alan Orr:
(Poem deleted for copyright reasons. You can find it in Orr's volume of poetry, Hammers in the Fog.)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Subsequently, the Joint Resolution was ADOPTED.
Tipton Poetry Journal, Issue No. 12
Issue #12 of the Tipton Poetry Journal is available . Some of the issue's poetry are available online at http://tiptonpoetryjournal.com/tpj12/tpj_issue12.html
Indiana contributors for the Winter 2009 issue include: The Airpoets (Joyce Brinkman, Ruthelen Burns, Joseph Heithaus, Norbert Krapf, Jeenie Deeter Smith), John Borneman, Shannon E. Brewer, Rohanna McCormack.Richard Pflum, Stephen R. Roberts, and Kelly Talbot.
For subscription information or submission guidelines, contact Barry Harris, Editor, Tipton Poetry Journal, P.O. Box 804, Zionsville, IN 46077 or visit http://tiptonpoetryjournal.com/
UPDATE: Notice the house featured on the cover. It's a house with an unlikely connection to President Obama. It was built in Kempton in Tipton County by someone who is an ancestor of Obama's. Read about it here. OK, so it's a stretch, but during one of Obama's stops, the presidential candidate did visit the site. Word is that the house will be turned into a tourist attraction. Read about it here.
Mar 21, 2009
Nature Poetry Chapbook Reading
News from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:
Indiana Nature Poetry Chapbook Just Released
Poetry Reading at Mounds State Park April 18
In June 2008, poet Stacy Smith and Mounds State Park Interpretive Naturalist Angie Manuel teamed together to organize a nature poetry contest for Hoosiers.
From the 207 judged entries, 62 poems by 39 poets were chosen to be included in the newly released chapbook, Poetic Nature in the Hoosierland: A Collection of Environmental Poems by Indiana Authors. Royalties from the publication will benefit Mounds State Park of Anderson.
In celebration of the chapbook’s release, Mounds State Park iwill host a poetry party and reading at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, to coincide with the park's Earth Day 2009 events. The public, the poets, and all nature lovers are invited to the nature center amphitheater for fun, refreshments, and door prize drawings.
Smith edited the chapbook, which includes a few of her own poems. This is her fourth published nature poetry book and the third in which the royalties go toward helping wildlife and the natural world. Smith’s work has also appeared in Birds and Blooms magazine, Ideals magazine, Asian Geographic magazine, The Heron’s Nest haiku journal, and various publications.
Manuel wrote the foreword of the chapbook. She has had several articles published in the Indiana DNR magazine Outdoor Indiana. And, as the Interpretive Naturalist, Manuel has conducted nature journaling and creative writing programs at Mounds State Park .
Poetic Nature in the Hoosierland was published by Shadow Poetry and is available thru their online bookstore at http://www.shadowpoetry.com/. The chapbook can also be purchased in the Mounds State Park gift shop, or can be ordered through your local bookstore by giving the ISBN number (978-09822996-3-0).
Winning poems were announced last December, and the top entries won cash prizes and complimentary copies of the chapbook. First- and second-place poems can be read on this Shadow Poetry link.
First Place, Tony Brewer, of Bloomington , “Trees are poems to a typewriter in the woods”
Second Place, Mary A. Couch, of Noblesville, “The Great Mound”
Third place, Tere Payne, of Greenfield , “Ambling”
Indiana Nature Poetry Chapbook Just Released
Poetry Reading at Mounds State Park April 18
In June 2008, poet Stacy Smith and Mounds State Park Interpretive Naturalist Angie Manuel teamed together to organize a nature poetry contest for Hoosiers.
From the 207 judged entries, 62 poems by 39 poets were chosen to be included in the newly released chapbook, Poetic Nature in the Hoosierland: A Collection of Environmental Poems by Indiana Authors. Royalties from the publication will benefit Mounds State Park of Anderson.
In celebration of the chapbook’s release, Mounds State Park iwill host a poetry party and reading at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, to coincide with the park's Earth Day 2009 events. The public, the poets, and all nature lovers are invited to the nature center amphitheater for fun, refreshments, and door prize drawings.
Smith edited the chapbook, which includes a few of her own poems. This is her fourth published nature poetry book and the third in which the royalties go toward helping wildlife and the natural world. Smith’s work has also appeared in Birds and Blooms magazine, Ideals magazine, Asian Geographic magazine, The Heron’s Nest haiku journal, and various publications.
Manuel wrote the foreword of the chapbook. She has had several articles published in the Indiana DNR magazine Outdoor Indiana. And, as the Interpretive Naturalist, Manuel has conducted nature journaling and creative writing programs at Mounds State Park .
Poetic Nature in the Hoosierland was published by Shadow Poetry and is available thru their online bookstore at http://www.shadowpoetry.com/. The chapbook can also be purchased in the Mounds State Park gift shop, or can be ordered through your local bookstore by giving the ISBN number (978-09822996-3-0).
