Jersey Sandstorm

Thank You, Internal Revenue Service

2012-02-10T13:03:00.004-05:00

I never thought I'd ever say this: I was so glad to hear from the IRS today.

Here's why: "Thank you for your response to the notice we sent you... We're pleased to tell you that the information you provided resolved the tax issue in question and that our inquiry is now closed. Amount due: $0.00."

End-of-Year Bronx Pilgrimage

2012-01-18T20:57:00.002-05:00

A photo-essay of my recent family trip to the Bronx -- my birthplace as well as the starting point for my Irish immigrant ancestors upon their arrival in the 1890s -- is now featured via my nostalgia website Mosholu Jerome Baseball League Memories. Check it out! It's a follow up to my initial, related post here at Jersey Sandstorm, "Bronx Pilgrimage: Herman Melville's Grave."

Creative Nonfiction Magazine Retweets 'Micro-Essay"

2012-01-11T17:20:00.001-05:00

Creative Nonfiction magazine today selected my following "micro-essay" for a re-Tweet (that's Twitterspeak for "redistribution through CNF's Twitter account:"). CNF picks just ten winners per day, so, despite the fact that it's just a one-sentence true story, I'm honored to have been selected by such a respected publication known for being a leader in the nonfiction genre.The piece now is a contender for publication via the journal's hard-copy version.

Sped by the Harley shop today on Rt. 70, my mind slowing to '77, skating rink in its place, Sabbath's "Sweet Leaf" on the stereo.

Audio: "2nd Grade Word"

2012-01-07T15:12:00.001-05:00

An audio version of "2nd Grade Word," a poem that Edison Literary Review published in 2010, is available via the site HitRECord. Click here to hear it,

Bronx Pilgrimage: Herman Melville's Grave

2012-01-02T15:43:00.002-05:00

The grave marker of Herman Melville, author of Moby-Dick, who is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. I only recently discovered that the famous writer is buried at the edge of my old neighborhood in the Bronx.

That's me, with Moby-Dick at the ready, leaning on Melville's tombstone. The pebbles you see presumably had been deposited by other visitors marking their pilgrimage. I forgot to add one, however.


Reading page one of Moby-Dick to my daughters Julia (l.) and Quinn (r.).

POINT PLEASANT POET FEATURED IN NYC LITERARY PODCAST (Press Release)

2011-12-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

Dec. 27, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steve Peacock

732-***-****(do not publish phone #)

stevepeacock[a]yahoo.com (do not publish e-mail address)

POINT PLEASANT POET FEATURED IN NYC LITERARY PODCAST

(NEW YORK)A local writer’s work has been selected to appear both in print and via theiTunes podcast of a New York Cityliterary magazine. Steve Peacock of Point Pleasant performed “Commuters,” a narrative poeminspired by his former daily trek from Lakewoodto the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.

“Commuters,” though a fictional work, explores to thetravails of a daily New Jerseycommuter from the perspective of an exhausted man who works the midnight shift—a man who draws the line one dayin response to the:

mistreatment

sustained at the hands

and heels

and hearts of his fellow interstatecommuters

[which] makes for a spicyconcoction

when brought to a boil.

Dustin Luke Nelson, co-editor of InDigest Magazine, invitedPeacock to participate in the journal’s “Poem of the Day” podcast. Nelson and Peacock crossed paths earlier this year after their respectivepoetic works were featured in an unrelated literary venture. Peacock’s poetry appeared in the literary journal Monkeybicycle, as didNelson’s. Both poets participated in Monkeybicycle’s “Lightning Round” event atthe Cake Shop in New York.

“I’m delighted that Dustin remembered me from theMonkeybicycle event and enjoyed my work enough to actually invite me to submitsomething to his magazine,” Peacock said. “It’s rare thing for an aspiringwriter to receive such an unsolicited invitation from a respected literarypublication.”

Peacock currently works as an English teacher at Manchester Township High School.An excerpt from his true-crime memoir-in-progress, Play Dead, Roll Over,was a finalist in Creative Nonfictionmagazine’srecent “Anger & Revenge” contest. His poetry has appeared in Edison Literary Reviews, The Idiom, South Jersey Underground, and Towson U.'s Grub Street. He also currently writes for and editsthe investigative news blog U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor (tradeaidmonitor.com).

# # #

InDigest Podcast Scheduled for Monday

2011-12-16T18:26:00.000-05:00

InDigest Magazine has scheduled my featured audio-poem "Commuters" for Monday, Dec. 19. Founding co-editor Dustin Luke Nelson just notified me that he will make the piece available for public consumption via the InDefinite Podcast at approx. 6 a.m. EST, so set your alarm and be the first person on your block, cellblock, or block of corporate cubicles to hear it.

The Monitor Tops 20,000 Page Views

2011-12-12T19:39:00.002-05:00

My investigative news blog, U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor, this week reached 20,000 total page views in its brief existence. See my post about the surprising site statistics and other interesting highlights since April 2011.

Cryptome.org Drives Traffic to U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor

2011-11-30T17:35:00.001-05:00

Many hundreds of visitors in the past few days have been steered to my news blog, U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor, thanks to Cryptome.org. Cryptome, the premier aggregator website of national security and energy related information, recently posted a link to "USAID-Georgia Pipeline Project to Benefit Arab Royals."

Cryptome operator John Young clearly recognized the value of that original report, which exposed how a so-called aid package to the former Soviet republic of Georgia actually will benefit a United Arab Emirates investment property in that nation.

Thanks again, Mr. Young.

InDigest Magazine -- Invite for Poet's Podcast

2011-11-19T14:21:00.001-05:00

Many thanks to InDigest co-founding editor Dustin Luke Nelson for personally inviting me to submit an audio-poem, which in the not-too-distant future will be made available via the literary journal's "Indefinite Podcast" venue.

I'm proud to say that Dustin and I separately shared the stage, literally and figuratively, for this year's release of Monkeybicycle 8, which included my narrative poem "Chipmunks" as well as Dustin's poem "1." Likewise, we alternately manned the stage at Cake Shop in New York City for Monkeybicycle's Round Two "Lightning Round!" reading, where I presented "Yet Another Lady with a Dog," a narrative poem that is available via YouTube. (While you're at it, also see the Dustin Luke Nelson "channel" on YouTube.)

I will post a link to my InDigest podcast when it is ready.

$300 Million for Pakistani & Other Elections?!?!?!?!?!

