Monday, December 31, 2007

Felicidades en 2008


Felicidades en 2008
Originally uploaded by Jorge Rodriguez.
Saludos a todos los amigos.
Adornos navideños en Jayuya, Puerto Rico.

Jorge Rodriguez

Friday, December 28, 2007

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Sery Colon @ Cemí Underground (212) 860-2820 info@cemiunderground.com www.cemiunderground.com

Cemí Underground Kicks Off 2008 with ‘Un Caribe en Nueva York’

EAST HARLEM — Cemí Underground presents “Un Caribe en Nueva York” photo exhibit from January 4-18, featuring a collection of images from Puerto Rico and New York City. The exhibit explores Puerto Rican culture through the lens of New York City-based boricua photographers Chris Lopez, Eliud Martinez and Clarisel Gonzalez (who is also the exhibit’s curator).
"When we launched Cemí Underground it was with the goal of establishing an entity that would add another voice to the desperately few voices promoting and proclaiming our art and artists to the world," says Luis Cordero, co-founder of Cemí Underground, a cultural haven in El Barrio. "Our weekly events and art exhibitions give an opportunity to our artistic community to share their talent and hone their skills as well."

Come celebrate the New Year with us with these talented artists. The opening reception kicks off at 6 p.m. January 4 at Cemí Underground, 1799 Lexington Avenue @ E. 112 St. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The exhibit will run until January 18. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m.

About the photographers:
Chris Lopez is a photojournalist who has dedicated the bulk of his photographic work to Puerto Rican culture. The images on exhibit are from “Puerto York,” a body of work documenting the boricua experience in Puerto Rico and New York.
Eliud Martinez is a photographer and writer whose diverse professional activities and art have drawn him to understand human interactions in the context of multiculturalism, human rights and social justice. These values are implicit in his images.
Clarisel Gonzalez is a freelance journalist/independent producer. An active photoblogger, her goal is to use photography to empower, inform and celebrate life. She regularly highlights Puerto Rican/Latino themes in her images.
For more information on the artists, visit www.flickr.com/groups/uncaribeenny.
Cemí Underground is a Latino cultural shop and venue in East Harlem. For more information, contact Sery Colon at (212) 860-2820 or info@cemiunderground.com.

# # #

Featured article

Mint to Give Puerto Rico a Quarter

Puerto Rico will soon get its own peseta or quarter, now that Congress has approved a bill extending the U.S. Mint's popular state quarter program.
For more, go to


http://puerto-rico.suite101.com/print_article.cfm/puerto_rico_to_get_a_quarter

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Fun Things to Do to Ring in 2008

El Taller Boricua & Jimmy Delgado

Invite You To

The New Year's Eve Salsa Bash!
December 31, 2007, Monday
9pm - until

At

La Julia De Burgos Cultural Center
1680 Lexington Avenue (105th & 106th St.), NYC's El Barrio

Admission $35 per person

To Reserve A Table with A New
Year's Eve Package: 1 Bottle of
Champagne, 6 Whistles & 6 Hats.

This offer is Limited - Call Immediately
212-831-4333

Luces en Plaza de Armas


Luces en Plaza de Armas
Originally uploaded by Jorge Rodriguez.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

IMG_5208


IMG_5208
Originally uploaded by clarisel.

Looking for Fun

Bring in the New Year at CAMARADAS - Caribbean style! On Monday night, December 31, say goodbye to 2007 with a buffet dinner 8-11:30 p.m., a complimentary drink, a champagne toast on New Years, the sounds of DJ I-Storm and, with a live performance by Conjunto Café! Just $25. Purchase tickets in advance at CAMARADAS el barrio. 2241 First Avenue/ 115 Street, El Barrio, NYC, (212)348-2703, http://www.camaradaselbarrio.com (NY Latino Journal's Official New Year's Eve spot)

We wish everyone Happy Holidays and wonderful, enjoyable and successful New Year!
- New York Latino Journal

Friday, December 21, 2007

Feliz Navidad


IMG_5016
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Puerto Rico Sun wishes you a Feliz Navidad y Prospero 2008.

Thanks for your continued support of the Puerto Rico Sun project.

We are planning new things for the new year. See you here.

Peace, love, happiness, health and success.

Clarisel

P.S. This is Browny, my beautiful border collie that I adopted in Puerto Rico. She now lives with me in NYC. I love my boricua dog as you can tell.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Upcoming Photo Exhibit: 'Un Caribe en Nueva York'

Cemí Underground presents "Un Caribe en Nueva York" A photo exhibit by three talented Puerto Rican artists Clarisel Gonzalez, Eliud Martinez and Chris López. Opening reception Friday January 4, 2008 at 6:00 PM. The exhibit runs until January 18, 2008.

Cemí Underground
1799 Lexington Ave. @112th St.
El Barrio, Nueva York
212-860-2820
www.cemiunderground.com

Felíz Navidad,
Sery

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Rincon Criollo Stage


Rincon Criollo Stage
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Opportunity

Internships with the Rincón Criollo Cultural Center, Inc. in the South Bronx

Part of Rincon Criollo's collaboration with local residents and institutions is through internships and short-term independent projects.

The Rincón Criollo Cultural Center has been an oasis of Puerto Rican history and traditions in the South Bronx for over 30 years. Founded in 1987, this incredible community garden also serves as an important cultural center, which is internationally recognized as a "school and performance" space featuring bomba and plena, traditional musical expressions of Puerto Rico's African legacy and it's current working class. Rincón Criollo is regularly visited by community leaders, foreign dignitaries and students of Puerto Rican and Latino culture. www.myspace.com/rinconcriollo

Because the Rincón Criollo Cultural Center has a limited staff and is growing rapidly, interns have the opportunity for invaluable hands-on cultural and educational experience tailored to fit their individual talents and interests.

Internships are offered year-round. While internships are unpaid, they offer invaluable professional experience in the field of cultural development.

Majors/Minors who might be interested:
Non-Profit Management/Administration, Puerto Rican/Latino Studies, Ethnomusicology, Music, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Museum/Archival Studies, Education, Marketing/Tourism, Journalism, etc.

Education:
Interns in the education department will be required to assist in organizing programs and events.

Fundraising:
Fundraising interns will assist staff in planning fundraising events. Interns in this department will also write grant proposals and identify funding sources.

