We've Done it again!!!

Once again, African-American genius display the talent, perseverance and originality that has brought us from "rags to riches" (some more rich than others of course!). Anyway, God's newest rebels of the system as high-lighted by Ambra Nykol are doing what they do best....CHANGING STEREOTYPES AND MAKING A WAY FOR SOMEONE ELSE! Here they are:
(via Ambra's site of course!...)
Rebels: Damien & Tourie Escobar

Age(s): 17 and 19, respectively

Representing: New York City

Why You Should Fear Them: They're classical violinists and they rock cornrow braids. Need I same more? In a quest to merge classical music and hip hop, the Escobar brothers have formed the breakout group, "Nuttin' But Stringz," also known as NBS.

When most elementary school kids were staring at the television, Damien and Tourie began taking violin lessons. Raised in the inner city, they endured the taunting of friends and stuck with the violin in spite of its lack of popularity. Together, on weekends they studied at the Julliard School of Music as well as the Bloomingdale School of Music.

As the brothers grew up, they found their love of hip hop didn't mesh well with their love of classical music. They sought to change that. The brothers began performing their music in the subway and in front of anyone who would listen. At first glance, the Escobar brothers appear like the average hip hoppers--hair braided, the bling, baggy jeans, and clean sneakers. But they wield a secret weapon that promises to upset the average traditionalist. While in the past, hip hop has often incorporated strings, there hasn't yet been a true crossover into the classical music genre. With their fusion of R&B, hip hop and jazz, the brothers wear head mikes and incorporate their own vocals into their performances.

As it stands, the Escobar brothers have deferred any college plans so they can tour schools, do concerts and gear up for their album release. Their first album, "STRUGGLE FROM THE SUBWAY TO THE CHARTS," is set to be released this summer. Thus far, the brothers have been featured on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Tonight Show," "The Today Show," "The CBS Morning Show," VH1, BET and Nickelodeon.

As the brothers often say at the end of their set, "Welcome to a new era."

Man I love my generation. I am sooooooo coppin' this album.

Website: Nuttin But Stringz

Press: New York Daily News and Times-Ledger, New York Cool.

Past Rebels: Roger Powell, Jr., Taylor Moore, Ben Shapiro, Erika Harold, Farrah Gray, Hans Zeiger, Adam Hunter, Dwight Howard, Sheri Valera, Princella Smith


Dang'it...i really do love Black folks! Soon you'll see my sister, the one and only J'nai Bridges: Classical pianist and vocalist. Performed in her first professional opera, TOSCA, at 18 years old. Going to college at Spelman in the fall is a blowing stuff up. If I do say so myself....SIS' IS TIGHT!!!!!!!! I guess I need to get a site up for her so you can check her out. If you want her CD....holla!

Oh my Gawwwwshhhhh...

I was so obsessed with her the first pic; well.... look what followed. I'm signing her up today. She's gonna be famous! Good lookin' out Ambra ;)!

Say, "MonCHHICHEEESE!!!

My beautiful niece....what a monchhichi!

So Ambra has a pic of my niece on her site as a "Cute Kid". Now don't mind the fact that it shows that I obviously had to profusely peruse her site before finding it. Oh yeah...and look at this horrid evidence of my Nykola.com fanship (not the fanship but the evidence...i look like i've been sippin' on some Syzuuuurp!)

My Makala!

Now in case you're Pre or Post-Monchhichi...

Dang I loved Monchhichis. Can't you tell home much I even like saying it?!

errr....uhhhh...that red syzruuuurp never was good for yeah. The worst part is that I thought I was a hot girl that day. Had just turned 24! hmphhh

NYKOLA Reference

One more "rebel" that you need to know about. This is from Ambra Nykol's site (which I am as addicted to as Friendster if I actually have to say it).

Know Your Rebels: Roger Powell, Jr.
Rebel: Roger Powell, Jr.

Age: 22

Representing: Joilet, IL

Status: Recently graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, star forward on one of the winningest college basketball teams in the nation.

