Saturday, December 31, 2005

El Yunque


El Yunque
Originally uploaded by yasmapaz.
Photo by yasmapaz


BLOGGERS: Happy New Year! Thank you for all the beautiful pictures. Thanks for making the BLOGS exhibit a success. Looking forward to more of your work in the new year. Peace and love, Clarisel

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Politics -- Featured story
New York Daily News - Politics - Novello for Senate?

La Fortaleza - Old San Juan, PR


La Fortaleza - Old San Juan, PR
Originally uploaded by jenjenjen.

Rincon Musical


Rincon Musical
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Community news

PUERTO RICAN ARTIST DIOGENES BALLESTER RECEIVES INDIVIUDUAL ARTIST AWARD FROM THE NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS

New York, New York, December, 2005—As the sponsoring organization, the Association of Hispanic Arts (AHA) is pleased to announce that Diogenes Ballester was awarded an Individual Artist Award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) for the creation of an Oral History/Digital Book addressing a Puerto Rican family's expression of African/Catholic/Taino religious beliefs in the epic process of creating a home.

Last year, Diogenes used the theme of oral history, the conveyance of information, and the tradition of the book for an installation entitled “Keeper of History, Holder of Dreams”. This installation art project was presented at El Centro Gallery at The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and at MediaNoche Gallery located in East Harlem, New York.

The installation at El Centro Gallery was a ritual art conception that conveyed the syncretic oral history themes through an artist’s hand made book with an epic poem by poet mboncher, a large scale charcoal and carved drawing on wood, an assemblage of found objects, digital media, and audience interaction The installation was further developed at MediaNoche Gallery. In this installation, Diogenes combined classical art with experimental new media art including the incorporation of digital video sound and Internet transmission. This exploration consisted of projecting a real time video of one of his artist’s books from his studio to the MediaNoche Gallery via the Internet where he had displayed an installation of a large blank artist’s book, a charcoal drawing on tree stumps, a large wood book holder, and recorded oral history stories from a DVD player.

The support received from NYSCA will allow Diogenes to continue with his research on the syncretic oral history and the digital media.

Friday, December 23, 2005

Los Reyes at Mami's


Los Reyes at Mami's
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Puerto Rico Sun wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy Three Kings Day too!!

Felicidades.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Puerto Rico - cafe scene


Puerto Rico - cafe scene
Originally uploaded by asawaa.
Asawaa says:

"I saw this scene while I was visiting Puerto Rico back in 2002. As you can see it is a very beautiful place..."
Feaured site:

Images from the Transit Strike, Dec. 21-22, 2005 are now available at www.eastharlempreservation.org

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

PRSUN TV TO AIR IN THE BRONX

Check out PRSUN TV, a new monthly cultural arts/news show aimed at informing, empowering and community. This bilingual (mostly English) half-hour show, produced by independent producer/journalist Clarisel Gonzalez, will start airing tomorrow on Bronxnet.

Lineup:

TOPIC: BLOGS and the Boricua/Latino presence
Show puts a special focus on Latino photobloggers who recently featured their work at a BLOGS exhibition at MediaNoche in Spanish Harlem. Photographers featured in the exhibit are members of the Puerto Rico Sun, NYC Exposition and East Harlem blogs. Judith Escalona, director of PRDream/MediaNoche, speaks to PRSUN TV on the BLOGS exhibit at the MediaNoche multimedia gallery.

"Blogs represent a rupture in the way photographs are traditionally exhibited and sold, allowing the presentation of over 1,000 works in MediaNoche's space and converting viewers into bloggers who can interact with the printless photographs on display," Escalona said.

Gonzalez, also a photoblogger, was curator of the BLOGS exhibit at MediaNoche.

REMEMBER

Tune in:
WHAT: PRSUN TV
WHEN: 12:30 p.m. Dec. 22
WHERE: Bronxnet's Channel 69
(Bronxnet is the community/public access station in the Bronx.)

El Morro


El Morro
Originally uploaded by yasmapaz.

Monday, December 19, 2005

La Parranda del Zon


La Parranda del Zon
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Zon de Barrio bring a parranda during the closing party of the BLOGS exhibit at MediaNoche.

The Puerto Rico Sun cultural news/photoblog was among those featured at the exhibit, which ran from Oct. 14 to Dec. 17 in NYC.

