Move Over American Idol! Here Comes Poetry!

The next big thing in the Middle East are poetry talent contests, broadcast on TV a la American Idol-style, where audience members vote for their favorite poetry recitation. Read about it here.

How would this work in the United States? Which B- or C-list celebrity would host? Any suggestions? Maybe we should put together a pitch for Fox.

--AB

A Company Called Poet(TM)

If you're a dry mill ethanol producer that wanted to name your company "Poet," it's too late. The company formerly known as Broin trademarked that shit, so you're out of luck.

I thought some of you might get a kick out of this story about the company naming itself Poet. I didn't actually read much of the article, so if anyone finds the rationale behind the name-change, please eduate me.

--AB

Apparently, It's a Controversey

The Boston City Council is debating whether or not to have a Poet Laureate. It's an age-old story: Should money and resources be used to support poetry when crime, drugs, etc. are more pressing problems? The city responds by promising that only private funding will support the laureate. What do you think? Who's right? Is this a newsworthy issue? Click here to read the story, then give us your comments.

--AB

Alleged Murderer Identified in Poem

Someone who allegedly knows the identity of a killer in Somerset, England, has posted a poem on street lamps and bus shelters. Police are looking for the poet, whose verse already led them to what might be the murder weapon. The poetry is bad, but the story is good, so check it out here.

--AB

Contest Shenanigans

Ugh! We'll never have a contest, if for no other reason than to avoid the hassle of administering one. I don't care how much money they bring in, contests take too much energy to run.

Just reading this story in P&W tired me out. The spotlight is on Tupelo Press and its contest shenanigans. (I call them shenanigans, but read the story and decide for yourself.)

--AB

Final Jeopardy

I watched a re-run of Jeopardy during lunch today. The Final Jeopardy category was "Poets."

The clue was something like "In 2005, a Library of Congress exhibit on this poet included a display called 'Wound Dresser.'"

If you know the answer, be the first to put it in the comments below, and we'll send you a free copy of Sean, Jen or Ivy's book.

--AB

Poetry of the Middle East

PBS broadcast two segments last week--one on Israeli poetry and one on Palestinian poetry. Not sure if the archives are up yet, but here's a link to some additional content.

--AB