The Tao of Jesus Crisis

Legal Affairs

I spent most of today going through more tubs, bags and files full of Mom's papers.  Took a break and found this response from O.U. in the mail.  Nothing seems easy.

I went through this two years ago and got Legal Affairs' approval.  Hell, I even attended O.U.'s college program for the incarcerated from 1995 through 2004, and then took another course from the university while home in 2005.  Now they're squeamish about my 1993 conviction?


Posted by Jesus Crisis at 5/23/2013 4:53 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Catch a Buzz Wednesday June 5th at 6:30 p.m. at Beehive Books

 
COME AND JOIN US FOR OUR MAY "COFFEE HOUSE" 
AT BEEHIVE!
(NOTE CHANGE IN DAY)

Enjoy an evening filled with Music & Poetry — and a chance to come up during our "OPEN MIC" portion of the evening.
 
   Mark Hersman,  current President of the Ohio Poetry Association, and Jennifer Hambrick,  poet and WOSU-FM radio host, will once again be our evening's hosts/emcees.  

   Programs start each month promptly at 6:30 PM — so attendees will want to start arriving around 6:15 PM to grab a seat and be in place when the evening's entertainment starts.  The evening will lead off with music provided by... 

SINGER/SONGWRITER DAVID KENDER
OF APPLE VALLEY, OHIO!
 
Kender has been a solo artist most of his life. He played Freedom Fest in Maine in 2001 and 2002, and played at the Northern State Fair of Maine, and also at Silver Tongue Productions, Manchester, N.H., in 2003.  David moved back to Ohio in 2005, and formed PoorFolk, a bluegrass/rock band. After the group disbanded in 2008, he started to focus on his songwriting once again, and has been bouncing from clubs to coffee houses, and even street corners ... anything to get his music heard. His specialties in music are lyrics and rhythm guitar.
 
 
.  Poetry will begin at 7:00 PM followed by an Open Mic segment for audience members to contribute.  To better serve the COFFEE HOUSE format, Beehive will be open later on first Thursdays so you can truly enjoy the evening's poetry and music without having to worry about the store's regular closing time. 

Featured Poets for the month of JUNE are...

    
DIANNE BORSENIK... 
 
...is active in the Cleveland, Ohio poetry scene. She is co-founder of the popular Lix & Kix Poetry Extravaganza and the Snoetry: A Winter Wordfest series, and is a member of the Ohio Poetry Association, the Haiku Society of America, and the Academy of American Poets.
 
  
In 2010, she won second place in the Columbus Arts Fest poetry competition. In 2012, Borsenik won second place in her first ever slam competition, and first place in her second slam. In April 2013, she won second place in the 2nd Annual Poesies Slam Competition, and in May 2013, she won first place in the Best Cleveland Poem Competition.

Her work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, including Slipstream, Rosebud, Lilliput Review, and Modern Haiku. Her chapbooks include Blue Graffiti published by Crisis Chronicles Press, and Fortune Cookie, published by Kattywompus Press.  

In 2011, she founded NightBallet Press, and has published over 30 different poets from across the United States. Find her at www.nightballetpress.blogspot.com.

 
 
JOHN BURROUGHS...
 
...a.k.a. Jesus Crisis, is a northeast Ohio poet and publisher who (with Dianne) co-founded the Lix and Kix Poetry Extravaganza and mostly-annual Snoetry: A Winter Wordfest.

He is the author of one full-length poetry collection, The Eater of the Absurd (from NightBallet Press), and six chapbooks.

For several years around the turn of the millennium, John served as a full-time playwright and occasional music director in residence for the Ministry of Theatre at Marion Correctional Institution.

John won his first ever poetry slam (though he rarely competes), founded PoetryElyria and is perhaps most proud of his work (since 2008) as the founding editor of Crisis Chronicles Press. 
      
  
OUR OPEN MIC PORTION OF THE EVENING STARTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE POETRY SECTION OF THE EVENING AND IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY MUSICIANS OR POETS TO SHARE THEIR LOVE OF POETRY AND MUSIC WITH THE BEEHIVE AUDIENCE!
 

Contact
BEEHIVE  BOOKS
25 North Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH  43015
740-363-2337
Stay Connected
Facebook   
STORE HOURS
Monday 
Thru
Saturday
10 AM to 8 PM
Sunday
Noon to 4 PM

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 5/22/2013 7:55 AM | Add Comment

Another Day, Another Disconnection

The first email address I had was shakeyourbuddha@comcast.net (or was it .com?), set up in June 2004 when I first came home from prison and was living in Mom's basement.  Then I set up johnbburroughs@comcast.net to use for more "professional" matters.  Mom had just bought me a new computer as my coming home present, so I created an email account for her too (joyousginny@comcast.net), to help wean her off of WebTV.

