Tuesday, October 30, 2007

 

Reading for Cut Loose the Body at American U on Nov. 10th


Tuesday, October 16, 2007

 

Poetry Reading in Spanish/English at the Library of Congress on Oct. 18th

POETRY READING

AT The LIBRARY of CONGRESS

CELEBRATING FOUR CENTURIES OF U.S. HISPANIC POETRY

Hosted by: Dr. GEORGETTE DORN, Historian, Professor Georgetown University. Chief of the Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress.

Moderator: Poet LUIS ALBERTO AMBROGGIO (US/Argentina)

Author of nine books of poetry. Winner of the 2004 TVE Award for poems on solitude. Member of the North-American Academy of the Spanish Language.

With the participation of distinguished American poets representing the South-American, Central-American and Spanish Caribbean Exiles.


ISAAC GOLDEMBERG

A renowned Peruvian poet, playwright, and fiction writer. A Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Hostos Community College of CUNY, Director of the Latin American Writers Institute, and Editor of Hostos Review, an international journal of culture. Author of three novels, more than ten books of poetry, plays and of the anthology El gran libro de América judía

CONNY PALACIOS

Member of the Academia Nicaragüense de la Lengua, poet, writer of novels, essays and literary criticism. She has earned a PH.D. in Spanish from the University of Miami. Professor at Anderson University, South Carolina. Dr. Palacios has published a novel, three books of poems and a book of essays Pluralidad de máscaras en la lírica de Pablo Antonio Cuadra .

REI BERROA

From Dominicana, professor of Spanish and Caribbean Literature at George Mason University. PH. D. in Literature from the University of Pittsburgh. Author of several books of poetry, literary criticism and editor of a number of important anthologies. Literary advisor of El Teatro de la Luna where he coordinates the annual Spanish Poetry Marathon in Washington, D.C.


October 18, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

The LIBRARY of CONGRESS

Pickford Theater. The James Madison Building, 3rd Floor

101 Independence Avenue, SE

Followed by a reception. R.S.V.P. Cynthia Acosta at (202)707-2013





---
Biblioteca del Congreso

RECITAL POÉTICO

CELEBRANDO CUATRO SIGLOS DE POESÍA HISPANA EN USA

Presentado por: Dra. GEORGETTE DORN, Historiadora, Profesora de Georgetown University. Jefa de la División Hispánica de la Biblioteca del Congreso.

Modera: LUIS ALBERTO AMBROGGIO, Miembro de la Academia Norteamericana de la Lengua Española. Internacionalmente reconocido autor de nueve poemarios, ganador en el 2004 del Premio por poemas de soledad en la Televisión Española.

Con la participación de destacados poetas Americanos representando los exilios sudamericanos, centro-americanos y caribeños españoles

ISAAC GOLDEMBERG

Destacado poeta peruano, Profesor Distinguido de Humanidades en Hostos Community College de la Universidad de la Ciudad de Nueva York, Director del Instituto de Escritores Latinoame-ricanos y Editor of Hostos Review, revista internacional de cultura. Autor de reconocidas obras de teatro, tres novelas, más de diez poemarios y la antología El Gran libro de América Judía.

CONNY PALACIOS

Miembro de la Academia Nicaragüense de la Lengua, poeta, narradora, ensayista, y crítica literaria. Doctorada en Español por la Universidad de Miami, Profesora en la Universidad de Anderson South Carolina, ha publicado una novela y tres poemarios y el libro de Ensayos Pluralidad de máscaras en la lírica de Pablo Antonio Cuadra .

REI BERROA

Dominicano, Profesor de literatura española y del Caribe en George Mason University. Doctorado en Literatura por la Universidad de Pittsburgh. Autor de diversos libros de poesía, crítica literaria y editor de varias antologías importantes. Asesor literario del Teatro de la Luna, en donde coordina anualmente, con el Teatro, el Maratón de Poesía de Washington, D.C.