Why You Should Fear Him: This man could've made even the diehard UNC Tarheel fan root for Illinois. Standing at 6'-6" Powell is more than just a star forward for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Nicknamed by his teammates as "The Rev," he's a star off the court too.

Go to her site for the more...

The Brilliance of Nyokola.com

Friends and Family,I tried not to send this right now but I can't help it given the chance to to enlighten our community. Everyone check out Ambra Nykol's Web Log. She is a brilliant writer and a young Christian woman with a keen perspective. Further, she is truly tapped into a varitey of social goings-on that I am sure that I, at least, would know nothing about if it weren't for her Blog. Oh yes-Blogs are not just news providers, they often provide eye-opening commentary to go along with it.
For those who are not familiar with it, "Blogging" is the new wave of web media; keeping a "web log" of well...whatever the author feels is pertinent for publising. Now that's my own definition so in the spirit of indisputability, here's the Dictionary.com def. of a "Blog" : an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log. Now I do feel it my moral obligation (and one of my God-given charges) to let's say provide/assist others (namely "My people") with whatever tools or insight I can to urge independent thinking, pursuit of purpose and...well... to empower others "By any means necessary!" First, a defintion. The word "blog" and all derivations thereof is new to English vocabulary. It's a neologism; A new word, expression, or usage. Or it's a nonce word; A word occurring, invented, or used just for a particular occasion. And moving on...For all of those unfamiliar with the world of "blogging" please tap into it. Through blogging we, the reader and consumer, are given nearly real time insight into social and political haps or any oter subject that may interest you. Everyone knows I like to eat so http://tastingmenu.com/ is one that I love! I previously said blogs were a wave. Well, they are the new media staple, akin to the notion that hip-hop was just a fad. I am proud to say that I have been deemed Ambra's "First Fan": though a title that evokes a thought of fanaticism, a title I am proud to bear given she's going to be rich and famous on the literary/social/political front! (Who'd be ashamed to be M. Jordan's first fan?!)
I beg of you go to NYKOLA.COM . You will not be disappointed!A bet you had know clue who these young world changers are:

Rebel: Farrah Gray
Age: 20
Representing: Chicago, IL/Las Vegas, NV
Why you should fear him: For starters, he probably makes more money than you. At age 14, this young entrepreneur was a millionaire.FarrahGray.com
For more+pic: http://www.nykola.com/archives/000534.html

Rebel: Dwight Howard
Why you should fear him: As a high school senior at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, he was the number one overall NBA draft pick of 2004 to the Orlando, Magic and has already staked his position on the court as being an unashamed follower of Jesus Christ out to change the negative image of basketball players. From the time that he was a little boy, he's had the vision to "raise the name of God within the league and throughout the world." For Howard, the NBA is his pulpit, but he plans on preaching through his lifestyle. Howard has an uphill battle ahead of him in a profession that seems to be breeding bad behavior (and infidelity). Howard however, has been open in interviews about remaining a virgin until married and desiring to set a standard of purity amongst a culture of womanizing and casual sex. Not too enveloped by the millionaire lifestyle, Howard is intent on staying humble and grounded by the reality of God's blessings. Plus he's 6-foot-10. He will crush you.

Age: 18 until (12/8)
Representing: East Point, GeorgiaStatus: A forward for the Orlando Magic, nicknamed "Choirboy"
Achievements: Winner of the 2004 Naismith Award, signifying the nationals top high school player. Winner of the Morgan Wooten High School Player of the Year award. Named McDonald's National High School Player of the Year. Named Co-MVP of the 2004 McDonald's High School All-America game. Played in the EA Sports Roundball Classic. Named to the PARADE Magazine All-American Team.
or More+pic: http://www.nykola.com/archives/000463.html

Rebel: Taylor Moore
Age: 15
Representing: Chicago, ILStatus: Sophomore at Kenwood Academy High School
Why you should fear her: A sought-after inspirational speaker on the topic of abstinence, excellence, and non-violence to young people. Taylor Moore has been commanding crowds around the country since she was 10-years-old. She is the youngest speaker on the Project Reality team, an organization focused on abstinence education. In addition to public speaking, Moore is a certified cable television producer and host. She hosts three shows locally on the Chicago Cable Access Network: "Making It," "Words to Live By," and "Behind the Scenes."
For More+pic: http://www.nykola.com/archives/000573.html

To make it easy for you, here's today's blog, an exerpt of her site.