A few years later, Time Warner replaced Comcast in our area (Elyria, Ohio) and our email addresses were changed from _____@comcast.net to _____@oh.rr.com, but we kept them until this week when I turned off Mom's cable TV, phone and internet service.  Most of my blog readers didn't know those addresses anyway, as lately I've only used them for bills, coupons and political stuff.  Mom used hers for everything.  

Anyway, they're gone now.  Every day seems to bring a new series of goodbyes.

Now I have this song in my head.


Video permalink: http://youtu.be/nYNv23n5EPM

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 5/19/2013 6:38 AM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Mama Said

Mama always loved the Shirelles.


Video permalink: http://youtu.be/L842mz-tNBQ

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 5/12/2013 11:08 AM | Add Comment

Mom's Obituary

From today's Elyria Chronicle-Telegram:
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2013/05/07/virginia-m-kimble/

Virginia M. Kimble (nee Hanna), 65, of Elyria, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013 at EMH Healthcare, following a brief illness. She was born April 27, 1948 in Richwood, West Virginia and was an Elyria resident for most of her life.

Virginia worked as a Registered Nurse for the State of Ohio and enjoyed gardening, bird watching and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her sons, John (Geri Lynne) Burroughs of Cleveland and Michael (Pamela) Burroughs of Rocky River; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister, Marlene Bennett of Wadsworth; brothers, Bob Hanna of Wadsworth and Tom Hanna of Elkins, West Virginia.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Madilynn; and a sister, Betty Bennett.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 4 until 7 P.M., at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria, 440-322-4626. Services will be Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 11 A.M., in the funeral home. The Reverend Chuck Behrens will officiate. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Friendship Animal Protective League, 8303 North Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria OH 44035.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 5/7/2013 8:39 AM | View Comments (3) | Add Comment

Best Waylaid Plans

Mom's been in the hospital since March 12th and I've been devoting as much time to visiting her and taking care of her affairs as I can.  As a result, my Crisis Chronicles Press work has had to take a back seat for the past couple of months.

Part of my 2013 plan was to publish two chapbooks a month and add something new to the cyber litmag every day.  But March and April's chapbooks haven't gotten done yet and I'm averaging about a post every three days in the litmag.  I'm also months behind in reading and responding to submissions.

I'm hoping Mom continues to improve and I can get back to work, at least on a part time basis, soon.  I'm optimstic that we can get at least two chapbooks published in May and not fall further behind.  In the meantime, I'm putting first things first and I remain grateful for your immense patience and support.

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 5/3/2013 7:45 AM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Happy 65 and Millersburg


Mom - 12/27/2006

Tonight I'm excited about being one of three guest poets at the second annual Poesies open poetry slam at Jitters Coffee House in Millersburg, Ohio.  (I'm just sharing, not competing.) The last time I remember going to Millersburg, I was a teen in the early 80s with Dad and my step mom or on a church trip, visiting Amish country. What a trip it's been since.

Even better than that, today is my mom's 65th birthday.  There is no one I love more — and considering we nearly lost her last month, this birthday is even more special than ever.  She's still in the hospital, but doing much better, and I'm very happy about that.  We'll be spending much of the first part of the day with her in Elyria before we head south to Millersburg.

Happy birthday, Mom!


Mom - 5/29/2011

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 4/27/2013 7:52 AM | View Comments (4) | Add Comment

John Burroughs' Upcoming Readings/Performances

Toledo, Ohio — Artomatic 419 — 911 N. Summit Street
Saturday 4/13/2013 from 4 to 6 p.m. — John Burroughs and several Crisis Chronicles and NightBallet Press authors will perform at this infamous multimedia arts festival hosted by the Toledo Arts Commission. More details here.

Cleveland, Ohio — Broken Pulpit Poetry Extravaganza — Center for Rock Research
Saturday 4/20/2013 at 7 p.m. — John Burroughs will be one of dozens of poets from around the country performing during the first blast of Broken Pulpit, hosted by Steve Goldberg at The Center for Rock Research, 1761 East 39th St. in Cleveland, Ohio.  Other readers include Lynn Alexander (Pittsburgh, PA), Eric Alleman (Youngstown, OH), Jeff Bowen (Cleveland, OH), Miles Budimir (Cleveland, OH), Paul Corman Roberts (Oakland, CA), Katie Daley (Cleveland, OH), Bill Gainer (Sacramento, CA), TM Gottl (Cleveland, OH), Bill Howe (Cincinnati, OH), Ray McNiece (Cleveland, OH), Frank Prpic (Cleveland, OH), Jason Ryberg (Kansas City, MO), John Swain (Louisville, KY), William Taylor Jr (San Francisco, CA), Zarina Zabrisky (San Francisco, CA), and Eris Zion Venia (Cleveland, OH).  The evening will also feature music from the robust percussion band Primal Rhythms and local rock favorite Morticia’s Chair.