Non-Profit Management:
Management interns will gain some experience in all of the categories listed above as well as handling personnel; working with boards and committees; facility design and management; legal aspects and other unique aspects of running a non-profit organization.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Carlos "Tato" Torres
Tel: (347) 584-8915
Email: tatobrujo@gmail.com

Bohio at the "Centro ceremonial indigena Tibes"


Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Spotlight: Being Big Works for Actor Lou Torres


tn
Originally uploaded by prsuncom
By Robert Waddell

Actor Lou Torres has the curse of most character actors: the viewing audience knows his face but
doesn’t know his name.
This burly Puerto Rican from the Bronx is recognizable from films such as the first “Spiderman,” “Shaft,” “Taxi” with Queen Latifah, “The Fantastic Four,” “Night at the Museum,” “El Cantante” and “Music and Lyrics.”
“Now people look at me (on the street) like they know me or they’ve seen me or they don’t believe it’s me,” said Torres who is large and magnetic with sensitive eyes and a brusque voice.
He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx and studied at Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music.
He used to be a New York City music teacher and a caseworker at Planned Parenthood. He also served at one point as assistant chief of staff to Councilman David Rosado.
But in the late 1990’s, things changed.
Torres recalled that he saw a Spanish newspaper classified ad looking for “a tough Hispanic male for the film ‘Sleepers’ with Robert De Niro.”
At first, he thought it was a hoax or a scam. But his friend convinced Torres to go to the audition even though he had no formal acting training. He didn’t get the part, but he was encouraged to pursue acting.
Torres has since taken acting classes at H.B. studios, The Actors Studio and the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre’s Raul Julia Training Unit.
He is now a full-time actor and producer. He runs Big Lou Productions and has done three films so far.
As a working actor, he mainly plays the big guy, the storeowner or bouncer types.
“I’m happy to get all of my roles,” Torres said.
“I look at it as work. Whatever work I get, I’m appreciative of it.”
Now, Torres produces movies to provide himself and other actors with the non-traditional roles and projects he dreams about. His big dream is to do a Latino remake of “Marty.”
“I’ve already produced my second project called ‘Rockaway’ and that’s going to be released by Lions Gate. Nothing has been formalized, but he is hoping that something positive will happen by next year.
For now, Torres said he’s going to continue producing movies and telling stories. “Maybe one day I'll cast myself as the lead.”


Robert Waddell is a Bronx-based writer who contributes articles to Puerto Rico Sun.
Photography

One of my Bronx photos made the Schmap New York guide. Check out the guide.

Here's an excerpt of an e-mail I received from the editor:

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released fourth edition of our Schmap New York Guide:

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
www.schmap.com/newyork/sights_churches/p=266835/i=266835.jpg

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
In the Mailbox

Save the Date. Friday, January 11 at 7:00 PM.

Joe Falcon, Bobby Gonzalez & Ricardo Strobert
"Encuentros"

Jazz and Poetry live performance and
the new CD available to purchase.

More information coming soon.

Cemi Underground
1799 Lexington Avenue (nr.112th Street).
El Barrio, NY

Portrait of Loisaida Talk


5
Originally uploaded by prsuncom
The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center is pleased to invite you to a free panel discussion and film screening on Monday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., with the photographers Clayton Patterson and Marisol Díaz, both featured in the exhibition: Portrait of Loisaida.

In addition to the two photographers, the panel will include the documentary filmmakers Ben Solomon, Daniel Levin, and Jenner Furst, the force behind the documentary film CAPTURED which profiles Patterson's odyssey from voyeur to provocateur, and from activist to renegade archivist. This fast-paced documentary includes Patterson's rare and renowned footage of the Tompkins Square police riots, and provides a close-up look at a fascinating character and chapter of urban culture. Selections from the film will be screened for the public.

The event will take place in the Milagro Theater, CSV Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk Street.

Portrait of Loisaida Exhibition on view until Jan. 12, 2008

CSV Cultural Center invited two accomplished photographers, Clayton Patterson and Marisol Díaz, to capture a community in transition. The Lower East Side of Manhattan, long referred to by its Hispanic residents as "Loisaida", is presently experiencing the shearing forces of gentrification -- multi-million dollar condominium projects sprouting in the midst of neighborhoods that have housed the city's immigrant poor for generations.

This exhibition is an opportunity to discuss the tensions that these economic and social changes introduce in the community, and the photos of Patterson and Díaz, two photographers with impressive histories of documenting this community, share their images of the people, institutions, and architecture of a neighborhood in transition.

The exhibition was curated by Luis R. Cancel, the Center's Executive Director.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Parranda Time

http://www.flickr.com/groups/miviejosanjuan/discuss/72157603416700952/#comment72157603427996223

Visit the Viejo San Juan group for a parranda navidena in photos.

Artisan Olga Ayala


Artisan Olga Ayala
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
@ the Fiesta de Flores in '06
Bronx Botanical Garden
Support our Artesanos

Featuring

OLGA AYALA
HANDICRAFTS (HECHO A MANO)
Functional Art In Polymer
(718) 448-0730
(718) 709-6574 cell
http://www.olgaayala.zoomshare.com
http://www.myspace.com/prpetite

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Community Calendar

112 Anos del Nacimiento de Nuestra Bandera
sabado, 15 de diciembre
6 p.m.
Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
450 Grand Concourse, Bronx
Entrada gratis con boleto

Un concierto de gala con
Choco Orta y su Orquesta
Roy Borwn
Giovanni Lugo y Grupo Guarayson

Para informacion y taquilla
718 933-2204 y 718 518 4455
Dear Friends,

I have just read and signed the petition: "Stop Big Media From Getting Bigger!"

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 10,000 signatures - please sign here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/659309295

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.

Thank you!

Clarisel Gonzalez

http://www.thePetitionSite.com

Friday, December 07, 2007

Crash Boat Beach


Crash Boat Beach
Originally uploaded by Coast Guard BM.

Saludos

Photos of Puerto Rico.com wants to take a few minutes to wish you all Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año 2008. All the best and may all your wishes come true.

We take the opportunity to invite you to our site and sign up to our Spanish Forums/Foros. There you can interact with us, family members and friends. It is easy, fast and free. Visit our site and click on the forum banner or the FORUMS link on the site's menu.

Again our best wishes for your holidays and new year.

Warm Regards,
George Collazo & Jeannette Valle

www.photosofpuertorico.com

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

In the Mailbox

Familia,

December 7-8th I'll be at Amherst College for the 10 year Anniversary of Voices for the Voiceless, one of the largest diaspora poetry events in the Western MA area.

I founded the poetry concert 10 years ago when I was still a student at Umass to focus attention on the work of Diaspora Poets. This year we are honoring Fay Chiang with a Louis Reyes Rivera lifetime achievement award.

All are welcome to come to this free event. If you get there early, around 5:45 p.m. to get a seat, you can even eat for free.The event is usually standing room only so please, please, get there early. Poets will be selling and signing books, CD's and more.

