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GUESTBOOK

Moonlark Guestbook - May - August 2004

Hey poetry fans, nothing up my sleeve. Here's an event at Baton Rouge Gallery Hosts Susan Brys and Janice Rubin playing a program entitled "Solos and Duets" Sunday, August 15th at 4:00 pm.
Janice Rubin will read her poetry to the accompaniment of Susan Brys on piano.
The program will be varied in music and themes. This event is free to the public.
Please Join us!

For more information please call Baton Rouge Gallery at 225. 383.1470
This program is made possible in part by support from the ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER BATON ROUGE and the COMMUNTIY FUND FOR THE ARTS CAMPAIGN.
ted <coastfilm@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 06:39:42 (EDT)
Baccarat and online poker here!


Duke <miami@hotmail.com>
NY, NY USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 04:27:17 (EDT)

You rock Ted!
Ray
Ethel, USA - Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 10:56:13 (EDT)
next year you guys - but don't worry about not taking first - winning is about showmanship and egos, not especially about the poetry - you guys have damnned good poetry so here's a little ode for the team-- (next posting below)
ted <coastfilm@aol.com>
USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 15:50:39 (EDT)
ode to a team


arch enemies
facing off
losing face


the best poets
are the best poets
but the biggest egos do not the best poets make
to turn a smile
make a difference
cut the quick
forge a friend for life
break a heart


