a journalist's journey

Check Your Body At The Door

Tania Fuentez Media — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:12 +0000

A new year, a new opportunity to move forward in life and beyond the expected. I am sharing this link to a long overdue and much-anticipated documentary on House music/dance culture, called “Check Your Body at the Door” which screens tonight at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center. It is an important piece of history because what is known about the real underground dance culture usually is minimal at best. Freedom to dance and express yourself in the purest form must be recognized as a blessing and gift when experienced on a spiritual level _ beyond the expected clubland escapades. Too often, we lose the gems that make the world a little better such as 52-year-old Niles Ford, an amazingly talented choreographer who died earlier this month. Fortunately, films like “Check Your Body at the Door” and Ford’s “In Search of the Invisible People,” created with Nathan Trice and performed at Dixon Place in 2008 and 2010, capture some of that magic found in underground dance culture, especially evident within deep soulful house music.

I found out about tonight’s screening of “CYBD” by word-of-mouth and I am so glad this documentary is part of the 2012 Dance on Camera Film Festival _ an event marking its 16th year and co-presented by the Film Society and Dance Films Association. If you haven’t been touched by House music or House dance culture yet, I’d say consider this film screening a chance to close your eyes, feel the music and just let go …

Recommended site:

CYBD: www.checkyourbodyatthedoor.com

How (NOT) To Make It In America

Tania Fuentez Media — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:26:08 +0000

When I heard HBO was cancelling “How To Make It In America” after only its second season, I shook my head in shock. As soon as a fresh critically welcomed show representing New York City with some real street cred and ethnic diversity starts to make waves and generate a devoted fan base, it’s dropped by corporate execs who obviously don’t have a clue. The solid cast, including Luis Guzman in a breakout role, gritty in-your-face storyline and candid feel throughout the 30-minute show stood out from most predictable garbage passed off as entertainment that paying customers usually suffer through just to cope with whatever drama’s going on in their lives.

If you live in New York City, at some point you’ll figure out the hustle refers to more than a dance and if you’re not wise to the game, too bad … SOL. I relate to “How To Make It in America” all too well as the economy gets worst, the job market sucks and too many people struggle just to get by another day while a handful get over like fat rats. “How To Make It In America” was a show that added some inspiration and nerve to the mix. The motto “Dream big or go home” really does apply if you want to “make it” count.

For those who care, sign the petition to save this HBO show. Hey, don’t underestimate the power of the pen (albeit digital these days). Look what happened with Family Guy and FOX …

Suggest you peep this link before it’s gone too:

How to Make it in America: http://www.hbo.com/how-to-make-it-in-america/index.html

The Conn Artist

Tania Fuentez Media — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:23:42 +0000

I recently saw a bumper sticker that read, “Life Without Art is Stupid.” I agree, but that’s pretty obvious if you know anything about my love of music, dance, photography, painting, graphic design, sculpture, a really good meal. OK, I’m rambling but stick with this for a minute. Trust, these gems will keep you afloat when you least expect it and usually need them the most.

More often than not, I’ll come across something interesting or strike up a conversation with kindred spirits who value substance over pretense, refuse to forsake true creativity, prefer living in the moment and aren’t afraid to dig a little deeper while looking at the bigger picture. A few weeks ago, I met John Conn, a modest Bronx-born photographer who spent much of the 1970s and 80s capturing a pivotal moment in New York City history. His black and white photos of the Bowery Mission and gritty subway scenes first grabbed my attention last year at a street fair where his son was selling T-shirts and those captivating portraits. I couldn’t afford one at the time but I had a feeling our paths would eventually converge. If time permits, stop by his booth at the Union Square Holiday Market and decide for yourself. Many of the images in the subway series are part of the permanent collection at the Museum of the City of New York.

Conn’s photos are compelling, real and in many cases, a mere memory of an era long gone as New York evolves and seemingly moves further away from its heart and soul. As a photographer, I share that same passion and take a lot of random shots of whatever inspires me to pull out the D90 (warning: Nikon vs Canon equipment debate overrated; all in the eye of the beholder). Who knows what lasting impact those images will have.

“Life without art is stupid.”

Recommended sites:

John Conn Photography: http://www.theconnartist.net/

John Conn interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jADnk5gAw

Museum of the City of New York: http://www.mcny.org/

ReGeneration: http://www.youtube.com/hyundaiusa

OWS: Day of Action/N17

Tania Fuentez Media — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:15:03 +0000

Thousands of Occupy Wall Street protesters came together in New York and other major cities in a show of force and solidarity as promised on Nov. 17, 2011. This movement remains in full effect throughout the day as the world keeps watching us every step of the way. This afternoon, NYPD abruptly began blocking off all exits at Zuccotti Park and God only who knows what is next, but I’m including links to live stream feeds during this historic moment (yes, it is all that). Occupy Wall Street’s ‘Day of Action’ represents the underrepresented, the voice of the 99 percent who demand corporate and government accountability because we believe it is the right thing to do …. more to come depending on access to a computer.

