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Independent Media

Independent Media

Community Publishing aims to provide the community with Independent non-corporate media that educates and informs! From the people for the people.

Week.ly Update: From the mind, memes and musings of Hakim Be

Published by communitypublishingabq@gmail.com on January 28, 2017 Respond

Week.ly 1 (01.27.17)

Greetings Earthlings,

A month into a year-long hiatus and from Facebook and alcohol, I am tip toeing back into the shallow end of social media (read: human nature). No diss to those who make a living or a “meaning” on cyber space, but I needed a timeout. But alas, I’m still a smart ass and have lots of things to say about our current state of “politics” (if you can still call it that). And without my steady diet of one bottle of cheap wine and 7 – 10 status updates a day … I was in need of a different (read: abstract) and less addictive way to express myself. So, I’ve taken to meming … not to be confused with miming, which would please my detractors who wish nothing more than for me to shut up. But this visual-verbal hybrid form of satire and social commentary allows me to interpret the world around me out “loud” in short bursts of free speech. I fancy myself a political cartoonist, of sorts. One who can’t draw a lick, but I sure do know how to quickly source images on the Interwebs. It allows me to maintain my promise to myself, to win back some of my time (read: life) typically spent staring into the abyss of my Facebook screen…and use it to learn a language, an instrument or a new form of @#$% talking in cyberspace. The residual benefit is that I am no longer on the 25 hour (fake) news cycle, I pretty much get befuddled by news blurbs on the muted televisions at my Planet Fitness once a day, and then I practice the lost art of reading and looking up the facts behind the headlines. That typically, leads to some epiphany or flippant remark that becomes a meme…or as I like to call them, “provocations of democratic discourse.” Every healthy democracy needs a good dose of that!

“Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my myriad of employer(s) on any given day…” (#LifeOfAContractor) I mean really, in the age of Donald J. Trump…do we like ever have to use this disclaimer (with a straight face) again? I digress, which is why memes are effective … there’s no enough time or space to digress. So, each week, what you will get at Community Publishing is a recap of my favorite self-generated memes, as well as one brand new one in each Friday’s post. Then, all the folks who disagreed with me on Facebook can find their way here to … and we can rekindle our flame. I’ve missed you so this past month, no really. (blink, blink)

Speaking of Donnie J, here’s a brand new meme in light of his suggested 20% tariff on Mexican goods in order to reimburse taxpayers for the wall he promised Mexico would pay for; with some subtext of Mexico President Peña Nieto’s cancelled visit with the Commander-in-Cheet(o); with a little bit of Alec Baldwin, SNL and Trump’s compulsive disdain for China thrown in. See? That would have been at least three shared articles and a handful of Facebook posts … I consolidated. Just for you (and me).

Week.ly

And a few of my other faves from last week (there were a handful of bad ones, I will spare you those).

Week.ly

And one from the week before that…

Week.ly v1

Hope you enjoy! – hb

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Hakim Bellamy

Hakim Bellamy

Hakim Bellamy is Albuquerque’s Inaugural Poet Laureate. He is also a scholar, educator, musician, and poet. Community Publishing has published Hakim Bellamy’s Samuel’s Story, a multimedia children’s story featuring the music of DJ Flo Fader and the illustrations of Melvin Mayes available in Print and Digital editions.

Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as Multimedia Books while promoting literacy in our communities. 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

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15 Minutes with Bernie Sanders

Published by communitypublishingabq@gmail.com on May 24, 2016 Respond

15 Minutes with Bernie Sanders by Alex Paramo

As the Author of From the Left Field Bleachers, my sports blog that begins with sports and examines social issues, you should know that I am unabashedly progressive. I have been since I became politically/ideologically conscious as an undergraduate at Queens College at the City University of New York (CUNY). In college I was exposed to the thinking of “radical” professors from the University of California system who migrated to CUNY because it was one of the few free public institutions left.