what other people
think of my poetry
is none of
my business


what other people feel about
my poetry
is
if I want it to be

feel
real
deal


wounds licked

twenty five cents


ted
ted <coastfilm@aol.com>
`, USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 15:05:47 (EDT)
what's up y'all it's donney brasco checkin in from nationals in stl.....it's been a pretty wild, eventful time out here and tomorrow night is team finals.... a bout got cancelled, a riot almost ensued at another one, and overall the city of st. louis have not been playin with the poets at all..... a member of providence team got arrested during opening ceremonies for public nudity....shit's real out here....but we're having good time, there's a lot of comraderie amongst the poets, and we've been just enjoying each other's company and talent....we got footage of what happened in indy finals and will probably have footage of tomorrow's finals...till we return...peace
donney brasco <donney@simplebutdope.com>
USA - Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 05:06:30 (EDT)
Xero again, live from St. Louis! Well, it happened again. We lost last night to underdogs Hawaii. We came in second place. Hawaii had a kick ass team. They came with killer team peaces and a lot of heart. I think our main problem is that we have suffered from not competing on a national level for the last two years. We've kind of lost our sea legs, but I know that this is only the beginning of a comeback that will eventually take to the top one of these years. Kate and I went first with the group piece, Donnie followed with "Restraining Order", and Pimp anchored with "More Than A Conqueror" (and got one of the highest scores of the night). We're out of the running for semi-finals, so we'll be spending the rest of the trip rooting for New Orleans and our friends from the Texas, Florida, and Virginia teams. Well, shit, we have friends from everywhere up here. Baton Rouge is highly respected at nationals. Well be rooting for slam poetry and thinking of all the support we've recieved from home. Thank you guys! I'm sorry we didn't do better for yall. We'll work harder in the future. I promise you that.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Friday, August 06, 2004 at 13:07:45 (EDT)
ditto on the Isley Bros., but Prince got some ill stuff too...DESPITE THE SCORES ON LAST NIGHT, I KNOW YA'LL KICKED ASS, SO ALL I CAN SAY IS KEEP IT UP, AND KEEP US POSTED, AND GET AS MUCH REST AS YOU CAN I/B/T PRACTICING, SEE YALL WHEN YA GET BACK!
taaj freeman <tiaraless@blackplanet.com>
USA - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 14:12:06 (EDT)
Anyone seen Mona around?? Someone..anyone...please tell her that her sista Julia is desperately trying to catch up with her. Peace&Love
Julia <julia_isong@hotmail.com>
Austin, TX USA - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 13:59:24 (EDT)
Hey yall! This is xero live on the scene in St. Louis. We're still licking our wounds from the bout last night in which we came in fourth place! What can I say? You do your best and lay it all at the feet of the judges. For some reason they didn't particularly care for amazing and thought-provoking performances. Whatever man. We know we kicked ass last night. We're happy with our showing and can only scratch our heads at how the scores came out. Hopefully, tonight the poetry gods will smile on the underdogs from Baton Rouge. I'll holler back later, yall. Peace.
bootstrang <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 13:56:45 (EDT)
Well,day one of the National Poetry Slam.The 04 BR National Slam Team placed 4th in there bout of 5 teams.Falling to National Powers.The scores were 1st New York City Urbana 79.2,2nd Vancouver Canada 78.7,3rd Hollywood,Ca 77.8,4th Baton Rouge,La 74.4 and 5th Oklahoma City 68.8.Baton Rouge Day 2 schedule includes, 5th rank Southmore,Texas,44th rank hometown St.Louis,Missouri,and 59th rank the state where I competed at Montevello,Alabama.The 2004 New Orleans National Slam Team finished 3rd in there bout and a day 1 overall rank of 41st.The scores were 1st Boston,Ma Lizard Lounge 78.2,2nd Cleveland Ohio 76.6,3rd NO 75.8,4th Eugene Oregon 75.6,and 5th Florida United 74.4.New Olreans day #2 schedule includes #12 Columbus Ohio,#43 Palo Alto Califorina #51 Pensacola Florida,and last rank #69 Kalamazoo,Michigan.
YahFu
Baton Rouge, La USA - Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 11:30:30 (EDT)
Hands down....gotta give props to The Isley Brothers!
LaNaturalFemme <lanaturalfemme@cox.net>
BATONROUGE, LA USA - Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 15:32:57 (EDT)
Yafu, I wouldn't have thought of Hendrix, but I can see where you're coming from. I was going to say Wagner operas. Any word from the Slam team?
Mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, OK USA - Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 15:04:12 (EDT)
I nominate,"Jimmy Hendrix!"
Yafu
USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 17:57:48 (EDT)
Okay, poets and artists, here's an informal poll: What's the best love-makin' music? Al Green? Portishead? Tool? John Phillip Sousa? Any nominations?
The Naked Poet
Bunkie, LA USA - Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 14:33:39 (EDT)
I want to settle a matter that has been pressing on my heart and mind as of late.It has been brought to my attention by a source I trust that I left the Baton Rouge Poetry Alliance because,"I felt that they wasn't giving me the support that I thought was due to me."Well,I want you all to know that's not true.If it wasn't for Ray Sibley,Members of the Poetry Alliance Mona Webb,Xero Skidmore,James Walker,Taaj,Rage,D2H,Donnie Brasco,Knowledge,and Ladedi,Moonlark Productions and Mike I would not have had the chance to go places I didn't dreamed of going and embracing many spoken word artsits from around the country in the process.I simply felt things got a little to hot and I made the decision to stay away until things calm down.So I just want you to know I have no beef none what so ever with the Baton Rouge Poetry Alliance. Peace.
Yahfu
USA - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 16:41:38 (EDT)
Good luck to the Slam Team! Do well!
wishful thinking
USA - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 11:07:57 (EDT)
I had a Texas hold-em once. Ah, memories.
The Naked Poet
USA - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 12:36:19 (EDT)
online texas holdem poker http://www.poker-texas-holdem.us
texas holdem poker <popo@usa.com>
California, California USA - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 11:00:08 (EDT)
Hey, all. I'll clear the spam off the guestbook as soon as I get back to OK. I've been in Alaska all week. Very cool. Saw 2 black bears yesterday, and 3 grizzlies the day before. I'll fix the date for the Dispute O'The Boot, too. I should be back in late Tuesday night. From the land of the midnight sun, I bid U farewell!!!!
mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Talkeetna , AK USA - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 19:29:51 (EDT)
Well, for starters, I've been talking to the people at Cafe Reggae about moving the slam to their club. Tentatively, we're planning on having one slam per month with a one hundred dollar prize every time. The Passionate Poetry Pajama Party went so well that Cafe Reggae wanted us to make it a regular thing, so there will probably be a pajama party after every slam with a live DJ providing the music. Sadly, we can't pull off an event like this free of charge. There will be a 5 to 10 dollar admission, but this also means that besides a big cash prize, we will be able to promote the slam on a much larger scale! So, we'll have huge crowds, a major incentive to compete at the highest level, and the opportunity to wear those cool ass pajama outfits yall went out and bought for the fundraiser. It also means that the slam will be raising money for it's team and it's upkeep all year round, which would eliminate our annual struggle to come up with big funds in a small span of time. In other news, the slam against New Orleans was postponed until July 30th. (Which is what Donney had originally posted by mistake) The venue had some permit trouble and had to shut down for a week. The N.O. poets are pretty sure that all of the confusion will be cleared up by next Friday. So if you want to come to the slam, we'll make sure we keep all the latest developements of this affair posted on this guestbook. Thank yall. Peace!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 18:12:43 (EDT)
Here we go again with the 'spam ads'....(Helloooooo..where's the system admin to this thing)
LaNaturalFemme <lanaturalfemme@cox.net>
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 18:27:06 (EDT)
madeline, do you mean cite des artes on vine st. in lafayette, if so that's where knowledge has his reading on saturday nights....Mike, I never ask this of you, but could you post this event on the home page: Saturday, July 31, 2004 Simple...But Dope Productions, LLC and Continuum Music presents "Soul Fusion" (the premiere event encompassing spoken word poetry and live music). Live from Avoyelle's Cafe on the River, 333 Third St. Doors open @ 9:30pm...for more info visit www.simplebutdope.com
donney brasco <donney@simplebutdope.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 00:45:30 (EDT)
I'm just stopping in to say hi to everyone and sign the guest book
Shelly the Great Penguinette <penguinette@gmail.com>
Baton Rouge, La USA - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 10:25:22 (EDT)
hey all. there's a free poetry and performance event, vox delecti, sponsored by lsu-lafayette at the cine des arts in lafayette this wednesday, july 21st. starts at 7pm. it's an interdisciplinary multimedia good time to be had by all. three features: butttruck (that's right, i said butttruck), live capture remix, and versatile threeway. versatile threeway is a performance poetry trio comprised of myself, the very talented beth foos, and our actress friend danielle alexandra. if you're interested in the bigger, better, uncut version of what you usually get out of me, beth and i co-wrote the entire performance together, so check it out. hope to see some of you there!
dr. madelyn hatter <madelynhatter@hotmail.com>
br, la USA - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 15:12:40 (EDT)
Well,poetry family This is Yahfu reporting from Alabama reguarding the Turner South TV "My South Speaks"Poetry Contest I finished my bout ranked seventh of twenty two poets barely missing the finals by two spots.Overall I finished ranked ninthteenth of fiftyone poets which includes National Slam Veterens such as IQ from Memphis,Tennessee,Carrie Gertsmann from Wiston Salem North Carolina and other poets from New Jersey.I'll be slamming tonight against them in a three round format which will open up with fifthteen poets in round one,the top seven scoring poets will advance to round two,with the top three scorers making the finals.I was invited by IQ to come slam in Memphis,Tennessee and Carrie to come feature in North Carolina.One woman from Alabama name Sandy Bergeron wanted a copy of the poem I performed for Turner South because she felt that the poem inspired her so I gave it to her.It has been a fantastic week of poetry and I plan on doing more traveling across the horizon teaching and reaching.This has been a fantastic experience for me.Now I will get a taste of some National Slam Team poets from Alabama,Tennessee,Atlanta,and North Carolina some who are preparing for Nationals in three weeks I'll see where I stand.Peace and Love.
Yaf-Fu
Birmingham, AL USA - Friday, July 16, 2004 at 16:23:56 (EDT)
Attention actors and wanna-be actors - I've got the scoop on: 1) a feature film being filmed in Louisiana (Disney/Bruckheimer) that's casting extras , and 2) Baker Little Theatre auditioning for a new play. Check out the Moonlark Home Page for details.
Mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, OK USA - Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 18:13:10 (EDT)
hey every one, it has been a long time sense ive spoken to any of you. school will be starting back soon so i will have a lot to write about. right now im just trying to get a job. and oh yeah I FINALLY HAVE A CAR.
Trey
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 17:33:08 (EDT)
Thanks for the corrected info, Donney. I've updated the home page. If it still says "Jul 30", just hit the reload button on your browser...
mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, OK USA - Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 13:56:14 (EDT)
correction on Dispute over the Boot III it will be held on Friday, July 23rd, not the 30th in New Orleans @ True Brew Cafe....Mike if you could put this info on the home page, that'd be all cool...peace out
donney brasco
USA - Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 00:13:30 (EDT)