March 09, 2005
Linkology
(because there aren't enough hours in the day)
Morality TV: Just when you thought they'd done every scenario possible via "reality tv," Fox surprises us again. Their new reality show, "Who Wants to Live Forever," as described by the network, is a show on which " everyday people are confronted with their morality, motivating them to make surprising and dramatic changes in their lifestyles." I must say, I am very curious to know what standard of morality we're talking here....people who smoke? people don't make their beds? This one should be uh, interesting. Let me know how it goes.
Colorado University Keeps Churchill but Dumps Christian: Professor Phil Mitchell, a twenty-year CU veteran has not been invited back and he feels it's for both political and religious reasons. Kevin McCullough takes issue with this. Smart, young freelancer, Nicole Russell discusses Churchill's dishonesty and and poor example for younger generations.
Race and Retirement: Old news, but I thought "The Snob" made some interesting points in his piece on "Economic Apartheid and Social Security." I have a luxury of prentending to ignore the whole SS debate. Too bad I can't.
Abortion as Hate Discrimination: Joe at the Evangelical Outpost discusses a piece of Maine legislation that would prohibit abortions on unborn children who posses the "homosexual gene." The bill's sponsor, a conservative state representative is clearly strategic about this. I think it's ridiculous.
I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live. Martin Luther King Jr., Speech in Detroit, June 23, 1963

I couldn't help it...American Idol

MSNBC - Hollywood drama, �American Idol� style
I didn't see American Idol this week, but I couldn't help posting this commentary from MSNBC. It literally made my gut hurt as I tried not to laugh out loud....

The second paragraph is where it's at!
Pass the Kleenex
Runny mascara and red puffy eyes were also in abundance this second evening in Hollywood. Some dismissed contestants held their tears until they left the stage, saving the waterworks for the post-audition interview. Natalie Weiss managed a weak smile when she learned she was the only one in her group who wouldn’t be staying on. Once outside, she pressed a cellphone to her cheek and sobbed out the words, “Brian I didn’t make it…”

Other contestants exploded on stage the moment Simon made his decree. Most notably among the emotional was JP of the aforementioned Early-to-Bed gang. Post-performance, he and his unrehearsed partners seemed resolute, fully expecting their imminent exit. As the mighty Simon granted them a “second chance,” JP threw his arms in the air and broke like the Hoover dam. While John and Kurtis whooped like Patriots fans, JP shrieked his gratitude, his eyes and nose gushing with equal ferocity.

But it was Elizabeth Pha, the girl who was dismissed by both her teammates and the judges, who personified Hollywood’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Before slumping off in the harsh Los Angels sun, she turned to the camera and told all of America, “I’m a very beautiful person and … I just think it’s been very unfair.”

Oh, if only being a very beautiful person by one’s own estimation was all it took to make it in Hollywood.

Some Must Knows.....

Friends and Family,
Ambra Nykol's site never ceases to amaze me with all of the seemingly underground (or maybe just underground to me) knowledge that she brings to we folk who don't read enough. So, in service, I first, direct you to her site NYKOLA.COM and second will highlight some profound knowledge ascertained just today.
1) Young Money
This site is for young people to get our money in order! Puts things in understandable terms and gives awesome strategies for becoming an individual a POSITIVE net worth.

2) Good talk on Black History Month: It's not Black History, it's history and should be included as such!

3)Erika Harold, a 23 year old Miss America from Urbana, Illinois preaching and teaching abstinence from sexual activity, drugs and alcohol.
An excerpt from Ambra:

In response to pressure to back down from one of her platforms, Harold said the following

"One of my jobs as Miss America is to be a role model to young people and to provide them with my story as an example of how they can achieve positive things in their lives. My personal commitment to abstinence from drugs, sex and alcohol in my opinion helped me to accomplish many of my goals. If I were prevented from speaking about that I think it would be very disingenuous in terms of serving as a role model."

