Kevin Dublin | Educator, Writer, Programmer

7 Moons of Olorun

2023-03-24T00:56:00-07:00

Now Playtesting

It’s 2419. The planet of Olorun is a powerful, wealthy, and collectivist independent world nation. The Galactic Federation has extended an invitation to Olorun to join the empire. Some Olorunians assume they want the planet’s rich natural resources to restore their glory. Others believe they should join the Galactic Federation and reform it to create a better galaxy. As Vice Admirals re-enter the lunar space near their planet, they learn that Federation forces have secretly established automated tactical defense outposts on each of their seven moons while they were in negotiations. Several Vice Admirals have command of fleets of 8 ships in charge of neutralizing these outposts. Careful! The outposts, while still in early stages, have powerful armaments. There are also rumors of Federation sympathizers among Olorunians who helped establish the outposts for their own purposes.

Battle for the consciousness of planet Olorun in solo, cooperative, or competitive play in this Afro-futurist space board game for 1–4 players. Answer the question: “Are we responsible for all of our people or all people when the universe is filled with those who care only for themselves?”

Keep an eye on the Syzygy SF Calendar for playtesting Dates
Syzygy SF, a San Francisco Arts Co-op
Direct Link to Syzygy Google Calendar

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2021-02-28T07:07:00-08:00

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The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop with Kevin Dublin

2021-02-28T06:43:00-08:00

The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop
with Kevin Dublin

We're going to read a few example pieces, then cycle through writing prompts and exercises to generate new writing, "self-workshop," and revise your piece all in six minute cycles in order to learn how to create a strong draft of writing in less than twenty minutes. If you come ready to improvise, experience, question, and be vulnerable with yourself, then you'll leave this workshop with a new piece that you're excited about. This workshop is open to all genres, even if you're not sure what you want to write yet.

The Writers Montage Workshop, hosted by Defunkt Magazine, brings 4 different experiences with writing and 4 different writers (Patricia Coral, Raquel Abend van Dalen, Kevin Dublin, Dillon Scalzo) to lead sections of a one day, 4 hour workshop. The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop, led by Kevin Dublin, will be a 50 minute segment of this mosaic style workshop.

The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop with Kevin Dublin

2021-02-28T06:41:00-08:00

The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop
with Kevin Dublin

We're going to read a few example pieces, then cycle through writing prompts and exercises to generate new writing, "self-workshop" with a set of specific questions, and revise your piece all in six minute cycles in order to learn how to create a strong draft of writing in less than twenty minutes. If you come ready to improvise, experience, question, and be vulnerable with yourself, then you'll leave this workshop with a new piece that you're excited about. This workshop is open to all genres, even if you're not sure what you want to write yet.

The Writers Montage Workshop, hosted by Defunkt Magazine, brings 4 different experiences with writing and 4 different writers (Patricia Coral, Raquel Abend van Dalen, Kevin Dublin, Dillon Scalzo) to lead sections of a one day, 4 hour workshop. The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop, led by Kevin Dublin, will be a 50 minute segment of this mosaic style workshop.

The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop @ Writers Montage Workshop

2021-02-28T06:25:00-08:00

The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop
with Kevin Dublin

We're going to read a few example pieces, then cycle through writing prompts and exercises to generate new writing, "self-workshop" with a set of questions to probe your piece, and revise your piece with a language first all in six minute cycles in order to learn how to create a strong draft of writing in less than twenty minutes. If you come ready to improvise, experience, question, and be vulnerable with yourself, then you'll leave this workshop with a new piece that you're excited about. This workshop is open to all genres, even if you're not sure what you want to write yet.

The Writers Montage Workshop, hosted by Defunkt Magazine, brings 4 different experiences with writing and 4 different writers (Patricia Coral, Raquel Abend van Dalen, Kevin Dublin, & Dillon Scalzo) to lead sections of a one day, 4 hour workshop. The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop, led by Kevin Dublin, will be a 50 minute segment of this mosaic style workshop.

No Poetry No Peace, with Sheryl Bize-Boutte

2021-02-27T06:07:00-08:00

This event is produced in partnership with the San Francisco Writers Conference.

"Poetry provides pathways for creative and cathartic human expression and peace." Join us in celebration of National Poetry Month for a reading of poems from No Poetry No Peace, a collection written by Sheryl Bize-Boutte and her daughter Dr. Angela Boutte; and a selection of bay area poets: Isis Machline Blanchette, Leticia Garcia Bradford, Fred Dodsworth, Kevin Dublin, and Mary Mackey.

Something San Francisco Reading

2020-10-08T07:50:00-07:00

I'm lucky enough to join as one of the featured readers at a crossover event with one of my favorite new magazines, The SanFranciscan & one of my favorite new reading series, Something Ordinary. It's a virtual event to kickoff the soon to be released third issue of The SanFranciscan, so you can join via Zoom.

Featuring:

Sydney Vogl

Paul Kelly

Kevin Dublin

Julie Kramer

Mc Allen

Paolo Bicchieri

Reading @ The Racket Weekly (The Long Wait)

2020-05-20T00:01:00-07:00

The Racket Weekly continues this Thursday, 5/21, 7PM with THE LONG GONE. The reading features Chicago poet and the author of Fieldnotes on Ordinary Love (Copper Canyon Press), Keith S. Wilson. He'll be doing visual poems (if all things work out) and reading from the book. But that's not all: Christine No, Writer, Kristina Sergeevna Ten, Sydney Vogl and Kevin Dublin will all be reading as well.

Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88561670980

Joy of Being a Poet Reading @ Mindful Art Gallery in Berkeley

2019-10-23T18:22:00-07:00

::: {.g-group .l-lg-mar-bot-6 .l-md-mar-bot-4} ::: {.g-cell .g-cell-10-12 .g-cell-md-1-1} ::: {.has-user-generated-content .js-d-read-more .read-more .js-read-more .read-more--medium-down .read-more--expanded data-xd-wired="read-more"} ::: {.js-xd-read-more-toggle-view .read-more__toggle-view} ::: {.js-xd-read-more-contents .text-body-medium style="text-align: left;" data-automation="listing-event-description"} Mindful expression through poetry. An evening of poetry readings in the gallery space ::: ::: ::: ::: :::

::: {.g-group .l-mar-bot-6 .l-sm-mar-bot-4} ::: {.structured-content .g-cell .g-cell-10-12 .g-cell-md-1-1} ::: {.has-user-generated-content data-automation="about-this-event-sc"} ::: {.structured-content-rich-text .structured-content__module .l-align-left .l-mar-vert-6 .l-sm-mar-vert-4 .text-body-medium} Mangalam Center’s Mindful Art Gallery presents:

The Joy of Being a Poet – Mindful Expression Through Poetry

Come out and enjoy a relaxing evening of Poetry readings held in the gallery space.

Friday, October 25th, 6:30pm-8:30pm

The event will feature 15 selected poets reading their work chosen by a mindful panel. Throughout the evening we invite you to open your senses with mindful music and sounds that string together the words of our poets in a joyful and intentional way. ::: ::: ::: :::

San Diego State MFA in the Bay: Connections

2019-10-10T14:53:00-07:00

San Diego State MFA has produced a lot of wonderful writers. Curated by Kevin Dublin, witness a group of poets shaped by Beats and Spanglish, Kumeyaay land and cable car rattle. Bay Area writers of the past, present, and future. Now, all of these writers are graduates from San Diego State's MFA program in Creative Writing.

Monthly Writing Meetup in San Francisco @ Writing Salon

2019-08-30T10:21:00-07:00

"To become a better writer, nothing takes the place of reading, fellowship, and writing," says meetup leader Kevin Dublin. "Just like physical training, increasing our writing strength requires practice. Often, the more words put to page, the easier it becomes to put more there."

The Writing Salon Monthly Meetup is designed to provide an intentional and facilitated space to help you keep a finger on your own creative pulse. At the same time, we provide the opportunity to engage with a community of other like-minded writers, including your own friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. Bringing a guest is encouraged.

Silence your phone, leave your distractions at the door, and spend an hour and a half of your Sunday with The Writing Salon. Kevin will provide optional writing prompts and exercises, pre-writing activities, and more! Expect a fun and stress-free environment to play on the page and to mingle with other writers. The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Intro to Creative Writing in Berkeley @ Writing Salon

2019-08-30T10:14:00-07:00

Intro to Creative Writing in Berkeley Class Description

"Everyone has a story, and every story is made up of other stories that can be told. So how will you tell your story? And to whom?" asks instructor Kevin Dublin of the Berkeley creative writing class at the Writing Salon.

This is a (5) week workshop that covers fiction, poetry, personal essay, and screenwriting. We will generate ideas and writing through a series of fun exercises. In class, we will build memorable scenes, create vivid images, hook with narration, craft characters, and develop engaging dialogue. A range of creative work from masters will guide us. Therefore, the work of Lydia Davis, Julio Cortazar, Morgan Parker, Matsuo Bashō, and Franz Kafka will make appearances.

Kevin says, "One key component of writing is finding people to talk with about writing who are as passionate as you are or would like to be. We'll provide a space for that."

Though always optional, there will be take-home exercises and opportunities to share your work with one another during class. By the end of five weeks, you’ll have the tools and confidence to write that poem, essay or story that’s all your own.

Learn more about the Writing Salon here.

Start 'Write' Now Class @ The Writing Salon

2019-08-30T09:48:00-07:00

Start Write Now Class in Berkeley Description

Sometimes if we've never written before or if we haven't written in a while, we wonder if we're really writers. Instructor Kevin Dublin says, “Writers write, simple as that. In this one-day workshop, my goal is for you to tap into the writing mind, to fill it up with your stories, your words."

We're going to write a lot based on multiple prompts, interactive activities and powerful exercises. For inspiration and guidance, we'll look at work by Mary Oliver, Khaled Hosseini, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Alfred Hitchcock, and may even take a peek at Lin Manuel Miranda's Hamilton. This class is open to all genres, even if you're not sure what you want to write yet.

We'll also cover several techniques to continue your writing practice after class ends. Kevin says, "This workshop is for those who are just beginning their writing journey, advanced writers who want a fresh kickstart to their writing life, and everyone in between!"

Lunch and Learn SF Bay Area Workshop

2019-07-04T17:43:00-07:00

Lunch and Learn in SF Bay Area with Kevin Dublin

Kevin Dublin is an editor, instructor, and writer of poetry, prose, scripts, and code. Furthermore, you can lunch and learn in SF Bay Area with him on creative writing, storytelling, public speaking and performance, and more.

Kevin Dublin is editor of Etched Press and author of the chapbook How to Fall in Love in San Diego. He is the recipient of fellowships and awards from Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing, North Carolina Poetry Society, and more. He holds an MFA from San Diego State University. Kevin also works with emerging writers in the community and at companies. His words have appeared in Cincinnati Review, North Carolina Literary Review, Poetry International, The Rumpus, and more. Currently, he's Operations Manager at the Writing Salon in San Francisco and Berkeley where he also teaches. Find writing classes with Kevin all over the bay area, San Francisco and online. You can also take workshops and classes with him through the Elder Writing Project at Litquake or at Syzygy SF.

Organizations who Have Hosted

Testimonials and Comments about Instruction

“Kevin Dublin [led] a special event for National Poetry Day at my place of work. That experience has stuck with me, in the best of ways! It was a completely new experience and opportunity for creative expression. Kevin also set a tone of comfort and nurtured a safe place for us to share what he had led us to create.”

-Lunch and Learn Workshop Attendee

“I loved everything about the class and so grateful for the experience. It’s been profound for me and a new beginning.”

-Beginning Poetry Attendee

“My poetry was fundamentally shaped by the ethos of your rhythm-based class, but I think I was unable to fully appreciate the breadth of what you taught until very recently.”

-Poetry for Page and Stage Student

“Thanks ad infinitum. Yesterday’s generative writing workshop was A-1.”

-Generative Writing Workshop Attendee

Start Write Now Class @ The Writing Salon

2019-07-03T00:47:00-07:00

SF Writing Class in the Richmond

This is a 6 hour seminar / one day multi-genre class.
Cost: There is a fee for this class, between \$134-145. See the Writing Salon website for details. Great for fiction, poetry, memoir writers, and more.

We're going to write a lot based on multiple prompts, interactive activities and powerful exercises. For inspiration and guidance, we'll look at work by Mary Oliver, Khaled Hosseini, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Alfred Hitchcock. This class is open to all genres, even if you're not sure what you want to write yet.

Some Topics Include:

1. Identifying What We Like in Writing: Erasure & Redaction
2. Making What We Like Our Own: Imitation
3. Setting & Transforming the Ordinary into Writing
4. Understanding Character
5. The Secret of Dialogue
6. How to be able to Write & Revise Always
7. Writing Games
8. Collaborative Writing Exercises

Some possible writers include:

Franz Kafka, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mary Oliver, Stephen King, Morgan Parker, Marlon James, George R. R. Martin, Forrest Gander, Kevin Kwan, Gillian Flynn, Lydia Davis, Elizabeth Bishop, Ruth Awad, Jericho Brown, John Green, Aja Gabel, Shari Lapena, Khaled Hosseini, William Shakespeare, Kristin Chang, and more.

Look for the red awning on the corner! The 31 Bus stops in front of the location at Balboa & 21st. You can also take the 38 or 38R and get off at Geary & 20th.

Syzygy Generative Writing Workshop in San Francisco

2019-07-03T00:35:00-07:00

It's Summer 2019 in SF. Let's write at this free writing workshop! We'll talk a little about writing and work through a series of prompts based *very broadly* on summer, seasons and nature. As always, the idea is to write, so you can interpret the prompts however you like or ignore them completely. If interested, you'll have opportunity to share your work. This meeting is FREE and will be in San Francisco but is a few steps from BART.

Syzygy is about a block and a half from Powell Street Station and directly across the street from the bar Aunt Charlie's. The door will be black with an ajar gate in front of it. Press the doorbell to be let in.

Subscribe to Newsletter

2019-04-05T13:42:00-07:00

Writing is Collaborative

2019-04-05T13:29:00-07:00

Writing is Collaborative Newsletter

The second "Writing is Collaborative" newsletter went out today. What is that? Well, I'm used to sending out e-mails to writing friends about upcoming opportunities. I decided to turn it into a brief newsletter. And I did it because writing is about community. For instance, I like being a conduit. I want to share things with all of you. This is why I now send upcoming submission deadlines, residency opportunities, events, classes, writing prompts, and spotlights. You can subscribe below:

You can expect to find a lot of content and maybe a few musings. For example, I include a "video poem of the month." It's also specifically for writers, so I include a writing prompt. While it might be pretty poetry heave because I encounter a lot of poetry opportunities, it won't all be. I've included poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and playwriting opportunities thus far. I'll start including screenwriting and review opportunities in the next one. I also have friends from all kinds of backgrounds and in many locations, so everything might not apply to everyone. I included an opportunity that was only for Native Americans in the first one as well as some opportunities just for women, and others that have been for the LGBTQIA+ community. Of course, young and emerging writers are groups that I work with, so I'll include more of those in the future.

It's a fun project! Send me your news, calls for submissions, and publications as well. I'd love to share!

Generative Poetry Workshop San Francisco

2019-02-11T02:05:00-08:00

Come to this Generative Poetry Workshop in SF led by Kevin Dublin to go through a series of short prompts. We’ll generate new drafts and set the groundwork for how you can continue working on your poems. This class is for you whether you’ve never picked up a pencil before or you’re an accomplished writer with awards, and especially for everyone else in between.

You can RSVP here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2365781093467325/

Marvel versus DC Game

2018-11-28T00:56:00-08:00

Marvel versus DC Game

What

Marvel versus DC is an unlicensed 2 - 4 player game that I created with my son, Darien Dublin, in the summer of 2014. One of my favorite board games is Star Wars: Epic Duels. He really wanted to play with me, but he was six years old. Each character has a deck of 40 cards in that game. He could read, but it was a little to advanced for him. My goal was to make a game with him that he could play an utilized one of our favorite shared interests: superheroes. Who doesn't want to see those heroes battle?

How

I took the base mechanics of Star Wars: Epic Duels as inspiration and simplified the mechanics for the Marvel versus DC game. We had six 2.5 inch DC PVC figures from Dollar Tree that we had been playing with. We had my childhood Marvel die-cast collection from the "Steel Mutants" and "Heavy Metal Heroes" series of the 90's. The only other things we had were our imaginations.

Over the course of the weekend, I wrote a series of rules. He picked who the first ten characters would be, and we discussed which powers should be showcased in their cards. We also watched old episodes of Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes on Netflix. After some math that I no longer remember, I came up with the size of the board, drew a set of squares for a map in Photoshop, and we had our first game board after a lot of printing & cutting & taping.

Why

We don't own these characters, nor the art used for the cards, but we worked really hard on the mechanics. My dream is to use the mechanics along with a set of original characters that we create and develop our own Heroes versus Villains universe in a game. Until then, we thought you might enjoy downloading and playing along.