This is Yahfu,reporting the results of day #1 of the Turner South My South Speaks Poetry Contest at the Carver Theatre.I represented Baton Rouge with passion and substance.I didn't make the finals but I did humbly recieved great responses to my performance including one lady who ask me to give her a copy of the poem I perform.I can't say I was robbed because I feel that the winners was well deserving to win.I think I finished ranked in the top 10 of the 22 performers that performed mostly from Alabama.Looking back on the night during my performance I heard some ohhs and ahhs but I think the poem I selected to perform was not the type of poem Turner South was looking for.As far as being nervous in performing at a 508 seat theatre that had around 150-200 people present I did quite well gotta go.
Yahfu
Birmingham, AL USA - Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 11:04:27 (EDT)
I'm glad to hear the PJ party was such a success. I'm sure Xero's silk drawers were a sight to behold. Yahfu, thanks for the info on the national slam. That's a fun thing, that team BR is going up against OKC the first night. Tell them "Mike from Stillwater" (they can't say Melancon) says hello, and I'll see them at Galileo's.
Mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, Ok USA - Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 08:40:54 (EDT)
Gee, we're sure glad u enjoyed the ppj party...and obviously u enjoyed Mona in her nightime attire...play on playa...anyways the BR slam team got Dispute over the Boot III pt. 2 goin down @ True Brew Cafe in New Orleans on June 30th...that's a Friday night...if your schedules permit...come down and check out this hot event at a venue that's already hot on Friday nights.....peace BR poetry community.... d. brasco
donney <donney@simplebutdope.com>
USA - Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 16:37:56 (EDT)
You guys are some of the best poets i ever heard. Keep up the good work. Im there every Tuesday checkin it out. Mona holla at me wit yo sexy self!
Gee <soulremedy04@aol.com>
Baton Rouge, La USA - Monday, July 12, 2004 at 15:16:44 (EDT)
I really enjoyed the pajama party Friday night. Bring poetry readings to Baton Rouge was a really good idea. I dont read, but i write a little. Im a fan of the Baton Rouge slam team. I'll check you guys out on Tuesday. Hey Mona wit yo sexy self.
Gee <Soulremedy04@aol.com>
Baton Rouge, La USA - Monday, July 12, 2004 at 14:51:38 (EDT)
I mean Saturday Night not Friday its the Finals of the Turner South the website is www.turnersouth.com
Yahfu
USA - Monday, July 12, 2004 at 10:39:03 (EDT)
What's up slam family,this is Yahfu here in Birmingham,Alabama for the July 2004 Turner South TV Station"My South Speaks"spoken word competition.I will be competiting fiftynine other poets divided into three nights for a chance to win $600.00 in cash prizes.I'am schedule to compete against 19 poets Tuesday night at the Carver Theatre in Birmingham,AL they will pick 5 semifinalists each night and award them $100.00 cash.I will try to do my best but I think it will be good for me to have this experience on my resume.Now let's get into the National Slam,Being a member of the National Poetry Slam List Server I have the lowdown on the teams that Baton Rouge will compete against in the 2004 National Poetry Slam.On Day #1 Bout #8 at 10:00pm 2nd bout the 2004 Baton Rouge National Slam Team will compete against The New York City-Urbana Team,Hollywood,Califorina Team,Vancouver,Canada Team and Mike hometown of Oklahoma City remember its a 3 round rotation amoung 5 team bouts.Also Day #1 Bout#7 The 2004 New Orleans National Slam Team will compete against The Las Vegas,NV Slam Team,Cleveland OH Slam Team, Eugene Slam Team,and Boston Lizard Lounge Slam Team.Next will be a dandy,Dorian Hebert made the host city 2004 St.Louis National Slam Team and on day #1 Bout#14 her team will host Sekou the Misfit and defending National Slam Champion Los Angeles National Slam Team,Defending National Slam runner up NYC-Nuyrocian National Slam Team,The Ithaca NY Slam Team and DC/Baltimore Slam Team.On day #2 The Baton Rouge National Slam Team is schedule to compete against Dorian and the host city St.Louis,Missouri,Montevello Alabama,Southmore,Texas which is Houston,and 1st year team of Honolulu Hawaii.Here in Birmingham besides the My Turner South Speaks Spoken Word competition There is an entire week of Poetry tonight it's the Open Mic and Jazz night on Tuesday,Wednesday,and Thursday night it's the semifinals of the Turner South Competition.On Friday night at the SOBO Lounge It's the Poetry Slam and on Friday night its the Finals for the My South Speaks.Soon as I get more information I will updated on the guestbook Goodluck to the 2004 Baton Rouge National Slam Team judging from all the teams I think Baton Rouge opening day bouty and St.Louis Opening day bout is two hot tickets.Peace and and Love Baton Rouge.
Yahfu
Birmingham, AL USA - Monday, July 12, 2004 at 10:31:32 (EDT)
Hey yall! For those of you who missed it, I just wanted to let you know that the Passionate Poetry Pajama Party was a HUGE success! The crowd was great, the performances were legendary, and the energy was unbelievable. On behalf of the 2004 Baton Rouge Poetry Slam Team I'd like to thank everyone of their support and patronage, with a big thanks going out to Ray and Mike for allowing us to use this site to publicize the slam and so many other things that would take forever to mention. Thanks a lot guys, we are very lucky the have you in our lives. The slam may soon be starting up again. I'll let everyone know as soon as the deal is done. Until then I'll see yall around. Peace, poets and patrons!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Sunday, July 11, 2004 at 09:16:39 (EDT)
It's xero. We damn-near sold ALL of our tickets. I've got a brand new pair of silk boxers. The door prize is a home bondage kit. My nipples are hard in preparation. Need I say more?
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Thursday, July 08, 2004 at 21:47:24 (EDT)
This meaasge is for PIMP. I have a gig to offer you if the price it right. If you're interested, Email me @ jus2jazzy2000@yahoo.com.
jazz lyrics <jus2jazzy2000@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, July 07, 2004 at 18:00:44 (EDT)
PAGING XERO!!! Xero, Nick Fox here. It's important I speak to you ASAP. Please e-mail me at rugbyfox@yahoo.com as soon as you can. Thanks.
Nick Fox <Rugbyfox@yahoo.com>
Chicago, IL USA - Thursday, July 01, 2004 at 11:54:18 (EDT)
Does a birthday suit qualify as PJs?
WOOF!!!
USA - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 19:07:56 (EDT)
there's a rumor that the naked poet may be in town on the 9th?
inquiring
USA - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 12:54:57 (EDT)
i think having another erotic poetry reading is a terrific idea. since talking about fucking is the bulk of what i do when dropped in front of a microphone, you all know that i would be the name at the top of the sign up sheet--if i was going to be in town. i am at the university of kansas molding young minds until the evening of the tenth, and i am consequently just barely going to miss what i suspect will be a singularly hot reading. so, i send my regards and my regrets, darlings, and i hope you make enough on the ninth to get to nationals this august.
dr. madelyn hatter <madelynhatter@hotmail.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 23:42:06 (EDT)
Not unlike the twenty, fifty or hundred year flood, you cook that really good gumbo only occasionally and I've been eating on one of those for the past few days, YES!!! Just wish I could write a poem of the same caliber? Regardless, I've already got the silk jammies and hope to find that pair of jam up slippers to compliment'em before I get there. Please save me a ticket AND a spot at the open mic! I'll be there on time and pay the extra two bucks if need be to get in, just so I can get my freak on. Hey, gotta put da K9 erotica to use somewhere! Piece...
WOOF!!!
drooling over poetry, USA - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 00:00:08 (EDT)
Man! Y'all gotta see the new pair of boxers I bought for "The Passion Of The Mic", a.k.a. The Passionate Poetry Pajama Party! I plan to bring them to Eclectic Truth tomorrow night and display them as show of my resolve to make this event the greatest erotic poetry showcase of all time. We've been steadily selling tickets and they are running out fast. So, if you haven't bought any tickets yet, do the damn thang!!! Show your support for your slam team and have the time of your life at the same time. For those of you who want to know, it's perfectly acceptable to wear you comfortable cotton "jammies". The whole silk and satin thing is optional. My new drawz are rayon, for example. So, if I don't see y'all tomorrow night at Cafe Reggae, I'll see you on July 9th! Until then, be fruitful and multiply! Peace, poets and patrons!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 18:34:51 (EDT)
Announcing: The Passionate Poetry Pajama Party July 9th, 9 o'clock, at Cafe Reggae (124 W. Chimes Street) Come sport your draws for a good cause! There will be an erotic poetry open mic with the live band, a slam team feature, the auctioning off of Baton Rouge's sexiest poets and musicians, and a dance party with D.J. Boogaloo! The 2004 Baton Rouge Poetry Slam Team needs YOU!!! Tickets are $10 and the door is $12. Call xero at 225-803-6160 for more information. Hey Mike, could you please post this on the homepage? Thanks. Thanks to all a yall! Peace poets and patrons.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 12:49:42 (EDT)
Sorry Yah-Fu,those 1-900-K9-PORNO phone numbers ran my bill into four figures and they turned me off. I can still be reached in cybre-space though, "BARDDOG@HOTMAIL.COM". Piece!
WOOF!!!
USA - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 02:30:35 (EDT)
Yummy sound so tasty,Yo Woof man I need your number ASAP!
YahFu
USA - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 11:08:56 (EDT)
Yes!!! Warm muffins are definitely better than cold cheesecake for dessert. Oh wow, the dingger went off again, gotta check the second batch so... th th th that's all folks!!!
wuuuufffffffffff
USA - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 03:22:45 (EDT)
Ok, the dinggy thing just dinged. Time to stick my face in a muffin... with butter
WOOOOOFFF!!!!
eat me, USA - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 02:59:28 (EDT)
what else can I do while waiting for the blueberry muffins to come from the oven? They sure smell GOOD!!!
arf
USA - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 02:37:27 (EDT)
I am in no way addicted to pornography, just an afici0nado of the erotic arts
WOOF!!!
GOTTA SURF SMUT NOW!!!, USA - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 02:34:23 (EDT)
heard that the woof-man and zero were slinging some wild words at a blues bar last p.m.
bandini
USA - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 10:44:43 (EDT)
well, at least now I know where I left my pool cue... thanks for sharing it with everyone
WOOF!!!
USA - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 01:59:38 (EDT)
What's up, people. I just wanted to let you guys know that Virginia won first place in The Southern Fried Poetry Slams and the poet named Thirteen won first place in the individual competition. I'd like to wish them congradulations on their victories. I've seen them in action and I know that they probably deserve it. Peace, yall.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 18:33:01 (EDT)
Hey Mike, please give me call as soon as possible. My number is (225) 803-6160.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 18:04:53 (EDT)
Hey yall! It's Sunday night and we didn't see any parts of Miami all weekend. Nationals will be a different story. We're planning the biggest and most raunchy erotic poetry reading of all time. Our next fundraiser will be The Poetry Pajama Party! That's right! Drawers for a good cause! We're not sure if we will go with a D.J. or a small band, but it's sure to get everyone's attention. It's all still in the early stages of conception, so more info is to follow. On another note, my weekend was not entirely spent sulking over regionals. My best friend called me up and said those magic words: "concert" and "extra ticket". Last night I had a front row seat at the Prince concert in Bossier City. I also saved a shitload on my car insurance! Anyway, I haven't checked the regionals site yet to see who won. I may just wait til tomorrow. After all, it's only poetry. Speaking of which, I just got back from slam rehearsals and I'm feelin' pretty damn good about kickin' some bootay come August. Yall just make sure you are on hand for the next fundraiser. It's gonna be a scorcher! Does anyone know where I can find a smoking jacket? Peace, poets and patrons!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 23:34:26 (EDT)
hahahaha yes indeed
Yahfu
USA - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 19:33:45 (EDT)
I stuck my head
in the ass of a poet
just to have a look around.
To my surprise
as I climbed on in
I saw Jessco White dancing in the corner
and in another corner, Filigree Thibodeaux, the famous painter, having a beer
with the Bard Dog
While Slam Poets played pool
"What gives?" I ask.
"We're in the ass of a famous poet," says Filegree
and I wonder which poet?
"Xero or YahFu. One of them. I'm not sure which.
It's kind of hard to tell, because all asses look the same from the inside."
I look around, and I think
it sure is peaceful in the ass of a poet.

