Creative Epiphany I think I had a huge creative epiphany this afternoon. If you are someone who creates anything: music, art, writing, whatever...I think you know the feeling. Despite the fact that I’ve had many poems published in many journals and magazines, articles published here and there, I still see myself as a novice writer, one who is still learning. I managed to write my first novel a couple of years ago and decided to put it out there, warts and all, even though I did work really hard at it. It did get me some interviews recently, which I appreciated more than anything since I was hoping someday, someone...even just a handful of people....would take the time to read that mammoth of a book. It will always be special to me because it was my first serious attempt and I did get some positive feedback from it.
Still, one should not think they are now “perfect” because someone likes what you do. For years after completing that novel, I’ve been struggling to begin the next one. But nothing was coming. Just some vague ideas and a vague notion as to what I wanted to say with it. In the interim, I wrote articles, essays, book reviews, anything just to keep me writing and I hoped that one day the spark would ignite and I could get rolling again. I’m still learning. I read a lot and with each reading it seems I am also “studying” the craft of writing as well. Not only do I enjoy the books I read for their content but I also look at how a writer approaches what they did. What techniques do they use? Why this and not that? Why first person instead of third? and vice versa. For one that has never taken a creative writing class or been formally trained in any way shape or form, this is the next best way of learning the art of writing. Paying attention to what you are reading.
So finally, about 7 years after completing my first novel, I finally got the spark to begin the next one. But something happened to me this afternoon which I didn’t see coming. Suddenly it hit me that I was approaching this all wrong. I’ve been too busy looking at this from one perspective when I should have been looking at it from another. I was basically stifling my imagination by trying too hard. Yes. Trying too hard. Also...I realized that I was putting myself way too much into the writing. Now those who’ve taken classes and all will probably already know what I just learned today, and that is, let the story BE. Get the hell out of the way and tell the story! Since everything I’ve written has always been from a first person perspective, how could I NOT put myself too much into it. So I thought, maybe this time around, I’ll try 3rd person perspective. Seems like a good idea to allow the story to breathe a little, getting inside the heads of the other characters in the story, etc etc. So I sat back, thought about how could I convert what I began from this new perspective and I realized I could do it and will do it. Also, just by making this little tweak, I came up with 7 more ideas --- albeit rudimentary --- for novels which I immediately wrote down on scraps of paper. A very exciting prospect for me. As I said, I am just a beginner. I am still learning and always welcome the feedback and opinion of others (even though the whole idea of “networking” is more in word than in deed, it seems). Publication doesn’t mean you “made it”. If that’s the case, I’ve “made it” a long time ago. Publication is great...but one can never stop learning, growing, expanding. We all have our own personal goals to attain, no matter what it is we decide to do in life. It’s important to keep the wheels greased, keep the head open and look at things differently from time to time. You just never know what it could do for your creative juices.
Onward and upward.... Man Ray at Jewish Museum / The Art Show at Park Avenue Armory Man Ray is easily one of my favorite artists. Hands down. This Philadelphia born, Brooklyn raised artist never disappoints. It’s not often that you get to see a good retrospective of his work around these days but the Jewish Museum in New York City did a superb job capturing all facets of this amazing artist’s talent and career: from his paintings to his innovations in photography and film. The most surprising aspect of this exhibit was the concentration on his paintings; something he is not really all that known for. He is known mostly for is innovations with photography and there is plenty of those works there as well. It is by far the best retrospective of his work I have seen. Fans of Man Ray’s work should go see this. The show ends on March 14th.
For those who do decide to go, be forewarned: To get into the Jewish Museum is like going through airport security...if not worse. The hassle you have to go through is immense: emptying your pockets, going through metal detectors, etc. And the “guards” (I’ll use that term very loosely) are the rudest, nastiest people you’d ever want to come across. Sometimes a “uniform” will do that to people. It was bad enough that I promise you I will never go to this museum again to see anything....that is, unless they reel in their fucking cowboys a little. Just not worth the aggravation to be treated like a criminal before entering an art museum. It was bad enough that I almost walked out right then and there. Those who run this museum should take note of how these idiots are treating their patrons. If they don’t care, I personally, will boycott the place from now on.
