Dan Zanes and NYC Latino artists record a pro-immigration CD - in Spanish only

I always thought that "Nueva York" was a bad language choice, because it mixes Spanish and English in a weird way. Besides I don't think that some places names need to be translated, since everyone knows where New York city is located, right. I guess.

However, Nueva York is how Spanish-speaking people recall the most popular city in the planet and precisely ¡Nueva York! is the title of a new music CD to be released by June 9, which includes music from several Latin American musicians based in the big-apple.

The music included in this production intends to show our diversity "from American blues and jazz, to Colombian cumbia, Dominican merengue, Puerto Rican aguinaldo, Bolivian bailecito and even hip hop" but the catch is the strong pro-immigrant message included - with the "good side" of immigration in the US.

Among the artists of Nueva York are: Mexican-American songstress Lila Downs, Colombian band La Cumbiamba Eneyé, Panama-born Broadway singer and dancer Daphne Rubin-Vega, American guitarist Marc Ribot, Mexican singer Sonia de los Santos, Nyorican hip-hop poet La Bruja, the Villa-Lobos brothers band (also Mexicans) and Argentina-born Bernardo Palombo, founder of arts group El Taller Latino Americano. All of them joined Grammy award-winner musician and producer Dan Zanes -who is a white guy from New Hampshire / Boston area- in the production of this only-Spanish album. Zanes is known for his children-oriented music and his work with rock band Del Fuegos in the 1980s.

Now when it comes to music, this idea sounds great. I personally love the work of Lila Downs and La Bruja (I met both of them in their concerts in DC) and I heard good things about the rest of the musicians.

But if you want to spread a good image of immigrants among American people, anyone would think the best way to do it is by communicating with them in English, a language that most Americans understand.

If you sing a pro-immigrant message in Spanish -there is a difference no doubt- the result might sound wonderful for a music critic and for us who speak Espanol very well, but it might fire back as a tool for immigration advocating purposes. I can see Lou Dobbs using this material really soon.

Here are some videos
of the artists that are part of ¡Nueva York!

La Bruja and Dan Zanes
Pollito Chicken





La Cumbiamba Eneyé

El Loro y la Lora in NYC

Lila Down in Washington, DC





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Spending Memorial Day angry about the bad soldiers

There are plenty of good members of the US military. They are doing a great job for the best interest of democracy and human rights in America and the world. But there are also cruel, heartless criminals who don't give a shit about honor, justice, humanity, equality.

I just returned from seeing the Memorial Day parade in downtown DC. This colorful and enjoyable event honors US veteran soldiers that fought to protect this nation and the world (?) from the "wrong doers." I thought the parade was interesting but it was also fake because when I saw those proud soldiers passing by, I thought of the abuses of the US military in Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo, etc. Then I decided to say bye to my friends and return home.

Most Americans might be enjoying a delightful Memorial Day -even with the economic recession and the low moral after the failure in Iraq- partly because they forgot or simply ignore the history of abuses and unjustified invasions of this country's military. For instance, in high school US kids are taught that Mexico donated or sold to the US the land that occupies today California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada. The truth is that the US invaded, killed and stole, period.

In the past, it was easy to hide the truth and sell an 'official' version of history. But today and thanks to the Internet, we can see now the other side of reality. This video is to remember the "other" soldiers, so we know how dangerous is to have sadistic criminals wearing a uniform and to allow delinquents to kill and torture in the name of "democracy and freedom."

Watch and decide for yourself. So far, no one has been prosecuted for these crimes.

IRAQ







AFGHANISTAN





CUBA






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Get free concert tickets this summer if you volunteer for Oxfam America

Another email I got, this one not only invites to take action about current issues, but it also gives you a chance to attend a free concert. Look at the list, you might find your favorite band.

Do you enjoy learning about new issues, talking with people, love music, and want to help promote lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice?


Now's your chance! In the next few months, Oxfam America volunteers will reach out to fans at concerts by Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Maroon 5/Counting Crows, Thievery Corporation, Bloc Party, DJ Shadow, Bell X1, and Wilco. This is a fun and important way to make a difference.

Apply now to volunteer with Oxfam America at a concert.

As a volunteer you will arrive a couple of hours before the show starts. You will receive training by our team and spend the rest of the show talking with fans about Oxfam America to get them to sign-up to take further action. There will be chances to take breaks and watch the bands perform. As a volunteer your admission is free.

