Say cheese! A good point, well made. I've often wondered about these dates and just how much stuff is needlessly dumped by folk who worry that going beyond the dates is inviting food poisoning. And who wants that?! Certainly, I see the thinking behind the idea. Big concerns need to keep a tab on the range of stuff they sell and wouldn't be too keen on being accused of selling tainted food. I guess the secret is choosing the type of food that is least likely to be affected and hanging on to it in spite of the shown date. A calculated risk perhaps. I like bananas but can't recall seeing a sell-by date on any I've bought. But then their appearance gives the game away...unlike other stuff that hides its deterioration from sight(and sense of smell). Bon appetit!!

Comment is about Sell-By Dates - The Great Rip-Off (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

What ho, Bonny!
All the best for 2013 to you and yours. And many thanks for commenting on my latest masterpiece, "I Blame The Scapegoats".

Comment is about Yvonne Brunton (poet profile)

Original item by Yvonne Brunton

Hello MC,
Thankyou for your thoughts on "I Blame The Scapegoats". It really does amaze me that people seem not to realise that we are all the problem. It's the mentality of being stuck in a traffic jam and blaming all the other motorists.

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Happy New Year, will look forward to your shortened versions of my poetry in 2013! Lol

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Steve (P), many thanks for those lovely words which are much appreciated, and for the brilliant poem and video. As Steve (Waling) says, 'tis a corker; and if Steve says that, it is.
ditto all of you, including FRancine - bonne voeux a toi aussi.
Salut.
Julian

Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

What a fabulous synopsis Greg! It's all coming back to me now...

Bonne année 2013 !!!!!

Comment is about Poetry trails and poets jailed: stories that caught the eye last year (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

It's heartening to see people still use real paper & writing pads & stuff!

Comment is about Antosh Wojcik, March 2012 (photo)

Hi all, And lets not forget that we wouldn't be able to read all this news without our excellent WOL News editor, Gregg. Well done to all and yes, as Iso says lets hope 2013 is a prosperous and successful year for WOL and its many members.

Comment is about Poetry trails and poets jailed: stories that caught the eye last year (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I don't think I could say it any better, Steve!

I enjoy the diversity that is present. I am happy to see some familiar faces reappear from the shadows long enough to make their presence known.

Although I don't always comment - I do appreciate many of the interesting articles that are written - thank you Greg and Julian!

For me, contributing to the Poet Tree Project had to be a highlight.

I love when people join together and accomplish amazing things that can brighten someone's day or make an everlasting impression.


Bonne année et meilleurs vœux à tous !

Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks Mike, I am truly humbled and honoured by your comments - I told my wife and daughter and they reminded me that that is why I write - to reach out to others. please feel free to pass it on. All my best. Andrew

Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)

Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters

‘What Seest Thou Else?’

There once was a man who fell in love with Darkness. And this Darkness was available to buy even during daylight hours, even to a man who had obviously sold his hopes to the dusk. When the purveyors of night saw him coming, they licked their thin lips, and felt leaves of gold blossom in the empty vaults of their cold, dead hearts.

They, who displayed Darkness in all the shapes, sizes and colours of the un-rainbow, smiled at the man who fell in love with the Darkness. They agreed with his choices, praised his discernment, happy for the moment that forever denied the existence of the gods of consequence, and let him go on his way.

The man who fell head over heels for Darkness, now cradled it in his arms like a babe, crooning sweet nothings as he took it away. At first, the Darkness permitted such indulgence. Once unwrapped, it let him stroke, and pamper and boast about its extravagant charms.

But the Darkness was not satisfied with such half-heartedness, such lack of commitment. Words were all very well. It was deeds that would make him a hero. The Darkness followed him everywhere, stuck to his body like a shadow. Only at noon, with the sun high overhead, did shadows dissipate, and, as the Darkness bloomed like black roses in his hurting head, the man began to entertain doubts. Yet doubts were for the weak, the bullied, the ill. He was strong, the owner of all that night had to offer.

And it came to pass that the man decided he had to share his gift with the many, to bring the Darkness, to display its glory in broad daylight. Then he would be remembered as a man who, like Icarus, took on the sun and won. And on the appointed day, at the anointed, unholy hour he came to the place of great potential and let the Darkness pour forth.