“The Art Show” at the Park Avenue Armory was another great show. I haven’t missed this annual benefit for the Henry Street Settlement for the past 10 years now and each year never disappoints. As you browse the represented galleries booths you will find many surprises and treasures: Francis Picabia, Pablo Picasso, Pissaro, Matise, as well as lesser known artists from the Abstract Expressionist era along side many contemporary artists. For lovers of art, this is a show not to be missed. Unfortunately, today was the last day but in November, they return with their “Art 20” show. Be sure to check that out. You won’t be disappointed. If Not Me, Then Who? One of the themes that I often write about is one of identity and individuality. I think it was the late writer Kurt Vonnegut that once observed that all one’s adult life is just like high school, with all it’s cliques and hierarchies etc etc. Sadly, I have to say this is true, especially in America. I don’t know if this holds true in other cultures but it might. I cannot say. But here in America there is definitely a tendency to be “defined” by those three to four years of adolescence and then carry it with you all through your adult life. This is something that I find quite pathetic. But to each his own. For some, these years were the happiest years of their life. For me, sure, they were fun times, but it was only four years of my life, not the defining era. I mean, seriously, I am certainly not the same person I was at 15 years old. I wouldn’t want to be. After all, really, what does a 15 year old know about life?
Oh, sure, as we age and get more “adult” things become more complicated, more serious, more real, so to speak. Responsibilities change: some get married, start families, others concentrate on their careers, others are still seeking their place in life, whatever the case may be, a lot of years pass between the present and your stint in high school, especially when you are someone my age.
This summer I will be 44 years old. I’m not one to really think about age but sometimes you do and I think it’s only natural. I sometimes think, and am completely amazed, at the fact that at 44 years old, I still have to deal with people who never seemed to get out of that high school mentality. You know what I am talking about: you were either part of one group or another: a freak, nerd, spazz, etc or you were one of those kids who just got through fairly invisible, or you were part of the “Popular” kids, the “cool” kids. Well, not for nothing, but what does all this matter now to someone who is 44 years old? It doesn’t. At least not to me. Nearly 30 years have passed since those days. Who gives a shit? Yes, it’s “fun”, it’s “nostalgia” but hardly anything you would want to base your current existence on.
So here I am, this nearly 44 year old man dealing with those who still want to define others the way they want to. Again, probably natural. But what isn’t natural is the manner in which they approach it: the high school definitions. Try to imagine one 40-something year old acting like that 15 year old in the classroom, trying hard to make others feel “left out” and therefore gaining popularity points with those around him. I call this person a sad, pathetic asshole who never grew up. And some of these people are parents today too. Another frightening prospect for the future of this culture. What the hell happened? Reminds me of the character in the film “Napoleon Dynamite” who sat around pining away for his high school football days, going so far as to purchase a “time machine” over the internet in a vain attempt to return to those days. It’s funny. It’s comedy but sadly also reality for so many American adults. These type of folks tend to be the ones who want to define others all the time. Who that person may actually be is of no consequence to them. It’s up to them to define them and that’s who they are going to be.
But not only these cretins do this. You will find that even people close to you often do this as well. They have in their minds who you are supposed to be rather than actually seeing you for who you really are. I think this is done because you are really of no real consequence to them, you are merely a “role” in the movie of their life, one that they are writing and directing themselves. You are given a role and you are to play it, and do not dare to think to deviate from the script. There’s no room for improvisation here. Do your job and shut up. What you have to say does not matter.
Well, sorry to say folks, that life just doesn’t work that way. We all show others who we are by what we do and how we treat them. You can be there for someone through thick and thin, be supportive of them through all their tough times, show true friendship by accepting who they are, warts and all since one chooses to focus on what makes them wonderful rather than the little quirks that drive us crazy. Others choose to focus on the quirks and dismiss the rest. Your role has been written and these aspects of your personality is not part of the script, therefore you are flawed and must be dealt with accordingly. Well, I have no more time for these petty fascists. Getting too old for this, you know?