Mondo, the Lump of Mystery
Ulan Bator, Mongolia - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 17:58:54 (EDT)
I don't have a problem with you Xero you are doing a great job,I'm sorry for the confusion I've caused to all the loyal people.I think it will be to everyone best interest that I just stay away from poetry in Baton Rouge all together.I simply don't love poetry in Baton Rouge anymore.When Ray left poetry and the slam was jumping place to place my interest deminished.But don't worry I will always be involved in poetry in one form or another.But Xero I will apologize to you not for your sake but for mine because I think you are a very deceptive and manipulitive person.It's funny how you could bring up trival issues such as gas money,my grammer,and other little stabs that didn't have anything to do with my feature and pertray your the victim.And to be honest with you I think you're ego won't allow your apology to be sincere because in your apology your still finding fault.I will not speak on this subject again.Hey Ray,what is your email address I got some information for you I want you to check out I think you will find it quite interesting on the ideal I came up with.
YahFu
USA - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 10:41:59 (EDT)
Southern Fried Regional teams BEWARE: we couldn't make the competition but please don't think that's gonna keep us off y'all ass and the rest of the nation when nationals come around...maybe i'm speaking a bit prematurely something may happen and we might not get there either...hope we do, cuz if we do...hopefully we beat everyone senseless...oh wells...hey Xero, class act dude for apologizing to everyone on the site.. I implore you Yah-fu to do the same thing, y'all are grown ass men, so it's pretty fuckin ridiculous no matter who started what to be putting all this out here...although it's as entertaining as it's ever been, it all gotta end at some point...so props to Mr. Skidmore, if there are gripes about your alleged ego, you just let some of it go by claiming your responsibility in this whole "controversy"...'Fu, it's on you to do likewise...just my opinion no one really has to pay attention.....donney b....oh yeah visit www.simplebutdope.com
db
baton rouge, la USA - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 18:45:44 (EDT)
Something else to think about is see if someone can run a small the in the Reville sense it is a college (LSU) paper and most peeps are LSU studnets. ALSO there are area's around LSU namwly State Street and it's branches that alot of College studnets and poetic/artstic people live. I'm just trying to spit out some idea. I mean we got a few monthes before we start at Spainish Moon again. May as well work on promoting the slam.
Cosmos <Blueshaman13@hotmail.com>
Outer Rim of the Galaxy, - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 16:16:59 (EDT)
Hey yall. This is xero. I'd like to apologize to you all of you for engaging in an arguement with YAH-FU THE OMEGA PRODIGAL SON. It's not hard for me to ignore lies about me. What is hard is when the slam and this website is used to debase what I love so dearly. First, he accused me of being to blame for the confusion at Perk's. Then he lashed out at the slam, it's organizers, and the slam team. Why, because he felt we owed him something. Because he felt we should have come to his feature. Well, a lot of people didn't come to his feature. Oddly, only the those directly connected to the slam were attacked. Anyway, when I defended myself and the slam he started making all kinds of wild accusations that aren't true. Other than the one time Ray asked me to, I've never had contact with judges before a slam tryout. I make sure I don't, because I know that there are always sore losers out there just waiting for a chance to protest. I guess it's just a coincidence that YAH-FU is always in the middle of the "controversy". Maybe he has a problem with me personally. That's cool. I'm old enough to know that I can't be everybody's friend. But when someone says that the slam is fixed and puts it on the same website that I'm directing potential donors and patrons to, it hurts our chances of continuing to have a slam, it hurts every team member and every slam poet. YAH-FU, I'll say it again. If you have a problem with me, say it to my face, call me, or come to my house. Attempting to debase the slam simply because you are unhappy with it, won't turn it into what you want it to be. You're there every week, so I'm guessing that either you enjoy it or you're there to improve it. I'm not saying constructive criticism shouldn't be voiced over the website. Cosmos had a great idea about the FUN section and I'll get right on it, Cosmos. What I'm saying is that when you pointed the finger at me and the team for a miscommunication between you and the owner of Perk's, you sparked my temper and I said some things that weren't very nice. If you just can't deal with how the slam is run any longer, you are always free to stay away from it and it's website. I understand you have a website of your own. Maybe you could air your dirty laundry there. I'm sure just as many people would see it. As for the rest of yall, once again I'm truly sorry. To all the judges I've bribed here in Baton Rouge and at nationals, we've been found out. I guess the party's over. But hey, at least I still have my gigantic ego. Peace poets and patrons!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 12:16:17 (EDT)
Keep up the good work! good site
James <pants252@yahoo.com>
Birmingham, UK - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 05:46:36 (EDT)
I haven't been keeping up with all the happenings lately due to other commitments. However a fellow lyricist has brought me up to date on the latest controversy. The last time I logged in was April. I distinctly remember Liberty's new name change and thinking to myself that I like the old name better. I did a little research and discovered that on April 6, 2004 @ 12:37:43 (EDT) Liberty announced himself as Rah-Fu TOPS. To bring forth a new attitude, a new conscience and a new beginning of artistic performance to enhance the way we all think about THE ART OF POETRY. Now I'm confused, did the new change from Rah to Yah warp your sense of poetic passion. What happened to the good ole days at Club Culture when all everyone wanted to do was imbibe and rhyme?
jazz lyrics <jus2jazzy2000@yahoo.com>
Baton Rouge, La USA - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 17:16:04 (EDT)
Excuse me while i hose off from teh testosterone fest BUUUT i was reading the front of the Fun section of the newspaper and they ahd this thing about amuter stand up comics and stuff. While YES i know stand up comics and poets are different yet the same. Has anyone thought of writing trying to get them to do a peice on the slam? just my lowly two cents worth of opinion :p peace out
Cosmos <Blueshaman13@hotmail.com>
Outer Rim of the Galaxy, - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 16:25:01 (EDT)
This is a report on the 2004 Southern Fried Regional held in Miami,Florida.After day #1 our cross town team of New Orleans,La is ranked 6th of 16 teams finishing 2nd in there bout of 4 teams.In the individual standings of 68 poets,New Orleans Slam Team member Sunny is is rank 14th scoring a 29.6,next L. is ranked tied for 29th with a 28.6,3rd Asali Divine is rank 45th of 68 with a 28.3,and Shakespear is rank 53rd with a 27.8.The team ranking so far is as thus,1st Pensacola Florida 117.5,2nd Tampa Florida 116.7,3rd Virginia 115.6,4th Tallahassee Florida 111.2,5th Charlotte North Carolina 115.5,6th New Orleans La 114.3,7th Ft.Lauderdale Florida 112.6,8th Chicago,Illinois 109.9,9th the host city Miami,Florida 114.0,10th Greenville South Carolina 112.6,11th Delray Beach Florida 105.5,12th New Jersey 104.9,13th Houston Texas 112.0,14th Montevallo Alabama 108.1,15th Wiston Salem NC 104.1,16th(last years altinators) Mixed Co.91.3.Tampa Florida's Life and Wally B. is rank #1 with a perfect 30 along with Maimi Will who at the top.Defending Individual Champion Lizz Straight won her bout with a 29.7 and is in a 4 way tie for 4th.Notable mention Samantha Raheem of Virginia and Chunky of Ft.Lauderdale is tied for 11th,Queen Sheeba of Virginia is rank 25th,Soul Evens of Pensacola is rank 19th,and thirdteen of Virginia is rank 8th.
Yah-Fu
Regional Report, USA - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 15:24:12 (EDT)
Hey Xero,There once was a man he was a hard working man who had a wife and family to take care of,he went to work every day plus overtime.One day he was on the job and all of a sudden he experienced pains in his arms so his boss to him to go check it out.He went to his family doctor and he tested his arms when the results came in the doctor said,"I'm sorry to tell you this but you have cancer in both of your arms we got to chop you're arms off."He responded,"I got a family to take of I can't let you chop off my arms hell with that I'm going to another doctor."So he went,and the 2nd doctor said,"I'm sorry sir you got cancer in both your arms we got to chop your arms off."He was like Hell no you must be crazy I need to work so the wife intervene and told her husband Well,"let's just calm down go out tonight get us a drink and we will talk about it."So they went out at the club the man was hurting until he saw another man on the dancefloor dancing with no arms.He said,"Look baby that man is dancing with no arms, he's having fun,I'm about to go over there to see what he call that dance!"He said,"Excuse me what do you call that dance your doing without arms?"He responded,"I'm not dancing I'm shaking because my booty itch and I can't scratch it!"Ha Ha Ha you get it he have no arms or hands to scratch his booty.
YahFu
USA - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 12:54:29 (EDT)
Starchild did not give you the lowest score,you got 10's from every judge both rounds remember I was was working the door that night.You had a 60.0 for two rounds 2nd was pimp 59.8 3rd Mona 59.7 4th Dorian 59.6 and the alt Junk Bard Dog 59.5.Oh by the way the grammer of my name is not Donald its Don.Don't worry about violence I'm not a violent man I simply lack a vengful nature.
Yahfu
USA - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 11:53:31 (EDT)
As in a dream