Cleveland, Ohio — Broken Pulpit Tremont Crawl — Grumpy’s Café and more
Sunday 4/21/2013 from 1 p.m. to infinity — John Burroughs and several Crisis Chronicles Press authors will be among the dozens of poets taking part in the Broken Pulpit Tremont Crawl happening at assorted venues around the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. John will read/emcee from 4 to 5 during the Grumpy’s Café leg (2621 W. 14th St.), joined by Chansonette Buck, Tracie Morell, Catherine Criswell and Heather Ann Schmidt.  More details forthcoming here.

Millersburg, Ohio — 2nd Annual Poesies — Jitters Coffee House
Saturday 4/27/2013 from 7 to 10 p.m. — John Burroughs, T.M. Gottl and Sara Holbrook will be guest performance poets at the 2nd annual Poesies open poetry slam competition. Click here for more details.

Canton, Ohio — Stardust Poetry — Karma Café
Friday 6/21/2013 from 7 to 10 p.m. — The Poet's Haven will release John Burroughs' new chapbook, It Takes More than Chance to Make Change, and he will be one of the evening's featured poets during Stardust Poetry at the Karma Café, 4339 Dressler Rd. NW in Canton, Ohio.

Pittsburgh, PA — Browns vs Steelers Poetry — East End Book Exchange
Saturday 6/22/2013 — John Burroughs and Dianne Borsenik will join Jason Baldinger and others for a wild night of poetry at the East End Book Exchange in the Steel City.  Details forthcoming.

Lakewood, Ohio — Mondays at Mahall's — Mahall's 20 Lanes
Monday 7/15/2013 — John Burroughs will be the featured performer during Monday's at Mahall's, hosted by Catherine Criswell.  This event will also feature the release of (and readings from) the latest issue of Great Lakes Review.

Mansfield, Ohio — Poetry open mic & more — Main Street Books
Saturday 7/20/2013 — John Burroughs will be one of two featured poets at this special afternoon event hosted by Mark Jordan at Main Street Books, 104 North Main Street in Mansfield. Event will include an open mic. Other feature TBA.

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 4/12/2013 7:49 AM | View Comments (3) | Add Comment

Loveshot, Two Against Nature, Out and In Columbus

On March 25th 2013 I had the honor and pleasure of being The Poetry Forum's featured reader at the Rumba Cafe in Columbus, Ohio.  They had me read for approximately 20 minutes before we took a break, then they called me up for another 20 minute set.  After that there was an open mic.  I got paid $50 (enough to cover my gas) and made another $50 or so selling books (and that's after giving away several copies).  All in all, it was the longest I'd ever read during a feature (not counting Snoetry 2) and probably the most I've made at a reading.  I had a lot of fun and dug deeper than usual into my catalog. Steve Abbott, Rose Smith, Connie Everett and Nathan Moore were gracious hosts, the audience was very into it and the other readers were quite good.  Can't wait to go back!

Here are three clips Dianne Borsenik recorded that evening and kindly posted on YouTube:


"Loveshot" comes from my chapbook Water Works (2012, Recycled Karma Press).


"Two Against Nature" comes from my book The Eater of the Absurd (2012, NightBallet Press).


"Out and In Audible" comes from my forthcoming chapbook It Takes More Than Chance to Make Change (2013, The Poet's Haven) and first appeared online in The City Poetry and in print in the anthology What I Knew Before I Knew: Poems from the Pudding House Salon-Cleveland.


Posted by Jesus Crisis at 4/8/2013 7:55 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Smoking in Tremont Today!

Wanna see Tremont in benevolent flames? Catch these two too hot to handle poetry events today.

4pm - John Dorsey and Alicia Young with the Deep Cleveland Trio live at the Brandt Gallery.

7pm - Writing Knights Press Presents: John Burroughs and Zach with Lacie Semenovich and Kisha Nicole Foster.

Melting in fire never felt so good!


Posted by Jesus Crisis at 4/6/2013 9:36 AM | Add Comment

Diarrhea of a Mad Mind at Mac's

Here I'm reading my poem "Diarrhea of a Mad Mind," from The Eater of the Absurd (2012, NightBallet Press), at my book release party on 12/12/12 at Mac's Backs Books on Coventry in Cleveland Heights.  Thanks to editor/publisher Dianne Borsenik for recording and posting this clip!