2011-11-11T18:24:00.001-05:00

The latest from my independent news blog U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor: U.S. Could Infuse $300 Million Into Upcoming Elections -- Overseas.

Yep, we're going to help Pakistan and others to keep their elections clean. Hmmm.

Keep in mind that this is yet another multi-hundred-million-dollar boondoggle for which struggling U.S. taxpayers must foot the bill. The Bush Administration carried out similar programs (in fact, the Bush-era contracts recently got extended!). As the old song "Circumstances" by the band Rush proclaims: The more that things change/The more they stay the same.

115 Pakistani Schools to Receive U.S.-Funded Equipment, Furniture; U.S. Contractors Need Not Apply

2011-10-29T23:56:00.001-04:00

See yesterday's U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor for this breaking story on yet another amazing waste of our hard-earned tax dollars.

Ah... So Nice to Create Again!

2011-10-15T12:12:00.002-04:00

This is not a complaint: in light of the ongoing, global economic crisis -- and following 14 months of unemployment/under-employment -- I am delighted that I have a job that keeps me away from daily, creative writing. But I am likewise thrilled to have jumped on the computer this morning to work toward completing my book-length true-crime memoir. Though progress remains slow -- and that's okay, considering that I have a decent-paying, full-time job -- today I nonetheless achieved much-desired and delayed progress.

The rough-draft memoir now stands at 142 pages -- just under 40,000 words. More remains to be done.

I will complete this book. Though my previous memoir -- Hotel Dick -- has been described as everything from "excellent" to "okay" to "competently written" (and as "not without redeeming qualities" by a writer from Travel + Leisure magazine), Play Dead, Roll Over, as my current project tentatively is titled, will attain the level of a highly regarded, literary work, if I have my way.

2011-09-24T10:35:00.002-04:00

Creative Nonfiction magazine "published" the following mini-story tweet yesterday:

Neither metaphor nor paradox penetrated the struggling student, whose grasp of Emerson halted at, "Is this about blind people?"

Confirmation.... WORK!

2011-08-23T12:33:00.000-04:00

I am delighted to announce that I confirmed my employment with Manchester Township Public Schools, for whom I will teach English/Language Arts at Manchester High School. It is a five-month temporary assignment -- and I have no complaints about that. After being unemployed for 14 months, this is a welcome development.

Ironically, soon after receiving confirmation of my new job, I got an e-mail from the Washington Post editor running the "Help Wanted: Stories of Unemployment" feature on WP's website; this week's question is: "What's the first thing you'll do when you get a job?" Well, the first thing I did was gather my family together and thank God for this development in our lives. The second thing I'll do is take us out to dinner. We're heading to Artisan's Brewery & Italian Grill in Toms River. I hope they have the Porter on tap!

I also just discovered that the Post used my audio commentary on a recent question, "What's your tip for surviving unemployment?" You can find my response in the top box under the story summary.

Finally... an offer

2011-08-19T18:48:00.000-04:00

Although Cherry Hill High School West said "Thanks, but no thanks," and although Markham Middle School in Little Silver said, "Nice chatting with you [twice], but we found a better fit for our school," the superintendent of one of the other districts where I've interviewed gave me a preliminary confirmation that formally he will make an offer on Monday! It's not for the tenure-track "regular" job, but instead will be a long-term sub English teacher slot, either for a minimum of 10 weeks or six months. If he offers a contract, I'm hopping in my car and driving to the Board of Education to sign. (I'll reveal which district it is once the arrangement is official).

I'll take a temporary position over no position.

In the meantime, I'm about to embark upon on a Last-Weeks-of-Summer-Writing-Binge in that short span of time while I can work on my book full time. Though back in 2002-2003 I managed to write the final draft of Hotel Dick in the wee hours of the morning before work, I'd rather not repeat that process if I can help it. Even if I get closer to finishing most of the rough draft in the next two weeks, I still can polish it up over the course of a few months without having to do it at 4:30 a.m. (I think).

The beat goes on

2011-08-16T23:03:00.000-04:00

Had yet another Round One interview at a different school district today -- this one at a middle school in an affluent Monmouth County town. Though not the equivalent of a job offer, the principal on the way toward the exit told me, "You did a great job."

I know I sound like a little boy with an ear-to-ear following an adult's affirmation of Rorschach-like finger painting, but as anyone whom has gone through a protracted interview process in the public schools knows, it's rare to get any feedback at all. Only "You're hired, sign here," or else a letter many weeks after it no longer matters, insincerely saying, ":It was a tough choice, and your credentials are impressive, but I sure hope the line at the soup kitchen isn't that long for you this time of year."

Recognition from U.S. Army

2011-08-15T22:26:00.000-04:00

We writers sometimes are satisfied when our work is recognized, taken seriously, or both. I'm delighted to report that an official United States Army news publication recently linked to my journalism blog, U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor.

I go more into detail about what this means for that blog in today's Monitor post.

Flood of interviews; memoir briefly on hold

2011-08-13T21:14:00.001-04:00

While I would love to continue working on my true-crime memoir every day non-stop at least in daylight hours, I got bombarded this past week with a flurry of interviews for teaching jobs.

No complaints, by the way.

Well, with the exception of driving to Perth Amboy late Thursday afternoon for what would have been interview #3 that day -- an interview that fell through solely because no one responded to the front-door buzzer of the decrepit charter school where I was to be interviewed for an English/Language Arts teacher job (a job for which the only question they prepared me in advance to answer was "What strategies do you envision employing in a classroom where most of the students are still learning to speak the English language?)

Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. Perhaps.

The good news is that I got called in to schedule a demo lesson just hours after interview-of-the-day #1 (one of two that took place in a district where the front-door buzzers actually work, in an affluent system in Camden County -- and I don't facetiously mean the City of Camden).It's a long-term substitute position, but it would be for the entirety of the 2011-2012 school year. No benefits, but it comes with a union-level salary.

I'll take it, if offered.

The interview in school district #2 -- this one was in Ocean County where I live -- likewise appeared to go quite well. In that instance I met with the district superintendent -- a Round Two Q&A that was the last stop prior to a final decision. There are three positions available, including one full-time regular unionized English teacher slot. The other two are so-called "long-term" sub positions, three and six months, respectively.

Next up? An upcoming interview for a full-time regular Special Education English slot at a Mercer County high school (which takes place right after the demo lesson in Camden County, with sufficient time to first stop for lunch). Plus, I have an interview the next day for a temporary maternity leave job for a middle school English teacher opening in Monmouth County.