I went to a slam just the other night
or was it a dream in actuality

sometimes the way
I wrote in high school
leaks out all over the place
my pretensions endure

my little ego surfaces

anyway

I thought I was at a slam
the poets were heated
not really reminiscent of thoroughbreds but sweaty animals all the same

manes tangled
nostrils flaring
hooves pounding the floor

yes, calm serene voices all

it was as in a dream

with about a thousand viagra ads in between
the poets rankled by virtue
perhaps studying the form wouldn't hurtyou

enter pride
which to my people has a different meaning

and if you don't know who my people are, you must be an oppressor
the lessor
of a stressor
be inclusive- it's inducive
of peacefulness

anyway

the gun fired
the steeds were off
pounding ass leather down the track
poor little me
taken aback

the words flew
and bullshit too
which is funny because the metaphor is about horses, not lame old cows

anyway

the poet is on his hands and knees under a streetlight, vainly searching for something
I get down and start looking to help
finally I ask if he's sure it's here
"It's over there somewhere, he says pointing into the dark
(like you don't know what is next)
I suppose you are looking here because the light is better? I ask

"No", he says, "I'm just an idiot"

then I awoke from my dream, and walked over to where everyone was arguing
and wrote a proto-poem

while fumbling around in the light with everyone else
and dreaming

of fumbling around in the dark




copyright2004tedbaldwin
ted baldwin, supreme commander <ted@tedbaldwin.com>
batonburg, la USA - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 09:57:58 (EDT)
I forgot to mention that there is a new Soul Fusion coming up at Avoyelle's Cafe on Third Street featuring Cindy The Unpoet and also Roger and Sue Kees are planning another reading at their lovely home. (The Albasha reading is on hold for the time being.) I don't know how many of you have ever travelled out to any of the New Orleans readings, but they have Wednesday night, Friday night, and Sunday evening open mics that are very impressive. So keep checking out the site for more poetry news and slam updates. Ray, someone asked me what play you were working on the other day. Is it posted on the homepage? I don't remember seeing it? Well, I'll holla at yall later. I've got a lot of money to raise. Getting the team all the way to St. Louis is already gonna be expensive and on top of that, I hear the judges up there are as high as the price of a full tank of gas! Peace, poets and patrons!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 19:07:43 (EDT)
Hello everyone! This is xero here to give you the latest scoop on the team. Sadly, we didn't make the trip to Miami for regionals. We decided that since money was in short supply we should focus on raising enough for nationals. We've already registered and will be doing more fundraising in the near future. Last year we won regionals and would have loved to defend the title, but in was right around the corner in New Orleans last year so it was really dirt cheap. Regionals have never been a high priority for us. We don't usually have much money by the time they start. Next year it will probably be wise to pick the team earlier in the year and start aggresive fundraising immediately. We didn't get a big turnout for The Dispute Over The Boot, probably because it was Memorial Day Weekend and a lot of our regulars were out of town. Whatever the reason was, we won't cry about it. We'll move on and continue the outlandish mission to make financial gains with true art. As for the slam, we are still working on a new venue. Until then Becky has a great open mic reading at Perk's Coffee Shop every Wednesday night at 7 o'clock. There's also Cafe Reggae every Tuesday night at 10 o'clock and The Red Star on every other Tuesday at 8 o'clock. They're not slams but please remember to still "check you egoes at the door"! Peace, poets and patrons!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 18:53:48 (EDT)
Donald, Donald, Donald, I'm awfully sorry but once again you have embarrassed yourself. I picked the judges in 2002 because Ray asked me to help Chris, who didn't know friends of poets from regular audience members. I picked Starchild because it was getting late and the slam was way behind schedule. As you may or may not remember, the only people who really showed up on time were the competing poets and their friends. As you may also remember Starchild gave me the lowest of the scores I recieved that night. Other than that I have never picked or had prior contact with judges on ANY slam try-out night. Now, what does any of that have to do with people not showing up for your feature? What does any of that have to do with you not being able to admit that maybe you could have went about getting a feature in another way? Everyone already knows I'm an asshole, but I would like to think they also know that I'm brutally honest and constantly striving to uphold my integrity. ASK AROUND. On Tuesday night you can say to me what you wish. At this point anything short of violence will be ignored. It's Thursday now and if you don't want to wait until then, you know where I live, you should have my cell number, and you should have my e-mail address. I'll be home all day and I know the buses run near my house. Until then, get literate!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 18:40:33 (EDT)
lovin' the comedy!!!
taaj
USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 18:27:57 (EDT)
Oh!Show up and host Tuesday night I'm pretend to be a man and tell you something in your face The One.
Yah Fu
USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 11:05:43 (EDT)
Speaking of name change,did you change your name from nothing to Xero well,I would suggest you change your name from Xero to "The One"it fits your style much better.For the pass three years I have watch you handpicked judges to you're strength.I could say that because I was there and I got proof.For the 2002 National Slam Team Grand Slam Finals at Richoux'The night Ray could not make it because he had a very important class.Ray had called Chris Champainge to do the hosting,the picking of judges and so forth because Chris was not competiting in the slam.But guess who slither his way in the venue and pick the Judges well you did and of all people that was present that night you picked Starchild as a judge of a Finals you competed in.Now come back and justify how you didn't pick starchild to your strength,knowing how much he loved your ass knowing how much he memic your poems week after week and when he walked in you quickly made him a judge to your strength.Besides poets trying for a spot on a National Slam Team should have no contact with the judges in any form or fashion.You carefully handselected judges for the 2002 and 2004 National Slam Team finals the self same judges that put you on the 2003 team was the same usual judges picked in 2004 and Lamar Hill who gave you a 5.5 for doing a poem by saying the same thing 3 times you lost points because of time again,me I would have giving you a 6 for that bull shit.You could fool them you can't fool me.And then turn around make yourself a judge.Until and only until you quit handpicking usual judges to your power year in and year out dictating who the judges will be every round before the slam happen.There will always be controversy.Oh!by the way keep the $15.00 money order better yet cash it in and put some gas in your car.
Yah-Fu
USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 10:59:39 (EDT)
Danm, Don you found me out. O.K. I'll go ahead and confess. There's no need to hide the truth any longer. It's true, I rigged the slam because it's the only way I could have beaten you. I used my telepathy to talk to the judges and instruct them that I would split your $15.00 with them if they gave me 10's. How could they have resisted. It's also true that I threw a big party at my house the night of your feature at Perk's. You may wonder how I got every poet in Baton Rouge to show up at my front door. Yup, you guessed it. I split what was left of your $15.00 with them as an incentive for coming. You are never to blame, it's always someone else's fault, right? Yes, I am far more egotistical than you. I call myself xero, but don't mind if you call me Chancelier. You call yourself YAH-FU THE OMEGA PRODIGAL SON and whine when someone mistakenly calls you Liberty. The reality of it is, if you thought I rigged the slam and didn't say anything about it at the time, then that makes you a little bitch. If you'd ASSUME that I intentionally kept your $15.00 (instead of having forgotten I had it) and didn't say anything about it, then that also makes you a little bitch. Now, I'm not saying you ARE a bitch, I'm merely attempting to show you how your poorly thought out accusations make you appear to the average mammal. Lastly, if you have a problem with me, get over it or act on it. I'm done making big cyber-talk from the security of a remote location. That's your thing. It's just not my style. It makes all of us look bad when you keep starting arguments and pointing fingers on this site. It's no coincidence that YOU are always in the "middle" of it. If you feel the need to say anything else to me, pretend to be a man and say it to my face. I think I still have your money order. If not,I probably can sell my car and give you cash. I'll advise you to use more of that time in the library on educating yourself and less on obsessing over an artform you don't even respect enough to study. You have talent. It would be nice if your pride could get out of the way of it and allow it to grow. I can't continue to humor you any longer. Lord knows I need every spare minute I can get to push my own pride aside.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 22:18:36 (EDT)
it's heating up again for the summer...why does Nationals time always bring out the fool in us all...who knows but the dramedy gives us somethin to read about while on breaks at work...like I am now....please stop the madness...holla folk
donney b. <donney@simplebutdope.com>
USA - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 18:16:55 (EDT)
yahoos tourch bridges
despite best efforts of those
much less than Xero
sorry, just couldn't resist. WOOF!!!
USA - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 00:07:34 (EDT)
excuse my grammer I was in a rush Libuary closing.
Yah Fu
USA - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 19:32:31 (EDT)
My name is not tofu It's Yahfu and you ask me to improve on my grammer and you couldn't even spell my name right, and were in the hell did Bruce George,Pluto,religious fanatics wait tell my performances generate hunger come from.Man you have gone crazy.Hell two weeks ago when yo arrogent ass hosted I sign the open mic list as YahFu here you come LIBERTY THE CRAZY SHAMAN hell now unless your ass need contacts The proper Grammer of YahFu is not Liberty.You want to bring up old news about gas money you remember I came to yo house and gave yo ass a $15.00 money order so I could register for NPS and you keeped it for yourself.Hell don't bitch about Bruce George because I get more visitors and more love from strangers through my website than I do with Egotistical superstars I see every week.Hell you want to get down to truth If a poet competing for a spot on a National Slam Team dictates who all the judges going to be every round and have contact with them before the slams are a rigged slam try out.I didn't want to take it there If you can dish out the pain the Mr.Champion you damn well better take some.
YahFu
USA - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 19:29:54 (EDT)
Tofu, I think you're losing sight of the fact that I didn't HAVE to tell you anything at all! Becky, didn't have your contact information and asked me if I would tell you when I saw you. Pardon me for having a life and problems of my own. I told you when I saw you. Was I supposed to go looking for you or something? What's your phone number? Where do live this week? I don't think coming to your next feature would be a waste of my time, but I would have thought that giving you rides home for last couple of years and never asking for a dime of gas money (which you NEVER offered) would have allowed me to miss the feature without being osctricized! Accept responsibility for your own mistake. You should have asked Becky for the feature, she runs the reading. If you need a job serving coffee, then you talk to the owner! Better yet, wait until your performances generate an insatiable hunger among the poetry fans and they demand that every reading in town feature you. Then you wouldn't have to worry about any confusion, printing up your own flyers, or people showing up. I try not to lie to others and, more importanly, to myself. People tell you just as much with their silence (or absence)as they do with their compliments. It's just a damn shame that you only listen to the latter. Improve your grammer, make sense, choose a name that doesn't make you sound like a religious fanatic from Pluto and it will all come together. Build it and they will come! Peace! P.S. Why don't you rail against your buddy Bruce George? Did he attend your feaure? Thought not.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 18:29:08 (EDT)
Thanks Ray, from a good friend true friend like yourself The comments you made to me after my performance of the 3rd finals of the 04 National Slam Team was one of the most uplifting comments I ever recieved from anyone and hardly enough I aggree with you.Oh Xero by the way I'm not seeking any attention from you or nobody else.All I meant that you told me AFTER THE FEATURE that somebody featured the same place the same night I featured And you knew before hand from both sides and didn't tell either side that the night was reserved a week in advance is only adding fuel to the flame although you try to email me which is secondary compare to the week before the reading I told you about it and gave you a flyer and the week before that I told you about it.I think you know where this is going you would have done better by not telling me at all your timing was was off.
Yah-Fu
USA - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 17:21:16 (EDT)
Thanks Xero for your kind words they were spoken like a true artist indeed you should be very greatful.On the other hand I got lots of attention at my feature the crowd that was on hand was very supportive I sold all 7 books I took the reading,I performed all 6 peices by memory,On my website I'm running a monthly Def Poetry Jam National Poetry Competition that is generating madd traffic and tight poetry.The Cofounder of Def Poetry Jam Bruce George visited my site and is sending me emails enough of all that.Brasco I didn't say The Slam Team is unstable I said the scene is unstable I meant jumping from venue to venue venues coming venues going.I think the 2004 Baton Rouge National Poetry Slam Team will be the first team in the history of the Baton Rouge Slam to be 1 of 4 teams standing on the final stage in St.Louis as a matter of fact the only team I think that can beat Baton Rouge is Baton Rouge,If we put team first and self second we will overcome peace.P.S. Xero don't worry about wasting time coming to my next feature in Baton Rouge there won't be any.
Yah Fu
USA - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 11:29:12 (EDT)
Kate and I have been keeping contact with the organizers of the Southern Fried Regionals. The deadline was waived for us, but we told them we wouldn't send them registration money until we were sure we would be able to afford to make the trip. We presently have enough money to register, but not enough for transportation and a hotel. We may not participate in regionals and instead, choose to focus on raising the funds for nationals. If we don't attend either event, we will use the money on things like flyers and posters for the FREE poetry slam (that generates no profit). The going has been rough but we sincerely thank those of you who have donated and supported us in this and past years. I think this year's team is the greatest we've ever had. It would truly be a shame for us to not prove it in competition. We'll aggresively try to not let that happen. Peace, yall.
xero <bootstrang>
baton rouge, la USA - Monday, June 07, 2004 at 19:23:57 (EDT)
Yah, artists are generally selfish. Most of us poets don't come out to an open mic reading to support as much as we do to get our own stage time, so ease up on the self-rightousness. Becky told me about a week before your feature that she had just gotten word about it, and asked me to get in touch with you. I sent you an e-mail and thought that would suffice. It wasn't until Monday when I saw you that I thought to ask you if you ever got my e-mail. Apparently you didn't. I apologize again for not asking you about it sooner, as I apologized Monday morning when I explained all of this to you the first time. As for the slam team, any money that is not used for regionals or nationals will be used to promote and fund the poetry slam. The stability of the slam or the team is only something that the other members and I are constantly striving to improve. It is sometimes very frustrating, but hopefully we won't lash out at others who are not responsible for our problems. I take full responsibility for the drop in slam participation after the team was picked. I should have done something to keep them interested. I shall try harder. Lastly, congradulations on your new controversy. May it bring you all the attention your feature didn't. Peace, Yah-Fu. P.S. Traditionally poets are invited to feature by the host or the person in charge of the reading (probably because they are best qualified to pick one who is good enough.) Maybe it would have been best to talk to someone actually involved in booking the features, instead of the venue owner. Anyway, I'll do my best to make your next one.
xero <bootstrang>
baton rouge , la USA - Monday, June 07, 2004 at 19:04:47 (EDT)
i enjoyed your site, i hope you will enjoy my one
medication tramadol <johndoe7310@bigfoot.com>
medication tramadol, medication tramadol medication tramadol - Monday, June 07, 2004 at 11:32:55 (EDT)
YAH FU--I'm sorry I missed your reading; I was working OMC's Dance Theatre,"peacock blue" way late that night. I miss your poetry; your poetry, and poets like you, are the reason I loved the slam. You are what performance poetry is about for me; you are a unique and valuable individual in this community, with a clear, loud, poignant, and peaceful voice. I miss you.
Ray
Ethel, USA - Monday, June 07, 2004 at 09:48:19 (EDT)
i enjoyed your site, i hope you will enjoy my one
casino on net <absinth870@mail.ru>
casino on net, casino on net casino on net - Monday, June 07, 2004 at 05:32:10 (EDT)
Big 'Fu.. you a wild dude man, don't take Ted's comments so defensively, he actually made some pretty valid points about the whole name branding thing...I being a marketing graduate can attest to the fact that brand recognition is one of the most important tools that an individual or company can have...on another note I apologize myself about missing your feature, I was at work, you do support others and I don't think folk intentionally were like "I'm not going to see Lib... I mean Yah Fu" maybe they just forgot OR like Ted said maybe that didn't recognize you as Yah-Fu...and lastly, it wasn't cool of you to mention,even if someone from the slam team did tell you that this is one of the most unstable teams ever, those type of comment can create dissension amongst the team and you being an avid supporter and fan of slam poetry, and hopefully the BR team, shouldn't want to see animosity among the members of "the home team"....just a lil food for thought...take it light big guy, and peace to the rest...Donney B.
Donney B. <donney@simplebutdope.com>
USA - Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 22:57:40 (EDT)
I love your sight. Can you find something for a senior citizen to do?It would be an interesting experience. I will check out Perks one Wed nite Thanks Learner
learnercurious1 <learnercurious1@yahoo.com>
Baton Rouge, La. USA - Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 23:04:43 (EDT)
My name is Yah-Fu and that is my name FOREVER and that is my memorial unto all generations.The meaning of my name goes back into the realm of eternity,it is the mark of my individuality,my name explains 80% of hidden secerts in my poetry.The acranim YAH stands for the beginning of the Hebrew Name of God YAHWEH which was revealed to Moses at the Burning Bush.the acranim FU simply means FOREVER UNITED.So my name means Yahweh is Forever United.He is a unity my name is a unity.The Omega Prodigal Son means I have left my first love and now I'am returning back to my roots.And I say 80% of hidden secerts because 80% of my poetry is about him which you know nothing about cause if you knew about it you would stop calling me Liberty.
Yah Fu
Name Change, La USA - Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 11:38:54 (EDT)
Give me Liberty, or give me Yah-Fu!

Why did you not have a crowd at your reading?

Who knows who Yah-Fu is?

Or what his poetry is going to be like?

Does the name change mean a writing style change?

As a poet, and a marketing specialist, I am struck by the possibility that you, Don, have a "branding" problem.

