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December 4th, 2008
10:02 am - And the winner for 2009 WOWps rep is...
The Writers' Block Poetry Night is proud to present our 2009 Women of the World representative: VERNELL BRISTOW! This is only the second year for the national competition, and we are proud to be sending so phenomenal a poet to such a prestigious event. The WB is very proud of Vernell and honored by her win. She has spent years working on the local scene and this is her first chance to represent Columbus as an individual competitor. She joins an esteemed class of poet in this adventure, and it is extra special that a co-founder of our highly lauded night is competing on our behalf. It is a testimony to her many years of sacrifice as well as to her growth as a perfomer and a writer. Congratulations Vernell! You can help her on her way right now by donating any amount to help her get to Detroit in March for the big show! She's got to raise money for travel, registration and hotel, so don't skimp on our girl! 
http://writersblock poetry.rewriting ovid.net/ WOWpsDonate. php Big ups to all of the poets who slammed this season, and especially to the ladies who went head-to-head last night at what much of the audience I spoke to last night thought was one of the best shows they've ever seen at the WB. We appreciate that, and we're always trying to give you that kind of show, so keep up the great support you've given all of our shows all year long! You get what you give in thsi business, son! See you next Wednesday! The next slam season starts in January for the team competition! www.writersblockpoe try.com
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December 1st, 2008
November 13th, 2008
10:26 am - 2008 Poets Choice Winners!
1) Most memorable political poem (note "most memorable" allows for best or worst) –
Osama is Bad – JJ
&
Erin in Benin – Joanna Schroeder
2) Most memorable love poem –
The Most Beautiful Girl in the Projects – Scott Woods
3) Most memorable funny poem –
“How Much is that Doggie in the Window” – Kim Brazwell
4) Most memorable catch-phrase -
“Bob Dole!” – Bill Campana
5) Most memorable metaphor –
A lonely broom sweeping a dirty floor – Bill Campana
6) Most memorable image -
Dwray and his bandana
7) Most memorable use of a pop culture reference -
Bob Ross – Scott Woods
8) Most improved poet –
Patrick Russell
9) Favorite feature –
b) Karen G & Theresa Davis (Atlanta)
10) Most hardcore poet -
d) Scott Woods
11) Loudest poet –
Bill Campana
12) Best heckler –
Tyrone
13) Best special show or slam –
Haiku Deathmatch
&
Prince Lyrics Slam
14) Poet most likely to cause their children (future or existing) therapy –
Dave Noble
15) Poet most likely to vote Republican -
Vernell Bristow
16) Poet most likely to break the 3-minute rule -
Scott Woods
17) Poet most likely to wear a costume -
Joanna
18) Best impersonation -
Rachel Reid as Marc Stohl
19) Poet most likely to need a hug -
Gina Blaurock
20) Poet most likely to break a heart –
Zak Houston
21) Poet most likely to be arrested this year –
Teri Collins
22) Poet most likely to be moonlighting as a college professor –
Louise Robertson
23) Poet most likely to be moonlighting as a pimp –
Tyrone
24) Poet most likely to find God –
Dwray
25) Poet most likely to marry a poet –
Kym McIntyre
26) Poet most likely to have a trust fund -
Dave Noble
27) Poet most likely to be spanked by Vernell –
Anyone
28) Poet most likely to open for a rap group -
Wiggins
29) Poet most likely to open for Prince –
Missy
30) Poet most unlike themselves when on the mic –
Patrick
31) Mr. Under-appreciated Poet –
Joe
32) Ms. Under-appreciated Poet –
Gina Blaurock
33) The E. A. Poe Award –
(This award will go to the poet deemed to best exemplify the quality, fun and love of poetry that the WB Poetry Night represents on a consistent basis.)
Joanna Schroeder
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November 11th, 2008
06:20 pm - The 2008 WB Poets Choice Ballot
The Awards Ceremony is tomorrow night but we figured people might want to see who and what was on the 2008 ballot...
