"It's our most modestly-priced receptacle..."

One day, as my wife and I were driving in the vicinity of North Avenue, I spied a coffin propped on end against a weary old brick building. A hand-painted sign advertised: "$400, or best offer."

Rather excitedly, I pointed it out to the Mrs., who knew full well that such a find should not go undocumented in the pages of Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore!.

"I know, I know," she laughed, "you wish you'd brought your camera."

"Fuck that," I grumbled. "I wish I had $400."

SMILE, HON's Long, Hot Summer Continues

WHO: Eight-Stone Press & Cyclops Books

WHAT: “Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore!” Open Mic. Share your best Baltimore-related (or inspired) stories, essays, poetry or other artwork!

WHERE: Cyclops Books, corner of Maryland Avenue & North Avenue, Baltimore.

WHEN: 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 18

WHY: No time for love, Dr. Jones!

HOW: Throw me the idol, I throw you the whip.


For more information on this free event, e-mail wpt@eightstonepress.com or andy@cyclopsbooks.com.


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SMILE, HON No. 11 Release Party a Success

Thanks to the more than 40 people who turned out for the Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore! No. 11 release party last night at Cyclops Books (most of that number stayed for the roughly 90-minute duration of contributor readings and music). Also, special thanks to The Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad and The Hilltop Hightops for providing musical relief, as well as Cyclops owner Andy Rubin for hosting the evening.

Looking down at my arms, riddled with track marks from the lab tech’s multiple attempts earlier in the day to plant an IV in my chemo-scarred veins, I felt suitably adorned for an evening on North Avenue. True, the weather could have been better, but it most certainly could have been worse. Recalling a similar turnout for the Smile, Hon No. 10 release party, held last fall at Rubin’s previous store, Baltimore Chop Books, I believed that so many people showing up on a shitty Monday night in November could only mean they would once again turn out in force on a crappy Wednesday night in June. And with this, the crowd did not disappoint. Solid readings all around, and well-received by the audience. Looking forward to future events…