Shifting Radicals

15 Minutes with BernieI came to realize that these professors were not radical at all in their belief that public learning institutions should be of the highest quality and should be free to all, regardless of income. Another one of their so-called “radical” beliefs is that all the residents of our great country should have free access to quality health care. Also on their so-called radical list is the belief that no one should work a full-time job and not be able to feed themselves or their families.

I discovered that their “radical” beliefs/convictions/ideas were not “radical” and rather we based upon a principled belief in human rights. These ideas were based on the founding documents of the USA, the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Of course we know that all people are created equal and therefore should not have their basic unalienable rights impinged upon.

The Real Radicals

15 Minutes with Bernie SandersThe real radicals are those folks that believe that we all need to fend for ourselves regardless of circumstance. They believe that profits are more important than people. They believe that folks should not receive public assistance but corporations should. They believe that people should not be entitled to receive a living wage, while it is fine for corporations to hide their billions in foreign tax havens. They believe that people should have to navigate all kinds of obstacles to vote but reserve the rights for folks to walk in to a gun-show and purchase a military assault rifle without extensive back-ground checks. They say they believe in personal liberty but they do want the government to dictate what women do with their bodies. The real radicals are those who have been duped by the sociopaths that dominate our corporate and banking leadership positions into voting against their best interests.

Weekend at Bernie’s

15 Minutes with Bernie SandersI have been an ardent Bernie Sanders supporter for many years. I have admired his ideas/ideals from afar and have been exposed the Senator thanks to the Thom Hartmann show. Bernie Sanders came to New Mexico this past weekend and through a combination of dedication, perseverance, luck and a 9 year old little girl’s tears, myself and my little girl Marisol were able to meet Bernie and engage in a 12 person Q&A session with the Senator. Marisol asked him what he would do to alleviate the homelessness epidemic. He answered that he would create quality affordable housing and push through the living wage.

I always explain to Marisol that the movement is not about Bernie per se rather it is a movement to reclaim our basic human rights that begins with Bernie and will be fulfilled by her generation.  I decided not to ask him a question. I didn’t not ask him a question because in my heart I already knew the answer, and that is why I support Bernie and his movement, our movement.
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Alex Paramo Summer SolsticeAlex 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.

CP Logo FinalWe 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

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Planting the Seeds of Kindness

Published by communitypublishingabq@gmail.com on October 18, 2015 Respond

Planting the Seeds of Kindness by Alex Paramo

As the Rail Yards Market’s 2nd Season comes closer to a close we reflect upon one of the many participants of the RYM that make it the wonderful event that it is: our Growers! Sunday, Oct 18 they celebrate the Harvest, focusing attention to the crucial service our local food growers play in our community. Here is a quick rundown of what they are doing:

STEAM Zones:

Planting KindnessIn the Live Art Zone the folks at Erda Gardens will have a presentation on how to make seed balls.

Also in the Children’s Zone, kids will participate in a seed matching game where the kids have seeds, produce and pictures of plants and the kids try to match them and find all three stages of growth for the same fruit or vegetable.

Main Stage entertainment will be lead by Doug Hoelbinger. Also the Tap City Kids of Albuquerque, Sazlar and Seth Hoffman with The Temporary Tattoos.

We have met many wonderful folks from all walks of life at the Rail yards Market. We hope that we have touched you the same way you all have touched us with your generosity, caring, support and friendship! I hope you join us in planting the seeds of kindness into all of our community members. See You Sunday!
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Alex Paramo Summer SolsticeAlex 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.

Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as Multimedia Books while promoting literacy in our communities.

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Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day

Published by communitypublishingabq@gmail.com on October 10, 2015 Respond

On October 7, 2015 the Albuquerque City Council voted to declare Monday October 12 as Indigenous Peoples Day in Albuquerque. In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, the Rail Yards Market has programmed their arts zones accordingly. Here is a rundown:

 Children’s Zone

ButterflyThe folks from the Native American Community Academy (NACA) will lead the kiddos in Symmetrical Butterfly making. Butterflies are sacred and important to many Native tribes and to the Cherokee people they are very meaningful. The Cherokee have a traditional butterfly dance which is an expression of renewal, giving thanks for new seasons, new life, and new beginnings.