I think I'll then take a day off from everything (except spending time with my gals), and will resume working in the memoir, which at last count stood at the 36,000-word mark. Regardless of whether I get hired somewhere or not (and hopefully I will), I intend to go on a marathon writing spree in the final weeks of August.

My goal is to hit 45,000-50,000 words before September comes. We'll see.

Memoir-in-progress update, Aug. 5, Part II.

2011-08-05T17:33:00.001-04:00

Aimed for 35,000, but instead topped the 36,000-word mark today. Keep pushing -- choo-choo -- the twain said.

Memoir-in-Progress Update; Aug. 5

2011-08-05T09:47:00.000-04:00

Although I nearly made it to the 35,000-word mark yesterday on my true-crime memoir -- intending to return to the task later in the evening to reach that benchmark -- I decided to resume course today instead. My youngest daughter wanted to have a Family Movie Night and, unlike the selfish SOBs that many writers tend to be (something I struggle, at times, not to be), I could not and would not say no to my littlest gal.

As soon as I eat breakfast, perform a job search, then post a little something to my news blog (U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor), I will resume work on the book. I remain, otherwise, unemployed, but it is my fervent hope (eesh; what a cliche) -- sorry, it is my sincerest desire -- to obtain work by September. But as the 2001-2012 school year is creeping closer, my prospects for a teaching job will soon start evaporating in the absence of a contract in the next three weeks.

So, in the meantime, I have this pocket of a little less than a month to work near-full-time on a book-length manuscript. I'd rather do it this way than to get up an hour early before work -- as I did when I wrote Hotel Dick, inspired by what mega-author John Grisham had to do early in his career, in order to squeak out of a few pages here and there.

SP Now on LinkedIn

2011-08-02T13:42:00.000-04:00

If any readers or potential employers/business associates want to connect with me via the LinkedIn social media systems, send an invite or visit the Steve Peacock (actually, Stephen Peacock) LinkedIn page, which currently is a work in progress.

Latest word count for memoir-in-progress:

2011-07-22T17:29:00.000-04:00

31,500+ words.

Inching closer.

Maybe 20,000 words or so to go.

On this date in history: the release of Master of Reality

2011-07-21T00:01:00.019-04:00

On this day in 1971 -- forty years ago, if you can believe -- the band Black Sabbath released their mind-blowing album "Master of Reality," featuring destined-to-be-metal-classics such as "After Forever," "Into the Void," "Children of the Grave" and others.

My goodness, I even remember the first time I heard it. I was sitting in the parking lot of the old Lakewood Roller Skating Rink sometime around 1977-1978 -- long after its release, I know, but the progression from Elton John fan to Sabbath freak was not instant.

Someone popped an 8-track tape into their car stereo and turned it up ear-splitting loud. My jaw dropped. I never heard anything like it. (I think my parents said the same thing when I brought a copy home soon after).

Forty years ago. Amazing.

I Hear America Singing

2011-07-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

From the Library of Congress collection.

With so much crying, literally and metaphorically, happening in our nation, I urge readers to take the time and read "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman. Allow it to remind you that we United States citizens are not simply reflected by our government and by the news.We are so much more.

Happy Independence Day.

Huge Praise from Luna Park on "Chipmunks," Monkeybicycle 8

2011-06-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

The online journal Luna Park has published quite a flattering review of Monkeybicycle 8, which in recent months had published my bizarro epic poem "Chipmunks." Reviewer Nicholas Ripatrazone had this to say:

Two poems I especially enjoyed were “Maro and Raquel” by E. Michael Desilets and “Chipmunks” by Steve Peacock [audio link]...

“Chipmunks” is an excellent editorial transition from “The End of Jimmy.” The poem begins “Having arrived / at the choice”—a nice movement from the narrative malleability of the preceding story. This poems is grounded directly in the moment of a possible suicide set to the song “Whipping Post.” “Chipmunks” is arranged for visual reading, yet the narrative thrives on a continuation of acoustics complimenting the action. Music “slaps” from “screaming speakers” before “meander[ing]” and “vibrating” a photograph. Later the “throbbing bass penetrates / the square-bottled liter / of Jack on his lips” and “shattered glass sings as it scatters across the floor.” The poem remains in this moment as long as possible, though, seeing it through to the inevitable end of the song, with

The audience
of the live recording
applauds his performance,
fades to silence;

He questions: “What song shall I die to?” The turn here is hilarious, but darkly so, considering the poem never truly leaves the establish moment:

A-L-L-M-A-N
of the Allman Brothers Band
has been succeeded by the
A-L-V-I-N
of Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The final sound of the poem is

a series of staccato
clanks
into the empty
metal
wastepaper basket
on the floor.

Thanks, Nicholas, for this fine review. We creative people need such affirmation occasionally. Okay, as often as possible.

For a closer look into the editorial brains behind Monkeybicycle, see an interview that Nicholas conducted with editors Shya Scanlon and Steve Seighman.

Finalist: Creative Nonfiction Magazine

2011-05-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that Creative Nonfiction magazine has selected me, out of hundreds of contestants, as one of the top fifteen finalists for its "Revenge & Anger" writing contest! I'll find out this summer whether I am one of about a half-dozen writers selected for publication and -- more importantly -- which one of those six will assume the top-two slots with accompanying cash prizes.

The piece I had submitted to the contest is an excerpt from an unpublished, book-length memoir I am working on -- so, regardless of the contest's outcome, this is a welcome development, as it effectively bolsters my official biography and will heighten the marketability of the manuscript I intend to hustle around to agents later in the year.

Of course, "contest winner" offers a greater marketing angle than "contest finalist," but I will take whatever I can get.

Steve Peacock: Reprise Appearance in Shakespeare Event

2011-05-20T13:27:00.000-04:00

I'll be performing this Wed. (May 25) in “Janet Spahr’s Shakespeare” at the Brick Cultural Arts Center (a/k/a Bob Anstett Cultural Center), 515 Herbertsville Rd., Brick, NJ. The 7 p.m. show is free, but a $5 donation is requested.

Seating's limited, so call for reservations at 732-262-1006. My performance will feature a recitation of Sonnet 146 as well as the Marullus soliloquy from the play Julius Caesar.

Rising Inflation, Unemployment Got You Down?

