Memories of Alex Arredondo

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LCPL Alexander S. Arredondo, died in Iraq on August 25, 2004. He was 20 years old. His father Carlos Arredondo has been on a national tour protesting the war and political violence. This video was made as a PSA for his tour, and for the general public to view.

Produced by 411 Productions

Music Claude Chalhoub

Hombre en Fuego (Espanol)

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Carlos Arredondo perdio su hijo Alexander Arredondo, en Iraq el 25 de agosto, 2004.

Alex tenia 20 anos de edad. Carlos Arredondo hizo noticia nacional cuando prendio fuego a la camioneta de los marineros y ha su propio cuerpo. Ahora habla encontra de la guerra y la violencia politica y empezo la organizacion El Pueblo Unido Para la Paz

Producido por 411 Productions

Musica:Natacha Atlas

Carlos Arredondo - A Man on Fire (trailer)

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Carlos Arredondo’s son, LCPL Alexander S. Arredondo, died in Iraq on August 25, 2004. He was twenty years old. Carlos Arredondo made headline news when he set the Marine van and himself on fire from the grief he experienced. He now speaks out against war and political violence and founded People United for Peace.

Produced by 411 Productions. Music Natacha Atlas

Want Peace? Imagine Grief: Part 3

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Carlos Arredondo’s oldest son, LCPL Alexander S. Arredondo, died in Iraq on August 25, 2004. He was twenty years old. Carlos Arredondo has been on a national tour protesting the war. His other son, Brian, is currently being recruited by the Marines.

Mr. Arredondo along with Kyle Qubrosi and Cindy and Craig Corrie, parents of Rachel Corrie spoke at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center on September 30, 2006 in San Antonio. This video was the PSA for the event.
Introduction by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez. Music: Blues artist Willie Jay

Produced by 411 Productions

 

Rachel Corrie - Want Peace? Imagine War: Part 2

Rachel  Corrie 23, a young peace activist from Olympia Washington who was tragically killed in Gaza by an Israel Defense Forces Bulldozer in March 2003. Her parents, Cindy and Craig Corrie now speak about their daughter’s legacy. On September 29 , 2006, they spoke at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center in San Antonio.

Want Peace? Imagine War: Part 1

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Kyle Qubrosi lost his father in war. But he doesn’t want revenge. Mr. Qubrosi came to tell his story at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center on, September 30, 2006. This video was a PSA for the event. Produced by 411 Productions. Introduction by journalist Barbara Renaud Gonzalez. Kyle Qubrosi's blog www.myfourwars.blogspot.com

Music:Rachid Taha

Michael Verdi - Evolution of Public Access Part 2

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Hear part 2 at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Michael Verdi, co-author of Secrets of Videoblogging and voted San Antonio’s Best Videographer of the past 20 years in Current Magazine , on how videoblogging has evolved from public access television.

Produced by 411 Productions

Michael Verdi - Evolution of Public Access Part 1

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Hear commentary at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Michael Verdi, co-author of Secrets of Videoblogging and voted San Antonio’s Best Videographer for the past 20 years in Current Magazine , on how videoblogging has evolved from public access television.

Produced by 411 Productions

Biological Agents Show 2, Part 3

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Part 3 of our 2nd show on this issue. With the bestsellers “The Hot Zone” and “Demon in the Freezer,” many people are now aware of biological agents, (deadly viruses) and what they can do to humans. Discussion on Mad Cow disease and how the media covers this issue. Featuring Ashley 15 years old as host , Clyde ,Veronica 15 as guests.

Produced by 411 Productions for the 411 Show

Biological Agents Show 2, Part 2

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Part 2 of our 2nd show on this issue. With the bestsellers “The Hot Zone” and “Demon in the Freezer,” many people are now aware of biological agents, (deadly viruses) and what they can do to humans. Discussion on Smallpox and Mad Cow disease. Featuring Ashley 15 years old as host , Clyde ,Veronica 15 as guests.

Produced by 411 Productions.

 

Biological Agents Show 2, Part 1

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Part 1 of our 2nd show on this issue. With the bestsellers “The Hot Zone” and “Demon in the Freezer,” many people are now aware of biological agents, (deadly viruses) and what they can do to humans. Discussion on Bird flu, Smallpox and Mad Cow disease. Featuring Ashley 15 years old as host , Clyde ,Veronica 15 as guests.

Produced by 411 Productions.

