Monkeybicycle Issue #8 Now Available for Pre-Order!

Monkeybicycle8, featuring my epic, narrative poem "Chipmunks," is now available for pre-order! Click the Amazon.com link below to order now! I'm humble but not SO humble that I won't autograph if for you if you ask. And don't forget, if you're in NYC on Wed., March 16 (7-9), come out and hear/see me read (albeit briefly) at Cake Shop.

NYC Debut! Monkeybicycle8 release party

I am thrilled to announce that I've just been invited to participate in a poetry reading during the New York City journal-release party of Monkeybicycle, the literary imprint of Dzanc Books! I don't know what else to say other than to express my sheer delight with this invite.

If you happen to be in NYC the night of March 18 (tentatively scheduled for 7-9 PM), stop into Cake Shop, an eclectic cafe/music store/recording studio/rock bar located at 152 Ludlow Street between Rivington and Stanton streets on the Lower East Side.

The New Yorker caption contest glitch

Regarding a recent post about what I hoped would be chance to vote for me in The New Yorker caption contest, there's been a technical glitch: my submission to the contest did not go through, according to the venerable magazine's system. So, there's no need to vote THIS week; however, I submitted a brilliant caption for the NEXT contest (#275), for which voting begins soon (I will let you know when they announce it).

Remember, if by some chance the editors pick my caption as one of the three finalists (wishful thinking that certainly thousands upon thousands of others are engaging in), I WILL NEED YOUR VOTES! Free (and easy) registration is required in order to vote. Check back here in the near future, or just go directly to The New Yorker caption contest page and look for contest #275.

New release by Nicole Atkins goes on sale Tuesday

Mondo Amore CD

Local singing-sensation Nicole Atkins on Tuesday (Feb. 8) will release her new album Mondo Amore. I'm delighted to leverage Jersey Sandstorm to make this free pitch for her; Atkins is a stellar musician blessed with one of the smoothest voices I've heard in a long time. The vast majority of emerging artists to descend upon the music scene in years truly are incomparable to what Atkins has to offer. Click on the cover image to the left to support and enjoy this amazing performer!

The New Yorker caption contest

On Valentine's Day, this Feb. 14, I'm hoping that I will be selected as a finalist for the The New Yorker's ongoing cartoon caption contest (#274). If indeed the editors select my caption as one of three finalists, readers beginning that day will be able to vote on the best caption. The odds of being selected as one of these three finalists are slim, but just in case I am indeed one of those Blessed Three I wanted you all to be prepared to vote -- for me, of course. Even if I do not end up on The New Yorker radar screen, it is a fun contest for all involved, whether reader or writer. So, check it out either way. Free registration is required, with an immediate opt-out option for those of you who do not wish to receive future mailings from the magazine. Here's the link.

Do not forget: voting for Contest #274 does not begin until Feb. 14.