2011-05-17T08:06:00.000-04:00

Fear not -- the U.S. government is coming to the rescue... in the Kingdom of Jordan! See

"Small-Business Initiative Gains Momentum, More Money" from U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor.

Global-Beat Girl

2011-05-13T14:10:00.001-04:00

I'm pleased to announce and unveil my first foray into audio-storytelling, made possible via the cool site Broadcastr (yes, that's the correct spelling). It's unscripted and unrehearsed -- but nonetheless came out moderately humorous. Ladies and gentleman, turn up the volume on your computer speakers and meet Global-Beat Girl.

Been So Long

2011-05-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

Just FYI, dear reader, I have been so busy unveiling and marketing my news blog U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor that I have not stopped to upload any updates via Jersey Sandstorm. Beginning next week I intend to resume using this site as an aggregate point for all my creative ventures that I have going on in the world.Be back soon.

New Interview with Monkeybicycle

2011-04-21T10:12:00.000-04:00

I've been so wrapped up with the sudden burst of activity on the journalism side of my writing career that my poetic side has taken a backseat to those opportunities; that's not a complaint, however, as writing news is getting me paychecks, while writing poems is not. That's the way it is, and I accept that fact.

On the other hand, remember Monkeybicycle -- the wonderful literary journal that published my bizarre narrative poem "Chipmunks" in recent months? Well, they decide to interview me, and the fruits of that interview will be posted on the journal's website on Saturday. I will provide a direct link to the interview when it becomes available.

In the meantime, I encourage everyone to go Monkeybicycle.net right now and see what it has to offer. And if you have not already checked it out, you can listen to an audio version of "Chipmunks" through the journal's podcast -- and while you're at it, you may as well order a copy of Monkeybicycle8, which features "Chipmunks," by clicking the image in this post.

Financial Services Reform?

2011-04-13T09:22:00.000-04:00

The development of “a dynamic and innovative financial services sector” had been an Obama Administration goal -- but in which nation? Find out in "Financial Services Reformer Slot Gets Slashed in Midst ofFederal Budget Battle" from U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor (T-RAM)

Multimillion-Dollar Crystal Glassware Project Renewed at U.S. State Dept.

2011-04-11T15:32:00.000-04:00

Aren't you glad that Secy. of State Hillary Clinton isn't letting a little budget-battle and lingering economic downturn get in the way of her diplomatic crystal-upgrade project? See Multimillion-Dollar Crystal Glassware Project Renewed at U.S. State Dept., the latest from U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor (T-RAM).

WorldNetDaily Buys Rights to Story from U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor

2011-04-08T09:28:00.001-04:00

I'm excited to announce that the hugely successful conservative-media group WorldNetDaily (WND) bought the rights to a story I had temporarily posted to my recently launched news blog U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor (T-RAM). Fortunately the piece I had written was only posted to T-RAM for less than an hour, and it thereby retained the interest of WND CEO Joseph Farah, who contacted me about fifteen minutes after he read it. I gladly removed it from my site upon receiving a cash offer for granting temporary, exclusive rights to WND.

I encourage you to read the WND piece "Foreigners get college paid by U.S. taxpayers: Wife of government official to manage college tuition outreach."

USTDA to Fund Initial Phase of Pakistan's 'Clean Energy' Bus Initiative

2011-04-07T12:04:00.001-04:00

I understand that our government claims that it needs to appease nations such as Pakistan with cash and other incentives to cooperate in meeting U.S. policy objectives; however, is it possible that these corporate and foreign-aid giveaways end up discouraging U.S. citizens from cooperating with domestic policy objectives? The latest from U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor (T-RAM): USTDA to Fund Initial Phase of Pakistan's 'Clean Energy' Bus Initiative

Ghana Gets Grant from U.S. to Assess Electric Grid Expansion

2011-04-05T14:09:00.000-04:00

A genuine humanitarian gesture? Or simply a corporate giveaway under the guise of liberal largesse? You decide. See "Ghana Gets Grant from U.S. to Assess Electric Grid Expansion" from today's U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor (T-RAM).

U.S. to Help Modernize Emergency Communications, Banking Systems in Ukraine

2011-04-04T17:09:00.000-04:00

Another instance of corporate giveaways and questionable foreign assistance, courtesy today's U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor.

Prelude to a Slugger's End: A Close Call with Yankees Legend Billy Martin

2011-04-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

An article I wrote about my nearly face-to-face encounter with New York Yankee legends Billy Martin and Mickey Mantle got picked up today by Yahoo!/Associated Content. Check out: "Prelude to a Slugger's End: A Close Call with Yankees Legend Billy Martin" Though the title emphasizes my experience with Martin, the piece includes an amusing tidbit about Mantle as well.

Romanian IT and e-Health Projects May Get Financial Boost from U.S.

2011-04-02T15:38:00.004-04:00

The latest from U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor: Romanian IT and e-Health Projects May Get Financial Boost from U.S.

USAID Reaches Out to Contractors for Agent Orange Cleanup in Vietnam

2011-04-02T15:37:00.001-04:00

The April 1 post for U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor: USAID Reaches Out to Contractors for Agent Orange Cleanup in Vietnam

U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor Unveiled

2011-04-01T13:11:00.001-04:00

The unveiling of my new investigative news blog -- U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor (TRAM) -- is complete! While I soon will enable a shorter URL, the embedded link will remain active. I launched TRAM this week, following a lengthy hiatus from publishing its predecessor investigative-news blog The Peacock Report (TPR). Similar to TPR's goal of researching and publicly revealing little-known government initiatives, TRAM will focus, though not exclusively, on entities such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA).

This site, through a combination of database research and FOIA requests, seeks to uncover foreign aid and overseas business subsidies that typically fall under the radar screen of most media organizations.Please consider subscribing via the Feedburner link on the website to receive updates on unreported instances of how your hard-earned money is being sent overseas. May it inspire you to take action and demand change.

Check out my first article: "U.S.to Help Finance Port Modernization & CleanEnergy Projects -- in North Africa," as well as my recently published "U.S.to Infuse Technology and Equipment in Schools -- but Not Where You May Think," which last week was featured via Yahoo!/Associated Content.

A Spring Break Tribulation

2011-03-30T13:50:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-28T10:37:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-25T12:21:00.001-04:00

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

2011-03-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-23T20:58:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-17T20:15:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-17T17:33:00.002-04:00

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.