Thanks to those who supported the exhibit.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Featured story
IPA NY Voices That Must Be Heard Latino youth unprotected on the Internet
Community Event

Thursday, December 15th, 2005
Time: 8PM-10PM
Cost: Free Admission

Posted by YERBABUENA, INC.: Jibaro Xmas Jam @ La Fonda Boricua with
Conjunto Anoranzas del Batey

La Fonda Boricua presents a weekly Jibaro Xmas Jam Sessions in celebration of the
Holydays...come enjoy some of the best Puerto Rican food and music in town, this
week with the sounds of Conjunto Anoranzas del Batey.

La Fonda Boricua:

169 East 106th St.

(bet Lexington & Third Aves) -

(212) 410-7292

www.fondaboricua.com/



By Subway:

#6 Lexington Avenue Line to 103rd St station, walk three blocks north to 106th
Street. then one block east toward Third Avenue.



By Car:

Triboro Bridge - Take FDR south, exit at 106th Street.

George Washington Bridge - Take Harlem River Drive to FDR south, exit at 106th Street.

Cross-Bronx Expressway - Take 87 south, exit at 138th Street Bridge. Drive south to
106th Street

For more info, go here:
http://www.nuyorico.com/detail.php?fpSend=1484

For the complete YERBABUENA, INC. Calendar of Events, go here:
http://www.nuyorico.com/trust_detail.php?fpSend=16

Monday, December 12, 2005

IMG_3754


IMG_3754
Originally uploaded by Jaime Olmo.

IMG_2132.JPG


IMG_2132.JPG
Originally uploaded by dM.nyc.
Looking for a holiday gift

Featured site: boricua.com

Monopoly Puerto Rico Edition
http://boricua.c.topica.com/maaeiHeabmLGQbeY9X3bafpLIa/

INTRODUCING MONOPOLY® PUERTO RICO EDITION
The Perfect Holiday Gift!


Advance to GO! The Monopoly brand introduces the Puerto Rico edition
showcasing an exceptional tour of the island’s beautiful landmarks
and exciting businesses. Buy, sell and trade the island’s hot spots
in a quest to own Puerto Rico.

Limited quantities available, order soon in order to receive for
Xmas.

To purchase or learn more, visit href="http://boricua.c.topica.com/maaeiHeabmLGQbeY9X3bafpLIa/">http://www.monopolypuertorico.com
http://boricua.c.topica.com/maaeiHeabmLGQbeY9X3bafpLIa/

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Christmas events:

Los Pleneros de la 21 are proud to announce:

La fiesta navideña del 2005
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2005

FROM 3 PM – 11 PM

@

Taíno Tower’s, Crsytal Room

123rd Street and Second Avenue

Fourth Floor

El Barrio, NY 10035

Come join LP21 as they rejoice in the Holiday Spirit in an evening complete with

the best of Puerto Rican traditional music in their annual year-end event.

You may sing and dance the night away as LP21 bring to a night of

Traditional aguinaldos and Boleros by El Trío New York and Guillermo Colón,

Classic Salsa provided by Angel “Papo” Vázquez and La Rinquincaya Pirata

with special guest singer: Herman Olivera,

and of course ...

Bomba and Plena by Los Pleneros de la 21 featuring new track

performances from their most recent cd release, “Para Todos Ustedes” !


The night will be complete with a savory menu of traditional food, delicious
beverages and creative arts and crafts that will be available for purchase

$15.00 Entrance Charge at the Door

(tickets are on sale now! Call for ahead for information on discounted rates)

For information or ticket purchase, contact Los Pleneros de la 21 via:

TEL: 212-427-5221

EMAIL: pleneros21@aol.com

or just stop by:

Julia de Burgos Cultural Center

1680 Lexington Ave, Room 209 El Barrio, NY 10029

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

lets go fly a kite


lets go fly a kite
Originally uploaded by lapamela.
Community Events

medianoche
161 East 106th Street, First Floor
(between Lexington and Third Avenues)
Just blocks away from Museum Mile

For info: 212.828.0401


::: Thursday, December 15, 7PM

"LATINA CONFESSIONS"
directed by Louis E. Perego Moreno

A work-in-progress screening

What does it mean to be Latina in the U.S. today? When two competing cultures engage in a tug of war, which side wins? How does the "Madonna/Whore Complex" impact Latina
sexuality? In frank and confessional monologues, Latinas defy stereotypes as they share intimate secrets on sex, family and religion.

