Thursday, April 30, 2009

Latino bilingual website for teachers to debut at Hunter College

Education

Albany, NY---Officials of the New York State Archives Partnership Trust and Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños/Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Centro) at Hunter College (in Manhattan) will debut a first-of- its-kind bilingual website designed to showcase Hispanic contributions to New York State history Tuesday, May 5 at 11 a.m. at Hunter College’s Centro.

Known as La Escuela Electrónica (the Electronic Schoolhouse), the new web resource will be available in English and Spanish.

La Escuela Electrónica examines the Latino experience in New York through photographs, letters, broadsides, flyers, and more dating from 1861 to the present. Bilingual introductory videos explain how teachers can use such primary sources in
their classrooms and the kinds of institutions that care for these one-of-a-kind materials.

Within the website, documents are organized by topics selected to correlate to New York’s learning standards: immigration, labor unions, biography, civil rights, culture, urbanization, etc. Many items include historical background information, focus questions, the appropriate learning standards and key ideas, a historical challenge, interdisciplinary activities, and a list of additional resources. Some documents include multiple pages; these carry a link to a printable
PDF.

An additional feature for teachers, the "Build Your Own Worksheet" option, allows users to print a worksheet for each image.

The Electronic Schoolhouse combines historical records and technology to promote the development of critical thinking skills (analyzing and interpreting information), reading and writing skills, understanding historical content and context, and may be used for a range of purposes for foreign language, English as a second language and bilingual education proficiency.

The Electronic Schoolhouse was conceived by the New York State Archives, a part of the State Education Department, and its support arm, the Archives Partnership Trust. It was developed through the collaborative efforts of nine partner institutions, including the New York State Archives, the Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, the New York City Department of
Records and Information Services, Cornell University, Hofstra University (Long Island), Hostos Community College (the Bronx), the Dominican Studies Institute at City College (CUNY), the Onondaga Historical Association (Syracuse), and the Rochester Museum and Science Center/Latino Alliance partnership. This project was made possible by the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, through a grant by Time Warner.

source: press release from the NYS Education Department

Dramatizing Eugenio Maria de Hostos: 'El Juicio'

Community calendar

Dramatization of a Stage Reading...Eugenio Mario de Hostos
"El Juicio"
noon to 2 p.m. TODAY
Hostos Community College
500 Grand Concourse Avenue

Stage Reading of Eugenio Maria de Hostos at Hostos Community College

This performance is in Spanish.

A principios del Siglo XIX es juzgado Eugenio María de Hostos y Bonilla. ¿Cuál fue el veredicto final? Usted lo sabrá cuando asista este Jueves a las 12:30 p.m. a la Corte Especial preparada en la Sala 151 del Edificio C en el Colegio Comunitario de Hostos.

Participan: Yahaziel Acevedo, Dewin Andujar, Patricia Bonilla, Hugo Cáceres, Ricardo J. Salazar, Ediberto Saldaña, Maitreyi Villamán Matos.

Dirección de Miguel J. Concepción Blanco.

Free. Space is limited.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Behind The Roots: Yerbabuena

PRSUN Radio chats with Tato Torres of YERBABUENA at 9 p.m. tonight at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

Here's a video by Barrio Media featuring interviews and the music of YERBABUENA, a group dedicated to the musical traditions of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. This group was born in the South Bronx.

source: Barrio Media at You Tube



See related April 27 entry in this blog.

UPDATE: To listen to PRSUN Radio's interview with Tato Torres:


Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Keep Your Eye on Lopez

On the sports corner

In front of the home crowd in Puerto Rico, World Boxing Organization Super-Bantamweight Champion Juan Manuel Lopez defended his title against Gerry Penalosa last weekend. Lopez entered the ring with an impressive record of 24 victories, 22 by knockout.
Lopez did not lose a single round.
Penalosa’s heart is most likely what kept him going throughout his fight with Lopez. But by the ninth round, Penalosa’s trainer Freddie Roach had seen enough and threw in the towel to stop the fight.
Harold Lederman, judge for HBO Boxing, said: “It’s hard to believe that they didn’t stop the fight a whole lot sooner; it’s Lopez’s fight from the opening bell.”
Freddie Roach said, “He was way to strong, my fighter’s face was banged up, he was too good.”
And Max Kellerman, boxing commentator, described Lopez as tough.
While Lopez’s win is definitely good news for Puerto Rico, the question now is whether he will move up in weight class. Since he’s beaten up everyone in his division, it makes sense. Can he do like the other Puerto Rican champions Wilfredo Gomez and Felix Trinidad who moved up in weight class and won more titles? Can and will Lopez move up? We’ll see, so keep your eye on Lopez. He’s definitely a fighter to watch. – Ismael Nunez


Ismael Nunez is a contributing writer to Puerto Rico Sun.