One day, you decided, as is the right of all poets, to change your stage name. However, the vast numbers of people out there in poetry world do not know you made this change. Furthermore, while some people may want to hear poems by a poet named Liberty (a successful, winning brand name), evoking some sense of justice, rights and political type messages, what does the unknown name of Yah-Fu suggest? To me not much, except perhaps an oriental mysticism of a Karnak (johnny carson) type experience. More of a put-on than a passion.

You developed a successful brand name with Liberty, like Goodyear or Ford, then you threw it all away in converting to Yah-Fu.
Have you driven a "Gummy" Lately?
Studies in marketing have shown, that unless you fall victim to an accident of media like AYDS weight loss candy, which was totally destroyed by AIDS the weight-loss and death illness, there is little to be gained by dumping your name and adopting a new one, unless you have moved to a city where no one knows you anyway. If I did not know you, and know of the changeover, I would not go to an unknown poet by the name of Yah-Fu. It would lead me to expect haiku or some grab the rock from my hand stuff - not because I am some intolerant stereotyping racist in particular, but because a name means something to an audience, like it or not. Would you buy a book called "Parisian Recipes" and expect to find a wild and exciting spy novel inside? Not unless you knew beforehand. The work it would take to tell the world that Paris recipes is a spy novel takes all the profit out of writing it. Which is why spy novels have titles like "Conspiracy, Power and such"

Of course, if over time the name gains respect, as YO YO Ma for instance, you could have something there. But it will take work to build it up again, just like all the work you put into the name Liberty. So expect small audiences until they know you - and that may take a year or two.


As a professional communicator, my recommendation would be to keep Yah-Fu as a fun alias, but return to the stage as Liberty, and reclaim all of the value you have worked for in delivering some really excellent spoken-work under that name. It really has value. (unless of course you are doing this all for tax purposes...)


BR>


respectfully, K. James Thurmond, News Commentator and Analyst.


(PS Who is K. James Thurmond? One of my on-air news-reading aliases from years ago. It was a short-lived brand because I left Illinois before I became a newsman, escaping with my soul intact...)
ted <coastfilm@aol.com>
USA - Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 06:07:55 (EDT)
Well it seems i'm in the middle of another poetry controversy in Louisiana or breakdown in communication.I was enquired by a source(for the sake of holding down confusion I will not say there name) after the fact that I wasn't suppose to feature at Perks because Becky had reserved that night for another poet.I question the enquire timing for letting me know that the night was reserved when they knew weeks before hand that reserved that night a month before that happen they can't say they didn't know about it because I see them basically every week and If they knew that another poet had the night they had ample oppontuinity to let me know beforehand.The way I interpted that is you about to jump in a river with sharks but if you make it out that is when I'll let you know that sharks was in it.I was informed by another poet about being a feature at Perks that poet told me to get in contact with the owner to feature.After a month I finally cought up the owner and we aggred that Wednesday June 2,2004 would be best night to feature that was like 3 to 4 weeks before the date so I could have time to promote the feature.Now other poet that featured that night had to reserve that night a couple a week or so after I did with the host of the reading who didn't show up at the reading to clarify that she was the feature.So what we did we both featured that night she went first and I went last.She did about 10 poems I did about 6.I'am trying to get in touch with Becky to clarify the situration.On another note It appears to me that as of June 2,2004 The defending champion of the Southern Fried Regional Slam is not registered to compete in Miami.To night is the last night to register and from the looks of it Baton Rouge will not make it I was just wondering when We have benefits to raise money to go to these once a year events and don't go,where or who the money go to?So far 13 teams are actually registered.I was kinda dissapointed at the support I recieved at my feature nobody really showed up you know.I have supported poets poetry readings,slams,Cds for the pass 4 years religiously wherever they went I was there and I do one feature and none of em showed not one and they knew about it weeks before hand.I figure if there not in the center of attention or if there not benefiting from it they don't want nothing to do with it I'm not saying no names but you know who you are.One poet who made the team this year said when the slam stop at spanish moon that we have one of the most unstable slams they have ever witnessed.When it was time to make the team everybody and there mommy show up,The judges are preselected and after the National slam smoke clear the poets and the judges quit coming.
Yah-Fu
Baton Rouge , La USA - Friday, June 04, 2004 at 11:33:07 (EDT)
This is Yah-fu announcing I will be featuring at Perks Tomorrow night at 8:00pm the open mic opens at 7:30pm it's our beloved Becky Larkin poetry reading.So if you have the time in your busy schedule to come out tomorrow night please do so!
Yah-Fu <yahfuomegaprodigalson@yahoo.com>
Baton Rouge, La USA - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 at 19:46:13 (EDT)
This is actually a shout out for Xero... I teach with Allsion Adams, and she and I are working on the DAF grant for this year...I don't have current contact information for Xero...Could you please send it to me?!? THANKS SO MUCH. Also your bio is a little outdated, but the grant is due today, so if you get this then please call me, otherwise I will do my best! Take care! Look foward to catching up with you! Sara
Sara Birkhead <smbirk@hotmail.com>
Clinton, LA USA - Tuesday, June 01, 2004 at 12:05:02 (EDT)
Little white rabbits of light nibble darkness. The roaring sun is heard, it sounds like a train of silence. This means time has stopped. In this moment it is all remembered.
Alva
USA - Monday, May 31, 2004 at 13:37:17 (EDT)
thanx-doc for the t-o-b- story, like u said i laughed . . . then i wondered who camille paglia feminist fatale is and googled and found sexual personae and ate a few grape words there . . . tower of babel is an interesting place and i submitted some poetry to them . . . if i ever hear back from them i'll let u-all know--
bandini
USA - Sunday, May 30, 2004 at 21:51:31 (EDT)
hiya zero i'd be happy to teach you to play texas holdem poker . eazy to learn , bring your money lol
best of luck to the 2004 slam team
yoda
tattoine, confussion USA - Sunday, May 30, 2004 at 16:11:06 (EDT)
hey all. if anyone is in the mood for reading something other than poetry, the journal "tower of babel" finally took an erotic short story i submitted to them many moons ago. any brainiacs interested in the life and times of author camille paglia should especially check it out, for you shall laugh your asses off. you can find it at www.towerofbabel.com and it's called "fucking carmilla." enjoy!
dr. madelyn hatter <madelynhatter.hotmail.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Friday, May 28, 2004 at 16:54:55 (EDT)
Hello all! I attended the reading at Perks last night and was absolutely blown away at the depth of the featured poets' work. It's definitely a reading to check out. It takes place every Wednesday at 7:30pm at Perks on Perkins Road. It's Becky Larkin's reading so you know it's gotta be good! Also, don't forget Eclectic Truth is every Tuesday and The Red Star reading is every other Tuesday. No Albasha or Soul Fusion is scheduled as of this date, but there's plenty of poetry to keep you all busy. Peace, poets!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 20:41:18 (EDT)
how is it i never happen upon that housewife with legs spread wide but ones with excessive exhaustion? think of a hummingbird i placed in a rose pot today yet... once licked for just quarters in sleazier segments of this arc of exixtence. a decline in some respects yes, yet a chance to think of that child bandini writes of. in a library, told SSSSSSHHH..T!!!!! dare recollection of whats read... much less heard. ya know note pad is really good cause not only is there a lack of spelll check AND that grammatic thing but, the lines run on forever and it don't feel like you'Re rambling, MUCH LESS CONSTRUCTING A RUN ON SNETENCE! OH YEAH, big thanks to Xero and the voice of reason. while i've never i've never really subscribed to that burning bridges thing... ok, i guess we shouldn't show up this thursday and tourch the place.
woof
USA - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 02:06:10 (EDT)
u-mean the asylum where the night creeped in like water in a drop of black paint, waiting first for the hummingbirds to finish with old man day's flowers. sure their were drugs and shock treatment and women in traffic at red lights, their exhaust pipes shooting fumes that choke the day. a coin hits the juke box and after that its only bare light bulbs and darkness in the skies. the night wrapping its thin wings around everything: the chuckles, the laughter, the bizzarre slashes of red, the blue weeping, the bored housewife with her legs spread, the pain of the virgins first blood upon the white sheets, the nightingales, the lost and frightened purple martins, the dying moth when its wings strike the burning bulb, the down town opera house where the woman in the black gown with the big lungs shatters wine glass, the crawling catfish at the bottom--everything.
bandini
USA - Monday, May 24, 2004 at 20:16:53 (EDT)
Bravo Bandini! Have you ever read at the slam? If not, you should bring you eloquent ass out there! Speaking of the slam, it will not be taking place at The Spanish Moon for a while. They informed me last Thursday that they didn't want to continue the slam there until school comes back in. I will try to find a venue until then but I didn't want to burn any bridges over there because for the most part they've been pretty cool. I'll let you guys know when we have a home again, but until then, you can still read at Perks, Albasha's, The Red Star, and Cafe Reggae. You just can't compete in a slam (temporarily). Hey Mike, could you please remove the Spanish Moon announcement from the homepage and also please post The Dispute Over The Boot, May 29th @ Cafe Reggae, 10:00 p.m., $10.00 admission, New Orleans vs. Baton Rouge Benefit Slam, other donations will be accepted! Thanks. See yall later!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Monday, May 24, 2004 at 20:07:10 (EDT)
I think i met you in colledge. Remeber UPEN? Natali.
Drug addict <miami@hotmail.com>
Moresville, NE Panama - Monday, May 24, 2004 at 18:12:20 (EDT)
there is a strange house in the rocky hills where the cabernet sauvignon grapes grow best. this house has many rooms and a huge kitchen, a cozy library, a quiet and dusty wine cellar with a few happy mice. strangely albert a. ends up being pals with louis armstrong and kafka isn't getting along very well with celine and emily d. all dressed in white won't come out of her room again tonight and c. parker is alone in his room pacing in circles and ginsberg is mad and they are all aggravated again with van gogh who is painting another self portrait and mozart is hiding under the living room table and the new born blue-pale dead are walking the winding gray path lit with orchids and dull dime moon towards childe night's house.
bandini
USA - Sunday, May 23, 2004 at 18:47:07 (EDT)
What's up poetry lovers.YahFu here announcing I will be featuring at the Perks Wednesday June 2,2004 at 8:00pm. This will be my first feature in about 2 years so come out to a Night of Performance Poetry featuring YahFu.That's Perks Coffee & Tea 2008 Perkins Road Baton Rouge,Louisiana 70808 at 8:00pm
Yah-Fu'The Omega Prodigal Son"
Baton Rouge, La USA - Friday, May 21, 2004 at 16:40:21 (EDT)
does anyone have Kate's e-mail??? she was a little tips when i left, i wanted to make sure she got home safe. MEH call me a worry wort.
Cosmos <Blueshaman13@hotmail.com>
USA - Friday, May 21, 2004 at 01:44:38 (EDT)
hey slam poet, we appreciate you giving us the heads up on the "night of poetry", but what's with the anonymity? it's cool for you to promote poetry on the site. that's what it's for, but don't you think it's kind of rude to withold your handle while seriously attempting to encourage us to attend this event? i think more people would come if they had a face or name that lends some measure of credibility to the entry. we welcome all poets and poetry afficianadoes to this site, but dude, at least get a cooler sounding alias! for the rest of yall, i'll see ya at the slam! peace.
slam poet named xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at 00:03:29 (EDT)
announcement: Hidden Treasure Prison Fellowship Inc., a support group for families of the incarcerated, will have a "night of poetry" this Thursday, may 20, 2004 at 6:00 PM at the University United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 3350 dalrymple. Brenda Middleton, Exec. director of Hidden Treasures, has a mentoring program for children in baton rouge.
slam poet
USA - Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at 09:29:58 (EDT)
if only the juice of a grape popsicle could drip from elbows of those children, as we sit upon tricycles in the sun of an un-autoban sin... ? oh well, it's good to hear from bandini. even if it's in... damn, three lines and i'm done for.
WOOF!!!
USA - Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at 01:25:43 (EDT)
the morning is skating down the empty night streets and the earth is turning like a dead man in slow motion towards it--and a one of a kind day will open open its doors and i will be there if God allows and no man knows what may happen in this new day. of course at first it may seem like a new born baby and in many ways it will be. but the old ancient ways will not lay dormant for very long and when the first news arrives it will not be good i suspect. many wars and battles will be carried into the new day and the blood will be introduced to the new child day and many, many, many things must be advertised and printrd upon man's mind. for man must sell and buy and buy and sell constantly and the sun wonders if its light will even be noticed and the bees will mill around the flowers in a lazy fashion and the birds that can will sing in spite of the blight of man and his things--and for a little while the new child day will have a small hope that it will be the promised day and then of course it will see the little children playing in their sand boxes and will even smile at them--until one child strikes another . . .
bandini
USA - Monday, May 17, 2004 at 06:08:32 (EDT)
e-mail for madelyn hatter does not work. Are you there? I need your e-mail address. Thanks. Ted
ted <coastfilm@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 16:48:58 (EDT)
what's up y'all, hey madeline i checked out your website...it's the epitome of the phrase "simple but dope" and not just cause you gave us that link. It's cool, it's basic, it has relevant information and nice colors. But hey everyone TOMORROW night is the benefit for the slam team @ Albasha's @ 7pm (that's right off Bluebonnet). Come out and support as we struggle to get some money to win the national competition!
donney b
USA - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 11:52:18 (EDT)
hey all. just wanted to announce that my website--www.madelynhatter.com--is up and running. it's pretty low-tech, but if you have a few minutes please check it out and/or pass the url on to somebody you think might like it. and yes, of course i mention moonlark and simple but dope. if you or your buddies have a relevant website for me to post on mine, e-mail it to me.
dr. madelyn hatter <madelynhatter@hotmail.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 12:54:08 (EDT)
You are a great Teacher and the pictures are great
Candy Oliver <coliver6@cox.net>
Denham Springs, LA USA - Monday, May 10, 2004 at 21:37:38 (EDT)
//SOUTHERN FRIED SLAM ALERT// Whoever coordinates the slams, if you don't have information on the Southern Fried slam in Miami this year, I got a call from someone over there asking if Baton Rouge is participating. If you need details, let me know.
Jeremy C. Garland <jeremyg@approsystems.com>
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Monday, May 10, 2004 at 15:40:30 (EDT)
Touche Xero Touche
Cosmos <Blueshaman13@hotmail.com>
Outer Rim of the Galaxy, - Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 22:38:55 (EDT)
P.S. People like sports because of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. This is the same reason why slam has the potential to grow in popularity. Even if people can't appreciate the strategy and training that goes into it, they can still get a rise out of the drama that is caused by having winners and losers. Maybe we could make it onto ESPN, shit, I've caught myself watching poker games on ESPN and I don't even know how to PLAY the damn game!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 18:54:36 (EDT)
Damn, Ted, that made me think of the ocean, how utterly amazed I was at having cruised across it for the first time a few months ago and how stupid I felt for not having gave a damn about doing it earlier. I think what Pimp said about poetry is similar in the sense, that we aren't usually concerned with certain things until they hit us like a freight train. I liked poetry before I was exposed to what we now call spoken word, but it merely amused me. It had never previously excited or moved me like it sometimes does now. As far as sports is concerned, I sometimes say it sucks because it's constantly being shoved into my ears and eyeballs. I feel like we as a society make too big of a deal out of it. I bring the paper to work every day and the guys I work with only ever read (look at the pictures) the sports section. Therefore, I rebel against it. We probably like poetry so much because it IS "underground" and "alternative". It makes us feel special to be such avid fans and practitioners of it. Sports fans feel like they belong when they are among fellow followers of "their" teams or "their" sport. Us poets are no different. We all just want to belong. That's natural. But, I certainly would like to see a world that values intellectual virility as much as physical prowess. A more even balance would do us all some good. I mean, a lot of the hoopla about the sports world is bullshit, but let's face it, a lot of our poems are bullshit too.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 18:43:54 (EDT)
wicket city

