Another Anne Skove's comic on the (lack of) creative process in this week's "She Who Laughs Lasts." Read it now over at Oddball Magazine.
Monday, July 06, 2026
Aaaaahhh!
Post July Fourth Mike Mesterton-Gibbons gives us lighter subject matter for this Monday. Welcome to Oddball Magazine. It's like we never rest.
Red Burst
When I visit my Mom for July Fourth, we go watch the fireworks because they are literally walking distance from my childhood hous. Normally, nearly all of my fireworks photos are subpar because I don't want to stand up and block people's views. Luckily, it started raining by the time the show started, so the field wasn't as packed. I took a few photos like this one that I'm happy with.
July 22: Marc Goldfinger Rides into Stone Soup
Poet, author, columnist and editor Marc Goldfinger has been a multiple time feature during my tenure at Stone Soup Poetry, and he has always been generous enough to share the spotlight with colleagues from fellow Boston poets to fellow members of the Highway Poets. This time, on July 22, we're giving Marc the full feature spotlight online. Join us for the local legend's performance.
Join us on Wednesday, July 22, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 832 0056 5037
Password: stonesoup
Sunday, July 05, 2026
July 15: Stone Soup and Mary Ann Honaker Return!
Join us on Wednesday, July 15, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 859 5282 8229
Password: stonesoup
Late Wisdom
Bruce Wise's Wise Words column was lost and couldn't be put up on Friday. Putting his column in today as a late entry marks what might be the first time Oddball Magazine has published seven days in a row! History made!
Thanks for reading us this entire week.
Chad the Grad
Here is a still shot from Mom recording my graduation from Framingham Sate College back in [REDACTED]. I'm thinking of writing a story for The Moth about something that happened the day right after I graduated. Writing my intentions down now in the hopes of fulfilling them sooner rather than never.
Grab Your Shovels
Too many people who don't really understand journalism use the term "burring the lead."
From a recent Yahoo story, starting from the lead paragraph.
Donald Trump has hailed the "unmatched achievement and unlimited potential" of the US in a triumphalist address marking the country's 250th anniversary.
In a late-night campaign-style speech in Washington DC on Saturday, the US president claimed his country was "just getting started" as he vowed to take it "to new levels".
Celebrations have been marred by extreme weather, including a dangerous heatwave in recent days, and a passing storm that delayed Trump's speech. An apparent white nationalist march through the streets of Washington also caused alarm.
Folks, this is what's called "burring the lead."
Your Weekly Dose of God
Found another standard "God Bless America" pamphlet they print out every June. God better hurry up and bless us. I don't know how much longer we have.
Saturday, July 04, 2026
Lament
Jon Wesick shares his recent work to close out our holiday posting. Thanks to him and to Eric N. Peterson for being our artistic MVP. Thanks to everyone reading Oddball Magazine this extended week.
Birthday Thoughts
Jackie Oldham is the first poet with a special entry this Fourth of July. Thanks to her and artist Eric N. Peterson. Enjoy special holiday content at Oddball Magazine.
My Saturday Haiku for Bluesky, 7-4-26
On the Fourth, we now
keep a look out for fire
above and below.
Happy Happy Happy! Joy Joy Joy?
Thanks to James Penha for publishing my poem "Department of Justice Releases America’s 250th Birthday Song" in The New Verse News on this Fourth of July.
American Haiku: 250th Anniversary Edition
When I started my Sarcastic Haiku series, I wrote my first American Haiku.
An American Haiku doesn't care about tradition, formality or history. it takes as long as it wants to make its point because America. You can read
others I've written since by clicking here and scrolling down.
American Haiku: 250th Anniversary Edition
Moment of silence
is reserved for the losers.
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
Friday, July 03, 2026
July 8: Stone Soup Poetry Takes a Break
The week of July 8 is one of those rare times I take a break.
I'll be back on July 15 with special feature Mary Ann Honaker.
Hope to be back refreshed and ready for the rest of the summer.