Symmetry is an integral part of Native American life because it represents balance ~ the incredible balance of the seasons, the sun, the moon the stars and the interdependency of all living things in our world. The balance required within relationships, and the balance of our physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual sides of ourselves are equally important.

Live Arts

Kat D'AzorioStudents from NACA will be showing their work and demonstrating their techniques.

Also creating art will be Kat D’Orazio who will be demonstrating watercolor techniques including wet-on-wet, dry brush, and use of watercolor mediums and masking agents. Artworks will be in various stages of completion and she will be adding to them live in the STEAM Zone!

Main Stage

The entertainment at the Main Stage will be kicked off by some spoken word courtesy of Rosie Thunderchief. There will also be live music, poetry from NACA students and storytelling! For schedule details check out the Rail Yards Market website.

Giving thanks, being grateful for what you have, and giving back to the people and the earth is very important to indigenous people around the globe. Native tribes have customs and ceremonies revolving around giving back because they understand they can’t exist without balance. Please join the Rail Yards Market this Sunday, October 11 as they give back to their community! See You Sunday! 
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Alex Paramo Summer SolsticeAlex 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.

Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as Multimedia Books while promoting literacy in our communities.

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Agritourism in New Mexico

Published by communitypublishingabq@gmail.com on October 3, 2015 Respond

Agritourism in New Mexico

New Mexico has been known for its wonderful sunsets, lovely weather, friendly people and the International Balloon Festival. Now New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez is part of an effort to focus attention on the many incredible farmers/growers that inhabit this great state.

“Santa Fe, NM — Today, Governor Susana Martinez proclaimed October 2015 Agritourism Month throughout New Mexico. Agritourism Month recognizes the contributions of New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers to the state’s economy, particularly through seasonal family activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches. The Governor’s proclamation is available online here.

“New Mexico has a strong and rich heritage of farming and ranching,” said Governor Martinez. “Agritourism Month recognizes and celebrates this tradition, and encourages New Mexicans to join the fun through activities and opportunities with local farmers and ranchers throughout the month.”

Agritourism in New Mexico includes local fun family activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches, as well as guest ranches, wineries and vineyards, fruit and vegetable picking, and hunting and fishing businesses. The agritourism sector in New Mexico is a growing contributor to the state’s agricultural industry, which generates approximately $4 billion dollars annually. New Mexico agritourism can also bring recognition from beyond local communities. For example, USA Today recently recognized McCall’s Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty as the No. 3 corn maze in the U.S.

“Agritourism is a win-win for our families and communities, as well as our farmers and ranchers,” said New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “It helps local small businesses in communities throughout the state diversify and grow their operations beyond selling and growing crops and livestock, and helps connect more New Mexicans with where our food comes from.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates more than 33,000 agritourism businesses throughout the country, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture continues to build and grow a directory of agritourism throughout the state, available online here.

Following Agritourism Month, the Small Farm and Ranch Task Force at New Mexico State University will host the 2015 New Mexico Agritourism Conference November 12 to 14 at the MCM Hotel Elegante in Albuqueruque. The conference brings together agribusiness stakeholders from throughout the state to collaborate, share ideas, and work to grow and promote agritourism in New Mexico. More information about the conference is available online here.”

At the Rail Yards Market there are regularly over 12 local farmers / growers every Sunday. Come on down every Sunday from 10-2pm to experience the best in local arts, education and food!
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Alex Paramo Summer SolsticeAlex 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.

Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as Multimedia Books while promoting literacy in our communities.

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Signs of the Times at the NM State Fair 2015

Published by communitypublishingabq@gmail.com on September 23, 2015 Respond

Signs of the Times at the New Mexico State Fair by Alex Paramo

Walk around the New Mexico State Fair (NMSF) 2015 and you will be subject to a myriad of visual, audio and olfactory messages ranging from the subtle to the sublime. After a bit mental reorganization and physical reorientation, I decided to follow my nose and head towards the food court. At the food court, while enjoying an incredibly tasty burrito from Señor Tortas / Señor Tacos, I found myself noticing many of the colorfully creative promotional signs representing many of the food vendors. Among the signs that stood out were:

Find out what the Top 5 Rides of the NMST 2015 were!