Monday, April 27, 2009

PRSUN Radio chats with Tato Torres of YERBABUENA


Tato Torres chats with PRSUN Radio at 9 p.m. Wednesday at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

He is spending his birthday with us. Happy birthday Tato!

Torres who now lives in Puerto Rico will be chatting with PRSUN Radio on boricua roots music, YERBABUENA, his newest project ChivoLoco and more.

To read Tato's bio, check out my blog at www.blogtalkradio.com.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Jacobo and Denise

Photo op



Puerto Rican filmmaker (el maestro) Jacobo Morales and actress and former Miss Universe Denise Quinones pose for a photo after an event at Hunter College April 21. Morales was among the panelists on a talk focusing on Puerto Rican cinema and the challenges of rising cinema as part of the Havana Film Festival in New York City. Morales' movie "Dios Los Crio II" (2004) had its NY premiere at this year's festival. (photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

For more of my photos, go to www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel. Click on my Puerto Rican in NYC events photo set.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Feliz Cumpleaños a La Casa Azul Bookstore

On the reading corner

La Casa Azul celebrates one year anniversary as online store today

So much has happened since the website launched in 2008; we've had book readings, signings, and book clubs in local venues. Incredible collaborations have been created with organizations and writers who believe in La Casa Azul Bookstore, in its mission and purpose. I want to thank the bookstore supporters who read the newsletter, attend events and buy books online.

Here are 10 ways to continue supporting La Casa Azul Bookstore:

1. Buy your books online, www.lacasaazulbookstore.com.
2. Join the Barrio Book Club.
3. Attend our local events.
4. Volunteer at an event.
5. Be a part of the Founding Familia, be a bookstore investor!
6. Be our friend on Facebook.
7. Follow La Casa Azul Bookstore on Twitter.
8. Forward this entry to 10 friends!
9. Host a book reading at your school/class/club/organization.
10. Buy your books online, www.lacasaazulbookstore.com

Once La Casa Azul Bookstore opens its doors, East Harlem will have a place to celebrate and feature Latino literature for years to come. Celebrate La Casa Azul Bookstore's birthday at the "Dia del Niño/ Dia del Libro" event on Saturday April 25th. --Aurora Anaya-Cerda



Aurora Anaya-Cerda is the owner of La Casa Azul Bookstore and a contributing writer to Puerto Rico Sun.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Miss Puerto Rico will be represented in 2010 Miss America

There she is...Miss Puerto Rico.

Que bueno that Miss Puerto Rico will be part of the lineup in the 2010 Miss America pageant. After all, Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. With Puerto Rico's great track record in the Miss Universe pageant, who knows we may have a Miss America soon.

Here's a press release:

LINWOOD, N.J., April 22 /PRNewswire/-- For the first time since 1961, Miss Puerto Rico will be competing in the Miss America Pageant in January 2010. The 2010 Miss America Pageant will now showcase 53 incredibly talented, intelligent and beautiful young women live on TLC from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. (Pageant date TBA.)

"We are truly excited to welcome Puerto Rico back to the Miss America Organization and are thrilled to have Miss Puerto Rico competing this year," said Art McMaster, President and CEO of the Miss America Organization. "The Miss Puerto Rico Organization has a tremendous amount of pageant expertise and business savvy, and will surely thrive as part of the Miss America program."

The Miss Puerto Rico Scholarship Program will be headed by Executive Director, Joselo Sostre. Sostre is a logistics officer by trade and has extensive business experience in the areas of strategy, creative development, design, production and staging of event programs. Joselo is joined by Vice President, Arlette Velez; Secretary, Darwin Cabrera; Fashion Designer, Steven Rosengard, and veteran Choreographer, Brett DeBeaulieu.

