Exciting Local Dance, Mandalas for Peace & Re-Writing History - New Programs on MiND TV!

March 10th, 2010


Check out these great new additions to the MiND TV 5-minute program lineup!  With our new programs, you can take a journey through African American history, go through the motions of exhilarating dance drills, and take a look at the many exciting events and activities that shape our local community.  So go explore the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, bust a move at Philadelphia’s Illadelph Legends Festival, or join Losang Samten in his quest to create a Kalachakra Mandala in the name of peace!

African American Studies

African American Trailblazers: Carter G. Woodson

MiND TV celebrates the valued contributions of African Americans throughout history with this series of insightful mini-biographies.  In this edition, we honor Carter G. Woodson, who dedicated his life to demystifying racist practices in historical studies and lead the endeavor for change and reform.  Find out how this remarkable individual came to be known as the father of African American history!

Under the Baobab Tree

Temple University’s Pan-African Studies Community Education Program offers a wide variety of courses for higher education, including a substantial number of enriching African-American Studies courses.  A proud institution founded in 1975, PASCEP provides a valiant source of knowledge and unity for the North Philadelphia community.  Observe what previous PASCEP instructor Linda Goss describes as “Education for the mind, and wisdom for the soul!”

Dance

Philadelphia’s Illadelph Legends Festival
Member: Rennie Harris Puremovement

Find out why Philadelphia’s Illadelph Legends Festival is the longest continually run Hip-Hop dance festival around.  Held annually at the University of the Arts, this festival is an opportunity for aspiring dancers, legendary choreographers, and new enthusiasts to bond through education, dance, and discussion.  Catch a glimpse of this exciting event with Rennie Harris, Zulu Gremlin, Buddha Stretch, and Tweetie as they expose you to the significance of Hip-hop and its rich, vibrant culture with a variety of thrilling dance scenes!

Group Motion Dance Workshop
Member: Djuna Wojton

Dance—a fluid expression of the self.  As a participant of the Group Motion Dance Workshop, you are not only exposed to dance as an art form, but as a powerful force of non-verbal communication.  With its improvisational focus, this workshop offers an important lesson in releasing your inhibitions.  Co-Director Manfred Fischbeck introduces you to exercises including the shadow dance and the active-passive game. You can even take part in Group Motion workshops at the Community Education Center in Philadelphia!

Community

Constructing Peace

Join Losang Samten, spiritual director of the Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia, as he guides you through the delicate process of creating a Kalachakra Mandala—an intricate, colorful work of art made entirely of sand.  Learn the history behind this fascinating tradition— an artistic endeavor to promote peace and overcome suffering.

Enjoy!

Hal Solomon
MiND TV Intern

One Member’s View of Haiti

February 15th, 2010


As many of you already know, here at MiND TV, we always believe in advocating a global perspective. Given the recent tragedy in Haiti, we are all trying to do our part to aid the earthquake relief effort, and we are very fortunate to have a member who has taken the time to create a program documenting the current crisis. In the essence of educating our community and in honoring the dedication to making a difference, please take the time to watch this compelling new program.

World & Current Events

Haiti: United We Stand

Member: Antoine Rock

As a Haitian, MiND TV member Antoine Rock wanted to help spread awareness for the Haiti Earthquake Relief pending the devastation caused on January 12, 2010. This footage powerfully documents the suffering and anguish caused by the tragedy, and the undeniable courage of a nation resilient in the face of crisis. As this program’s title so accurately conveys, we must remain mindful that in this time of great adversity, the spirit of a community united will help overcome Haiti’s current hardships, and aid in rebuilding the nation.

Thank you,

Hal Solomon

MiND TV Intern

Enjoy New 5-Minute MiND Programs!

February 5th, 2010


Hey there, this is Hal Solomon, your new MiND TV intern, bringing you the latest in 5-minute programs!  During my internship, I’ll be making some postings to keep you up-to-date on the brand new 5-minute programs we’re airing.  This month, we’ve got a really great mix of new programs on the arts, the environment, and of course, the local community!  So go ahead—get an eyeful of the fascinating features at the Vivant Art Collection, hear the spoken-word stylings of Lin-Manuel Miranda, or awaken your inner bird-watcher with our inside look at the National Aviary!

Environmental

Let Your Spirit Soar: The National Aviary

Get a personal tour of the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA, where you’ll meet some of the most colorful species the venue has to offer, along with some fun facts about each breed! You’ll also get a chance to see some live demonstrations of their high-flying friends in action!

Leave No Trace: Outdoor Ethics

We all know that we have a responsibility to Mother Nature—but sometimes, it’s so hard to know where to start. So tune-in and let the members of the National Park Service take some of the guess-work out of it for you! Get some helpful tips on how to be more eco-conscious on your next camping or hiking trip!

Arts

Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Hamilton Mixtape

Grab a front-row seat for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s White House performance of “The Hamilton Mixtape,” a comic, musical rendition based on the life of treasury secretary Alexander Hamilton (George Washington’s right-hand man.)  You won’t want to miss this clever hip-hop history lesson!  An introduction to the event is delivered by President Barack Obama himself.

Vivant Art Collection

Member: Antoine Rock

Get a first-hand look at the special art exhibition “Music for Your Eyes” at the Vivant Art Collection in Old City Philadelphia. This gallery event uniquely features art that expresses the love of music through bold, vibrant colors and dynamic visual motifs.  Gallery owner Florcy Morriset educates us on the inspiration behind the gallery and the importance of cultural diversity in the arts.

Harvey Finkle: Documentary Photographer

Join us as we explore the engaging works of Harvey Finkle, a dedicated documentary photographer of sociopolitical issues. Harvey guides us through a collection of his poignant photographs, detailing issues of civil rights and poverty, including his work with the Kensington Welfare Rights Union. Harvey also provides some beneficial advice for aspiring documentary photographers.

Community

18th District X-Mas Party

Member: Young Broadcasters of America

Why have law enforcers started swapping their police uniforms for Santa suits all of the sudden? The 18th Division’s got the answer! Watch how they bring the holiday spirit to their community and get some insight into why they’re making this an annual tradition.