JUEVES 18 DE OCTUBRE 2007, A LAS 18:00 Hrs.

The James Madison Building, 3rd Floor

Pickford Theater, 101 Independence Avenue, SE


Se ofrecerá una recepción luego del recital.

RSVP. Cynthia Acosta al (202)707-2013



Saturday, October 13, 2007

 

Bravo, Al Gore & the U.N. Panel!

Hurrah for Al Gore, who would have been our president if the Supreme Court had had better wisdom and less partisan twisting of the arm, for having been granted the Nobel Peace Prize along with the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change!

Along with his Academy Award-winning documentary under his belt, Gore has made his mark on the globe and to his credit people are not only listening but changing their habits. As small as it might be, my partner has taken up commuting to DC by bicycle for that past 2 years and recently sold an unneeded car. When a car is needed there is always Flexcar or something similar for rent an hour or two or my car is available.

For the current administration to continue to ignore the damage its policies have done on our environment is like a slow kill. It will take years to undo the damage and by then the body could become a corpse. Government is supposed to protect the people whose government it is. Government should not allow major corporations to abuse laws that were created to protect the people and the environment. If only Gore that been given what he actually won, our world might be quite different today.

To his credit, Gore accepted the verdict placed on him by the Supreme Court but history will not be kind to the justices who allowed or who are allowing such damage to our Constitutional rights be carried out all in the name of "terrorism" which is quite real but which damnably has been a money-making process for the administration's groupies such that "scare the American people to death" has become the mantra in order for them to win or perhaps even steal elections.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

 

Ex-President Vicente Fox Is a Hit in New York & Washington, DC

Ex-President Vicente Fox of Mexico recently appeared on Comedy Central for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and stressed his belief as he wrote about in his latest book Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith, and Dreams of a Mexican President written with Rob Allyn that fences or walls don't work.

Fox's comments about the current Bolivian president, in Stewart's words, "might get [him] in trouble with Bolivia" but overall the interview was quite interesting and pricked my interest in his story to get me to buy a copy.

I understand that Fox was also quite charming and congenial with the people who stood in line at the Borders Bookstore on 18th Street, NW in Washington, DC. Hundreds of folks waited in line to get his autograph and a chance to shake his hand and exchange a few words.

The book touches on many issues that are of interest to me: beginning with the wall between the USA and Mexico--why not build a wall between the USA and Canada? (What is there to prevent folks from around the world from entering the USA illegally from Canada? How stupid to think that only the poor want to enter this country illegally?)

Fox starts with his lineage, including his paternal grandfather who was a USA American who immigrated to Mexico and eventually stayed, though oddly he never spoke Spanish--I assume he could understand it especially since he married a Mexican American (Fox rightly points out that all citizens of the Americas are in fact American, in the same sense that all Europeans are European by virtue of being born in a European country. One's roots are important but it is what one does with the base he is given that is the ultimate measure of his worth in terms of contributions to humanity.

In this vain, Fox also mentions Pancho Villa that rebel who is basically un hijo de la chingada or mud in my family due to the brutal and mortal treatment he bestowed on my maternal great-great uncle and his eldest son not far from the Texas border. In truth, the Mexican system was not working and to his credit Fox points out the sins of los politicos mexicanos and the effects of their sins; however, Villa was no less guilty of the rapes and murders he committed in the name of his justice than were the politicos and to its fault the Catholic Church which often played along with the corruption in Mexico, such that it is illegal for the religious to wear religious clothing in public as written in the Mexican Constitution. Yet again, to his credit Fox became the first Mexican president to welcome His Holiness The Late John Paul II on Mexican soil. Such is the cultural trauma between the Catholic Church and the Mexican State due to its complacency during the strife between the wealthy and the dirt poor in Mexican history.

