Great Regulars: Go ahead. Knock [Garrison] Keillor.

All sorts of people grouse about him, his shows, his taste (I heard one complaint that "the poems he chooses for that daily thing are so simple they debase the notion of poetry"--evidence that smart people can lose brain cells with each word uttered). Come join the fun!

from John Timpane: The Philadelphia Inquirer: Poems that go amazing places

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One of the nation's most eminent poetry conferences began Wednesday. Since 1995, the West Chester University Poetry Conference has attracted poets from all over, concentrating on craft, music, storytelling, reviewing, readings, panels, and much else.

This year, about 250 poets have registered. Between them and folks who walk in, director Kim Bridgford, who is helming her first West Chester conference, looks for about 300 poets to assemble.

from John Timpane: The Philadelphia Inquirer: West Chester University Poetry Conference broadens its scope

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