CHECK IT OUT!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebtrations

Puget Sound Area MLK Celebrations
by Seattle MediumThe Seattle Medium
Originally posted 1/12/2005

Annual MLK March And Rally
The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. community Rally and March will be held on Monday, Jan. 17, 2005 at Garfield High School. The event will feature educational workshops at 9:30 a.m., followed by a rally in the gymnasium at 11:00 a.m. and will conclude with a march to downtown Seattle at 12 noon.

The theme of this year’s event is “Speak Truth To Power: End Racial Disparity Now!”

The event is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Celebration Committee.

Dr. Martin Luther King’s Words and Legacy Are Focus Of Annual Community Celebration
(Sponsored By The Seattle Community Colleges)
The 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration sponsored by the Seattle Community Colleges will be held Fri., Jan. 14, 2005 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 1634 – 19th Ave. in Seattle.

This annual program is one of the area’s oldest and most significant celebrating the life of Dr. King, and is attended by people from throughout the community, including civic and social leaders.

Speakers and performers at this year’s program will focus on the words and legacy of civil rights leader, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The program will include:
• A stirring recitation of excerpts from the famed “I Have a Dream Speech,” by 5th grade students from Bryant Elementary School.
• Inspiring gospel music from a combined mass choir of the FAME and Trinity Choirs from First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Seattle.
• Keynote speaker William Bell, a nationally known leader in child and family issues, and executive vice president of the Casey Family Foundation.
• Emcee Vivian Phillips, noted Seattle communications and arts figure, who most recently appeared as “narrator” in the Black Nativity production at Intiman Theatre.

Doors open at 11:00 am and prelude music begins at 11:30 am. For more information, contact the Seattle Community Colleges events line at (206) 903-3233 or www.seattlecolleges.com/calendar

Seattle Young People's Project's 6th Annual MLK Hip Hop Show
The Seattle Young People's Project (SYPP) is partnering with the MLK Celebration Committee and the Vera Project to bring you the 2005 all ages MLK Hip-Hop Show on Friday, Jan. 14, at the Vera Project - 1916 4th Ave. in Seattle from 7 - 10;30 p.m.. Doors will open at 6pm and the show will be from 7-10:30pm. The show strives to bring youth together to honor the life of Martin Luther King and to teach them how they can be involved in the community. It also provides a place for youth to have a voice and have fun in a safe environment. The show will include spoken word, emceeing, DJ's, and a freestyle battle.

MLK CELEBRATION AT EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Everett Community College will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Thurs., Jan. 13.

At 11 a.m., the Black Student Union will hold a pre-rally in the Multipurpose Room, Parks Student Union; cake and refreshments will be served. At 11:30 a.m. a bus will take students and Everett Community College employees downtown for an MLK march around Everett. From 1 to 2 p.m. there will be an MLK community celebration with speaker Morris Dees at the Everett Events Center. Morris, the founder and chief trial counsel for the non-profit Southern Poverty Law Center, has successfully tracked and fought domestic terrorists for 20 years. His efforts brought about the Civil Rights Memorial, lawsuits that bankrupted the KKK and imprisoned perpetrators of hate crimes, and increased awareness of radical militias. Seating for the celebration is first come first served, with seating preference given to participants in the march.

Everett Community College is in north Everett, two blocks west of North Broadway between 10th and Tower Streets. Parking on campus is by permit only. Permits are available in the Security Office, Parks Student Union.

The City Of Seattle Celebrates The Dream Of Martin Luther King, Jr. At Seattle Center House A stirring, theatrical presentation of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ''I Have A Dream'' speech highlights the City of Seattle's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, along with music, song and the opportunity for the public to create their own part of a special MLK quilt. The celebration takes place Mon., Jan. 17 from 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Seattle Center House.

The official celebration on Monday will feature a dramatic theatrical reading of the ''I Have A Dream'' speech by the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas, who use multiple actors and music to create a thoughtful mood and enhancement of the speech.