Here is the info:

Voices for the Voiceless
Ten Year Anniversary

December 7 & 8th, 2007

Discussion on the 7th (Location to be announced)
Poetry Concert on the 8th (Locations: Friedman Campus Center Front Room)

Saturday:
Amherst College - Amherst, MA
Campus Center Front Room
5:45 pm - 9:45 pm
Free Event
Free Mexican Food Buffet

Poets Performing:
Bao Phi
Jahipster
Taalam Acey
Louis Reyes Rivera
Mariposa
Shaggy Flores
Tony Medina
Fay Chiang

Friday December 7th: Roundtable discussion at 7:00 pm with Voices Poets

Saturday December 8th: Poetry Concert and Book Signing

Hope to see some of you there!

Cuidate!

Shaggy Flores
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Shaggy_Flores
www.shaggyflores.com

Monday, December 03, 2007

In the Mailbox

Support Fruta Extrana TV

When: December 8, 2007, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Where: 44 East 32nd Street, 11th Floor, Manhattan (Btw Park & Madison)

Admission: Free

(However, we hope you’ll make a donation to help us raise money for our upcoming Cable TV show. All donations tax deductible so bring your checkbooks and cash. Also available for sale, "The Latina Kama Sutra" written by Dr. Charley Ferrer, a fantastic new addition to the FXTV family this past season as segment co-host and producer of Caliente! with Dr. Charlly Ferrer.

Space is limited. Please RSVP and join us on this special day as we raise funds for our new Cable Show and celebrate our Nomination of Best TV Talk Show 2007.

Prizes & Giveaways: (more coming in daily)

Artwork – Daniel Delvalle, Hector Canonge, and Pepe Villegas *

Hair Makeover – Oscar Da Silva *

Day Spa sessions--Oasis Spa *

Chicas Gift Basket – Caridad Pineiro *

Beverages – Inca Kola & NYGLT Chamber of Commerce *

3 Days/2 nights Hotel Stay – Friendly Travel *

Traditional Spanish Feast – Midnight Staffing Event Entertainment *

Entertainment by Raising Star Singer Margo David *

And much more…


Fruta Extrana TV is proud to serve our community, bringing you various programs on community news, relationships, sexuality, arts and entertainment, and so much more from every perspective—Straight, GLBT, Kinky, and everything in between. Hey, this is also a wonderful time to sign-up to be a guest on one of our upcoming shows and claim your minutes of fame!

______________________________________
Izzy Ruiz

Co-Host
Fruta Extrana TV
www.frutaextrana.tv

Calle San José


Calle San José
Originally uploaded by Jose Kevo.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

'No Face'


'No Face'
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Arts

If you have an opportunity, go check out an exhibit at the Queens Museum of the Arts called Framing AIDS.

On World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), I went to photograph the exhibit's opening reception for the curator Hector Canonge who is documenting the event for his site and other projects. It is an interesting mix of artists featured. For those of us into the visual arts, this is right up our alley.

Here's more related info. on the exhibit:

ART EXHIBITION Queens Museum of Art: Community Gallery
Saturday, December 15, 5 -7PM (Artists Talk)

[ + i ]
Selection of works created by established and emerging artists living with HIV/AIDS. The exhibition presents their visions and concerns through works that not only raise awareness about de disease, but explore representations of Self, gender, identity, and constructions of sexuality.
Curated by Hector Canonge from the Visual AIDS' Frank Moore Archive Project.

S.T.A.R.
Inspired by stories from HIVers and the realities of the pandemic, students in the summer 2007 arts unit, “The Cure: HIV Fashion Fusion”, developed the logo for their brand of fashion with a focus. “Start Thinking Act Responsibly”, or S.T.A.R. This part of the exhibition was facilitated by The Renaissance University for Community Education (T.R.U.C.E.), a Harlem Children’s Zone after-school program for youth.

www.hectorcanonge.net

Friday, November 30, 2007

Migration


Migration
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
BRONXNET DOCUMENTARY FOCUSES ON
PUERTO RICAN HISTORY IN THE BRONX


BronxNet premieres a groundbreaking documentary: "Migration: The Puerto Rican Experience" for Puerto Rican Heritage Month .

The documentary will also be telecast throughout New York City for the first time, on Friday, November 30 as follows:

BronxNet , Channel 67 ( 6:00 p.m.)
Brooklyn Cable Access TV, Channel 69 ( 6:00 p.m.)
Staten Island Community TV, Channel 57 ( 6:00 p.m.)
Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Channel 34 ( 6:00 p.m.)
Queens Public TV, Channel 34 ( 7:00 p.m.)

The BronxNet produced documentary "Migration: The Puerto Rican Experience " is the first feature of a four-part series to take a closer look into the origins and success stories of the Puerto Rican community in the Bronx. From the first arrival of the Pioneros through present-day elected public office holders, Puerto Ricans have played a prominent role in the development of the Bronx community. The documentary takes you back through breathtaking photographs and footage from the past century along with the words of those who made the journey, many whom are still our neighbors in the Bronx.
Mike Amadeo-Owner of Casa Amadeo, Hon. Adolfo Carrión-Bronx Borough President, David Gonzalez-Writer for the New York Times, Lorraine Montenegro-Executive Director of United Bronx Parents, Inc., Hon. José Rivera-NYS Assemblyman, Rossana Rosado-Publisher & CEO of El Diario La Prensa, Bobby Sanabria-Grammy Nominated percussionist, Hon. José Serrano-US Congressman, Alma Torres-Warner, Austin Torres-Daughter and Son of Hon. Judge Felipe Torres, open their hearts and tell us about the difficulties faced and often rewarding times of growing up in the Bronx.
The documentary features New York City 's renowned historians and experts: Dr. Clara Rodriguez, Professor of Sociology at Fordham University , Lloyd Ultan, Borough Historian of the Bronx and Brian Andersson, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Records.
Support for "Migration: the Puerto Rican Experience" is made possible by New York State Assembly, Special Legislative Projects, thanks to Assemblyman Jose Rivera.
BronxNet is the independent not-for-profit community television station offering media production training, programming, and services to the public. "Migration-The Puerto Rican Experience" is shot and edited by the Emmy Award Winning Producer Walter Garaicoa. Emmy recognized, CableAce Award Winning BronxNet Executive Director Michael Max Knobbe is Executive Producer of the program and the documentary series.

A 7 minute preview of the 57 minute long episode can be found at - http://www.bronxnet.org/c _program/PR_migration/PR _documentary.htm

If you have questions about the documentary, please E-mail Michael Max Knobbe at: max@bronxnet.org

Plaza del Quinto Centenario


Plaza del Quinto Centenario
Originally uploaded by Jose Kevo.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

In the Mailbox

Hola!