 

The Fight for Public Access - Part 6

Listen to the Texas Public Radio news story by Abra Schnur, “Public Access TV Update”
which aired on August 4, 2006. This news story lays out where we stand at this time on this issue. At this time, September 2006, there is still confusion going on for people who want to subscribe to the Public Access Channel who do not have the digital package from Time Warner. Right now we (the Producers) are also attempting to get outside advertising so the public knows the channel is back up.

Click below to hear the audio file. (no video, just audio)

http://www.tpr.org/audio/news/06080401.asx

Profile: Salwa Arnous - Palestinian-American Artist

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Journalist Barbara Renaud Gonzalez gives a profile of this Palestinian-born arist, Salwa Arnous. Salwa had an exhibit in San Antonio Texas in the Summer/Fall of 2006 that ignited controversy in the local press.

click here to view the articles

Music by Natacha Atlas.

Espanol: La periodista Barbara Renaud Gonzalez da una historia de la artista nacida en Palestina, Salwa Arnous. El arte de Salwa dio fuego a una controversia sobre su arte durante el verano/otonio de 2006.

Produced by 411 Productions

Visions from Palestine: Salwa Arnous - Artist

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Artist Salwa Arnous was born in Jaffa Palestine and began painting during the Oslo Peace Accords . She grew up in Cairo Egypt and has lived in Kuwait. She has lived in the United States for 27 years and now resides in San Antonio Texas where she works in the city’s public library.

Her Palestinian art exhibit has ignited controversy in the San Antonio political arena with the local newspaper the San Antonio Express News, running a front page story claiming a prominent Jewish leader, Rabbi Barry Block, called the exhibit “Anti-Semitic” and that it was “not art” (Rabbi Barry denied using the term Anti-Semitic).The story evoked several responses from other reporters and the public on the Palestinian/Israeli issue. Many of the commentators have not seen the exhibit for themselves.

The paintings and collages are powerful, showing images of women and children, including a collage with Rachel Corrie, a 23 year old activist from Olympia Washington, who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003. In an effort for more people to be able to view Salwa’s work, we present some of her art in this short video. We hope that others who have now heard of her art but have not seen it, may view it and make up their own minds about what it conveys to them.

This art exhibit is currently on display in San Antonio Texas at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center through the fall of 2006.

The video includes an introduction by journalist Barbara Renaud Gonzalez.

Music by Natacha Atlas.

Espanol:Salwa Arnous es una artista que nacio en Jaffa Palestina, se creo en Cairo, Egipto, y vivio en Kuwait. Su arte sobre la vida de los Palestinos ha encendido una controversia en la cuidad de San Antonio Texas. El periodico el Express News escribio una historia que el arte era anti-semitico (encontra de los Judios) y que el rabi Barry Block de el Templo Bethel opino que no era arte. Various periodistas en la cuidad y el publico dio comentario sobre el tema sin haber visto la exhibicion.

En este video presentamos un poco de el arte de Salwa, para que el publico pueda ver lo y ellos mismos decidir el significado de su arte.

El video incluye introduccion por la periodista Barbara Renaud Gonzalez.

Natacha Atlas - Visions From Palestine

This is a repost from Youtube.com. This is the video for the song "Leysh Natarak."

This is a song from about 10 years ago but it resonates just as much now as then when it comes to Lebannon, Palestine, and the Middle East conflict.
Natacha Atlas is a favorite artist among the middle eastern belly dance community.
Espanol: Este video de la artista Natacha Atlas es de hace 5 anos, pero todavia resona en estos tiempos por el conflicto en el Medio Oriente. Natacha es una artista favorita entre mujeres que bailan el baile del vientre.

Dancing in the Street - Kimberly 16 years old

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Kimberly who performs with the Network for Young Artists in San Antonio, sings this peppy song Dancing In the Street , written by Marvin Gaye in 1964 and made famous by Martha and The Vandellas.  This is a popular song among Karaoke singers.

Produced by 411 Productions for The 411 Show.

Black Swallowtail Butterfly Morning Brew

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Video number 3 featuring butterflies. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we get the beautiful swallowtail visiting the garden in the morning for a drink from our flowers. Set to the musical piece Nocturne in E flat by Frederic Chopin.

Espanol: Video numero 3 de mariposas en el jardin. Esta Mariposa Negra que se llama “Swallowtail” tiene lindos colores que lucen sobre las flores. La musica que escoji es de Frederick Chopin.