Winning poems were announced last December, and the top entries won cash prizes and complimentary copies of the chapbook. First- and second-place poems can be read on this Shadow Poetry link.
First Place, Tony Brewer, of Bloomington , “Trees are poems to a typewriter in the woods”
Second Place, Mary A. Couch, of Noblesville, “The Great Mound”
Third place, Tere Payne, of Greenfield , “Ambling”
Other contributors are:
Ed Fredericks, Shelly Ann (Klepfer) Fruitt, Daniel Winger, Glenna Glee Jenkins, Susan Block, Rachel Weaver, Lee Harlin Bahan, Amy K. Genova, Dennis Lloyd, Jane Wilson Maskel, Susan Rihn, Dianna S. Walston, Ken Flesher, Sally (Woods) Willis, Monica Clark, Sheri Armstrong, Charles Huston Reisfar, George V. Neagu, Alexandra Moss Zannis, Brian Lowry, Wayne E. Klepinger, Tim Taff, Brett Sanders, Daniel Weaver, Michael E. Strosahl, Alice B. Couch, Carla Woodard-Gick, Patricia J. Finley, Rob Ross, Lisa L. Frost, Theresa Mae Peck, Shirley Reese, Victoria Vautaw, Phebe Beachy, Esther Towns and Richard T. Parrette, Jr.
Charles Simic rescheduled
The following from the Butler University website:
Charles Simic Rescheduled for April 21
Poet Charles Simic, who was scheduled to speak in the Johnson Room on Thursday night (March 19), has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 21 in the Krannert Room of Clowes Memorial Hall.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (317) 940-9861.
Thanks to Barry Harris, who sent word of the news.
Mar 17, 2009
Nicholas Sparks
Zach Dunkin of The Indianapolis Star interviews novelist Nicholas Sparks, who will visit Indy as part of the McFadden Memorial Lecture. Click here.
Mar 9, 2009
Music Monday: Oh, no! Michael Jackson
John Lundberg, who writes about poetry for the Huffington Post, reports on an item that will be auctioned off as part of the sale of items from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. Evidently, a tombstone-like structure has a curious poem carved on it, and it's creepy, given past allegations of child-molesting against the singer. Read about it here.
Do you have a topic for Music Monday? Perhaps you'd like to guest write a post? If, so let me know. To see previous Music Monday posts, click on the Music Monday label below.
Do you have a topic for Music Monday? Perhaps you'd like to guest write a post? If, so let me know. To see previous Music Monday posts, click on the Music Monday label below.
Mar 7, 2009
Central Indiana Writers' Association is moving
NOTE VENUE CHANGE. The meetings will not be at Beech Grove Public Library, as previously reported.
Central Indiana Writers' Association will be moving its monthly meetings--at least through June--from the Oasis facility in Greenwood to the Southport Branch Public Library.
The move was prompted by a forced relocation of Oasis from its longtime space at Smith Valley Road and Ind. 135. The Southport library is at 2630 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis.
The new meeting dates and times are as follows:
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 – 7 to 9 p.m. There will be an open mic reading and a presentation by Robert O. Adair on writing inspiration poetry, essays or devotions.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 7 to 9 p.m. - Program to be announced
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 – 7 to 9 p.m. - Program to be announced
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 – 7 to 9 p.m. - Program to be announced
If you have a question call Shirley Martin at 317-791-7065 or Linda Gosnell at
317-781-0326.
Central Indiana Writers' Association will be moving its monthly meetings--at least through June--from the Oasis facility in Greenwood to the Southport Branch Public Library.
The move was prompted by a forced relocation of Oasis from its longtime space at Smith Valley Road and Ind. 135. The Southport library is at 2630 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis.
The new meeting dates and times are as follows:
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 – 7 to 9 p.m. There will be an open mic reading and a presentation by Robert O. Adair on writing inspiration poetry, essays or devotions.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 7 to 9 p.m. - Program to be announced
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 – 7 to 9 p.m. - Program to be announced
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 – 7 to 9 p.m. - Program to be announced
If you have a question call Shirley Martin at 317-791-7065 or Linda Gosnell at
317-781-0326.
Spoken-word tour of Indiana
Reservoir Dogwoods, composed of spoken-word artists Joseph Kerschbaum, Tony Brewer, Jason Ammerman and Matthew Jackson, has begun touring. Stops include Indianapolis, Columbus, Bloomington, Nashville, Terre Haute and other cities. For a list of scheduled appearances and booking information, visit http://www.indianapoetrytour.com/.
Mar 4, 2009
Jared Carter to read at anti-death penalty gathering
According to Patrick Kanouse, blogging on patrickkanouse.com/blog, Jared Carter will speak at an anti-death penalty gathering today at the Indiana Statehouse. For the full story, check out Patrick's March 3 entry. The event is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. today in the Capitol Rotunda, 200 W. Washington St. Patrick advises visitors to enter the capitol through the lower west or east entrances, and remember to allow enough time to proceed through security.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)