There's one thing I value above most others: loyalty. Not blind loyalty; not stroke my ego and never say anything bad loyalty; not pretend I'm always right and never question me loyalty. Very simply, you know that when I'm in your corner, I'm IN your corner, so don't blindside me with some random bullshit and act like I haven't had your back from day one. When she decided to go the weak, emotional route when called out on her shit, I understand you taking her side. I can even forgive the impulsive protective response that led you to push me.…

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Stolen, or "gronked," from the dread pirate, Tony Brown. 1. Grab the nearest book. 2. Open the book to page 23. 3. Find the fifth sentence. 4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions. From the two books I'm carrying around these days (yes, I'm STILL reading them!): "'You haven't given me the money for this week's groceries.'" (When I Was Puerto Rican, Esmeralda Santiago) "But those who know the interdependence of man to be his major strength in the struggle out of the muck have not been wise in their exhortations and moral…

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Amazon.com Sales Rank: 3 (as of 3:15pm, 4/6/04) Track list: 1. William Hung Words of Gratitude 2. She Bangs 3. Bailamos 4. William Hung's Inspirational Thoughts (Passion) 5. I Believe I Can Fly 6. Hotel California 7. Can You Feel The Love Tonight 8. Two Worlds 9. William Hung Inspirational Thoughts (Perseverance) 10. Rocket Man 11. Free 12. Circle of Life 13. William Hung Inspirational Thought (Be Yourself) 14. Y.M.C.A. - featuring the Gonnabees 15. Shake Your Bon-BonYou know you want to.

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I. Poetry Slam, Inc. Two poetry slam-related things I never expected to see: 1. Taylor Mali is the new President of Poetry Slam. Inc. 2. This. The Taylor thing is actually an interesting wrinkle that could mean PSI becoming relevant again. People may not agree with Taylor's positions on a lot of things but there's no question that he'll bring a different approach to the organization and a fresh new energy. Of course, it could also be the final nail in the coffin as he unapologetically turns it into a competition that eschews any sense of community for purely cutthroat…

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Hit Urbana last night after the pleasantly unexpected distraction of 50%-off sushi. FRESH sushi! Yum. Got there in time for the slam which, to my surprise, I kind of enjoyed. Over the years, Cristin has become my favorite host on the scene, hands down. She knows her audience, has impeccable comedic skills and timing, and is cute as hell. Makes a night where someone like RAC loses to some Steve Colman-lite guy bearable. Speaking of RAC, I think she's officially become one of my favorite poets on the scene. Watching her last night was a breath of fresh air. Her…

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The feedback from louder than words has been great. Much of it overwhelmingly positive, and where there was critique, it was generally offered honestly and clearly. Eric, Helen, Diane and I met Tuesday night to digest it all and tweak the format in a way that puts more emphasis on - and sets aside more time for - the debate. One of the comments we received - or, more correctly, I received as it was all directed at me - took issue with some of the things I said in my introduction, challenging me on both facts and opinion. The…

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