Our Marvel versus DC game has grown a lot. We have balanced and re-balanced it. It has brought a lot of joy. We've shared it with family, friends, and strangers at game shops / comic-cons. In other words, give it a shot.

[!marvel-versus-dc-game](http://kevindublin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Marvel-versus-DC-Game-at-Gamescape.jpg) [at Gamescape](https://www.gamescapesf.com/)

marvel-versus-dc-game

Download Marvel Versus DC Game Bundle

This zip file will contain everything digital that you will need: Character cards, gameplay rules, bonus cards, a PDF of the first two maps that you can print at a print shop, and PDFs of board sectors if you want to print a board the first way we did our prototype.

Download Zip Bundle of Marvel Versus DC Game

Download Marvel Versus DC Game Separates

Marvel versus DC Rules
Marvel vs DC Cards
Bonus Cards
Two Boards (Banner Format)
Layout of first Four Maps: Map 1, Map 2, Map 3, Map 4
Compressed Collection of Board Sectors to Print Map at Home

Where to Buy Figures

We have (50) characters now. We teckevinally have more figures, but I decided to stop there because that already seemed like too many. Start low, with 6 - 10 characters and build from there. We use figures that are between 2.5 inches to 3 inches. You can probably go to Dollar Tree and buy the Justice League figures there: Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Superman along with the Joker. You can find others on Amazon, eBay, comic book stores and booths at conventions. If you don't mind the size, you can also buy Nano MetalFigs at your local Wal-Mart. They are about 1.5 inches and the game wasn't made with those in mind. Monogram International produced a lot of the 2.75 inch DC figures. Tips: search with the keywords "cake topper," "pvc 2.75," and "die cast 90s Marvel."

Consider the Crab Collective

2018-05-01T19:31:00-07:00

[caption id="attachment_100662" align="aligncenter" width="2592"] Consider the Crab Collective
Featuring:
Jade Chan
Kevin Dublin
Antony Fangary
Lisa Galloway
Nikki Henderson[/caption]

2018 and Beyond

2018-02-03T21:54:00-08:00

Going into 2018 and beyond, I feel full of passionate intensity. Surely some revelation is at hand. The previous year, was full of shifts and a leaning further into the Spiritus Mundi. The concepts for my next few creative endeavors started to develop. Several previous creative projects came into the world. I thought the end of the first month of the new year would be a good time to reflect and look forward.

The largest creative culmination of 2017 for me was the publication of my first chapbook, How to Fall in Love in San Diego. I'm so grateful for the to see that selection of poems under the eyes of readers. Working with the editors was a wonderful experience. I got to collaborate on its production and design the cover.They also let me put out the ebook version myself.

How to Fall led me to creating video poems for several of the poems in the chapbook. I was lucky enough to have one of them featured in Moving Poems Magazine. Another was featured at Poetry Film Live. Two of my favorite places to watch poetry films. I highly recommend added both to your feed. Dave Bonta at Moving Poems and Chaucer Cameron & Helen Dewbery at Poetry Film have such amazing selections.

http://poetryfilmlive.com/how-can-you-remain-in-love-in-san-diego/

I was also interviewed by William Woolfitt at Speaking of Marvels. A website I've followed for the last several years. It was surreal to see my photo and my words on a feed that I frequently visit.

What might've been the coolest is actually being featured on It's Lit with PhDJ hosted by the gracious Anjoli Roy in Honolulu on KTUH 90.1 FM. Getting to read my poems in the context of some of my favorite relevant music brought my childhood dreams of being a radio DJ briefly into fruition. You can listen to just the mixdown here or the whole radio show below.

I was also able to read poems from my chapbook as part of the [Tenderlovin’ in the Tenderloin Reading Series](https://www.tenderlovin.org/) & Medium-Sized Living Room Concert in San Francisco as well as joining a few dates on the west coast tour of [The Poetry Brothel](http://www.thepoetrybrothel.com/events.html) as Mercury Hughes.

In 2018

It's true that 2018 and beyond is looking great as well. I'll also be joining the brothel this spring, so join me in San Diego, San Francisco, or Oakland. I'm helping teach poetry classes as part of The Litquake Elder Project. We're teaching at the San Francisco Jewish Home at the moment. It's super rewarding. I start to forget it's one of my favorite things when I go too long without teaching.

I'm working on a few more film poems right now. A talk featuring the above mentioned poetry filmmakers on film poetry inspired me to shoot a few as the beginning of the writer process. I've included it below. I'm writing another draft of Termination Inc. as a one hour drama spec. The outline for an immersive theater experience that centers on empathy is on the way. I'm planning to teach an online class this year as well. I want to make it a way to teach more regularly in 2018 and beyond. Etched Press is also poised for a return. I've accepted several really great manuscripts. Keep an eye out in the next month for more information!

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

2017-06-26T23:11:00-07:00

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

How to Fall in Love in San Diego (Finishing Line Press, June 2017) is a chapbook of 26 love & anti-love poems. The poems live inside, around, and far outside the bounds of San Diego, CA. They serve as a collective attempt to encapsulate the city’s energy and people as well as the universal, sometimes heart-wrenching 21st century search for love or something similar.

Reviews

“Kevin Dublin is a new poet whose open-hearted songs of praise remind me of Whitman, O’Hara, and Ross Gay. How to Fall in Love in San Diego is a collection of remarkable formal variety, encompassing received forms, nonce forms, and what feels like a truly original improvisatory style with grace and confidence. It is also a collection of tonal and even spiritual variety. It can be as giddy and inclusive as one of the Lunch Poems, as forcefully engaged with the world as Citizen, or as transcendent and magisterial as Wordsworth:

even as the world beyond ashes and burns.

May we wake each morning and remember it.

I look forward to more from this wonderful poet. In How to Fall in Love in San Diego, Dublin develops a redemptive art that charms even as it restores us to our own better selves.”

—Michael White, author of Travels in Vermeer

“Kevin Dublin’s How to Fall in Love in San Diego is synaptic, prowling dangerous borderlands between our nearly inarticulate sorrows and the ineffable. These poems commune with desire and desertion, limn betrayal and tally up the damage. The epiphanies are nearly numinous: “Goodbye reminds me / to mean what you put your mouth on / whether it’s words or the silent parts of a body.”

—John Hoppenthaler, author of Domestic Garden

Kevin Dublin’s debut has some of the most beautiful love poems I have read this year, which is to say these are poems of heart-break and the knowledge that comes after, poems of play and the excitement that comes with, poems of surprise and the astonishment that stays. “Pretend you are here / for a wedding” the poet tells us, “—unless you are here for a wedding.” There is so much fun in these pages that you know pain is real. There is so much feeling in the images, in the tonalities, in the sexiness of warning (“that attraction transcends most sanity”), in lips (“each a strawberry perfectly split open”), in silences (“when a lover sleep-rhymes words that don’t rhyme”), in dreams (“that teach carousels are the best place for orgasms”). Beware. These poems bewitch. You might just fall in love.

–Ilya Kaminsky, author of Deaf Republic

Bio

Kevin Dublin (MFA, MA, BFA, BA) is the author of the poetry chapbook, How to Fall in Love in San Diego, as well as the forthcoming critical craft book titled Write Like the Masters of Poetry: How to Imitate the Key Strengths of Poets and Transform Your Own Writing. He is editor of Etched Press, a writing instructor, and academic advisor. He also enjoys filming video adaptations of poetry and working with young writers in the community.

[Download Press Release] | [Download Media Kit] | [Read Sample Poems]

Poems from How to Fall in Love in San Diego

2017-02-20T02:44:00-08:00

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

Eat blackberry brie bites
between two fingers
at a crashed Hilton party
between the harbor
and Convention Center.
Dance to an all-white-
Otis-Redding cover band
in Hawaiian shirts.
Foot it to the dueling piano bar
only after Security checks lanyards.
Give the bartender a large tip
and advice that changes her life.
Flirt with a Swedish accent.
Pretend you’re here
for a wedding
—unless you’re here
for a wedding
—then pretend you’re here
post-divorce.
Whisper in a cute brunette’s ear
that her girlfriend is gorgeous,
but hug the doorman.
Learn his name
the way Goldilocks
tastes porridge—gingerly.
Tap three strangers and
ask for the restroom
in a foreign tongue
from perdon,
dónde está el baño?
to have you seen the loo?
Be a noble experiment.
Tell all hostesses Liam sent you.
Ask why they don’t know him.
Text any number in your phone
and change the name to Liam.
Get addresses of the cutest women
and never visit them.
Snag the Uber app.
Ask where the drivers’
pink mustache are.
Tell them you heard
Hillcrest was fun, but
you’d rather drive
to an apartment—
any apartment they have keys to.
Stir gasps in distant rooms,
through every land, on each tongue
Heed cabbies’ command:
Make me forget
we swoon in a desert.

Tinder Profile

I am not a good lover; although, I suggest it
in every love poem is the absence
of a black man face down on pavement:
pimple on his left cheek grazed to hot pink.

How Can You Remain in Love in San Diego?

Today, the screen froze when End Call was pressed.
No feedback, just the illick between fingertip and glass.
We always said goodbye too soon: before a question,
before a right quick, before I love you. Today,
like chill of shadow stroking cheek, was only goodbye.

I sat—right in the grass. Where the hours pulled
themselves onto my lap and asked to be cradled.
Silent as the oval of my mouth when you said
you wanted to be pregnant at a car dealership
during an argument about curly fries & condiments.

What will become of our children? They will suffer
the rough edge of tenderness from another father,
another mother. Your goodbye is an earthquake.
The rest of life aftershocks at the realization: we were
tectonic & unaware with no promise of tremors’ stop.

I am afraid you will remember me as a wooden ladder
or even worse, forget I was. And I’ll remember you
as a disaster. Unable to recall how you swallowed yawns
like milk, the attractiveness of how slow you’d waddle—
so slow I’d miss your step—dust collected on magenta toes.

When we met, we were incredibly far from the desert.
I thought you were too good for me. I didn’t think
you’d speak. You said there’s a delay in my handsomeness.
The ness unsteadily climbed from your tongue to lips.
I watched it fog, pillow in the air—brace a snowflake’s fall.

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

A couple cuddles tongues on the corner of 5th and Market
Their meeting shades sunrays that heat the rain puddle
A man waits to wash his hands in

Not Kissing You

As inconvenient as being
the mother of breeze—
How she must name
each breeze and remember it.

Which one stirs empty chip wrapper
saddling the curb near your sandal?
I rub my cheek to be less conscious of air
untidying the hair on my forearms.

But the slight stutter of your smile—
Glow of November dusk across brow
while trolley brakes against rails in the distance.
Your lips: a strawberry perfectly split open.

Not Kissing You - Video Poem

2017-01-23T00:39:00-08:00

"Not Kissing You" is a poem from How to Fall in Love in San Diego which debuts May 5, 2017. It is a short poem. It teeters on the edge of love and anti-love: love lived through which never happened. The video contains music by The SVRGN.

You can pre-order a copy of the chapbook in which "Not Kissing You" appears at the Finishing Line Press online storefront and ready the full text of the poem below:

Not Kissing You

As inconvenient as being

the mother of breeze—

How she must name

each breeze and remember it.

Which one stirs empty chip wrapper

saddling the curb near your sandal?

I rub my cheek to be less conscious of air

untidying the hair on my forearms.

But the slight stutter of your smile—

Glow of November dusk across brow

while trolley brakes against rails in the distance.

Your lips: a strawberry perfectly split open.

"Not Kissing You" first appeared in Glint Literary Journal.

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

2017-01-19T09:34:00-08:00

How to Fall in Love in San Diego (Finishing Line Press, May 2017) is a chapbook of 26 love & anti-love poems. The poems are set inside, around, and far outside the bounds of San Diego, CA. They’re a collective attempt to encapsulate the city’s energy and people, as well as the universal, sometimes heart-wrenching, 21st century search for love or something similar. You can pre-order a copy of the chapbook in the Finishing Line Press store.

[Download Press Release] | [Download Media Kit] | [Read Sample Poems]

Praise for How to Fall in Love in San Diego

“Kevin Dublin is a new poet whose open-hearted songs of praise remind me of Whitman, O’Hara, and Ross Gay. How to Fall in Love in San Diego is a collection of remarkable formal variety, encompassing received forms, nonce forms, and what feels like a truly original improvisatory style with grace and confidence. It is also a collection of tonal and even spiritual variety: it can be as giddy and inclusive as one of the Lunch Poems, as forcefully engaged with the world as Citizen, or as transcendent and magisterial as Wordsworth:

even as the world beyond ashes and burns.

May we wake each morning and remember it.

I look forward to more from this wonderful poet. In How to Fall in Love in San Diego, Dublin develops a redemptive art that charms even as it restores us to our own better selves.”

--Michael White, author of Travels in Vermeer

--John Hoppenthaler, author of Domestic Garden

Kevin Dublin’s debut has some of the most beautiful love poems I have read this year, which is to say these are poems of heart-break and the knowledge that comes after, poems of play and the excitement that comes with, poems of surprise and the astonishment that stays. “Pretend you are here / for a wedding” the poet tells us, “—unless you are here for a wedding.” There is so much fun in these pages that you know pain is real, there is so much feeling in the images, in the tonalities, in the sexiness of warning (that attraction transcends most sanity), in lips (each a strawberry perfectly split open), in silences (when a lover sleep-rhymes words that don’t rhyme), in dreams (that teach carousels are the best place for orgasms). Beware. These poems bewitch. You might just fall in love.

–Ilya Kaminsky, author of Dancing in Odessa

CV

2016-08-17T06:18:00-07:00

Download CV

Poetry & Art 2016: San Diego Poetry Annual, Rich Ferguson, and People's Choice Poem Awards

2016-06-17T22:34:00-07:00

The San Diego Art Institute (SDAI) is pleased to host the next Poetry & Art event on Saturday, June 11th. Poetry & Art Series 2016 presents contributing authors from the 2016 San Diego Poetry Annual (SDPA) and Pushcart-nominated poet, Rich Ferguson (right). People’s Choice Poem Awards follow featured readings and performances. DJ Gill Sotu, Francisco Bustos (of Pancholetras) and SDPA editor Bill Harding provide music and sound throughout the show. This interactive arts and culture experience will include beverages, snacks and plenty of time to mingle.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Members are free, nonmembers \$5 at the door. Bring a snack or beverage to share, and get in free!

Judy Reeves, Chris Vannoy, Jon Wesick, Suzanne O'Connell, Ron Salisbury, Sharon Elise, Sonia Guiterrez, and Harry Griswold will read their selected poems from SDPA 2016. Garden Oak Press publishes the San Diego Poetry Annual in association with the San Diego Entertainment & Arts Guild (SDEAG), a 501(c)(3) local arts non-profit.

William Harry Harding is editor. SDPA is part of the permanent collection of every college and university in the region. Pushcart-nominated poet Rich Ferguson has shared the stage with Patti Smith, Wanda Coleman, T.C. Boyle, Bob Holman, and many other esteemed poets and musicians. His poetry collection 8th & Agony has been published by LA’s Punk Hostage Press, and his debut novel, New Jersey Me, will be published by Rare Bird Lit in September, 2016.

The People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards – Participants read/perform one poem under three minutes long. Audience members choose (by secret ballot) their favorite poem based on content and performance. Props, artwork, singing, music, dancing, all accompaniment is allowed and anything goes. Top poem performances (the poems that receive the most votes) win \$50. Audience members will be encouraged to hoot for their favorites and try to influence the rest of the audience.

Writers/artists who would like to participate in the People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards can get their names in the hat ahead of time at mkklam\@gmail.com or text 619-957-3264. It is a good idea to sign up early by email or text message as space and time are limited!

Co-sponsor Poetry International is an annual literary journal published by SDSU with Ilya Kaminsky as editor-in-chief. Additional support and sponsorship by San Diego Entertainment & Arts Guild and Puna Press. Please contact host Michael Klam with any questions: 619-957-3264 (cell).

This exhibition is sponsored by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.

Poets and Painters Spoken Word and Graffiti Art Festival

2016-06-17T22:34:00-07:00

The Poets and Painters Spoken Word and Graffiti Art Festival will be held at the Market Creek Amphitheater and Festival Park on Saturday, June 25, 2016.

This FREE event will feature JCNI’s artists-in-residence: award winning spoken word artist/playwright Gill Sotu, and internationally recognized Writerz

Blok graffiti artists Jose Venegas and Sergio Gonzalez.

The festival includes a spoken word poetry slam competition, graffiti arts competition, live performances of music, dance, and performance poetry, a family storytelling stage, graffiti artists creating live murals, and hands-on workshops.

There will also be special performances by:
-DJ Redlite,
-Poetiic (Local emcee/poet/singer),
-The Lyrical Groove (2 x San Diego Music Award winning spoken word woul band),
-The Junkyard Dance Crew (SD Youth Dance Troupe),
-Pocho Joe & Silverstein (HBO Def Jam poetry mixed with comedy, music, social commentary, and beatboxing)

Live art by:
-The Roots Factory (screen printing)
-Hasl & Dyse

and many more!