In hindsight, I believe that Fox's observations ring true to certain extent to the current USA American strife of the poor and the ailing middle class that is decreasing daily between the wealthy / extremely wealthy. That said, who in his right mind wants to pay more taxes? But the rub is what gets lost as a result of major decreases in taxes? Ultimately it is the poor and middle classes that are most affected from the loss of revenue from lower taxes. Or what of the couple recently arrested who refused to pay any taxes? IRS agents finally caught up with them by posing as supporters of their stance against paying taxes.

The point I am driving at and which Fox makes, I believe, is that politicians need to realize that the citizens of a country must not be abused nor should politicians allow the privileged to rape the country of its resources--in my mind--that includes not allowing the extremely wealthy to get away with exploiting workers, abusing the environment with toxic waste, etc., and the cosmos in general. What goes around comes around. And as Fox points out many a Mexican president has had to leave his country in order to escape the scorn if not revenge its citizens demand for the abuse committed by its past presidents. How odd that we in the USA acknowledge the abuse of past presidents yet allow them to remain in the country without any punishment besides public controlled scorn.

This is why I believe more readers should pick up a copy of Fox's book and perhaps in his own vaquero way, Fox might lead to change in USA, land of his paternal grandfather, as well.

To purchase a copy at Amazon.com, click below:
Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith, and Dreams of a Mexican President

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

 

Poetry Event Held in Spanish by Colectivo ParaEsoLaPalabra

For those of you who write / read in Spanish, here is an event coming up on the 12th of October at the Museum of History at the Smithsonian:


El Colectivo ParaEsoLaPalabra y el Museo de Historia de la Institución Smithsonian hemos estado trabajando con enorme afán por lograr que la peña del viernes, 12 de octubre de 2007, en el Centro Carlos Rosario sea un evento espectacular. Para lograr este objetivo, queremos pedirles lo siguiente:


-El auditorio del Centro Carlos Rosario tiene cupo para unas cuatrocientas personas. ¡Queremos llenarlo! Por lo tanto, les pedimos que nos honren con su presencia y que cada uno de Uds. traiga a una o a dos personas más.


-También, les pedimos que circulen los anuncios sobre el evento que les hemos enviado. Por favor mándenlo a sus listas de correspondencia de amigos, familiares, y amantes de las artes en general. El elenco de artistas, como se habrán percatado, es sensacional.


-Por último, si van a participar en el micrófono libre con lecturas de poemas, o si van a cantar, les pedimos que se inscriban a esta dirección de correo electrónico:

microfonolibre@paraesolapalabra.com


Por favor incluyan su nombre, y qué es lo que harán. Les recordamos que las intervenciones en el micrófono libre no se deben de pasar de los tres minutos.


Como Uds. saben, el Colectivo ParaEsoLaPalabra es una iniciativa 100% voluntaria. La mayor recompensa que Uds. pueden darnos, es asistir a nuestros eventos y compartir con nosotros los momentos de pasión que experimentamos a través de nuestros artistas.

Los esperamos con enorme entusiasmo este viernes a las 6:00 p.m.


El Colectivo ParaEsoLaPalabra y el Museo de Historia Americana de la Institución Smithsonian presentan la peña cultural y literaria:

"Compartiendo historias de inmigración"

Con los poetas:

Otoniel Guevara, El Salvador,
Consuelo Hernández, Colombia,
Gladys Ilarregui, Argentina.
Música y danza afrolatina:
Diego Obregón, marimbero,
Tangaré, grupo folklórico;
y el caricaturista peruano Carlos Alburqueque

¡Ven y participa en el micrófono libre!

Viernes, 12 de octubre de 2007, 6:00 p.m.

Iniciativa del "Museo de la Cultura"

Carlos Rosario International School

1100 Harvard St., NW
Washington, DC 20009 (mapa)

Admisión: Gratuita

Para inscribirte en nuestro grupo electrónico de información envía un e-mail a paraesolapalabra-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

 

F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference & Reading on Oct. 13th

The F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference, Inc.
Honoring: William Kennedy
for Outstanding Achievement in American Literature
will be held at Montgomery College at the Rockville Campus in Maryland.

