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2/27/2004
Martha: One Step Closer To Exoneration
Securities Fraud Charges Against Martha Dropped. Well, well, well, what have we here. Yours truly predicted it. One of Martha's biggest charges, securities fraud was dropped. I still stand on my prediction that Martha will serve absolutely no time in prison for this; not even a cushy celebrity prison. The decision to drop one of the charges puts Martha one step closer to where I predict she'll soon be. Back at home in Connecticut, doing more shows on how to put wall paper in the drawers of your sewing machine desk. This country is a trip.
posted by ambra at 2/27/2004 11:19:31 PM | link to this entry |
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Passion Reviews Roll In
The overwhelming thing I've heard from my friends about the movie is "it's too gory" almost to the point of being traumatizing. I have also heard that the depiction of the crucifixtion isn't one that brings people to repentence. It's just really graphic. The frustrating thing about having not seen the movie, nor being extremely motivated to do so is that I can only form an opinion in theory. So we'll see. I may see it this weekend who knows. I'm straddling the line here. Funny, one review I read said, "The book was better". Duh.
posted by ambra at 2/27/2004 10:36:01 PM | link to this entry |
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Angry Black Women Heat Up TV
 The Washington Post published an article recently around the portrayal of African American women as "angry" on reality television. It seems television producers are having a field-day clipping, editing, and stringing together unbecoming moments of some of reality tv's African American women to portray shall we say, a hard-hitting, ruthless, and stereotypical example of what I like to call "The Angry Black Woman". One in particular catching a lot of flack is woman named Omarosa from NBC's the Apprentice. I have a confession. Although I talk much "smack" regarding reality television (translation of the vernacular "talk smack": to speak ill of; to speak against; to say negative things concerning), I do watch the Apprentice. Yes, it's true. I too was sucked in like Al Roker's tummy. I watch it every week like a bad habit and trust me, I feel very bad about myself. I repent (to myself) even as I watch. It's really the business aspect that interests me. I could do without the drama and without Donald Trump's hairpiece and self-inflated reality (the man puts water bottles with his picture on it in his hotel rooms....Gag me with a spoon. Come down from the mountaintops Mr. Trump).
I lay much of the blame on these women themselves. They chose to subject themselves to the hands of TV producers who are only after ratings. What did they expect? In the article, Omarosa, who I think has made many poor judgment calls in her behavior, plus she formerly worked for Al Gore's campaign, which I WILL hold against her, emphasizes the point of clever editing seeking high ratings,
'Most of the women who complain about her on the show, she says, are now her very good friends. "This show is about ratings," and The Donald pitted her against the other women, she says, because he was "just being dramatic."'
Aside from what's already been stated about her poor choice of words, I don't have a problem with Omarosa. I think her attitude stinks sometimes, but I also think she's misunderstood.
Again, I place blame on the women because they in fact did do the things portrayed on television, however disjointed they may have been and they should be accountable for their words and actions. I am also aware of the ever-perpetuated stereotype on both television and film of this "angry black woman" who is ready to explode and "tell someone off" at any minute. This image is made worse by actresses who are willing to "play the role" like Whoppi Goldberg and Queen Latifah. It can get to be as bad as a modern-day minstrel show. I suppose part of my empathy for Omarosa can be attributed to the fact that I myself am often misunderstood. Heck, even my blog is misunderstood. I write in my blog similarly to how I think; only much more toned down. (If one could only imagine). I'm extremely direct in speech. I don't usually mince words but I don't lack compassion (most of the time). Compassion took a lot of growth on my part. Unfortunately, I often say the first thing that comes to my head, which is usually cold or insensitive, although sometimes true. I realize this is part of who God's created me to be but it is not always a good thing. It needs to be developed and balanced. Being a former actress and teacher, I also have a stage voice. This usually means that with or without a microphone, I can get my message across. I grew up in an educational household where we were taught to think for ourselves and engaged in political dialogue at the dinner table. Heated conversations. So it is nothing for me to engage in a head-on, fact-based debate (if the other party is willing). I have learned not to cast my pearls before the swines. I am not one of those people who go around looking for debates. In fact, I generally dislike them; especially debates about the Bible. I'm not an Apologetics person. My general attitude is "when Jesus returns, we'll see who was right you little Heathen." Okay, that's a horrible attitude to have, but I often think it.
[Caveat]: most of those people (looking for debates) reside on the internet by the way and can usually be found in chatrooms, message boards, and often posting unnecessary comments on other peoples' blogs. Beware them. [/Caveat]
Combine all that with the fact that I was raised in what I'd call "the African American tradition" and you have a potentially scary person. Liken it to the "Greek Family Tradition". We can be loud; we often eat a lot, have big family get-togethers, speak our minds, and give lots of verbal feedback. Per the feedback issue, even to this day, I shudder sometimes when I think on how I used to go to the Ballet or some other "high-society" function with my mother and she'd yell out at an unsuspecting dancer, "Alright now, you better dance!". I'd shrink in my seat and think, "God please just let me a white kid, they don't usually have to deal with this".