We will be hosting an AFTER-PARTY at Writerz Blok. More details coming soon! (21+)

The event will take place at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, near the Euclid Avenue Transit Center and Market Creek Plaza.

The Poetry Ruckus feat. Karla Cordero

2016-06-17T22:34:00-07:00

OPEN MIC for local poets. An opportunity for you to perform your work in front of an enthusiastic and supportive audience.
Special guest poet KARLA CORDERO.

About The Poetry Ruckus: 7-9:30 PM once a month on an ever shifting Wednesday night. Check blog for current schedule. E-mail ruthlesshippies\@gmail.com to read or just sign up when you arrive – FREE to enter – please buy something awesome from the Duck if you enjoy the show

Four Poems Published

2016-01-02T10:42:00-08:00

A bit late, but I had four micro poems published in Quatrain Fish this past December. You should subscribe to read the work.

These poems are part of a series of love poems titled "How to Fall in Love in San Diego."

Two New Poems Published

2015-12-08T13:44:00-08:00

Two poems I wrote were just published alongside some fantastic poetry, prose, and art in the latest issue of Glint Literary Journal. The aural quality of a work is always important to me. Here is a recording of me reciting the poem. Listen if you have some time, then head over to read the other poem and the whole issue.

Poetry Day at Point Loma Nazarene University

2015-10-12T00:08:00-07:00

FREE! Poetry readings by Kay Harkins (a retired professor and San Diego local) and Brandon Jordan Brown (a current PEN Center USA Emerging Voices Fellow). All are welcome.

City Works Press: Sunshine Noir II Release

2015-10-06T15:08:00-07:00

MoviePass Reviews 2015 (T2)

2015-09-23T03:27:00-07:00

MoviePass Reviews 2015 (T2)

These are my MoviePass Reviews for the second trimester of the year. It was supposed to be by the quarter, but time keeps on slippin’. I’m currently at 57 films seen out of my #100MoviesIn2015. Tonight, I’ll see Hitchcock's classic Psycho, then Black Mass the day after. I still need to see 42 films more films over the next 13 weeks if I want to hit my goal. That’s almost 4 movies a week. Yikes! Luckily, I have MoviePass—hence, these MoviePass Reviews. What is that you ask?

a few of the tickets

MoviePass is a card that allows you to see unlimited films for $30/month — (http://movi.ps/referral). I love it. As you can tell, I’ve seen loads of movies this year. You can read the first trimester of MoviePass reviews here. I originally started my free two week trial on January 15, 2015. There are other reviews of the service, but I can honestly tell you that it’s the best entertainment decision I’ve made since buying a projector six years ago.

How to Optimize MoviePass

A lot of MoviePass reviews complain that it’s advertised as “unlimited movies” in theaters when it’s only one movie a day. This is a non-issue for me. I usually see about 2-3 movies on a good week. Most of the time I only see one movie on a day, but I just optimize my MoviePass if I don’t have weekend plans. The cool thing about MoviePass is that you can buy tickets in advance. My solution to seeing more than one movie in a day is buying an advanced ticket. I’ll show up on a Wednesday and buy a ticket for Saturday. This means that I can see a movie with that ticket and also check in for another movie if I decide to see something else. The great thing about movie theater folks is they are super nice. I buy advance tickets all of the time. Many times I miss the showings. If that happens, show up with your unused advance ticket. They’ll either give you a re-admit pass or you can use it to get another ticket for a different movie. Voila. So simple. There’s actually a bunch of optimizations. I can write a post on how to use MoviePass for free if enough people comment and ask for it. I’ve been thinking of other MoviePass reviews I can write other than just the films. Maybe the theaters? After tonight, I will have earned back \$165 and 70 concession upgrades from AMC theaters alone. I’ve seen over \$700 worth of movies this year for just under \$75. If you’d like to sign up, do so here: http://movi.ps/referral.

When Not to Sign Up for MoviePass

I have a friend. I’m not going to say his name, but he’s on Twitter @cjpendergraft. You should follow him. He signed up for MoviePass in February and canceled it in May after seeing less than 5 movies. He just wasn’t going to the theater. From June until now, he’s seen more than 10 movies. He says he’s going to sign up again in October. He’s a lil fatheroo. Do not sign up for MoviePass if you aren’t going to theaters. A good way to engage is to start a scrapbook of movie tickets or write short MoviePass reviews. Make a habit of it all.

29 Micro MoviePass Reviews

Dope – 9.5

The only reason this movie doesn’t have a ten is because I think there needs to be some time before something is labeled perfection. This film accomplished everything it set out to. It was a hilarious comedy and the drama was compelling and genuine. Perhaps what really makes this movie so good are its arguments. Malcolm (Shameik Moore)’s final turn and speech on the “slippery slope” was a great moment, but his college essay illustrating what he learned and how that reflects our culture was amazing. The hood was a nice touch of visual rhetoric. The outlandish moments of comedy were handled well. The sophisticated comedic sequences helped balance those moments out. I think Dom (A\$AP Rocky) was a little under-utilized, but he was great in the scenes he was in. The soundtrack was amazing. I saw it three times in theaters. Rick Famuyiwa has made his masterpiece, despite what one of the horrid reviewers desecrating Ebert's name had to say. This movie is nothing short of dope.

Jib (Tony Revolori), Diggy (Kiersey Clemons), and Malcolm (Shameik Moore) are Dope.

Jurassic World – 8

Let’s be honest. A Jurassic Park movie is only as good as its raptors. Luckily, Blue and his team didn’t disappoint. We expect wondrous dinosaurs, thrilling chases, suspenseful hiding, and a huge battle at the end. I can honestly say that Jurassic World provided the best of all of these. The only thing that would’ve made it better is if the children were more than props and if the “love story” was meatier. I can’t complain, though. In place of that, it was also able to work in a level of social commentary which I’m sure was unsettling to some. Who goes to see a dinosaur movie and expects to consider how imperialism, capitalism, and white supremacy have poisoned our culture? Let’s just say, I know why Indominous Rex was white. I didn’t walk to see this movie a second time in theaters. I had to “RUN!”

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl – 7.5

On first viewing, I enjoyed this film, but not as much as I did the second time. Honestly, I was a little bothered by the depictions of Earl as this magical negro who liked to say "titties." And of how I wanted to know more of the dying girl's background. I realized I should probably read the book. I liked how the story of the film never got in the way of itself. The direction was interesting, the cutaways to the animated sequences were well-placed and added a unique charm. Their homage films were great. Rachel (Olivia Cooke) and Greg (Thomas Mann) were the focus of the central relationship throughout the story, but it was Earl (RJ Cyler) who stole the film and held the true emotional core/understanding. I liked the unreliable narrator aspect of it all. It did a good job operating within the young-adult-cancer-romances conventions, but could've worked against them a bit more. Nick Offerman, Greg’s dad in the film, was good, as was Molly Shannon. I wanted to know what happened to Earl, but it was Greg's story, so meh. Would've been better as an ensemble, but was still a touching and funny story.

Batman v. Robin – 7.5

Teckevinally, I saw this at Wondercon and not with MoviePass, but it was in a theater and I’m going for #100MoviesIn2015. I didn’t like Son of Batman. It felt really forced. The direction left a little to be desired. This film, though, may be one of the best in the DCAU, and that says a lot. The action sequences are stellar and well-placed throughout. The story’s theme centered on the relationship of trust between Bruce and Damien works well. Not to mention, the group that shows up. Yes. Batman Versus Robin is the best DCAU feature since Under the Red Hood, but not quite as good as The Dark Knight Returns. Because, let’s be honest. When you successfully adapt that story, it’s hard to top.

Dragonball Z: Resurrection of F – 7.5

Yes. Yes. Yes. Toriyama-sama is back! Great blend of action and comedy. The theme of the conflict between Goku and Vegeta pushed even further than it was in the series. Frieza’s return was wonderful. The fight scenes—wowsers! Wait, I just realized, is this available to stream yet? I might go watch it again right now.

Straight Outta Compton – 7

This movie started out super intense. The actors were all pretty good, but Ice Cube Jr. killed it. It has a nice wedding of theme and action. The problem happened about two-thirds of the way through this unnecessarily long movie. It stopped telling a story and became fan-fiction. There was no need for Tupac to be in this movie. Snoop, maybe, but he wasn’t even utilized. It was great how they all hugged in the end. I’ll definitely re-watch the first half of this movie again. If nothing else is going on, I’ll play the other half while typing up blogs. F. Gary Gray’s directions was great, tho.

Ant-Man – 7

It was fun, funny, and kinda funky. This is probably the best “first” superhero movie since Iron Man and Batman Begins. Hopefully it doesn’t go the route of Stark because the second and third films in that series were terrible. The characters were all great in this film. The action was decently paced. The fight scenes were phenomenal and funny. I can’t wait for the Wasp to join.

The Visit – 7

I have a weird relationship with this movie. I watched the trailer for it and thought it was going to be M. Night’s comeback. I thought it would be brilliant. Then I saw that it was a Blum House production and lost all faith. Watching it, I was uncomfortable. Not because of the naked grandma, she actually had a nice butt. Not because of horror-comedy, truth be told it’s one of my favorite genres when done well. Not because of the well-done framing and camera movement which was a perfect balance between “teenage handheld” and directed camera operator. I was uncomfortable because everyone was laughing so hard at the little rapping white boy. This broken non-corporeal representation of what Shyamalan and popular culture see as Blackness distilled into this cooning white kid wearing invisible blackface. Maybe I could’ve shrugged it off if his sister hadn’t called him “etkevinally-confused” or if it was played in a context other than a minstrel show. There were boycotts of Get Hard, but the theatrical version of that film actually treated its characters with care. It was aware it was being insensitive and tried to hit broadly, then complicate the characters by implicating the system in which the characters were in. The character of Tyler, who raps and adds “ho” to the end of every verse was created out of ignorance. Back to the film: I didn’t expect it to end how it did—SPOILER FOLLOWS. IF YOU CONTINUE TO READ, YOU WILL KNOW HOW IT ENDS. YOU SHOULD SKIP TO THE NEXT REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT—It could’ve been interesting if the grandparents succeeded in killing the kids or somehow got away. It would’ve made for an interesting The Visit 2 with the “grandparents” doing it again with another set of kids somehow, but the audience knowing it wasn’t them the entire time. He only would’ve needed another reason for the kids not to have known the grandparents. But that could’ve been an interesting tension in the movie. The kids could’ve suspected it, and it would’ve been loaded with dramatic irony.

How could you ever find this face offensive, Kevin?

Spy – 7

I was expecting this movie to be terrible. I had already planned on walking out, falling asleep, or sneaking into another movie if it was too ridiculous and broad. This is probably the best film that isn’t St. Vincent that Melissa McCarthy has been in. The writing for Jason Statham’s character may have been over the top at times, but everyone had a great chemistry. The story was competently written and legitimately funny. Rose Byrne was definitely a standout.

Mad Max: Fury Road – 7

The truth is I’m actually torn on whether I’d watch this again, but I’m leaning toward “yes.” It was a wild chase movie. It was wholly entertaining the first time through. It had a strong cast. I just don’t know if it mattered or was suspenseful enough that I’d enjoy it a second time. I think I’ll watch it again out of curiosity, but not desire.

Ricki and the Flash – 6.5

Diablo Cody likes to start with unlikable characters and use the script’s major dramatic question to argue for how that character is a decent human being. That's one of the reasons I like her scripts. She's also witty and isn't afraid to take it "there." This film just felt safe. Meryl Streep was great, of course. It was just surprisingly quiet. I did love the mother-daughter relationship and the mother-stepmother tension, though.

Mission: Impossible: Rogue Nation – 6.5

The first half of this movie was so boring. It was all setup. The payoffs weren’t even that good. The twists were fairly expected. The second half was thrilling. It was fast-paced, the villainy was nice. And the ending? Enjoyable.

Cinderella – 6

This was a mildly entertaining live-action retelling of the classic fairy tale. When adapting a much-adapted piece, the best films try something bold and new or add an interesting twist. This adaptation did not. It was sufficient. Cate Blanchett was a rotten stepmother, not quite evil enough for me, though. And the writing didn’t allow enough room for motivation, but Lilly James was really charming. The best moment in the entire movie was, “I forgive you.” That was a nice touch.

Pitch Perfect 2 – 6

I never saw the first Pitch Perfect. Honestly, I didn’t even see every minute of this one. It was funny. Friendship, yay! Competition, yay! I was surprised at the politically incorrect tone of the humor, but it was refreshing. This genre is usually stale. Nice to see this decent example.

Paper Towns – 6

Such a promising story! Such a great lesson. The characters were also fairly well-developed … but … the ending. It ran out of steam near the third act. I’m sorry, John Greene, but Jesse Andrews wins this summer.

Inside Out – 5.5

I remember very little about this movie. The external world of Riley was much more interesting than the world in her head. It seemed more like an exploration of how the brain works for kids instead of an entertaining story for kids. Good concept, boring execution. It was shiny, though.

Trainwreck – 5

I love Amy Schumer. She just doesn’t know how to write long-form stories yet. The story was very generic, but the bit jokes were funny. It had its moments, but this was just a less-than-generic rom-com with a gender swap. Schumer’s name did a lot to promote this movie. It has prompted me to re-watch older Apatow movies because I thought he was a better director than this. The scene which was supposed to be homage to Woody Allen’s Manhattan was ridiculously sloppy. It made me aware of how poorly shot the whole film was. I wonder if his writing hid the bad direction or if he’s just incompetent with someone else’s work.

Amy (Amy Schumer) and Aaron (Bill Hader) during this Trainwreck.

Ted 2 - 5

The jokes were really funny in this movie. The story was absurd and barely existed. The difference between this and say Trainwreck is there was no real intention to tell a story. There was a bit so funny in this movie that I missed half of the next scene because everyone in the theater was laughing too hard.

Vacation – 5

Most people hate this movie. It’s actually not that bad. The problem is that it’s made in the style of a ridiculous 80’s American farce. They aren’t particularly good. Neither is this movie, but if you watch it on its own terms it has some funny moments. Those moments are mostly when there’s a little dramatic irony. The vomiting was dumb. The language was cringe-worthy and useless sometimes. We never care about the characters. Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo weren’t really utilized for comedy. That wingman hut tub scene, though, ha! If you do like it, you'd probably like We're the Millers (2013). It also features Ed Sudeikis, but is funnier American farce.

Avengers: Age of Ultron – 5

I’m not sure what I could say that hasn’t already been said about this movie. It would’ve been better if it was thirty minutes shorter, there wasn’t an out of place “love story,” and it had a better villain. Ultron wasn’t a powerful villain. Each of his sentinels were easily dispatched. They weren’t a real threat. Do you know who would’ve been a real threat to the Avengers and force them to change the way they fight? The Vision. He was wasted. He should’ve been under the thrall of Ultron as Queen of the big bad and maneuvered against the Avengers until the second to last sequence. Ah well. We got to see Hulk vs. Hulkbuster Iron Man.

San Andreas – 5

Things blew up and fell apart. Dwayne Johnson saved folks. There was a story. The character motivations, everything really, felt expected. I did enjoy it while it was on. That girl's stepdad was a jerk, haha.

Welcome to Me – 4.5

This could’ve been good. Kristen Wiig was great. The premise was interesting. It just meandered on screen. It is a completely forgettable film.

Hot Pursuit – 4

It was simple, basic, and barely entertaining. But Sofía Vergara was lovely, Reese Witherspoon was adorable, and they have great chemistry. It would have been better if they only had a script with fewer clichés and interesting plotting.

True Story – 3.5

There was a lot of sitting together and uninteresting discussion in this movie. If I was at this movie alone, I would’ve walked out.

Fantastic Four – 3

There was very little conflict in this movie until the third act when an all-powerful Doctor Doom started exploding the heads of everyone he encountered and then tried to blow up the world. The normal chemistry between Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller was absent. Kate Mara was competent and cute. There wasn’t enough written for Jamie Bell. This script failed because it began as a small coming of age story at the beginning with a theme that revolved around friendship (yay, Chronicle), but it ended as a generic superhero movie circa 1999.

Age of Adaline – 3

Another example of what happens when you don’t have any conflict in a story until the third act. It was super melodramatic and ultimately pointless. I’m sure it works better as a book because it allows more interiority. As a film, meh. The reveal in the third act would’ve been better revealed closer to the midpoint and explored through the rest of the movie.

The Gift – 2

Wow. I like revenge stories. I really like suspenseful thrillers and mysteries. It’s too bad that this had no suspense, wasn’t at all thrilling, and the only two mysteries weren’t teased well. I liked Edgerton’s earlier film with his brother, The Square. He was also good as Tom in The Great Gatsby. This movie was sloppy. It might’ve been played better as a comedy with unreliable characters. It was melodramatic and boring. Nice reveal at the end, though. I guess that’s why others like it so much.