UPDATE: I’ve added a link to my Flickr photostream set which highlights the march from Union Square to the Brooklyn Bridge during the ‘Day of Action.’ Sincere gratitude to those who get what this is all about regardless of the doubters. We are the 99% …

VIDEO LINKS AND MORE:

MICHAEL MOORE: http://www.michaelmoore.com/

USTREAM TV/THE OTHER 99: http://www.ustream.tv/theother99

LIVESTREAM: http://www.livestream.com/occupynyc

OCCUPY WALL STREET: http://occupywallst.org/

‘DAY OF ACTION’ ON FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajournalist/sets/72157628044163183/

Occupy Wall Street: United

Tania Fuentez Media — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:28:18 +0000

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg may have helped fuel the flames of the Occupy Wall Street movement instead of putting out the fire. Heated emotions and much debate shroud the overnight forced eviction of protesters at Zuccotti Park in Lower Manhattan by the NYPD and city sanitation department. A ‘Day of Action’ on Thursday, Nov. 17, promises to bring more attention to Occupy Wall Street efforts across the U.S. and abroad. Protesters will be in full force starting at 7 a.m. on Wall Street and culminating at 5 p.m. in Foley Square to march across the Brooklyn Bridge, marking the two month anniversary of OWS. I will continue to do my part in raising awareness because it matters more than “keeping up with the Kardashians” or the non-stop vapid musings littering Facebook and Twitter at any given moment.

I listened to the steady drone of overhead helicopters while at Zuccotti Park _ a few hours after the “cleaning” (raid) ordered by Mayor Bloomberg. Police in riot gear and reflective vests filled the perimeter of a park space once inhabited by protesters taking a stand against corporate and government inconsistencies. If anything, the movement gained strength and momentum following police brutality against hundreds arrested in a mass overnight sweep. Protesters remain steadfast and focused despite Bloomberg’s actions, which dangerously border on a police state and violate basic human rights to peacefully assemble. Journalists trying to cover developments even found themselves among the wronged. Bloomberg, and the 1 percent he symbolizes, cannot ignore what is happening in the city or elsewhere. Blatant disregard of First Amendment rights and society’s mounting ills will not be tolerated for long.

For the record, Zuccotti Park was not overrun by wannabe hippies and degenerates looking for attention as some would suggest. Many people gathered there as a united voice against the injustices so many of us have been subjected to for years. The Occupy protesters span age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic and educational background. The important thing to remember is that we ultimately are all in this world together … the haves and the have-nots. When one suffers, we all suffer in some way or another. Listen closely and act wisely. A movement is in progress. What will you do to make a difference for the greater good?

Read All About It:

Occupy Wall Street: http://occupywallst.org/

‘International Day of Action’: http://occupywallst.org/action/november-17th/

Working Families: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/

National Nurses United: http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/affiliates/entry/msc1

Mayor Michael Bloomberg: http://www.mikebloomberg.com/

Election Day

Tania Fuentez Media — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:03:55 +0000

Some may question what’s going on at Zuccotti Park in Lower Manhattan and across the nation, yet those Occupy Wall Street protests are not in vain and stem from deep-rooted problems within society. Case in point: too many elderly, working families and others for whatever reasons out of their control still cannot afford decent health care in America and find themselves suffering in silence; unemployment figures are hardly reflective of the real struggle involved for someone out of work with nothing in sight; public assistance has very little to do with helping those in need when programs are outdated and ineffective; and, as the rich get richer … you know the deal.

If anyone thinks they’re powerless or their opinion doesn’t matter, think again and vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011). Too much hangs in the balance to pass this off as a waste of time, whether it be General, Primary or Special Elections. Remember, politicians are in office because they are elected officials. Pay attention to what they say and what they actually do with our tax dollars. We all know the system is flawed, but it doesn’t have to stay that way if enough voters speak up at the polls. Be ready to make smart decisions as the 2012 Presidential Primary Election approaches.

Harlem Arts Alliance

Tania Fuentez Media — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:34:58 +0000

Recently, I had the privilege of joining other artists featured in the Harlem Arts Alliance’s festival on Oct. 22, 2011, at the Richard Rogers Amphitheater at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. The event was part talent show, part artist appreciation and hosted by the lovely Chia Schonberg of the radio show,”Morning Influence.” Performing and visual artists came together for the day to celebrate music, dance, poetry and a true respect for the community. Among the talent: wordsmith Lovelle A. Clark, vocalist Lee Olive Tucker, an exceptionally vibrant rapper, R.E.A.L., Kyra Climbingbear, eight-year-old Lil Man of Brooklyn and the winner of the overall talent showcase, Charisa Rouse (The Violin Diva). It was an honor to share some of my photography amid a choice display of artistry and showmanship on stage. Hats off to Harlem Arts Alliance for recognizing its community and providing a necessary creative outlet.