Now these are all GROSS generalizations of course. I'm not trying to establish new sociological theory here. In my short years on the earth my personality has rubbed people the wrong way. This is inevitable for us all. I myself have felt lumped into the "angry black woman" category for being able to hold an educated and balanced discussion. My quick-wit can often be misconstrued as "anger". It takes a lot to get me angry. I do not doubt that perhaps those who like to make these generalizations have encountered some angry black women in their life. I have too. They do exist. And I agree, they're scary and sometimes downright belligerent. I've encountered angry white women too, a couple of angry white men and a lot of crazy West Indians. (It's a Seattle thing I'm certain). It is unfortunate however, that we categorize people based on our one (or many) negative experiences. The media plays into this and often even believes the myth they themselves have helped further.
There are many cultural nuances that need to be understood if we are heading anywhere towards becoming a true multi-cultural society. These nuances exist in the workplace, in ministry, and in relationships. Not all of these nuances are great. Some need to pass away. But many have something unique to bring to the table. That said I really am a nice girl. One of the nicest you will ever meet actually. Just don't cross me or else I'll cut you with my pocketknife.
posted by ambra at 2/27/2004 01:17:44 PM | link to this entry |
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2/26/2004
Weapons Assault on the Stupid
I'm tired and I don't feel like being deep, witty, or insightful today. Not that I ever am or was, but any semblance of that is gone. It had the crap kicked out of it as I sat in a long, monotonous training all day yesterday and today. So shallow looks pretty good to me right now. I need no depth whatsoever. I'm in desperate need of some fake conversation so if you want to IM me and partake, feel free. In other news, the Evangelical Outpost has some good words concerning the Condom Conspiracy. I'm in the midst of researching and writing an article concerning abstinence, and the total reality of my nemesis: Planned Parenthood. The research alone makes me sick to my stomach and angry. In fact, PISSED. It makes me angry enough to do massive harm to individuals. But we Christians don't do that right? I say it's a fine line sometimes. Or at least, I'd like to think so.
I've never considered myself a violent person. I have never participated in a physical fight in my entire life. Fifty percent of that fact can be attributed my being a girl, and sometimes a girlie girl at that. Not counting the hair pulling, scratching, wrestling and biting that took place amongst my siblings and I, my fight record is pretty clear. It took a lot to get me to attack back then, but given the right circumstances, clothing, and hairstyle, I can still body slam my 6'1" brother to this day. All 5'2" of me (And he better not forget it). Old times past, I have now entered the point of my life where I just can't stand "stupid" anymore. In fact, my flesh desperately wants to do horribly violent things to "stupid". What is "stupid" you ask?
Stupid is the guy, who in impatience, and most importantly, in an attempt to show off his manliness personified in his "new ride" will drive over the middle street barrier, in the opposite direction, in a lane of oncoming traffic, and swerve back onto his side seconds before a head-on collision could've occurred.
I wanted to jump out of my body and kill him.
Stupid is the idiot pedestrian who wants to test his mortality by knowingly jumping in front of my 45 mph moving vehicle and crossing the street. At that minute, I felt the only way to teach him a true lesson would have been to run him over. Then he would know not to joke like that next time. I have often wished that I could have a car made of rubber and hit someone when they do something stupid, not injure them at all. They'd just have the mess scared out of them. Then I could roll down my window and say, "Next time it will be a real car jerk and maybe God won't be so merciful and spare your life! Now get right and repent sinner."
Again, probably not the best approach. Probably not done in love. But boy have I ever wanted to.
Stupid is the idiot in the cage "playing" with the Lions. I don't care how tamed they are. Just keep playing with them and you'll see. Two words, Roy Horn. How about you let me spare you the trouble and I'll just saw off your arm myself.
Stupid refuses to acknowledges the laws of the Earth. Like gravity.
Stupid thinks he is invincible, and sometimes invisible.
Stupid refuses to recognize life is real.
Stupid thinks you can pack oneself in a crate and be shipped across the country and not be caught.
Stupid thinks packing oneself in a crate and being shipped to their destination will save them money on a plane ticket.
Stupid thinks a prison sentence for being arrested for mailing oneself in a crate is worth saving a few bucks on a plane ticket.
Stupid didn't even bother to think about air pressure or that fact that he could've died in the crate.
Stupid eats paste.
Stupid thinks Madonna can sing.
Stupid refutes there's a God.
Stupid doesn't respect the sanctity of human life.
Stupid is Jesse Jackson. Ha ha, at least that's my opinion.
As Webster defines: slow of mind, obtuse, given to unintelligent decisions or acts, acting in an unintelligent or careless manner, lacking intelligence or reason. My favorite: dulled in feeling or sensation.
So I will continue to restrain myself from killing or at least inflicting extreme bodily harm on "stupid". Self-control is good for us all. It stops us from being stupid. When you get a chance, please say a prayer for "stupid".
posted by ambra at 2/26/2004 05:16:10 PM | link to this entry |
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2/25/2004
Apparently Same-Sex Penguins are Getting Married too
Expect a post later on today. It's a busy day for me. I did get a chance to catch this story on same-sex penguins mating with each other. I can't think of a better argument regarding homosexuality than to compare the behavior with that of animals. Which we are not by the way. Contrary to what Darwinists may say. Ouch. I expect hate mail for that one.
posted by ambra at 2/25/2004 12:54:55 PM | link to this entry |
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2/24/2004
Bush Lays the Smackdown
I watched this morning as President Bush addressed Gay-marriage in a White House press conference calling for a Constitutional Amendment protecting and defining marriage. I'll reserve my comments for later. However I will say that I particularly liked this statement:"After more than two centuries of American jurisprudence, and millennia of human experience, a few judges and local authorities are presuming to change the most fundamental institution of civilization. Their actions have created confusion on an issue that requires clarity." Also, in a suprising twist on the Today Show this morning, Richard Roeper of "Ebert & Roeper" (who by the way, have completely lost their credibility in movie reviews after they gave Mona Lisa Smile two thumbs up. Actually, credibility was lost way before then) gave the movie the Passion high marks . He actually made some interesting points concerning the movie. Wish I had a transcript to quote. I don't. Forgive me, I am grumpy today.
posted by ambra at 2/24/2004 09:01:08 AM | link to this entry |
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2/23/2004
"Gonorrhea and the City"
 The media has been talking about it for weeks. Last night tissue sales went up nationwide as the beloved HBO drama Sex and the City bid its final farewell. Admittedly, I have only seen the show one or two times and never in its entirety, and never by choice; one, because I don't have HBO (by choice); two, because it had a tendency to be raunchy and grotesque. I've never quite understood the phenomenon except that as of lately many have been remarking about how "realistic" the friendship between the four women was portrayed. I guess the thing that never sat right with me about Sex and the City was the schizophrenic monogamy of their relationships. This whole concept of gallivanting around the city and having casual sex in half-meaningless relationships then later dishing to your closest friends as if it were some medal of honor is one I don't understand. I think we used to call that a slut.
I find it interesting that this show has struck such a chord with the female community. Perhaps a pulse on the culture, the popularity of the show does bring up some interesting issues regarding women and fulfillment in relationships, meaningless or not. Interesting issues or not, I have trouble with a show that celebrates masturbation as some sort of sexual liberty, good riddance. Now America can find something even less productive to do with their Sunday nights.
posted by ambra at 2/23/2004 09:48:29 AM | link to this entry |
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2/22/2004
The Real Tragedy of Gay Marriage
So I caught a bit of the Screen Actors Guild Awards tonight. I wasn't paying attention much, but I caught a statement made by the president of "the Guild" that struck me, "We have the ability to foster tolerance through new insights and the deep understanding of eachother." Eww, how I hate that word tolerance. Tolerance goes on my list of "Top 10 Loads of Crap Taught in Education". There has long been a prevailing Liberalism in Hollywood. I didn't really watch much of the awards, but I could only guess that the remainder of the show would find award acceptance speeches laced with some mis-guided political opinion on current events. One perhaps, being the legalization of same-sex marriages. As Mercy Me said, "I can only imagine"......
I don't live in the Bible Belt. I live in Seattle, Washington. Home of the tree hugging, Curt Kobain/Jimi Hendrix listening, granola-eating, fake-protesting, ultra-liberal. Surprising? Probably not. I will say that God is doing a new thing here and the title of "un-churched" region will soon be passing away so take my comments in the spirit they're intended. Seattle wishes it was one Will & Grace show away from being San Francisco. Thanks be to God it is not and never will be. Not even close. I say all this to say, the stance many Christians here take on the issue of same-sex marriages is not exactly as well received as it would be in say, Georgia, where you can yell out "God is a good" in a grocery store and a least one or two people would respond unequivocally, "All the time!". That said, the debate over states' rights is not what captivates my emotions. I decided against law school for that very purpose (lacking captivated emotions that is). I do however, believe the City of San Francisco completely usurping authority is completely unacceptable and bastardly at best.
All legal battles aside, I find the saddest reality at work here is the perceived sense of freedom being preached alongside of same-sex marriages. I watched on television as newly"wed" "couples" celebrated, hugged, rejoiced with their family members and adopted children, held up celebratory signs, and shared with the media the "liberty and freedom" they felt. If only people knew how far from free they really were. It is my opinion that the lowest form of human existence is to live our lives the way God never intended. To see people celebrating the relativistic un-truth of freedom in a relationship God never intended us to have is absolutely heartbreaking. This is true separation from God. This is the big lie. A lie not only told via the homosexual agenda, but through the humanist agenda, the feminist agenda, and many others. The lie perpetuated is this "false freedom" people believe they have when they can do whatever they want to do, say what they want to say, live how they want to live, doing whatever comes naturally, completely unencumbered by any laws (but in fact, set free by those laws), and certainly not hindered by any religion, let alone a God whose only goal is to make our lives miserable on the Earth right? It is this thought exactly that is holding many captive in bondage as we speak.
This is not an attack on a law, it's an attack on a covenant. God's covenant. God's foundational covenant. The laws may be the means right now, but it is certainly bigger than that. Any Christian with any sort of prophetic insight could see this coming a mile away. Forget prophetic insight. How about common sense? It's been a slow and steady progression, but even television doesn't look the way it did 10 years ago. So a statement like, ""We have the ability to foster tolerance through new insights...." addressed to a crowd of the most influential actors in Hollywood shouldn't be taken lightly. Television and film can account for much of the softening of many of our hearts towards the issues God himself speaks strong words. I've even found myself questioning many issues. I've thought perhaps it is okay for men and men to join in marriage. I myself admit, my shock factor is pretty high these days. Nothing suprises me. Even worse, not much disgusts me anymore. How I long to get back to the day when my stomach churns at the very thought of much of what the world has stamped its approval. That churning is for a reason. I don't believe it's for us to sit back in a seat of judgement, but as 1 Peter says, to use our gifts to administer God's grace to others accordingly. In politics, in relationships, in whatever our sphere of influence may be. Preach the truth in love that others may find True Freedom, which can only be found in Christ.
posted by ambra at 2/22/2004 08:36:43 PM | link to this entry |
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Gas Stations Go High Tech
 So yesterday my errands brought me to the Upper Eastside of Seattle. Actually, it's just the Eastside, but I like saying "Upper" because it's sounds more hoity. The Eastside of Seattle is commonly known as Bellevue or what I like to call "Snootyland". Bellevue is one of the more premier neighborhoods you'll find here. I actually like it, I just pretend I don't for the sake of good blogging.
Prior to getting on the freeway, I figured I'd "fill up" at the local 76 station no matter how disgusted I was at the ghastly gas prices. Not long after I started pumping gas, the screen more commonly known for displaying payment instructions turned into a television and all of a sudden I was watching Larry King Live. Yes. Watching it. Live. At a gas station. Am I the first to catch onto this trend or what? But I was completely blown away. I certainly know they don't show CNN at the gas stations 'round my part of town. I could not contain my excitement. I felt like running over to the woman pumping gas across from me and sharing my revelation. She seemed not to enthused that we could watch tv and pump gas simultaneously. Plus, that wouldn't been uncivilized right? I certainly didn't want to act that way in Snootyland of all places. At first I thought it was great, I mean, I love watching Larry King, then I realized what a brilliant idea it was. My $5.00 fill up turned into $7.00, $8, $9, $13 (okay, okay so I have a fuel-efficent car). I would've filled the whole tank if Larry had a good guest on. Unfortunately, it was the former president of Enron, who I had no interest in hearing anything from. Am I left out here? Does everyone have televisions at their gas stations? I thought I lived in a relatively nice neighborhood. Apparently, I'm not snooty enough.
posted by ambra at 2/22/2004 06:54:40 PM | link to this entry |
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2/21/2004
MTV Reaches a New Low
Almost literally. Lowering Dodge Neons, adding chrome rims and crushed velvet seats to your '84 Gremlin, MTV's newest show Pimp My Ride encourages everyday citizens to fall further into the abyss of materialistic un-reality. Sad.
posted by ambra at 2/21/2004 01:25:44 PM | link to this entry |
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2/20/2004
The Metermaid Saga Continues
Last month I began what looks to be a battle of epic proportions. The battle against the metermaids. I mentioned last month how I had been wrongly ticketed for parking in an "unmarked crosswalk". That's right. A crosswalk that was unmarked. A crosswalk with NO MARKINGS. Nadda. A crosswalk so ambiguous, pedestrians don't even know it's there. It doesn't get more irritating than that. Well, actually, it does. In 2001, I got a ticket for wrongly parking in a spot I was never in, by a phantom metermaid who SENT me the ticket in the mail. When I showed up in court to contest it, the judge dismissed it because the guy that wrote it had a reputation for writing illegitamate parking tickets. To which the judge noted, "That guy would even write his own MOTHER a ticket." That's another story. In any case, I contested my crosswalk ticket most happily.
So I received a letter a few weeks ago informing me I had been assigned a "pre-trial hearing" date to determine if I have enough of a case to have a real trial. If we are unable to "settle" then we'll go to trial. A pre-trial hearing for a $38 parking ticket people!!! What a stinking waste of my time. These people are playing games right now, but they have no idea I'm about to go Perry Mason on their butts. Two can play this game. The City of Seattle has encountered one of its hard-headed citizens again. I take my finances very seriously and the City of Seattle won't be getting $38 from me because one of their employees in the Police Department was having a bad day and feeling a bit indignant. They made sure to note on the letter, "If you wish to pay the ticket at this time you may do so by checking here and enclosing payment for the full amount." Translated: We're sending you to a pre-trial hearing because we're stalling. We're hoping that you'll get ticked off and just pay us (which is what we really wanted in the first place) so we can pay the salaries of some ineffective city council members and continue to waste dollars doing absolutely nothing.
Indeed not. I will be attending my "pre-trial" hearing with evidence in tow. This metermaid regime is goin' down baby.
posted by ambra at 2/20/2004 10:43:01 AM | link to this entry |
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2/19/2004
The Fallen Man
Do you ever look at someone and think they have latent terroist capabilities? Liar. Well, I do. It's probably from a stereotypical perspective, but who knows, maybe I have a future as an airport security screener. In high school, I remember this one kid named Micah Broadsky. Make sure you roll the "r" when you say that for the full effect of the last name. I think it's Russian. Anyway, he was a 10th grader who left mid-day to take math classes at the University of Washington Graduate School because our high quality private school wasn't "challenging" him enough. No doubt, Micah was very smart but he had the social skills of a 5-year-old. I kid you not, he threw temper tantrums and cursed at teachers when he got a low score. He didn't know how to share, how to be respectful, or how to hold a normal conversation. I always thought Micah would snap one day; like he would do something crazy and blow up the school. People used to think I was joking when I said that but i was VERY serious. Micah was smart, but Micah had issues. Unfortunately, in this country, the first outweighs the latter. Teachers could care less that Micah didn't know how to relate to people because he got good grades right?
Airport security cracks me up. It is a joke. If you're silly enough to believe that they really give a hoot about you and your loved ones being safe on that airplane, you're in for a ride. Literally. It's all a big show to keep you flying. Or in other words, to keep you paying. If somebody wants to do something horrible on a plane, they will find a way to do it. No amount of security or bullet proof doors can stop someone whose intentions are wicked. Hijacking is all about manipulation anyway. How can five people overpower 150 passengers? The same way a politician can gain votes from the masses or the psychic hotline racks up millions: manipulation.
The media baffles me. Columbine. Scott Peterson. Bill Clinton. Martha Stewart. Everyone was shocked.
"How could they?"
"I never saw it coming."
"But he was such a nice guy."
"I just don't understand."
Woeful tales of nation-wide distress caused by significant heartbreak in human morality. It is interesting how we pin certain people as having a propensity to commit certain crimes and then when someone who doesn't fit that mold does so, we are shocked. We have discussions around the water cooler about how disappointed we are and how things like this never happen in our neighborhood. All the while, we fail to realize that the piece of the puzzle at work here is sin. In come the smoke screens,
"Well, we need stricter gun control laws."
"Well I heard that he really had psychological problems. Plus, I don't think he was happy in his marriage."
"What a man does in his bedroom is his own business."
"She had a rough childhood."
All masks for the reality that is really at work on the earth. When we are disconnected from God, we are capable of doing anything. Yes, there are various factors as work, but separtion from God is number one. I don't care how educated you are, how much money you make, or how good of a family upbringing you had, God never designed us to live apart from Him. When we do so, we blow it. I know I do. So as I listen to commentators try to give their solutions and rationale as to why people do the things that they do it is as if they are beating the air. It's all bunk because no one wants to fess up to the fact that people are just people, and the idea of bad people and good people is not "relative". God clearly defines the standards for what is "good" in His sight. While universities have designed courses around "Ethics" and companies are establishing "Ethics Departments" God makes it simple for us. He tells us what's right and what's wrong.
While driving the other day, I saw a billboard. On it, was a picture of Ghandi and child, and the words read in big bold letters, "CHARACTER - Pass it on." The message I assume, was urging people to pass on character to children. And what better example of character than the non-violent message of Ghandi! Nice feel good words right? Since we're a morally relative society, I assume that means, don't steal, don't kill, try not to lie, be on time, and pick up after yourself. Oh, and don't hate. Character is romanticized. We're in love with the idea, but much of the world is unsure of what it really means, what it looks like, or how to achieve it. The sad part is, we credit good works, talent and skill over character these days. Look at the icons of our society, leaders, lawmakers, artists. It's usually not until something terribly bad happens that we start to ask the character questions. Even then, we don't know how to navigate the discussion, so we start making up excuses and generating laws and programs. It is a problem that I pray our generation works to change. No amount of psychological profilers can consistently pin a terroist, a murderer, a thief, or a liar until they deal with the spirit of the man. And that has nothing to do with outward appearance.
posted by ambra at 2/19/2004 11:24:02 AM | link to this entry |
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2/18/2004
Well It's About Time...
Well Boo Frickin' Hoo
This morning, on the way out the door, I caught a commercial for an upcoming Deborah Norville interview. The clip went something like this, "Tired of your kids being shown violence? Well some are saying Mel Gibson's new movie the Passion of Christ is entirely too violent." This could be its own expository essay. The average kid's so desensitized to violence these days, I'm sure little Tommy will be fine. As for the media, I say sob sob sob, cry me a river. I've not seen the movie, but I can predict that their depiction of Christ's death doesn't even come close to reality. I believe it was the most horrendous crime ever committed against another man. Unfathomable. And I am so thankful for it because God only knows where I'd be right now without Christ's redemption power. A mess.
Political Columnist, LaShawn Barber offers her perspective on the film in her blog. The girl speaks her mind always :-)
posted by ambra at 2/18/2004 09:07:30 AM | link to this entry |
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2/16/2004
The Passion
 Seeking to have a truly fruitful President's day off, I immersed myself in the idiot box for most of the day (This is something I don't often get to do). It only takes a minute or so to realize that American television is quickly becoming like European telvision: lude and disgusting. Coincidentally, I taught a Bible study on Sunday morning from 1 Peter 4 which begins: "1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. "This pretty much covers all that is in television right now. Amidst news on the San Francisco same-sex marriage licensing (our real life Sodom & Gommorah) and Seattle rallies for the same, I caught reports on the controversy that is currently being caused by Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. Admittedly, Gibson has made some choices throughout his career that don't exactly represent the best witness of Christ. I myself only came to know he was Catholic a few years ago. Nevertheless, Christ is being preached and if the movie's not against us, it's for us and I am excited that the issue is even being broached by the media. I am actually looking forward to viewing the film myself. In general, I shy away from viewing depictions of Jesus. I think we tend to downplay Him as a person. He's long been portrayed as this weak, feeble, dark-haired, blue-eyed, white man. I'm sorry, I just don't think my Savior really looks like that. In spite of that, I believe there's something in this movie for me and for others. With all the controversy at hand, I can only think that God is at work.
Tonight I caught Dateline with Diane Sawyer on the channel I hate: "abc". I must say, Gibson handled himself well. He seemed visibly nervous, however He continued to point his answers back to scripture and not his own opinion. I didn't agree with all that he said like, "Everyone can get into the Kingdom of Heaven, it's just easier if you're a Christian". I can't agree with that, but by and large, he did a tremendous job combatting the questions about anti-semitism and the film being "God-ordained". I've stated in the past that Diane Sawyer practices bad journalism. In general, she comes off as very naïve and horribly biased in most of her interviews. I understand that "things of the spirit" are difficult for non-believers to comprehend, but Diane Sawyer either plays dumb very well or she just is dumb; I'm not sure yet.
Regarding The Passion, a Seattle Rabbi was quoted as saying, "I fear this movie will perpetuate this whole idea of there being a good side and an evil side...." I am restraining myself from saying something entirely too sarcastic in response to that. Let's just say, this is the delusion of the non-messianic Jews. To forsake that there is both good and evil at work on the earth is to deny what God has established on the Earth. Reportedly, the Pope gave the film thumbs up at first, then he didn't, then he did again. I myself can't believe the Pope was coherent enough to even watch the movie. The guy is just plain old. That's another post.
posted by ambra at 2/16/2004 10:09:55 PM | link to this entry |
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2/10/2004
It's Black History Month...I Forgot
You will never guess who I saw downtown tonight. Henry Louis Gates Jr. Probably doesn't ring a bell right? Well it wouldn't to most. Mr. Gates is a well-known African-American studies scholar, author, lecturer, and professor, and once worshipped by the likes of me. I even hunted him down once at a schmooze party and got him to write me a recommendation to Harvard. Apparently, he didn't have much influence over the board of admission. I got rejected. Yes, I was an unstoppable black studies fanatic my senior year of high school determined to go to Harvard and wrap myself in the so-called "genius" of Henry Gates and Cornel West; who, needs to comb his hair by the way. Even now I see, there was only partial truth in Mr. West's teachings. It just happened to be tastefully woven into lies. I was convinced I'd be a noted author in African-American studies one day. That may prove itself yet, however, probably contrary to how I would've imagined it in a contextual sense. My perspective has changed immensely over the last 4 years and I find myself believing less than 25% of what I believed then. Five years ago, I would have stopped the car in the middle of traffic to go greet Mr. Gates and tell him how much I loved his last book. This time, the urge didn't strike me. I'm thinking the reason he's in town has something to do with black history month which I actually forgot we were in.
So here we are thrust into what my mom calls "Black people work month". She's a lecturer and professor so you can imagine she's in high demand this month. The reality, is black history month is not much exciting in my book. It's a token. In general, I think we just need to do a better job of realizing and teaching multiculturalism in the US. year-round. On top of that, the black history that gets discussed doesn't interest me. This is mostly because it's had the crap beat out of it over the years. I find church history, great movements of God as it relates to my heritage more interesting. In fact, there is much African-American history that has yet to be openly discussed. I'm more interested in the spiritual roots of African-Americans; how many of us have somehow managed to be raised in church and ended up not even serving God as adults. Most people don't know that the Assemblies of God, commonly known as a predominately white denomination was the result of a split from the Church of God in Christ, a historically black denomination. Stuff like that facinates and befuddles me. I'm hungry to know what God has been doing all these years in history. In my opinion, this is the heritage we lack in general. How many of us (back, white or yellow) have actually had our grandparents sit down and tell us about how God's moved in our lineage? Well, depending on what generation you are (Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob), you may be the first to establish a Godly legacy in your family. However, it is commonly known in African-American circles that there is a rich history of Christianity in our past. Do we hear much about it? Not really. In fact, we make light of that fact a little too often. I wonder if this is one of the curses of this generation: lack of generational transfer. Oh how we need it.
posted by ambra at 2/10/2004 10:37:00 PM | link to this entry |
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2/7/2004
Fashion Trends
 There is a horrible fashion trend that has descended upon the consumers of America and beyond. They are Australian sheepskin boots. They are called Uggs. I'm assuming the name comes from the fact that they are UGG-LY. Not since the 80's have I seen such a horrendous fashion trend. Who is responsible for this? The Australians. Thank God Hillsong Music has redeemed my opinion of Australians. But for upwards of $200 a pop, what in tarnation would cause someone to actually think these suckers are cute? I've even seen girls wearing them with skirts?!? Now I've tried these on (burning curiousity I suppose) and I'll admit, they're both comfortable and warm. But "going hiking in the mountains warm" not "I wanna be part of a fashion trend warm". These boots seem to be the most popular in sunny California (someone help me understand the logic there). Whatever the case may be, these shoes are all the rave and I don't get why. Collectively, we Americans have brains the size of peas when it comes to consumerism. We do very little thinking for ourselves and usually rely on the media and what we see to dictate what we should be buying; especially in the fashion world. I've usually found that image creates desire and if you see something enough times, what was once ugly now seems chic. This is a marketing nightmare. But no matter how many times I see these uggified boots, they still seem hideous to me. Another strange phenomenon is the fact that we consumers have some need to spend lots of money on things that shouldn't cost lots of money. Like jeans. And I'll be the first to admit, the combined market value of 5 pairs of jeans in my closet is about $800. I of course, being a bargain hunter didn't pay that price, but the concept still sickens me nonetheless. Truth be told, there's not a heck of a lot of difference between a pair of generic and designer jeans but the label. Sometimes quality differs, but even that's fargone these days. I've been observing the Gap, Inc. over the last couple of years. Their sales were WAY down around this time last year; about 10%, which in the retail world is horrible. Interestingly enough, the Gap still had their same quality, same basic clothes. One of their main problems was, get this: their price point. Their jeans were too cheap. People wanted to buy "expensive jeans". So you guessed, it, sometime last year, the Gap introduced "1969" their upscale denim line. What a load of crap. The reality is, there's no difference in this new line of jeans. They're just more expensive. Currently, the Gap's sales are up. My hypothesis on this: We consumers want to have the best of the best, even if we can't afford it. "Faking the funk" so to speak, is a nice consolation prize for not being "well-off" enough to afford to pay $185 for a pair of Diesel Jeans without going into debt. So we'll buy the expensive pair of Gap jeans over the cheap ones because it makes us look more successful. This is the craziest concept to me. While the discount stores (Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack) are extremely successful these days, it's the (middle stores) whose clothes aren't too expensive but aren't too cheap that are losing in sales. Why? All because of some ugly boots. Well, not really but I'd like to think so.
posted by ambra at 2/7/2004 12:30:16 PM | link to this entry |
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A Word About Content
I often struggle with the content of my site. I bounce around from politics to social commentary, to Biblical doctrine, to fashion. I can be deep when I feel like it, and I can be shallow too. I know this bothers people. When I listed my site under Blogs4God, I placed it under journals because I am in no way a political pundit, nor an excellent writer. I'm me, so the content of my site comes directly out of my brain and is more a testimony to the type of personality I have. Teaching is a gift I have from God, so that gets wrapped into all that I do. If my words ever come off "preachy", that's why. Most of all, I think to view things with "God-colored glasses" aka Biblical worldview. I believe God is in everything.
Readers find my site in a number of ways. They clicked a link from another site; I personally told them about it; they found it on a blog listing; or they did some strange search on google.com for "banana republic poncho" and bam, they landed here. Well, however you got here, I hope there is something that speaks to you and your life. God Bless You!
posted by ambra at 2/7/2004 12:05:23 PM | link to this entry |
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2/3/2004
Street Gimmicks
If there's one thing that I hate on the face of the earth it's gimmicks. I have often ranted about my extreme distaste for the prevailing culture of panhandling that's taking place on the streets of Seattle. Some of these pan handlers, mind you, make more than I do in a year. Downtown is probably the worse in terms of gimmick"ers". Some have been there for years while others are new on the scene. There is an assigned schedule as to who gets "what" corner and "when". You will rarely find more than two working a block at once. It is an interesting phenomenon, and if you're dumb and not discerning, they will take your every last dollar. But not this chicky, I reserve my hard-earned blessings for those truly in need. A friend mentioned a comment Lakita Garth, (a great woman of God who's been on Politically Incorrect, the Senate floor, you name it) said in reference to the "homeless" problem, and I paraphrase, "One way to get some of the homeless people off the street is to send them home." Sounds overly simplistic, however very true in many cases. One, being that there are a great many of panhandlers who have places to stay. This is the case with a lot of the teenagers you see here in Seattle. My mom's a college professor and has mentioned that on more than one occassion she has passed by her TUITION-PAYING students, sitting on the streets, with beggar signs. Two, being that like MANY societal problems, the root issue is a family one. This is a present reality. The breakdown of the family pours out into the streets, turns into crime, turns into poverty, and turns into much of what the government has tried to remedy for years. We don't have crime problems, we have family problems. I often wonder what is the state the family relationships of some of the panhandlers I see on the streets. Many have been shunned by their families due to a physical handicap, others may be estranged from key family members. I also realize there are those who may have no family whatsoever. The widows and the orphans. To those, the body of Christ has an immense obligation. Garth's statement was really revelatory to me as I've never pondered the role one's family should (or should not) play in one's financial or housing situation. It bears some thought.
For the abundance of seriousness (and reality) in my words, I feel I need to remain true to the title as I've side-tracked. So I've begun my running list of consistent characters you will find on the streets of downtown Seattle on any given day. Keep in mind, many, if not most of these people are not homeless. This is of course the "greatness of america". You can gimmick your way into just about anything.
SEATTLE STREETS MOST WANTED
White Boy Conga Drummer Man
This guy irks the heck out of me. I will credit him with consistency as he plays the same beat over and over again on his drums. He also puts bells on his ankles to counter the drumbeat. The only problem is, He's not good. Not good at all. And this guy RACKS up a fortune.
The Guy Who Fishes for Beer
This idiot stands on the corner with a fishing pole. On the hook of the fishing pole is a cup with a sign that reads, 'Fishing for Beer'. And get this, there's ACTUALLY MONEY IN THERE!! Whichever citizens of Seattle feel inclined to give money to someone who is actually advertising their bad habit should be stoned.
The Sargent aka "Sarg" (named by the citizens and not me)
Hogs the corner outside of Nordstrom. Supposedly a "veteran", he sits in a wheelchair (althought strangely enough I've seen him use his legs) with an eye patch and sells roses on occasion. He's become an icon.
Demon-Possessed West Indian Guy
Usually occupies the corner outside of Pottery Barn. Will be found waving a rainbow wand, holding a cardboard sign that says, "The Seattle Police are the devil and the AntiChrist and blah blah blah and some other psychotic nonsense" while screaming at the top of his lungs in a forgein language. When he speaks in english it VAGUELY resembles "patois" a Jamaican dialect but even then you can't understand him. I guess he's encouraging you to read the sign. Beware, he's been known to attack bus riders at their windows.
Blanket Guy
Can usually be found standing in a statuesque manner on various street corners wrapped in a blanket. At unknown times he will yell at the top of his lungs, "IT IS TIME TO EAT NOW!"
The Tin Man
This guys is actually VERY innovate and interesting. He can only be seen on Saturdays. He paints his entire body in silver, stands on a wooden crate and simulates a "statue". He's actually very brilliant.
Only Tells the Truth Guy
Can always be found holding a sign that says "I Can't Lie, It's for Beer."
"Blind" Man who Sings Lullabies
I think visually impaired is the proper term as the guy's definately not blind. He sings slurred lullabies while waving a cup for money. Usually he will act like he's mentally retarded and can't speak, but I overheard him chopping it up with the Barista about politics the other day. Don't be fooled.
posted by ambra at 2/3/2004 09:25:08 PM | link to this entry |
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2/2/2004
21st Century Leadership
Well we made it to February. I found out Dr. Fuchsia Pickett "went to sleep" this past Friday. It seems as though many of God's Generals are passing on. In this past year alone we lost Dr. Bill Bright and Dr. Kennith Hagin among others. I believe this year as well we will see the passing of the baton taking place in the body of Christ. It is interesting to me that not even since Martin Luther King have we truly had what I deem to be truly powerful and influential leaders of this generation (meaning, their influence and their worlds are still heralded around the world).
Every now and then I participate in some of the discussion on the message boards at Relevant Magazine. Yes, I realize that makes me a nerd, but I have actually had some decent discussions there. Some odd months ago, I posted a question for the world (well, a small percentage of it) to see, "Who are/Will be some of the great 21st century leaders?" The Question sat dead for a very long time. A few people piped up with "Billy Graham". Perhaps they'd not understood the question? In the end, people tossed around a few names, namely Billy Graham and ultimately deduced that the upcoming generation shies away from "superstardom" and thus the reason why we can't identify leaders. I'm sorry, but this is the biggest pile of dung I've ever heard. I'm being dramatic of course, but I find it sad that no one can think of an influential leader aside from Dr. Graham. I respect that man deeply, but even as the generals I listed off earlier, I believe Billy Graham's season is coming to a close and that must become a reality for us.
When I look at the music industry for example, I see an abundance of influence. However misappropriated, it's still present. Even worse, I see a generation that is hungry for leadership in whatever form it may come. I eagerly await the sons of God to be revealed. I believe this is the season for new spiritual leadership not just within the "four walls of the church" but in all jurisdictions: government, medicine, film, television, dance, business. You name it. I reject the notion that we won't have tremendous leaders in this century. I just believe they will look different than leaders of the past because it's a new season. I only hope that we will not become stumbling blocks in our own process of progression. We need to give honor where honor is due by acknowledging the shoulders we stand upon, however, we cannot dwell on and rest upon those shoulders. Now the real work begins.
posted by ambra at 2/2/2004 08:11:07 AM | link to this entry |
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