Produced by 411 Productions

Southern Dogface Butterfly Morning Brew

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Video number 2 featuring butterflies. Another visitor to the garden in the morning is this pale yellow Southern Dogface Butterfly. Set to the musical piece Gnossienne by composer Erik Satie (1866-1925), played by Lebanese violinist Claude Chalhoub. For more background on this video see our other blog 411productions.blogspot.com

Espanol: Video numero 2 de mariposas en el jardin. La musica que escoji es con mas melancolia, con musica del compositor Erik Satie. El violinista es Claude Chalhoub de Beirut Lebanon

Produced by 411 Productions

Monarch Butterfly Morning Brew

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Early morning outside my house I am greeted by this Monarch butterfly having it's morning brew.

Espanol: Cada manana fuera mi casa me encuentro con esta mariposa tomando desayuno.

Produced by 411 Productions

Music 1001 Dreams

Barbara Renaud Gonzalez - The News Media

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Hear commentary at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez, freelance journalist and blogger, on how the mainstream news media has changed during the past decade, how it has pushed out coverage of local issues and viewpoints and has become "corporate".

To read Barbara's blog go to www.lastruestories.blogspot.com

Produced by 411 Productions 

The Fight for Public Access Television - Part 5 (3 min)

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Hear the rest of the commentary (3 minutes) at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Patsy Robles, producer for the 411 Show, which airs on public access television and as a videoblog, about how public access television and videoblogs work and what the public may not be aware of on the issue.

 

Produced by 411 Productions 

Save the Internet - Part of the Battle for Public Access

This is a repost from You Tube. Do your part to keep the Internet neutral.

The Fight for Public Access Television - Part 4

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Hear commentary at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Patsy Robles, producer for the 411 Show, which airs on public access television and as a videoblog, about how public access television and videobloging works, how the public can get involved in these mediums and what they may not be aware of on this issue.

Produced by 411 Productions

 

Belly Dance Drum Solo - S.T. Shimi

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Watch this electric Middle Eastern (belly dance) drums by S.T. Shimi of Karavan Dance Company. Shimi dances to the piece “Sahra Saidi” by percussionist Gamal Gomaa of Egypt. Belly Dance drum solos because of their quick and subtle movements of the torso, tend to be short in length, usually 3 minutes at the most. This performance is a great example of fusion dancing, where movements from other styles of dance are infused. Shimi does a great job of adding a modern touch to her dance and gives a very commanding performance. For more information on Karavan Dance company go to www.karavansa.com or to stshimi.com

Espanol: Vean este baile del vientre a tambor con toque moderno por la bailarina S.T. Shimi, quien baila con Karavan Dance. Shimi baila a la musica de el percusionista Gamal Gomaa de Egipto.

Belly Dance with Veil - S.T. Shimi

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Produced by 411 Productions for the 411 Show.

Watch this beautiful veil dance by S.T. Shimi of Karavan Dance Company. She dances to music by Lebanese violinist Claude Chalhoub. This piece is titled “Don’t Wake me Up”. Karavan Dance Company of San Antonio has shows twice a year they call “Give Belly Dance a Chance”. The shows demonstrate the beauty and versatility of expression of Middle Eastern Dance. For more information on Karavan Dance go to www.karavansa.com or stshimi.com

Espanol: Baile del Vientre con velo. Vean a S.T. Shimi quien baila con Karavan Dance Company bailar a musica de el violinista Claude Chalhoub de Beirut Lebanon. La cancion se llama ”Don’t Wake me Up” (No me Despiertes).

Biological Agents -Part 3 of Show 1 (4min)

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Part 3 of 3 of our 1st show on this issue. With the bestsellers “The Hot Zone” and “Demon in the Freezer,” many people are now aware of biological agents, (deadly viruses) and what they can do to humans. Discussion on the book The Hot Zone and the Ebola virus. Featuring Chris 16 years old as host and Ashley 15 as guest. Produced by A discussion by youth on Biological Agents and their potential effects on humans.

Produced by 411 Productions for the 411 Show.

Biological Agents -Part 2 of Show 1 (9min)

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A discussion by youth on Biological Agents and their potential effects on humans. Part 2 of our 1st show on this issue. With the bestsellers “The Hot Zone” and “Demon in the Freezer,” many people are now aware of biological agents, (deadly viruses) and what they can do to humans. Discussion on Anthrax, Bird Flu, Ebola and other bio agents. Featuring Chris 16 years old as host and Ashley 15 as guest. Produced by 411 Productions for the 411 Show.

