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Today I faced my accusers in a pre-trial hearing. I was fairly confident when I heard my name called by the Chief Magistrate. I was being summoned to state my case for why I didn't deserve to pay the whopping $38 parking ticket the City of Seattle was demanding me. So yes okay I'll admit, I did have somewhat of a bad attitude since I'd taken an hour and a half out of my work day and hiked all 15 blocks downtown to the courthouse with heels on, in the rain. When I got there I had to check-in with the clerk and fill out some preliminary paperwork. Then I was asked to sit in the waiting room with about 6 or 7 other equally ticked-off citizens. There was a tangible sense of irritation in the room. People were shuffling through pictures they'd taken of the scene of the crime, trying to decide on the best ones to convince the magistrate of their innocence. I sat in my seat righteously convinced that today was my day of vindication. So when they called my name, I happily gathered my things and headed into the magistrate's office to face my accusers.

Magistrate: Good morning, how are you today. (No question mark, it was rhetorical. He didn't really care)
Me: Good morning, and I'm fine thank you. (he could've cut the formal salutations at that point, I was about the business)
Magistrate: So according to this document, you're here today because you were parked...
Me: in an unmarked crosswalk Sir.
Magistrate: Yes that's what it says here. So can you please state your reasons for contesting the ticket?
Me: First of all, I'd like to know what exactly an un-marked crosswalk IS???

Magistrate: An unmarked crosswalk is...
Me: Before you start, I have some pictures of the scene. (hands magistrate pictures)
Magistrate: (points at pictures) This is an unmarked crosswalk right here.
Me: ::perplexed look:: This is a residential street. It's a neighborhood. People park here all day every day and somehow manage not to get tickets.
Magistrate: It doesn't matter. It's against the law to park in an un-marked crosswalk (draws lines on a piece of paper showing where unmarked crosswalks exist)
Me: (ignores drawing) We all live in this neighborhood, these so-called "un-marked crosswalks" are right in front of homes. So you're telling me that these people can get a ticket for parking outside their own house?

Magistrate: Yes. Just like if they parked in front of a fire hydrant.
Me: This is not a fire hydrant, it's an invisible crosswalk.
Magistrate: It doesn't matter.
Me: That is ludicrous.
Magistrate: (shrugs shoulder) It is the law. If you would like to schedule a court date to contest it and have the officer (code for evil meter maid) testify, I can set that up right now.
Me: That would only be a further waste of my time so no thank you.

Magistrate: ashshsettrjtrtoetoselldlleppetgdjgsdssbfhdhdx
Me: (no longer listening to Mr. Magistrate) I'm sorry, can you say that again?
Magistrate: At this time you owe $38. You can pay that on the first floor, at window 10.
Me: Today?
Magistrate: Yes today.
Me: I don't think so. I am not paying $38 today. I've already been inconvenienced enough. I'm leaving.

Magistrate: Fine then, please go to the first floor and notify them when you will be paying $38 at window 12

(Dream Sequence in Slow Motion)
Assuming superhuman strength, Ambra lunges forward and reaches over the desk to grab the neck of the magistrate. She simultaneously proceeds to kick the glass out of the window with her now, very well treaded high heel boots. Using one hand, she dangles the Chief Magistrate out of the window 18 stories up over moving traffic below. He begs for mercy, and promises to pardon Ambra of the $38 ticket. He admits the law is faulty and promises to expose all the wickedness on the city council if she lets him come back inside. Ambra makes him promise to pardon the fees due all the other people in the waiting room first. He says he'll do it and she slowly brings him inside and releases him from her death grip. A party breaks out in the court waiting room. Crowds chant, "Hail, Hail" as leaves the magistrates office. The mayor starts crying, the meter maids repent, the band starts playing "We Are the Champions".
(Dream Sequence Ends)

Me: I will do just that. Thanks and have a nice day.
(I had to buy myself some time since I plan on paying the ticket in pennies)

 

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I came across some really excellent scriptual insight from a local pastor here in Washington on how we ought to address issues raised by the movie. Thus ends my triology.

 

The beginning of 2004 marked the somewhat anticipated release of "Jimmie Hatz", the new "Hip-Hop" condoms .