Similar to the states, District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Miss Puerto Rico Scholarship Program will provide scholarship awards to program participants and will hold an annual competition, the winner of which will proceed to the national competition as Miss Puerto Rico. The Miss Puerto Rico Competition will be held in Caguas, Puerto Rico
with the winner being crowned on Saturday night, July 18 by Miss America 2009 Katie Stam.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Puerto Rico back into the Miss America Pageant after almost 50 years of absence, said Joselo Sostre. " With our current economic crisis, this is a great scholarship opportunity that will provide hope and empowerment to young women who are pursuing their dreams."

About Miss America

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local affiliates made available more than $45 million in scholarship assistance. For more information, visit http://www.missamerica.org.

Source: The Miss America Organization

Cemi Underground to close shop

I am sad to learn about the closing of Cemi Underground, a cultural haven in El Barrio in its short yet rich history. Luis Cordero led a store with nonstop events aimed at highlighting Puerto Rican writers, artists and cultural workers. The good news is that Cordero says the store is closing down, but that the mission of Cemi Underground to support boricua talent will continue.

This is the latest treasure catering to the Latino arts scene that closes in East Harlem. This is yet another setback and something has to be done to preserve EL BARRIO, SPANISH HARLEM!

Here is a letter from Luis Cordero on Cemi's closing:

To our many friends and supporters:

Unfortunately, after two years we are forced to close our doors at the end of April. Cemí Underground has hosted more that 150 cultural events and we have prided ourselves in being able to have added our voice and efforts to those entities engaged in maintaining the Boricua cultural identity and heritage alive and well in New York City. We hope others will continue the effort and they can surely count on our wholehearted support.

We are closing our doors at Lexington Avenue, but we will continue to promote our art and artists...You can help us by supporting our CEMI CULTURAL EXPO* a fundraising event scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. at The Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center, featuring some of the talent that has graced our humble stage including Mariposa, La Bruja, Bobby Gonzalez, Arnold Acevedos El Boogie Down Comedy Show and many more surprise guests. The featured performers that evening will be none other than the foremost ambassadors of our culture worldwide: Los Pleneros de la 21!

You are welcome to our two last events at Cemí Underground on Saturday, April 25 and Thursday, April 30.

Continue to visit our websites: www.cemiunderground.com and www.galeriacemi.com as we will continue and double our online efforts...

Reciban un abrazo.

Luis Cordero

*Cemi Cultural Expo is a cultural event and collaboration between Cemí Underground, Boricuation, LatinosNYC, Ku Karey Spiritual Circle, Art By Mia, Taller Boricua, Los Pleneros de la 21 and many individuals who have supported Cemí Underground these past 2 years.

Editor's Note: Support the Cemi Cultural Expo. For more information, www.cemiunderground.com.

Listen to an interview I did with Cordero earlier this year at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio about Cemi Underground.

Gente, feel free to leave comments right here on this news on Cemi Underground and what are your hopes. Do you see this as a blow to the Latino arts scene in NYC? What are your memories of Cemi? What are your thoughts on Spanish Harlem/El Barrio?

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

For a Better Bronx to honor Vicente 'Panama' Alba

Tribute to honor this boricua activist for his tireless work of four decades



For a Better Bronx, a community-based organization in the South Bronx dedicated to achieving environmental, social and food justice, will honor its board president this Friday. Among other things, Panama has been a voice in the struggle for independence for Puerto Rico, freedom of political prisoners, justice for workers and immigrants as well as the quality of life of the Bronx.

(Click on the image for larger text.)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Manny's Mosaics @ the East Harlem Cafe

Community calendar



Meet mosaic artist Manny Vega.

To check out some of his mosaic work online, go to www.artbymannyvega.com.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Buscando nuestras raices trip to la isla

Our raices

Comité Noviembre
Mes de la Herencia Puertorriqueña

Third Annual Trip to Puerto Rico

"Buscando Nuestras Raíces"
August 6-13

8 days/7 nights
Exclusive Package Includes:

* Roundtrip Airfare with American Airlines
* Airport pick-up & drop-off in Puerto Rico
* Hotel accommodations at the beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino, Isla Verde
* Cook to order & buffet breakfast each day
* Luxury Coach Bus Transportation for planned excursions and events
* Guided tours of historical & cultural landmarks
* Receptions and live entertainment
* Workshops by renowned Puerto Rican artists, musicians, historians and anthropologists

Space is limited.