Not every gift is welcome

Tomorrowland – 1.5

Directionless. Pointless. The character motivations were so constructed and phony. The visuals were only mildly interesting. George Clooney’s charm was even muted. Raffey Cassidy did well. I have a feeling this script was more Lindelof than Brad Bird.

Aloha – N/A*

I don’t think it would be fair for me to rate this movie. The first two sequences were so bad that I walked out of the theater. I had very little idea of what the direction of the movie was going to be or why I should care about any of the random gibberish spewing from the characters’ mouths. I bet that’s why it didn’t do well. I really like Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone. I wish they were in a better movie together.

Ratings

1-3: Horrible. I regret subjecting myself to this

4-5: Just below average, but not a complete waste of time

6: I didn’t waste my time, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch it again

7-8: Accomplished what it set out to do and I’d watch it again

9-10: Nearly perfect. Highly recommend it as art

MoviePass Reviews 2015 Second Trimester Conclusion

I’m excited because the award season is coming along with the San Diego film festival. I really want an opportunity to see Tangerine. I think it’ll be really good. One of the things I may do is a list of Top 10 Upcoming Films and predicted MoviePass Reviews. I’ll also review the app soon, but only if you comment and share your thoughts. Thank you for reading. What have been your favorite movies this year so far?

SDSU MFA Hookah Lounge Reading

2015-06-11T21:08:00-07:00

Let us usher summer in in style, people!

We Aztecs are having our first-ever hookah lounge reading covering poetry, fiction and whathaveyou's, at Prince Hookah on Park & El Cajon Blvd. Happy Hour is from 3-6 and each hookah goes for \$7.99 a pop, as opposed to being at least \$15 at regular hours or at other joints.

Please come partake in some good dope. So far, we have these peeps on the bill: Hari Alluri; Janel Spencer; Simeó Bön Jeppsé; Gabe Rubi; Carlos Kelly; Garrett Bryant; Breeann Kirby; Bonnie Opliger; Theodore Niekras; KM Seehaus; Nathan Hillstrom & yours truly. More readers will be added to the roster.

If you do not wish to smoke, Prince also offers a variety of soft drinks and tea. Please consider attending what is promised to be an splendid summer '15 event!

♥
Binh Huy Nguyen

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/369799223210997/

Poetry from the River with Jim Moreno

2015-05-30T21:08:00-07:00

Mission Trails Regional Park Announces: Poetry From The River with San Diego Poet Jim Moreno

Family Friendly--No Alcohol or Drugs

Saturday, June 6, 2015
3:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
12 years old & up
\$25 per person

June 6, 2015 Weather Forecast: Sunny with clear skies & Temperatures: 66 to 59 degrees; Sunset: 7:59 P.M.

Join San Diego poet Jim Moreno for a park tour at 3:30 P.M., a two hour poetry workshop writing about the love of Nature @ 5:15 P.M., and a Star Party with the San Diego Astronomy Association at sunset. Wear sturdy walking shoes & clothing layers including a windbreaker jacket. Also bring snacks and water. Meet at Kumeyaay Lake Campground.

Information: (619) 668- 2748 or (760) 802-2449 or jimpoet\@hotmail.com

http://www.jimpoet.com/id80.html

2015 San Diego Poetry Annual feat. Maria Mazziotti Gillan

2015-05-28T21:08:00-07:00

On Saturday, June 20, Poetry & Art Series 2015 presents contributing authors from the 2015 San Diego Poetry Annual (SDPA: http://sandiegopoetryannual.com), including this year's featured poet Maria Mazziotti Gillan (http://www.mariagillan.com). People’s Choice Poem Awards follow the SDPA reading/performances. Perry Vasquez (http://www.perryvasquez.com) will be in the museum making live painting. This interactive arts and culture experience will include beverages, snacks and plenty of time to mingle. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Members are free, nonmembers \$5 at the door. Bring snacks/libations to share and get in free! The event takes place in the San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park (http://www.sandiego-art.org).

San Diego Poetry Annual -- published by Garden Oak Press (http://gardenoakpress.com), William Harry Harding (http://sandiegopoetryannual.com/publisher), editor -- is part of the permanent collection of every college and university in our region. New Jersey poet Maria Mazzioti Gillan is SDPA's featured author for 2015. Other readers include Francisco Bustos, representing Southwestern College, Jenny Minitti-Shippey, editor of Poetry International (SDSU), Bill Mohr, award-winning poet and professor at CSU-Long Beach, and Penny Perry, six-time Pushcart Prize nominee in poetry and fiction.

The People’s Choice Poem Performance Award – All participants read/perform one poem under three minutes long. Audience members choose (by secret ballot) their favorite poem based on content and performance. Props, artwork, singing, music, dancing, all accompaniment is allowed and anything goes. Top poem performances (the poems that receive the most votes) win \$50. Audience members will be encouraged to hoot for their favorites and try to influence the rest of the audience.

DJ Barry Thomas (http://www.djbarrythomas.com) will provide sounds throughout the night. There will also be live music by Andrew Michel (bass), Jesse Michel (guitar) and Bill Harding (tenor sax).

Food, beer/wine, DJ, live music from local father-son string duo Jesse and Andrew Michael -- all thanks to museum curator and poet Michael Klam and the San Diego Arts Institute.

Writers/artists who would like to participate in the People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards can get their names in the hat ahead of time at mkklam\@gmail.com or sign in on the night of the show. Three \$50 "People's Choice" awards will be given for poems read during the open mic session -- open to all -- which will follow the first hour of the readings.

Co-sponsor Poetry International (http://poetryinternational.sdsu.edu) is an annual literary journal published by SDSU with Ilya Kaminsky as editor-in-chief. Additional sponsorship by San Diego Entertainment & Arts Guild.

Please contact host Michael Klam with any questions: 619-957-3264 (cell) or 619-236-0011 (museum).

http://sandiegopoetryannual.com/readings-2014/

Andrea Gibson and Chris Pureka

2015-05-28T21:08:00-07:00

Age limit: 21+
Cost: \$15 - \$27

https://bellyupsolanabeach.frontgatetickets.com/event/wt9ra1mhip54f4pq

Rebecca's Poety, Spoken Word Open Mic

2015-05-28T21:08:00-07:00

Free. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. Family Friendly Venue. Please keep it clean!

http://www.rebeccascoffeehouse.com/events.html

Red Poets Society Poetry/Prose Open Mic

2015-05-28T21:08:00-07:00

RPS is a wkly poetry/prose open mic @ Kafe Sobaka. Hosts: Tazha Williams & David Proulx. 7-10 pm, sign up 6:30. No cover. 1 drink or 1 food item minimum.

In the name of poetic freedom, the Red Poets Society has been formed. Together we shall join weekly in the belly of Kafé Sobaka to celebrate all that is verse. Come all lyricists and crafters of the spoken word. Sally forth with your inklings and rhyme; share with your comrades the joy that is poetic expression.

The Rules: there are no rules but that which you pin upon your work, but seriously: each reader gets 5 uninterrupted (save for angry crowds) minutes to read their work; no music is allowed save as accompaniment to the reading; boring long winded pieces will be shunned appropriately; and stand-up comedy will not be tolerated.

We also ask that you purchase either one drink or one food item in order to help maintain the sacred space. (See below.)

Realize that our intention is a collaboration of poets and critics and that verbal sass can and will be the only response to lyrical laziness and foolish ramblings. We want for your best and those striving to create difference and beauty with their work. We seek to offer a space in which to be both avant-garde and accepted, but also to be critiqued and honed into a better writer.

In addition, each month as a special feature to the open mic session, a committee-elected featured performer shall woo the masses with their epic verse.

Open mic sign up starts at 6:30 p.m., the first performer speaks at 7 p.m. Eat, drink, be merry, verbalize! Skoal!

Co-hosts: Tazha Williams & David Proulx

Starts at 7pm, sign up is at 6:30.

No cover but there is a one drink or one food item minimum, which is facilitated with a \$5 RED TICKET:
In order to simplify the chaos a bit, we will "sell" you a \$5 ticket at entry, which can be used for any drink (shot of vodka, beer, wine, Turkish coffee*, etc.) or as a \$5 credit for food. So plan to bring a few bucks for this purpose. Everything can be ordered at the counter and a number will be issued for delivery to your table (no wait service during the event).

Poetry Ruckus

2015-05-27T21:08:00-07:00

A monthly open mike event for local poets to share their work. Please join us and bring some poetry to read.

Doors open at 7 PM, open mic poetry begins at 7:30 (prepare to read anything of five minutes length or less and sign up with emcee Michael) and our guest takes the stage around 9 PM. Entry is FREE.

Poetry Ruckus with Joe Limer

2015-05-27T21:08:00-07:00

A monthly open mike event for local poets to share their work. Please join us and bring some poetry to read.

Doors open at 7 PM, open mic poetry begins at 7:30 (prepare to read anything of five minutes length or less and sign up with emcee Michael) and our guest takes the stage around 9 PM. Entry is FREE.

Joe Limer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1MRVDWfUxo&feature=youtu.be

Poetry Ruckus: 7-9:30 PM once a month on an ever shifting Wednesday night. Check blog for current schedule. E-mail ruthlesshippies\@gmail.com to read or just sign up when you arrive – FREE to enter – please buy something awesome from the Duck if you enjoy the show.

http://ruthlesshippies.org/events-of-the-month/

Poetry Ruckus with Shannon Linzer

2015-05-27T21:08:00-07:00

A monthly open mike event for local poets to share their work. Please join us and bring some poetry to read.

Doors open at 7 PM, open mic poetry begins at 7:30 (prepare to read anything of five minutes length or less and sign up with emcee Michael) and our guest takes the stage around 9 PM. Entry is FREE.

Wednesday 5/27/15, Ruthless Hippies proudly presents the Poetry Ruckus at Ducky Waddle’s (414 N Coast Hwy 101 Leucadia) featuring guest poet Shannon Linzer!!!

Shannon Linzer is a local San Diego poet whose work focuses on identity, privilege, queerness and religion. She is a regular in the San Diego open mic & slam scene, and has featured at Jhimye Poetry & Lyrical Exchange in North Park. Her work has been published in Spit Journal. When not writing, Shannon spends her time teaching all manner of things—English, exercise, handstands and cat tricks. Look for her daily haiku on facebook and her first short collection of poems, due out this summer.

Shannon Linzer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hZlmwvdWjc&feature=youtu.be

Events: http://ruthlesshippies.org/2015/05/18/shannon-linzer-to-rock-the-ruckus-527/

Poems from Courting Sylvia Plath

2015-05-22T01:06:00-07:00

I've had about half of the poems from my series on Sylvia Plath, "Courting Sylvia Plath" published over in the literary journal Menacing Hedge. To celebrate, I've posted recordings of three of the poems to Soundcloud. You can listen to "At a Euro Cafe in East Village," "An Affair on Hampstead Heath," and "Fragments" from "Courting Sylvia Plath" below and follow along in the lit journal after reading a preface to the work.

MoviePass Review 2015 (T1)

2015-04-26T12:16:00-07:00

MoviePass Review 2015

This is my MoviePass Review 2015 (of the first trimester). It’s a milestone! I’ve seen 25 movies (actually 28) with MoviePass. MoviePass is a card that allows you to see unlimited films for \$30/month — (http://movi.ps/referral). I love it. I’ve seen loads of movies this year. I originally started my free two week trial on January 15, 2015. It’s been three months. You can read other reviews of the service, but it’s the best entertainment decision I’ve made since buying a projector six years ago.

[caption id="attachment_100383" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The well-worn card I used for my MoviePass Review 2015[/caption]

The Financial Benefits of MoviePass

I was charged after my first full month of MoviePass on March 3, 2015. Since I live in the large metro area of San Diego, my bill was \$35 not the usual \$30. San Diego has 20 theaters within 30 miles of my house that support MoviePass. This includes all of the AMC, Regal and Edwards theaters, United Artist theaters, all but one of the Readings Cinemas, and three independent theaters. Two of the supported theaters even host many of the films of a few of San Diego’s annual festivals including the San Diego Film Festival, San Diego Latino Film Festival, and San Diego Black Film Festival.

My MoviePass Review 2015 has to include a financial breakdown on my way to #100MoviesIn2015. Three payments of \$35 is \$105. But I enticed two of my friends to become MoviePass members. MoviePass has an incentive, and you receive a \$10 credit for each new member you recommend. I received a \$20 credit. That brings the total paid down to \$85. Twenty-eight movies for \$85 isn’t bad (approx. \$3/movie), but I did better. I joined AMC’s Stubs reward program. They credit you \$10 for every \$100 you spend in tickets or concessions. I saw 21 of the 28 movies in AMC theaters for this very reason. Tickets at the two theaters are \$12.79 each. That’s about \$268 in ticket prices alone. When you include the movies that I saw with one or both of my friends and scanned my reward card with their purchases, I’ve gotten back \$40 in rewards. I’ve used it on additional tickets for people accompanying me. The \$40 rewards return ends it at \$45 for 28 movies or \$1.60 per movie. If you'd like to sign up, do so here: http://movi.ps/referral.

28 Micro Reviews

This MoviePass Review 2015 wouldn’t be complete without a list of the movies I’ve seen along with micro-reviews and ratings. I planned on getting MoviePass at the end of the previous year, so a few of the films are from 2014.

The Imitation Game – 9

Compelling story. Great acting. A story that reminds or teaches us, “Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.”

Selma – 8

Interesting story. Oleyowo brings new dimension to how MLK Jr. has been portrayed in mainstream media. Ava DuVernay & Paul Webb created a film that complicated a story that I felt like I knew.

Inherent Vice - 7.5

I’m still not completely sure of all that I watched. Funny and unsettling, PTA delivers in this Pynchon adaptation with Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, and Katherine Waterston dazzling.

Big Eyes - 7.5

Who would have thought that if Tim Burton directed a film by the writers of Problem Child (1990) and Man on the Moon (1999) it would be so exciting? It’s visually stunning and interesting.

Furious 7 - 7.5

Fast & Furious 6 (2013) was a sequel-prequel-reboot that elevated the already growing B Movie franchise to art. The art in this film is recklessness, and it has a tender heart. Exciting.

While We’re Young - 7.5

The only other film written by Baumbach that I like is The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), but this film is funny and presents an interesting debate about success and commentary on millennials.

Danny Collins – 7

Dan Fogelman’s directing debut. Pacino’s chemistry with everyone is great, especially Bening. What begins as a story on choice of an artistic path becomes a wonderful Father/Son tale of redemption.

Theory of Everything – 7

Redmayne’s Oscar was well-deserved. I’m not positive I’d ever seek this film out to ever watch it again. It’s an interesting and informational film biography whereas Imitation Game (2014) was a story.

Top Five – 7

Loose, funny, and romantic. Chris Rock has found a way to tell a story well and hits his stride as a writer/director/actor. I wish the title was riffed on for another dimension, but I can’t complain.

Get Hard – 7

It was a hilariously crude social satire filled with dramatic irony that allowed the dynamic comedic chemistry of Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell to exist together. Let’s hope these two work together again.

Focus – 7

It worked the turns well. Will Smith was in top movie star form. This romantic comedy hidden in a heist/con-artist movie was fun and occasionally thrilling.

Kingsman – 7

Samuel L. Jackson’s villain was hilarious. The silliness, including the conclusion to the climax, fit well in this very Matthew Vaughn film. The surrogate father/son story gave it heart.

El Incidente – 7

This frustratingly intriguing sci-fi film is Isaac Ezban’s first feature film. It proves him an exciting director, sharp writer, and has a concept that will fold your brain over.

Ex Machina - 7

This is how you tell a story around a thought experiment. Thrilling soundtrack. Visually intriguing. Contained and bubbling over the edges. Very well-acted and a surprisingly funny, fresh film.

Project Almanac – 6

The premise is wasted a little and the first act is too long, but it’s a fun, youthful movie. Sofia Black D’Elia was the stand out. The whole cast had chemistry. I wrote a longer review of the film here.

American Sniper – 5.5

Not Eastwood’s best. It’s never actually thrilling. Cooper works well as the unapologetically patriotic Kyle. It’s a relief when it’s over, but there are some sequences in the film which work well.

Unfriended - 5.5

The concept and ingenuity put it past many of the teen “horror” films. It’s not scary and the death scenes are silly, but commitment to the concept and anti-bullying stance make it interesting.

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies - 5.5

This trilogy would’ve been much better as a single movie or maybe two movies. Fantasy action was nice. I assume there was character development. It was visually interesting, though.

Home – 5

This was a charming children’s adventure tale. It wasn’t much more than that, but it accomplishes precisely what it wants to and brings a few laughs along the way.

The Lazarus Effect – 5

This seemed more like a two-part beginning of a television series than a film. It was interesting to watch, but ultimately didn’t end up going anywhere. The cast did a good job, though.