Apply today!

Sincerely,



Tim Fullerton

Now here are some videos of a couple of groups listed in the email. By now you should already be registering.

MAROON 5 IN CHICAGO




COLDPLAY IN TOKYO




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Slavery in the United States: Indian guest workers abused by oil corporations - VIDEOS

As an immigrant I know very well of how hard is to come to the United States with a legal visa. I have witnessed and heard of the eagerness of people from the world who want to come here to work and make a better living for themselves and their families, especially college-educated people.

Also I know about labor abuse caused by the greediness and corruption of some U.S. corporations, that take advantage of the desperation and the dreams of foreign workers.

Indian guest workers in the U.S. - Photo AP

Please read this message that I got via email. and watch these videos. If you believe we all can make a difference, then you might want to contact the U.S. Congress immediately about this issue.

After Hurricane Katrina, billions of dollars poured into the Gulf Coast region [Mississippi and Lousiana] to rebuild. Signal International used these funds to enrich themselves by using the exploitive “guest worker” visas and corrupt recruiters to hire workers. Some of the welders and pipe-fitters who were brought [from India] to the Gulf Coast to work in what amounts to modern-day slavery have taken a courageous stand for justice. 

On May 14, five of the workers went on hunger strike demanding they be granted permission to stay in the U.S. while their case against their exploitative employer goes through the courts. They want to be granted continued presence in the U.S., and they’re asking that the U.S. Congress hold hearings on the abuses of the guest worker program. With the hunger strike entering its second week, at least 5 more workers join the hunger strike today, while allies across the U.S. and in India fast in solidarity with the strikers. 

You can help! Please urge your Representatives in Congress to sign onto a letter calling for them to remain in the U.S. and to hold hearings on Signal International.

Today is Day Eight of the water-only hunger strike by the Indian guest workers protesting the labor abuses of Signal International in the Gulf Coast. Hunger striker Christopher Glory's blood pressure dropped dangerously low late last night and is being monitored for possible hospitalization today. Nonetheless, the rest of the strikers’ sprits remain high as they prepare for the noon rally today. 

Jobs with Justice coalitions are supporting the hunger strike today in 14 cities across the U.S. by fasting, circulating petitions, and educating their communities and congressional delegations about the workers’ demands. In India, 15 of the workers’ family members are taking part in a 24-hour solidarity fast. Their families are asking that the Indian Minister of Oversees Affairs to take concrete action on the workers’ behalf. 

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): Your Congressperson Your Senators Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Investigate Signal International & Grant Workers Asylum Dear [Congressperson or Senator name automatically inserted here], I recently learned of an alarming case of employer abuse that urgently needs your attention. Signal International has been using unscrupulous recruiters in India to lure workers to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Welders and pipe-fitters from India paid recruiters up to $20,000 for the promise of permanent visas for themselves and their families. Upon arrival to the U.S. these workers were placed in cramped, unsanitary housing, charged exorbitant rent, and forced to work for Signal International. Their working and living conditions in the Gulf Coast amounted to modern day human slavery. I urge you to hold hearings on Signal International and their recruiters, and to ensure the workers can remain in the country legally while their cases are heard. Sincerely, Your name

If you take only 15 minutes of your day, you will make an important impact on the way how immigrant workers (documented or not) are treated in the U.S. by corrupted corporations. This country wants to be the "leader of the free world" and a land of opportunities with justice, right?

VIDEOS

Indian workers sue US oil firm over abuse
Aljazeera reports from Mississippi and Louisiana




Protest at the White House
March 31, 2008

Update April 2011:

According to the American Civil Liberties Union - ACLU:

U.S. Government Lawsuit Supports Indian Guestworkers' Claims of Discrimination and Abuse 

Last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Signal International, LLC, a company that builds and repairs ships and offshore oil drilling rigs. In its press release, the EEOC charges that the company violated "federal law by subjecting a class of approximately 500 Indian employees to human labor trafficking and a hostile work environment." 

Read more here.

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Barack Obama and Same Sex Marriage, GLBT rights and Christianity

Senator Barack Obama -soon to be the Democratic presidential nominee- doesn't support full gay marriage rights. But he strongly supports same-sex civil unions, which if they become reality would be one of the most important reform on gay rights in the US. Here is what he thinks.