My Friday Evening Music
One more from Donald Fagen's Kamakiriad album. I wasn't sure what song to include, but then I found out Rick Moranis was in the video for "Tomorrow's Girls." Truly a summer song. Be safe this weekend.
Tonight: First Fridays Youth Open Mic with Ricky Shah
Held at the First Baptist Church on 633 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. Doors open at 7:00. Click here for more info.
Same Ole
Janet Cormier with words on one facet of the American spirit.
Bamboozled No More! is up for Friday at Oddball Magazine.
At Work
I think my output always increases around July Fourth.
I think it’s because my schedule opens up so much after my girlfriend starts her summer break.
It makes me very happy.
Birthday Eve
"One Choice is my latest From Picture to Page poem. Join my Patreon (even as a free subscriber) to read it.
My Friday Morning Music
It's weird to think of a song like "Snowbound" from Donald Fagen's Kamakiriad album as a summer song, but I do.
Thursday, July 02, 2026
News from the Front BREAKING
Follow me for more news on decaying soulless octogenarians propped up by evil science. Or not.
Stone Soup Poetry All Open Mic, 7-1-26
From this week's online gathering. Stone Soup is taking a break this week. Stay safe this July Fourth weekend. I'll see you back two Wednesdays from now.
Bye for Now
I'll be off next week, bound for parts unknown. Stone Soup will be back on July 15 for special feature Mary Ann Honaker. Stay safe this holiday weekend and until I see you next time.
Wednesday, July 01, 2026
How They Run
Poet Kevin B and photographer Edward S. Gault give us the closing post for the first day of July. Thank you for reading Oddball Magazine today. Be back for more.
Revisiting an Old Piece
Decided to share an old article of mine, "Is Trump adding a dash of salt to the hate?" Read it now on my Medium page.
Trickling Forward
Poet Spencer Keene is matched with artist Edward Michael Supranowicz to give us our first Wednesday post of July. Oddball Magazine says welcome to the new month.
The Message of the New Trump Passport Is...Confusing
Saw this tweet and thought of George Carlin immediately.
A Moment of Comics
Maybe if told people that superheroes were being caged alongside immigrants and other brown people, we could end ICE tomorrow and turn this country around. A slightly out of context page from Spawn #10, written by Dave Sim with artwork by Todd McFarlane.
American Haiku: Trump Does Logic
When I started my Sarcastic Haiku series, I wrote my first American Haiku.
An American Haiku doesn't care about tradition, formality or history. it takes as long as it wants to make its point because America. You can read
others I've written since by clicking here and scrolling down.
American Haiku: Trump Does Logic
Help me pass this law
ending birthright citizens.
It's my birthright. It's my birthright.
It's my birthright. It's my birthright.
Your Wednesday Morning Poetry
In light of the Great American State Fair, here's the poem "State Fair Fireworks, Labor Day" by Maryann Corbett, courtesy of the Poetry Foundation site.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Zine Alert!
For you zinesters, Quadzilla is looking for writers to contribute to their next zine. Visit their Instagram page, follow them, and DM them with questions.
Still Time
There's still time to submit to Molecule. Check out the guidelines and send in your microwork before July 15.
Pride Closer
Robert Fleming returns with the last Pride entry for June (but hopefully not the last one for the year). Enjoy your Tuesday at Oddball Magazine.
This Week's Most Distinguished Network Name
It's amazing what people will name their online networks. I'm always trying to hijack Wi-Fi when I'm commuting, so I often come across a number of interesting names. Every Tuesday, I post the most impressive and/or cringe-inducing names.
 |
| A good way to end Pride Month. |
July 1: Stone Soup Says Happy July! (is it though?)
Going into July with an all-open mic this Wednesday.
Just before I have to take a week off.
We'll be back with features. I even hope to announce a couple for September soon.
Join us on Wednesday, July 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 874 6930 3823
Password: stonesoup
Annoying Thought of the Day
Sometimes rage is the best cure for crippling fear.
Emotional chemo.
One poison to kill another.
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