Since this article was originally written our nation has elected a new leader. A man whose hate-filled speech is on the record and that he continues to employ in the White House. His ascension to power has, in some quarters, mobilized the liberal and progressive movements against him and those who support his rhetoric. Now more than ever we need to utilize the relationships inherent in our common humanity to spread the power of love.
This portion of the article was originally published on 06/24/16
In light of the Orlando tragedy our natural inclination might be toward despair and sadness. We should be sad but also motivated. Motivated to not let fear drown out courage, not let hate drown out love. It never can and it never will. We are all one family and one consciousness whether you subscribe to it or not. Therefore doing harm to one is doing harm to all but the collective energy of love heals and give us the strength to forge new realities and help us slowly come back into balance.
Whatever the overt motivation of the murderer, the covert motive is always hate. The only way to defeat hate is through unity. Unity brings folks together from all walks of life. United in this human experience we must move past stereotypes, past fear.
I read a thoughtful article in the Albuquerque Alibi, “Silent No More” by Ty Bannerman, where I discovered the story of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben who helped train George Washington’s Army during the American Revolution. Von Steuben was gay, and his story has been unfortunately hidden as have been the stories of thousands of other men and women who fought and/or served honorably in the U.S. armed forces.
Bannerman’s article discusses the new monument at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park that will openly honor LGBT veterans. Despite the fact that it is long overdue, I am proud of New Mexico and hope that other States follow suit.
We must bond together as a nation, and as people in the global sense with the message of love. It is our natural inclination to work together and ultimately our salvation.
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.
a quality of beauty and intensity of emotion regarded as characteristic of poems.
“poetry and fire are nicely balanced in the music”
something regarded as comparable to poetry in its beauty.
“the music department is housed in a building that is pure poetry”
We currently have 3 poetry books on-sale: Shiva’s Dance in Albuquerque by Rinita Mazumdar, Ph.D., Word by students from the New Mexico School for the Arts, and Onna Tuesday by Hakim Bellamy and Carlos Contreras, get them for a loved one today! Please be on the lookout for Shiva’s Dream in Albuquerque by University of New Mexico / Central New Mexico Community College Professor, Dr. Rinita Mazumdar. This poetry collection is scheduled for release March 10th!
Historical Anthology
Our newest release comes from Navajo elder, Jeffrey Lee, Sr. The Native American Church 1918-2018 is an anthology discussing the history of the NAC including the Supreme Court cases which legalized Peyote.
Graphic Novels
The Mission by Author – Illustrator Audrey McNamara will begin our foray into the Graphic Novel genre! The forthcoming book will be followed by Drone World, a Graphic Novel entry by Alex Paramo! The Mission is scheduled for an early Spring release with Drone World scheduled for a late 2020 release.
Music also helps in brain as documented in this PBS article:
Increased IQ
Brain Works Harder
Spatial-Temporal Skills
Higher Test Scores
Cutting the Future
Music programs in our schools are being cut at a steady and scary pace. Unfortunately this trend does not show any sign of waning. I am confounded by the lack of foresight from our public administrators, leaders and decision-makers. If education of our children is the stated goal, why aren’t studies showing the incredible benefits of music education taken into greater consideration when decision about program cuts are being made? Could it be that our paradigms of education are outdated and obsolete?
Music Instruction is for Everyone
During these challenging times, parents often turn to outside arts education programs to augment their child’s education. Many of these programs are very expensive and out of the reach of working class folks The New Mexico Academy of Rock & Blues (NMARB) was founded on the principle that music (instruction) is for everyone. Under the direction of visionaries Keith and Ana Sanchez, they have assembled an all-star cast including singer-songwriter Keith Sanchez, percussionist Ragon Espinoza, Guitarist/Bassist Glenn Buddha Benavidez, Elizabeth Marie Berry, Vocals/Guitar/Ukulele, Brian Shonerd, Piano and a plethora of guest instructors. Fin;d more information about the NMARB here.
Investing in the Future
The NMARB provides lessons in not only instrument performance but also in songwriting, and poetry. Of course in our current economic reality programs of this nature are expensive to operate.
To ameliorate costs, the NMARB will be holding its annual fundraiser Saturday May 27 at Rio Bravo Brewery in Albuquerque New Mexico. On the bill include the Big Spank, Red Light Cameras, Keith Sanchez & the Moon Thieves and Le Chat Lunatique.
The event will also include live art and vendors! Please check out the event page and consider donating/investing in the future.
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
Every year right about this time of May, we all feel motivated to plant in the hopes of creating one of those beautiful gardens we see all around different neighborhoods.