There are many people in my life who I simply adore. I love them more than I could possibly explain to them. I adore them because of who they are, over all. Do their idiosyncrasies drive me crazy sometimes? Sure. But that’s a part of who they are and what makes them wonderful far outweighs what gets under my skin. We are all individuals and no one on this earth is “perfect”. And what is “Perfect” anyway, other than something that adheres 100 percent to how we individually define “perfect”? So here’s my message to those who decide to choose the negatives over the positives: deal with it. If those things you perceives as “negatives” far outweighs those things that make you a friend to begin with then I have to say goodbye. Why be friends with me if all I am to you is a constant source of disappointment and irritation? I am not going to be how you define me, sorry. I am who I am. And if I am not me, then who am I supposed to be? What you want me to be? I grow weary of people getting angry with me at every turn because I don’t do what they want me to do 100 percent of the time. Life just doesn’t work that way. I also find it shameful and sad that at my age I still have to deal with this but sadly it’s true. If my existence is such a bane to yours and I am nothing but a constant source of irritation to you then let’s go our separate ways. Makes sense, right?
All this makes me think of a friend of mine who I had known for over 20 years. We always got along for the most part but naturally there were sources of disagreement on things. Again, normal. Natural. He got mad at me over something I found very trivial in the scheme of things. Maybe to him, it wasn’t so trivial. Fair enough. All I know is that we never reconciled and I will most likely never see or speak to him again. It was never discussed, never worked out, I was just met with the “silent treatment” for over two years. That’s a lot of energy to exert, I think, but what it told me is that what I thought was a friendship wasn’t exactly a friendship at all. It apparently was based on how I was to be defined by him. I didn’t behave in accordance to how he wanted me to behave. Result: silence. Whatever. It doesn’t matter to me if our friendship was so fragile that one single thing was able to destroy it so quickly and so easily. Such is life....
I think we’d all be better off if we allowed one to just be themselves and stop trying to make them into who we want them to be. After all, we just about make up everything in this life anyway, so what’s the difference? We just all agree to go along with the things we make up. But that’s a whole other issue, isn’t it? So let’s try to be a little patient with one another, look to what makes someone good. If the good outweighs the bad then cut the person some slack. This, of course, does not apply if one is a complete prick with absolutely no redeeming values whatsoever, but even they have people who think they are good. So what’s the answer? How are we to define all this? Just like everything else. We simply make it all up and hope for the best. But if my quirks and idiosyncrasies are too much for you, then why do you bother trying to be my friend? Why do you try? Why do you stick around and get angry at me? Maybe you love the drama it brings to your life, I don’t know. But do me a favor: Keep the drama to yourself. We all have our own to deal with. Poem Published in BrooWaha
My poem, "How Obscene that the Good is not Recognized" has been published in BrooWaha.
In Memory of Dave Christy 1953-2010I got word this morning via Leah Angstman, publisher of Propaganda Press, that Dave Christy, publisher of Alpha Beat Press and the monthly broadside Cokefishing in Alpha Beat Soup, has passed away. I was very saddened and shocked by the news since it seemed to just happen out of the blue.
