"So many pieces to arrange just so, so much bad news on its way, I started to apologize to the characters. Then I started grinding them into dust." --Matt Fraction

Pearl Jam's I Am Mine is the song on the brain tonight.

We're supposed to close on the house tomorrow. Cross you fingers. The seller is getting agitated and I can't blame him.

It's nice to come home and see two more book orders in my in-box. Did I mention lately I love to sell? Probably only a 1000 times already I'm sure.

The only thing I don't sell is MYSELF.

I only own MY MIND.

"...Angel without pain." --From an ancient Japanese tale.

As a continuance to the post about the chain bookstore visit, after driving all the way out there with my three youngest in tow, the store didn't even have either of the books I wanted. Oddly enough the books are new and in stock (one is discounted) on the chain's website.

I found this post from Christine Stoddard (who has contributed to Calliope Nerve) on Live Journal's $1 Post Paid Zine Community. Archiving it for inspiration for my own personal endeavors:

...Simply Lark Press: On eBay!

Handmade greeting cards. Indie CDs. Vintage clothes and gifts. Artsy bookmarks. DIY duds and jewelry. Quirky notebooks. Adorable ‘zines. Weird novels. Sound like your thing? Then visit Simply Lark Press, an independent media company and boutique at their new store on:

http://myworld.ebay.com/simplylarkpress

Simply Lark Press not only sells a wide variety of indie, vintage, and DIY merchandise, but also offers many services. SLP writes resumes, publishes books, makes ‘zines, prints digital photography, produces posters from your digital file, designs CD covers, books band gigs, makes personalized greeting cards, edits photos, formats creative writing (novels, plays, etc.), provides fashion advice, and organizes artsy events.

Wow, do they ever sleep?

I've had two record sales weeks for The Calliope Nerve Store. And just received an email that another sale is pending which is very exciting. Truth be told, I like making money.

My brother Michael paid me a nice compliment yesterday when he pointed out that of both my brothers and I, my Internet venture has been the only one thus far that has made money.

Earlier this week, I also met the owner of Then And Now a local thrift store down the road. As I increase my inventory, he's willing to sell items on consignment for me and we'll split the profit. So, I have another avenue for future selling. Many of the items I have are not new enough to be sold on the net.

I joined several local library groups earlier this year with the hope of getting my hot little hands on some good inventory as well as do something good for the community.

Friends of The Barberton Library is having another members only library sale that I can't attend because of my freakin' schedule at work. That's a story all in itself but needless to say I am not pleased. And I just found out one of my co-workers who works nights with me is resigning so I'll be stuck on this crap shift for who knows how long if I stay there. However, rather than getting upset, I'm using this as an opportunity to motivate me to get my sh*t together and work on my own entrepreneurial pursuits. From here on out, I take care of me and mine first.

Some more motivation for me, from Red Fez. This came from a gentleman named David Sparenburg:

You are cordially invited and can always write to me about any of this, as well as about PATH FINDING EDITING and RESEARCH SERVICES and book reviews via the online service BOOK WORDS.

And I'm thinking I need an Art Director for my Calliope publishing ventures. More to add to my TO DO LIST.

"I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them." --Isaac Asimov

Earlier this week, I went to Barnes & Noble's to use the gift card I received for Father's Day. Other than the comic shop, it had been several months since I'd been in a box bookstore (chain bookstore.)

I can't get over the outrageous prices, even on the clearance items. Even with my $25.00 card I still had to spend three bucks to get two books. Unbelievable!

Now I know there's even more need for my book selling services. Call it a much needed affirmation.

So, you'd like to survive a nuclear war and thrive? I love Amazon lists. Though the list about Making your existing home green is probably much more useful.

But you never know... :)

And no we still haven't signed on the new house. (How much longer will it take?)

It seems anymore, I can't help but look up the on-line asking price of any book, comic, magazine, coin, collectible, or video game I grab (whether or not it's mine.)

I remember years ago, the guy I bought my comics from told me, once you own a comic store, you still love your comic collection but you won't feel the same about it. I hate to admit it but he's right as I've been selling quite a few comics lately and I love the money much more. My future is beckoning. More later on what I plan on specializing in.

Right now though it's concentrating on getting ready for the move and picking up a second real job for a while to pay for it and more. Where the hell are those money trees planted anyway?

Got and read my complimentary copy of Don Field's Twilight World Zine Version. Thanks Don.

This issue gives us some tidbits on Don's personal history, his publishing credits, examples of his art and comics, as well a nice smattering of zine and related reviews. Don's uniqueness is spread through and through.

Follow the link to get your own.

"Bring me the Disco King!" --David Bowie

"Everyone got twisted up." --Cold

A War of Frogs

eVOLVe
symbolism
of the one Finger salute
& my tongue
catching
FLieS.

A brilliant cover of Three Dog Night's One by Filter a band that gets better and better every time I listen to them. This is the soundtrack to mood.

"It's just no good anymore since you went away. Now I spend my time just making rhymes of yesterday. One is the loneliest number." --Three Dog Night

Was glad to flip through the dial on my way home from work the other night and find out Coast to Coast A.M. is still alive, well, and on in my area. I like a little conspiracy with my UFO's.

Several new ideas for the next issue of Calliope brewing including STRANGE ARTIST FACTS (for example, James Joyce wore five wrist watches each set to a different time zone) and the possibility of adding a regular column or two. Want to gather up some adult fairy tales as well.

Ellis discusses again how he gets his ideas.

Still haven't closed on the new house. Let's kill all the bankers.