Just would like to inform everyone that our founder Jose Medina will be on WBAI 99.5FM radio in New York City.
He will be interviewed on the biweekly show Despierta Boricua hosted by Benjamin Ramos of The ProLibertad Campaign.
Jose speaks about how Boricuation came about and the recent popularity of the website and upcoming events.
He also touches on Boricuation artists G Positive, Adele Ramos, Poeta Guerrera and Taina.
It airs this Friday November 30th anytime between 6:30 - 7 a.m.
You can listen to it on the radio or online by going to stream.wbai.org.

Thank you for your continued support of Boricuation!

--
www.Boricuation.com
Educate your Thinking!
______________________________
FILM

A Media Justice Film & Video Screening

Thursday, Nov. 29
6:30-8:30pm
@ Manhattan Neighborhood Network - Open Studio, 1st Floor
537 West 59th Street (between 10th & 11th Avenues)
(light refreshments included)
THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

Join Media Action Grassroots Network (MAGNet) and Global Action Project (G.A.P.) for a night of social justice and media justice films, and poetry featuring local political poet Roopa Singh aka Naxal.

Here's the Line-up for of media justice and social change films:

"Silenced by the Media" (11 minutes)
by Papertiger Television
In support of Arab Women Active in the Arts and Media (AWAAM) youth media program, Paper Tiger contributed a video mentor to assist the youth at AWAAM in producing this 11-minute piece debunking the myths of the corporate media around the Khalil Gibran International Academy controversy. The video includes interview with young Muslim women who talk about the impact of negative media stereotypes of the Muslim community and the Academy.

"Talking the Walk" (13m, 40 sec)
In 2000, 2 Latino teenagers were convicted of the murder of their friend, though the prosecutor and judge knew that a white teenaged boy had committed the crime. This film takes a critical look at the impact of news media and successful grassroots media advocacy on the outcome of the case.

“What’s Up with Public Housing” (7 minutes)
by Center for Urban Pedagogy & Public Housing Residents of the Lower East Side (PHROLES)
The video features PHROLES and their efforts to organize low-income public housing resident.

"Good Lookin’ Out" (11 minutes)
by C. Sala Hewitt at Chica Luna Productions
A tale of police brutality in the LGBTQ community

"Asian Youth Unite Against Hate Violence" (5:31 mins.)
by Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund
Young people respond to anti-Asian violence at Brooklyn’s Lafayette High School

"Unheard Voices" (6 mins.)
by Global Action Project
"Unheard Voices" exposes the act of police brutality and the many lives stolen at the hands of law enforcement and border patrol agents. This film opens with the police killing of Sean Bell in Jamaica, Queens on November 26, 2006 followed by the gun down of 19 years old Timur Person, in the Bronx two weeks after the Bell shooting. (5.32 mins, BBC, 2007)

"Aliens v. Predators" (3 mins)
by Global Action Project
Each year 60,000 undocumented immigrants graduate from high schools across the United States. With recruiters falling short of their targets and casualties mounting in Iraq and Afghanistan, these young people are increasingly being targeted by military recruiters. Aliens Vs Predators is an uncompromising call for justice from a diverse group of young immigrants in New York City.

"Pipeline" (11 mins.)
by Global Action Project
The summer of 2004 saw the lowest youth employment rate in NYC in over two decades. While youth struggle to get a decent education and jobs for teens are at an all-time low, funding for jails and detention centers continue to increase. G.A.P. youth spent the summer exploring this connection and produced a creative reflection on this enduring problem.

"Grassroots Media Activism" (8min, 30sec)
a film by Joan Grossman
As media consolidation grows, so does the strength of grassroots media activism. This film explores the challenges and opportunities faced by local communities across the country demanding media policy in their interests and fighting for their right to speak for themselves.

NOTE: THE MNN STUDIO MAY GET CHILLY SO YOU MAY WANT TO BRING AN EXTRA LAYER OF CLOTHING.

RSVP by emailing betty@mnn.org. For more info, contact (212) 757-2670 x346 or email betty@mnn.org

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Arte -- dos-ceres-02


dos-ceres-02
Originally uploaded by prsuncom
LA 15, un nuevo espacio para las artes contemporáneas inaugura este miércoles 28 de noviembre con una muestra colectiva.

Aaron Salabarrias Valle

Fernando Colón González

Carlos E. Rivera Villafañe

José Jorge Román

__________

6 PM en adelante

calle Ernesto Cerra # 703, Santurce Puerto Rico
In the Mailbox

Dear Friends,

I will be presenting a paper entitled " Reconfigured
Perspective: History of a Memory " at the Contemporary
Museum of Art of Puerto Rico in San Juan on Friday,
December 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. If you can make it, I
would love to have you there. I look forward to a
dynamic and thought provoking discourse of ideas.

Estimados Amigos,

Estaré presentando una ponencia titulada "Perspectiva
Reconfigurada: Historia de una Memoria" en el Museo de
Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico en San Juan el
Viernes, 7 de diciembre de 2007 a las 7:00 p.m. Si
pueden asistir, me encantaría verlos esa noche. Espero
que tengamos una dinámico y provocante discurso de
ideas.

Diógenes Balllester

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Activism

Campaign in Chicago against gentrification in Humboldt Park and to Save the Puerto Rican flags



Note: Next year, I am hoping to visit Chicago and one of my stops will definitely be Paseo Boricua.
Community Calendar

la suprema definición: O Yanquis ó Puertorriqueños? -Don Pedro Albizu Campos

Today Rebelarte visual arts charla
with artist Yasmin Hernandez at Cemi Underground, El Barrio

If you are in NYC for the long weekend, please join me at the second presentation of my Rebelarte series which take place the last Saturday of each month at Cemi Underground in East Harlem. These are not exhibits, but slide presentations and discussions on different topics inspired by themes of resistance, struggle and liberation.

November is usually known as "Puerto Rican Heritage Month". Though I believe everyday should be about Puerto Rican heritage and all our ancestry, this presentation will look at the things that make us uniquely who we are and why, in spite of our nebulous political state, we are clearly our own nation. We will also highlight those who over the centuries have battled to defend Puerto Ricanness and why we have not and won't accept a "yanqui" identity.

For more information, go to Yasmin's site at www.yasminhernandez.com or visit www.cemiunderground.com

Friday, November 23, 2007

Film

HISPANIC NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL – 2nd EDITION
Presented by Columbia University and Instituto Cervantes in collaboration with the Film Society of Lincoln Center

Curated by Marcela Goglio and Claudio Iván Remeseira

Also visit our website, http://www.columbia.edu/cu/hnyff/

Programming

Tuesday, Nov. 27, Instituto Cervantes, 211 East 49th Street.
6-8 p.m.: EL CANTANTE, Dir. Leon Ichaso, 2007, 116m. Q&A with filmmaker
Leon Ichaso will follow.

The rest of the screenings will take place at Davis Auditorium,
Columbia University, 530/533 West 120th Street (between Broadway and
Amsterdam Avenue).