Hunger Games: Mockingjay, pt. 1 – 5

There was a lot of whining. Katniss wasn’t the strong symbol she’s been in the past. It wasn’t exciting, but it advanced the story. I imagine it would’ve benefited from not being a two-part finale.

50 Shades of Grey – 5

I was curious. I knew that I’d never read the book. Surprisingly competent film. The ending didn’t exist, but I’ll see the next installment since I have MoviePass.

Into the Woods - 4.5

he first half of this story is really good. The second half is super sloppy. The actors all do such a wonderful job while it’s happening, though, that it only bothered me just a bit.

The Duff – 4

Ultimately forgettable. Robbie Amell and Mae Whitman were charming. It didn’t really argue its message that well and felt like a hundred other high school movies about discovering self.

Run all Night – 4

I barely remember this sloppy story. If it had spent more time developing the characters, this could’ve been a decent movie.

Chappie – 3.5

This Die Antwoord advertisement has a talking robot and a bunch of nitwits in it. It feigns intelligence and attempts to use the soundtrack to push it forward. A bore.

It Follows – 3

This movie is piss drizzle in the pants. You keep watching it, thinking that it’ll end better than it started. It doesn’t. It never does. Boring waste of a good concept. Check out longer review here.

Jupiter Ascending – 2

I don’t know what made this film so bad. The poor story? The unexplained absence of anyone else with rocket boots? The convoluted action? The bad motivations of the characters? Disappointed.

The Boy Next Door – 0

This is the worst movie I’ve seen in a long time. It wasn’t suspenseful. It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t even sexy. It was a poor attempt to turn a tired genre on its head with bad writing and acting.

Ratings

1-3: Horrible. I regret subjecting myself to this

4-5: Just below average, but not a complete waste of time

6: I didn’t waste my time, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch it again

7-8: Accomplished what it set out to do and I’d watch it again

9-10: Nearly perfect. Highly recommend it as art

MoviePass Review 2015 Conclusion

I saw a lot of movies that I normally wouldn’t have considered. There were times when I would show up and see what was playing next. I have the goal of seeing #100MoviesIn2015 in theaters. MoviePass will definitely help save money and motivate me. I want to do it to help me understand the art form better. My MoviePass Review 2015 (so far) has been great, and I’m sure it will get even better.

A blog coming soon reviewing the second trimester of films.

20th annual Border Voices Poetry Fair

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

A morning of poetry from young students, a musical, and featuring poet Steve Kowit.

A Year in Ink

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Free. Join us for a night of poetry and prose written by San Diego writers! We will celebrate A Year in Ink VI at Inspirations Gallery during our book release tour!

Jazz Expressions

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Calling all jazz poets and musicians. Come join an exceptional group of poets and jazz musicians combining their crafts, breaking the rules, and improvising their way to new frontiers. Open for all who wish to perform.

Literature in a Time of Conflict: Evening of Israeli Poetry

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

The San Diego State University Hugh C. Hyde Living Writers Series presents "Literature in a Time of Conflict: Evening of Israeli Poetry" featuring Shimon Adaf, Haviva Pedaya, Anat Zecharya, and Tal Nitzan.

The event will take place at SDSU at Scripps Cottage (https://sunspot.sdsu.edu/map/display.cgi?new_loc_id=1047).

Locked Horn Press Reading

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

The San Diego State University Hugh C. Hyde Living Writers Series:

Editors from Locked Horn Press discuss their compilations, Gendered and Written and Read Women at SDSU in Hepner Hall, Room 206.

Lyrical Exchange: Poetry and Spoken Word

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Doors Open - 8:00 to 8:30 pm
Open Mic – 8:30 to 9:00 pm
The Cypher – 9:00 to 9:15 pm
Open Mic – 9:15 to 9:45 pm
Featured Performer – 9:45 to 10:05 pm
‘The Muse’ – 10:05 to 10:20 pm
Open Mic – 10:20 to 10:50 pm
Lyrical Exchange – 10:50 to 11:00 pm
(http://queenbeessd.com/calendar/lyrical-exchange/)

Lyrical Exchange: Poetry and Spoken Word

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Lyrical Exchange: Poetry and Spoken Word

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Neo Soul Tuesdays

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

\$5.00 before 10pm by signing the guest list.
www.Onyxroom.com
21 and over
Poetry, R&B, Soul, Emcees

Open Mic

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Tuesday night OPEN MIC with host Ricky Ruis. Come have fun with your friends and listen to some very talented folks take the stage.

Opening Reception - [UN]BOUND

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

The San Diego Public Library is pleased to partner with the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in the presentation of [UN]BOUND: Artists’ Books from the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. In 25 years of collecting, the Athenaeum artists’ book collection has grown into an important resource for artists, researchers, and presses. While portions of the collection are continually displayed for visitors in the Athenaeum’s North Reading Room and are also available for use by appointment, this exhibition provides unprecedented access to over 50 books by 36 local artists.

The artists’ books featured often push the form, employ a wide assortment of materials and methods of bookbinding, and explore varied subjects from the personal to the public. Through the outstanding collection of the Athenaeum, [UN]BOUND offers a unique opportunity to discover the book as both object and idea in the hands of San Diego artists.

The exhibit is running until April 26.

Outspoken Presents: Love Confection

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Join OutSpoken, So Say We All’s LGBTQ Storytelling Series, on Tuesday, Feb 3rd at Martinis Above 4th in Hillcrest for a Valentine’s-inspired evening of stories about romance that looked sweeter than it tasted!

\$5 suggested donation.

http://www.sosayweallonline.com/event/outspoken-presents-love-confection-6/

Pen to Paper

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Free - In the tradition of the original Brown Bag group and Thursday Writers, San Diego Writers, Ink is pleased to offer this regularly scheduled drop-in group for writers in northern San Diego where all you have to do is show up and write.

No need to pre-register, just bring your notebook and join us for an hour of free-writing fun and writerly camaraderie.

We’ll supply the prompts, you do the writing–all with pen/pencil and paper. It’s fast, it’s fun and there’s no critique. But there are always surprises.

Hosted by Diane Malloy.

http://www.sandiegowriters.org/programs/groups/north-county-brown-bag/

Poetic Brew Open Mic

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Free. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. Family Friendly Venue. Please keep it clean!

http://www.rebeccascoffeehouse.com

Poetry Ruckus With the Ruthless Hippies

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

The Ruthless Hippies are at it again: the poetry and music group, who are “are motivated by fun, art for art’s sake, community and the possibility of a cleaner world,” are once again collaborating with Ducky Waddle’s for another night of Poetry Ruckus. Ted Washington will be the evening’s guest poet. Afterwards, attendees can sign up for the open mike roster and read some of their own stuff. It’s a great chance to perform, listen, and just enjoy a night with a community of artists.

Renegade Open Mic

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

The friendliest Open Mic night in San Diego is hosted by Hub at Renegade Country every Sunday starting at 5pm. This group is for anyone interested in enjoying some live entertainment and performing live in front of an audience. All styles of music, poetry and comedy welcome. Whether seasoned professional who is honing their performance skills for the next gig, or amateur beginner who is getting used to an audience, we look forward to having you join us every Sunday evening from 5pm to 9pm on the awesome stage at the Renegade in El Cajon.

http://www.meetup.com/Open-Mic-Night-with-Hub-and-Nena/

Rhapsody Open Mic Showcase

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

\$20, Featuring Kendrick Dial & Lyrical Groove (San Diego) and African-American Shakespeare.

\$10 DISCOUNT: https://livingsocial.com/events/cities/12-san-diego/688110-rhapsody-open-mic-showcase-ticket

San Diego State University MFA 25th Anniversary Celebration

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Book Fair and MFA Alum Reading, Wednesday, February 11th from 5-6:30p.m. and MFA Faculty Reading from 7-8:30 p.m. featuring Sandra Alcosser, Sherwin Bitsui, Katie Farris, Ilya Kaminsky, and David Matlin.

The event will take place at SDSU in the Love Library, Room 430.

Southwestern College VAMP Showcase: "Borderlines"

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

The multimedia storytelling VAMP Showcase comes to the students of Southwestern College on Thursday, November 20th, featuring eight phenomenal students performing original works and their varied interpretations of the theme, "Borderlines." Come watch the next generation of writers and storytellers cut their jib! Featuring... Claire Accomando Desiree De La O Vito Di Stefano Steve Kitchens Juan Lopez Sylvia Nelson Alyssa Perez Kate Raiford Southwestern College VAMP Showcase: "Borderlines Thursday, November 20th, 7pm The Hub @ Otay Ranch Public Library 2015 Birch Rd Chula Vista, CA 91915 (619) 397-5740 Free!

Spacebar Youth Open Mic

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Free. Youth open mic!

Spoken Word and People’s Choice Poem Awards

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

San Diego performance artists Chris Mosher, Shannon Perkins and musician Nathan Hubbard will present spoken word and music. People’s Choice Poem Awards follow the performances. This interactive arts and culture experience will include wine, snacks and plenty of time to mingle. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Members are free, nonmembers are \$5 at the door, or bring wine to share and get in free.

Chris Mosher started performing in 2002. Having grown up an artist and painter, he found his voice through a plethora of emerging vocalists, improvisers, and a small group of fellow rappers, musicians, and poets. Moving up and down the coast, recording and performing with friends and on his own, he has crafted a unique and lasting persona in both the spoken word and music scene.

Shannon Perkins began performing in 2000 and quickly found herself on the San Diego Poetry Slam team the following year. As a part of multiple groups including Able Minded Poets and currently Ogd_s(11) Translation Has Failed, she has honed her craft as a performance poet. She has also shifted her attention toward visual art, featuring in galleries up and down the West Coast. Shannon was most recently featured on Ogd_s(11)’s album Falling Too Slow.

Nathan Hubbard is one of San Diego’s busiest percussionists, leading several genre-pushing groups and collaborating with many of San Diego's finest. His five-volume album set, Encinitas and Everything After, was named Best Jazz Album at the San Diego Music Awards in October 2014.

DJ Gill Sotu will also provide music. Sotu has opened for Grammy-nominated Sheila E, and partnered and performed with the San Diego Symphony. He has been commissioned to create numerous poetry pieces for the United Way of San Diego and performed for TEDx San Diego in December 2013. Sotu has been featured on NBC 7’s Art Pulse TV and was named the 2012 & 2013 San Diego RAW Performing Artist of the Year.

Writers/artists who would like to participate in the People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards can get their names in the hat ahead of time at mkklam\@gmail.com or sign in on the night of the show.

There will be goodies and wine as always. Bring beverages or snacks/desserts/dishes to share and get in free. Please contact host Michael Klam with any questions: 619-957-3264 (cell) or 619-236-0011 (museum).

Visit us online at sandiego-art.org

http://www.sandiego-art.org/73-poetry-art-with-chris-mosher-shannon-perkins-nathan-hubbard-people-s-choice-awards/show

https://www.facebook.com/events/483949905078065/?pnref=story

Sunday Sontage

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Bring your writing to Sunday Sontage on the fourth-Sunday of every month, hosted by the always welcoming Curran Jeffery. This casual and friendly drop-in group shares poetry, short prose and thoughts on the reading and writing life. If you are not a poet, bring something from a favorite author. Listeners are always welcome!

http://www.bluestockingbooks.com/newsite/events.htm?_p=Y

The Haiku Group

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

2nd Sundays. Do you want to write haiku? Join us at our monthly Haiku San Diego Meeting & Workshop. Hope to see you there! Bring a haiku for anon. craft critique. Contact Email: wordsoup1\@hotmail.com

http://javajoessd.com/

Train of Thought SD

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

\$5 Cover. 8:30p – 9:30p = Open Mic. 9:30p – 9:50p = Featured Artist. 9:50p – 11:00p = Competition. A bi-monthly open mic and competition for poets, singers, rappers, and comedians. (www.trainofthoughtsd.com).

Train of Thought SD

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

UCSD's New Writing Series: Fred Moten and Michael Palmer

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Fred Moten is author of In the Break: The Aesthetics of the Black Radical Tradition, Hughson’s Tavern, B. Jenkins, The Undercommons: Fugitive Planning and Black Study (with Stefano Harney), The Feel Trio and The Little Edges. He lives in Los Angeles and teaches at the University of California, Riverside.

Moten’s field is black study, where he works at the intersection of poetry, critical theory, and literary and performance studies. He is interested in the poetics of black social life and the social life of art.

Michael Palmer, poet and translator, has lived in San Francisco since 1969. He has worked with the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company for over forty years and has collaborated with many composers and visual artists. His most recent collections are Active Boundaries (Selected Essays and Talks), (New Directions, 2008), Madman With Broom (selected poems with Chinese translations by Yunte Huang, Oxford University Press, 2011), and Thread, (New Directions, 2011). His new book of poems, The Laughter of the Sphinx, is scheduled for publication from New Directions in 2015. He has taught at various universities in the United States, Europe and Asia, and in May of 2012 received the Arts and Letters Prize in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Previously, among other awards, he received the Shelley Memorial Prize from the Poetry Society of America, the Wallace Stevens Prize from the Academy of American Poets and a Guggenheim Fellowship. From 1999 to 2004 he was a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. His work has been translated into over thirty languages.

UCSD's New Writing Series: Harold Abromowitz and Amanda Ackerman

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

Harold Abramowitz is a writer and editor from Los Angeles. His books include Blind Spot (forthcoming from Les Figues Press), Man’s Wars And Wickedness: A Book of Proposed Remedies & Extreme Formulations for Curing Hostility, Rivalry, & Ill-Will (with Amanda Ackerman, forthcoming from Bon Aire Projects), UNFO Burns A Million Dollars (with Amanda Ackerman, Gauss PDF), Not Blessed (Les Figues Press), and Dear Dearly Departed (Palm Press). He has contributed, alone and collaboratively, to various publications and anthologies, including Fold Appropriate Text, P-Queue, Ixnay Reader, String of Small Machines, Area Sneaks, A Sing Economy, The Physical Poets Volume 2, Moonlit, sidebrow, Source Material: A Journal of Appropriated Text, Sand, Abraham Lincoln, Aufgabe, MATERIAL, West Wind Review, and LIT. Harold co-edits the short-form literary press eohippus labs (www.eohippuslabs.com) and writes and edits as part of the collaborative projects, SAM OR SAMANTHA YAMS and UNFO.

Amanda Ackerman is the author of the chapbooks The Seasons Cemented (Hex Presse), I Fell in Love with a Monster Truck (Insert Press Parrot #8), and Short Stones (Dancing Girl Press). She has co-authored Sin is to Celebration (House Press), the Gauss PDF UNFO Burns a Million Dollars, and the forthcoming novel Man’s Wars And Wickedness (Bon Aire Projects). She is co-publisher and co-editor of the press eohippus labs. She also writes collaboratively as part of the projects SAM OR SAMANTHA YAMS and UNFO. Her book The Book of Feral Flora is forthcoming from Les Figues press.

UCSD's New Writing Series: Peter Middleton

2015-04-11T18:08:00-07:00

UCSD's New Writing Series is excited to announce an upcoming reading from Peter Middleton. The reading will take place Wednesday, January 21st at 4:30 pm in the Visual Arts Performance Space (SME 149).

It is FREE and open to the public.

Peter Middleton is the author of the forthcoming Physics Envy (Chicago), a book about American poetry and science in the Cold War due to appear later in 2015. He is also the author of books on poetry and performance, a co-authored book on memory, and a study of masculinity, as well as many essays on modern poetry, and on literature and science, including climate change. He is currently the Secretary of the British Society for Literature and Science. Educated in both the United Kingdom and the United States, he is a Professor of English at the University of Southampton, UK.

"What role does poetry play in public life? This question has led my research for many years. I have studied poetry performance, the gender politics of poetry, poetry as cultural memory, the role of little magazines, changing readerships, and most recently the interplay between poetry and science. Given the rigor required by scientific research, what possible use is a form of writing not grounded in exact knowledge other than as a cheerleader or critic on the sidelines? Recently I have been working with clinical researchers who are challenging the dogma that DNA is our medical fate. They are finding signs that the actions of the genes can be altered by environmental factors, alterations that may even last for generations. We appear to be on the verge of a new era of genetic medicine or epigenetics. Can poetry play any part in this? My talk explores the contribution that poetry can make to the wider public assessment of the linguistic, metaphorical, cultural, and ethical implications of such developments."

For more information and directions, visit:

http://literature.ucsd.edu/news-events/new-writing-series/nws-winter2015.html

or e-mail Kim Schreiber: kaschrei\@ucsd.edu

https://www.facebook.com/events/1521167584811845/?ref=4

Unsolicited Review - It Follows

2015-04-11T15:42:00-07:00

It follows indeed. I now have Movie Pass (a card that allows you to see unlimited movies for \$30/month – http://movi.ps/referral). I love it. I’ve seen loads of movies this year. It Follows is the most recent. These micro reviews of the films’ storytelling are a way to catalog what I've seen and what I think about story. I dash them off. If you want to talk about the film, feel free to comment.