And my checking account knows Playboy sells well on Amazon.

"This book is for my parents, Jack and JoAnn Smith of Wapakoneta, Ohio, because they gave me values, books and love." --Jennifer Cruise

The man bent over his guitar,
A shearsman of sorts. The day was green.

They said "You have a blue guitar,
You do not play things as they are."

The man replied, "Things as they are
Are changed upon the blue guitar."

--Wallace Stevens
The Man with the Blue Guitar (1937)

"How in the world could it come to this? Couldn't you see that you'd gone too far?" --Winger

Anyone who knows me, knows Nobius is metal. Like bread and butter, we go together. I'm the better looking half. Me and my good hair.

Or something.

Or something else.

Definitely it's the hair. Good hair is the most important quality in a person you know.

Do I have a point?

Oh yea... Hair bands aren't metal in the least. (There goes that hair fetish again.) If they're your thing, that's cool. Don't take offense, to each their own. I'm a Sepultura, Pro-Pain, and Melvins kind of dude. I like it screaming between the eyes, fists like hammers fillin' the sky, and a few bodily injuries for good measure. (Just like Christmas at Grandma's. Now those were the days!)

Spandex is for super heroes.

However amongst all the turds of the late eighties and pre-grunge nineties there are gems. I really like this song from Winger. (Never thought I'd say that.) Only when I sing my daily set in the shower, the song is punk. (Now if only I had Tommy Lee on drums.) Just ask the howling dog next door.

But that my friends is a story for another day. Check out the video for Madalaine (I prefer it blind folded) while I check out another Bud Light.

It is Father's Day after all.

In the timeless everyday battle between will power and imagination, imagination is unbeaten and unscored upon... and this pattern will never reverse itself." --Matt Furey

To me, nothing is as cool as when a band does a cover of their own song. Godsmack's reworking of Alive into Asleep is haunting my memory in a blistering acoustic. A song with so many vibes that I could fall asleep to it, drink to it, or shed a tear while listening.



And another Furey quote:

"When you develop a talent, consider the possibility that this talent may turn into multiple talents that don't currently seem to be connected. Yet, they are. When you develop a talent to a high level of skill, to an elite level - this talent may feed you, clothe you and nourish you for the rest of your life. What you receive from taking the time to develop yourself far outweighs the time you invested."

I feel a chapbook coming on.

"Guilt about sex and money are located in the same energy center of the body. It's impossible to be negative about one without having a connection to the other. " --Matt Furey

While cleaning the kid's living room, my son just came over to me and said, "Where should I put my secret weapon?"

Evidently, he's about to take over the world.

Ha ha ha. Kids are a trip. I'm a lucky man.

"I don't want my mom to know. That I never loved my life." --Sixx A.M.

Still chaos right now. Not sure when things will be back to normal. Must be nice to be a kid and actually have a vacation. :)

Been investing a lot of time in my Amazon Store and it's the direction I plan to continue.

I use the money to support Calliope Nerve, my martial arts school, pay for my daughter's treatments, invest in my kid's college funds, and pay a few bills of course.

Just sold another issue of Raddix today.



Remember, if you order anything from Amazon (see sidebar of this website) via my website I get a commission and if you'd like I'll split it with you.

The current issues of the APA and Calliope Nerve were very strong if I do say so myself. I've started issue seventeen of Calliope if anyone has submissions they'd like me to look at. Looking down the road a Calliope Nerve blog and website are probably in order as well.

But enough cheap plugs for the day. Hope all is well with everyone. And I'm on OT, I've got to go.

The new digitally animated series launches on the big screen. Check out the first two trailers here.

REd FeZ issue 19 is knocking at yo door.

If you fancy your hinges, best to let 'er in.


Red Fez 19!

This issue is extra special brought to you by guest editor, Jeffery Van Den Engh.

We have Poetry by:

Zachary Moll
David Sparenberg
Corey Mesler
Gerald So
Wayne Mason
Micheal Lee Johnson
Dan Provost
Jack Henry
John Sweet
Nicholas Karavatos


Stories by:

David Sparenberg
Zack Wilson
Adam Moorad
J.D. Riso


Illustrated Poems by
Jeff Crouch

Woo-hoo!

Check it.


Red Fez 19!

"I see nothing but old people and stopped clocks." --Warren Ellis

Calliope Nerve Zine 16: Glass Under, We is available now free of charge via email. Inspired by this Charles Bukowski piece:



The original print run is sold out! I will advise you when we go back to print again, in the meanwhile enjoy the works contained in this issue including pieces by:

David McLean
Ariel Lee
J.A. Tyler
Christine Stoddard
Lyn Perry
Scurvy Bastard
Jeremy Hanson
Jason Behrends
Gary Beck
Theo Moller
David LaBounty
Alan King
Glen Chestnut
Billy Jno Hope
Adam Hinton
Tony Nesca
Felino Soriano
Nicole Isabella
Luis Cuahtemoc Berriozabal
Charles Bukowski
Michael Lee Johnson
Shawn Misener
Chris Major

Edited by Melissa Lebruin and me, I'm Nobius Black.

More information about Calliope Nerve can be found at this link. Support the magazine by ordering your Amazon products here and shopping our store located here.

God is ink, Poetry is prayer. Calliope Nerve: Name your Muse.

To get your send an email to nobius at gmail dot com.

"I pay for you in tears." --Madonna

Poet Intervention

Anymore
My Heart an (anchor)
&
I am not here.

"So I borrowed this body. IT came with a wife. And now we're all at the circus..." --Mike Baron