Please watch these videos

OBAMA ON GAY MARRIAGE




GAY RIGHTS ON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE




OBAMA ON GAY RIGHTS IN THE US




CHRISTIANY AND HOMOSEXUALITY






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Out for Obama: Fundraising GLBT Party in DC

A friend of mine shared this info. This is a fundraising garden party in support of the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama.

Saturday May 17, 2008
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Hosted by Sheila and Alexander Reid

4560 Argyle Terrace NW
Washington, DC 20011
(Upper 16th Street)

View Map

There is a $50 suggested donation.

Hope you can make it! If you want to become a sponsor, host and get involved please call 202 548 8088 today.



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US Congress will approve today $130 billion as funding for war: Iran next?

I overheard from a reliable source that the US Congress will pass today a request for a new funding for the ongoing "war on terror" with a generous bid of $130 billion dollar budget, to be used freely by the Pentagon. Democrats were elected to Congress after their promise to stop the war. But now this news confirm that Congress has no power over whatever Bush & Cia. decides what to do. It make sense only when you think about this:

President Bush begins Mideast trip

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wednesday, January 9th 2008, 1:40 PM

JERUSALEM - President Bush, in the Mideast to push along a peace deal by the end of his presidency, gave orders to both sides on Wednesday. He told Israelis that "illegal" outposts in disputed land must go and told Palestinians that no part of their territories can be "a safe haven for terrorists."

On that, Bush was echoing his ally and host, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who said in their joint news conference that "there will be no peace" unless attacks are halted from all parts of the Palestinian territories, including those not controlled by his negotiating partners in the Palestinian leadership. Olmert, however, said that both sides "are very seriously trying to move forward" on a peace agreement.

[...]

On the first day of his eight-day Mideast trip aimed at pushing the Israelis and Palestinians toward an agreement, Bush said: "I'm under no illusions. This is going to be hard work."

[...]
Bush said Iran continues to be a "threat to world peace."

The president said "all options are on the table to secure our assets." He said serious consequences would follow another Iranian provocation. "My advice to them is don't do it," he said.

Bush found himself challenged by his Israeli allies on a recent U.S. intelligence report saying Iran halted a nuclear weapons program in 2003. Tehran's nuclear ambitions are a chief fear in Israel, and the U.S. report led some in the region - both Israelis and Arab nations concerned about rising Iranian influence - to doubt the U.S. commitment to reining in Tehran.

"The fact that they suspended the program was heartening," Bush said. "The fact that they had one was discouraging because they could restart it."

Clearing up confusion about U.S. policy toward Iran is a key subtext of Bush's trip, which will also take him to Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Bush knows he must explain the new U.S. intelligence report, whose findings undercut U.S. efforts to build support for sanctions against Iran. [...]

VIDEO
Stop Bush's Campaign to Bomb Iran





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Some weddings are nothing but lies and fake performances

Photo by People Magazine

I just can't digest this photo. How can these people smile and celebrate while so many lives have been lost and so many people are suffering the consequences of the actions of this mad man named George W. Bush.

Is happiness and peace of mind possible after one has caused so much pain, unnecessary wars, destruction, corruption, racism, religious fanaticism and hate? I mean, all weddings and parties tend to make people happy no matter what the reasons behind them. And yes, Bush's daughter has the right to be happy no matter what a horrible person her father is.

But no I can't buy it. This photo could be proof that weddings can be just fake ensembles performed in order to fit into what society thinks is right and convenient. Is this just another lie made to continue that old tradition of marriage and to obtain economic and political benefit? I think so.

...

Now here is another photo of a father and his daughter. They are not from Texas nor they have power and money. They are not evil and fake. They are just poor, regular folks from Iraq, a damned nation that has been invaded.


Photo by Buzzflash.com


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100.000 people died in Burma - you can help by donating to the monks through Avaaz

According to this email I received just now:

Dear friends,

Staggering new estimates suggest that 100,000 people may have died in Burma's terrible cyclone. Incredibly, the corrupt and brutal Burmese government has stopped most international aid at the borders and is impeding the relief effort.