i missed the watts riots
our little half-cabin boat
was drifting past the two sides of the arch
during that two weeks of history
stainless steel curving gracefully
your eye could follow the lines to
where they would someday meet
so God-awfully tall
from the water's edge

looking forward
we knew it was a moment
Kennedy was dead
but looking back
not yet Robert
Martin Luther King still on the stump in
the south

an incomplete arch

we drift on by
wary of barges and river traffic
on the unforgiving Mississippi

and I have met people in Baton Rouge

who have never gone to look at the river

never been to the campus
not once gone to New Orleans
no sense of adventure, maybe
no sense

and I sit in my apartment
wanderlust burned out of me
by age 12

already a lifetime of memories

of the real world

on a day trip by car to St. Louis in the 60's
we watched a helicopter try to knock
down a tall smokestack
over an hour or more

it finally left

They had to blow it up to
bring it down

the masons who built it probably thought
it would last
and would have been proud,
I suppose,
that it held on

The lazy looking river
rolls on

smokestack or not
arches or not

sitting on that river so long ago
waiting for time to change around me

all things brought me to here
St. Louis still waits


copyright 2004 ted baldwin
ted <coastfilm@aol.com>
USA - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 13:29:51 (EDT)
Hey, everyone. Xero, I've put Madelyn's reading on the front page. Also, I've put an announcement up about Moonlark's Summer Drama Workshops. Everyone check that out and see if you're interested, and/or if you know someone who might be interested. Also, I've put up a few pics I took of the Moonlark Theater, Ray, and some wild azaelas the last time I was in BR. Go to the Moonlark home page and see the link for "newest pics". Keep looking for poetic truth. Hope to see y'all soon. My cat just brought a live snake into the house, so I've got to go. (p.s. to Ted - got your email & will put up your pages tomorrow)
mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, OK USA - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 02:01:55 (EDT)
Maybe the slam doesn't get as much attention because of some of the poets that are performing on TV now. The one's I've seen and heard suck worse than a starving prostitute on crack. And in comparison to music, if a rap artist sucks, he/she can still get by with a good beat, so people will just vibe with the beat and forget about the artist. A poet can't do that. He/she has to capture the moment and hold the audiences attention for the time he/she has. Now about football and boxing being something "stupid"... ha ha ha......... ha.... it's more of a mental than a physical game... maybe you should try releasing the grip on your pen and figure out why so many have a love for those sports before you try and downplay them. I mean... I thought poetry sucked until I was introduced to spoken word. Now I see that there's a whole new world of poetry beyond what I was taught in school. Eventually, I'm sure spoken word will gain the respect it deserves. We just have to continue to put forth great efforts like having events at cafe reggae and the spanish moon. It'll happen... in time. Peace.
P.I.M.P. <jcwalker82@hotmail.com>
Donaldsonville, LA USA - Monday, May 03, 2004 at 23:41:03 (EDT)
Xero, i already have a ponytail. and my earlier comment was based ont eh fact taht soceity would rather promote somethign stupid like football or boxing or dare i say it WWF thigns that have NO imange. Yet somethign like National Slam goes unseen. WHY!!!!
Cosmos <Blueshaman13@hotmail.com>
Outer Rim of the Galaxy, - Monday, May 03, 2004 at 20:56:08 (EDT)
Yes folks, that is the great and all powerful Ted Baldwin. He not only writes incredible poetry but he designs a heck of a website also. 3rd Coast Digital Films rules!!! RC I know what you mean by hoping to make it to the slam. I just started a new part-time job and I'm sure I won't be free on many a Thursday. We miss you too, man. If you don't come back soon we'll have to make Cosmos start wearing a ponytail! Cosmos, ESPN ain't ready for this kind of competiton. Slam, like everything else, is more physically demanding than golf, but there's no uniform or particular style of dress to let their audience know which team is which. Hey Mike, could we put Madelyn's info about the Red Star reading on the front page? I heard they put on a good reading regularly. Maybe Madelyn can keep us all posted. Peace yall!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Monday, May 03, 2004 at 18:03:17 (EDT)
hey all. just wanted to announce an upcoming gig that myself and some friends are doing. i can personally vouch for the poetic stylings of half these artists, so come check it out. A COOL NITE OF MUSIC AND POETRY red star bar, saturday may 8th, 9pm-2am $5 cover, partial proceeds go to local arts/education charity featured poets include: ralph adamo dr. madelyn hatter colleen fava robert bloom jessica ketcham ben kopel featured musicians include: kristin diable paul johnson (of poor harvey) neil werries (of elsah) anna byars
dr. madelyn hatter <madelynhatter@hotmail.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Monday, May 03, 2004 at 11:36:37 (EDT)
to all spoken word poets

i brutally drive my suv
right into the guts of neo-liberal
dreams
of society perfecta

I can't thrive where the simpering national nannies
would take away dangerous pointy pencils

don't give me safety

you can't give me safety
without taking away my freedoms

if you want to give me something
give me intellectual honesty

if you want your
spoken word poems - ramblings tramplings cramping slammings
to mean more
make them mean more
beyond the suffused diffused refuse
btiching wining crying

let me whine

they still stake my people out on lonely fencerows
deny us marriage
fire us from our jobs with no recourse
laugh at us when they think none of us are around

(someday I will introduce the ocncept of the stealth fag)



we all can crow about our problems
but that doesn't make it poetry
or us poets

truth makes a poet
not the words
it's the truth in the words

and no matter what

making a scapegoat is no substitute for justice


i don't give a shit whose fault it is
that gay people were burned at the stake
in the name of love
of Christ
or family
or humanity
makes no difference
for me alone, I can't speak for you
it is the truth of Christ's love that gets me through it

give me truth
the poetry will follow

or I will hunt you down
in my SUV
and show you rage
and leave it to you
to fix blame

and....end gay dramatic scene....