Don’t know whether you should seed or start? Here is an informative article on whether you should seed or start courtesy of Vegetable Gardner. Personally i’m going to have a mixed garden, and I am still hopeful I can figure out this planting thing! Find out what else is going on at the Rail Yards Market by visiting http://railyardsmarket.org. Happy Planting!
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
I grew up in Jackson Height, Queens, NYC. It take roughly 60 minutes to travel from my “house” to the Theater District in Manhattan, where magic on the stage is in continuous flow. Funny thing is that my friends and I born and raised NYer’s, talk about where we lived in terms of “house” when most of us actually lived in apartments. And most of us did not have the pleasure of experiencing a play on Broadway. Why? Because most of us were from working-poor families and could not afford it. Broadway plays were not part of our paradigm.
Broadway Noise and Funk
The first Broadway show I attended was Bring in da’ Noise, Bring in da’ Funk. It was an exciting, multi-sensory experience! The music, the dancing, the ambiance was pure joy. Due to this first exposure to live theater, I developed a greater appreciation for actors, performers and the act of writing for a live performances. Since that time I have come to personally believe that playwriting is the highest writing form!
Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves
Leaving NYC was a big decision for me, as one would imagine. I missed my family of friends, my family, as well as the rhythm and the pace of the city. I first visited New Mexico to attend the Gathering of Nations PowWow. New Mexico, so enchanting with it’s beauty, lure and mysticism promised to deliver to me the life that I never imagined as a kid, walking up and down the crowded streets of NYC. It was during that first visit that I came into the acquaintance of two talented musicians, Matias Pizarro and Keith Sanchez, who along with Glenn ‘Buddha’ Benevidez and Todd Sanchez formed the phenomenal band Stoic Frame. I developed a fast friendship with both of them and admired their talents from afar until I moved to New Mexico. Read more about Stoic Frame by clicking here
The Land of Enchantment
In New Mexico, the Universe delivered to me a gift named Marisol (Spanish for Sun and Sea), the Princess of My Soul. She was the spark that ignited the process that enabled me to share the story of Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves with everyone. Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves is based upon the real life characters: Marisol Paramo (Princess Marisol), Matias Pizarro and Juan Carlos Ramirez (the Moon Thieves) and their interactions. The fact that these two rock & roll musicians visiting from Los Angeles would spend part of their time making a little girl laugh was heartwarming.
To Laugh and Cry
Narrated by the amazing vocalist Jackie Zamora, and Illustrated by the immensely talented Audrey McNamara, my little Marisol executes the voice of Princess Marisol in this whimsical story about a little girl that discovers her voice – her confidence: and two mischevious musicians who steal the Moon. The soundtrack is a brilliant eclectic set of melodies by Diplomacy of Mad Science (Matias Pizarro and Juan Carlos Ramirez) featuring Latin, Electronica, Pop, African and Pop sounds to mention just a few. On page 23 Marisol, who was 5 at the time, sings! I have listened to it often and it often makes me cry tears of joy. I am so proud of my 7 year old Marisol, great granddaughter to a Navajo Medicine Man. She is bright, creative, articulate and full of a lifelong of ideas!
FUSION Theatre Company
When I first received a call from Dennis Gromelski, Executive Director of FUSION Theatre Company, I could not think straight. My mind was in a fog as I though to myself, “a professional theater company wants to take my story and make it into a play.” Not only that, Dennis informed me that award winning playwright Jen Silverman would be adapting my story for the stage! To top it off, my old friend Keith Sanchez would be writing the score for the play and performing it. For a guy from Queens, NYC, that never attended a Broadway play, the honor of my story being adapted for the stage is almost overwhelming.
When my time in this dimension comes to a close my Marisol can say two things with pride about her daddy: “he wrote a book about me that was made into a play” and “he taught me what God is: God is Love.”
Performance Schedule
Performance schedule and information can be found by clicking here. More information and to purchase my bilingual Multimedia Book can be found by clicking here.
*Article Originally Published in June of 2014 ***** I would like to thank everyone mentioned and a few others involved in the production of my multimedia story including but not limited to: super talented musical contributor Christian Orellana, my partner in life and love Yvette Sandoval and my mom who gave her all to put food on the table for me and my brothers. A special salute to all the wonderful sound engineers!
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
When people can’t feel their own skin
When they want to see the bones of the perceived sinners..
When fat cats are jiving you into 300% loans
When it feels like 1492
And people don’t agree with you
And they see themselves as gods
At odds
With the scientific methods
And the message in the media is madness
and bucket loads of sadness
How do we mediate
How do I negotiate this for my kid…
And all the people in the streets where you live..
Mortality is on your radar and explosives are like playdoh
And you are on your way home
With a quick meal and some relief that the tragic paradigm of disbelief
Will not fall on your head and
Everything you lived for will come up dead
And the dreams we all had are buried like the bombs did in Baghdad
And the last memory we had
Was saying goodbye to your friends
For how long?
