SCC Coffeehouse Open Mic Night dates

I have the dates for this academic year's SCC Coffeehouse Open Mic Night:

• Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011
• Friday, Dec. 2, 2011
• Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012
• Friday, April 13, 2012

These events are open to the public, non-students, soon-to-be students, and anyone else who can stand behind a microphone and perform for about five to seven minutes. I'll add reminders as the dates approach, and if you want more info, check out the official site.

Until Next Time...
Keeping the coffee coming,
Michael

Sex on the Moon

Sometimes I hold off buying a book on the off chance that I may be given an opportunity to review it, therefore receiving a free copy. This time Doubleday/Random House was kind enough to oblige me, and today when I came home from work, "Sex on the Moon" by Ben Mezrich was waiting for me.

Known for his books "The Accidental Billionaires" (which became the movie "The Social Network") and "Bringing Down the House" (which became the movie "21"), Mezrich now reveals the tale of three individuals who conspire to steal moon rocks from the heart of NASA's most secure laboratory. It promises to be every bit of an equal to his previous books, and is already generating a fair amount of media buzz.

As soon as I finish the Foundry Art Centre's selection for September ("Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet"), which should only take about a week, I'll read Mezrich's novel and hope to have the review posted before the end of August.

Until Next Time...

Lunarly Yours,

Michael

Open Mic Updates

I found a new place for Open Mic Nights in Manchester, MO.

Stone Spiral Coffee & Curios hosts open mic nights every Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. I may be checking it out soon, and I'll report back here.

* * * *

In the meantime, Beatniks, in New Town St. Charles closed their doors July 1, 2011, leaving only Picasso's Coffee as the open mic location in St. Charles county on Thursday nights.

Keep watching here though, as I learn of (or plan) other open mic events on the west side of the Missouri River, I'll post 'em here.

Until Next Time...

Spiraling,

Michael

New Book Club

I've started a new book club at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO, and our first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, 2011 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Ameristar Gallery. We'll be discussing "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett.

We'll then begin meeting regularly on the first Tuesday of every month. At our September 6, we'll discuss "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford, and at the October 4 meeting, we'll discuss "The Imperfectionists" by Tom Rachman.

You can RSVP to me, or just show up.

And if you need a copy of any of these books, Main Street Books on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri, is offering 10% off any of these titles if you mention that you'll be attending.

Phoebe's Secret Admirer

My peom "Phoebe's Secret Admirer" has been printed in the MidRivers Review 2011 Annual literary publication.

Copies can be purchased at independent book stores and art facilities in the St. Charles, Mo, area, including the St. Charles Community College.

Until Next Time...

Keep Writing,

Michael

Made the Rounds

Spent the last couple of weeks digging up any Open Mic spots in St. Charles county, and have only found Picasso's and Beatniks, which tend to draw almost 100% musical acts.

Picasso's had a wider variety of talent, from bluegrass to reggae, but was very crowded and sometimes it was difficult to hear the performance over the sound of the espresso machine.

Beatniks on the other hand, afforded great acoustics, but the talent was limited to mostly older cover tunes done acoustically, but still creatively.

May have to venture out, see what I can organize...

Until Next Time...
Still Searching,
Michael

Beatniks and Picasso's

Thursdays in St. Charles County is where you should go if you want to experience open mic events.

For those who like the Historic St. Charles District, Picasso's Coffeehouse is the place to go. Thursday evenings starting at 7:30 p.m. is Open Mic night. You can even buy a tee-shirt.

If New Town is more your place, then visit Beatnik's. Open Mic Night every Thursday there as well.

You may find yourself having to alternate between the two places to catch the best area poets and solo performances. This Thursday, I'll be visiting Picasso's. Don't plan to read anything, though, unless they run of those of us crazy enough to bare our souls through a microphone.

Until Next Time...

Thursday'ing It,

Michael

Poets at the Station - Schwartz

The "Poets at the Station" poetry reading series will feature Howard Schwatrz tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the Kirkwood Train Station, Argonne Ave and Kirkwood Rd.

The event is open to the public, and admission is free.

For more information, call (314)-965-7100, or surf over to www.kirkwoodareaarts.org.

Book Review: Strength Training Anatomy Workout

I considered myself extremely lucky when I found out that I was going to have a chance to review "The Strength Training Anatomy Workout" by Frederic Delavier. Yes, maybe I approached it from a biased point of view, but at the same time, that same bias and high expectation could have left me disappointed if this book had done nothing short of astounding me.

I am not disappointed.

Just the opposite.

I love this book as much, if maybe not more, than the previous companion "Strength Training Anatomy." I proudly use and display both books in my health library.

The diagrams are clear and detailed, educational and enlightening. The text is straight-forward and easy to understand. Most of all, the entire package is professional and full of practical and user-friendly knowledge. Each exercise has detailed explanations and diagrams showing exactly which muscles are worked, with examples that take into account real-world limitations and situations. This book also includes workout routines that can be followed precisely, or modified to fit your personal goals and lifestyles.

This book (along with its companion) speaks for itself. You will not regret owning it.

Poets at the Station

The "Poets at the Station" poetry reading series will feature David Clewell this Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the Kirkwood Train Station, Argonne Ave and Kirkwood Rd.

The event is open to the public, and admission is free.

For more information, call (314)-965-7100, or surf over to www.kirkwoodareaarts.org.