Entertainment

The organizers of the NMSF 2015 did a great job of mixing in local performers, such as Hakim Bellamy with nationally recognized bands such as Ozomatli. All in all the NMSF 2015 was a celebration of the diverse cultures that make New Mexico an extraordinary place to work and play.

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Alex Paramo Summer SolsticeAlex 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.

Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as Multimedia Books while promoting literacy in our communities.

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Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves Print Edition Available

Published by communitypublishingabq@gmail.com on March 20, 2015 Respond

Community Publishing has some exciting news to report, our first bilingual (English and Spanish) Multimedia Book is now available in Print! The critically acclaimed Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves, written by Alex Paramo, illustrated by Audrey McNamara, with music by Diplomacy of Mad Science (Matias Pizarro and Juan Ramirez) and narrated by Jackie Zamora print-2is ready for your bookshelf! It was important for us to preserve the multimedia contributions of our musicians and voice actors and therefore inside the print edition is a QR Code and a web address that the purchaser can use to enjoy the audio component of the book!

Get your edition from us today and receive a limited edition autographed version while you save money! Author Alex Paramo states, “There were many big publishers interested in the story and the concept but I am glad that we went with Community Publishing. Working with a local independent publishing company allowed for true collaboration and partnership.” Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves was adapted and performed on stage by FUSION Theatre Company of New Mexico in the Summer of 2014.

All of our Multimedia Books are complete collaborations from start to finish. Every book you purchase is evenly distributed among the creative folks who created them. Every penny you spend goes to support local artists of all mediums and promote literacy in our communities.

Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves

Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves was published in April 2013. This bilingual multimedia book is a beautiful children’s story featuring the writing of Alex Paramo, the illustrations of Audrey McNamara, the music of Matias Pizarro and Juan Ramirez (Diplomacy of Mad Science), narrated in English and Spanish by Jackie Zamora. Additional contributions by Marisol Paramo (character voice), Sophia Zamora (character voice) Yvette Sandoval (graphic art), and Christian Orellana (music).

Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves

This Multimedia Book contains a multicultural cast, emphasizes the importance of sustainability, collaboration and redemption. It contains an educational component which emphasizes general, geographical, and cultural words and terms. Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves is available on iTunes: http://goo.gl/mMQcuj and for non-iTunes users: http://goo.gl/ap3rE5. Follow Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves on Facebook.

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Review

♥ Princess Marisol & The Moon Thieves is no ordinary children’s book. It is a multimedia children’s adventure. In this powerful, yet fun-loving tale about a little princess who is trying to recover the stolen moon from a couple of mischievous musicians, we are taken on a journey filled with adventure, beauty and ultimately self-discovery.

In its creation, there has been a collaboration of artistry from the fields of music, fine art and literature and the result is a proverbial story of working together and learning respect for each other and for nature. To reinforce those lessons the book contains a curriculum component that can be used by educators, parents and guardians alike.

An additional theme of the work places a focus on multiculturalism. As the world around us grows, our interaction with people from other cultures becomes more common. Learning about and from these cultures is both vital and beautiful. –

This review written by the incredibly talented singer-songwriter Keith Sanchez Please visit his fbpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keith-Sanchez/158932831912?ref=ts&fref=ts

English Preview

Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves is critically acclaimed having been featured in film festivals, the Morning Brew Television Program, the Local IQ, UNM Lobo, Peace Talks Radio and was adapted for the stage by FUSION Theatre Company of New Mexico and performed during the Summer of 2014.

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Alex Paramo Community Publishing

Alex Paramo

Alex Paramo is an Author and Co-Founder of Community Publishing. Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as multimedia eBooks while promoting literacy in our communities.

We are proud to be a community partner and digital marketer at Rail Yards Market. #JoinOurCommunity at http://communitypublishing.org

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