Saturday, August 14, 2004

Sol


Sol
Originally uploaded by clarisel.
This is Sol, the Spanish name for sun.

Sol is Puerto Rico Sun's mascot. Sol lost part of her ear and tail in a car accident when she lived in the streets. We thought she was going to die, but she fought for her life. She showed me a lot about strength and lived up to her name. She is a beautiful, energetic, feisty sata and currently lives with me.

Sol was born in San Juan.

Friday, August 13, 2004

Featured site:

our culture, our history

If you are interested in quality TV programming on boricuas, a site worth visiting is www.tutv.puertorico.pr, the site of TUTV Universo Television.

One of the best features of the site is that you could watch quality cultural TV programming online. The programming is largely in Spanish.

Among the cultural shows featured include such programs as "Cultura Viva," "Asi Canta Puerto Rico," "De Pura Cepa" and "Prohibido Olvidar."

It's worth a visit.

Thursday, August 12, 2004

Education Corner

Essay

A Vision in Education
By Manuel Hernández


Thanks to the National Democratic and Republic Conventions, the two major political candidates for the Presidential position outlined their proposals of a vision in education. The educational challenges experienced in the United States have usually been identified with the fluctuating political circumstances of the government of tenure. Whether it is one or the other the political party in power, the educational policies and strategies implemented take a 360-degree U-turn every four or eight years. These on-going and neverending changes have proven to be a disservice to our children who are the ones mostly affected by the everlasting transitional stages of those in power. That is why a specific, concise and definable vision in education must be established by the educational community (parents, students, teachers, counselors and administrators) with the input, feedback and support of the government but without the intrusion of sorts.
Research and statistics have supported the fact that a quality education is much more than a fixed set of norms, rules and regulations. A vision in education begins in the heart. It has to be written in the hearts of all those involved in the process. Once upon a time, there was a teacher who lived, loved and gave his life for his students. In a far and distant land, another teacher changed the course of a nation by defying violence with non-violence and peace. In the United States of America, a Southern Baptist preacher and teacher revolutionized the heartbeat of America with his struggle for liberty and justice for all. It is a profound sense of commitment that goes beyond petty social, political, cultural and religious differences and elevates objectives to stimulate critical and creative thinking. Prior knowledge and past experiences are stored in the heart. Love is the element that inspires them to come out. As a consequence, a healing stage flourishes and enables students to express themselves academically and become excellent pro-active participants in society.
Authority, grace, character, family, service, creativity and excellence are seven of the twelve values of the vision. Many of our students have fallen prey to adversity. The national high school school dropout rate, low national testing scores and teenage pregnancy are just three of the dilemmas that our children face today. A vision teaches them how to react and respond in times of testing, trials and tribulations. It is the development of character with identity and dignity. Finally, a vision recognizes that all students are a valuable resource, and it is up to educators to develop the potential that exists in them.
How do we define a vision in education? First, we must restore faith in ourselves. This is a process in itself. In many aspects, the American culture promotes negativism. From prime time gossip, to gibberish talk shows on the radio to the exploitation of young and beautiful women on television, our children have been fed with bad news, crime and rumors, but we can overcome these negatives by overwhelming ourselves with “positives”. Second, we must do it ourselves. John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what the government can do for you but what you can do for your country.” The vision is much more than institutional; it is individual. Third, we must impart it to others. Share by grace what by grace you have received. Make time to write, design, create and share; no strings attached. Last, deeply believe that you were called to carry out the vision. As you share it with others, its consequences will generate supernatural blessings for you and your loved ones.

(Manuel Hernandez is the author of Latino/a Literature in The English Classroom, Editorial Plaza Mayor, which is available for purchase. For more information, contact Hernandez.)

Hernandez contributes essays about education issues to Puerto Rico Sun. Hernandez may be reached at mannyh32@yahoo.com.
Poll question

What's your favorite place in Puerto Rico? Go to the Puerto Rico Sun Yahoo Group site and vote.

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

2004 AmericArtes Festival - Espíritu De Puerto Rico


The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
presents the 2004 AmericArtes Festival
Espíritu De Puerto Rico


AmericArtes! is a multi-year Latin American festival weaving together the movement and the metaphor of the vibrant cultures of Latin America in a host of music, dance, theater, film, visual, and literary arts programs. Performances and events on the Center’s main stages, Millennium Stage, and in the Terrace Gallery showcase the eclectic mix of regional cultures in Latin America, reflecting the indigenous African, Spanish, and Portuguese influences that flavor the unique arts of the Americas.


In September, AmericArtes will highlight the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in Espíritu de Puerto Rico, featuring the best in Puerto Rican classical music with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra; popular singers such as Ednita Nazario, Olga Tañón, and Gilberto Santa Rosa; dance with performances by Andanza, theater; and literature. Literary highlights include En Voz Alta: A Performance by Nuyorican Poets and “Puerto Rico in the Female Imagination,” a discussion by scheherazades, a group of women novelists and poets. In addition, the Center will display installations by one of the most versatile artists in Puerto Rico, Antonio Martorell, and acclaimed visual artist Jaime Suárez.


The AmericArtes Festival is presented with the support of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, through funding from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and Rums of Puerto Rico. Additional support provided by Juan and Marianna Sabater, The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas F. McLarty, III, Delta, and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration. International Programming at the Kennedy Center is supported by the
Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.



For more information on the supporters, visit www.gotopuertorico.com, www.rumcapital.com, and www.prfaa.com.

source: PRFAA website