Biological Agents -Part 1 of Show 1 (9min)

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A discussion by youth on Biological Agents and their potential effects on humans. Part 1 of our 1st show on this issue. With the bestsellers “The Hot Zone” and “Demon in the Freezer,” many people are now aware of biological agents, (deadly viruses) and what they can do to humans. Discussion on Anthrax, Bird Flu, small pox and other bio agents. Featuring Chris 16 years old as host and Ashley 15 as guest. Produced by 411 Productions for the 411 Show.

The Fight for Public Access Television - Part 3

Watch this PSA on the Save Public Access Television Issue.
This is a repost from youtube.com.
The 411 Show started out and still is a Public Access Television Show in Texas.

Indian Dance-Krisha 10 years old

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The 411 Show. Watch beautiful Krisha dance this intricate Indian dance. Krisha dances with The Natyanjali School of Dance. Many Indian dances tell stories with their hand movements. Check out her dazzling costume with the fan pants. Krisha will no doubt go on to great things. Maybe we'll see her in a Ballywood movie next!

Produced by 411 Productions.

Espanol: Vean a esta nina Krisha de 10 anos bailar este baile de India. Krisha baila con el Natyanjali Escueal de Dance en San Antonio.

Chris-16 years old "Jonny B Good"

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Watch Chris, a energetic, easy to watch singer, sing Jonny B Good from Chuck Berry. Chris is a young talented musician who performs with Network for Young Artists in San Antonio Texas. He also plays with a mariachi group at his high school.

Produced by 411 Productions for the 411 Show

 

The Fight for Public Access-Part 2

From: 411 Productions and the 411 Show.

Only July 7, 2006, the Public Access Channel in San Antonio Texas, after being off the air for over 6 months, went back on the air. A sigh of relief was breathed by all the public access producers, who waited and waited and waited for this day. However, the battle is far from over and the landscape for Public Access Television has had a dramatic change. We here in San Antonio consider ourselves to be the “test subjects” or the canary in the coal mine, (due to being the 1st city that the franchise agreement ended, activating the provisions of the bill) in the battle to keep public access television alive and thriving. I believe that few people outside of the media activist realm, that is the general public, understand the significance of what has happened, and what’s in store for the rest of United States. There are four other states that have passed similar legislation to Senate bill 5 . They are Indiana, Kansas, South Carolina and Virginia. Numerous other states have had similar bills introduced to their state legislatures. And now we have it on a national level, the COPE bill.

These are some of the questions that remain unanswered and still perplex us. We are working toward trying to understand how to take control of public access television so that it does what it’s suppose to do, be a voice for your local community.

Some of the questions we still have:

• 1. Why did the Texas State Legislature, along with the other 3 states mentioned above pass this state law (or a similar form) that basically weakened cities rights with cable/telecom companies, bypassing them and forcing them to also go into the broadcasting business? Why didn’t the cities raise their voices, since this basically took power away from them? Were they asleep at the wheel?
  

• 2. Why was it that in the City of San Antonio, where we were the 1^st live case to test Senate Bill 5, there was virtually no action on part of the City to ensure that ALL the PEG (Public Access, Educational, Governmental ) channels remained on the air. In mid December 2005 when local access producers went to the final city council meeting for the year, the urgency and concern of the Mayor was that the llocal government channel stay on the air, which it did. So why didn’t the Public Access channel stay on the air?

• 3. Did Time Warner Cable, who is the major cable company in town, intentionally allow the public access channel to go black, so that the channel would be forced to comeback as a digital and not analog? If so, why? What did they have to gain or lose from that?
  

• 4. The funds from the franchising fees that are to go for capital improvements, what is happening to those funds, which are at least $426,000 a QUARTER? Are they being thrown into the general fund for the city? They certainly have not spent that much on equipment. They have spent about $50,000, maybe.
  

• 5. Do we want the City government dictating how the public access channel is run? Most of us agree that this is a worst case scenario and want to be able to manage the channel ourselves. Working with a government agency takes too long to get anything done.
  

• 6. Producers were told in May that no new producers were going to be allowed FOR A YEAR. Why? Is that part of the state law that passed or was that just a decision on the part of the City. Now the city is stating that new producers are allowed, however they are definitely not encouraging it.

• 7. The new channel came back as a digital channel, however now anyone who does not have digital cable (at $59.95 monthly), has to 1^st call the cable company to state that they want the digital public access package, go pick up a digital box at a customer service center, then install it on their television. How are we going to get that information out to the public who have basic service at $14.95 monthly? Can’t we do better such as have a special mailer go out to these customers where they can return it to get the box and the digital channel? So far there is no publicity campaign being offered for this.

• 8. In some other cities, the public access channel is run by a local non-profit organization, which is created specifically for the public access channel. How do we go about following that model, and how do we get the funds from the franchise fees that are set aside for this?