For price and other information
http://www.centropr.org/documents/news/2009_CN_TRIP.pdf

source: Centro

NCPRR to meet in New Jersey

Community calendar

Board meeting, The National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights (NCPRR)
Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 25
FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Inc.
441-43 Broad Street
Newark, NJ


· Hear updates on the upcoming National Puerto Rican Convention to be held on October 9-11, 2009.

· Get involved with the NCPRR North Jersey Chapter

Hosted by the NCPRR North Jersey Chapter

For more information, contact José Velázquez at
Jevche (at) aol.com or call (973) 748-5007.

For more information on the NCPRR, go to www.ncprr.us.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Bronx PR Parade is May 17


Community calendar

Bronx Puerto Rican Parade Inc.

1-4 p.m., Sunday, May 17
Grand Concourse from 176th street to 167th street

Theme: "The Islands of the Caribbean"
Dedicated to the Bronx American Legion Post
And the Press


Applications are being accepted for every country
and every island that wants to be a part of the parade.
For more information, bxprparade@yahoo.com

(Photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

Friday, April 17, 2009

MARCY PLACE 'TODO LO QUE SOY' OFFICIAL VIDEO

See related story below.

source: OrfanatoMusic on YouTube

Marcy Place is in the running for a Billboard’s Latin Music award



The Bronx’s own Marcy Place, an urban bachata group discovered by reggaeton star Don Omar, is competing for tropical airplay song of the year for a duo or group for the Billboard’s Latin Music Awards next week.
Marcy Place, the latest in a new crop of urban bachata artists, is made up of Juan Carlos Cabrera who is known as JC and brothers Billy Pabón and Joey Pabón. Marcy Place is nominated for its hit “Todo Lo Que Soy” featuring Don Omar, and the bacheteros are definitely planning to attend the ceremony in Coral Gables, Florida.
“I’m excited; I can't believe we are actually nominated,” says JC of the Bronx.
Marcy Place faces tough competition. They are running against “El Aquel Lugar” (Adolescent’s Orchestra), “El Perdedor” (Aventura) and “Ahora Es” (Wisin y Yandel).
JC says he is amazed to see his group running in the same category as the likes of bachata kings Aventura and reggaeton stars Wisin y Yandel.
JC says it's “weird to be fans of these people” and to be running in the same category as them.
JC, who was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York when he was a boy, says he's looking forward to the big night. So far, he says, the nomination is one of the group’s biggest accomplishments.
Billboard’s Latin Music award ceremony will be on Thursday, April 23, and the show will be aired on Telemundo. The Billboard’s honor the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music as determined by actual sales and radio airplay data that inform Billboard’s weekly charts during a one-year period from the issue dated Feb. 9, 2008 to Jan. 31, 2009.
JC describes Marcy Place as an urban bachata group with influences from other genres such as R&B, pop, merengue and hip hop.
“Bachata is like R&B but in Spanish,” he says. “We sing about heartbreak and many of the same subjects.”
Before joining Marcy Place, JC worked as a sound engineer in Lenny Santos' (the guitarist and musical producer/arranger of Grupo Aventura) studio at a street named Marcy Place in the Bronx. Billy and Joey are of Puerto Rican heritage and they live in Brooklyn. Before joining Marcy Place, they worked as supervisors in a factory and restaurant respectively.
Don Omar discovered the talented guys when he went to record songs at the studio where JC worked. JC collaborated in the arrangement and chorus in Don Omar’s hit “Canción de Amor,” a bachata.
Don Omar was impressed and signed them to his label Orfanato Music Group.
JC recalled that the three were actually not a group. JC and the Pabon brothers were pursuing their own bachata projects, but it was Don Omar’s idea that they should unite as one group and gave them the name Marcy Place.
JC who is a Don Omar fan says he is grateful for his hands on approach.
Don Omar, he says, has been supportive of the group since the beginning. JC who writes songs for Marcy Place says he has also learned about the way Don Omar writes. Don Omar gives them feedback on choosing songs.
Late last year, Marcy Place released its first album, B From Marcy Place, a 12-track featuring 10 original songs as well as collaborations by Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel, Jayko and Divino.
From the streets of the Bronx to the world, Marcy Place’s goal is to share the contagious rhythm of urban bachata.
JC describes Marcy Place as “new, refreshing, innovative and ready.”
He says the group is currently promoting its CD and touring the United States and Puerto Rico.
The group’s short-term goals are to continuing to promote their music in the United States and abroad.
“Our long-term goal is to continue to have success in this business,” he says.
JC gives this advice to a young person interested in music, “Follow your dreams and give more than 100 percent.”
To find out more about Marcy Place, go to their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/marcyplacemusic. – Clarisel Gonzalez

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

B as in Beauty

Trailer for "B as in Beauty," the new novel by Alberto Ferreras. Produced by CRAFTV and Latino Media Works.

