Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Book of the week: Mixturao and Other Poems by Tato Laviera

Art brings our clever inner selves to life! 

In my opinion, art is everything from the way we speak, dress, walk, to the way the clouds are shaped.
Art means different things for everyone. So stop today by La Casa Azul Bookstore, enjoy your new book of the week, and let the magic of art transport you to the journey waiting to be explore.
- Yajaira




Title: Mixturao and Other Poems
Author: TatoLaviera

Genre:  
Poems (Bilingual –English and Spanish)

Synopsis:  
 “In the title poem of TatoLaviera's fifth poetry collection, "Mixturao," he celebrates the mix of diverse cultures and languages that make up America, and challenges those who advocate a monolingual existence: "We who integrate/urban America/simmering in each other's/slangs indigenous/nativizing our tongues'/cruising accents/who are you, English, /telling me, 'Speak only English/or die?'" Laviera deftly combines English and Spanish in this poetic celebration of his own bilingual, bicultural existence and the ever-increasing use of both languages in all fields, from music to technology…” 
(http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qsort=p&page=1&matches=0&author=Laviera%2C+Tato&browse=1&qwork=10976313&first=1&full=1)

Friday, August 24, 2012

Internship opportunities at La Casa Azul Bookstore!

Internship opportunities at La Casa Azul Bookstore!
Deadline has been extended to Sunday September 2nd at 8:00pm
 
La Casa Azul Bookstore is currently looking for a few good interns who wish to learn the ins and outs of running a business while enriching lives through reading, writing, and the power of books!

Are you the type of person who delights at your guests looking through your books, but spends hours re-organizing them after they leave? Do you save money on your heating bill because the books covering your wall act as insulation? When you see someone using a e-reader on the train, do you wish it had a dust jacket on it so you could see what they are reading and strike up a conversation about it? Do you think of books as the ultimate social media? Are you fascinated by the rapidly evolving book industry? If so, you may be perfect for a position at La Casa Azul Bookstore!

The internships last for 12-16 weeks (longer internships available) and interns work 8 - 12 hours/week. Fall internship is September - December. Opportunities are available for undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates who are considering careers in the arts, education, business and publishing.  College credit may be arranged.

3 intern positions available (please read full descriptions below)

1. Marketing & Communications intern
2. School Programs intern 
3. Operations intern


All internships are unpaid, but there are a number of great perks, including free books, flexible hours, fun-loving co-workers, and more. Most importantly, you will learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business. Plus, it will earn you a number of professional contacts, and looks great on a resume!

Qualifications include strong communication skills, an outgoing personality, superior organizational skills, and an infectious passion for the written word.

ALL applicants must submit:
1.      Creative cover letter
2.      Resume (with 2 references)
3.      Answer to question: Why are you interested in an internship at La Casa Azul Bookstore (1 page max, separate from cover letter)
4.      Schedule information (days/hours available from Wednesday – Sunday between the hours of 12pm – 8pm)

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday September 2nd at 8:00pm , via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 

Though we are never at a loss for something to read, we can't wait to read your application!


MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
The Marketing and Communications intern gets to be involved in a wide variety of Marketing & Promotions tasks, which include assisting with the promotion of various events, and a variety of in-house communications, processing and archiving media coverage; developing relationships with local and national journalists; and offering creative input in developing pitches. Additional support with marketing initiatives as needed.

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, Photo Shop, Power Point and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

APPLY BY: Sunday September 2nd at 8:00pm, via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN (Fall2012)



SCHOOL PROGRAMS INTERN
The School Programs Intern will assist with the development and implementation of new outreach strategies to teachers, principals, parents and parent coordinators.
Tasks will include corresponding with educational stakeholders, setting appointments, preparing materials for programs/meetings, responding to inquiries, and other projects as assigned.

Desired skills: The ideal candidate has an interest in education, the New York City Public School system and the arts. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, and work well both independently and within a team. Strong organizational skills are necessary, as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

APPLY BY: Sunday September 2nd at 8:00pm, via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: SCHOOL PROGRAMS INTERN (Fall 2012)


OPERATIONS INTERN
The Operations intern will have the unique opportunity to have direct contact with the general public, learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business.
 Tasks include: Providing excellent customer service including greeting shoppers, locating sections or titles, recommending books, and helping with transactions. Assisting with daily store processes and procedures including sorting books and merchandise, stocking shelves, and creating displays. Helping to plan and execute events such as storytime, book clubs, author sessions in the store, sales, and other projects as assigned.
Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

APPLY BY:
Sunday Sunday September 2nd at 8:00pm, via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: OPERATIONS INTERN (Fall2012)


No incomplete applications will be considered.
Please do not contact the store with further questions or to inquire about selection.