• 9. The local producers were told that they would be kept in the loop for new developments, however that is not what has happened. Letters we have gotten are received well after any decisions have been made and all other decisions being made are not with consultation with any producers. We want to be able to express our concerns and have a say in the decision making process.

This is of course just the beginning of a long road. I hope that other states and cities are taking heed and gearing up for what is coming their way. Meanwhile, here is Texas, we’ve all got miles to go before we sleep. Stay tuned.

The 411 Show is now airing in San Antonio on cable channel 20, on Thursdays at 12:30 pm.

The Reluctant Window Dresser (Signmaker) (4 min)

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Watch this Star Trek/Star Wars themed video starring Chris the reluctant window dresser.

This a comedy short.

Produced by 411 Productions for the 411 Show

Immigration Issue Part 3 (12 min)

Immigration Issue Part 3 (12 min)

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411 Show. Part 3 of the debate on immigration. With Host Ashley 16 and Guest Jessica Marie 16.
Produced by 411 Productions

The Immigration Paradox

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This is the paradox we face, maybe without realizing it.

Espanol - Este el el paradoja que enfrentamos.

Immigration Issue Part 2

Immigration Issue Part 2

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411 Show - Part two on the immigration debate. Featuring Ashley 16 as host and Jessica 16 as guest.

 

Produced by 411 Productions

411show 

Meet the Cast of 411 Productions-Nadia 16 years old

Meet the Cast of 411 Productions-Nadia 16 years old

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Meet Nadia, Host and writer for the 411 Show. Nadia attends Communication Arts High School in San Antonio Texas . 411 Productions, a non-profit organization, was created to teach youth, ages 9-19 how to produce video for television and internet. See our other videoblog at www.411show.blogspot.com for more info.

Espanol: se presenta Nadia, de 16 anos, escritora para el show "The 411 Show". 411 Productions fue creada para ensenar a jovenes de edades 9 a 19 anos, como producir video para television y internet.

Produced by 411 Productions

411 Show - Flamenco Dance Derek 14 years old

411 Show - Flamenco Dance Derek 14 years old

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Watch this electric Spanish Flamenco Dance by Derek from Movimiemnto Dance Arts

 

Espanol: Vean esta baile Flamenco por eljoven Derek de 14 anos. 

Produced by 411 Productions

411show 

Immigration Issue Part 1

Immigration Issue Part 1

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411 Show -a discussion by youth on the current hotly debated immigration issue.

Featuring Host Ashley-16 years old and Jessica Marie, 16

Produced by 411 Productions

411show

Jessie 9 years old-"Gorila" Cumbia

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411 Show

Watch little Jessie sing and dance this Hip-Hop Cumbia "Gorila". Jessie is with the Network for Young Artists in San Antonio Texas.

Espanol: Vean al joven Jessie, de 9 anos, cantar y bailar esta cumbia hip-hop "Gorila".

Produced by 411 Productions

411show

Fight for Public Access Part 1

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Hear commentary from Patsy Robles, Executive Producer for 411 Productions, about the fight in the U.S. to keep Public Access Television on the air. 411 Productions and the 411 Show is a non-profit organization that teaches youth how to produce their own media content. The shows air on cable public access television and as a videoblog.

 

Produced by 411 Productions

San Antonio

411show

 

Meet the Cast of 411-Patsy Robles, Producer

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Meet Producer Patsy Robles from 411 Productions. 411 Productions produces the 411 Show for public access television in San Antonio and as a videoblog.

 

cable television

 

411show

Texas Public Radio Story on losing Public Access Television

Hear the 7 minute news story by reporter Abra Schnur that was run by Texas Public Radio on May 18th, 2006, concerning the Public Access Television issue in Texas. Click on the link below. This is an audio file only, no video on this. You can use Windows Media Player or Quicktime.

Story: The law that took San Antonio's Public Access Channel.

http://tpr.org/audio/news/06051801.asx

The Problem with Public Access Television -Part 3

411 Productions

Empowering Youth with the Media Arts

On Thursday, May 18th, 2006, a small group of Public Access Television Producers in San Antonio, Texas went to the City Council Chambers to air once again, their outrage that the Public Access Channel 20 in San Antonio was still black (not broadcasting). We had only one public access channel in San Antonio where local citizens could produce television shows that could be aired locally. The channel had gone off the air on January 1^st, 2006, due to the Texas state legislature passing Senate Bill 5.