So you're wondering if the condoms play music when you open them, or if they include a secret code by which you can secure tickets to the next "Chingy" concert, or maybe they give you some tips on writing a really good rhyme. No, in fact the only thing different or "Hip-Hop" about these condoms is the packaging: a shiny rapper with a cartoon picture of a pit-bull or rottweiller sporting a gold "Mr. T. starter kit" chain immediately lets you know the company behind these condoms is after a certain market. My best guess is youth and namely, youth of color.

I suppose it was only a matter of time since hip-hop, top-selling musical form, has already infiltrated the commercial industry. It is a proven fact that hip-hop sells and where there's money to made, usually the weasels are hot on the trail.

According to Harry Terrell, CEO of the company behind Jimmie Hatz,

"Basically, what we've tried to do here is make it the cool thing to do, the 'in' thing to do, to protect yourself."

That is cow dung. Mr. Terrell's statement alone should be a red flag to anyone who has the good sense God gave them. The evangelical outpost posted a good article a month or so back on the condom conspiracy.

There is a gigantic lie parading around in truth's clothing that condoms are the best form of protection. The is based on the ideology that teenagers do not nor cannot have self-control. They are just rabid beasts, succumbing to the whims of their flesh, so we might as well slap a condom on them in hopes that they won't get somebody pregnant or contract HIV.

It always amazes me that people forget that there are huge corporations making an inordinate amount of money by pushing out condoms to the masses. This is not Social Concern 101. This is Economics 600. There is a lot of money to be made in the condom industry and don't be fooled into thinking Harry Terrell, Trojan, or any other company is even the least bit concerned about abstinence education or the HIV problem among "urban youth". Although Mr. Terrell would say, "It's a full blown effort on our part to save our community," I assume Mr. Terrell's goal is help our community by giving young people a means to continue to seek false gratification by filling up their emptiness with pre-mature intercourse, lengthening the list of their sexual soul-ties, and inevitably adding to the number of un-wed mothers, young fathers, and further continuing the cycle of poverty in many urban communities.

This is far worse than the effects of pop (or for you east coasters "soda") machines in elementary schools. There is a sound of truth that needs to resound on this issue. These condoms are the last thing hip-hop needs, more importantly they are the last thing my generation needs. Mr. Terrell needs to be called to the carpet on his actions. So where's the NAACP now? As usual, nowhere to be found.

Other related stories on "Jimmie Hatz":
- "Hip-Hop Condoms to hit stores" - CNN
- "Hip-Hop Condoms to hit stores next year" - BET (the always credible)
- "The 'rap'-per makes a difference" - Pittsburgh Courier
- JimmieHatz.com, where the company offers statistics to support their social cause.

 

Patrick Henry College, a newer evangelical 4 year institution focused on training home-schooled students is being charged with one of the worst crimes to date: raising too many conservative leaders. According to David Kirkpatrick of the New York times, seven of the White House's 100 interns were pulled from the school's 240 student enrollment and one works for the Bush re-election campaign. Apparently that's one too many in the eyes of the political left. According to a woman interviewed for the article (who happens to be the education policy director for a liberal advocacy group), "The number of Patrick Henry interns in the White House scares me to death." It's a travesty I'm sure. I do realize how scary that word "evangelical" is in the name of an academic institution. I think my dear and very Christian parents nearly had hernias when I told them I was considering transferring to Oral Roberts University three years ago. It is interesting how something like this even warrants media attention. This is how colleges should be--specialized. Every university is seeking to be have a mark on its student population. Have you seen the glossy layouts for college brochures these days? You'd think you were being sold a timeshare. Yet, while it is scary to many that such a small school would push out such a large percentage of leaders of a certain thought persuasion, I can name off 10 universities and colleges right now (my former university included) that are responsible for consistently producing some of the most liberal, God-hating, morally relative leaders of the 21st century. Here's a hint, most of them are in the New-England area. Now that's scary.

The charge against the school's president is a charge that can be made against just about any president of a university, provided he or she is not a tool of the alumni or Board of Directors. Institutions of higher education want the reputation of raising up leaders provided you think the way they want you to think. I used to work in my university's annual fund office, I know how dirty the fundraising campaigns can get. It is unfortunate however, that because this school is a proponent of conservative thought, the opportunists cry, "Conspiracy!" I say it is time for education reform in America and that means universities as well. I say kudos to a a small school gaining a reputation of integrity in their students.

 

That thing called the flesh caugh up with me this week hence the four going on five days postless. If I was one of the X-men, I'd want my super power to be the ability to go days without sleeping. Unfortunately, I don't have that gift and the pillow and I have done some much needed bonding this week. So much so that I missed some great turning points in the state America. I jest.

John Edwards Bows Out of the Race
But when will Al Sharpton? He is such a joke of Reverend it's not even funny. So it is clear that John Kerry will get the Democratic nomination. But will he beat Bush? Absolutely not. There are even some Democrats who will be voting for Bush. Kerry's just no contest lest, Pat Robertson should shame the name of God. (smile)

Omarosa gets fired by "the Donald" on the Apprentice
Just goes to show, don't piss off your teammates, and don't be a rude jerk all the time. I still stand on my previous thoughts regarding her being a victim of clever editing. But it was her time to go. The exposure she's received in all this is a much better reward than getting locked into a fishy deal to run one of Donald's companies. Somebody's going to be the "Clay Aiken" of this competition.

Martha Stewart, Guilty on All Counts
Well Hot Dog! I stand corrected. Now let's see what happens from here. Sad to say, above all the insider trading stuff, there is a principle of sowing and reaping at work here. Martha wasn't guilty of lying about what she did (okay maybe yes), but the truth of the matter is, she was guilty of being a first-class jerk. There is nothing that she did that hasn't been done numerous times by other CEO's. That doesn't necessarily make it right, but it certainly seems unfair for her to be called to the carpet right? Absolutely not. It has long been known that the person of Martha Stewart is shrewd, rude, and downright belligerant. Up until now, no one could argue that her method of rising to the top (crushing the heads of those under and around her) was wrong. Unfortunately, the sow/reap principle applies to everyone and Martha is getting her due.

Passion Still Tops Box Office
"Shakin' the haters off", Gibson's movie remains number one and even suprises analysts to only slip 39% in box office sales in its second week. That is unheard of in the industry. Don't doubt, Hollywood is angry. Production and distribution companies that turned this offer down are wallowing in self-pity right about now. It is inevitable that self-pity will turn into conniving back-stabbing. So be it. You can't deny he brilliancy of it all. The Bible is the top selling book of all time.

 

Well, I
finally did it. I saw the Passion and I must say, it feels good to be
able to have an opinion based on something tangible. Never in my life
have I seen a movie theater so captivated by a movie. There were times
when you could literally hear a pin drop. Even the foul-mouthed heckler
sitting next to us felt so convicted, he had to shut up half way
through the movie. I will probably never see this movie again, but I am
so glad I did. I actually had to physically make myself watch
the gruesome parts and even then, I knew they weren't as gruesome as
they should've or could've been. The reports that the movie was too
gory just don't hold much weight for me after experiencing it with my
own eyes. And I myself am one of the most squeemish people you will
ever meet. In my most humble and personal opinion, the film exceeded my
expectations. There is the looming sense of Catholicism in the focus on
Mary among other things, but I expected that from Gibson. All my other
issues with the movie can be squashed for the sake of furthering the
Gospel. Many have argued that Gibson needed to tell more of the story,
I say he achieved his purpose of wanting to capture the feeling of
those last 12 hours with the focus on Jesus. I stayed until the end of
the credits -- not because I was trying to be deep, but because I felt
that pulling off a film such as what I'd viewed had to have been a
mighty endeavor, and I wanted to honor and respect the work it took.
There is something happening in the spiritual atmosphere. People will
argue whether or not Gibson really
heard from God to make this movie. That is not really the issue in my
opinion and I don't presume to know. I only hope Gibson himself comes
to receive true Salvation through this process. The real question we
need to be asking is where is God at work right now? And where can we
join Him in His work? It is no mistake that only days leading up to the
premiere of the Passion the homosexual "marriage" controversy
hit the media like a bomb. And let's not be mistaken, mass media would
have you think same-sex "marriages" are taking place in every crevice
of the universe. It's a lie and it just goes to show how much power
they have over the media. The reality, is, compared to the millions of
people that live in America, only about 7-9,000 people are
participating in this gay "marriage" debacle. It is a distraction. The
majority of American citizens are not for gay "marriage" and we're
pretty dense to think otherwise. Even John Kerry can't bring himself to
call the union of two men a "marriage". We need to call things out for
what they are and this debate is a dissipation. We need to give a clear
answer to all the issues being raised and we must be strategic, but we
cannot allow the lie of this issue to dominate the airwaves nor our
lives.
Personally, if I wasn't a believer, I wouldn't see the Passion.
God makes us accountable for everything we've heard, everything we
know, and everything we've seen--especially the Gospel. It has been
argued that the Passion is not a real presentation of the
Gospel. I'd say it's pretty darn close. The Gospel is simple. The
finished work of Christ can be understood even by a child. Christ made
it simple for us through His sinless life. Entering the Kingdom of God
and "working out our salvation" as the Bible declares, is where the
real work begins. There is a certain doorway that has been kicked open
by this film. I'm not sure what the doorway is, but when I find out,
I'll post it in an instant. Those who have eyes to see will recognize
that if God can use a rock and if he can use our unworthy piles of
flesh, he can use anything, no matter how much we Christians may oppose
it.
--------

 

Now isn't this interesting? I received this from a reader among others
in response to that last post:
Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 02:56:46 -0800
From: Patrick
To: ambra@nykola.com
Subject: amazing
When I started to read this I got the stereotypical "knee jerk" liberal
reaction being the hard core democrat that I am and became angry until
I kept reading and realized that this was so "spot on" it was scary. I
too am so sick of the fact that all we do is talk in this country
without ever really doing anything. We whine, b**** and moan on TV, in
letters to newspapers & magazines and on our blogs because it is so
much easier than actually doing anything while people from other
countries, as you stated, come here and work their a**s off to attain
as much success as they can. Unfortunately since we have it so good we
are spoiled and that is never good for one's character and/or work
ethic.
Thanks,
Patrick
--------

 

This is a post I wrote that was published on another blogger's site (apparently he liked it, even though it was directed towards him) I won't link to the site as I can't endorse the content. Anyway, it was a response to a rant he wrote on Freedom of Speech, the Clear Channel/Howard Stern Controversy, and how much he hates President Bush and his whole administration. I was not impressed:

[I wrote:]

Cry me a river. Conservative morality is being shoved down peoples throats? Hardly compares to the Liberal agenda shoved down most peoples' throats when they turn on most major television networks, go to public school, or try to watch a movie.

The point is, LOTS of stuff is being shoved down people's throats from all different directions. No single political party is wielding the sword here. You better believe that Democrats are strategic if not more so at getting their message across in convoluted ways. Political parties are just evil. All 100 of them. No good can come from "group think". [Note: when they're thinking the wrong things!]

Stop all the whining and just be thankful you can actually make a choice politically. There's always someone worse off than you. It's easier for us to feel better about our own lack of productivity by blaming everything on the big bad government. Americans make me sick. Myself included. (Yes that's right, I make myself sick). We're so lazy, but we can somehow manage to post on our blogs how much we hate the government [in his case, it was the Bush Administation] or how disenfranchised we are. Meanwhile, the average immigrant can come here and make twice as much money as we do, own 6 businesses, and manage to raise their kids to replicate the process. Why? Because they recognize that authority is authority and they can whine and moan but it's not going to change their situation. They actually DO something in spite of the government. So I say, we're full of excuses and I think it's a load of crap. People need to step outside of themselves. How does what we do as individuals impact the same issues we complain about. In spite of our problems, we're freakin' blessed to live in a country like America and that shouldn't be forgotten. Whoever catches that revelation will be the most successful in life. Period.

 

I indulged myself in the recent Democratic candidate debate aired on C-SPAN. Again, I remind readers that I have never sought out to be a political pundit here. I leave that to real buffs. I just call 'em like I see 'em. So I give you, politics for the people. These are some things I learned by watching the debate:

1. Dan Rather is realy really old. When did this happen? He is also rather funny looking. I never noticed how much his ears stick out. Who knew time could do that to you.
   
2. America will never vote someone with the title "Rev." into office.
   
3. Congressman Dennis Kucinich looks like he's made of plastic. I wonder if his politics are plastic as well.
   
4. It's absolutely not cool for a presidential candidate to not believe in God. So make sure you convince the viewers that you actually believe in Him. Contrary to popular belief, God's pretty important to a lot of Americans. It helps if you know some scriptures as well.
   
5. This whole gay marriage thing has people confused. Even the candidates aren't sure what they think about it.
   
6. When in doubt, blame it on George W. Bush.

7. Sen. John Edwards must have a Master's degree in "Brown Nosing"
   
8. It is important to wear the presidential candidate uniform: Navy Blue Suit, White Shirt, Power Tie.
   
9. It's all about getting in the last word. Also, you look a lot better if you can throw in some policy jargon. Even if you're not sure what you're talking about, just make stuff up.
   
10. Al Sharpton may potentially have ADD. Oh wait, that's a made up disease. Well then he's just impatient.

 

Today, Monday hit me like a semi-truck. I was so not prepared to wake up this morning. Especially after a rather mentally draining "family meeting" we had last night. I remember on the Cosby show they had family forums. What took place last night was similar to that. We all went around the table and said how we felt about a particular issue I'm not at liberty to discuss on the world-wide web. In the midst of the meeting, I kept thinking, "this is so 1986 Cosby Show cheesy". I always wanted to be a Huxtable. Last night I got my chance. Side note: While reading the paper on the way to work (via bus, not while driving), I read an ad for the "Second Annual Save-the-Turtles Silent Auction". Seattle in a nutshell. What is wrong with these people?

Bush Loses Support of Gay Republicans
I don't think this is something George should be concerned about. It would make perfect sense. According to the article, which is of course slanted in view and probably not credible, they feel "betrayed" by the President's recommendations concerning the constitutional amendment. They were entertaining illusions of grandeur if they really thought the President would be pro-gay marriage, constitutional amendment or not.

The State of the Black Family
On Saturday night I had the not-so-privilege of watching a forum held on CSPAN called "The State of the Black Family". It was a Tavis Smiley presents deal that included a panel of smarties, Ph.d's, authors and whatnot. It also included a few notable African American achievers like Dr. Ben Carson famous neurosurgeon as well as not so noted, flaky, fake-Christian spiritist Iyanla Vanzant (who knew she was still around?). Many remember her from a stint on Oprah; then she got her own show but who doesn't after being on Oprah? I guess she was just no Dr. Phil because her show was cancelled rather quickly. We should all thank the network for that. Now she runs her own company "Inner Visions". That name itself is a warning sign to stay far away. So in any case, I'm sitting there watching this symposium with my usual cynical, critical eye, trying to be as open-minded as possible. Well, I tried. At least Cornel West was in the audience and not on the panel this time. His rhetoric drives me crazy.

I will admit, there was some good stuff said all around (education reform, rebuilding communities, getting fathers back into position, understanding the hip hop generation, yadda yadda ya). But overwhelmingly, it was nothing more than a bunch of intellectual smarty-pants sitting up there trying to out-intellectualize each other. A telling moment: one viewer emailed in a question concerning the current gay-marriage debate wondering what were the thoughts of all the panelists on the subject. Never in my life have I seen so much talking around the issue. After a good 30-45 minutes spent intellectualizing theory, no one was able to give a clear answer. I was so sickened by that. Most of these people either had no idea what they believed, or they were too afraid their book sales would go down by being labeled "conservative" for saying how they really felt. For goodness's sake, take a stand one way or another. At least don't talk in circles. I have more respect for people who will put their conviction right on out there.

The Passion Scores at the Box Office
Hollywood changes its tune. At first people we're calling Mel Gibson's demise. Now they're saying otherwise. They are some of the most fickle people I tell you. I'm willing to take all bets, and I promise you, the next year or so will give birth to a couple of spin-offs and/or other Biblical stories being brought to the bigscreen not necessarily at the hands of Mr. Gibson but somebody's going to run with this. For the most part, Hollywood is all about green. I still haven't seen the movie yet, but I will say, there is something to be noted in the fact that Mel used his own money primarily to finance his vision in spite of skeptics and now even many of the skeptics are changing their tune. He will be reaping some financial benefits here. That will inevitably bother Christians. Well, we're fickle too.