The subject of collaboration and the exchange of ideas has always been dear to me. All the great artists that I respect and follow, as well as those I’m lucky to have as friends, know that it is very important to create networks and work together. In the world of literature, however, sometimes I have seen a lot of jealousy over one’s work, a jealousy that has always proved to be deleterious in the long run.

Hey Folks, great news here at The Mendes Speakeasy! I’ve just received 20 copies of “Spaghetti&Meatballs – Poems for Hot Organs” from the rockin’ Pski’s Porch Publishing. This means 20 lucky ones among you will receive a signed copy with a special dedication directly from the Spaghetti Guy. So be quick to order your own signed copy!

One day, when I was a child, I went to a local museum. It was the first time for me and, between Renaissance paintings and sculptures, I met eroticism for the very first time. I was surrounded buy wonderful frescoes about sensual adventures of Greek deities and Roman emperors.

Ah, Christmas time. Now that it is passed, I can try to take out the best part – gifts excluded –  of these holidays. Here in Italy, Christmas means huge meals, parents gathering, kitsch decorations and… card games! I know it could sound strange talking about that topic right now, but keep reading this article and you’ll discover why I decided to focus on card games.

One of these days, while reading the submissions I’ve received for The Ramingo’s Porch, one of the editors told me he was tired of humbug. He was talking about the trend of many authors to say things that they do not even know or that they have never tried on their skin. Unfortunately, in a world made of “politically correct” it’s difficult to find authors and artists capable of freeing themselves from humbug.