Our original trip to City Council, in which over 80 (out of 180) Public Access Television Producers showed up to air their dismay at the prospect of losing the channel, was in mid December, at the last City Council meeting of the year for 2005. This trip was the 3^rd time we appeared to speak as Public Access Producers at City Council Chambers, during the Citizens to be Heard segment, which is not aired on the local Government Channel 21 in San Antonio. The City Council doesn’t like to air that portion of City Council meetings because they get a lot of angry people who show up for that, some of whom make very strong comments. The rest of the City Council meeting (the part with all the people in suits) is always aired on the government channel 21 in San Antonio. How’s that for censorship!

If you need more background information on what the problem with Public Access Television issue is about, see our previous postings in this blog starting from December 2005, when we 1^st realized the danger we were in. Bottom line, is that Public Access Television is in danger of being lost, not just in San Antonio, but all across the U.S. It is the only local outlet that ordinary citizens who don’t have the resources to rent production studios and film equipment, have, to produce and broadcast on television locally. This is funded with a 1% franchise fee that is charged to paying cable customers, and is turned over to the City for use for PEG (Public Access, Educational, and Government) broadcasting. The money to fund these channels comes from us, the paying cable subscribers, not the city or the cable companies.

One must understand that what is occurring here in San Antonio is not an isolated incident. This scenario is and will continue repeating itself in other cities in the U.S., one by one, as their current franchise agreements end, and if their state legislature has passed law(s) to make this drastic change. This is being done very surreptitiously. These laws are being lobbied to our state politicians by the cable/telecom companies, because they don’t want to have to deal with cities on an individual basis. In the end this endangers localism, which is how we are able to see and hear people in our own cities and neighborhoods on TV other than on the local news channel, and we all know what the local news consists of.

New York City is going through these same hard questions right now as they are realizing the danger their public access channels are in. The New York State legislature has been lobbied on this. A few other states have already passed these new franchising laws in favor of the cable companies negotiating on a statewide basis. This is becoming a model for the future, and this is not good. This leaves me and you, the common citizen, out in the cold, silenced and caught in the storm of who is responsible for the airing of public access. What has happened in San Antonio is a prime example of the damage than can take place and we all need to realize that “There for the grace of God go I.”

Citizens be warned. Don’t let this happen in your state and cities. Be sure to call, write or e-mail your state congressman and senator and let them know that all of this is very bad news, and they better not let this happen in your state. If we don’t all speak up now it will be too late to turn back the tide.

Patsy Robles, 411 Productions

Empowering Youth with the Media Arts

411show.blogspot.com

DeAnne Cuellar (left) with Texas Media Empowerment Project, (texasmep.org) and
Patsy Robles (in red) with 411 Productions (411show.blogspot.com) at the May 1st, 2006 Immigrant Rights Rally.

Actors from World Can't Wait (www.worldcantwait.org) at Immigrant Rights Rally, May 2006

Immigrant Rights Rally, May 2006 (Chavez flag)

May 1st,2006,, Day of Action for Immigrant Rights

Tomorrow on Monday, May 1st, (May Day), will be the 2nd national day of action to bring attention to the plight of immigrants in this country and the attack on them by HR4437. See previous posts for details if you need more background info.

Tomorrow we ask that all youth across the USA Not Attend School, and for people who are able to, without risking their jobs, Not Go to Work. We are also not to go shopping. It is also a day of economic boycott to show people how immigrants, the work they contribute and taxes they pay, are important for the wheels of this country to keep turning. It will be a reality check for everyone.

If you are a student and there is a rally in your city, attend it. Wear your most outrageous clothes, costumes, swimsuits, school or dance uniforms, you name it. Show off your beauty and make yourself be heard (peacefully). Most of the rallies across the nation will be starting in the afternoon and will include marches in cities. Check your local paper for information or contact a local activist group that is involved in the coordination of events. Regardless of what side you are on on this issue, be there and watch this new civil rights movement in action. This is all history in the making. Be there to observe it for yourself. Also anyone who takes some good video can contact me, and we can post it on this, and other websites.

Hope to see you all on television and the Net showing yourselves off.

Patsy Robles, Executive Producer for 411 Productions
Empowering Youth with the Media Arts

411 Show - Violinist Nancy 11 years old

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411 Show - listen and watch this breathtaking performance by

young 11 year old violinist Nancy Zhou. She is an internationally known performer from San Antonio who has already travelled to other countries to showcase her talent.

She plays a beautiful by piece by Paganini (not Puccini as stated in video). We were very honored to have her on the 411 Show as a guest performer.