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 8-10 p.m.: THE KRUTCH, Dir. Judith Escalona,
2004, 29m. Preceded by TWO DOLLAR DANCE, Dir. Yolanda Pividal,
2006,17m. and LA BRUJA: A WITCH FROM THE BRONX, Dir. Felix Rodriguez,
2005, 50m.
Q&A with the filmmakers Judith Escalona, Yolanda Pividal and Felix
Rodriguez will follow.***

Thursday, Nov. 29, 8-10 p.m.: SOY ANDINA, Dir. Mitch Teplitsky, 2007,
67m. Q&A with filmmaker Mitch Teplitsky will follow.

Friday, Nov. 30, 8-10 p.m. FROM MAMBO TO HIP HOP: A SOUTH BRONX
TALE, Dir. Henry Chalfont, 2006, 55m. Q&A with filmmakers Henry
Chalfont and Elena Martinez will follow.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 8-10 p.m.: WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Dir. Alfredo De
Villa, 2002, 89m. Q&A with filmmaker Alfredo De Villa will follow.

FREE ADMISSION.
To make a reservation, reply to (hispanicnewyorkproject@gmail.com). For further information, call (212) 854-6698.
To learn more about the Hispanic New York Project, visit the blog at
http://hispanicnewyorkproject.blogspot.com/

Isla Verde


Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Day


IMG_4652
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Puerto Rico Sun project.

God bless.

Feliz Dia de Accion de Gracias

Gracias por su apoyo del proyecto Puerto Rico Sun.

Dios los bendiga.

With love,
Clarisel

Wednesday, November 21, 2007


EHBCCflyer
Originally uploaded by TatoBrujo.
Community Calendar


Click on flyer for more info. and visit TatoBrujo's page on flickr.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

IMG_0196.jpg


IMG_0196.jpg
Originally uploaded by jbratteson.

Pensamientos

On public radio

public radio covers
hispanics better
than even spanish
media
public radio is very
culturally sensitive
-- samaris

Samaris Ayala lives in the Lower East Side and contributes her pensamientos to Puerto Rico Sun. She may be reached at sallypatches@yahoo.com.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Community Calendar
Part of Borimix

Discussion: The Puerto Rican Woman in Theater
6 p.m. Nov. 20
Teatro Pregones
575 Walton Avenue, the Bronx
@ 6 PM - Train 2, 4, 5 to 149 Street/Grand Concourse

Four acclaimed theater artists (Tere Martinez, Carmen Rivera, Rosalba Rolon and Eva C. Vasquez) gather for a discussion on the self-representation and portrayal of Puerto Rican women on stage, as characters, as playwrights, and beyond.

Cuatro reconocidos talentos del teatro se reúnen para hablar sobre la imagen y representación de la mujer puertorriqueña en sus roles de actriz, personaje, escritora y más.

For more info., www.pregones.org or www.puertoricofest.org.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Comite Noviembre Artisan Photos


IMG_4593
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
Images taken at the 2nd Annual Puerto Rican Artisans Exhibition and Fair posted at my photo site at www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel. Or, just click on photo.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Art

CSV Gets $250,000 for Building Improvements

The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center in Manhatttan's Lower East Side was rewarded with a $250,000 grant to make improvements to its building.
The grant will also allow CSV to do more community outreach through surveys, town hall meetings and interviews to identify and define what needs Lower East Side residents would like to see integrated into the programs and renovation plan of the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center; hire a staff member to focus on the center's newsletter and web presence and retain the services of an architect.
Council Member Alan J. Gerson made the announcement recently to a packed audience attending the opening of two exhibitions at the center: Portrait of Loisaida and PSA: Public Service Announcements. The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation rewarded the grant.
Founded in 1993, the CSV Cultural Center is the largest arts incubator in New York City and houses 53 visual artists in working studios, 16 performing arts groups, four theaters and two galleries in its city-owned building.
"This grant will allow us to organize a series of conversations to take place over the next year, between CSV and the occupants of the center and CSV and the broader Lower East Side community, that will shape a Master Facility Planning document and serve as the blue-print on how best to renovate the building in the coming years," said Luis R. Cancel, CSV's executive director, in a statement.
The city-owned building was originally designed as a public school in 1897 and served generations of the local immigrant communities before being converted into a cultural center.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Latino Health


ShowLetter
Originally uploaded by prsuncom
The State of Latino Health and Mental Health
go to www.centropr.org for more info.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

No where else
By Samaris Ayala

fiction is the photograph
of our soul
it tells a truth
found no where else

Samaris Ayala is based in the Lower East Side and she contributes her poetry to Puerto Rico Sun. She may be reached at sallypatches@yahoo.com.
Sports

Cotto Magic at MSG
By Ismael Nunez

There seems to be magic when Boxer Miguel Cotto comes to New York City. He’s never lost a fight at the “Mecca of Boxing” Madison Square Garden and he faced his biggest challenge Nov. 10 when he met Sugar Shane Mosley.
The fight started slow for Cotto. Then in the mid-rounds he stood toe to toe with Mosley throughout the fight. Cotto won a unanimous 12-round decision.
For Cotto, it was a real test too.
Mosley did hurt him in the earlier and middle rounds, but eventually did not have enough firepower to KO Cotto. Cotto never lay low. When Mosley moved in for a KO, Cotto kept his guard up and fought back like a fighting rooster.
After the fight, boxing announcer Max Kellerman asked, “Are you ready to fight bigger name opponents?"
Cotto replied, “I'm ready to fight."
The real challenge for Cotto: moving up in the weight class and winning. Let’s see what happens.
Other Puerto Rican athletes making headlines:
Ivan Rodriguez, catcher for the Detroit Tigers, grabbed his 12th gold glove for fielding. A record.
Meanwhile in the National League, there's good news for the NY Mets. Centerfielder Carlos Beltran won the gold glove for fielding.

Ismael Nunez is a freelance writer based in East Harlem who contributes his writings to Puerto Rico Sun.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Tito Kayak


Tito Kayak
Originally uploaded by yasmapaz.

Community Calendar

Second Annual Comite Noviembre
Puerto Rican Artisans Exhibition and Fair
Saturday, Nov. 17
Hunter College of The City University of New York
West Building
695 Lexington Ave., Manhattan
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free
For more info, www.comitenoviembre.org

Friday, November 09, 2007

From the Mailbox

Earlier this year, I went to Nashville, Tennessee for a journalism seminar. I took my camera to photoblog, of course. I shot a series of photos of Nashville, and I'm happy to report that one of my photos has been selected to be part of a guide. -- Clarisel

Here's an excerpt of a letter I received from Emma Williams, managing editor, Schmap Guides:

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released fourth edition of our Schmap Nashville Guide:

Music Row
www.schmap.com/nashville/introduction_neighborhoods/p=2021D05/i=2021D05_6.jpg

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides

Thursday, November 08, 2007

at the beach -paper sculpture


at the beach -paper sculpture
Originally uploaded by paper art.
More pictures of paper art's paper sculpture show.

