Congratulations (I think)

On 12/1/03 6:20 AM, "Geoffrey Gatza" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Steve Michaels
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2003 4:10 AM
> Subject: You are cordially invited
>
>
> Ladies and gentlemen, and fellow poets . . . It's now time to declare the
> winner of the largest cash prize ever awarded to an amateur poet . . . Our
> Poet of the Year for 2003 . . . and Grand Prize winner of $20,000 is . . .
>
> Geoffrey Gatza!
>
> We're familiar with your work, Geoffrey, and you know . . .
> it could happen just that way!
>
> Dear Geoffrey,
>
> I would like to inform you of your nomination as Poet of the Year for 2003,
> and to personally invite you to read your poetry at the single largest
> gathering of poets in history, where you will be formally inducted as an
> International Poet of Merit and Honored Member of our Society for 2003.
>
> Your induction will take place Friday evening, February 28th, at the Walt
> Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, during the International Society of
> Poets Spring 2003 Convention and Symposium.
>
> You will also be honored with two separate and very special awards for your
> poetic achievement at special ceremonies throughout the weekend.
>
> First, to honor and commemorate your poetic accomplishments, after you present
> your poetry in front of fellow poets from around the world, amidst the
> applause from the audience, you will be presented with your Outstanding
> Achievement in Poetry Silver Award Cup. The Award is a magnificent work of art
> in itself ($200.00 value), uniquely engraved and mounted on a walnut base (see
> it here). This incomparable award is so large and heavy, you may need an extra
> suitcase just to carry it home!
>
> And Geoffrey . . . there's much more . . .
>
> In recognition of your poetry presentation at this prestigious International
> Symposium, we will also create and present to you a beautiful and colorful
> Commemorative Award Medallion to honor your poetic dedication and
> achievements.
>
> 35 POETS WILL SHARE $66,500.00 TOTAL IN PRIZES--INCLUDING
> THE SINGLE LARGEST POETRY CASH PRIZE EVER AWARDED--$20,000.00!
>
> And don't forget the most lucrative amateur poetry contest ever! Your contest
> entry poem can be written in any style, on any subject . . . and can be up to
> 40 lines long.
>
> Just think . . . for this poem alone, you will have the opportunity to win one
> of 35 cash and gift prizes to be awarded at the Symposium . . . including a
> Grand Prize of $20,000.00--the largest cash prize ever awarded in an amateur
> poetry competition. There's also a Second Prize of $5,000.00, a Third Prize of
> $2,500.00, a Fourth Prize of $1,000.00, and six other cash prizes of $500.00
> each. Florence Henderson and world-renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
> W.D.Snodgrass will be with us to congratulate poets and present the Grand
> Prize.
>
> Your society is also encouraging today's youth to develop and utilize their
> poetic talents in a positive manner. This year we will award five $1,000.00
> cash scholarships to talented young poets attending the Symposium.
>
> Our editors and professors will also be searching for new poetic talent.
> Twenty poets will be "discovered" in the contest reading sessions. These
> winners will be awarded publishing or recording contracts that will generate
> international exposure for their poetic artistry.
>
> In all, $66,500.00 in cash and prizes will be awarded at this single event!
>
> LIGHTS . . . CAMERA . . . ACTION!
>
> And that's still just the beginning . . . we've got three very special days
> planned for you . . . ones you'll never forget!
>
> **You will be officially inducted as an honorary "International Poet of Merit"
> for 2003.
>
> **You and your poetic achievements will be honored at two Gala Banquets and
> Award Ceremonies.
>
> **You will enjoy dazzling entertainment shows created especially for you
> featuring the Beatles tribute show direct from Broadway, BeatleMania, the
> legendary Motown singing group and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,
> the Platters, famous Beat Poet Michael McClure, co-founder of the Doors rock
> group, Ray Manzarek, plus other special surprise entertainers. These special
> command performances will thrill and delight you. There will also be lots of
> other entertainment, including Midnight Dance Parties on both Friday and
> Saturday nights!
>
> **Long time friend of ISP, Florence Henderson will be returning to entertain
> and inspire us throughout the weekend.
>
> **You will learn more about your craft in seminars, reading rooms, rap
> sessions, and workshops, where you can read and discuss your poetry in
> informal settings with other poets from all over the world. Back by popular
> demand are the ISP rap rooms, our famous sunrise poetry readings, the ISP
> Coffee House, the ISP Open Microphone Rooms, and workshops on how to fine-tune
> your poetic talents.
>
> **You will have the rare opportunity to get up-close and personal with the
> Pulitzer Prize-winning poet W.D. Snodgrass, Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin and
> Dr. Len Roberts, who will also be reading their own work.
>
> **You will participate in a fantastic international poetry competition
> featuring 35 prizes totaling $66,500.00. A Grand Prize of $20,000.00, 9 other
> cash prizes totaling $11,500.00, 10 poetry recording contracts, 10 book
> publishing contracts, and 5 Young Poets Scholarship prizes will be awarded at
> this single event.
>
> **You and your guests will also be eligible to win one of many door prizes,
> valued at over $6,000.00.
>
> ** You will make friendships that will last a lifetime and will return home
> with wonderful memories, your Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Silver Award
> Cup, your Commemorative Award Medallion, and lots of other special gifts.
>
> DON'T BE LEFT OUT
>
> Don't miss this opportunity. Space is limited, and our Conventions routinely
> sell out. Plan to join your fellow poets at the Walt Disney World Resort in
> Orlando, Florida, February 28-March 2, 2003, for the poetic event of the year!
> I am also looking forward to meeting you and celebrating the power and beauty
> of poets and poetry!
>
> Sincerely,
> Steve Michaels
> International Society of Poets
> Convention Chairperson
>
> Click here for more information.
>
> Click here to Register Now, or go to
> https://www.poetry.com/poetscorner/register.asp?VIP=P2214045&SC=T124
>
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