( Read more... )
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November 10th, 2008
10:17 am - WED: Featured Reader & Poets Choice Awards!
TWO BIG SHOWPIECES IN ONE! We have a featured poet AND the awards ceremony for our Poets Choice Awards this Wednesday! FEATURED READER: TONY BROWN
Tony is a prolific and profound writer, with a poetric voice that transcends and a performance style that not only engages, but makes you feel a part of the poem. He has a sharp, critical wit - especially when it comes to poetry - and unlike most critics, he has the chops to back-up the insight. Hailing from slam and traditional poetic traditions out of the poetry-rich land of Worcestor, Mass., Tony also writes a monthly column for GotPoetry.com entitled "Zero Point Zero". In a year featuring incredible features, our last feature of 2008 brings us home with a personal and inimitable style. POETS CHOICE AWARDS
It's that magic time! Find out who audiences thought was the most improved poet of 2008! Or the poet most likely to open for Prince! Or the best piece of imagery in a poem! If there were an Oscar for poetry, this would be it! 
Writers' Block Poetry Night Wednesdays - 8 PM - $5 @ Kafe Kerouac - 2250 N. High St.
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October 28th, 2008
08:55 am - Call for Poets: Columbus State College Slam
This is a call for poets to slam at a show on Thursday, Nov. 6 at Columbus State Community College at either 7 or 8 PM (checking on that again).
The Writers' Block has been asked to provide poets and run a slam for this program, which will also feature Harlem 125 as a feature.
125 goes back a long way with WB (from the beginning!) and it's going to be a really hot show between him and us.
5 poets are needed, preferably poets with Slam experience. You don't have to have made a team or anything, but this isn't the gig to figure out IF you can slam or to overcome your fear of Slam. This is the gig for people who like to bring heat to shows. CSCC doesn't get this kind of action a lot, so the WB has to represent.
If interested, hit me up backchannel: sewoods1@yahoo.com by end of Wednesday (tomorrow).
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October 27th, 2008
10:36 pm - Halloween Slam!
This week's flyer: This week is going to be a blast: it's our ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SLAM! Come dressed up as whatever and slam as your character (or related to your character)! Or come dressed up and watch the show: we have a costume contest whether you slam or not! AND we have a $1 discount for those in costume! Scariest Costume / Best Costume / Sexiest Costume / Funniest Costume...go for the gold! ALSO: Nominations have been tabulated for our second Poet's Choice Awards and will be available as of Wednesday! Ballots will ONLY be sent via email to the members of the WB email list (to control voting), so if you're not on that list yet, get on it by Wednesday to receive a ballot. Told you membership had its privileges! Don't know how? Just send an email to: WritersBlockPoetry- subscribe@ yahoogroups. com ...and you'll automatically be added to the list. Writers' Block Poetry Night @ Kafe Kerouac 2250 N. High St. $5 at door / $4 if in costume Starts @ 8:00
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October 3rd, 2008
08:52 pm - The 2008 WB Poet's Choice Awards
The 2008 Writers’ Block Poet’s Choice Awards Nominations may be posted here (signed by username or anonymous) from January 1, 2008 to October 1, 2008 from any show, poem or poet in the same period.
You may submit as many nominations as you like throughout the year.
( Read more... )
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September 30th, 2008
11:19 am - CALL: Halloween Slam for Library Kids
All,
On Monday, October 27 @ 6:00 at the Parsons Library the Writers' Block Poetry Night will be sponsoring a Halloween Slam!
This event is all ages and free, with a focus on work aimed at kids.
Costumes are mandatory and your poetry should reflect your character in some way.
Depending on how many poets sign-up, it may be a two or three round slam (don't worry: the third round will likely be haiku. In fact, a few haikus on hand is always encouraged for introduction purposes as well).
I'd like to have about 5 or 6 poets for this. Get at me backchannel at sewoods1@yahoo. com by September 30.
I have a Mad Scientist, a pirate and a wizard on deck already!
