Aaron and James talk about becoming storytellers -- and survivors.Marie Howe’s poem “Gretel, From a Sudden Clearing” was first published in Agni 1987, then in her first book, The Good Thief, selected by Margaret Atwood as a winner in the 1987 Open Competition of the National Poetry Series (Persea, 1988). The other poem that Aaron mentions from the book is "Isaac."Watch a reading and conversation with Marie Howe here (~30 min). Poet Sandra Beasley hosts the conversation, which is sponsored by the Howard County (MD) Poetry & Literature Society. Aaron's poem "After My Mother Apologized for My Childhood, We Went to Brunch" can be read here.You can pre-order Aaron's book here or directly through the publisher.You can watch one of the most terrific scenes in Steel Magnolias here. Truvey Jones says, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion" at the 8:30 mark. Watch the cast of Steel Magnolias interviewed on the Donahue show in 1989 here (~40 min)You can listen to Ani DiFranco's fabulous recording of her song "Angry Anymore" here. Watch the official music video for Debbie Gibson's “Lost in Your Eyes” official music video here.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.