Music, song and dance will be provided by noteworthy gospel and urban music performers such as William Demps, Sharon Bryson, the Darrius Willrich Band, and the Seattle Center All-City Youth Choir.

In addition, the public will get a unique opportunity to help create the ''I Have A Dream'' quilt. Between noon and 4 p.m., visitors will be given art materials to create their own patch for the quilt as a community art project.

The MLK Youth Awards will be handed out by John Franklin, the Mayor of Seattle's Chief of Departmental Operations, to youth who have done outstanding work in the community working for Dr. King's ideals of peace and unity.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Baptist Church Presents An Evening Fit for a King!
On Sun., Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. Marling Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist church will host its annual MLK celebration The theme for this year's event is ''When All of God's Children Get Together: Freedom Rings''!.

The keynote speaker for this year's event will be Seattle/King County NAACP president Carl Mack, and Dr. Charles Mitchell, Chancellor of the Seattle Community College District will also be featured as a guest speaker.

MLK Memorial Baptist Church is located at 13611 SE 116th St. in Renton. For more information contact Deborah Robinson - (253) 850-3488 MLK Day Chairperson or Vanessa Lucas and/or Susie at (425) 255-1446.

Article found at http://seattlemedium.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=52442&sID=4

URGENT REQUEST for ASSISTANCE!

This is an URGENT REQUEST FOR YOUR SUPPORT for THE JASMINE BRIDGES SCHOLARSHIP FUND!

In the wake of my Christmas Note, all is well BUT I need help funding my Grad Degree.

I need to raise $3600 ASAP!
As you may know, I am pursuing my Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary and and I do not have the funds to continue for next quarter. My job does 75% tuition reimbursement for work related study so I am trying to convey that this degree effects all aspects of my personal life and therefore my work life. However, until then, I need your urgent support to continue. If you could donate even $20, it would help. I have been saving my own funds and looking for scholarships, but it is very difficult. So if you could assist me, I would be infinitely grateful. Also, if you know of any scholarships for which I could apply please forward me the information!
You can donate online at The Jasmine Bridges Scholarship Fund (preferable) or mail donations to me.

Thank you!
Prayerfully,
Jasmine Bridges

Look at this...

You really just can't win! People make fun of you if your teeth are inexplicably "bad", crowded, crooked, etc. Note the picture of Steve Buscemi from Armageddon (whom I love by the way!)

But look at this!These aren't even chicklet teeth. This is a full block of cartoon mouth! Now I do feel bad about talking about this guy because he did just pass (as in ...away.) This is the guy from Law & Order, Jerry Orbach. Read more about him by clicking on his picture.

Does this make any sense?!

Anyway, I just had to point this out...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Friends and Family!

This year has proven to be quite packed so I'm going to update you and wish you Happy Holidays electronically.

I turned 24 on September 28th. I just preached my second sermon last Sunday, December 19th, 2004. I am currently in Grad School at Fuller Theological Seminary, where I have just completed my first quarter in a Masters in Divinty Program. I am a minister at Allen AME Church in Tacoma and an Engineer at Tacoma Power, where I celebrated my 1.5 year anniversary on December 16th, 2004! My how time flies. As you can (or will) see that I am a growing "blogger" AKA a web logger, so you can read my daily (or when I have time-ly) posts at my new site, The Jazz Spot. This blog was birthed from my need to get my thoughts out, as I have so many continually running through my head, and my desire to have my own webpage (no matter how elementary it is!)

Let's see...oh yes, so The Jazz Spot is for my personal thoughts and personal commentary. However, seeing as the world is seems not to willing to fund graduate study in Divinity, I also created The Jasmine Bridges Scholarship Fund, which will help fund my studies at Fuller. Indeed, scholarship and aid are difficult to find and obtain for relgious study so FEEL FREE TO DROP BY The Jasmine Bridges Scholarship Fund AND DONATE! All donations are more than appreciated and needed!

