Snacks for thought
1. Recently having written a post on Picher, Oklahoma, a colleague noting my interest gave me a followup article in the September issue of Wired magazine, Welcome to Armageddon, USA. Written by Ben Paynter, it details the final throes in the death of an American city.
“Picher isn’t simply another boomtown gone bust. It’s emblematic of what happens when a modern city dies: A few people stay behind, trying to hold on to what they can. They are the new homesteaders, trying to civilize a wasteland at the end of the world.”
2. Interested in Roger Clemens, here’s the facts from the 2008 congressional hearings, given me by our US Documents librarian.
Guilty or not guilty: did Roger Clemens take steroids to help him improve his baseball game? These are the two congressional hearings that were held in 2008 when he plainly stated that he did not take steroids or any other performance-enhancing substances. But as we have heard these last two weeks he is now being indicted for taking just these substances. Here is what he said two years ago– 
The “Mitchell Report,” volume one–
The “Mitchell Report,” volume two–
Give them a minute to download.
3. Young Bill and I have already gotten tickets and hotel reservations for the September 24-25 Celebration of Books in Tulsa. This is your get a move on reminder.
4. And to keep you chuckling until the long weekend, read Laurence Hughes’ Huffington Post post Books that Sell. What ad would you want to see in your favorite book?
Writer event in Chandler; Celebration of Books around the corner
The SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) is having their Fall Conference in Chandler, Oklahoma September 11th from 9:00 til 5:00. Go to their website to find out how to join SCBWI, and stop by the member websites while you’re there.
The Celebration of Books, held by the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers is coming up September 24-25. I know Young Bill and I are anxiously looking forward to going. Mark your calendars for this one. Teresa Miller, host of Writing Out Loud, is the mastermind behind this event, and I’ve never been disappointed.
Save the Date. Mildred Laughlin Festival of Books for Young People will be October 28th. This year it will be at the Tom Steed Center, Rose State College and the fee with lunch is $80.00. Here’s a peek at the festival presenters, Stephen Krensky, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, and Tamora Pierce.
Need to get started on some great books for Teens, Take a look at Tamora Pierce’s 2010 best Science Fiction and Fantasy titles for Teens.
Look what I just got in my email from Teresa.
In addition to an all-star lineup of Oklahoma Writers, the Celebration of Books, September 24-25, will also be featuring three Pulitzer winners—Michael Cunningham, author of The Hours; Beth Henley, author of Crimes of the Heart; and Rita Dove, author of American Smooth. Dove also served as Poet Laureate of the United States. Other visiting writers and artists will include PBS anchor Jim Lehrer, best-selling author Sue Monk Kidd, New York Literary Agent Marly Rusoff, poet and performance artist Joy Harjo, Queen of Rock Wanda Jackson, and Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest of the Little Rock 9.
For a complete listing of all sixty authors, visit poetsandwriters.okstate.edu, where you’ll find a Celebration schedule and registration forms. Or call Teresa Miller at 918-594-8215. You can also receive weekly updates by becoming a fan of the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers on Facebook.
Note that all teachers and students may attend the event for free but still need to register.
We hope you can join us!
Thanks Teresa for the update and very timely for the blog.
Oklahoma Writers honor Joyce Carol Thomas
I just received an invitation to attend the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame Banquet honoring Joyce Carol Thomas. All part of a larger program, Oklahoma Landscapes that will promote Oklahoma Authors. Joyce Carol Thomas is a wonderful choice. Your young children will love her book “I Have Heard of a Land“, a celebration of Oklahoma’s African American pioneers. All of her children’s books are beautifully written and illustrated. Young Adults should read Marked by Fire. You can see the depth of her talents after reading both volumes.
The University of Tennesse has her on their Tennessee Author page but I beg to differ, she is truly one of Oklahoma’s finest authors. So come on out on October 6th to celebrate her and her works. For registration details go to http://poetsandwriters.okstate.edu/events/index.html