Go to the Oct. 27 entry in this blog for more info. on his current exhibit in NYC or visit his site at flickr.
Arts

Featured article

"Rotund" and "review" seem to go together. This episode brings you new paintings by Diógenes Ballester, plus a couple of leisurely days in Ballester's hometown of Ponce.

http://rworld.thenextfewhours.com
REMINDER

CINE_REAL: Two exhibitions about film.

* Judith Escalona's "Bx3M: A work in process"
* Hector Canonge's "IDOLatries/IDOLatrías"

Opening Reception: TONIGHT, Thursday, November 8, 6PM - 8PM
Exhibition: November 8 - December 20
Gallery hours: Wed - Sat, 3pm - 7pm

MediaNoche
1355 Park Avenue, entrance on East 102nd Street, Storefront
(the Northeast corner of East 102nd Street and Park Avenue, El Barrio)

For more info, go to the Nov. 3 entry in this blog.
In the Mailbox

PR Freedom Album

The Welfare Poets, The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign, Boricuation, Raza NYC and other concerned organizations and individuals have come together to collaborate on a fund raising project to directly aid the current Puerto Rican Political Prisoners, incarcerated for fighting for the independence and self-determination of Puerto Rico. Additionally, we also want to assist past political prisoners who have been freed and are now attempting to survive in a system where many channels are closed to them, and even possibly future political prisoners.
The Freedom Album with be a musical cd/compilation dedicated to the welfare of our political prisoners. We have united under the name The Puerto Rican Freedom Project.
The Puerto Rican Freedom Project has begun to contact Puerto Rican artists of all genres across the US, on the island and elsewhere to let them know about the project and to initiate the process of song submission. Our desire to get a wide range of Puerto Rican artists from the local grass-rooted bands to those who are mainstreamed and have the eye of the world press. Submissions will be taken until December 31st of 2007 and should be sent initially in MP3 format to Freedomalbum@gmail.com.

Background
The fight for Puerto Rico's Independence goes as far back as indigenous resistance to Spanish occupation. For well over 500 years, countless and nameless individuals have fought for our islands sovereignty. Some have paid the ultimate price with their lives. Others have been held captive, arrested against their will, by a court which held no jurisdiction over their cases and tramples on their international right to fight for the liberation of their homeland, our homeland, Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican people have been able to free many of our political prisoners.
Our goal is to have the compilation completed by the end of the summer 2008. We have been contacting other Puerto Rican organizations and cultural institutions to assist in sponsoring the proposed project.
For more information
www.ProLibertadweb.com - www.welfarepoets.com or www.myspace.com/thewelfarepoets
www.boricuation.com or www.myspace.com/boricuationonline - www.myspace.com/razanyc


Jose Medina
Director – Promotion/Publicity Committee
Puerto Rican Freedom Project
Cell: 917 843 6419
E-Mail: prfreedompromo@gmail.com
prfreedomproject.org

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

PRSUN TV in the BETA's

PRSUN TV has been nominated for a BETA (Bronx Excellence in Television Access) award at Bronxnet, which is this community station's version of the Emmys.

The awards show will be tonight at Lehman College, the Bronx. Bronxnet usually airs the show on Channel 67, its signature channel.

Wish me luck.

PRSUN TV was nominated last year for a BETA in the talk show category.

PRSUN TV is a cultural arts show that airs on Bronxnet's Channel 69, the culture channel for independent producers.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Community Calendar

Portrait of Loisaida

The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center invites you to join us for the opening reception of two exhibitions:
Opening reception
6:00 - 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8
Portrait of Loisaida
CSV Cultural Center invited two accomplished photographers, Clayton Patterson and Marisol Díaz, to capture a community in transition. The Lower East Side of Manhattan, long referred to by its Hispanic residents as "Loisaida", is presently experiencing the shearing forces of gentrification -- multi-million dollar condominium projects sprouting in the midst of neighborhoods that have housed the city's immigrant poor for generations.

This exhibition is an opportunity to discuss the tensions that these economic and social changes introduce in the community, and the photos of Patterson and Díaz, two photographers with impressive histories of documenting this community, share their images of the people, institutions, and architecture of a neighborhood in transition.

PSA: Public Service Announcement
This group exhibition is part of Borimix, the Puerto Rico Fest 2007 celebration of Puerto Rican art and culture. Curated by Miguel Trelles and Rebeca Noriega, it is an exhibition of contemporary public service announcements referring to classic Puerto Rican prints, co-presented by SEA and CSV Cultural Center. There will be a special recognition ceremony at the reception honoring Council Members Alan J. Gerson and Rosie Mendez

For more information, visit www.csvcenter.com

Justice for Jayson


Justice for Jayson
Originally uploaded by prsuncom
Commentary

Senseless Killing of an Unarmed Man in El Barrio
Text and Photo by Ismael Nunez

Friends and family of an unarmed man killed in late October in a road rage incident involving an off-duty police officer are demanding justice. Even the Reverend Al Sharpton has come out in support of Jayson Tirado's family.
Tirado's relatives and friends have questioned why Officer Sean Sawyer was not immediately arrested when he turned himself in after the shooting on Oct. 22. Sawyer has been suspended without pay and is out free, while a grand jury investigates possible charges.
Tirado apparently refused to let the officer's SUV merge with traffic onto an exit ramp in East Harlem. He also apparently gestured at the off-duty officer as if he had a gun.
But Tirado of the Lower East Side didn't have a gun.
And, he was killed anyway. He was only 25.
Elected officials and Tirado's friends and family have voiced their anger of the NYPD's handling of this case. Who wouldn't be angry? There is a little girl without a dad.
According to Sawyer, a born again Christian, he fired because he thought his life was in danger. He then fled the scene because he panicked. Many in the victim's family and Rev. Sharpton, wonder why officer Sawyer was not arrested for leaving the scene of the shooting for 19 hours. Sawyer has said he did not believe that the shots he fired hit anyone.
Charlie King, attorney who was representing the National Action Network, said: “It’s always the same thing we hear from the NYPD when they shoot at unarmed civilians. It’s always a claim of self-defense...How can you make a claim of self-defense when there is no weapon around?"
How can you?


Ismael Nunez is a freelance writer based in El Barrio who contributes his writings to Puerto Rico Sun.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Cine_Real

Community Calendar

CINE_REAL: Two exhibitions about film.