Ok, the thing that I may be the most proud of (aside from following God's lead of course) is that I created and am selling shirts memorializing Election 2004. This was indeed the largest election in history as 1.8 million new voters came out for the 2004 Election. This voting numbers in this election are noteworthy and we must be proud of having voted (Regardless of party or winner) ....WE MUST EXERCISE OUR RIGHT TO VOTE!!!

So I Created and am SELLING VOTED T-Shirts...as in...I VOTED!

VOTED T-Shirt
Here is a small graphic for those of you who are interested!
Front: VOTED, Election 2004
Back: Mine Counts...

Just click on the shirt to go to a the website to purchase it, VOTED2004.blogspot.com . And do please purchase one for support if nothing else (although I might add that I think they are pretty cool!)

So all is well chez moi! It's about time for another vacation; however! I've finally posted picture of my August 2003 trip to Ghana here! I shall soon posted other pics represting The Life of Jasmine!

Do stay in touch and know that I am praying for you! God is still blessing and molding me so continue to keep me in prayer. (And if you haven't been praying for me... PLEASE START ;)!

LOTS OF LOVE,
Jasmine Bridges....Jazz!

Now this is scary...the reason why I pray!

First of all, it's 6:15pm on Thursday, the eve of Christmas Eve and I'm still at work. I mean I am writing this blog, so I'm not working but nonetheless I should not be here! Can we say, "NO LIFE?!"....uh...yeah!....NO LIFE! Anyway, something pressing has managed to grasp my attention in a not so positive way! So I've been working on a new blog to see my VOTED 2004 shirts and I came across the most disgusting, vile, wordly sick story. I wouldn't normally post this type of thing on my site but I feel it duty to call all of us who pray to action because this stuff is real! I don't necessarily urge you to read but I'll just comment on the state of our country. So this girl Staff Assistant in the White House (This all occured a year ago), was sleeping with multiple men-young, old, married, interns, etc. and writing about it on her site. I mean she was simply writing about her daily activities as most of us bloggers do, but all of her activities-nights and days, involved having sex or performing some self-disrespecting act with someone. White House agents searched to find the perpetrating author and once they did, fired her. (Read this for more commentary.) So this young ho (24 years at the time) found it doable to continue her sex-capades with old, married and or rich men just to subsidize her $25k salary. I mean don't get me wrong, it is indeed difficult to live on that, but in college we all lived in far less....SO THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE! The most abominable part is that I'm sure this happens all of the time. I mean that is how you move up on the Hill right? (Disclaimer: This is a rhetorical question. Not a comment on my beliefs about the US Government). I mean haven't we gone through this before with....a blue dress...and some white film? The girl refers to the the rampancy of such behavior in her blog:

"If you investigated every Staff Ass on the Hill, I am sure you would find out

some freaky shit. No way can anybody live on such a low salary. I am convinced

that the Congressional offices are full of dealers and hos."

And if this happened a year ago, there's not telling what's going on now. Well nevermind, we can see it! So anyway, Children of God, IT REALLY IS TIME TO PRAY! We need to pray for the state of our country, the state of our world, the state of American morality....the morality of the world for that matter! We can't go on blowing such sickness off as "comical" or "just the way it is"! Something's gotta give...and it won't be be GOD!

13“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

~Luke 16:13 (NIV)

So Let's pray people. This story is a warning for all those who are going to be working on this Hill or in general. Everything has a price! So remember...
36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
~Mark 8:36-37

This is a call to action!
~Jazz

http://www.ucomics.com/boondocks/

I think that every socially conscious person should read the BOONDOCKS Strip, so I'm putting a link to it on my site...lol...sounds like every socially conscious peruses my site huh? Well, anyway, here's today's and the other is probably the funniest one I've ever read: it's the funniest THING I've every read. Enjoy!

Two new things for you.....about ME!

The "You" of course means...."ME!"

You Are a Prophet Soul

You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone. Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people. Sometimes this faith can lead to disappoinment in the long run. No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way. You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle. Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people's feelings. A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning. You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer. Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

AND...

You are 60% Libra

How much do you match your zodiac sign?

It's time to make a change...

