Philly

As a place of intellectual and literary ferment, New York City is not what it was. Right now Philadelphia is what New York was.

New Protest!

Join the list of petitioners at
www.penpetition.blogspot.com

Great Show

Was the highlight of the event the flaming Volcano which brought the Philadelphia Fire Department to the event? Was it Mark Brunetti angering the crowd by reading politically incorrect poetry by Mike Noordsy? Was it Carnevolution antics by sideshow performers Matt, Eric, and Betty? Was it poet Steve McNamara of Walking English, or poet John Petrolini? Was it literary theater by Rebecca Roe with cohorts Alabaster and St. Scribbly?

There was a lot to choose from-- a rotating feast of underground art. Brunetti and Philly's Frank Walsh put on a fantastic event. I was proud to be part of it. A good time was had by all those who attended, who were by turns outraged and entertained, but not bored.

See the Show!

Big ULA/Idiom show at the Rotunda this Saturday, March 7. I'm scheduled to read, among many others. Check it out!

Culture Shock

Here I am back in Philly for a visit-- for how long I can't say-- and am suffering from culture shock. Not just from the more amenable weather, but the realization that Philadelphia is in the middle of a boom. Yes, believe it. From the first sight of vibrant Chinatown from the window of a Greyhound bus, to the seeming new buildings and businesses everyplace, to people everywhere on sidewalks, the center of the metropolis is starkly different from the very stark city of Detroit. Hard to believe that the two cities were once of comparable size and prosperity. Count your blessings, Philadelphians-- stop comparing yourself to New York City and realize what shape you're in as one of the great American cities.

Library Tragedy

As I'm preparing a likely return to Philly after a year away, I'm surprised to hear of this properous city closing eleven branch libraries. What!? Many of them are in the poorer districts of the city, which most need their enlightenment. (I'm fond of libraries-- they're where I found my education.)

Even the downtrodden city of Detroit, in so much worse financial condition, has not stooped to such remedy.

Meanwhile I assume the planned expansion of the Main center, like a temple to affluence, continues apace.

Local Contest

I've been requested to post this info:

City Paper Fiction Contest 2008
WHO: You, the short story writer who lives in the Philly area.WHAT: A short story written by you, previously unpublished, around 3,000 words or less.WHAT ELSE: Winner gets printed in CP and a $500 gift certificate to Joseph Fox Bookshop! Also there will probably be a public reading, details TK.WHEN: Your entry must be delivered to City Paper by Fri., Dec. 19, at 5 p.m. Do this. You can do this.WHERE: Stories should be e-mailed to gimmefiction@citypaper.net or mailed the old-fashioned way to City Paper Writing Contest, 123 Chestnut St., Third Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106.HOW: How about you send us your best story right now?Helpful links:http://www.citypaper.net/blogs/clog/2008/11/25/cp-writing-contest-important-prize-update/http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/20/give-us-fictionhttp://www.foxbookshop.com/--