Steve P's poetry podcast via Monkeybicycle

2011-03-17T16:29:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-17T02:01:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-15T14:48:00.001-04:00

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

2011-03-12T20:06:00.002-05:00

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

2011-03-11T12:52:00.002-05:00

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

2011-03-10T10:29:00.001-05:00

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"

2011-03-09T10:09:00.005-05:00

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

2011-03-08T13:55:00.002-05:00

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:

2011-03-08T00:01:00.012-05:00

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jerseys07-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;o=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;l=bpl&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;asins=1936873214&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;IS2=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt1=_blank&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;m=amazon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;f=ifr" style="padding-top: 5px; width: 131px; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" align="left" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jerseys07-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;o=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;l=bpl&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;asins=1936873214&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;IS2=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt1=_blank&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;m=amazon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;f=ifr" style="padding-top: 5px; width: 131px; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" align="left" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

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

2011-03-03T17:02:00.002-05:00

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

Monkeybicycle Issue #8 Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-02-24T15:09:00.005-05:00

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

2011-02-19T20:23:00.004-05:00

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

2011-02-15T11:30:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-04T11:00:00.004-05:00

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

2011-02-03T11:14:00.002-05:00

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.

Did I mention tenacity?

2011-01-31T11:53:00.000-05:00

Ouch. Though I knew there were no guarantees that I would be published in J Journal (see 01/11/2011 post), the rejection letter I received from them today stung like an unexpected bite to the cheek (I meant the facial cheeks, but either set of cheeks would apply). As usually is the case, editors do not take (nor do they possess) the time to offer a critique along with the form letters they deliver to the dejected, I mean, rejected (okay -- again, I can't deny the applicability of either option).

Other feedback on my work has been positive. I ask -- indeed, beg-- for unflinching truthfulness when offering my writing for review. Tell me what I need to hear, rather than what my ego otherwise might desire to hear. If I suck, tell me I suck. If I'm good, tell me I'm good -- that's the message I send to anyone before soliciting their opinion.

Thus far, I've been given a green light, despite a few rejection slips along the way. Tenacity remains the key to success (as does whatever God-given ability I may have, notwithstanding my acknowledgment that I continue to grow as a writer).

Onward!

Two "new" poets discovered

2011-01-25T13:21:00.000-05:00

Having just learned about their backgrounds and publication history, I am almost embarrassed to admit that I just "discovered" poets Linda Gregerson and Rowan Ricardo Phillips, the featured poets at last night's Poets Out Loud event at Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus.

I am looking forward to reading more of these writers' works and adding their books to my collection.

Target on... J Journal: New Writing on Justice

2011-01-11T20:01:00.001-05:00

I cannot deny my disappointment that my memoir-in-progress, Play Dead, Roll Over, did not garner an award in The Missouri Review's annual contest; however, I quickly realized that I have indeed been setting my sights on potential cash winnings rather than targeting the piece toward the most appropriate literary journal. Consequently, I sent it to a publication that, just last year, initially I had identified as the logical, top-priority choice to submit the unpublished memoir excerpt: J Journal: New Writing on Justice.

The editors at J Journal this past summer had expressed interest in seeing some of my work; whether fortunately or unfortunately, I did not complete the 6,000-word piece until after they belatedly decided to move ahead their submission deadline due to the overwhelming volume of work they received. Hence, despite their expression of interest (which I am not equating with a promise or agreement of any sort), I was forced to delay being considered for publication.

Having recently discovered that J Journal's current deadline is Jan. 15, I delivered Play Dead, Roll Over to them via priority mail. J Journal would appear to be the best place for this particular piece, though it remains unknown whether the journal's editors will agree with that contention.

Tenacity

2010-12-29T12:57:00.001-05:00

Although I just learned that Narrative magazine did not embrace my memoir excerpt -- Play Dead, Roll Over -- as one of its Fall Contest winners, the pursuit of success continues. As a writer, I must learn to accept rejection; otherwise, I should stop writing, or simply refrain from seeking recognition from literary journals and publishers. Now that Narrative has passed on the manuscript, I simply have to wait and see whether The Missouri Review (TMR) offers its $5,000 prize to me at the end of January, when the journal announces the winners of its annual contest. And if TMR passes, then I wait on Memoir (and) for a decision; and if Memoir (and) passes, then... hmmm... then I have to submit to other contests and literary journals.

Is it wrong to seek success with a publication that pays its writers in cash rather than in contributor copies? I do not think so. On the other hand, if I do not secure an award or cash compensation for Play Dead, Roll Over, then there are numerous publications -- particularly those interested in law enforcement-related themes -- in which I may be able to spark editorial interest.

Then there's the matter of obtaining a literary agent to represent me in pursuing a book contract for the book-length version of Play Dead, Roll Over on which I am currently working.

Tenacity is the key.

Thanks, English teachers

2010-12-21T12:58:00.001-05:00

My interview this morning at a Monmouth County middle school went rather well (I think it did, anyhow, but I can never tell for certain). They're looking for a 7th grade language arts teacher; the principal acknowledged that my background as a professional writer enhances my visibility as a candidate, but... that was it. He'll call back TODAY if he decides he wants me back to conduct a demo lesson TOMORROW!

Anyhow, they also gave me a writing test which posed the question "What role did former teachers play in leading you to pursue a career as a language arts educator?" I sincerely answered that Mrs. Ginsburg, my 8th grade Lakewood Middle School teacher, publicly affirmed how uncannily well I grasped grammar and sentence structure; I then credited the nuns of St. Ann's School in the Bronx for getting me prepared up until that point. Similarly, in the essay I expressed thanks to Mrs. Bryce, my 9th grade Lakewood High School English teacher, who -- though I did not appreciate it at the time -- did not put up with my crap, yet allowed me to read texts that interested me, such as the memoir Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas. I remember how encouraging she was in allowing me (surprisingly) to read and discuss that gritty, true account. These teachers (and others, such as Dr. Essex and Mrs. Strauss) were instrumental in recognizing that I was not just the dumb jock others expected me to be. Consequently, I continue to write and voraciously read -- and hopefully someday soon will resume teaching as well.

'Pigsylvania' gluttonfest unfolds this weekend

2010-12-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

The annual Pennsylvania Society bash winds up this weekend, when -- as I personally observed in the past -- politicians and their cronies will be dipping into more than just hors d'œuvres. Visit this archived account of such activities from my former blog, The Peacock Report.