In under 24 hours, Avaaz members have donated over 690,000 Euros (over US$1 million – more than many governments!) to help Burma's monks provide the emergency relief, through their own networks and monasteries, that the government will not. Scroll down to see the email sent yesterday with all the details of how we can help, or click here to help us get over 1 million Euros (US$1.54m) today.

_________________________________________________________

Dear friends,

In the wake of a massive cyclone, a shocking 100,000 Burmese may be dead. More are missing. A million are homeless.

But what's happening in Burma is not just a natural disaster--it's also a catastrophe of bad leadership.

Burma's brutal and corrupt military junta failed to warn the people, failed to evacuate any areas, and suppressed freedom of communication so that Burmese people didn't know the storm was coming when the rest of the world did. Now the government is failing to respond to the disaster and obstructing international aid organizations.

Humanitarian relief is urgently needed, but Burma's government could easily delay, divert or misuse any aid. Yesterday the International Burmese Monks Organization, including many leaders of the democracy protests last fall, launched a new effort to provide relief through Burma's powerful grass roots network of monasteries--the most trusted institutions in the country and currently the only source of housing and support in many devastated communities.

Click here to help the Burmese people with a donation and see a video appeal to Avaaz from a leader of the monks.

Giving to the monks is a smart, fast way to get aid directly to Burma's people.

Governments and international aid organizations are important, but face challenges--they may not be allowed into Burma, or they may be forced to provide aid according to the junta's rules. And most will have to spend large amounts of money just setting up operations in the country. The monks are already on the front lines of the aid effort--housing, feeding, and supporting the victims of the cyclone since the day it struck. The International Burmese Monks Organization will send money directly to each monastery through their own networks, bypassing regime controls.

Last year, more than 800,000 of us around the world stood with the Burmese people as they rose up against the military dictatorship. The government lost no time then in dispatching its armies to ruthlessly crush the non-violent democracy movement--but now, as tens of thousands die, the junta's response is slow and threatens to divert precious aid into the corrupt regime's pockets.

The monks are unlikely to receive aid from governments or large humanitarian organizations, but they have a stronger presence and trust among the Burmese people than both. If we all chip in a little bit, we can help them to make a big difference. Click here to donate.

With hope,

Ricken, Ben, Graziela, Paul, Iain, Veronique, Pascal, Galit and the whole Avaaz team


For more information:

• About Avaaz's work to support the Burmese people, click here.

_________________________________________________________

Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means "voice" in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Washington DC, and Geneva.

VIDEO
A MONK FROM BURMA ASKS FOR HELP





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ARTOMATIC opens today Friday, May 9th at 12 noon

http://www.artomatic.org
202-271-4748

Where:

Capital Plaza
1200 First St. NE
Washington, DC, 20002

Red line Metro
New York Ave Station, M St. Exit


When:

Starts today until June 15th.

Wednesdays and Thursdays: 5 pm – 10 pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 12noon – 2 am
Sundays: 12noon – 10pm
Mondays and Tuesdays: Closed


More than 100 free events, activities and performances planned over 28 days and nights. Over 1.000 visual and performing artists signed up to participate in Artomatic 2008.

See Event Calendar


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Smartrip cards can survive a laundry machine

I had lost it, but I found it in the dryer machine. Yes, after I had washed it in hot water and dry it under even hotter temperatures, this Smartrip card is still working... and cleaner than ever!

Gotta give credits to WMATA, since they actually do some things in the right way (their website translations option is not one of them.)

Now if they could only get rid of -or educate better- some of those mean and aggressive bus drivers, lets not forget those lazy Metro station managers. I'm not saying that all of them are like that, but I can write lots of stories here about unpleasant experiences I've had in Metro and its employees-maybe I will.

And please Metro, could you add more lights to your train stations? They are so boring sometimes. Also please supervise bus schedules and drivers -especially late nights- and finally and most importantly: don't let high school students get away with all the crazy things they do in the trains. They scare the hell out of me. Geez.

Even with all that trouble, Metro is still a reason to be happy about living in DC. Especially with a washable Smartrip.

Now enjoy this video -violinist Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the nation according to The Washington Post. The WP put Bell to play at the L'Efant Plaza Metro station for awhile... lots of riders passed by and almost none stopped to appreciate Bell's art.

When it comes to work, DC bureaucrats are no way to be stopped.






Video by John W. Poole


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