Recommended sites:

Harlem Arts Alliance: http://www.harlemaa.org/

Sundae Sermon: http://sundaesermon.com/

Charisa Rouse (The Violin Diva): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuriFQYfJbY&feature=related

Kyra Climingbear: http://www.kyraclimbingbear.com/

DaMatrix Studios: http://damatrixstudiosnetwork.com/live/

Upper Echelon Records: http:://www.uehiphop.com

Lil Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1iW955Wzsg&feature=related

Harlem Underground: http://www.harlemunderground.com/

NY ComicCon 2011

Tania Fuentez Media — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:43:35 +0000

Sometimes we all need something to believe in like a SUPERHERO! The 2011 New York ComicCon and Anime Festival didn’t disappoint with an array of colorful caped avengers, masked crime-fighters, ghost busters, zombies, vampires and more. The four-day event at Jacob Javits Convention Center welcomed generations of fans and families to escape for a moment into the arena of pure fantasy, fun and those sparks of imagination and inspiration especially tailored for the kid in all of us. Comic books, graphic novels, anime, manga, video gaming, cosplay, sci-fi and horror fans united with first-timers and legends like Stan Lee and Frank Miller. Since some say a picture is worth a thousand words, check out my Flickr photo gallery for the full story.

‘No Comment’ from Wall Street

Tania Fuentez Media — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:03:16 +0000

The recent pop-up art exhibit, “No Comment,” helped crystallize the depth and range of concerns rising out of the #Occupy Wall Street movement and captured the attention of independent and mainstream media outlets, including The New York Times. I was honored to be among participating artists and supporters of the 24-hour event presented by Loft in the Red Zone. It was an impressive show of creativity and solidarity at the cavernous, historic JP Morgan Building (ironically facing the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall National Memorial). Live performance art, multimedia installations, paintings, photography and more were inspired by #Occupy Wall Street, a leaderless resistance effort with international reach. Of course, police presence was thick but unnecessary … and a waste of taxpayers’ dollars in this case. Stay tuned to my blog for an upcoming photo gallery available on Flickr and my Web site.

In its fourth week, the Occupy Wall Street movement has multiplied and organized significantly, earning respect and high-profile support from unions, religious groups, environmentalists, celebrities, politicians and civil rights activists like the Rev. Al Sharpton, who broadcast his radio show Monday amid demonstrators camped out at Zuccotti Park in Lower Manhattan’s Liberty Plaza. Mayor Michael Bloomberg also announced protesters can stay at the site indefinitely as long as they stay within the law. For the doubters or curious, what’s happening at that makeshift campground cannot be contained or brushed off lightly. People deserve better, plain and simple. What’s happening now is long overdue. Career politicians and corporations may not change today or tomorrow, but they are paying attention to the groundswell. Something is happening.

BE INFORMED:

WE ARE THE 99%: http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/

LIVESTREAM: http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution

#OCCUPY WALL STREETt: http://www.occupywallst.org/

OCCUPY TOGETHER: http://www.occupytogether.org/

NEW YORK GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT #OWS: http://nycga.cc/

PARTNERSHIP FOR CIVIL JUSTICE FUND: http://www.JusticeOnline.org

SHUT DOWN INDIAN POINT NOW: http://www.shutdownindianpointnow.org/

KEEP HOPE ALIVE ALIVE: http://alivekeephope.blogspot.com/

#OccupyWallStreet

Tania Fuentez Media — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:20:24 +0000

I’m officially joining the growing ranks of the #Occupy Wall Street movement today in a march to Washington Square Park from Wall Street and a pop-up art exhibit titled, “No Comment,” presented by Loft in the Red Zone. As protests expand throughout New York City and the nation, the message (actually multiple messages depending on who you ask) becomes clearer _ We, the people, deserve much better than the crap that’s being served by those “in power.” Police arrests of peaceful protesters only help illustrate how basic human rights are repeatedly disregarded.

So, why should you or I care enough to get up from the sidelines and get involved? I can only speak for myself but this uninsured, unemployed journalist and visual artist is fed up with corporate and government corruption, greed and wastefulness amid society’s shameless salivating over celeb-reality and mindless Facebook chatter rather than what should really matter … making sincere efforts to improve our quality of life. I am like so many others who find themselves displaced and discarded after being laid off from a longtime job then told to “Apply Online” (translation: go #@%$ yourself) when there is no work in sight. We’re all caught up in America’s flawed system, so there is no excuse for not speaking out and changing things for the better of all humanity.

I am proud to witness the crowds gaining strength and momentum every day on Wall Street and across the United States. I’ll still keep my head up and stay focused on doing something worthwhile via my artistic vision and voice.

WE ARE THE 99 %: http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/

OCCUPY WALL STREET: http://occupywallst.org/

ADBUSTERS: http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/occupywallstreet

OCCUPY TOGETHER: http://www.occupytogether.org/