Let us not dwell too much on what the Darkness did then, except to say it exceeded all expectation. So much so that others who came from that blind country besieged the stores where Darkness lay in abundance and emptied them out, lock, stock and barrel.

Sadly, there were a few mothers and fathers who became blinded to the Darkness’s many attractions. But even their grief was good for business as usual. As the moderate spoke about the need for daylight, for insight, there were others, the mad-unholy ones who twisted logic into blindfolds to hand out to any would give them money. In their righteousness, they declared that the only way you can beat Darkness is to put it in the hands of every single citizen, for the more Darkness there is, the better we will be able to see. And the podium they stood on was built from the bones of children.

As for the man himself, he was swallowed by the cold tongue of twilight. His turn was done, the baton passed. For once there was a man who fell in love with the Darkness…. And all shall be well. And all shall be well. And all manner of things shall be well.

Andrew Fusek Peters 2012

Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)

Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters

I too have been thinking about the relationship of personal responsibility to society recently. I've just read Lynn Truss's excellent book "Talk to the Hand".She quotes psychiatrist, Theodore Dalrymple, who on the subject writes, "When a man tells me, in explanation of his anti-social behaviour, that he is easily led, I ask him whether he was ever easily led to study mathematics or the subjunctives of French verbs."

Comment is about A NEW YEAR ??? (blog)

Original item by Ian Gant

Looking for the CAUSE for the deed...

It is easy to loathe what is feared
And fear what is misunderstood,
When a gun is used for bad reasons,
We forget the times it does good.
We'd rather not face the reality
That it's humans who do those bad things
A gun does not choose your morality
Or decide whose doorbell death rings.
By all means restrict those who own them,
Subject them to every last rule;
A gun can protect in the right hands
But it's dangerous in the hands of a fool.
And America, the land of the therapist
And the pill for every perceived ill,
Blithely ignores the peril
Of how tablets make people kill.
So, whilst youngsters get fed medications
To chemically "control" their behaviour
By parents and profiting corporations
Who ignore their main roles as "saviour",
"Inexplicable" gun tragedies will happen,
The culprit may be caught and condemned,
But the weapon that was used will be guilty,
More than the person who was known to offend.
Keep it quiet that his mind was affected,
By the effects of what he was on,
That a society thought fit to prescribe
Before the deed he embarked on.
It's easier to blame the gun that was used,
Much easier and acceptable by far,
But when a drugged driver mows down a bus queue
Do we hear of the dangerous car?

Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)

Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters

As usual, this writer produces something that encourages us to think beyond the surface. There is certainly much to worry about but I am reassured by the fact that there is also a greater readiness to face and, where necessary, face down the injustices of past "morality" and "righteous" behaviour towards our fellows. We can always change things...but the trick is to keep the balance. Adaptability has always been nature's key to survival...why not ours? "Humanity" needs no lessons from the religious texts...only to promote its own essential definition of decency towards its fellows and the world at large...and that can be seen in the numerous charities, foundations and other bodies of all sorts working to improve the lot of this isolated oasis and its inhabitants spinning on in an eternity of space.
"We rightly recall the curse of what's worse,
But let's not forget the rest of what's best"

Comment is about A NEW YEAR ??? (blog)

Original item by Ian Gant

What a great review Greg - can't believe so much has happened in one year. You brought back plenty of memories with that meander through 2012.

I also love the picture of Winston cycling off into the distance there. I wonder what 2013 holds in store for us - plenty of new funding for the site, let's hope...

Comment is about Poetry trails and poets jailed: stories that caught the eye last year (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

My comment is included above, so this is just to add to what I'm sure will be many voices saying how sorry we are to hear the news about Janet. She was missed already, having moved on from the poetry scene, and now there is no prospect of a return - very sad.

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Reading Winston's Haiku made me think back to my poem part-written for Janet (and 2 other WOL'ers who hopefully will also remember), which appeared (in a smiley voice) on WOL about 3 years, after I had known her for a short while

Pendle Witches

Pendle witches, come again,
To take revenge,
Charming and bewitching.
Centuries waiting to avenge
The mockery of trials
That brought about their end,
When, at Lancaster Assizes,
Their death sentence was penned.

Now, scores will be settled.
Vengeance will be wreaked
On unsuspecting souls
By this awesome clique,
The barb, their chosen weapon,
To craft a victim’s shroud,
Dispensing vitriol, and wit,
Writ, and spoke, out loud.

