A Spring Break Tribulation

Check out my latest feature article via Yahoo!/Associated Content, "A Colorado Crash, No More Cash, and Clicking Our Heels Three Times Isn't Getting Us Back to Kansas."

US to Infuse Technology and Equipment in Schools -- But Not Where You May Think

If the article "US to Infuse Technology and Equipment in Schools -- But Not Where You May Think" isn't enough to make your blood boil, you should check your pulse. Read it and, then distribute the link widely.

More Incredible Imagery from The Red Badge of Courage

Here is yet another example of Stephen Crane's prowess as a writer. From Chapter XIX:

As they halted thus the lieutenant again began to bellow profanely. Regardless of the vindictive threats of the bullets, he went about coaxing, berating, and bedamning. His lips, that were habitually in a soft and childlike curve, were now writhed into unholy contortion. He swore by all possible deities.

And also:

In the mad scramble he was aware that the color sergeant flinched suddenly, as if struck by a bludgeon.He faltered, and then became motionless, save for his quivering knees.

He made a spring and clutch at the pole. At the same instant his friend grabbed it from the other side. They jerked at it, stout and furious, but the color sergeant was dead, , and the corpse would not relinquish its trust. For a moment there was a grim encounter. The dead man, swinging with bended back, seemed to be obstinately tugging, in ludicrous and awful ways, for the possession of the flag.

'Thug Spirituality' Must Give Way to 'Achiever Values,' Scholar Says

I urge everyone to check out this article I wrote for Yahoo! News/Associated Content, for whom I am now a contributing writer. In addition to finding an interesting, albeit controversial, topic to write about, it is the first piece I have provided to the Yahoo! network -- in other words, I get paid per click, so visiting the article will enable me to establish a foothold via this venue. Eventually I hope to generate a loyal following; however, please do not misconstrue my emphasis on the pay-per-click revenue stream -- I am not asking anyone to click the link more than you need to. Indeed, I urge everyone to refrain from doing so, as it is not only dishonest, but may work against me in the long run.

Anyhow, here is the link to "'Thug Spirituality' Must Give Way to 'Achiever Values,' Scholar Says." Enjoy!

The Last Boy

I recently completed reading The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood, and I'm certainly delighted to have done so. You do not have to be a Yankees fan, a Mantle admirer, or even a sports enthusiast to appreciate this intensively researched biography by Jane Leavy. I offer this brief review with the highest recommendation.

Monkeybicycle Lightning Round! video: "Yet Another Lady with a Dog" by Steve Peacock

NYC PHOTOS: Day of Monkeybicycle Lightning Round! literary event (click to enlarge)

Outside the U.S. Courthouse in Lower Manhattan.

Pondering the universe (okay, the menu) in Benito's II in Little Italy, NYC.

On Rivington Street in the East Village

Also on Rivington Street

At Cake Shop, getting psyched to read.

Heading to the stage at Cake Shop.

 All photos taken by Jennifer Peacock, copyright 2011.

Steve P's poetry podcast via Monkeybicycle

Here it is! A link to a recording of my poem "Chipmunks," via podcast of the literary journal Monkeybicycle. "Chipmunks: currently appears in the print edition of Monkeybicycle8.

Thumbs up to Monkeybicycle reading in NYC

Just got back from NYC after participating in the Monkeybicycle8 journal release party and Lightning Round! reading series. An excellent event, but the details will have to wait until tomorrow (including a video of my performance).

Right now I just need mucho sleep.

Good night.

Heights of imagery: Stephen Crane

It is impossible to avoid being blown away (no pun intended; seriously) by the vivid imagery that Stephen Crane leverages in The Red Badge of Courage. Like many of you, I haven't read this classic work since high school, though recently I began jointly reading it and discussing it with my daughters.

How's this for powerful realism?

The corpse was dressed in a uniform that once had been blue, but was now faded to a melancholy shade of green. The eyes, staring at the youth, had changed to the dull hue to be seen on the side of a dead fish. The mouth was open. Its red had changed to an appalling yellow. Over the gray skin of the face ran little ants. One was trundling some sort of bundle along the upper lip. [Chapter VII]

And this:

The trees began softly to sing a hymn of twilight. The sun sank until slanted bronze rays struck the forest. There was a lull in the noise of insects as if they had bowed their beaks and were making a devotional pause. There was silence save for the chanted chorus of the trees [Chapter VIII]

More to follow in the coming weeks.

River Read Series: March 13

Poets Linda Jade and Bob Rosenbloom are the featured readers at this month's River Read Series, a monthly literary endeavor promoted by poet John Petrolino, author of Congo Lights. The event will be held at NovelTeas, a hip tea house in Red Bank, located at 78 Bridge Ave.

Women of Mystery, New Jersey Poets & Poetry blogs

Many thanks to the Women of Mystery blog and the New Jersey Poets & Poetry blog for getting the word out about my writing and participation in the Monkeybicycle8 release party/Lightning Round! reading series.

More media coverage for Lightning Round! reading

The Monkeybicycle Lightning Round! reading series in which I'll be participating March 16 gets a mention in the New York Daily News and Slice magazine.

As I understand it, last year's series received such a great turnout that they actually had to turn away people at the door. So, if the event continues to get more publicity, there's a good chance there will be an excellent audience once again -- in other words, if you plan on attending, get there early. Copies of Monkeybicycle8 will be available fore sale at the event, or you can order a copy now the via Amazon.com link to the left..

Upcoming Monkeybicycle Podcast to Feature "Chipmunks"

Monkeybicycle plans to offer an audio version of my epic narrative poem "Chipmunks" for free on an upcoming podcast, tentatively scheduled for next week. I must admit, I love reading the poem, but listening to it offers a more intense experience. Either check the podcast website or stay tuned via Jersey Sandstorm for an update.

Meanwhile, don't forget that Monkeybicycle8 is now available to purchase for your home library (or even as a gift to give to your local library).

Boro Independent Coverage

Unlike the Asbury Park Press, the Ocean Star, Patch Media, and a couple of other local news outlets, the Boro Independent saw fit to pitch my NYC debut at Monkeybicycle's literary journal release party and Lightning Round! reading. Thank you editor Cortland Coleman for your wise and gracious discretion in recognizing a local poet!

And the Monkeybicycle8 Lightning Round! lineup includes:

With just eight days to go until the Monkeybicycle8 journal-release party/Lightning Round! reading extravaganza (during which I will read my poetry), I was just curious to locate those folks with whom I will be sharing the stage. Hopefully I have matched the correct websites with the official list of participants (and if not, please contact me with a correction, minus any attitude, okay?) Good. According to the current Lightning Round! list of writers, the event is slated to include (but, in legalese, may or may not be limited to) the following creative artists:

Paula Bomer, author, Baby (and other stories)

Vince Czyz, author, Adrift in a Vanishing City

Scott Geiger

Jeff Grunthaner

Michael Hickins, author, The Actual Adventures of Michael Missing

Suzanne Marie Hopcrof

Blake Kimzey

Lincoln Michel

David Moscovich

Dustin Luke Nelson, founding editor, InDigest

Edwin Rivera, author, A Writer of Time

Kathleen A. Ryan, contributing writer ("Playing with Matches"), Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer

Andrew James Weatherhead

Monkeybicycle "Lightning Round!" Reading Series Info

http://www.monkeybicycle.net/lightninground.html