The Idiom -- latest edition available for consumption

2010-12-09T17:00:00.003-05:00

The latest release of New Jersey's favorite underground literary mag The Idiom (which features two of my poems) has begun circulating the planet. Typically The Idiom can be found at venues such The Brighton Bar in Long Branch and Court Tavern in New Brunswick. Check it out!

Meanwhile, consider acquiring a copy of The Idiom Magazine: An Anthology of Volumes One and Two.

Issue #11 of South Jersey Underground Now Available

2010-12-08T16:50:00.003-05:00

The latest edition of South Jersey Underground, which includes my poem "Loyal" (on page 33), is now ready for your viewing pleasure. Go to the top and center of the journal's home page to find it. (Direct access to a .pdf version of SJU Issue #11 likewise is available).

Publication Forthcoming in South Jersey Underground

2010-11-29T10:15:00.000-05:00

November 2010 continues to register high in significance for my now-growing body of published creative clips. South Jersey Underground just notified me that it has accepted one of my poems -- "Loyal" -- for publication in an upcoming edition. Thanks SJU editors for your fine choice!

Poems about thanks & gratitude

2010-11-24T12:28:00.001-05:00

Poets.org offers a "Poems About Thanks & Gratitude" page for your reading pleasure.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

For Immediate Release: Nov. 19, 2010 (Press Release)

2010-11-19T14:01:00.002-05:00

Nov. 19, 2010
Contact: Steve Peacock
stevepeacock[a]yahoo.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORK BY SHORE WRITER GETS PICKED UP BY THREE LITERARY JOURNALS

[PT. PLEASANT] – Point Pleasant resident Steve Peacock not only found out in recent weeks that his poetry is being published, but was taken by surprise when the editors of three different literary journals notified him they would be putting his work into print.

The Idiom, known by many as the “biggest underground literary magazine in the state of New Jersey,” was the first to contact Peacock this month. Editor Mark Brunetti said he will be featuring two of Peacock’s poems in the next print edition, slated to be released sometime after Thanksgiving.

Monkeybicycle, an imprint of the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based small press Dzanc Books, was the next to notify Peacock that it will be publishing his poetry in an upcoming print edition. The very next day, Grub Street, the literary journal of Towson University, likewise contacted him to announce it will be publishing his poetry.

“These developments in my nascent creative-writing career were completely unexpected,” Peacock said. “It was only this past September that a literary journal picked up my poetry for the first time. Having three publications — all within the span of two weeks — express interest in my work is a thrill, to say the least.”

His poetry also has been published by the Edison Literary Review, another New Jersey-based journal. Peacock, who recently obtained state certifications as an English teacher and special-education instructor, has written professionally for many years, primarily as a journalist. He most recently worked as a congressional correspondent for Warren Communications News in Washington, D.C., where he wrote about technology policy during the last two years of the Clinton Administration and the first few years of the Bush Administration.

Peacock, who also previously worked in New York City as a hotel detective – or “hotel dick,” as the job traditionally is known – likewise is the author of Hotel Dick, a memoir about his experiences at the Helmsley Palace, Manhattan’s former playground of the rich and famous. In addition to writing poetry and memoir, Peacock is working on a screenplay that he hopes someday to market to Hollywood.

# # #

Making literary progress

2010-11-18T11:19:00.002-05:00

Okay, I did not win the Bellevue Literary Review's annual contest, BUT... the same day BLR announced the winners, separately I heard from Monkeybicycle, a West Coast literary journal, which accepted my work for an upcoming print issue. Additionally, yesterday the editor of Towson University's Grub Street also contacted me to announce the acceptance of my work for publication. All this on top of my work recently being embraced by New Jersey's best "underground" literary journal, The Idiom.

Let's hope this trend continues. As I said in previous posts, by the end of December Narrative magazine will announce the winners of its annual Fall writing contest, for which I submitted a 6,000-word memoir, and late January I shall find out whether Missouri Literary Review is interested in that same non-fiction piece.

Another contest-winning entry? (Part Two)

2010-11-08T22:35:00.001-05:00

I remain hopeful that my recent contest submission to The Missouri Review -- a 6,000-word memoir of a to-be-revealed segment of my life -- stands a chance of winning the $5,000 grand prize; however, as my eagerness and confidence are likewise in competition, I submitted the same piece to Narrative's Fall Contest. While Narrative's Grand Prize purse is a little less (it's only $3,250, with several smaller prizes for runners up), indeed I would be content to win that one instead, if that's how life happens to work out.

Taken to Bellevue?

2010-11-05T21:30:00.002-04:00

When New York-area people hear the word "Bellevue," typically they think of the mental-health segment of the well-known medical facility. In my case, I wasn't sent to Bellevue, but I did send something to Bellevue -- the Bellevue Literary Review (BLR), a literary journal. Like most poets, I like to see my work in print; in the case of BLR, which publishes prose and poetry "that touch upon relationships to the human body, illness, health and healing," it is my fervent hope that I am a contender for its annual contest. Yes, I know -- as do thousands of other writers who submitted work and are no less eager to win the cash prize and a little notoriety.

BLR will announce winners in the next few weeks. I'll keep you posted.

$5,000 Prize on the Horizon?

2010-10-18T13:42:00.001-04:00

Maybe it's wishful thinking -- or perhaps I've gotten my act in order and have produced a potentially prize-winning product. Anyhow, recently I submitted an essay to the Missouri Review's 20th Annual Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize in Fiction, Essay and Poetry, which will select three grand-prize winners only; however, each of those winners will get a check for $5,000 in the mail and likewise will have a chance to give a presentation before a crowd at the University of Missouri.

Not that personal time and effort is a factor come time for judging, but I have to say that I worked on this essay -- a nearly 6,000 word piece about a significant experience in my life that, for now, I will leave unspecified -- for perhaps hundreds of hours over a three-month period. Let's hope it will pay off; not just for the money, not just for the recognition, but for the sake of jump-starting my writing career.

Writing full-time for a living -- and I'm talking about creative writing, not just article writing or blogging -- is my dream. It may or may not happen, but I intend to put in the effort to bring about such a transformation in my life and in the life of my family. I've been out of work for nearly four months (a brief time contrasted to some other folks, a few whom I know to be unemployed for two years or more), and I cannot seem to secure a teaching job. So, I write and write -- and shall write some more. Essays, short stories, screenplays -- I want to do it all.

