Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Slamily Second Generation-Get on my level

Once upon a time, I posted this beauty of a blog: http://roahg.blogspot.com/2012/6/bet-you-want-my-job-sunday-edition.html and sure that was fun. Hell, it was a lot of fun, like pandas and balloons popsicles and slinkys kind of fun. If you didn't have one of those panda-balloon-slinky kinds of days, I'm sorry but we are both missing out on key parts of our child hood. Drat. 

But here's the second chapter

SLAMILY: SECOND GENERATION

Yes, it's better than One Direction covered in sprinkles. This time 14 kids traveled the long distances (we're talking out of the 14, 12 of them were from somewhere other than MN--that means hella far) to come to our humble town of St. Peter to have their lives rerouted and nurtured from the ground like little baby acorns learning how to become oaks with a purpose. It's actually that amazing to watch these students come together under the direction of the three fantastic poets that are so dedicated to teaching and bringing in the next generation of phenomenal poets. I walk in to take pictures and casually creep on their writing/slamming, and I am propelled out of the water like cannonball from the high dive played in rewind. These kids are going to make a splash.

In case you missed something from last year's post around this time, I will help you feed your poetry addiction by posting some videos here that unashamedly praise the people who make this camp possible.
(I was there when this was filmed... because that's not creepy)

(I was not there when this was filmed... because that's not creepy)

(And now for something different-But isn't he a cool dude?)

Ok, so we've learned a little bit about Sierra DeMulder, Adam Henze, and Khary Jackson, now we shall continue with our story. 

The first night the whimsical three arrived, Karin and I took them out to a local joint fondly called, "Patty's". Now for any poet nerd (cough, me, and phlegmy-cough Karin) this is more than just a magical moment. This is going to dinner with some of the most well respected poets in the land. Super, we're having a wonderful time, everything is dandy. 

Kids arrive, all is well, fast forward to Thursday. This is where things get good. On Wednesday, a Mr. Quentin Q Talley joined us for a little showcase. This is prime. 


Then on Thursday, Karin had the distinct pleasure of going to pick up the St. Paul Slam Team consisting of the following magnificent individuals who are masters of their craft:
Kait Rokowski

Sam Cook
Shane Hawley
Hieu Nguyen

Cris Gibson

Love them all. Just do it. 


Study Guide for the GRE: Gaudy Rhinoceros Exam

Sometimes I read other people's blogs and think.... oh yeah, I suppose I have one of those too don't I..... Maybe I should write something on it...

Well, wish granted, self.  I suppose this is what I've got.

Tomorrow marks the first step in things I should be doing after that fateful day that happens in late May: post grad. For better or for worse, I'm going to spend 4 hours of my life frittering away at a meaningless test that receives it's authority from the people who created it. ETS, you're a scam and you know it. After the SAT way back when I was pretty convinced that I would not succumb to the pressures of yet another standardized test, but alas, consider me sans moral compass. To be clear, I still do not believe in any bubble answer configuration determining someone's ability to problem solve and write, but humans are pretty slow at figuring out better ways. So cheers to those who find better ways to do that.

For those of you taking the GRE, here is my pre test advice to you:

1) Answer the questions. What are they going to do? Hunt you down if you get them all wrong? Nah, they already got their $160 so they'll leave you alone to cry in peace. No matter the question, there's some chance that your random guess will get you a point. So have at it.

2) Smile. It'll confuse the shit out of the people around you and the proctor. And you, smiling, and watching their reactions will be the only entertainment you get for 4 hours. Enjoy the little things.

3) If you need a motivational boost, write yourself a little note on your scratch paper. And draw a smilie face. It might be the only friendly face in the whole building.

4) Hydrate and look smart. Sometimes looking smart is the best you can do. Pull out that monocle from storage and the spats and dust off that British accent. The educated must look educated.

5) Once the test is over, have a dance party. You've earned it and there's nothing they can do about suppressing your happiness now!  Blow 'em a raspberry and a choice finger and turn up the beats.

Keep in mind that none of this is intended to boost your score or your likely hood of being accepted and/or liked by your choice program. It might make you feel better.