Puerto Rico Sun is participating in a book giveaway.

The first five PRSUN readers who send me an e-mail requesting the "B as in Beauty" book at prsuncom (at) yahoo.com will be entered for the giveaway.

What you need to do: Please send your name and complete mailing address and Hachette Books will mail you a copy.

First-come, first-served.

About the author:

Alberto Ferreras is a New York City based writer, filmmaker and performance artist.

About the book:




Everyone in the world, it seems, is either prettier or thinner (or both) than Beauty Marie Zavala. And the only thing "B" resents more than her name is the way others judge her for the extra 40 pounds she can't lose. At least she has her career. Or did, until she overhears her boss criticizing her weight and devising a scheme to keep her from being promoted. Enter B's new tax accountant, a modern-day matchmaker determined to boost B's flagging self-esteem by introducing her to rich, successful men who will accept her for who she is. As B's confidence blossoms, so do her fantasies of revenge. But will B find true happiness or true disaster when she unwittingly falls for the one guy she shouldn't?


More info at www.albertoferreras.com or www.HachetteBookGroup.com.

Cinema of Puerto Rico: Challenges/Implications of a Rising Cinema

Community calendar

The Havana Film Festival New York 2009 & Centro for Puerto Rican Studies presents
Cinema of Puerto Rico: Challenges and Implications of a Rising Cinema

5 p.m. Tuesday, April 21
IDA K. LANG RECITAL HALL @ HUNTER COLLEGE: 424 Hunter North,
68 Street (Between Lex & Park Aves), Manhattan

DIOS LOS CRIA II/GOD CREATED THEM. NY Premiere

Jacobo Morales. Puerto Rico. 2004. MiniDV. Fiction.135 min.

Legendary director, Jacobo Morales once again combines drama and comedy with satire and unexpected endings. Corruption, ethical conflicts, human solidarity, and machismo are among the film's central themes.

Jacobo Morales vuelve a combinar el drama y la comedia con la sátira y los finales inesperados. La corrupción, los conflictos de orden ético, la solidaridad humana y el machismo son algunos de los temas tratados en las tres historias de este filme.

Director present for Q&A.

7:30 p.m. -- Panel Cinema of Puerto Rico: Challenges and Implications of a Rising Cinema

Participants for this panel include filmmakers: Jacobo Morales, Lilian Rosado, Pedro Perez-Rosado y Juanma Fernandez. Moderator: Soledad Romero - Stage actress; Lecturer on Puerto Rican Studies and Spanish at Queens College CUNY. Reception to follow. Sponsored by Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College

This is one of many events planned for the Havana Film Festival.

The Havana Film Festival New York will celebrate its 10th anniversary from April 16-23 in various locations throughout New York City. This year's selection appeals to different age groups, fostering an appreciation of Latin American culture.
For more information on the Havana Film Festival, go to
http://www.hffny.com/2009/home/index.php

PRSUN continues its online drive for ASPCA

Puerto Rico Sun has gone orange in support of the ASPCA's Go Orange for Animals month or Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

This is a friendly reminder to contribute to the PRSUN for the ASPCA drive at www.change.org. PRSUN's goal is to raise $500 for the ASPCA's general fund. Donations have been slow, but PRSUN hopes to reach its goal with your generous contribution for a good cause.

Thanks so much for your support - and please don't forget to forward this page to any friends you think might be interested.

Donate at Change.org


Here's the link: http://change.org/profiles/prsun

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

El Principio del Camino


The reading corner

6:30 p.m., April 16, book signing
Luis Aórokobori
author of "EL PRINCIPIO DEL CAMINO"
Admission: Free
Cemi Underground in NYC's El Barrio

For more information about this and other events at Cemi, go to www.cemiunderground.com.

Taino art and brunch

Community calendar

There's an old saying in Puerto Rico that says: Donde come uno, comen dos!

Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26 enjoy an art show by some of NYC's Latino artists and a two course Taino brunch meal

Confirmed visual artists include Ivy Rivera, Reina Miranda, Olga Ayala, Aguilar Marrero, photography by Ramon Martinez.