Espanol:Oigan a esa Joven, Nancy de 11 anos, tocar esta pieza para violin del compsitor Pagatnini. Nancy ya es un artista que esta reconocida internationalmente.

Produced by 411 Productions

411show

A Day Without a Mexican April 10, 2006

On Monday, April 10, 2006, history was made across cities in the U.S.
What was wonderful to watch about this was that people of all ages, backgrounds. colors and religions united to voice their outrage at the passage by Congress of HR 4437, Anti-Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. The bill has passed the House of representatives, and now must pass the U.S. Senate to become law.

The bill criminalizes undocumented immigrants as felons. It expands the definition of smuggling to include those who "knowingly" relate with them such as, family, neighbors, clergy, teachers and businesses. This may mean you. Local police agencies would be drawn into enforcing these provisions. They are already overworked from combating other crimes. They don't want this bill to pass either.

If within your circle of friends and family there are any immigrants, they are in danger of being
convicted of a felony (serve a minimum of 1 year in jail), no matter how long they've been in the U.S. This could send your friends, parents, other family members and their spouses to jail, in addition to undocumented immigrants being deported.

The next Day of Action against HR 4437 will be on Monday, May 1st, 2006. Many students participated in walkouts at schools, or refused to eat their lunch in protest of this bill on April 10. We ask that for Monday May 1st, 2006, students from all schools across the country stay home in protest, so that they don't have to walk out of their schools, and put themselves in physical or legal danger. Many school doors were chained shut on April 10.

Our hope is to wake-up the masses of people, especially youth to get involved in this issue, before it's too late. The madness of this bill must be stopped. It must not be allowed to pass.

The students in France protested against a bill that would be an injustice to them and allow them to be fired without cause for the 1st 2 years they worked. They protested for weeks, until finally, the Prime Minister and their legislatures reversed the bill, from the intense pressure. Youth can have great power, even the power to reverse an unfair law that was passed to benefit employers, but to the detriment of youth.

If there is a march in your city on May 1st, 2006, go to the march and experience it for yourself. I promise you that it will be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Wear your school shirts, your dance uniforms, cheerleading outfits, your swimsuits, etc. as a group so that you all stand out in the crowd. Show everyone the beauty of youth in action.
Don't be afraid. We have nothing to fear but fear itself. (FDR)

To quote Dr. Martin Luther King: Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Dare to make a difference, it will make you feel proud.

For video of the March against HR4437 that occurred in San Antonio, Tx, click on this link on the website for Michaelverdi.com. We hope to post more video on this march soon. You will see Executive Producer for 411 Productions Patsy Robles Benitez and Journalist Barbara Renaud Gonzalez with their commentary on the march. But watch for all the youth that were there that day, and dared to get involved. They have been awakened and motivated to defend their friends and family on this important issue.

http://www.michaelverdi.com/popup.php?url=http://michaelverdi.com/video/april10.mov

411 Show - Hurricane Katrina Part 2 (11 min)

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This file may take a few minutes to load on Windows Media Player/Quicktime

411 Show – 2nd part of our show concerning hurricane Katrina and reaction from youth to the events after Katrina hit. Features Ashley 15 years old as host and Chris, 16 as guest.

See narrative on Part 1 of this show for more background information.

Produced by 411 Productions

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411 Show - Belly Dancer Yas 22 years old

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411 Show – Watch Dancer Yas, 22 years old, dance this sultry Belly Dance.

Yas has been dancing for 2 years with Karavan Dance Company in San Antonio.

For more information on Karavan Dance Company go to www.karavansa.com

Espanol: Vean a Yas 22 anos, bailar este baile del vientre. Yas baile con el grupo Karavan de San Antonio.

Produced by 411 Productions

411show 

 

Produced by 411 Productions

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411 Show - Hurricane Katrina Part 1 (9 min)

411 Show - Hurricane Katrina Part 1 (9 min)

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File may take a few minutes to load on Windows Media/Quicktime.

This show features Ashley, 15 years old as host and Chris, 16 as guest. This set of shows was shot 3 weeks after Hurricane Katrina. The news channels had 24 hour coverage for a few weeks in September 2005. However as usual, the news and interviews focused on the adult perspective.

Many teens and children were surprised and shocked from the images seen after the hurricane, many showing children and pets in distress. We sought to discuss the effects of this disaster at a level youth could understand and relate to.

Chris, who performs with the Network for Young Artists of San Antonio as a singer, performed at a shelter set up for Katrina evacuees at the former Kelly Air Force Base, now renamed Kelly USA. You will see one of his performances in a future posting.