(applause)


ted <coastfilm@aol.com>
USA - Monday, May 03, 2004 at 10:09:43 (EDT)
Back before laser printers were the standard or manual, QWERTY keyboards clanked out the news, there WAS reality. Prior to a time when ink was applied to paper and earlier parchment by pen in hand, real time was related in person. Before sedge became known as papyrus and stained with henna or stones carved and clay moulded into tablets that told of our tribulations we had this... oral fixation? Even in an era where we scratched our thoughts in the dirt with a stick to be blown away by the wind or erased in rain, lost to the ages if they weren't important enough to remember, we recited. The reality I've become accustomed to in recent years appears to have been lost in my new life yet, I can't forget the wonder of spoken word and it has nothing to do with TV transmitted STD's. I've missed listening to y'all more than the reading itself and I hope to see everyone next week. Hope?
piece, WOOF!!!
USA - Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 23:27:15 (EDT)
Seeing as Poetry Slams are SO intense how come they aren't on ESPN? It's battle of words right? i mena poets compete as hard as Athelets? Peots prepare, pratice, and dare i say it train? Why aren't slams on ESPN? So what if there is no Pyhsical contacts, poets let their words duc it out! And i'm voting for Gonzo!
Cosmos <Blueshaman13@hotmail.com>
Outer Rim of the Galaxy, - Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 23:03:22 (EDT)
Hey yall. I'm just enjoying my only day off this week by checking in on the site. I know that many people visit this site every day but not a whole lot have been signing the guestbook. That's a shame. I think it's one of the best features a website can have. I gives it's vistors an opportunity to give the site's managers valuable input on what pleases and displeases them. Therefore it allows the visitors to mold the site and/or the event it promotes into something that is more exciting, thought provoking, and relevant. So tell me guys, what does the success of reality TV shows say about the attitude and intellect of our society? Why isn't spoken word as popular as other types of entertainment, such as music, sports, and film? Is the "anybody-but-Bush" philosophy towards the upcoming Presidential election a practical means of bettering America's standing with the rest of the world? Are SUV's merely battering rams that ensure the safety of their passengers by reducing the safety of the other cars they collide with? TALK TO ME!!!!!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 18:14:41 (EDT)
The BR Slam Team Link is really cool. Good job Ted. Thanks to everyone for your love and support. You guys are really getting us mentally prepared for nationals. We are absorbing your energy, and will release it when the time comes. Until then, keep it coming. Peace.
P.I.M.P. <jcwalker82@hotmail.com>
Donaldsonville, LA USA - Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 16:33:43 (EDT)
Ted, just wanted to say i just checked out the slam link, it's extremely hot, keep up the good work, the pics are official, hopefully we all can get what we need to make the competitions. Remember everyone to come out on Thursdays to the slam. Donney Brasco
d.brasco <donney@simplebutdope.com>
USA - Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 20:06:42 (EDT)
I referred to 3rd Coast Films as the first "major" supporter because their donation well exceeded $1000, but I'm in no way belittling the large cash donations made by people and businesses like Becky Larkin and PERKS.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 23:28:04 (EDT)
Oh man! Yall have got to check out the 2004 Slam Team website. It's so so perfect! It was donated by Ted Baldwin and 3rd Coast Films. Never forget who was the first major supporter to step up to the plate and put his money, time, and energy where his mouth was! Thursday night was a slam to remember. Thanks goes out to all the poets who participated. The team cannot exist, the slam cannot exist without Baton Rouges poets and poetry patrons. We've got about $4,000 bucks to raise, but we already have a wealth of love and moral support from all of you. Money can't buy that and we'll never forget it.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 23:23:35 (EDT)
SO......i'm the first to comment on last night. WELL the the three way team slam was great. It was an orgy of poetry. A climax of engery and words intercoursing........ok i'm out stuff but it was fun. Team Mocha Room vs. Team Spainish Moon vs. National Team. In teh end National came in first, Mocha team second, and Spainish Moon came in third. I was on Spainish Moon team and i was proud to slam with Madeline Hatter, Brasco, and Ra-fu (SP?)
Cosmos <Blueshaman13@hotmail.com>
Outer Rim of the Galaxy, - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 17:42:28 (EDT)
There is no font but COURIER
There is no size but 10-pitch
Any one who doesn't use Courier-10-pitch
is a bitch.

Gadolfo the Utterly Penitent
USA - Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 20:04:27 (EDT)
now that i look at it, uh... maybe i should'nt give up on spell chack
woof
USA - Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 01:33:34 (EDT)
i know, because moss grows only toward the equator regardless of the hemispere as eddies flow from toilet bowls and
tornados blow, like clockwork most opposed from what one would expect in a geo-scyntric orbit.
WOOF!!!
USA - Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 01:27:55 (EDT)
hey everyone hows it going? i know i havent been to the slam lately but ive just been so busy with school you know. EDUCATION ALWAYS COMES FIRST, THEN POETRY, THEN GIRLFRIEND, THEN FAMILY OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. ANYWAY I MISS THE SLAM AND I WANT TO SAY TO WHOM EVER PICKED THE SPANISH MOON FOR THE VENUE ...... GOOD CHOICE ITS THE PERFECT SETTING IN MY OPINION.
trey
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 08:02:52 (EDT)
Hey, everyone. Ted put together a Baton Rouge Slam Team 2004 web page and it looks cool! To get to it, just go to the Moonlark Home Page and click on the cool Slam Team 2004 image. Team members, if you want contact info such as email addresses, or if you want to add bio information, just email it to me. My best to all...if you do the Dispute Over the Boot, then WHUP UP on NOLA (then, of course, give them my love).
Mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, OK USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 19:38:45 (EDT)
That sounds cool Xero,What would it be?2 team from BR and 2 teams from NO if thats the case I would love to assemble a team!Yah-Fu!
Yah-Fu The Omega Prodigal Son <rahfuomegaprodigalson@yahoo.com>
Baton Rouge, La USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 17:39:51 (EDT)
Hats off to Becky Larkin for once again wonderfully supporting the slam team! She gave a fundraiser for the team at Perks last Wednesday night, which when she usually hosts the open mic reading there. Thanks also to the owners and staff for financially and logistically helping us out. It was great to see Ray, Ted, RC, LesAnne, and Garland. By the way, I really appreciated the constructive criticism on that poem Ted. The team put on a hell of a show and the crowd was extraordinarily receptive. They didn't seem to be there against their will at all! On a slightly different note, I went out to the New Orleans last night to do a little spying in preperation for the annual "Dispute Over The Boot" slam between B.R. and N.O. Well yall, it looks like New Orleans might actually be able to win one this year. Their team is taking this slam very seriously. They've never beaten us and they are HUNGRY. I think we may have to put together an all city 4-team slam to warm up. We may even be able to put it together before Thursday. Yall tell me what you think!
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
baton rouge, la USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 14:26:54 (EDT)
ATTENTION POETRY SLAM TEAM. Holly Phillips, a reporter from the LSU Reveille emailed me and is going to show up at the Slam tonight to hopefully talk to, and get pictures of, the Slam Team. I know it's late notice, but can any/all of the team be there tonight? If you want to email her, her address is sparkle_3star@hotmail.com. I can pass along her phone number to you, as well. Shoot me an email or give me a call if you want her number. Best regards. Wish I could be there tonight.
mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, OK USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 13:14:21 (EDT)
hey, ray or mike can u update the venue info on poetryslam.com?
taaj
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 14:18:24 (EDT)
sorry for not being good w/ attendance lately, car trouble...AGAIN! you may or may not see me until i get the maintenance needed (pretty expensive), but i'll be back around sooner or later, peace.
taaj
USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 16:18:29 (EDT)
hey yall! this is xero. i want to thank everyone for coming out to the slam last night. the crowd was a little small but i've been told on several occasions that size doesn't matter, so it wasn't all that painful. LOL! but hilariously folks, we had a ball. Princess, MEZ, Cosmos, Donnie, Ra Fu, and Mona all put on a great show so that the people who did attend would come back and force others to accompany them. it was the first time we've had an open mic in a while and I'm going to do everything in my power to assure that it will be a looooong time before we have to do it again. the drama and intensity of competing for the national team only comes once a year, but the weekly slam is where skills are mastered, talent is nutured, and dues are paid. remember, open mics are where we go to be told how great we are and slams are where the realities are shown to us on scorecards! find balance by attending both. i do hereby dub this guestbook "poetic" and may all duly written verse associated language be as such. Peace, poets and patrons! P.S. Becky Larkin has started a reading at Perks on Perkins Road and will feature the 2004 Slam Team on Wednesday April 21st . it starts at 8:00 p.m.
xero <bootstrang@aol.com>
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 19:17:35 (EDT)
how come no one is posting anything? are you having trouble? if you're unable to post, email me at melancon@moonlark.org. Y'all are makin' me paranoid.
mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
stillwater, ok USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 18:30:47 (EDT)
Okay, I've cleaned out the guestbook. See the top of the guestbook page for links to the archived guestbooks. the most current archive copy is HERE.
mike <melancon@moonlark.org>
Stillwater, OK USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 12:40:40 (EDT)