It Follows Review

It Follows was absolutely boring and a complete waste of a wonderful concept. There’s so little actual conflict. There is a lot of driving away. How terrifying is a monster that you can hop on a plane and fly away from? There’s no escalation of the stakes because there’s no logical plan to stop “the entity” because the entity is vaguely setup and few “rules” are ever established for how it functions. Sure, it follows you and it kills you. Is it punishment for sleeping with the wrong mate? Maybe. The first victim’s leg is broken and her neck snapped. The guy who gives it to Jay (protagonist) says “don’t let it touch you.” Yet, it grabs Jay no less than three times and she is fine. The second guy, Greg, was incestuously raped to death. It follows you only by walking. Maybe it can even walk into the water or over an ocean. Who knows? At the climax of It Follows, we learn that the entity is sentient and can form plans. Yes, that’s correct; we learn a critical ability of the man antagonist only near the end. The rest of the film it mindlessly shuffles. Oh, and it throws rocks in windows when it can’t open a door. Sometimes it takes on the appearance of people you know or love. Note: There is absolutely no emotional resonance for the appearance it takes during the climax. Why? We hadn't learned anything previously about that person. That’s poor storytelling.

[caption id="attachment_100299" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Never enter a place with one exit[/caption]

Interpreting It Follows

What if it wasn’t about the entity, and what follows is supposed to serve as a larger metaphor. Well, it’s a poorly articulated metaphor. Sex Follows: Don’t have casual sex because it follows you everywhere you go. Eventually it destroys you. It will destroy your sexual partners along the way. Poor Decisions Follow: Don’t make decisions in the moment. Important decisions will follow you your entire life. They will hurt people along the way. Maybe it’s just social commentary: In our culture, decisions are made too casually. These decisions, like sex, have implications beyond the present. We also hurt the ones closest to us. I would get into the possible romantic metaphors, but I’ll leave that to a Red Pill / Alpha Male blogger. I wouldn’t bet money on any of those interpretations because of the fatalistic ending. Most reviewers stretch the vague rhetorical implications of the film to fit their own agenda or lens.

[caption id="attachment_100300" align="aligncenter" width="300"] We've never seen a woman punished for her sexual choices before in film, so that was a great twist[/caption]

Learning from It Follows

I don’t want this to be merely a rant of why I didn’t like It Follows. It could’ve improved by crafting sequences that actually had conflict. One solution is to take away driving or biking away as an option. It was fine for that to happen the first time, but you want conflict to escalate. Imagine if the car had broken down. Then Jay would’ve been stuck running, which is way more dream-like. It also would’ve forced her to come up with more creative ways to stop the entity. I’m sorry, but trying to shoot it? On three separate occasions?!?! It didn’t work the first time! It’s not going to work the second or third times!! Insanity. Also, running upstairs to escape is never a good idea. Another thing that would’ve improved the story is clear rules for the entity. Let’s go back to the car issue. This is a trickster ghoul. It’s intelligent enough to appear as people you may know. It knows not to fall for the idiotic trap they set at the climax. It can break through windows and attack people that don’t see it. Apparently, it’s not smart enough to flatten tires. Imagine Jay getting into a car and trying to drive off, but the tires are flat, so she has to slowly drive in car on flat tires while it follows in the rearview. There weren’t enough well-crafted obstacles in the film. Imagine a policeman pulling Jay over. The entity approaches as she talks to the officer. She freaks out. He can’t see it. He handcuffs her to restrain her and it is approaching during this entire sequence. It’s nerve-wracking! Why? because she has two antagonists agitating the scene from two different worlds. There’s an immediate threat and a larger one more present. This story only dealt with the larger threat and gave easy outs. There’s nothing suspenseful about being able to drive away from your threat. You could even bike away, or run, or jog, or skip. The first victim we see die, died only because she gave up. I suppose I should say something nice about it. Coming of age is important It was wise to use characters at the end of their teenage years. It was interesting visually. The rig used in Jay’s introduction was good. The 360 spin in the school and the choice to use lots of wide shots was a good one. The naked man standing on the roof scene was also creepy. The attempt to set the film in an indiscriminate era was good, but it just looked like the early 1990’s with cheap eReaders to me. The color grading was a good choice, though. I hope Unfriended doesn’t disappoint me as much as It Follows.

This film has become a sort of critical indie horror darling. It’s praised for its originality and intelligence. I guess the horror genre is so piss poor these days that most people are easily impressed, especially when Dostoyevsky and T.S. Eliot are referenced. I wish Roger Ebert was still alive.

[caption id="attachment_100301" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Wouldn't locking the doors of the car and explaining the rules to her have sufficed?[/caption]

It Follows Rating: 2.5 out of 10

1-3: Horrible. I regret subjecting myself to this

4-5: Just below average, but not a complete waste of time

6: I didn’t waste my time, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch it again

7-8: Accomplished what it set out to do and I’d watch it again

9-10: Nearly perfect. Highly recommend it as art

Arts & Entertainment Industry Mixer

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Artists, filmmakers, musicians, actors, performers, poets, fashion designers, promoters, arts-related non-profits and for-profits! Make contacts, socialize and have fun.

NO COVER.

FREE beer and sangria.

https://www.facebook.com/events/447044538779771/

Lyrical Exchange Open Mic

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

http://queenbeessd.com/calendar/lyrical-exchange/

\$5.00 – All Ages
Poetry, Musical Acts, Comedy

Open Mic Poetry Reading (San Diego Writers, Ink)

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Come share some poetry. We will have poems about the current art show “The Four Seasons” but we also welcome your poetry at our open mic.

\$5 suggested donation

http://www.sandiegowriters.org/0125-art-reception-poetry-reading-open-mic/

Poetic Brew Open Mic

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Free. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. Family Friendly Venue. Please keep it clean! (http://www.rebeccascoffeehouse.com)

Poetry & Art Series 2015 Presents SDSU's Poetry International and 25th MFA Anniversary Plus People's Choice Poem Performance Award

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Poetry & Art Series 2015 presents SDSU’s Poetry International and 25th MFA Anniversary. People’s Choice Poem Awards follow the performances. This interactive arts and culture experience will include wine, snacks and plenty of time to mingle. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Members are free, nonmembers are \$5 at the door, or bring wine to share and get in free. The event takes place in the Museum of the Living Artist, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park.

Poetry International is an annual literary journal published by SDSU with Ilya Kaminsky as editor-in-chief. SDSU’s MFA program is celebrating its 25th year. Alumni and current scholars will read from their original work at Poetry & Art.

http://poetryinternational.sdsu.edu/

Writers/artists who would like to participate in the People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards can get their names in the hat ahead of time at mkklam\@gmail.com or sign in on the night of the show.

Visit us online at sandiego-art.org.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/830774156990367/

Music by DJ Barry Thomas
Hosted by Michael Klam
For more info or to sign up email mkklam\@gmail.com, call or text (619) 957-3264.

\$5 or free when you bring snacks or a bottle of wine to share.

Poetry in Music, Music in Poetry

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Chris Lee and Colleen O'Brien, who form the musical duo Primal Mates, offer a unique program combining jazz with poetry ranging from Shakespeare to Kerouac. Free.

http://www.primalmates.com/?p=3

Poetry Ruckus

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

The Poetry Ruckus @ The Duck is a monthly poetry event that features local poets reading their work and always features a Special Guest Poet. If you would like to participate and be added to our performance roster, email Michael, ruthlesshippies\@gmail.com

There is no admission charge but we ask for a small donation to help offset our expenses.

Poetry Ruckus

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

There is no admission charge but we ask for a small donation to help offset our expenses.

Poetry Ruckus featuring Jim Moreno

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Hey poetry fans, we’ve got a treat for you coming up next Wednesday (1/21/15) at Ducky Waddle’s Emporium (414 N Coast Hwy 101). The one and only Jim Moreno will be guest reading at the Poetry Ruckus on the night of his 67th birthday!

Jim is a dynamic poet whose revolutionary verse calls for action and social justice. Transcending politics, his poetry comes from the heart and yearns for a more humane society. This will be his second guest appearance at the Ruckus.

Also, Jim Moreno is on the Advisory Board of the Poetic Medicine Institute of Palo Alto, California and a Regional Editor of the San Diego Poetry Annual. He is a Teaching Artist with Young Audiences of San Diego and the Point Loma Arts Academy. Jim is the Resident Poet for the Juvenile Court & Community Schools and was an original member of the Langston Hughes Poetry Circle. Moreno is the author of “Dancing In Dissent”, (Dolphin Calling Press, 2007) and two cd’s of music and poetry. He hosts “2nd Tuesday— Jihmye Poetry” at the Cafe Cabaret on Adams Ave., and is in post production for his radio show “The Poetry Cafe” to be aired on KNSJ, 89.1 FM & KNSJ.org.

So come check it out people! Let’s make this a great birthday party for an awesome local poet who gives much the community through his words and efforts. The doors open at 7, open poetry starts 7:30 and Jim takes the stage at 9 PM.

http://ruthlesshippies.org/2015/01/13/jim-moreno-to-rock-the-ruckus-12115/

Reading with Howard Pflanzer, Sandra Doller, and Other Poets (San Diego Writers, Ink)

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Join us for a night of poetry!

Howard Pflanzer will read from “Dead Birds or Avian Blues.”

Howard Pflanzer is a poet and playwright. He has performed his edgy short poetic plays and poetry, Dead Birds or Avian Blues, (published by Fly By Night Press in 2011) at KGB, The Living Theatre, Theaterlab, A Gathering of the Tribes, LaMaMa and the Cornelia Street Café in New York.

His hybrid performance piece, Walt Whitman Opera, adapted from Whitman’s poetry with music by Constance Cooper, was presented at the undergroundzero festival in New York this past July. Featured poet in November 2013 of The Poetry Company. Fulbright Scholar in theatre (spring 2003) in India where he directed the world premiere of The Terrorist at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai.

His award winning plays and musicals have been performed at LaMaMa (The House of Nancy Dunn with Steve Weisberg/Andy Craft), Playwrights Horizons, Symphony Space, Medicine Show, Kraine Theater (Cocaine Dreams), The Living Theatre and broadcast over WBAI and WNYC FM.

His multi-media theatre piece, Alien, created in collaboration with Teatr Palmera Eldritcha in Poland was presented at the 2011 Malta International Theatre Festival. Winner of a Play Commission in Jewish Theatre from NFJC (Jersey Nights at Medicine Show), a NYFA Playwriting Fellowship, two ASCAP Awards, a Puffin Foundation grant and co-winner of an NEA Media Arts grant for the opera, Dream Beach (with Michael Sahl). Residencies: VCCA, Ragdale Foundation and Fundacion Valparaiso. MFA (Yale School of Drama).

Sandra Doller is the author of four books, most recently Leave Your Body Behind from Les Figues Press. Her other books include Oriflamme, Chora (both from Ahsahta Press), Man Years (Subito Press), two chapbooks, and a collaboration on Editions Eclipse. Doller’s poems, translations, collaborations, and essays frequently appear in literary venues of all sorts, includingJubilat, Coconut, &Now Awards, Poets on Teaching, and Evening Will Come. The recipient of a Paul Engle-James Michener Fellowship, an Iowa Arts Fellowship, and two state arts awards, Doller completed her MFA in Poetry at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and her MA in Humanities at the University of Chicago. The founder & editrice of 1913 a journal of forms/1913 Press, Doller is currently Associate Professor of Literature & Writing Studies at Cal State University-San Marcos.

\$5 suggested donation

http://www.sandiegowriters.org/0116-reading-with-howard-pflanzer-and-other-poets/

Rebecca's Coffee House Open Mic

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Free - All Ages
Poetry, Spoken Word (Clean Content)

Rebecca's Coffee House Open Mic

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Free. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. Family friendly venue. Please keep it clean! (http://www.rebeccascoffeehouse.com)

Ringing in the New Year - Storytellers of San Diego

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Celebrate your New Year with a story. Join members of Storytellers of San Diego for an evening of memoirs from bygone New Years and folk tales inspired by this year of the Sheep/Goat/Ram.

Free; donations welcome. Ages 12 and up.

http://www.storytellersofsandiego.org/events.html

Ruthless Hippies Presents: The Poetry Ruckus

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

7-9:30 PM once a month on an ever shifting Wednesday night. Check blog for current schedule. E-mail ruthlesshippies\@gmail.com to read or just sign up when you arrive – FREE to enter – please buy something awesome from the Duck if you enjoy the show.

http://ruthlesshippies.org/events-of-the-month/

Third Sunday Poetry

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Third Sunday Poetry at Java Joe's. javajoes91\@gmail.com

Thursday Writers

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

\$5 - Drop in for a lively and fast-paced writing practice session where you can expect evocative prompts to get your pen moving, focused time for writing and a safe and friendly community of like-minded writers. Bring your notebooks and a friend and join us.

Hosted by Steve Montgomery and Judy Reeves.

http://www.sandiegowriters.org/programs/groups/thursday-writers/

Train of Thought Podcast

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Train of Thought Podcast is a living room style podcast where we interview artists, musicians, poets, entrepreneurs and other passionate people about how they navigate the five components of a balanced life: Relationships, Career, Health, Finance, & Community.

Our aim is focused on but is not limited to the minority community; what inspires us, what are our obstacles, and who can we emulate to achieve our dreams. Humorous, thought provoking, informative and often down right ridiculous, Train of Thought will soon be, if not already, your favorite podcast!

http://www.gillsotu.com/podcast

UCSD's New Writing Series: Lenelle Moïse and Corrine Goria

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Lenelle Moïse is a traveling poet, playwright, musician and the author of Haiti Glass (City Lights/Sister Spit). She is a Next Voices Fellow at New Repertory Theatre and a Huntington Theatre Company Playwriting Fellow. Her two-act comedy, Merit, won the 2012 Ruby Prize. She also wrote, composed, and co-starred in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway drama Expatriate. Her other plays includeThe Many Faces of Nia, Matermorphosis, Cornered in the Darkand K.I.S.S.I.N.G. (commissioned by the Clark University Department of Theatre). Moïse was the fifth Poet Laureate of Northampton, Massachusetts. Her writing has been featured in several magazines and anthologies, including Word Warriors: 35 Women Leaders in the Spoken Word Revolution. She has received awards, residencies and/or commissions from the Gaea Foundation, Southern Rep, Kitchen Theatre Company, Hedgebrook, Astraea, Northwestern University, UT Austin, and the Black Women Playwrights’ Group. For more information, visit http://www.lenellemoise.com

Corinne Goria is a writer and lawyer. Her fiction has appeared in The Silent History, AWP Conference, &Now Festival, The San Diego Writers Anthology, and other publications. She is Assistant Editor of Underground America: Narratives of Undocumented Lives (McSweeney’s 2008), a collection of oral histories from undocumented immigrants. Her book Invisible Hands: Voices from the Global Economy, was published in 2014 and was described by Kirkus Reviews as a “powerful and revealing testimony to the injustices of manual labor, infused with inspiration for global change." Invisible Hands has been featured in The Huffington Post, Mother Jones, Truthout, Yes Magazine, and McSweeney’s and is currently being taught in colleges and universities throughout the U.S.

UCSD's New Writing Series: Sandra Doller and Camille Forbes

2015-04-11T06:08:00-07:00

Sandra Doller is the author of four books, most recently Leave Your Body Behind from Les Figues (January 2015). Her poems, translations, collaborations, and essays frequently appear in literary venues of all sorts, including Jubilat, Fairy Tale Review, Dusie, Noo, Coconut, &Now Awards, Poets on Teaching, and Evening Will Come. The recipient of a Paul Engle-James Michener Fellowship, an Iowa Arts Fellowship, and two state arts awards, Doller completed her MFA in Poetry at the Iowa Writers' Workshop and her MA in Humanities at the University of Chicago. The founder & editrice of 1913 a journal of forms/1913 Press, Doller is currently Associate Professor of Literature & Writing Studies at Cal State University-San Marcos in San Diego.

Camille F. Forbes holds a PhD in History of American Civilization from Harvard University. Her first monograph, Introducing Bert Williams: Burnt Cork, Broadway, and The Story of America's First Black Star, is a critical biography of 19th-century black Bahamian comedian, Egbert A. Williams. Her current work in progress, Minding the Territory, is a historical novel set during the Civil War, which traces the fortunes and misfortunes of a young in slave woman. Dr. Forbes's life in performance has been varied, taking her from standup comedy acts in Boston to her one-woman stage piece, "Tales of Suburban Squalor." An associate professor of Literature at UC San Diego, Dr. Forbes currently teaches courses in fiction and nonfiction writing, as well as standup comedy.

Unsolicited Review - Project Almanac

2015-02-01T01:12:00-08:00

I now have Movie Pass (a card that allows you to see unlimited movies for \$30/month - http://movi.ps/referral). I love it. I've seen loads of movies in the last month. Project Almanac is the most recent. These micro reviews of the films' storytelling are a way to catalog what I've seen and think about story. I dash them off. If you want to talk about the film, feel free to comment.