There will be special Taino history presentations and poetry performances by Taino Spirit.

Admission is Free
**Optional two course brunch is $16 and includes a Mimosa drink.
This event is family friendly.
There will be original art for sale and raffles.

Capicu Cultural Showcase @
Taino Soleil Restaurant
121 Livingston St (between Boerum Pl & Court Sq)
Downtown Brooklyn

Friday, April 10, 2009

Good Friday in the Bronx


St. Pius V Good Friday outdoor procession in the streets of the South Bronx

To view more of my Holy Week photos, go to my photo page at www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel. Click on the Holy Week '09 photo set.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

'Confessions of a Rogue Teacher'


New novel highlights issues in inner-city schools

There have been many movies and T.V. shows that attempt to highlight, through drama or comedy, the issues that exist in America’s inner-city schools. But what is it like, really? "Confessions of a Rogue Teacher" (published by iUniverse) by novelist and retired teacher George Colon, employs plot as a vehicle to communicate the realities of life for an inner-city teacher.

"Confessions of a Rogue Teacher" opens with English teacher Manny Quesada hurrying back to his classroom from the restroom. He has just had what the reader finds out in Chapter 2, an altercation with one of his students, Wilson Contreras. In the course of this altercation, things turned physical and Manny hit Wilson in self defense. This fateful event will drive the entire plot of Confessions of a Rogue Teacher, not only for Manny but for the people around him as well.

As a result of Manny’s altercation, there is an inquiry. Manny is removed from the classroom pending a full review. This is a great blow to a man who had dedicated his life to teaching and at one time held to the ideal that he could help his fellow Puerto Ricans rise up from poverty through education. Now, after twenty years of teaching, Manny is felled by an altercation resulting in a momentary act of anger and impulse. Manny is instructed to report to the superintendent’s office. Unsure of where he stands or if he will even be allowed to return to the classroom, Manny is faced with a new reality: what comes next?

“I’ve been here three days now and don’t know why,” I complained. “I have union rights.” I’d called Peter Goldstein, who told me Joseph Arimet, roving troubleshooter, would contact me, but he hadn’t yet.
“You’ve been placed in this office,” he twiddled his moustache. “I didn’t send for you.” While he let these words sink in, his eyes bore down on me with the sneer of command. “Don’t know what you’ve done - don’t care.”
“I do.”
His eyes softened, though not his tone “When Minerva returns, she’ll talk to you. For now, man a desk, file papers, and handle the phone. Take messages and complaints. Give information. No opinions. Tell callers they’ll be contacted. Mario will break you in. He’s got a problem, too.”


George Colon is a native of Puerto Rico and grew up in the South Bronx. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s on Secondary Education, Colon returned to the South Bronx. He was a teacher there for 30 years. Upon retiring, he began writing. This is his first published novel. Colon has a wife and daughter and still resides in the Bronx.

source: press release

UPCOMING APPEARANCE IN THE BRONX
Join George Colon at the Meet the Writers at Small Press Night
7 p.m. April 17
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Bay Plaza
290 Baychester Ave., Coop City
For more information:
(718) 862-3945

Editor's Note: "Confessions of a Rogue Teacher is also available at the PRSUN aStore:




(photo of George Colon at a book event at Cemi Underground in East Harlem by Ismael Nunez)

Monday, April 06, 2009

PRSUN Radio interviews la Mamarazzi


Elena Marrero is a Bronx-based photojournalist who regularly documents the boricua/Latino community life in New York City. She is known as "Mamarazzi" of the community, documenting the people and the events that many of the mainstream media outlets overlook.

After retiring from the NYC Board of Education in 2005, she has focused on her photography and is passionate about what she does. She says it's a passion she inherited from her mother Helen.