Admission: FREE


+++++++++++++++


::: Friday, December 16, 6PM – 9PM

CLOSING RECEPTION

BLOGS
An exhibition of photoblogs: NYC Exposition, Puerto Rico Sun,
East Harlem...

"Blogs" represents a rupture in the way
photographs are traditionally exhibited and sold,
allowing the presentation of over 1,000 works in
MediaNoche’s space and converting viewers into
bloggers who can interact with the printless photographs
on display.


::: Directions ::: Take IRT #6 train to 103rd
Street, walk up three blocks and turn right.

medianoche
161 East 106th Street, First Floor
(between Lexington and Third Avenues)
Just blocks away from Museum Mile

For info: 212.828.0401

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

COMING SOON: PRSUN TV

Announcement

Hello gente. I am pleased to report that a new bilingual (mostly English) cultural arts/news show I am producing called PRSUN TV will soon start airing on Bronxnet's Channel 69 in the Bronx.

PRSUN TV is also aimed at empowering and informing boricuas. It is about community.

The first show is expected to air this month. Details to come.

Vegigante


Vegigante
Originally uploaded by jps_pr.

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Health

Press Release

NCLR PRESIDENT JANET MURGUÍA, U.S. REP. HILDA SOLIS, ACTRESS LUPE ONTIVEROS, AND NATIONAL EXPERTS CONVENED FOR LATINAS AND HIV/AIDS SUMMIT

Long Beach, CA – The National Council of La Raza/California State University, Long Beach (NCLR/CSULB) Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation and Leadership Training and the Latino Coalition Against AIDS convened the first Latinas and HIV/AIDS Summit on December 1, 2005 - World AIDS Day - to raise awareness of the dramatic increases in Latina HIV infection rates. The event was held at the California State University, Long Beach Student Union Ballroom, and guests included dignitaries such as NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía, U.S. Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA), and acclaimed actress Lupe Ontiveros (Desperate Housewives).

Hispanics are the fastest-growing group of those infected with HIV. As with many other health issues affecting the Latino community, HIV/AIDS has a disproportionate impact when compared to non-Hispanic Whites, which can be traced to a lack of culturally- and linguistically-appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention information, a high rate of uninsurance, and an overall lack of health-related resources.

In particular, HIV/AIDS is an acute problem for women in the Hispanic community: Latinas now represent 20% of AIDS cases among U.S. women, making Latinas seven times more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to be living with AIDS. In addition, the increase in newly-diagnosed AIDS cases due to heterosexual transmission has risen from 3% to 31% from 1985 to 2003, and although more Hispanic males are infected through sex with other men, overall Hispanics are more likely to be infected through heterosexual contact when compared to other groups.

Furthermore, Hispanics are more likely to have full-blown AIDS within one year of their HIV diagnosis, and are more likely to die faster (within 18 months of diagnosis) when compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Latinos continue to suffer disproportionately from major complications due to chronic and infectious diseases and lack access to culturally- and linguistically-appropriate quality medical services and health care.

"We will not win the battle against this debilitating disease unless we make it a community priority to educate our youth, their parents, and community leaders about the growing rates of HIV infection and methods of prevention," stated Murguía. "Failure to address this issue will lead to further increases in the rates of HIV and AIDS among Latinos, and will result in an overwhelming health burden for a community already plagued by inadequate access to health care and health-related information."

At the Summit, prominent researchers and leaders in the Hispanic AIDS battlefield presented their work and examined issues related to Latinas who are living with, or who are vulnerable to, HIV. In addition, the Summit addressed HIV on the U.S.-Mexico border, cultural homophobia, risks posed to women through male sexual behaviors, and the sexual and reproductive health behaviors of Latinas.

Prominent experts and HIV/AIDS advocates who spoke at the Summit included:

U.S. Representative Hilda Solis (CA)
Janet Murguía, National Council of La Raza President and CEO
Lupe Ontiveros, Emmy nominee for her role in Desperate Housewives
Dr. Felix Carpio, AltaMed Health Services
Dr. Hector Carrillo, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Maria Rangel, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Monica Alonso, Pan American Health Organization
Dr. S. Marie Harvey, University of Oregon
Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, Director of the NCLR/CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation and Leadership Training
Dr. Henry Pacheco, Texas/Oklahoma AIDS Education and Training Center

The participation of researchers, experts, and political and community leaders contributed to greater understanding and visibility of this important issue. Furthermore, the campus setting for the Summit illustrated how this issue is of great importance to the CSULB Latino student body, which represents 24% of total enrollment. Research in 2001 found that more than half of the new Latino cases of HIV infection are among youth 13 to 24 years old. This translates into AIDS being the fourth-leading killer of Latinos in the 24 to 44 age range.