WRITING CONFERENCE: October 13, 2007 8am-8pm

The F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference, Inc., is a non-profit organization that promotes appreciation of the literary arts. Every October, the organization hosts a day-long conference in Rockville where Fitzgerald summered with his family and where he worked on many of his manuscripts. This year, 2007, marks the twelfth annual F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference. The event is a rare opportunity for area writers to work with some of the best instructors and professionals in the writing world today.

The Conference features renowned authors and experts leading workshops, panels and salons that address fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, poetry, curing writer's block, the short story, mysteries and sports writing, to name only a few. This year's instructors represent an international consortium:

See the schedule and register at:
Conference Registration
or call 301-309-9461

 

Master Class for Emerging Poets & Reading Given by E. Ethelbert Miller in Arlington

Event:
Poetry Reading and Master Class with AAC Master Poet and Mentor , E. ETHELBERT MILLER, the fifth of six events in the bilingual poetry program In Two Tongues / En dos lenguas at the Arlington Arts Center.


When:
Wednesday, October 10, 6 to 7 pm, and 7 to 9:00 pm. Audience members are welcome to attend Miller’s mentoring discussion with the three emerging poets from 6 to 7 pm, as well as the evening of poetry-reading, featuring Miller and the emerging poets, beginning at 7 pm. Readings run about seventy-five minutes and are followed by a casual reception.


Location:
Arlington Arts Center
3550 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington VA

One block from the Virginia Square Metro Station on the Orange Line

Admission:
This event is free and open to the public. Although pre-registration is not required, we recommend a telephone RSVP to 703-248-6800 to ensure comfortable seating.

Monday, October 08, 2007

 

Shirlington Poetry Workshops

The Shirlington Poetry Workshops Begin Oct. 17th:

Guest Artist: Sarah Browning

Wednesday, October 17, 6:30 pm

Shirlington Library
4200 Campbell Ave, Shirlington, VA
703-228-6545
Arlington Library


Join the Shirlington Library staff and Guest Artist Sarah Browning for the inaugural meeting of the monthly poetry workshop. The Poetry workshops will meet the third Wednesday of each month. And will focus on a theme, which the participants may follow if they like. Guest Artists will join the workshops quarterly.

This month's workshop:
History is what you learn around the dinner table: Writing poetry at the intersection of the personal and the political

All of our lives are shaped by social and historical forces, whether we’re aware of it or not. Our own family stories – our personal social history – can be a great source for poetry of the political imagination. We’ll look at a few poems by contemporary poets that explore this intersection of the personal and the political and then write our own. No experience necessary! Just come ready to write.

For more information, please contact Geoff Koury at 703-228-6545 or gkoury@arlingtonva.us

 

Nin Andrews to Read at The Writer's Center in Bethesda, MD

Here's a bit of news from Richard Peabody, the publihser at Paycock Press and editor of Gargogle Magazine:

"Nin Andrews is coming to the area in October. She's one of my fave poets on the planet. We've managed to set-up a last minute Tuesday night gig at the Writer's Center on October 9th at 7:30pm. In a blatant attempt to get my friends to join us and support this wonderful poet (who grew up in Charlottesville) I'll read a few poems to start the evening off. The interview I did with Nin for MIPOesias is here--

Interview with Nin Andrews."

October 9th Reading:
The Writer's Center in Bethesda, MD.
The Writer's Center
4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815
Phone: 301 654-8664, Fax: 801 730-6233

The Writer's Center: The Writer's Center

Nin Andrews' site: Nin Andrews

Biography:
Nin Andrews received her BA from Hamilton College, and her MFA from Vermont College. She is the author of several books including The Book of Orgasms, Any Kind of Excuse, Why They Grow Wings, Midlife Crisis with Dick and Jane. She also edited a book of translations of the French poet, Henri Michaux, entitled Someone Wants to Steal My Name. Her book Sleeping with Houdini is due out in October.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

 

Open Letter to Congress & Call to Action to Stop Bush

It's Time to Override President Bush!