Mink Sashay

2010-08-28T14:30:00.004-04:00

Here's a link to -- Mink Sashay -- a poem that the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English (NJCTE) in 2009 added to the NJCTE Gallery, part of the National Gallery of Writing project.

Hip Hop Catz & the K9 Crew

2010-06-28T22:12:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to offer a quick plug here for a new urban-style children's book and related clothing line from one of my fellow Lakewood High School graduates, William "Cooch" Mackson. Info about "Hip Hop Catz & the K9 Crew," as this creative venture is known, can be found at: http://thehiphopcatzandthek9crew.com/

Willie Cooch, I've been rooting for you ever since that unfortunate fire took out your tailor shop and clothing store on 2nd Street in Lakewood years ago. May this latest endeavor be a blessing for you!

"Memorial Day" -- a poem by Steve Peacock

2010-05-31T12:10:00.003-04:00

(****Editor's Note: I wish I could write poems about flowers and waterfalls and puppy dogs, but my creative juices cannot and do not flow in that direction. Hence, Memorial Day, a poem which popped into my head while lounging in the backyard last Memorial Day weekend.)

Memorial Day
by Steve Peacock

They found him
in the hammock
in the back yard, the Best
of Chekhov and a blue
hard-covered Bible
stacked to his left, right
hand clutching a
cell phone whose last
function was to dial
9-1-1, a call
cut short
when a spilled pint
of pilsner scorched its
circuits, shutting down the device
before he could tell
the operator about
the pain in his chest,
the numbness in his arm,
the need to say ‘I love you’
to his wife and
to his daughters,
a dying declaration
relegated to mere thought
and never
to leave
his lips.

# # #

Red Bank Event to Feature "Hotel Dick" Author

2010-04-10T15:29:00.003-04:00

Steve Peacock, author of the memoir Hotel Dick, on April 11 will be one of the featured speakers at the popular “River Read” series of author presentations. He will read from his book as well as discuss the history of hotel detectives (known as “hotel dicks”) in literature, movies, and music.

Peacock, who once worked as a hotel detective of the Helmsley Palace (now known as the New York Palace), reveals in Hotel Dick what went on behind the closed doors of New York City’s former playground of the rich and famous. Peacock will read passages from his book, which he describes as “unique five-year peek into the lives of the wealthy, the powerful, and the ‘lower’ classes that serviced their every desire.”

“That experience was a rare chance to become immersed in the subculture of the privileged,” Peacock says. “I protected the pampered Palace guests as they spent vast sums of money on decadent pleasures. I literally served as a buffer between the so-called elite and the hookers, thieves, and street people who were drawn to this midtown Manhattan landmark.”

Peacock now works as a special-education English teacher at a charter school in Trenton. On the literary front, currently he is working on a screenplay as well as a book of poetry. His poetry is forthcoming in the fall edition of the Edison Literary Review. Peacock also is a former Washington, DC-based investigative reporter whose work has appeared in the Tampa Tribune, Communications Daily, Drug Enforcement Report, and Corrections Journal.

The River Read series is being held at The Dublin House (2nd floor), 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank. Peacock will share the stage April 11 with writer Timothy Gager, author of Treating a Sick Animal: Flash and Micro Fictions. The event begins at 2 p.m.

Edison Literary Review

2009-12-11T21:27:00.005-05:00

Embarking upon the path of becoming a serious creative writer is never easy, particularly when you are segueing from one genre specialization to another; however, the Edison Literary Review recently accepted one of my poems ("2nd Grade Word") for publication in its Sept. 2010 annual edition. Consequently, my gradual transition from investigative reporter to poet/teacher is becoming a reality. As a previously unpublished poet, it is my fervent hope and belief that this is merely the first step in my memorable journey into the world of creative, literary expression.

I would urge all reader to support serious, independent endeavors such the Edison Literary Review by considering purchasing a subscription. For only $20, you can buy three editions of ELR, including an advance reservation to receive Vol. 10 -- my debut issue.

Welcome Back

2009-11-27T15:40:00.003-05:00

Upon embarking upon my role as curator of The Sandstorm Gallery of Jersey Shore Creative Writers -- a local partner gallery of the NCTE-affiliated National Day on Writing -- I had hoped to hype the gallery to the furthest extent possible. However, back in September I landed a job as a special-education English teacher in Trenton; as a result, I have not had the time or energy to publicize the endeavor -- or its contributors -- to the extent I had envisioned.

Consequently, I am in the process of reinventing this site, now simply renamed Jersey Sandstorm. It is my hope and desire to use Jersey Sandstorm as a vehicle to promote my own creative works as well as the contributions of other area artists.

Come back soon.

Council magazine recognizes Sandstorm Gallery for its efforts

2009-09-11T21:56:00.003-04:00

The Sandstorm Gallery has been recognized by The Council Chronicle (.pdf, p. 3) -- a publication of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) -- in its latest issue. Out of more than 700 online galleries participating in the National Gallery of Writing/National Day on Writing, this NCTE member magazine selected The Sandstorm Gallery and the Jersey Sandstorm blog as a premier example of how local partner galleries are getting involved in this nationwide endeavor.

Local writer’s initiative submission-deadline extended

2009-09-05T10:39:00.002-04:00

Writers from the Jersey Shore region, in conjunction with a nationwide endeavor hosted by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), are being given extra time to submit their compositions for possible publication in an online gallery affiliated with NCTE.

Steve Peacock of Point Pleasant, curator of The Sandstorm Gallery of Jersey Shore Creative Writers announces that local creative artists now have until Sept. 28, rather than Sept.8, to submit their work. Although registration is required, there is no fee.

Peacock continues to invite and encourage writers from Monmouth and Ocean counties to submit their work to The Sandstorm Gallery, a Local Partner Gallery in the NCTE-hosted National Gallery of Writing.

“The goal of The Sandstorm Gallery is to showcase the talents of creative writers, poets and other lovers of language from the Jersey Shore region,” Peacock says. “As its name implies, this gallery seeks to entice the talents of local artists adept at whipping up and unleashing a storm of language and beauty.”

As a Local Partner Gallery in the National Gallery of Writing, Peacock and The Sandstorm Gallery will join NCTE in celebrating composition in all its forms and demonstrating how integral writing has become to daily life in the 21st century.