Project Almanac Review

Aside from a rocky beginning with a ridiculously long first act, Project Almanac was successful. More laughs in the beginning of the 2nd act would’ve made the fun and games more exciting. There was also barely any conflict for the majority of the movie. I would’ve liked to see more shaved from the first act and more time spent in Project Almanac’s rich area of potential conflict. The third act was rushed and barely existed. The ending was well done, though. Project Almanac will inevitably draw comparisons to earlier MTV Films teen sci-fi film Chronicle. But Chronicle gave its actors a stronger script that focused on conflict, so the drama was more compelling. Project Almanac could’ve easily had that drama, but it might’ve pandered too much to its teenage crowd. Oh, and that Microsoft product placement. I assume we will see more of that in the future. Overall, I’d recommend the film as a teen sci-fi popcorn flick for those who just want to have fun. There is a particularly touching scene in the third act.

Why did they...

Choose found footage as the way to tell this story? It might've worked better and avoided some of the comparisons without that choice.
Not use the father/son element as a way to drive the protagonist's goal?
Not explore the title "Project Almanac" more in the film? It's the title of the project, but "second chances" wasn't enough to make sense.
Avoid ALL conflict for the first two-thirds of the film? Would've been stronger if "the rule" was broken earlier with smaller consequences building.

Project Almanac Rating: 6 out of 10

1-3: Horrible. I regret subjecting myself to this

4-5: Just below average, but not a complete waste of time

6: I didn't waste my time, but I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again

7-8: Accomplished what it set out to do and I'd watch it again

9-10: Nearly perfect. Highly recommend it as art

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Cast of Project Almanac[/caption]

Free Crunchyroll Guest Pass

2015-01-02T12:17:00-08:00

Remember: first come, first serve.

January: http://www.crunchyroll.com/guest_pass?code=3MXGJ8RY3HW

February: http://www.crunchyroll.com/guest_pass?code=D7RECEDDB4R

It's a free Crunchyroll guest pass. You can watch licensed anime (legally) for free. Enjoy!

I'd highly recommend Kids on the Slope, Attack on Titan, and Skip Beat.

I super recommend Kids on the Slope if you like Jazz music or Murakami's Norwegian Wood.

If you claim the code, please comment so people know that it's taken. Also be sure to follow me on Twitter \@parteverything.

(Note: I update the above link each time I get a free crunchyroll guest pass. This usually occurs every 30 days, but sometimes I get multiple passes. In which case, I post one here and share the other via my Twitter: \@parteverything. Again, I highly recommend Kids on the Slope. It's so understated and great!)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="469"] free crunchyroll guest pass[/caption]

The 3d Annual Super Epic Christmas Fiesta

2014-12-06T15:08:00-08:00

You are all invited to our 3d Annual Christmas Fiesta. It's a potluck, so try to bring something savory delicious or filled with sugar, or just bring your beautiful mooch face. Also bring a wrapped gift worth \$5 if you wanna get down on some white elephant. Hope to see you all here!!! Like always, invite friends and family if we haven't already. Cheers for baby Jesus.

http://www.facebook.com/events/307721342759953/

Pirate Santa: Rum & Plunder

2014-12-05T15:08:00-08:00

the game is simple. white elephant. naughty christmas. santa's nickerbottoms. whatever you want to call it.

basically, come with a wrapped gift in the \$5-10 range in worth (it could be homemade). at some point in the night we will declare white elephant time and the game will commence.

optional: bring an ornament to hang on our tree. we have none... :(

attire: cocktail (i.e. sweaters, ugly christmas sweaters, dresses, ties, no ties, naked etc.)

food: we will have some snacks/appetizers, but it would be awesome if you all brought stuff to share too.

drinks: we will have some stuff, but, again, byob if you're a picky freak. in other words, bring something to share, or you will be scoffed at.

after naughty santa, we will probably continue to consume beverages. it has been a loooooong semester for many of us. then, we will most likely head to the nearest adult watering hole to keep our throats slick with social lubrication.

cheers!

ari and garrett

http://www.facebook.com/events/1018588584824091/

9 YEAR Anniversary! MayStar'sFASHIONWHORE: holiday shopping event & fashion show

2014-12-03T03:08:00-08:00

RSVP: secretviplist\@gmail.com for FREE TICKETS
(Free tickets are valid before 9pm, You must pay \$5 at the door after.)

December 13th is the 9 YEAR anniversary of what was originally called "MayStar's FASHION WHORE: discotheque & fashion show" (with midnight shopping). We started in December of 2005!

**HOLIDAY TRUNK SHOW/SHOPPING EVENT
** & A FASHION SHOW!

From approx 8pm to 10:30pm

GUEST DESIGNER coming all the way FROM MARYLAND!! SPECIAL GUEST DJ!

Kiss of Doom (Maryland)
Miss Alphabet (Central CA)
Pop Creations (LA)
Skates Johnson (SD)

Produced & organized by May Star

DJs SPEAKERGHOST & possibly VOLZ

MC Chantal Barron & Alexx Absolute

Holiday Trunk show by:
Creature Cult
Miss Alphabet
Macy Daisy
Devin Jaramillo
Shleee Polish! by Ashley Lindroth
& more TBA

Birthday for Chuy Fresno

21+
at U-31

http://www.facebook.com/events/1383345328625249/

2014 Watering Hole Retreat - SAVE THE DATE!! (Private Page)

2014-11-20T18:38:00-08:00

This year will be bigger and better. We return to Santee State Park in beautiful South Carolina for our 2nd Annual Writer's Retreat, Dec. 26 to Dec. 30. There will be writer's workshops, more activities, and alternative learning!

***NAACP Image Award winner and Kentucky Poet Laureate Frank X. Walker
***2-time National Slam Champion Roger Bonair-Agard
***poetry editor of African Voice literary Magazine Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie

Submissions due Friday, Oct. 25.

Iam Candace and Monifa Lemons Jackson

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Critique Services

2013-06-15T00:44:00-07:00

Events

2013-05-19T00:41:00-07:00

See current events here

Past Events

Year	Date	Time	Location	Event
2022	Sunday MAY 8	12PM	Downtown BART Plaza in Berkeley	Outdoor Bay Area Book Festival: Poets on the Plaza
2022	Saturday MAY 7	2PM	Syzygy in San Francisco	Art Salon: Process
2022	Tuesday MAY 3	10AM	Facebook	Guest on The JoJo Show - Watch
2022	Tuesday APR 26	4PM	Zoom	NCLR Poetry by North Carolina Expatriates
2022	Friday APR 22	7PM	Manny's in San Francisco	Host of the The Living Room Reading Series & Salon - Watch
2022	Monday APR 4	6PM	Medicine for Nightmares in San Francisco	Better Ancestors - Watch
2022	Sunday FEB 27	3PM	Zoom	FLP Poets: Black History Black Futures - Watch
2022	Wednesday FEB 23	12pm	City Hall in San Francisco	Roundtable with Congressional Economic Disparity & Fairness in Growth Committee - Watch
2021	Tuesday DEC 14	7PM	The Little Shamrock in San Francisco	California is Going to Hell Realease
2021	Tuesday DEC 7	7PM	The Sycamore in San Francisco	The Racket: Holiday
2021	Tuesday NOV 2	10:30AM	City Hall in San Francisco	Strategies to Advance Economic Inclusion Panel - Watch
2021	Saturday OCT 30	7PM	Martuni's in San Francisco	October Literary Speakeasy
2021	Saturday OCT 23	6:30PM	Make-Out Room in San Francisco	Lit Crawl: Cleavage Collective
2021	Saturday OCT 16	3PM	Zoom	Litquake Elder Project Showcase - Watch
2021	Mondays OCT 11	12:30PM	Zoom	The Craft of Poetry 6 Weeks
2021	Monday OCT 4	6PM	Zoom	Better Ancestors - Watch
2021	Saturday SEP 25	2PM	Downtown Plaza in Mountainview, CA	Basic Income March - Watch
2021	Tuesday SEP 21	6PM	Green Apple Books in San Francisco	Familial Animals Release - Watch
2021	Tuesday SEP 14	7:30PM	Make-Out Room in San Francisco	Happy Endings: Fruitful Labors
2021	Saturday SEP 4	5PM	My Place Cafe in Pasadena, CA	Labor Day Special - Watch

One Art | Elizabeth Bishop

2013-05-12T12:41:00-07:00

One Art | Elizabeth Bishop

The art of losing isn’t hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother’s watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn’t a disaster.

—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident
the art of losing’s not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

I think it's fitting that I post this on Mother's Day. Loss is the most universal, prevalent, primal feeling human’s experience. Some might say it is love, but I would argue that we’re keenly aware when we lose something and may not be aware when we love something (or someone). Combine that with a masterful, seamless poetic display in one of the most difficult verse forms to master in English (that isn’t redundant game-playing-- I'm looking at you sestina) and you will have what I might consider the best poem I’ve ever read, Elizabeth Bishop’s “One Art.” It’s so unassuming, so simple, yet so complex. Hearing this poem read aloud for the first time in a Forms of Poetry classroom read wonderfully by Poet/Professor Michael White changed my life. Not in one of those hyperbolic, 21^st^ century teenager ways either. Before that class I was more interested in poetry as expression, poetry as philosophy, and, mostly, poetry as performance. I wanted to cry after he finished reading it. It was a release. Later, re-reading it, I did cry. I became obsessed with Bishop afterwards; I fell in love with the dead lesbian who shook me into wanting to become the poet that I want to be. I devoured everything: her poems, prose, biography, art, and letters. I saved bits of each, so that I might one day discover something “new.” So I may be a bit bias. To the point, “One Art” is a villanelle. If you think about Bishop’s biography, then this poem is usually connected to her time abroad in Brazil, her mother’s insanity and later death, her return to America from Brazil, an ex-lover’s (Lota de Macedo Soares’) suicide, and an estrangement from a young lover, Alice Methfessel. I believe the poem is about all of these things and none of them. It’s a writing through, universal sort of poem that requires no context, but becomes even richer once you have it. “One Art” is from Bishop’s final collection, Geography III.

Red Like Our Room Used to Feel

2013-05-06T05:05:00-07:00

So first off, the website went down during April. I was in the process of moving hosts and screwed up. I wasn't able to take the time to get it back up until now. Meaning, the NPM posts I had planned never happened. I think I'll just randomly post some of the choices. In the meantime, here's a spoken word album that's inspired me to do something similar (hopefully) in the next few weeks and post it online:

Enjoy. Learn more about Ryan Van Winkle.

Second Glance at a Jaguar - Ted Hughes

2013-04-02T16:20:00-07:00

Second Glance at Jaguar | Ted Hughes

Skinful of bowls, he bowls them,
The hip going in and out of joint, dropping the spine
With the urgency of his hurry
Like a cat going along under thrown stones, under cover,
Glancing sideways, running
Under his spine. A terrible, stump-legged waddle
Like a thick Aztec disemboweller,
Club-swinging, trying to grind some square
Socket between his hind legs round,
Carrying his head like a brazier of spilling embers,
And the black bit of his mouth, he takes it
Between his back teeth, he has to wear his skin out,
He swipes a lap at the water-trough as he turns,
Swiveling the ball of his heel on the polished spot,
Showing his belly like a butterfly
At every stride he has to turn a corner
In himself and correct it. His head
Is like the worn down stump of another whole jaguar,
His body is just the engine shoving it forward,
Lifting the air up and shoving on under,
The weight of his fangs hanging the mouth open,
Bottom jaw combing the ground. A gorged look,
Gangster, club-tail lumped along behind gracelessly,
He's wearing himself to heavy ovals,
Muttering some mantra, some drum-song of murder
To keep his rage brightening, making his skin
Intolerable, spurred by the rosettes, the cain-brands,
Wearing the spots from the inside,
Rounding some revenge. Going like a prayer-wheel,
The head dragging forward, the body keeping up,
The hind legs lagging. He coils, he flourishes
The blackjack tail as if looking for a target,
Hurrying through the underworld, soundless.

On Second Glance at a Jaguar

"Second Glance at a Jaguar" is probably my favorite Ted Hughes poem. It captures the raw, animal rhythms of his poetry. It has great imagery. "Second Glance at a Jaguar" revisits a poem, "Jaguar," from his first collection The Hawk in the Rain. The first jaguar poem is about how animals in a zoo are so depressed, caged in slots and separated, but content with it except the Jaguar who "... hurrying enraged / Through prison darkness after the drills of his eyes // On a short fierce fuse." Hughes is almost certainly making a connection to humanity in that poem. This second jaguar poem is all about those moments, those movements. He's pacing as if he's plotting, as if his refusal to grow weary is an act of rebellion. Hughes said that poems are like animals; he addresses this in another poem. He wrote a lot about animals and many times as a way to talk about humanity.

There's no legal copy of Ted Hughes reading "Second Glance at a Jaguar" online. You'll have to buy the wonderful CD, Ted Hughes Reading His Poetry to hear it. But here's Seamus Heaney reading "The Thought Fox" by Ted Hughes.

A More Academic Way of Discussing Second Glance at a Jaguar

“Second Glance at a Jaguar” is a 33 line consonantal or alliterative accentual verse poem. It is written with a large influence of the Anglo-Saxon and Old English traditions. It is also very aware of the Modern relative stress principle and the limitations of the English language in the approach of a more Germanic prosody. The jaguar can also be seen as a direct metaphor for Hughes’ own relationship with poetics in his contemporary landscape.

In “Imagining Ted Hughes,” scholar Ryan Hibbett briefly analyzes the authorship of Hughes and his “place in English poetry” (Hibbett, 416). Early on, Hibbett quotes Hughes who wrote, “I think of poems as a sort of animal. They have their own life, like animals, by which I mean that they seem quite separate from any person, even from their author” (Hibbett, 417). Hibbett then writes that “characterizes poetry as fragile—in danger of disappearing at the slightest intervention” (Hibbett, 417). This is precisely the anxiety which Hughes uses the jaguar in “Second Glance at a Jaguar” to write about. The animal in this piece is the animal of poetry. The kind of poetry represented by the jaguar is primal. It is primal and caged, caged externally—behind bars—and internally—beneath its own skin. For the purposes of this examination, the bars can be compared to the constraints of the classical approach to measuring meter in modern English poetry. The jaguar, or Hughes’ poetry, does not seek to be limited by the accentual syllabic foot. It’s something that Seamus Heaney noted in a 1979 interview:

Hughes’ voice, I think, is in rebellion against a certain kind of demeaned, mannerly voice. It’s a voice that has no truck with irony because his dialect is not like that … I think Hughes’ great cry and call and bawl is that the English language and English poetry is longer and deeper and rougher than that … It’s a form of calling out for more …

(Shapiro, 108)

In the earlier poem, “The Jaguar,” Hughes writes about a group of caged animals in a zoo who are listlessly on display: “apes yawn,” tigers and lions are “fatigued with indolence,” and the boa constrictor “is a fossil” (Selected, 4). The patrons in the zoo, however, all “crowd” to witness the jaguar who “on a short fierce fuse” acts as if “there’s no cage to him” and “his stride is wildernesses of freedom” (Selected, 5). The first half of that poem is mostly hexametric and consists of iambs or trochees with a few substitutions while the second half is very irregular with clusters of strong stresses. The jaguar is a primal animal, and since Hughes is searching for that “rougher and deeper” primal urgency, his choice of the jaguar is purposeful. There is a “close symbolic relationship between the jaguar, social status, warfare, and the wielding of spiritual and political power by shamans and chiefs” in Central and South America (Saunders, 107). This becomes the setup of the later poem and an introduction to Hughes’ aesthetics which are deeply rooted in mythology. He uses “Second Glance at Jaguar” to extend this metaphor through imagery and concept.

“Second Glance at a Jaguar” is a poem of transformation. There is the transformation in imagery of a pacing jaguar in a cage becoming a ceremonial Aztec warrior. There is the transformation in the alternating line lengths in the un-stanza’d couplets moving mostly from fewer stresses to more stresses to balance a ten stress unit. The language transforms; it mixes the origins of the English language with its Modern incarnation through musical and poetic devices. This poem is ultimately successful because it transforms, if interpreted in its own terms, the possibilities of how contemporary poetry can be read and written. This is only an excerpt from a longer paper. If you'd like to read that analysis of the poem, please e-mail me poet[at]kevindublin.com. I can also send along the linked articles.

Spring - Gerard Manley Hopkins

2013-04-01T21:00:00-07:00

Nothing is so beautiful as Spring ——
   When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush;
   Thrush’s eggs look little low heavens, and thrush
Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring
The ear, it strikes like lightnings to hear him sing;
   The glassy peartree leaves and blooms, they brush
   The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush
With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling.