I never met Dave Christy personally but over the years we corresponded from time to time. Dave was the first small press editor to ever publish my work. For that, I would always be eternally grateful; eternally grateful because at the time I had literally just begun to take to writing seriously and his acceptance and encouragement of what I had done helped my confidence at a time when I didn’t have much confidence in myself, much less what I was writing at the time. When I received my first chapbook, “Standing on Lorimer Street Awaiting Crucifixion” in the mail, I have to say that I was thrilled. Dave was a lover of poetry and great literature and what he published reflected that love. He published many writers who would have normally languished in obscurity. He gave them a chance to be read and although it was mostly through the small press world, many of these poets were read and enjoyed by many, myself being one of them. The monthly broadside he and his wife Ana Christy---an accomplished poet in her own rite---was always a great sampling of how many great writers there were out there that the mainstream didn’t seem to want to know about. There was a small press revolution taking place and Dave, Ana and Alpha Beat Press seemed to be at the heart of it. He inspired many other poets to start their own presses and soon a network of small press zines and journals began to appear. I also started one for a little while and Dave was encouraging and instrumental in helping me getting off the ground by putting the word out. Soon, I was in contact with many amazing writers and artists and naturally, a new door opened which allowed me to meet people who would not only inspire me but push me further along a new path in my life, one which changed my life for the better. One of the poets he introduced me to via his press was Laura Joy Lustig. Laura submitted work to my burgeoning journal and we soon became fast and close friends. She inspired me, encouraged me and also offered her honest feedback of my writing and together, for a time, we would exchange what we were doing, offering each other criticisms and praise, etc. Meeting Laura took me further along that road, which eventually lead to me writing and completing my first novel, which has recently gotten some attention via reviews and interviews. The point is that “meeting” Dave lead to one thing, which lead to another, which lead to another; and I have to say that if I didn’t come across Dave Christy by reading his listing in the 1996 Poet’s Market and submit my work to him, many things which have happened to me over the past 14 years or so may not have happened at all. His encouragement and him taking the chance to publish this unknown writer from Queens, New York, opened many doors for me and for that, I will always be grateful to him. Dave probably didn’t know this. I never really told him any of this. For a time I had lost contact with him being that I drifted somewhat from the small press scene and was mostly busy with music but eventually I found him again and then again on Facebook; and it was on that site that I heard the terrible news of his passing. Needless to say it was a shock. To me, Dave was a pioneer in the small press world. He opened his doors (and sometimes quite literally) to many writers and poets from around the country. That small press from New Hope, PA produced many excellent chapbooks over the years and introduced me and many others to the wealth of talent there is out there across America, talent that the so-called “experts” miss, mainly because many of them are clueless. The fact that he and his press inspired so many others to launch their own presses is a testament to his love for the word and his love for poetry and that’s what it always seemed to be. A labor of love. I wish now that I would have told him how grateful I was to him and how that seemingly small little chapbook he put out for me 14 years ago lead to so many wonderful things in my life. I guess I was kind of embarrassed to say this sort of thing, which only goes to show that one must say what they feel or else missing the chance altogether. We may not have corresponded with each other all that often, nor had I ever had the chance of meeting him in person, but I will never forget him for giving me the chance to be read when no one else was willing to give me that chance. I will always be grateful to him for that chance. He will be sorely missed and it’s not likely there will be another like him in the small press world. Godspeed, Dave. And thank you for everything. Rise Above: A Rant Long OverdueThis year began wonderfully. Two friends came in from Italy for a visit: Giulia Millanta and Paolo Loppi. Giulia was in town to visit New York City and to play some shows while she was here. I got to see a couple of her shows, which were wonderful. I also got to hang out with them quite a bit (along with other friends of mine) and we had an amazing time: talking, eating, laughing, playing music, seeing musicians, etc….all the good things. Wonderful people and it showed me just how great things can be if you have the right people around you. They stayed here about two weeks and are now back in Italy and plans are being made for all of us to get together again…this time over there. Something I am really looking forward to.