We taped two shows on this topic, and will present them in separate postings of 10 minutes each.

Ashley was recruited by us after scouting for talent at local talent shows in San Antonio called “Our Part of Town”. She is also a singer with the Network for Young Artists in San Antonio and performs at various events.

Produced by 411 Productions for The 411 Show.

411 Show - Kelsey 10 yrs old Singer

411 Show - Kelsey 10 yrs old Singer

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Watch dynamic Kelsey, 10 years old, sing "We got the Beat" for the 411 Show.

Kelsey is a performer with the Network for Young Artists in San Antonio, which is a non-profit organization that teaches youth musical performance.

Produced by 411 Productions

Vean esta jovensita Kelsey, de 10 anos de edad, cantar la cancion "We got the Beat".  Kelsy canta con una organizacion llamada "Network for Young Artists", en San Antonio que ensena a jovenes cantar y bailar.  

The Problem with Public Access Television-Part 2

It has been almost 3 months since we posted on the issue of losing our public access channel in San Antonio, Texas. As of the last week of March 2006, the Public Access Channel is still off the air. After numerous meetings and phone calls with the City of San Antonio, public access producers, and media watchdog groups in Washington DC, we still have no public access channel to air our shows on.

The Public Access Producers were advised that the channel would be back up and running as soon as possible. That was at the end of December 2005. As soon as possible has turned out to be over 3 months as of now.

We have been left in the position of no longer having a studio to record at, staff to assist with editing, editing equipment and for that matter cameras to shoot video. We formerly had all that available per the contract the city had with Time Warner Cable prior to December 31st, 2005. The rug has been pulled out from under us.

We now also have to hustle to create/build a studio to shoot shows, raise money to buy camera equipment and editing software, and still having to wait for the City to get their act together to air shows, which so far has been at a snail's pace. It is just not at their top of the to do list. They state they are still waiting for the broadcasting equipment to come in. It has been a very disappointing 3 months.

Meanwhile we are in the process of setting up a small studio, and will need to purchase the camera and lighting equipment to resume shooting. We will continue to post the shows to the internet while we await the public access channel broadcasting to resume.

We all wish to continue the work that we do. We all feel that we are doing something worthwhile to change the options available to youth from the media they watch and listen to. If you would like to help, we welcome any donations from the public of money or equipment or advice for video production. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to assist. And remember, this is all probably coming to a city near you.

Patsy Robles,
Executive Producer for 411 Productions

To read an article in San Antonio Current from 2004 on The 411 Show, click on this link:
http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=12073486&BRD=2318&PAG=461&dept_id=484045&rfi=8

To view the article on the Public Access issue in the San Antonio Current Magazine, link below:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15796347&BRD=2318&PAG=461&dept_id=484045&rfi=8

The 411 Show- Adopting Pets - Part 2- (13 min)

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The 411 Show - File may take time to load on Windows Media/Quicktime. The remaining 13 minutes of the show on adopting Pets. See note on previous post for Part 1.

Featuring Nadia, 15 years old as host and Eric 18 years old. The cat is named Lucky, but also known as “Ms Kitty”.

Produced by 411 Productions

The 411 Show-Adopting Pets Part 1(9 min)

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Files may take some time to load on Windows Moviemaker or Quicktime.

The 411 Show - Featuring Nadia 15 years old and Eric 18 years old. This show filmed in late 2004, was by far our most popular show. We received lots of comments and because it aired several times, many people got to watch it. The cat, whose real name is “Lucky” (because she was lucky we picked her up from the parking lot of a grocery store, where she had taken up residence), has the nickname “Miss Kitty”. Well Miss Kitty was definitely the center of attention on that day of filming, and she took it all in stride.

The show dealt with a serious issue in San Antonio. Where over 50,000 dogs and cats are put to death each year, making San Antonio the number one city that kills unwanted pets. The local newspaper, the Express-News, had run a series on this called “Death by the Pound”, which showed graphic photos of carcasses of dogs thrown in the land fills, which stirred a lot of people into outrage, which was long overdue. Many youth consider themselves animal lovers, and facing the reality of what happens to pets that get picked up by the pound was a wake up call. We hoped to encourage more youth to consider adopting a pet from the pound. Changes have been made at the pound since this episode aired, including the resignation of some staff, however there are still disturbing problems that still linger to this day.

To view the article from the San Antonio Express News in November 2005 click on this link:

http://.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA111404.1A.poundmainbar.543d8efc.html

Produced by 411 Productions