* Judith Escalona's "Bx3M: A work in process"
* Hector Canonge's "IDOLatries/IDOLatrías"

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 8, 6PM - 8PM
Exhibition: November 8 - December 20
Gallery hours: Wed - Sat, 3pm - 7pm

MediaNoche
1355 Park Avenue, entrance on East 102nd Street, Storefront
(the Northeast corner of East 102nd Street and Park Avenue, El Barrio)

For info: www.medianoche.us or 212-828-0401

ADMISSION: Free

Project Descriptions:

Judith Escalona's "Bx3M: A work in process"
Witness firsthand the ongoing editing of this New York City epic. The director and invited guests (Director of Photography Ted Ciesielski and Actor Jaime Sanchez for starters) go through a performative process of editing. Visitors watch and interact with them. Behind the scenes footage also on display.

Hector Canonge's "IDOLatries/IDOLatrías""
An interactive new media work utilizing barcode and readers to bring attention to yet another way women are objectified. Barcode takes us one more step away from seeing these luscious Latinas on boxes, cans,and jars as anything other than their use value. Consumer heaven or hell, depending on which side of the supermarket aisle you're on.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Community Calendar

Jimmy Bosch & Jimmy Ray Bosch
Live Jam and Poetry!!!!!

Thursday, November 1, 7PM - 10PM
PRdream/MediaNoche
1355 Park Avenue, (entrance on East 102nd Street)
El Barrio
(Two blocks away from Museum Mile)

A note from Jimmy Bosch

Father and Son team up with PRdream/MediaNoche (Judith Escalona) for a good cause. On Thursday November 1st, my son and I will be performing together for the first time ever. Jimmy Ray will be reading some of his very own poetry. He has been writing for years and has read at various Barnes and Noble poetry nights as well as for private events such as the Children's Aid Society and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in the Lower East Side. I will have a quartet to do a jam session along with
guests who arrive to sit in and donate their time.

We will be raising funds for CURA Inc. which is dedicated to saving lives through their many programs and services designed to help the Latino community members who suffer from drug and alcohol abuse problems. CURA Inc. is a 501(c)3, not for profit organization.

Your presence is required! Please join us from 7 to 10 p.m. as we entertain you with heartfelt poetry and heartfelt music by my son and me. This will be the beginning of a long journey in which my son and I begin to perform together for various causes around the world.

For more information about PRdream call 212.828-0401 or visit their website at www.prdream.com

For more information about CURA Inc. call 973 622-3570 or visit their website at www.curainc.org

Jimmy Bosch

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Politics

From the Serrano report:

Serrano's PR Bill Passes Out of Committee

Congressman Serrano’s bill to finally resolve Puerto Rico’s status, H.R. 900, was considered by the House Committee on Natural Resources this week and won passage after several amendments.

Serrano was pleased with the markup and congratulated the members of the Committee on Natural Resources for taking this vital first step in resolving Puerto Rico’s status once and for all. The bill would have the U.S. government ask the people of Puerto Rico a simple question: Do you support the present status or would you like to change the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States? With the answer to this question, interested parties can begin meaningful negotiations about the future of the relationship between the U.S. and the island.

“There have been many criticisms of my bill from people who oppose change. I worked closely with Mr. Rahall and Mr. Fortuño to craft a compromise bill addressing the concerns of the other side. Unfortunately, their stance seemed to be that there was no concession big enough that would make my bill worthy of their support. I am saddened by this position, because I genuinely believe that we need dialogue and compromise between the two sides to eventually end this colonial relationship—a relationship that no one supports in its current form.

“The Puerto Rican people deserve leaders who will tell them the truth, and lead them into a better future. It is time that we all admit that the colonial relationship with the U.S. and the subjugation that it brings have divided us against one another.

“If we are to move toward a better, empowered future for Puerto Ricans, we must stop the infighting, and work together to solve our status problem. Until that is done, we will never move beyond it. Our heritage, our pride, and our history all call us to do what we need to do to move our people to a bright future.”

The next step for the bill would be a vote on the House floor, although this step has not been scheduled.

'Paper Sculptures'


CarlosNMolinaShow
Originally uploaded by paper art.
by Carlos N. Molina, a member of the Puerto Rico Sun group at flickr

Go support.

Molina reports that about 30 people attended the opening. The show will run until November 21.

Click on the photo for more details.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Albizu Campos


Albizu Campos
Originally uploaded by paper art.
Paper art says: Street art on the San Sebastian Street in Old San Juan. This is Albizu Campos, a national hero.
La Casa's Leticia Rodriguez Continues Legacy
By Ismael Nunez

Leticia Rodriguez, the new executive director of La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc. in NYC's El Barrio, is working hard to keep the legacy of this cultural institution alive.
La Casa at 1230 Fifth Avenue is a non-profit community based cultural institution. Its main objective is to promote the development of the Puerto Rican culture and to preserve, enrich and disseminate cultural and literary heritage to the Puerto Rican community and others.
La Casa has a Heritage Library, which includes a collection of books, documents and other materials related to Puerto Rican and Latin American history. Rodriguez said people who visit come to research many different topics. Popular research subjects include Arturo Schomburg, Julia De Burgos, and Simon Bolivar.
La Casa also provides cultural heritage workshops and classes that are open to the public. They include learning how to play cuatro and other musical instruments, dancing bomba and plena, painting, and drawing classes.
Rodriguez is happy to work in El Barrio in an organization with a rich history.
"To come to a community which has so much history is great," she said. "I’m keeping a legacy. I'm continuing the work that this institution has been doing for 27 years."
Last year, Don Otilio Diaz, who led La Casa for more than 25 years, died at the age of 75. La Casa's board introduced Rodriguez as its new executive director at an open house reception in September. On Saturday, October 27, La Casa celebrates its 27th anniversary gala and awards ceremony at the Carlos Rios Reception Hall in El Barrio. This is the first gala under her leadership.
La Casa is located in the same building as El Museo Del Barrio.
La Casa means the house and Rodriguez encourages the public to visit.
"It means we are here for you, to serve you and not to exclude anyone," she said. "We have been here for 27 years and counting."
For more information on La Casa, go to www.lacasapr.org.

Ismael Nunez is an East Harlem based freelance writer who contributes his writings to Puerto Rico Sun.
Community Calendar

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) and the En Foco Touring Gallery present an evening to meet photographer Enid Alvarez at her Puerto Rico Series exhibition in Pregones Theater’s lobby gallery on November 7th in conjunction with BCA’s First Wedensdays/Bronx Culture Trolley. Alvarez will be on hand from 6-8 p.m. to greet her visitors and talk about her work which will be on view through December 9th.