But sometimes the good times don’t last for too long and the moronic and idiotic regular day nonsense comes creeping back into the picture. As hard as I try to keep it away these days, these cretins who thrive on pettiness and bullshit will bring it to you. It’s almost as if they are saying to you, “Fine. You don’t want to play? I’m going to make you play.” And so it goes. This has been the past couple of weeks for me: surrounded by moronic games and pettiness from people I don’t want to have anything to do with. Life’s too fucking short to deal with this crap, especially at my age. The sad thing is that most of those who bring this shit are my age too. Why is this? I don’t know and no longer care. I’ll leave it to the sociologists and psychiatrists to figure out why American adults are regressing to the ways of a 5 year old. All I know is that I’m done with it and will, as a friend of mine put it, rise above it. Enough is enough. So with that, I say this: If you don’t like what I have to say? Don’t ask me what I think. If you don’t like the things I do or are not interested in what interests me? You’re free to go elsewhere. If I seem a bit “pretentious” to you because I desire to keep learning? Get the fuck away from me and continue to play your childish games with your other childish friends and associates. If you think the definition of “Friendship” is to believe that I must always agree with you and see things exactly the way you do? Sorry…you can go elsewhere to. If you think the things I want to do is “irresponsible” or “not practical”? No one said you must do them with me. Step off and go do your own thing. In the end, this is how it is and if you don’t like it…sorry….no…not sorry…I’m not going to apologize for who I am and for what I think. You can simply take your business elsewhere and leave me in peace. It’s amazing to me how a two week stretch can enlighten one to the possibilities there are in this life and how often many around you will try to shit all over it or try to thwart it. Seems some have this overwhelming sense of self-importance, that their way is the only way and everyone else must abide by it. Well….this shit is over. If you’re not with me, kindly step aside. I got things to do. Would love to have you along but if these things are too “pretentious” or “impractical” or “irresponsible” or whatever else, there is no law written that you must come along. Have fun your own way and I’ll have mine. Keep your petty games to yourself and all your other nonsense and have a great life…. Interview in BrooWahaGarry Crystal's interview and review of my novel "November Rust" is now also published at BrooWaha. Again, I can't thank Garry enough for his time and efforts and the amount of appreciation cannot be expressed enough. Thank you, Garry!
Review & Interview at AllVoices.comA review of my novel "November Rust" along with an accompanying interview has been published at AllVoices.com. The review was written by Garry Crystal who also conducted the accompanying interview.
 New Article: "Basta!"My new article, "Basta!", has been published by BrooWaha. A word on cultural diversity and MTV's latest hunk of garbage called "Jersey Shore".
 New Article: "Let Them Eat Jellybeans"My new article, "Let Them Eat Jellybeans", has been published by BrooWaha. A nostalgic look back at some of the best punk rock records of the early 1980s.
 New Article: "Do You Remember the 1980s?"My new article, "Do You Remember The 1980s?" has been published by BrooWaha. A little nostalgic look at some of the more overlooked music of the decade.
 New Article: "Out of Balance"My new article, "Out of Balance" has been published by BrooWaha. Just because things can always be worse, does that mean one does not have the right to complain? A word on "Pseudo-Optimists" and "Reactionary Pessimists".
 New Article: "Anarchy In The L.E.S."My new article, "Anarchy In The L.E.S." has been published by Broowaha. What once seemed like mindless teenage rebellion may not have been so after all.
 New Article: "Adventures in Literature"
My new article, "Adventures in Literature" has been published by BrooWaha. A slightly expanded version of my "Good Reads" post from the other day.
 Good Reads: 2009In continuing what has become an annual tradition for me, here are some good reads that I took in during the course of the past year. This is really for the fellow bibliophiles and book hounds. Perhaps you’ll find something here that may interest you:
Duende and Other Essays - Federico García Lorca: A short collection of essays on the “Power of Duende” in Spanish music, art and literature. Always a pleasure to read one of the poetic masters of the 20th century. Office Poems - Mario Benedetti: One of Uruguay’s (and Latin America’s in general) greatest poets, at least to me. This is a very slim collection of poems, written mostly in the 1950s. Heartfelt, powerful and always amazing. Sadly, we lost Benedetti recently. But his work lives on and is always highly recommended for poetry lovers. The Universal History of The Destruction of Books - Fernando Baez: A fascinating account of how when one culture dominates another, the first thing they usually go after is their books. This is a very informative and interesting volume that describes such cultural crimes from ancient Samaria to modern Iraq. A truly amazing work and essential for students of history. A Hermit in Paris - Italo Calvino: A collection of essays and journal entries from one of Italy’s (by way of Cuba) most renowned writers. I would say this one is more for fans than the general reader. For the general reader, I would start with something else first. But this is a very good book. God’s Crucible - David Levering Lewis: A history book about the “clash of civilizations” between Christianity, Judaism and Islam during the Middle Ages and how the seeds of today’s conflicts were firmly planted back then. Also a great source of information on all three religious ideas and political ideologies. Sicilian Summer - Brian Johnston: A travelouge for the most part, about a man in search of “the perfect cassatta”, a deeply Sicilian pastry but the book is more of an exploration of Sicilian culture and history, written from a deeply personal point of view. Gives good insight on Sicilian culture and mores and reading it, you feel as if you are there right along with the author. Thoroughly enjoyable. Ariel - José Enrique Rodó: A classic of Latin American literature, written in the 19th century from one of Uruguay’s leading thinkers and philosophers. A bit opaque at times but that was the times. Readers of Jose Martí may find this book interesting. A political and philosophical tract about liberation from the North and Latin America finding it’s own way forward into the 20th century. Medocentric - Cristogianni Borsella: Poet and historian Cristogianni Borsella’s first collection of poetry and I have to say it is an amazing work, exploring issues of identity and culture, specifically Mediterranean and Italian culture. A truly powerful collection of poetry written by one of the foremost writers of Italian/Italian-American history and culture. Selected Writings - José Martí: A collection of essays and newspaper articles by the 19th century Cuban revolutionary and freedom fighter. All of these works are powerful calls to freedom, most of them written while he was exiled in New York City. Essential for anyone who wants a more rounded view of the Spanish-American War. The Quest for the Kasbah - Richard Bangs: Another travelogue, this one based in North Africa and the author’s search for the authentic “Kasbahs” throughout Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Gives wonderful insights into Arab and Berber culture and customs. The Existential Jesus - John Carroll: One of the more fascinating books I’ve read this year. It is a re-interpretation of the Gospel of Mark, being that it is the oldest of the 4 canonized gospels. It gives a highly innovative look at the last days of Jesus from an Existentialist point of view, turning the more traditional interpretations on it’s head. This is not an anti-religious book by any means but it does get into the more “human” aspects of Jesus and his worldview, offering a much more tragic and bleak story than one may have ever imagined. This one had a very big impact on me after reading this. The Muslim Jesus - Tarif Kalidi: A collection of sayings and stories attributed to Jesus from Islamic sources, most of which were written long after the crucifixion. Still, a fascinating look on how Islam viewed Jesus and his place in the human story. The Pillars of Hercules - Paul Theroux: A travelogue: The author making his way around the entire Mediterranean basin, beginning in Gibraltar and working his way around the entire region until coming full circle, beginning across the Straits of Gibraltar on the Moroccan side and all the way around, chronicling his adventures, meetings and experiences along the way. A great, great book. Mirrors - Eduardo Galeano: The latest collection of writings from one of Uruguay’s leading authors/journalists. A collection of nearly a thousand vignettes chronicling the history of mankind from the Garden of Eden to the present day but told from the point of view of the marginalized and the forgotten. One of Galeano’s best works and any fan of him will thoroughly enjoy this. Beyond The Rivers - Various A collection of poetry by poets from Paraguay, most of whom, if not all, are largely unknown in the United States and North America in general. Great works by some very innovative and creative poets. The only criticism I have of this collection is that it is way too short. Barely 100 pages but a good window into the creative writing of a country and culture not often written about or explored. How To Travel With A Salmon and Other Essays - Umberto Eco: One of Italy’s Grand Masters. Insightful, witty and very entertaining. Eco at his best. It’s pages are filled with intellect as well as humor. Writing that makes you re-think many things while simultaneously entertaining you without the heavy “intellectualism” one would expect from such a brilliant mind. Shadows of The Pomegranate Tree - Tariq Ali: Part of Tariq Ali’s “Islam Quintet”: A novel of the last days of Islamic Sicily, told from the point of view of the Muslims who occupied and ruled the island for nearly 300 years. It is the story of how a brief interchange of cultures came to an abrupt end; how Islam, Christianity and Judaism co-existed relatively peacefully until one fateful day with the arrival of a new Christian king. Los Compeñeros - Antonio Marcos Flores: A novel by one of Guatemala’s most revered writers. Written in the 1970s, this novel was part of a “revolutionary” movement in Guatemalan literature. The story of a revolutionary gone underground during a very tumultuous time in Central America. A fast paced, highly experimental novel, influenced by the Latin American “Boom” writers