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

As my comment included above said, Janet was so supportive of me entering a new world of poetry after a difficult time in my life. She was a very warm person full of encouragement, this is indeed sad to hear.

Janet attended a lot of events in Wigan and Bolton, although she would say to me 'I might not be able to get to Bolton this week Jeff, if I'm working (taxi driving) - no problem it was a pleasure to know you Janet & see you when we did X

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks for your comment on my latest Yvonne. Yes - some people just like to dominate/intimidate, be it their wifey or their children.

I suppose there must be women like that around too, but I think it's less common. That might have something to do with the physicality thing or the economics of who pulls in the bigger wage.

Relationships are much healthier when there is equality I think - though maybe it's horses for courses.

x

Comment is about Yvonne Brunton (poet profile)

Original item by Yvonne Brunton

This made me laugh. It's the kind of thing I'd do and the kind of thing my kids would say :)

Comment is about The leftovers (blog)

Original item by hugh

I'm sure a lot of people would agree with you on this one Mike. The thought of people having that kind of 'liberty' is a horrifying prospect. I'm just so glad we don't have that kind of mentality or reality in this country.

x

Comment is about Trading Bullets for Lives in Acts of Freedoms (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

You're right Yvonne and it seems there will be more of these situations developing with more cuts on the way.
People will have less opportunities to 'dig' their way out.

Happy New Year

Mike

Comment is about Yvonne Brunton (poet profile)

Original item by Yvonne Brunton

I'd like to wish everyone who's involved in running and maintaining WOL the very best for the coming year. The hard work and enthusiasm you've put in to creating such a precious resource for those of us who love the spoken word is something to wonder at. Whenever I browse the site, I find something to enjoy, and the gig guide is a masterpiece. You're the unsung heroes of this enterprise, and without all your hard graft the world of UK poetry would be a very great deal poorer.

Put your feet up, enjoy a glass of something reviving, and find room for another mince pie. Happy 2013!

Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Have just read Steve Pottinger's poem - and it is a corker. Even though it's long and discursive, it doesn't feel (like a lot of performance poems do) like it's too long or trying to be too explanatory. Beautifully restrained and yet angry.

Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

very kind comments Mike, I would love to see the comments on your facebook page - how I do I find it? Please feel free to pass it on - am really trying to go back to why I started writing in the first place - the reflect back the world, to say something, to come from the heart {excuse the cliche but there is no other way to put it}. I think Wilfred Owen did that, as did Gerard Manley Hopkins, Edward Thomas etc... - I used to do arts presenting on tv many years ago and did a prog on Wilfred Owen - I went to the house he was in a youngster in Shrewsbury and also met one of his descendants, who let me hold his war medals, his lighter and his christening robe - touching the hem of history! Anyhow, thanks again Mike,
Andrew Fusek Peters

Comment is about Noetic-fret! (poet profile)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Thanks Philipos.

Comment is about Winter Heart (blog)

Original item by Neil Fawcett

Further to my last, on my facebook page which is also frequented by ex soldiers like I; they are singing your praises.

Best wishes at this time

Mike

Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)

Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters

Hi Andrew, I cannot congratulate you enough for the words you have written here. It amplifies the way I feel about gun laws after the recent events in the USA. Well done my fellow poet. I could not have put it better myself.

I was so compelled by your poem that I pasted it on my facebook page to show those nearest and dearest the sentiments that not only I feel but others too. I hope you don't mind this. I have never done it for other poets but your poem is so damned accurate, profoundly accurate that I cannot congratulate you enough on having the strength to say these words and tell it like it is.

Thank you Andrew.

Mike

Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)

Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters

good poem!

Comment is about Fairytale (blog)

Original item by Katy Megan

Yes Yvonne that is unacceptable on my part and shall be remedied :)

Comment is about Hole (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

Reading this article brought back memorable smiles of my visit to this friendly, entertaining and inclusive event and reminded me that
1) I am forever learning new words (tchotchke - see below) and
2) I must revisit in 2013 :-)


tchotchke -
noun, Slang.
an inexpensive souvenir, trinket, or ornament.
Origin:
1965–70, Americanism; < Yiddish tshatshke Polish czaczko bibelot, knickk nack (now obsolete)

Comment is about The Spoken Word: an American in York (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I prefer some help through punctuation to see exactly where the author is headed but a lack thereof does make for interesting interpretations of where the caesura may lie, however I make an impassioned plea for all apostrophes to be incuded.