Doesn't pay, but if you slam in this you won't have to pay to get into Wednesday's show (which will be our annual WB Halloween Slam!)
If you have costume issues, need help with poems - whatever - let me know.
Spread the word!
Scott Woods
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September 12th, 2008
11:16 am - CALL FOR POETS: Halloween Library Slam!
All,
On Monday, October 27 at the Parsons Library the Writers' Block Poetry Night will be sponsoring a Halloween Slam!
This event is all ages and free, with a focus on work aimed at kids.
Costumes are mandatory and your poetry should reflect your character in some way.
Depending on how many poets sign-up, it may be a two or three round slam (don't worry: the third round will likely be haiku. In fact, a few haikus on hand is always encouraged for introduction purposes as well).
I'd like to have about 5 or 6 poets for this. Get at me backchannel at sewoods1@yahoo.com by September 30.
I have a Mad Scientist on deck already!
Doesn't pay, but if you slam in this you won't have to pay to get into Wednesday's show (which is be our annual WB Halloween Slam!)
If you have costume issues, need help with poems - whatever - let me know.
Spread the word!
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September 11th, 2008
09:18 am - And the winner is... (iWPS 2008 champ)
Please join the Writers' Block Poetry Night in congratulating our 2008 Individual World Poetry Slam (iWPS) winner and representative in Charlotte this December: Chauncey RARE Beatty! See the final results at the site here: It was a tough and awesome slam, three rounds of poetic combat deep! Congratulations to all of the poets who slammed in the Grand Slam last night. True to form, it was grand, folks. Also: POETS CHOICE AWARDS Note that Poets Choice Awards nominations are open through this month, with voting in October and the awards ceremony in November. Some hot candidates last night, for sure! Nominate poems, poets and audience stand-outs here: COLUMBUS POETS GAMES Don't forget the big picnic/game day at Innis Park next Saturday @ 11:00 on the 20th! Bring your tennis shoes! WOWPS SEASON Our Women of the World Poetry Slam season starts in October! Writers' Block Poetry Night
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September 8th, 2008
09:15 pm - This Week: The 2008 IWPS Grand Slam!
The 2008 IWPS Grand Slam!
Only 1 poet can represent the Writers' Block in Charlotte!
Who will it be?????
Writers' Block Poetry Night
Voted 2008 #1 Place to Hear Poetry in Columbus (TOP)
http://www.writersblockpoetry.com
@ Kafe Kerouac 2250 N. High St.
@ 8:00 $5
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September 3rd, 2008
07:39 am - TONIGHT: Bill Campana
All,
If you're part of a poetry audience (or just on a mailing list for a poetry event), you hear a lot of things about features when they come to town no matter where you live. It is the job of the poetry show's organizers to convince you that the poet they're coming to see is the best cat you ever heard.
Tonight's show is not hype. Bill Campana is a feature I have been wanting to bring to the Writers' Block Poetry Night for a long time and we finally worked it out. He is one of Arizona's long-standing poetic statesmen. He is one of the most prolific writers I know. He's seen it all and can do more with a haiku series about Larry King than most poets can in three Slam minutes. He is erudite, hard on poetry, cranky, loud and hilarious. And while Bill is the author of numerous books of poetry, it is his most recent audio release that bears mentioning. "The Hit List" is a 3-CD collection - yes, THREE CDS - of Bill's work over the years. Of any poet I know, he's the only one with three discs of poetry in one set, and one of the few I'd listen to over and over again. It is a virtual primer of poetry. Every time I listen to it I learn something new or am reminded of something I need to pick up again. Bill is equally excited to be here. I don't know if I've ever seen Bill excited, so that makes me excited. I think Bill will excite you too. When he saw our Poet's Choice Awards list here:
http://wblockpoetry.livejournal.com/18553.html#cutid1
...he informed that he was gunning for at least four nominations. I guarantee some of you will be filling out the form in the first five minutes. There really isn't another cat like Bill out there. Don't do yourself, or your poetry, a disservice by not showing up tonight. If you leave this show not wanting to write something afterwards, then poetry was not meant for you. And as always, open mic is there for you. "Columbus' #1 Place to Hear Poetry" (The Other Paper, 2008) is bringing you a show tonight that shows why we got the award. 
The Writers' Block Poetry Night
http://www.writersblockpoetry.com
@Kafe Kerouac 2250 N. High St.
Starts @ 8:00 $5 Always open mic.
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August 29th, 2008
04:09 pm - NPS 2009 Will Be In...
Posted in the Poetry Slam, Inc. (PSi) forums this afternoon by the president (that's me):
=====================
All,
The Executive Council thought long and hard on the decision about where to place next year's NPS. So many people stepped up to the plate with immediate support and great questions about what it would take to host it this time next year. In the end we discussed, debated and voted for Chris Imperial's offer to host it in Florida!
We are in the process of narrowing down the appropriate city site, as Chris came to us with a number of very strong options. We look forward to releasing that choice very soon as well.
Thank you to all of the members for their patience, and particularly those cities that offered to take up the charge. We now have more genuine and potential stated interest in all of our events by some dynamic organizers...more than we've seen in some years. It is a testimony to our community that, despite adversity of even this magnitude, we have jumped right on our horses and answered the call. Keep your eyes on the PSi forums for more details soon, and be looking for the new website to launch shortly.
Scott Woods
President, PSi
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10:41 am - Who's in the 2008 iWPS Grand Slam?
Who made it into this year's iWPS Grand Slam on September 10th at the Writers' Block Poetry Night? Check it out!
http://writersblockpoetry.rewritingovid.com/CurrentiWPS.php
The top 6 poets listed will go into a three round battle (1 minute, 2 minute and 3 minute rotations) in a couple of weeks!
Congratulations poets!
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August 27th, 2008
09:22 am - Post-NPS Letter from PSi's EC
WB,
Below is a copy of the letter that the Executive Council of Poetry Slam, Inc. sent out this week. No local ramificiations at this point, but those of you who are PSi members should be aware. Further discussion and such is taking place in the SM forum in PSi's forums.
Your loyal SlamMaster,
Scott
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Each of us sincerely hopes that you found artistic value and personal benefit by attending NPS 2008. In spite of some very serious difficulties in hosting the NPS in Madison, which we tried to keep in the background to ensure your positive NPS experience, we still believe that the national poetry slam has had a profound capacity to inspire poetic excellence in all of us. Regrettably at the SlamFamily meeting the Host City Committee’s outburst opened a door which caused confusion and questions for all of us in the poetry slam community. This letter is intended to address some of that confusion.
We've never issued a statement or provided as much information about what happens behind the scenes at a PSi event before now. It may strike some of you as surprising to see it now. You should know, however, that no event to date has jeopardized PSi's very existence, and when things get to that level of complication, it's only fair that you should know why. As has been mentioned often, we are using a new business model with all PSi events. The model works for both the host city and PSI when it is adopted by both parties. Detroit used it last year for WOWPS and is using it very effectively now for the next one and it works. Charlotte is using it now for iWPS and it works. All contracts lay this relationship out, as do accompanying documents. We’ll post those documents if anyone wants to see them. They aren’t secret.
As most of you are probably aware, membership fees alone do little to sustain PSi’s fiscal health. We rely on our events to produce income to keep us vital and growing. NPS, being our largest event, has long been our greatest fiscal resource. Some of this year’s Host City’s frustration may have been from the knowledge that this NPS was running in the red. In fact, now that we can more clearly see the financial side of the event, NPS ran so deeply in the red that the continuation of PSI is in danger. One of the most significant requirements of the bylaws is that the EC conducts the day to day business of the corporation in such a manner as to ensure that it remains solvent. Despite that obligation by the EC, the Host City Committee undermined those efforts by refusing to communicate by forum, or email or phone; disregarding its contractual obligations; withholding vital information regarding prices and contracts for venues until well into the week of competition; and implementing a weak and unapproved marketing plan in the months and weeks leading up to the event. It did not become apparent to us until we arrived on site that the Host City Committee was shirking its fiduciary responsibility to the members, the corporation and the National Poetry Slam 2008.
Given the resistance of the Host City to working cooperatively with the EC, we felt that the best course of action was to get through the week as best we could with as little front channel disruption as possible and, after a full accounting had been completed, address this ugliness with the membership. We truly wanted the poets “to revel in an environment in which freedom of speech, self-determination, and pursuit of creative excellence are inalienable rights,” and to “encourage artistic expression and engage communities worldwide in the revelry of language.” Since the event carried on with as little distraction as possible from the EC, we believe you did. Hopefully this letter gives you the background necessary for you to understand what happened, but if you would like more information we will be posting a link to a detailed post mortem report on NPS 2008 to the SlamMasters Forum soon. It’s not intended to be a secret link, but we wanted SlamMasters to have access to this information first.
To the extent that we still believe that this contract is viable, the Host City is obligated to provide a full accounting of all of its income and expenditures not later than September 30. At that time we’ll be in a better position to assess PSi’s financial state. It is likely we’ll return to you with a request for whatever financial support you can find to get us down the road to next year’s National Poetry Slam, which with your generous support will be held in a location to be determined by the EC very soon.
You have our promise to continue to hold PSi, its events and its members in the highest regard. Those are the entities and ideals to which we are literally in service.
With best regards,
The Executive Council of Poetry Slam, Inc.
Chad Anderson
Delrica Andrews
Inkera
Steve Marsh
Cassie Poe
Henry Sampson
Bob Whoopeecat Stephenson
Scott Woods
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August 25th, 2008
08:24 am - WED: Featured Reader Mary Kim, Slam and Open Mic!
This Wednesday is jam-packed with poetry goodness!
Our featured reader is one of our favorite poets, Mary Chi-Whi Kim!
If you don't know her, she's an awesome writer with national credits and a
unique and powerful voice.
http://www.marychi-whikim.com/ Also that night is our last preliminary slam for iWPS!
If you don't have points for the Grand Slam, get them this week!
If you do, hold on to your lead! It's 1 & 2 minute rounds, so come prepared.
This slam will be MCed by the incomparable Mahogany Browne, host of the one-and-only
Friday slam at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in NYC!
She's hot, funny and ready to throw down!
Writers' Block Poetry Night
http://www.writersblockpoetry.com
Voted #1 Place to Hear Poetry in Columbus 2008 by the Other Paper!
Wednesday @ 8:00 $5
@ Kafe Kerouac 2250 N. High St.
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August 14th, 2008
10:06 am - Last Night's Slam Results
Last night's show was, hands-down, an incredible show. Packed house, awesome feature (thanks Tom Budday!), awesome open mic...and one of the best local slams I've ever seen.You can see the results here. Know that people were leaving it all up on that stage and the judges were tough. This preliminary slam was as good as some Grand Slams. Results so far from the WB website:
http://writersblockpoetry.rewritingovid.com/CurrentiWPS.php Incredible. I was so proud of everyone last night. Scott
http://www.writersblockpoetry.com
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August 13th, 2008
07:52 am - 2008 iWPS Season, again
With tonight's slam going on, a refresher. This has been up on the WB site and in this journal for a while but a reminder of the current season is always nice.
IWPS 2008 Season
(July - August, GS in September - 4 prelims)
July 9 (1 & 3 min)
July 23 (2 & 3 min)
August 13 (3 & 3 min)
August 27 (1 & 2 min)
Top 8 in Grand Slam - September 10 (1, 2 & 3 min)
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July 29th, 2008
08:07 am - This is why we're hot: WB Feature Line-up Fall 2008
Check back for updates to this list!
UPCOMING FEATURES
August 13 - Tom Budday
August 27 - Mary Kim
September 3 - Bill Campana
October 8 - Jack McCarthy
November 12 - Tony Brown
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