of the late 50’s and 1960s. Rhetoric for Radicals - Various A “guidebook” of sorts on how to achieve change through “radical” means. I did not enjoy this book all that much. Most of it seemed silly to me: more of how to create PR stunts than anything else. Written from a totally “Utopian” point of view and silly from my vantage point. More American silliness coming from the American Left in a time when any serious change needed in our culture is best left without “street theater” theatrics and silly “hipster-esque” platitudes. Everything I hate about the American Left is encouraged in this book. Best to avoid at all costs unless you want to amuse yourself. Free Women of Spain - Martha Ackelsberg: A chronicle of the “Free Women of Spain” Anarchist movement during the Spanish Civil War. A highly feminist book, with interviews with the surviving women of the movement who talk of their struggles against the Fascist rebellion as well as their roles within the Republican/Revolutionary movement throughout Spain during this horrible conflict. Definitely an eye opener and essential for a more insightful study of the Spanish Civil War. Latin America at The Crossroads - Roberto Regalado: A look at where Latin America stands in the 21st century world, where globalization and, “Neo-Liberal” policies continues to ignore the poor, oppressed and marginalized in this region of the world. Colonial Dilemmas - Various: A collection of essays on the state of Puerto Rico in the current day: essays range from political to artistic to worker issues to identity issues. Also touches on the Puerto Rican Diaspora and it’s effect on the lives of those on the island itself. Interesting reading and an interesting debate to be sure. Free Pages and Hard Times - Manuel Gonzalez Prada: Essays by the Peruvian Anarchist, most of which were written in the late 19th century. An interesting look into Peruvian politics and identity shortly after the liberation movements from Spain and their new found place in the wider world. That Fine Italian Hand - Paul Hoffman: A lighthearted, entertaining book about the culture of Italians, ranging from Roman times to the modern day. Guernica and Other Plays - Fernando Arribal: Wildly experimental plays from the renowned Spanish playwright. Not everything here was my cup of tea. Perhaps it’s best to see these plays performed rather than being read, I don’t know. But highly experimental in the sense that it leaves you scratching your head wondering what the hell is going on. Don Quixote’s Delusions - Miranda France: A travelogue: the author’s experiences as a student in Madrid and looking for “Quixote” within the society at large as well as her experiences with fellow students and other colorful characters. A very entertaining book. Italian Poetry: 1950-2000 - Various: A great collection of contemporary Italian poetry. Stolen Figs - Mark Rotella: A Travelogue: the author returns to the region of Calabria where his father’s family had come from in a search for his roots. A wonderful book on Calabrian culture and mores. Brings the region to life in such a way, you feel you are right there with him. Highly recommended for anyone into Southern Italian culture. The Dark Heart of Italy - Tobias Jones: A look at what lies underneath the surface in Italian society. Really a critique and condemnation of Berlusconi’s Italy for the most part, but a good read for anyone who wants to get a sense of what modern Italian society is. A great read. On Persephone’s Island - Mary Taylor Simeti: A travelogue: the author spends a year in Sicily, writing about it’s people and culture. A nice read but a bit too “flowery” at times. Considered a classic but I’ve read better books than this. Still, it comes recommended. The View from Vesuvius - Nelson Moe: A history of Southern Italy and “The Southern Question”; how the south is often viewed by it’s northern neighbors. Truly fascinating. Five Moral Pieces - Umberto Eco: Five really amazing essays from the Italian master. The Italian Difference - Various: A collection of philosophical writings from Italy’s contemporary/post-modern philosophers. A bit “heady” at times, but well worth struggling through the more obtuse pieces to get a sense of contemporary Italian thought. Misreadings - Umberto Eco: More essays from Eco, these from Italian journals and newspaper articles from the early 1960s. Fleeting Rome - Carlo Levi: One of Italy’s most renowned writers/artists. A search for “La Dolce Vita” in Italian society in the 1950s. Though dated today, still a great read. Highly literary and entertaining from the author of “Christ Stopped at Eboli”. In Arabian Nights and The Caliph’s House - Tahir Shah: These two books go hand in hand. An amazing and highly entertaining account of a British born writer who buys an old, crumbling mansion in Casablanca and his attempts to renovate it. It is set in the heart of a shantytown and the author’s experiences with the locals and Moroccan culture is not to be missed. The Caliph’s house is the first part of this wonderful story; the trials and tribulations of trying to get the house done while working within the cultural constructs of Moroccan culture, simultaneously modern and ancient; In Arabian Nights is the author’s search for “the story within him”, telling tales of the ancient tradition of Berber storytelling and it’s impact on the culture at large. HIGHLY recommended. The Olive Tree - Carol Drinkwater: Sort of a travelogue but more of an