Registrants are permitted to submit one piece—whether it is a poem, short story, essay, or other creative or reflective work—to the Sandstorm Gallery. Compositions accepted for the gallery will be unveiled when the National Gallery opens for public viewing on October 20, 2009, the National Day on Writing. Updates about the local gallery and its participants are featured via The Jersey Sandstorm blog.

Steve Peacock is a former Washington, DC, journalist who late last year completed Georgian Court University’s dual teacher certification program. He now is a state-certified Teacher of English and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Peacock also is the author of Hotel Dick, a memoir of his earlier career as a hotel detective—traditionally known as a “hotel dick”—of the Helmsley Palace in New York City.

Work by Middletown poet to be featured in National Day on Writing

2009-09-05T10:26:00.001-04:00

The Sandstorm Gallery of Jersey Shore Creative Writer s announces that a poem by John J. Petrolino III of Middletown has been selected as the featured work for an upcoming national event.

The Sandstorm Gallery, which is an online venture affiliated with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), has chosen Petrolino’s poem “Fishing on the Navesink River” to be the main feature when the site goes “live” on October 20, 2009, the National Day on Writing. Petrolino, it should be noted, is the author of two collections of poetry, Galleria and Congo Lights .

Steve Peacock of Point Pleasant, curator of The Sandstorm Gallery, says that Petrolino’s piece fits in perfectly with the theme of the gallery.

“The goal of The Sandstorm Gallery is to showcase the talents of creative writers, poets and other lovers of language from the Jersey Shore region,” Peacock says. “As its name implies, this gallery seeks to entice the talents of local artists adept at whipping up and unleashing a storm of language and beauty. Mr. Petrolino’s moving, reflective poem clearly falls into that category. ”

Peacock also announces that are other local creative artists being given extra time to submit their compositions for possible publication, now that the deadline of submission has been extended until Sept. 28, rather than Sept.8. He points out that although registration is required, there is no fee.

As a Local Partner Gallery in the National Gallery of Writing, Peacock and The Sandstorm Gallery will join NCTE in celebrating composition in all its forms and demonstrating how integral writing has become to daily life in the 21st century.

Registrants are permitted to submit one piece—whether it is a poem, short story, essay, or other creative or reflective work—to The Sandstorm Gallery. Compositions accepted for the gallery will be unveiled when the National Gallery opens for public viewing on October 20, 2009, the National Day on Writing. Updates about the local gallery and its participants are featured via the Jersey Sandstorm blog at http://jerseysandstorm.blogspot.com.

Steve Peacock is a former Washington, DC, journalist who late last year completed Georgian Court University’s dual teacher certification program. He now is a state-certified Teacher of English and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Peacock also is the author of Hotel Dick, a memoir of his earlier career as a hotel detective—traditionally known as a “hotel dick”—of the Helmsley Palace in New York City.

'The Sandpaper' Gives Plug for The Sandstorm Gallery

2009-08-19T23:29:00.002-04:00

The Sandpaper, a Surf City, NJ-based publication, is the most recent venue for coverage of The Sandstorm Gallery of Jersey Shore Creative Writers. We are now looking forward to receiving submissions from residents of The Sandpaper's coverage area of Southern Ocean County.

Important Note for Contributors

2009-08-15T15:20:00.003-04:00

If you are interested in submitting a composition of any kind specifically to The Sandstorm Gallery, please take note of the following: you must--and I do mean MUST--select The Sandstorm Gallery as your intended destination. A couple of submitters have had problems getting their pieces to the right place; although NCTE has ensured me that there are no detectable technical glitches causing such impediments, I am offering the following (but by no means exhaustive) guidance on the submission process.

1) Go the Sandstorm Gallery page via the National Gallery of Writing site (http://galleryofwriting.org/galleries/55028), and click on "CONTRIBUTE TO THIS GALLERY" at the bottom of the page.

2) If you have not already done so, you must go to "CREATE PROFILE," where you will prompted and led through a free registration process. When you reach the "ABOUT YOUR PIECE" segment of the process, eventually you will reach the question, "Which gallery does this new submission fit into?" You then will click on a drop-down box containing several options, including a list of "LOCAL GALLERIES."

3) After clicking on "LOCAL GALLERIES," scroll down until you find "THE SANDSTORM GALLERY OF JERSEY SHORE CREATIVE WRITERS." Please look for it under "T" and not "S". (In other words, it's listed alphabetically under "T" for "The...", rather than under "S" for "Sandstorm...")

I went through this registration/submission process myself once again just in case. I tried it, and it worked.

For those of who you whom have had--or continue to have--problems getting your submission to the correct gallery, I apologize for the inconvenience and would encourage you to try again. Thank you for your patience.

Asbury Park Press offers coverage of Sandstorm Gallery

2009-08-05T18:31:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to the Asbury Park Press, which is running in its online edition (APP.com) an updated version of the Sandstorm Gallery's debut announcement.

'Sandstorm Gallery' Seeks Jersey Shore Writers

2009-07-11T01:07:00.011-04:00

Writers Sought for SANDSTORM GALLERY OF JERSEY SHORE CREATIVE WRITERS:
A Local Partner Gallery in the National Gallery of Writing

(POINT PLEASANT, NJ) –Writers from the Jersey Shore region, in conjunction with a nationwide endeavor hosted by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), are gearing up to display their compositions in the Sandstorm Gallery of Jersey Shore Creative Writers.

Gallery curator Steve Peacock of Point Pleasant invites and encourages writers from Ocean and Monmouth counties to submit their work to the Sandstorm Gallery, a Local Partner Gallery in the NCTE-hosted National Gallery of Writing. “The goal of the Sandstorm Gallery is to showcase the talents of creative writers, poets, and other lovers of language from the Jersey Shore region,” Peacock says. “As its name implies, this gallery seeks to entice the talents of local artists adept at whipping up and unleashing a storm of language and beauty.”

Peacock, a former Washington, DC, journalist, late last year completed Georgian Court University’s dual certification program and now is a state-certified Teacher of English and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. He is the author of Hotel Dick, a memoir of his earlier career as a hotel detective—traditionally known as a “hotel dick”—of the Helmsley Palace in New York City.

As a Local Partner Gallery in the National Gallery of Writing, Peacock and the Sandstorm Gallery will join NCTE in celebrating composition in all its forms and demonstrating how integral writing has become to daily life in the 21st century.

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 8, International Literacy Day. Compositions accepted for the Sandstorm Gallery will be unveiled when the National Gallery opens for public viewing on October 20, 2009, the National Day on Writing.

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