Until the end ..
..the end of humanity in this new reality of constant
Tragedy
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
Albuquerque is a medium-sized city with small town sensibilities. You start seeing the same faces over and over again. Many of the faces in Albuquerque belong to talented artists of all mediums. Living with and around artists (painters, musicians, actors, writers, photographers…) for these last several years has allowed me to “discover” a fascinating link between them: the ability for their work to transcend the everyday tasks demanded of us by our current economic system (work, pay bills, uhm work some more, bury somebody and work some more).
For those unfortunate folks who work somewhere that is not contributing to their happiness, the arts can provide an escape, a refuge from their daily “reality.” But can the arts “create” reality or better put change our current paradigm from a “war-based” one to a “peace-based” one? The power of Art Therapy is well documented. But for folks who are not “conscious” of their affliction, the arts also have great power.
We have all been immersed in a good book or movie. Similarly many works of literature inspire, rejuvenate and/or promote motivation. Just as advertising/marketing pros capture our minds through carefully crafted uses of words, colors and memes, we can as a global society capture the power of the arts to move us towards a peaceful future.
At the core of war is fear. The way I see it, sociopath leaders create the conditions for war and rush to use the tools of communication to convince us that war is ok, acceptable, necessary even vital to our survival. War is only necessary for their survival. The answer to war comes in breaking down walls created by fear. Grammy Award winner Omar Akram (Afghani American) explains that he plays instrumental music so his art can be communicated to everyone regardless of culture, nationality etc.
The key is “Arts Immersion Therapy.” Arts Immersion Therapy is not covered by your health insurance but it is available right outside your door. It involves visiting the wonderful galleries, independent book stores, local music venues, local watering holes and eateries that provide a space for the arts. Unfortunately too much of our “national” media are focused on war – Corporate TV/Film. Avoid those and visit small local movie houses, and live-theatre venues. Your support of the arts has reciprocal benefits: the dollars spent in a local establishment will allow that establishment to pay artists to display their work and in turn benefit society and move us in a positive direction.
“We often think of peace as the absence of war, that if powerful countries would reduce their weapon arsenals, we could have peace. But if we look deeply into the weapons, we see our own minds- our own prejudices, fears and ignorance. Even if we transport all the bombs to the moon, the roots of war and the roots of bombs are still there, in our hearts and minds, and sooner or later we will make new bombs. To work for peace is to uproot war from ourselves and from the hearts of men and women. To prepare for war, to give millions of men and women the opportunity to practice killing day and night in their hearts, is to plant millions of seeds of violence, anger, frustration, and fear that will be passed on for generations to come.” Thich Nhat Hanh
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
27, 11, 11 and 3: some of the numbers that Lebron James posted during the Cleveland Cavaliers victory against the reigning NBA Champions, the Golden State Warriors. In a world of numbers, what does an NBA Championship bring to a team, a city, a community?
By the Numbers
According to an article in the Miami SunSentinal, “a bonus from the league for teams and players, more ticket and merchandise sales, better endorsements contracts, more tourism to the area and many other benefits — all of which adds up to tens of millions of dollars at least, according to sports business experts.”
Additionally, just by his move to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Miami Heat, Lebron James added $500 million dollars to the Cleveland-area economy. The city that was known as the “Mistake by the Lake” is slowly recovering from a mass manufacturing exodus.
Unemployment is down in the 6% range from the 10% range it suffered from in 2010. Lump on that all of the new sales in Championship merchandise, tickets for the 2016-2017 season and increase revenue in Cleveland as a tourist destination.
Beyond the Numbers
Of course what the NBA Championship brings to the Cleveland area goes beyond numbers. Legendary Cleveland Browns running back, Jim Brown discusses the value to the city of Cleveland of this incredible accomplishment by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The final number was 93-89 and the most memorable number for the past 54 years in the city of Cleveland is 1 NBA Championship.
Read more of my series From the Left Field Bleachers.
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
The G.O.A.T., the greatest of all time, often stated sometimes examined but rarely defined. The question of whether or not Muhammad Ali was the greatest boxer has been and will continued to be debated. One thing is for certain, Ali was the greatest athlete of all-time. Why was Muhammad Ali the G.O.A.T., because of his abilities inside of the ring and his consciousness outside of it. Let me explain.
The debate of the all-around or well-rounded athlete pops up often. For example Lebron James is considered the best all-around basketball player while Stephen Curry is considered the best scorer. Taking that a step further, in this article I raise the idea that what elevates a player to that rarefied air, that air where folks can and should follow the lead (ie role models) of an athlete: Charles Barkley notwithstanding.
21 Century Athlete in the 20th Century
Ali stood up for his ideals. He lived up to his convictions.Check out this video of Ali reciting an poem about the Attica Prison uprising. He pointed out what many people were afraid to discuss: shit was F#%ked up. Ali did not bring up these issues up in public for personal gain but rather for the good of all. Let’s never forget that athletes are people after all. We live in a fast changing multifaceted society. Not only did Ali address that confronted our society, he did sacrificed much and did many things to change it.
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” Muhammad Ali
Read more of my series From the Left Field Bleachers.
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
The Rail Yards Market (RYM) is committed to promoting local businesses and boosting the local economy by providing small, locally owned businesses increased exposure both at the RYM and outside of it. Vendors are rotated regularly with the emphasis on keeping the RYM fresh and vibrant and exposing visitors to the amazing locally grown produce, food products, arts and crafts. Local produced items, many using local materials, are often created on the spot while you wait. Click the image on the right for more info.
The first two seasons of the Rail Yards Market has generated over 1 million dollars in revenue! A steady increase of vendors from 60 in 2014 to 80 in 2015 generated an increase in revenue for vendors. With over 100 vendors this season, that number is sure to increase exponentially.
1. Helps the Local Economy
The benefits of shopping local are well documented and publicized. For example according to the organization Keep It Querque, “Your dollar recirculates 254% more when you spend it with a Local Retailer. When you dine at a Locally Owned Restaurant your dollar recirculates 287% further.” Therefore a 10% shift would add an additional $179 million to the local economy each year.
2. Benefits the Community
There are many misconceptions when it comes to shopping local such as having to pay more for goods. These are mostly false. Additionally, your patronage allows for local-shops to keep their prices down. Click image to the left for more info. The benefits of shopping local go far beyond the economic benefits to the consumer and shop-keeper. Benefits such as building personal relationships with your neighbors, building a sustainable environment, building a more intimate community, building a vibrant community of friends and family knowing that your patronage improves the quality of their lives and yours as well.
3. Help Reduce Environmental Impact
At the Rail Yards Market the vendors create what they sell using NM sourced materials. According to Sustainable Connections, “Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe.This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.”
111 Media Collective
Remember before you decide where you shop, ask yourselves, what’s your Local Motive. See you Sunday!
*** Thank you to Keep It Querque for data and graphics!
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
Curated by Mary Ann Gilbreth, Ed.D., Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, at the University of New Mexico. This collections includes the work of her students from several of her Reading Methods Classes, promoting cultural diversity in the classroom.
Pride in the Name of Love
Pride in the Name of Love by Alex Paramo
Since this article was originally written our nation has elected a new leader. A man whose hate-filled speech is on the record and that he continues to employ in the White House. His ascension to power has, in some quarters, mobilized the liberal and progressive movements against him and those who support his rhetoric. Now more than ever we need to utilize the relationships inherent in our common humanity to spread the power of love.
This portion of the article was originally published on 06/24/16
In light of the Orlando tragedy our natural inclination might be toward despair and sadness. We should be sad but also motivated. Motivated to not let fear drown out courage, not let hate drown out love. It never can and it never will. We are all one family and one consciousness whether you subscribe to it or not. Therefore doing harm to one is doing harm to all but the collective energy of love heals and give us the strength to forge new realities and help us slowly come back into balance.
Whatever the overt motivation of the murderer, the covert motive is always hate. The only way to defeat hate is through unity. Unity brings folks together from all walks of life. United in this human experience we must move past stereotypes, past fear.
I read a thoughtful article in the Albuquerque Alibi, “Silent No More” by Ty Bannerman, where I discovered the story of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben who helped train George Washington’s Army during the American Revolution. Von Steuben was gay, and his story has been unfortunately hidden as have been the stories of thousands of other men and women who fought and/or served honorably in the U.S. armed forces.
Bannerman’s article discusses the new monument at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park that will openly honor LGBT veterans. Despite the fact that it is long overdue, I am proud of New Mexico and hope that other States follow suit.
We must bond together as a nation, and as people in the global sense with the message of love. It is our natural inclination to work together and ultimately our salvation.
*****
[contact-form to=’communitypublishingabq@gmail.com’ subject=’Subscriptions’][contact-field label=’Enjoyed this article? Type in your email address to receive similar articles, no ads, no spam, no charge!’ type=’email’/][/contact-form]
Alex Paramo is a native New Yorker of Colombian descent. He is an Author and Co-Founder of Community Publishing. He currently resides in Albuquerque, NM. Read More about him here.
We are proud to be a community partner and digital marketer at the Rail Yards Market and the Monte Vista Fire Station. Need help with your web presence and social media marketing? Click here to find out how we can help you!
Community Publishing: From the Community For the Community