Comment is about Hole (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

yes Isobel and treat them well as they will be stuck with you for much longer than they eveer anticipated!

Comment is about I Blame The Scapegoats (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I don't read stress or psychosis into the driver's actions/reactions just a mysoginistic need to control - be the one who makes the rules and all the decisions, not trusting a mere woman to be capable of these actions. And the addition of the back seat witness (another woman)feeds the desire for power.
This poem shakes with the strength of the emotions it portrays and its slightly disjointed form reflects very accurately the way one's mind is working in this kind of situation. The woman is doubly humiliated both by her man and by having her treatment witnessed by a third party.
Sooooo Goood!

Comment is about The Driving Seat (blog)

Original item by Isobel

As others have mentioned here.

Janet was an instant friend of the WOL on line community and to anyone who came to the many open mic events and met her. I have pasted in (below) a light hearted Haiku (with its original title) which I posted on these pages back in 2009. The fun comments that followed on were typical of Janet and her friends and I know that she would take this the right way if she read it today. We will miss her.


Haiku For Janet

Private hire arrives.
Dilemma of etiquette,
back seat or the front?

Win x

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

clever - I've read of people who find out where funerals are taking place and then tag along for free food.This poem gives a touch of humour to a delicate subject

Comment is about Ee Love (blog)

Original item by Dorinda MacDowell

Thank you Philipos. Most of my work is that way, deliberately so.

Comment is about Hole (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

Move over Mariott Edgar make room on the pedestal for Anthony. This is really enjoyable - not too long because the rhymes ( creative or what?) give so much momentum to the work that it never slows down. Great fun!!

Comment is about PARTY! (a shameless re-post!) (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Neil, this is my favourite kind of poem. And my favourite part is: You smile and want to carry winter with you in a Brueghel framed in ice. Well done.

Comment is about Winter Heart (blog)

Original item by Neil Fawcett

Paul, certainly a good read & a new word (chined) to add to my knowledge bank. Actually I quite like the lack of punctuation & capitals. Well done.

Comment is about Hole (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

beautiful! hey!you suit grey!

Comment is about Magic Fields (blog)

Original item by jean lucy thompson

I have to echo what Julian says about how easily we lose contact.
I met Janet on only a handful of occasions, but, from the beginning, she made you feel as if you'd known her forever.
An easy soul to be with.

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Punctuation, yes Graham, guilty as charged. I've been living on the advice I heard on tape from a certain Mr Hughes and really shouldn't :) Many thanks for your kind words

Comment is about Hole (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

reminds us of the humanity and needs of those for whom what is regarded as a 'normal life' is out of reach.

Comment is about GIMME SHELTER (blog)

Original item by Mike Hilton

Ah a touch of levity about a somewhat touchy creature. nice one.

Comment is about Why are there no spiders in the Wizard of Oz? (blog)

Original item by Marnanel Thurman

I went to a couple of venues with Janet and can remember laughing and chatting with her. She was very supportive of me when I first entered the poetry scene and was always very encouraging.

I know that she had many interests to occupy her outside of the performance scene but I like to think that she might have come back to us one day, given the opportunity.

54 is no age at all - it really makes you appreciate the fact that you need to make the most of every day.

This news really upset me too.

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Yes, shocked and sad to hear...
Though we never met in person - we did chat online several times.
I will always remember her generosity and warmth. xx

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I really liked this Paul, although being a fan of punctuation (sometimes a dirty word in poetry I know) I found some of it hard to read and keep in rhythm with. The words spill well onto the page. Well done!

Graham

Comment is about Hole (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

This was far more penetrable for me Marianne. There are some really good words here. good to see that you are still in great form. I'm not sure whether this is a fine finish to 2012 or a fantastic start to 2013. nonetheless, brilliant stuff. Happy New Year!

Comment is about the Clock (blog)

Original item by Marianne Daniels

I was shocked to hear of Janet's death. She was all the things mentioned above, and always generous in her support of other online poets. She was also curious and eager to learn and improve. She was a great timekeeper on the Wigan slams, too. What a sad loss. It reminds me just how easily we (I?) lose contact with others if we don't pay attention.

Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman