branta

‘Atlantic Canada Reads’ is the brainchild of award-winning St. John’s writer Chad Pelley, who is hosting the six-week long contest on his website Saltyink.com. Pelley says he was inspired to put the tournament together by two similar national bouts; CBC Radio’s ‘Canada Reads’ and The Afterword’s ‘Canada Also Reads’ competitions, and is looking for readers across the country to nominate themselves to defend their favourite Atlantic Canadian book, by May 28th.

Runs May 13-15
Includes Readings by: Beth Powning, Tess Gerritsen, Herb Curtis, Clyde Wray, Robert S. Dinning, Kathy-Diane Leveille, Tom Crothers. Plus many different workshops, roundtables, presentations for folks of all ages. Homebase is at the Saint John Public Library.

Goose Lane Editions announces the launch for Roger Burrow’s new book Birding in New Brunswick, which will be followed by a series of public presentations and book signings. Burrows will visit libraries around the province to discuss bird watching or “birding”. These events are free, open to the public, and books will be available for purchase.

So let’s be clear: the primary motivation for this self-exposé is neither ego nor the desire for absolution for some wrongdoing about to be discovered. I have not sinned against y’all. Purely and simply I don’t have a Feature Post to go to right now. Since early May is a transitional time for many lit types, what with finishing school terms or the commitments that go along with new books, spring deadlines and the like, tossing together something for Branta is no one’s top priority. Except for mine, of course. Although that’s not entirely true for reasons to be revealed.

Books to Build/ Lire Pour Bâtir (BTB/LPB) is a New Brunswick-based, non-profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing mutually beneficial and sustainable education in Haitian and Canadian schools and communities. Our first project includes gathering at least 10,000 books to create a library in Haiti. For more information, visit the blog.

Come celebrate the end of term and the launch of Qwerty’s latest issue:
QWERTY 25: stories, etc.
We’ll have readings from grad students, including April Ripley, Jesse Ferguson, and Ben Griffin, and LIVE MUSIC from the legendary Kid Winnipeg and the Ontarians! To top it all off, we’re offering a smashing drink special: JUST $10 FOR AN ISSUE AND A PINT!

Be at the grad house on Monday, May 3 at 8:00 pm to help us dazzle the hockey fans with music and poetry!

Your friends,

The QWERTY board

weirdsodapop232

Tihs hot guy arcoss the street is shvoeling our dirve way :O I thnik I’m in the mood for some dirve way shovelnig ;]

Please do not encourage weirdsodapop232.

The question of artistic authenticity is a great one if you love falling asleep, but here’s an interesting story out of Los Angeles; an art restorer was paid a cool grand to recreate Picasso’s classic-possibly-but-who-knows painting “The Woman in the Blue Hat”, for a scam sale of $2 million.
Jesse Skinner/Toro Magazine

Canadian independent literary publishers Goose Lane Editions and Oberon Press announce an invitation for the public to celebrate new books by Sharon McCartney For and Against (Goose Lane Editions) and Gerard Beirne Turtle (Oberon Press), on Wednesday, April 28, at the Garrison District Ale House in Fredericton — hometown for both McCartney and Beirne. Both writers will read selections from their new books followed by a book signing. There will be snacks (cash bar) and books will be for sale courtesy of Westminster Books. The event is free of charge.