Video permalink: http://youtu.be/fQFYu_rPVEI

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 4/2/2013 8:16 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

It Takes More Than Chance

About a month ago, I made a decision to try to post at least a short new blog entry every day.  That resolution went out the window when Mom got so sick.  First things first, you know?  She's been hospitalized since 12 March and I've been with her (or running about trying to take care of her affairs) as much as I'm able. So if you're wondering why I've not responded to your email or submission or made progress with your book or posted that video or those pictures or whatever, now you know.  The few non Mom-related tasks I've been able to complete are mostly the quick, easy and mostly mindless ones.   She seems to be making slow, steady progress now.  Hopefully she'll get to come out of ICU in the next couple of days.  I appreciate your patience, kind thoughts, good wishes and love.  Thank goodness for the doctors and nurses who've given her such excellent care so far!

In other news, my new chapbook, It Takes More than Chance to Make Change, will be published on June 21st by The Poets Haven and is now available for pre-order.  6 bucks, free shipping, no slipping.  Wrap around cover art courtesy of Steven Smith.



Get it here: http://boutique.poetshaven.com/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&product_id=94

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 3/31/2013 10:22 AM | View Comments (4) | Add Comment

Cornering Mom


Mom on 29 May 2011

Long day at the hospital today.  Mom's been in since Tuesday the 12th. Friday she took a turn for the worst and had to be sent to ICU and put on a ventilator.  I bailed out on my scheduled Mad Sing You performance on the 20th and Columbus State Community College bookfair appearance today.  I've hesitated to say much about it here or on Facebook because (1) I've had little time to write (and taking care of her is a far bigger priority than writing), (2) things have been constantly changing, and (3) I wanted to respect her privacy.

Anyway, today Mom has turned an important corner.  By this evening, she was breathing on her own, though she's exhausted and they want to wait until morning before they try to take her completely off the respirator.  She's by no means all better, but she's on her way and I couldn't be more grateful.  I'm also very grateful for the kind wishes we've received.  Hopefully, tomorrow (Sunday) she'll be able to talk with us for the first time in nearly a week.  I wonder what she'll say.

If all continues to go well, I still plan to make it to my featured reading Monday at the Rumba Cafe in Columbus.  Maybe I'll see you there.  For details and/or directions, click here.

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 3/23/2013 9:54 PM | View Comments (4) | Add Comment

Matriculating at Mad Sing U

This Wednesday, March 20th, I will be performing as the Jesus Crisis Experience (words and electric piano) at the first annual Mad Sing You poetrymusic fest happening at Mahalls 20 Lanes, 13200 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio.  The other scheduled performers are dan smith and the Deep Cleveland Trio, Tom Adams, Shelley Chernin, Sleazy Weasel and the Towels of Unbelief (Steven B. Smith, Peter Ball & DJ Darren X), T.M. Göttl & Zach, Tribute to Jazz (Vladimir Swirynsky, Art Berg & Brian Taylor) and Latex Menagerie (Bree, Adam Brodsky & Russ Vidrick).  It's gonna be a fun night, even (or especially?) if I embarrass myself!


Posted by Jesus Crisis at 3/18/2013 5:56 AM | Add Comment

Video of John Burroughs' 3/14/2013 Slow Train Cafe Feature

Many thanks to the Slow Train Cafe and Meeko Israel for hosting me last night — and to all the friends and poets who came out and helped make this a most enjoyable event.  Here's a webcam recording I made of my part of the evening.  I'll post clips from the open mic that came before me soon.


Video permalink: http://youtu.be/gJ5F0S0nYMs

This clip features me reading 10 of my own poems and one by Kevin Reid from his new Crisis Chronicles Press chapbook Body Voices.

1. John Cage Engaged and Uncaged
2. Penis [by Kevin Reid]
3. Top Less
4. Note to Self While Writing
5. Horror Scope
6. Bloodshot
7. You Shit
8. From Here to Inequity
9. Diarrhea of a Mad Mind
10. Bier
11. Lens

[Early versions of poems 1 & 6 appear in my self-published 2008 chapbook Bloggerel.  Poems 3, 4 & 5 will appear in my 2013 Poet's Haven chapbook It Takes More than Chance to Make Change.  Poem 10 appears in my 2012 chapbook Water Works (Recycled Karma Press). Poems 7, 8, 9 & 11 are from my 2012 book The Eater of the Absurd (NightBallet Press).]

Posted by Jesus Crisis at 3/15/2013 1:55 PM | Add Comment
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