Thank you!
La Casa Azul Bookstore

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Arte poética, de Vicente Huidobro


Que el verso sea como una llave
Que abra mil puertas.
Una hoja cae; algo pasa volando;
Cuanto miren los ojos creado sea,
Y el alma del oyente quede temblando.

Inventa mundos nuevos y cuida tu palabra;
El adjetivo, cuando no da vida, mata.

Estamos en el ciclo de los nervios.
El músculo cuelga,
Como recuerdo, en los museos;
Mas no por eso tenemos menos fuerza:
El vigor verdadero
Reside en la cabeza.

Por qué cantáis la rosa, ¡oh Poetas!
Hacedla florecer en el poema;

Sólo para nosotros
Viven todas las cosas bajo el Sol.

El Poeta es un pequeño Dios.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Book of the week: The Latin Beat by Ed Morales

Art brings our clever inner selves to life! 
In my opinion, art is everything from the way we speak, dress, walk, to the way the clouds are shaped. Art means different things for everyone. So stop today by La Casa Azul Bookstore, enjoy your new book of the week, and let the magic of art transport you to the journey waiting to be explore.
- Yajaira




Title: The Latin Beat
Author: Ed Morales
Genre: Nonfiction

Synopsis:  
 “The Latin explosion of Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, and the Buena Vista Social Club may look like it came out of nowhere, but the incredible variety of Latin music has been transforming the United States since the turn of the century, when Caribbean beats turned New Orleans music into jazz. In fact, we wouldn't have any of our popular music without it: Imagine pop sans the mambos of Perez Prado and Tito Puente, the garage rock of Richie Valens, or even the glitzy croon of Julio Iglesias, not to mention the psychedelia of Santana and Los Lobos and the underground cult grooves of newcomers like Bebel Gilberto. The Latin Beat outlines the musical styles of each country, then traces each form as it migrates north. Morales travels from the Latin ballad to bossa nova to Latin jazz, chronicles the development of the samba in Brazil and salsa in New York, explores the connection between the mambo craze of the 1950's with the Cuban craze of today, and uncovers the hidden history of Latinos in rock and hip hop. The Latin Beat is the only book that explores where the music has come from and celebrates all of the directions it is going.” 
(http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Latin_Beat.html?id=Lpv25quOSnwC)

Review: 
It’s a stupendous read if one wants to enrich ourselves with some history about the roots of Latin music! 

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Sixty years, by Taha Muhammad Ali


And so
it has taken me
all of sixty years
to understand
that water is the finest drink, 
and bread the most delicious food,
and that art is worthless
unless it plants 
a measure of splendor in people’s hearts.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Internship opportunities at La Casa Azul Bookstore!

La Casa Azul Bookstore is currently looking for a few good interns who wish to learn the ins and outs of running a business while enriching lives through reading, writing, and the power of books!

Are you the type of person who delights at your guests looking through your books, but spends hours re-organizing them after they leave? Do you save money on your heating bill because the books covering your wall act as insulation? When you see someone using a e-reader on the train, do you wish it had a dust jacket on it so you could see what they are reading and strike up a conversation about it? Do you think of books as the ultimate social media? Are you fascinated by the rapidly evolving book industry? If so, you may be perfect for a position at La Casa Azul Bookstore!

The internships last for 12-16 weeks (longer internships available) and interns work 12 hours/week. Fall internship is September - December. Opportunities are available for undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates who are considering careers in the arts, education, business and publishing.  College credit may be arranged.

3 intern positions available (please read full descriptions below)

1. Marketing & Communications intern
2. School Programs intern 
3. Operations intern


All internships are unpaid, but there are a number of great perks, including free books, flexible hours, fun-loving co-workers, and more. Most importantly, you will learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business. Plus, it will earn you a number of professional contacts, and looks great on a resume!

Qualifications include strong communication skills, an outgoing personality, superior organizational skills, and an infectious passion for the written word.

ALL applicants must submit:
1.      Creative cover letter
2.      Resume (with 2 references)
3.      Answer to question: Why are you interested in an internship at La Casa Azul Bookstore (1 page max, separate from cover letter)
4.      Schedule information (days/hours available from Wednesday – Sunday between the hours of 12pm – 8pm)

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday August 26 at 8:00pm , via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 

Though we are never at a loss for something to read, we can't wait to read your application!


MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
The Marketing and Communications intern gets to be involved in a wide variety of Marketing & Promotions tasks, which include assisting with the promotion of various events, and a variety of in-house communications, processing and archiving media coverage; developing relationships with local and national journalists; and offering creative input in developing pitches. Additional support with marketing initiatives as needed.

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, Photo Shop, Power Point and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

APPLY BY: Sunday August 26 at 8:00pm , via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN (Fall2012)



SCHOOL PROGRAMS INTERN
The School Programs Intern will assist with the development and implementation of new outreach strategies to teachers, principals, parents and parent coordinators.
Tasks will include corresponding with educational stakeholders, setting appointments, preparing materials for programs/meetings, responding to inquiries, and other projects as assigned.

Desired skills: The ideal candidate has an interest in education, the New York City Public School system and the arts. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, and work well both independently and within a team. Strong organizational skills are necessary, as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

APPLY BY: Sunday August 26 at 8:00pm , via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: SCHOOL PROGRAMS INTERN (Fall 2012)


OPERATIONS INTERN
The Operations intern will have the unique opportunity to have direct contact with the general public, learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business.
 Tasks include: Providing excellent customer service including greeting shoppers, locating sections or titles, recommending books, and helping with transactions. Assisting with daily store processes and procedures including sorting books and merchandise, stocking shelves, and creating displays. Helping to plan and execute events such as storytime, book clubs, author sessions in the store, sales, and other projects as assigned.
Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

APPLY BY:
Sunday August 26 at 8:00pm , via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: OPERATIONS INTERN (Fall2012)


No incomplete applications will be considered.
Please do not contact the store with further questions or to inquire about selection.


Thank you!
La Casa Azul Bookstore

Book of the week: Frida Kahlo by Prestel

Art brings our clever inner selves to life! 
In my opinion, art is everything from the way we speak, dress, walk, to the way the clouds are shaped.
Art means different things for everyone. So stop today by La Casa Azul Bookstore, enjoy your new book of the week, and let the magic of art transport you to the journey waiting to be explore.
- Yajaira




Title: Frida Kahlo
Author: Prestel

Genre: 
Art/coloring book

Synopsis:  
This coloring book for children is based on Frida Kahlo’s most astonishing paintings.

Review: 
It’s a stupendous coloring book with a fresh outlook for our children to learn about Frida Kahlo’s work (one of the most influential artists of all time), while making their own interpretations.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

¿Qué les queda a los jóvenes? de Mario Benedetti


¿Qué les queda por probar a los jóvenes
en este mundo de paciencia y asco?
¿sólo grafitti? ¿rock? ¿escepticismo?
también les queda no decir amén
no dejar que les maten el amor
recuperar el habla y la utopía
ser jóvenes sin prisa y con memoria
situarse en una historia que es la suya
no convertirse en viejos prematuros

¿qué les queda por probar a los jóvenes
en este mundo de rutina y ruina?
¿cocaína? ¿cerveza? ¿barras bravas?
les queda respirar / abrir los ojos
descubrir las raíces del horror
inventar paz así sea a ponchazos
entenderse con la naturaleza
y con la lluvia y los relámpagos
y con el sentimiento y con la muerte
esa loca de atar y desatar

¿qué les queda por probar a los jóvenes
en este mundo de consumo y humo?
¿vértigo? ¿asaltos? ¿discotecas?
también les queda discutir con dios
tanto si existe como si no existe
tender manos que ayudan / abrir puertas
entre el corazón propio y el ajeno /
sobre todo les queda hacer futuro
a pesar de los ruines de pasado
y los sabios granujas del presente.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Book of the week: Havana Salsa by Viviana Carballo

Art brings our clever inner selves to life! 

In my opinion, art is everything from the way we speak, dress, walk, to the way the clouds are shaped.
Art means different things for everyone. So stop today by La Casa Azul Bookstore, enjoy your new book of the week, and let the magic of art transport you to the journey waiting to be explore.
- Yajaira




Title: Havana Salsa

Author: Viviana Carballo

Genre: Memoir/Biography (English)

Synopsis:  
 “A vibrant memoir by Carballo that focuses on her childhood, her eccentric family, and the food that nourished, delighted, and healed them.” (http://www.worldcat.org/title/havana-salsa-stories-and-recipes/oclc/67361487)

Review:  
“Readers looking for standards like tostones and cubanos will be satisfied and then enchanted by unique recipes that could only come from Carballo’s experiences.” –New York Post

Thursday, August 2, 2012

One Art, by Elizabeth Bishop


The art of losing isn’t hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster,

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother’s watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three beloved houses went.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn’t a disaster.

— Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident
the art of losing’s not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) a disaster.