How in the name of decency can President Bush veto funding for the children of the USA?

Congress must override Bush's veto and stand up for our children.

For the Bush Administration to justify and for Congress to comply to sending billions of dollars to Iraq while Americans go without must be stopped!

--Robert L. Giron

Readers of this Blog:

If you are the same mind, I ask that you write a letter and send it to your Representatives.

Click on the link below and compose and send your letter instantly to your Senators and Representative telling them to stand up to George Bush:

Write Letters to Congress

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

 

Bolivian Author to Read at Busboys & Poets DC on 10/13/07

Here is some information about an upcoming reading and signing at Busboys & Poets DC.

Join Bolivian author Juan de Recacoechea and translator Adrian Althoff for a discussion of Recacoechea's groundbreaking novel AMERICAN VISA.

What: Author Event. Discussion/reading followed by book signing.

In American Visa an unemployed schoolteacher with a singular passion for detective fiction sets out from small-town Bolivia on a desperate quest for an American visa, his best hope for escaping his painful past and reuniting with his grown son in Miami. Armed with fake papers, a handful of gold nuggets, and a snazzy custom-made suit, Mario Alvarez's dream of emigration takes a tragicomic twist on the rough streets of La Paz, Bolivia's seat of government. Alvarez embarks on a series of Kafkaesque adventures, crossing paths with a colorful cast of hustlers, social outcasts, and crooked politicians--and initiating a romance with a straight-shooting prostitute named Blanca. Spurred on by his detective fantasies and his own tribulations, he hatches a plan to rob a wealthy gold dealer, a decision that draws him into a web of high-society corruption but also brings him closer than ever to obtaining his ticket to paradise.


When: October 13th, 2007 (Saturday) 4:00-6:00 PM

Where: Busboys and Poets (in the Langston Room)
2021 14th Street NW Washington DC 20009


This event is co-sponsored by the The Bolivian Embassy and The Amherst College Alumni Association of Washington DC .

Who: Juan de Recacoechea was born in La Paz, Bolivia, and worked as a journalist in Europe for almost twenty years. After returning to his native country, he helped found Bolivia's first state-run television network, served as its general manager, and dedicated himself to fiction writing. Recacoechea is the author of seven novels. American Visa is his first novel to be translated into English.

Adrian Althoff (translator) is a freelance journalist and translator based in Washington, DC.


American Visa is available for sale at Busboys and Poets Books , which is operated by Teaching for Change , a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to social justice, starting in the classroom.


Contact:
Don Allen
GM, Busboys and Poets Books
dallen@teachingforchange.org
202-387-7638 (w)
202-236-7674 (c)
Busboys and Poets.com
Teaching for Change

Progressive books to activate your mind and community

 

Rush Limbaugh Deserves Congressional Condemnation

Anyone who is fair-minded and reasonable should support the resolution by Representative Steny H. Hoyer who has spoken up against the vile and disgraceful comments made by Russ Limbaugh with regard to our military personnel who are fighting yet who may not agree with current USA policy.

Russ Limbaugh had the nerve to call soldiers who have been wounded "pony soldiers" because they have the freedom to speak their mind about the current war in Iraq. First of all, when did Limbaugh or any of his family ever serve in the military? And secondly, who gave him the right to criticize soldiers who are actually fighting and endangering their lives.

Not only should Limbaugh apologize but he should be stopped and if it takes a Congressional resolution to stop him, then so be it!

He and other Republicans cannot continue to condemn freedom of speech in the USA if in fact it is democracy that the USA is trying to install in Iraq.

Recently MoveOn.org was condemned for its General David H. Petraeus ad, and if MoveOn.org received the attention of both Republicans and Democrats then it is time Russ Limbaugh is told that he must also play by the same rules of common decency or he should be removed from the airwaves which are public airwaves and paid for by tax payers yet distributed by such companies as Clear Channel Communications Inc. and Disney in different cities.

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