"Through our research and prevention efforts in collaboration with several of our affiliates, we are beginning to understand the many ways in which HIV/AIDS is affecting the Latino community," said Murguía. "However, we need real investment by government, hospitals and clinics, public health organizations, and community-based organizations to get a clearer picture of the rates of infection within our community and to support community-led prevention campaigns."

About the NCLR/CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation and Leadership Training:
The NCLR/CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation and Leadership Training was inaugurated in June 2005 to create, support, and measure efforts that positively impact the health status and access issues facing underserved Latino communities. The Center combines research on Hispanic health with educational opportunities, hands-on community projects, professional training, and collaboration among corporations, public-sector leadership, grassroots organizations, and academic institutions. The purpose of the Center is to design and implement innovative culturally- and linguistically-appropriate solutions to critical Latino health issues. ( www.csulb.edu/centers/latinohealth and www.nclr.org)

About the Latino Coalition Against AIDS:
The mission of the Latino Coalition Against AIDS (LCAA) is to shape and mobilize a unified community response to the AIDS epidemic in the Latino community. The Coalition develops public and private partnerships to address key public policy issues associated with Latinos and AIDS in Los Angeles County and provides leadership in the development of local, state, and federal legislative responses. ( www.latinoaidscoalition.org)

###

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Community News

Featured story:
Community Development Television (Gotham Gazette. November, 2005) Story on public access television -- The opportunity for community development on public access television may change if pending federal legislation is passed –- because there may no longer be any public access television as we know it.

cartwheel!


cartwheel!
Originally uploaded by luckd.

Monday, November 28, 2005

Featured story:
The Observer | International | Hollywood dances to a new Latin beat Several U.S. production companies are battling to the first to make a film about reggaethon.

Friday, November 25, 2005

Featured story:
Northpinellas: Loggerhead turtle's flight delayed again Bosco keeps trying to head to his new home at the Puerto Rico Zoo, but he keeps getting bumped from his flights: too big, too heavy.

Thursday, November 24, 2005

My Sweet Minister
By Samaris Ayala


My minister sweet minister. He touched many lives,
yet he is humble.
When I call he speaks with much sympathy.
His name is Reverend Alfredo Cotto - Thorner

I remember the Thanksgiving dinners at the church for
the poor.
I remember you inviting my fiancé and I to dinner.
I remember you visiting me in the hospital.
I remember you never talking about hell in the
pulpit.
I remember giving me a 350 dollar scholarship from
the church.
I remember when I went away, you asked the
congregation to mail me cards.
I remember you praying for my family, even when my
poppy was mean.
I remember you starting a substance abuse half-way
house.
I remember you giving me permission to have a
boyfriend.
I remember you helping my mom, when she was confused.
I remember sending me postcards when you were on
vacation.
I remember letting me teach Sunday school to the
children.
I remember giving me Christmas gifts.
I remember how you allowed me to get close to your
wife, Mrs. C
I remember when you gave me discipline, when poppy
wasn't around.
I remember having summer camp for the children, and
allowing me to be a counselor.
I remember you teaching me Spanish folk songs.
I remember you welcoming my boyfriends to church.
I remember Sunday mornings, we were a family.
You made me happy.

New York City-based writer Samaris Ayala contributes her poetry to Puerto Rico Sun. This poem is dedicated to her minister. You may reach her at sallypatches@yahoo.com.

IMG_1907


IMG_1907
Originally uploaded by Jaime Olmo.

Monday, November 21, 2005

News Brief:
New York Post Online Edition: news Hill's $50M 'P.R." Move
Featured article:
:: Welcome to Manila Bulletin Online :: Our very own Vivian Lake, who has served as book editor of the Puerto Rico Sun, is featured on The Manila Bulletin Online for what else: her work as a litblogger. Check it out.

Congratulations Viv!!


Featured story:
courant.com | Revolutionary To The End