agricultural/history book of the olive tree and it’s relation to Mediterranean culture in general. Her search for the “oldest olive tree” still standing, which turns out to be on in Lebanon that is 6,000 years old and still producing fruit; wild observations that the olive trees now standing in the garden of Gesthsemane are the SAME trees that were there when Jesus spent his harrowing night of doubt there. It is also another fine look at Mediterranean culture in general, from Spain to Italy to North Africa. A wonderful book and very well written. Sadder Than Water - Samih Al-Qasim: A powerful collection of poetry from one of Palestine’s leading writers. Amazing work. Pushing Past The Night - Mario Calabresi: A chronicle of Italy’s “Years of Lead”, the terrorism years of the 60s, 70s and 80s, written by the son of a police officer who was killed by the Red Brigades in the 1970s. A chronicle of these dark times in modern Italian history Merry Christmas!
Afrikaans: Gesëende Kersfees
Afrikander: Een Plesierige Kerfees African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats Albanian:Gezur Krislinjden Arabic: Milad Majid Argentine: Feliz Navidad Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On! Bengali: Shuvo Naba Barsha Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce Brazilian: Feliz Natal Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou! Chile: Feliz Navidad Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan (Catonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth Corsian: Pace e salute Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi Croatian: Sretan Bozic Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok Danish: Glædelig Jul Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast English: Merry Christmas Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo! Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon Estonian: Ruumsaid juulup|hi Ethiopian: (Amharic) Melkin Yelidet Beaal Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar! Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad Finnish: Hyvaa joulua Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar French: Joyeux Noel Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier! Galician: Bo Nada Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr! German: Froehliche Weihnachten Greek: Kala Christouyenna! Haiti: (Creole) Jwaye Nowel or to Jesus Edo Bri'cho o Rish D'Shato Brichto Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara! Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova Hindi: Shub Naya Baras Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara! Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou! Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket Icelandic: Gledileg Jol Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit, or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay. Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha Lao: souksan van Christmas Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum! Latvian: Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu! Lausitzian:Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus Lithuanian: Linksmu Kaledu Low Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa Maori: Meri Kirihimete Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh Navajo: Merry Keshmish Norwegian: God Jul, or Gledelig Jul Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado Papiamento: Bon Pasco Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr! Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo Philipines: Maligayan Pasko! Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie Portuguese:Feliz Natal Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn Romanche: (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn! Rumanian: Sarbatori vesele Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom Sami: Buorrit Juovllat Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou Serbian: Hristos se rodi Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce Sami: Buorrit Juovllat Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh Serb-Croatian: Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina Serbian: Hristos se rodi. Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok Slovene: Vesele Bozicne Praznike Srecno Novo Leto or Vesel Bozic in srecno Novo leto Spanish: Feliz Navidad Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon Tami: Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech! Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai or souksan wan Christmas Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho Vietnamese: Chung Mung Giang Sinh Welsh: Nadolig Llawen Yugoslavian: Cestitamo Bozic Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun! Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! InterviewAn interview with me is featured in Paul Grimsley's IntoViews website. Thanks Paul! I appreciate it very much!
Latest Poetry Book ReviewHere is the latest review for my last poetry book "Divertimiento", courtesy of Poet Hound.
New Article: Judgement DayMy new article, "Judgement Day", has been published by BrooWaha. A disturbing statistic shows why I don't fear the upcoming terror trial in New York City.
 New Article: "Stars and Stripes"My new article, "Stars and Stripes", has been published by BrooWaha. A little tale of being lectured on foreign travel from a man, one who never even leaves his own neighborhood, about being an "American".
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