For more info. www.bronxarts.org

Friday, October 12, 2007

Featured news report

Pets hurled off bridge in Puerto Rico
By OMAR MARRERO, Associated Press Writer
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Animal control workers seized dozens of dogs and cats from housing projects in the town of Barceloneta and hurled them from a bridge to their deaths, authorities and witnesses said Friday. Mayor Sol Luis Fontanez blamed a contractor hired to take the animals to a shelter.
"This is an irresponsible, inhumane and shameful act," he told The Associated Press.
Fontanez said the city hired Animal Control Solution to clear three housing projects of pets after warning residents about a no-pet policy. He said the city paid $60 for every animal recovered and another $100 for each trip to a shelter in the San Juan suburb of Carolina.
Raids were conducted on Monday and Wednesday, and residents told TV reporters they saw the animal control workers inject the animals.

OLD HOUSE


OLD HOUSE
Originally uploaded by suapr.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

In the Mailbox

OPENING NIGHT!
A One Woman Art Exhibit
By Puerto Rican Lower East Side Artisan:
Isabel Christina Rivera-Almonte

Thursday, October 11, 7-9 p.m.

Isabel C. Rivera-Almonte is an accomplished Puerto Rican Artisan. Her art expresses many aspects of Puerto Rican history and culture. All of her beautiful and important art will be in display.

This will be the first time that Isabel's total works will be on display.

Enjoy wine n cheese soft music , a wonderful crowd of people, artist, poets, musicians, photographers, live radio show.


Boricua College
186 N. 6 Street (Williamsburg area)
Brooklyn, NY, 11211
Tel:1718-782-2200
L Train Bedford Ave Stop
One stop from 14th street @ 1st Avenue

This is a Boricuation.com sponsored event!

--
Jose Medina
Boricuation.com

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Tania Ochoteco


Tania Ochoteco
Originally uploaded by prsuncom

Frees Herself with Art, Community and Big Hopes
By Robert Waddell

In 2002, Bronx actress Tania Ochoteco was taking classes at the Raul Julia Training Unit of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre and working with dramatists.
Today, she works for a Bronx politician, but she is not all about politics. She is still an artist at heart who is pursuing her love for acting and writing.
“I have gained more experience and joined a company," she said about her acting. "I’m a member of the Puerto Rican Intercultural Drama Ensemble, the Pride Theatre Company and I’ve had the opportunity to work with Frank Perez, Eugene Rodriguez, Rene Valentin, Lou Torres.”
She studied with the late artist Raul Davila and did a staged reading of Nuyorican poet Pedro Pietri’s play “Come in We’re Closed.”
Serving her community in the Bronx is important to her. She’s currently deputy director for Council Member Annabelle Palma of the Bronx.
“It’s a great j-o-b because it’s in my community, the Bronx," she said. "I’m able to do something in a direct or indirect way that’s helping the community, so I’m happy about that."
She enjoys the flexibility this job gives her as she acts and writes.
“It’s been really good, but the results are only as good as the effort,” she said. “I’m happy with where I am so far, for the experience I’ve gained and for what I have to look forward to.”
Ochoteco considers herself an up and coming artist who is still paying her dues.
“She’s a wonderful actress,” said actor and playwright Eugene Rodriguez. “And as a person in the community, her heart is in the right place. She knows her lines and takes direction well.”
In a performance of Rodriguez’s “San Juan Shakespeare Company,” Ochoteco played Cindy who is a new actress that wants to perform with established actors. Ochoteco said she could relate to this character.
In addition to acting, Ochotecto said she is also learning the art of playwriting. She wants to write about her experiences in a memoir entitled “Memoirs of a Wifey.”
“This project involves a plethora of issues,” she said. “It involves immigration, deportation. It’s a very intimate piece of work. It brings me back to a difficult and interesting time in my early 20s…I’m so excited about it. Just when I think I don’t have any more energy, I start writing, and I’m filled with adrenaline. The next thing you know it’s 3 a.m. and I have to get up at 7 for work. I’ve been tired, but it’s good tired. I’ve been productive.”
The term “wifey” refers to a woman who lives with a man without being legally married. “It’s an urban term for shacking up,” she said. “A lot of people can relate…marriage is slowly diminishing. There's a lot of women who have their partners and their children and that’s what it is.”
She described her six-year experience as life changing.
Out of a love story comes the intimate experience when one is left alone, she said. There are no divorces or alimony.
“There’s redemption in this story,” she said. “There are experiences in life that mark you for a long time.”
Ochoteco said the story is about freeing herself from a difficult situation and gaining redemption.
“In the next five years,” Ochoteco said, “I hope to have a lot more productions under my belt; I hope to be doing film; and I hope to be part of a movement that is putting our efforts to open more spaces for artists to put up their work.”

Robert Waddell is a Bronx-based freelance writer who contributes his writings to Puerto Rico Sun.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Rincón, Puerto Rico


Rincón, Puerto Rico
Originally uploaded by Oquendo.

In the Mailbox

News from the Artists Foundation
_______________________________________________
FROM www.freepress.net

Dear Media Reformer,

If you're getting this e-mail, you already know that universal, affordable high-speed Internet access is critical to our future.

Unfortunately, most of us have been left out of the debate over the future of the Internet that is happening right now in Washington. High-priced lobbyists have no trouble bending the ears of lawmakers in Washington. But you and I rarely get the
chance to be heard.

That's about to change. On Wednesday, Senator Kerry is holding a hearing on improving Internet access for all Americans. He has pledged to listen to your ideas and respond via the SavetheInternet.com blog. It is crucial that you add your voice to this debate.

Join Senator Kerry in a Conversation about the Future of the Internet: www.savetheinternet.com/blog

"It's almost hard to wrap your head around the fact that seven years into this century, more Americans than not have either no Internet access at all or are still stuck on dial-up," Senator Kerry writes. "It seems like so long ago that the buzzword was the 'information super-highway,' but much of America is still
bouncing down a country lane. That is just unacceptable."

America continues to fall further behind the rest of the world when it comes to fast, affordable Internet access. That's because we don't have a national broadband policy dedicated to bringing the benefits of the Internet to everyone.

Share Your Ideas About How to Connect America: www.savetheinternet.com/blog

"Previous generations put a toaster in every home and a car in every driveway as signs of economic progress," Senator Kerry explains. "To stay competitive, we should strive to do the same with nationwide broadband. Our economy, our businesses and our
families are counting on us to deliver."

This could be the start of a truly public conversation of what the future of the Internet should look like. Please join us and share your comments and ideas.

Onward,

Timothy Karr
Campaign Director
Free Press
www.freepress.net
www.savetheinternet.com

P.S. Please help spread the word about this important
initiative. Tell your friends today:
www.freepress.net/content/taf_fpan

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

El Morro's Defense


El Morro's Defense
Originally uploaded by donnacorless.
El Morro's Defense. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Digital watercolor artwork by Donna Corless.