What is all this juice and all this joy?
A strain of the earth’s sweet being in the beginning
In Eden garden. – Have, get, before it cloy,

Before it cloud, Christ, lord, and sour with sinning,
Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy,
Most, O maid’s child, thy choice and worthy the winning.

#Modern Monday #National Poetry Month

So Gerard Manley Hopkins might teckevinally be considered a late Victorian poet, but formally he was so innovative that Ramazani, editor of (the amazing) Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry included him as a Modernist. I'd definitely agree, especially since his sprung rhythm, alliteration, and rhyming is more similar to rap lyrics than poetry. It's like Rakim said on his track "Follow the Leader:"

RAP is Rhythm And Poetry, cuts create sound effects /
You might catch up if you follow the records he wrecks /
Until then keep eating and swallowing /
You better take a deep breath and keep following-- the leader. /

Rakim was just following Hopkins' tradition, and so are all the rappers (nearly every contemporary rapper) who followed him.

See Me on a Panel at the University of Southern California

2013-03-23T02:33:00-07:00

I will be on a panel with two lovely and brilliant writers (Christopher Pendergraft and Dillon Scalzo) at the University of Southern California's Cruelty conference in Los Angeles, CA on April 12-13, 2013. We're hosting a creative panel featuring readings, a discussion, and Q&A. Here's a copy of the proposal. Hope to see you there!

Speleology

2013-03-23T02:07:00-07:00

More video poetry. This time by the poet Duriel E. Harris and filmmaker Scott Rankin. A blog recapping AWP and an essay on "What I Learned from the TV Show 'Girls'" coming soon-ish.

Guest Speaker

2013-03-14T19:35:00-07:00

Hip-Hop Poetry

Interactive Fiction

Sample Lesson Outline
Sample Worksheets

Screenwriting

Sample Lesson Outline
Sample Worksheets

Writing the Essay or English Composition

Sample Lesson Outline
Sample Worksheets

Projects

2013-02-25T16:14:00-08:00

Revise Poetry

a web app I developed to break writers' block and encourage lateral thinking

Etched Press (founder, editor)

a micro press where I publish the chapbooks of super talented writers

How to Cheat on Your Girlfriend...and Get Away With It (feature script, screenwriter)

spec screenplay that I'm currently revising to send out

Termination, Inc. Pilot (web tv script, screenwriter & producer)

web series that I'm currently writing & producing. More info on Termination Inc.

Termination-Inc-Pilot (teleplay, screenwriter)

30 minute television pilot version of Termination, Inc.

Bayside San Francisco (co-founder)

a literary and visual arts salon and zine

In Lieu of the Apocalypse

2012-12-21T07:30:00-08:00

I'd like to invite you to check out and consider "What makes a poetry film a poetry film?" It's a question that Erica Gross over at Connotations Press: An Online Artifact considers in the December video poetry section. She discusses the Zebra Poetry Film Festival that apparently happened in October in Berlin. She posted ten videos, but I'm only going to link to one. You'll have to go over there to see all ten.

Publications

2012-12-21T06:30:00-08:00

A few that are available online. Check the CV for publications. Here's what you can read online. I'll share forthcoming work as it is available...

Poetry

"While Black in America," "Ghost Story," "Each Evening"

in Syzygy, Vol 1. Spring 2021.

[“]{style="font-weight: 400;"}Be Smooth[”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

in Cincinnati Review. Spring 2020.

[“Argument” (Pushcart Prize nominated) and four other poems]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

at Quiet Lightning (Poetry in the Park V). 2019.

[“Divorce”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

in North Carolina Literary Review (28). 2019.

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

at Finishing Line Press. 2017.

"His Kind"

in Rogue Agent Literary Journal. March 2016.

[“How to Fall in Love in San Diego (One)”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

in Sunshine/Noir II ([San Diego City Works Press, 2015)]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

"Not Kissing You" and "Saturday Morning with the Cuzzo" or listen here.

in Glint Literary Journal. 2015.

Four Micro Poems: "Black Masculinity," "Pacific Beach," and "After a Month Apart"

at Quatrain.Fish. 2015.

Five Poems from "Courting Sylvia Plath" or listen here.

in Menacing Hedge. 2015.

Five poems from How to Fall in Love in San Diego

in Leipzig Glocal. 2015.

"How to Fall in Love in SD (Three)," "Find the Source," "Four Letters Dependent on Circumstance & Time," and "Find Someone who Needs Saving"

in SOFTBLOW. 2015.

“Misunderstanding White Knight Syndrome: Miscegenation”

first appeared in Poetry Quarterly. Summer 2012.

“Across the River Line” & “Find a Father Figure”

in Connotations Press: An Online Artifact. July 2012.

Non-Fiction/Critical

“In Response to Gendered & Written: Forums on Poetics”

purchase a copy of the anthology from Locked Horn Press. 2014.

Creative Non-Fiction

“A Twenty-Six-Year-Old Thinking About a Sixteen-Year-Old Kind of Love Story”

in Tell Us a Story. July 2013.

Reviews

[“Tending the ]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[Domestic Garden by]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[ John Hoppenthaler]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[in Poetry International]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[. 2015.]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[“Reading ]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[The Poem She Didn’t Write and Other Poems by ]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[Olena Kalytiak Davis]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[in Poetry International.]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[ 2015.]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[“Swedish Made English in ]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[The Star by My Head]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[in ]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[Poetry International. ]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[2015.]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

“From a Distant Land, a Poet who Knows We Exist: Agnieszka Kuciak”

in The Rumpus. November 2013.

Interviews

[“How to Make it as a Writer in San Francisco”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[in SF Weekly]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[. November 2019.]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[“How to Fall in Love in San Diego”]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

[in ]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[Speaking of Marvels.]{style="font-weight: 400;"}[ October 2017.]{style="font-weight: 400;"}

I'm an eBook Convert

2012-11-09T00:12:00-08:00

As a Kindle Fire owner and as someone who just left the vast majority of his books on the other side of the country, I’ve realized the truth. Printed books are a luxury. The rich (or moderately well-off) can have their books shipped or placed in storage; the old do not move their books; the young do not buy books, but they borrow.

With quality eBooks, I get the content I enjoy, and it’s cheaper, accessible faster, and all in one place. It’s not even just books. I send articles to my Kindle as documents via the web add-on, Readibility. It’s wonderful. As someone who doesn’t have a lot of money and who plans to move around a lot for (at least) the next five to seven years, eBooks just make sense. Amazon, your fully-integrated content system has done it. I’m a convert. Heck, I’m even going to start publishing chapbooks and books as eBooks via my micro press. Now, if only I could solve two problems:

How can I force publishers to embrace publishing more poetry as eBooks?
How can I get authors to sign my Kindle?

Public Reading Events Press

2012-10-08T21:07:00-07:00

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Have you ever been at a reading showcasing new material and a person asks where they can buy the material they just heard? I have the solution. Have your work to sell before it’s published and still publish it later with PRE Press. I will produce chapbook-sized booklets for you up to 40 pages that you can take with you to conferences, workshops, and public reading events of course (open mics included). The best part about this service is that it’s not like a vanity press where your material is considered published. Once you run out of copies, it’s gone and you can still seek publication.

Trim Sizes

Half Book (5.5×8.5)

Folded sheets of letter page, ideal for longer pieces and prose.

4-8 pages … \$20 per set of 10
12-16 pages … \$25 per set of 10
20-24 pages … \$30 per set of 10
28-32 pages … \$35 per set of 10

Pocket Book (5×7)

Elegant middle ground that is small enough to fit in a back pocket or coat pocket. Can easily fit poetry and prose.

4-8 pages … \$25 per set of 10
12-16 pages … \$30 per set of 10
20-24 pages … \$35 per set of 10
28-32 pages … \$40 per set of 10

Quarter Book (4.25×5.5)

Perfect pocket-sized fit for poetry with short lines. Nice keepsakes that are easily and quickly read. Great to sell when out of town because they don’t take up much space when packing.

4-8 pages … \$15 per set of 10
12-16 pages … \$20 per set of 10
20-24 pages … \$25 per set of 10
28-32 pages … \$30 per set of 10

All booklets are saddle-stitched and include colored heavy cardstock covers with title and author’s name.

Add-ons:

Custom cover with B&W image

Line image: \$5 per set of 10
Single clip art image: \$5 per set of 10
Hand drawn/sketch: \$5 per set of 10
Photograph: \$7.50 per set of 10

Accent paper

Translucent Vellum ... \$5 per set of 10
Dark, lightweight material ... \$3 per set of 10

Custom Layout

Query please

Table of Contents

\$5 added overall

All orders query kevdublin [at] gmail.com

Tokyo Dreamer

2012-10-08T20:09:00-07:00

I consider this the sound track of this website. Learn more about Beat Culture.

Services

2012-10-08T19:41:00-07:00

[contact-form to="kevin\@kevindublin.com" subject="Service Inquiry at Your Website"][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="1"][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="1"][contact-field label="Website" type="url"][contact-field label="Service Interest" type="radio" required="1" options="Teaching & Workshop Facilitation,Workplace Events,Critique & Editing Services,Manuscript Consultation,Mentoring & Coaching,MFA Guidance,Literary Journal Submission Help,Poetry on Demand Booth"][contact-field label="Nature of Service" type="checkbox-multiple" required="1" options="Poetry,Fiction,Creative Nonfiction,Multigenre,Screenwriting & Playwriting,Academic Writing,Professional & Teckevinal Writing,Public Speaking or Performance,Web Development (HTML CSS Javascript React Python Django Wordpress)"][contact-field label="Available Dates" type="select" required="1" options="Immediately,Within the Next Week,Within the Next Two Weeks,Within the Next Month,In the Near Future"][contact-field label="Questions or Additional Information" type="textarea" required="1"][/contact-form]

Letter 2 'Pac

2012-09-07T23:37:00-07:00

September 7, 2012

Sixteen years ago today I read in a USA Today that Tupac Shakur had died. His work as an artist meant so much to me at such a young age, and his passion inspired me. The two greatest influences on my thoughts/perceptions/personal philosophies of the world up until my freshman year of college were Aristotle and Tupac. Growing up, I swore that one day I’d pick up where he left off— not necessarily as a rapper, but as someone who cared about his communities, his culture, his art, and who lived it passionately, giving everything. Now it’s 2012; sixteen years since his fight was over and I am now (barely, but still) at an age older than he ever lived to see.

Dear Pac,

I’m sorry.

I’m not sure I’ve fully lived up to that promise yet. I've done a bit, but I've not as Kevin Powell might say, “carried my weight.” I look around, and I see an America— a world— which isn't living up to its potential. Specifically, I see a Black American community (myself included) that’s not. Now I’m not trying to deify you or anything, but I think you were an important icon, an important person who had aspirations that weren't just your own. There were a few detours and decisions that probably weren't the best, but we all make mistakes. We must withhold judgment, and measure all men and women by their actions fully. I still respect your work; I’ll always respect your work. You are Hip-Hop. You are what hip-hop was; you are what hip-hop became; and for the foreseeable future, you are what hip-hop will be. You were subversive, multifaceted, passionate, proud, and despite what any naysayers might say, lyrical (feel free to challenge me in the comments; if it’s an intelligible comment, I’ll respond). Thank you for being a flame that burned bright. Thank you for showing me so much in your work and helping me to learn how to think critically, adding several perspectives to my world. Thank you for asking a lot of us. Thank you for helping me cope with my mother’s death. Thank you for helping me ask a lot of myself. Thank you for helping me believe in unconditional love. Thank you for helping me want to share my words with the world. Thank you for reminding me to keep my head up and take it one day at a time. Thank you for helping me believe that it’s all worth it. Thank you for the days I skated across sidewalks and asphalt confident-happy-rapping. Thank you for leaving a legacy. One day I’ll see you in heaven, and there won’t be any cracking concrete or broken bottles or used needles or shootings or dilapidated railroad tracks or abandoned buildings with cold hands inside trying to warm by a fire. No one will need to dream of escape or wanting more, and we can both be at peace knowing: one day, in their own ways, everyone will make it.

Sincerely,

Kevin Dublin

Bio

2012-09-06T20:09:00-07:00

My name is Kevin Dublin. I’m a part-time publisher and writer of poetry, prose, scripts, and code. I currently live in San Francisco, CA. I'm from North Carolina. I’m very interested in modern and contemporary poetry & poetics, hip-hop, film, service-learning, working with young artists, Python/Django, and all combinations of the aforementioned.

I spend most of my time reading, watching interesting narratives, and writing. I really enjoy people, especially those interested in writing, programming, or board games, and I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me!

e-mail: kevin [at] kevindublin.com

Press-ready bio:

Kevin Dublin (MFA, MA) is author of the chapbook How to Fall in Love in San Diego and editor of Etched Press. He has been the recipient of fellowships and grants from the Center for Cultural Innovation, Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing, and the North Carolina Poetry Society. His words have recently appeared in [Cincinnati Review, North Carolina Literary Review, and more. He enjoys teaching emerging writers in the community, making video adaptations of poetry, and developing web apps for writers. Kevin leads workshops as a part of Litquake’s Elder Writing Project and all over the bay area. Follow him on Twitter @PartEverything..

Gang of Souls: A Generation of Beat Poets

2012-08-20T07:32:00-07:00

Gang of Souls (1989) is Maria Beatty’s engaging documentary exploring the insights and influences of the American Beat Poets. The film conveys their consciousness and sensibility through candid interviews with William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Diane Di Prima, among others. Designed as a tribute to them and to their spirit of artistic freedom, Gang of Souls also weaves in additional commentary from contemporary musicians, poets and writers such as Marianne Faithfull, Richard Hell, Lydia Lunch and Henry Rollins. The film seeks to truly capture the magic of the Beat generation and it’s continuing legacy.

35 Must See Movies of the Decade

2009-12-31T07:41:00-08:00

**Note: I deleted all of my old posts, but this was one I decided to keep from the previous iteration of the website, but it has been slightly amended.

Not necessarily the top, but what I believe are 35 essential movies to see from the decade (2000 - 2009) in no particular order:

Road to Perdition
Match Point
The Dark Knight
Amelie
City of God
Avatar
Gladiator
Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Meet the Parents
The Fountain
Inglourious Basterds
Adaptation
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Count of Monte Cristo
Children of Men
Once
O’ Brother Where Art Thou
Borat
Brick
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Into the Wild
Bamboozled
Little Miss Sunshine
Mean Girls
RENT
Talladega Nights
The Incredibles
Memento
Gangs of New York
Lost in Translation
No Country for Old Men
Thank You for Smoking
There Will be Blood
Up in the Air

Close, a week too early, but you should still see it:
Galaxy Quest (Dec. 25, 1999)

Movies to See that will make you go WTF:
3. Y tu Mama Tambien
2. Deadgirl [Unrated Edition]
1. Ken Park

Movie I absolutely hated that everyone seemed to love (but now have forgotten about):

District 9

Kevin Dublin | Educator, Writer, Programmer

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The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop with Kevin Dublin

The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop with Kevin Dublin

The Six Minute Writing Cycle Workshop @ Writers Montage Workshop

No Poetry No Peace, with Sheryl Bize-Boutte

No Poetry No Peace [a reading and celebration of National Poetry Month]{.small}

Something San Francisco Reading

Reading @ The Racket Weekly (The Long Wait)

Joy of Being a Poet Reading @ Mindful Art Gallery in Berkeley

San Diego State MFA in the Bay: Connections

Monthly Writing Meetup in San Francisco @ Writing Salon

Intro to Creative Writing in Berkeley @ Writing Salon

Intro to Creative Writing in Berkeley Class Description

Start 'Write' Now Class @ The Writing Salon

Start Write Now Class in Berkeley Description

Lunch and Learn SF Bay Area Workshop

Lunch and Learn in SF Bay Area with Kevin Dublin

Organizations who Have Hosted

Testimonials and Comments about Instruction

Start Write Now Class @ The Writing Salon

SF Writing Class in the Richmond

Some Topics Include:

Some possible writers include:

Syzygy Generative Writing Workshop in San Francisco

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Writing is Collaborative

Generative Poetry Workshop San Francisco

Marvel versus DC Game

Marvel versus DC Game

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How

Why

Download Marvel Versus DC Game Bundle

Download Marvel Versus DC Game Separates

Where to Buy Figures

Consider the Crab Collective

2018 and Beyond

In 2018

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

Reviews

Bio

Poems from How to Fall in Love in San Diego

Not Kissing You - Video Poem

Not Kissing You

How to Fall in Love in San Diego

CV

Poetry & Art 2016: San Diego Poetry Annual, Rich Ferguson, and People's Choice Poem Awards

Poets and Painters Spoken Word and Graffiti Art Festival

The Poetry Ruckus feat. Karla Cordero

Four Poems Published

Two New Poems Published

Poetry Day at Point Loma Nazarene University

City Works Press: Sunshine Noir II Release

MoviePass Reviews 2015 (T2)

MoviePass Reviews 2015 (T2)

How to Optimize MoviePass

When Not to Sign Up for MoviePass