For Marrero's bio, visit my blog at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

The show is 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

UPDATE: HERE IS THE ARCHIVED SHOW



(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

NCPRR NYC chapter to meet April 30 in Manhattan

Community calendar

National Congress for Puerto Rights (NCPRR) meeting
6 p.m. Thursday, April 30
Community Service Society, 105 E. 22nd Street,
4th floor conference room 4B
Manhattan

AGENDA ITEMS:
NYC CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
NATIONAL CONVENTION UPDATES AND COMMITTEES
DISCUSSION ON NYC CHAPTER GOING FORWARD

For more information on the NCPRR, go to www.ncprr.us.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Art songs at La Casa

Photo op



La Casa -- La Casa De La Herencia Cultural Puertorriquena, Inc. (The Puerto Rican Cultural Heritage House, Inc.) in East Harlem at 1230 Fifth Avenue is a not-for-profit cultural and educational institution founded in 1981. The cultural heritage of Puerto Ricans/Latin Americans is archived for all to share. La Casa also holds cultural events. In late March, “Art Songs by Classical Composers from Puerto Rico” was showcased. In this photo, director Leticia Rodriguez, at center, poses for a photo with the artists. That day audience members were treated to a live performance by Dominican-American mezzo soprano Anna Tonna and Cuban pianist Daniel Daroca performed songs by Puerto Rican composers from the past and present. – Ismael Nunez

PRSUN is going orange for animals

April is the ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

One of the ASPCA's most important events is the celebration of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to “Go Orange for Animals” throughout the month of April—when the ASPCA’s charter was signed in 1866—to raise awareness for our cause. Going orange is a tribute to the work of the ASPCA and a celebration of compassion and kindness for all living things everywhere.
How Is the ASPCA “Going Orange” for Animals?
The ASPCA will kick off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month on April 7, when iconic buildings and landmarks across the country will light up orange.
Puerto Rico Sun is going orange this month in support of the ASPCA as you can see.
Please consider making a donation to the PRSUN for the ASPCA drive via change.org too.

Donate at Change.org


For more information on things you could do in your community, go to www.aspca.org.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

The Enchanted Island Says 'Bienvenidos' to New Commemorative Quarter


United States Mint Releases Second Coin in District of Columbia & U.S. Territories Quarters Program Honoring the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheers rang out today in Old San Juan's La Arcada in Paseo La Princesa as United States Mint Director Ed Moy and Governor Luis Fortuno placed a mockup of the Puerto Rico commemorative quarter on a giant map, signaling the ceremonial launch of the United States Mint's latest coin release.
"Puerto Rico's striking quarter design evokes its tropical beauty, rich history and culture," Moy said. "With San Juan Bay as the background of the coin, the hibiscus flower and 16th century sentry box remind us that Puerto Rico stands for 'rich port.'"
Joining in the celebration of Puerto Rico's quarter-dollar were Puerto Rico's first lady Luce Vela and Secretary of State Kenneth McClintock who, along with Director Moy and Governor Fortuno, handed out the shiny new coins to children 18 years and younger. Adults exchanged their currency for $10 rolls of the new coin, which was released into circulation on March 30.
Puerto Rico officially became a United States commonwealth on July 25, 1952. The quarter struck in its honor is the second of six new coins in the 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program, and the public can expect to see quarters bearing a new design in their change approximately every two months.
The Puerto Rico quarter reverse (tails side) design features a sentry box in Old San Juan overlooking the sea and a hibiscus, Puerto Rico's official flower. The design, by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna, includes the inscriptions Isla del Encanto (Island of Enchantment), E PLURIBUS UNUM and 2009.
On the eve of the launch ceremony, Director Moy hosted a Coin Forum at the Universidad del Este (UNE) -- Carolina Campus, Library Atrium, where the public had the chance to share their ideas about future U.S. coin designs.
Collectors can purchase two-roll sets (40 coins per roll), one roll each from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver, and 100- and 1,000-coin bags at the United States Mint's Web site, www.usmint.gov or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The two-roll sets are $32.95, the bags of 100 coins are $32.95, and the bags of 1,000 coins are $309.95.
Free United States Mint lesson plans about the Puerto Rico quarter are available for download at www.usmint.gov/kids.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Lin Manuel Miranda -A year after- (New Interview)


Luis Salgado (Director of R.Evolucion Latina) interviews the Tony Award and Grammy Winner Lin Manuel Miranda weeks before his last performance at In The Heights On Broadway.

Lin-Manuel Miranda (born January 16, 1980) is an American actor (of boricua and Mexican roots), as well as a Tony Award winning composer and lyricist. He is most famous for writing and starring in the Broadway musical In the Heights, which opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2008.

R.Evolucion Latina: We are a collective of artists and activists committed to empower the artistic community in order to inspire growth within the Latino Community through collaboration, productions and educational support programs.

Founder/Director: Luis Salgado
Directors: Michael Balderrama
Co-Director: Gabriela Garcia

source: RevolucionLatina @ YouTube