So I've decided, I'm tired of hearing all of the ludicrous and negative things that are going on in the world. Don't get me wrong, I know it's real and is more than ever evidence that we are truly in the End Times. But dang! There is a lot of amazing stuff going on in society too. People are making a difference, no matter how small it seems and I'm going to start highlighting it. I've done a very preliminary search and there are a few "Good News" broadcasters out there. But at this point, I can literally count them on one hand. So before I get into the "Good New Report" let me show what prompted me. Take a look at today's headlines from the Seattle PI:

December 9, 2004
Mom's eavesdropping violated privacyThe state Supreme Court has ruled that the Privacy Act prohibits a parent from eavesdropping on a child's phone conversations. New · 10:20 a.m.
Canadian court OK's same-sex marriageCanada's highest court said today the government can redefine marriage to include same-sex couples.Update · 10:54 a.m.
Target's bell-ringer ban stirs revoltTarget customers have latched onto Internet-fueled boycott campaigns, angry that the retailer might cost the Salvation Army nearly $200,000 in local donations.
Tedious hand recount beginsNineteen new ballots turned up yesterday, ultimately boosting Dino Rossi's lead in the governor's race by three votes.
In-home service: It's a hitThis holiday season, as thousands of consumers get electronic gifts, in-home help to set them up and keep them running is just a phone call away.
Convicted murderer freed by courtA Bothell nurse sentenced to 40 years in prison for beating her toddler daughter to death walked free yesterday, released after 14 years because of a state Supreme Court decision.


But what really spurred me is the ban of tragic headlines (from today's paper) below:
- Monorail to restart before Christmas
- Skiers set to hit Crystal after snow hits Cascades
- Agents arrest 4 suspects in visa-fraud case
- Kirkland family mourns soldier who perished in Iraq
- 2 women struck, killed by cars
- 6 missing in crash of Coast Guard helicopter
- Divers may help Hanford cleanup
- Boy, 17, held in beating over traffic incident
- Several people taken to hospital after crashes
- Avalanche closes North Cascades route
- 3 children found home alone after fire erupts
- Boy abducted by stranger in Rochester, then released
More local news

Not all of it is bad, but do you really want more local news? I mean come on...it's ok, to tell the bad, grim and ugly, but is it too much to ask to infuse some of the good?

Like,
-Starr Finishing Her Last Year of Law School!

-J'nai applying to college for Classican AND Contemporary Music Performance after Surviving as the ONLY Black Girl in an ALL white private school!

-Jordan and J'nai perfoming in Small Vocal Ensemble Concert tonight at Charles Wirght Academy in Tacoma, WA!

-After 150 years Chief Leschi gets another trial. He's a Hero NOT a murderer! (This was actually in the paper but I want everyone to see it!)

- Bloggers informing folks: Ambra Nykol, the Black Informant, and many more...

- Courtney Payne starts Professional On-line Community, Code624

-Paris and Pamela, two African-American parents who are still married and raising their family with God's guidance!

-Jayson , car salesman, paving his own way in the industry!

I mean for real, the list could go on and on. It could fill up a full newspaper...and it soon will!
Keep posted. Until then, here are some other sources of "Good News":

The Good News Network, Good News Broadcast , Good News, Etc.

She does it again....

Ambra Nykol does it again! Somehow my low times are always lifted with a quick peruse through her site. Her latest bit actually evoked a chuckel (look at how tired I am) ....chuckle and slight motivation to ask/tell my boss I need a few hours off...TODAY. On her latest blog "Thoughts On the Mall" she gives " a few...deep insights and observations about the mall."
This is the one that gets me:

Salespeople should be required by law to wait at least 3 nanoseconds before abruptly asking, "Are you looking for something special today?" Why yes I am Suzie. I'm looking for you to ease back just a smidge, thanks.

Too funny! I can see it in my head...it always seems to be the "Suzies" who are all up in it...."ease back". LOL! Forget "Lean Back." My new slogan is: "Now ease back (uhh huh) ease back...ease back....EASE BACK!"

Thanks God! I asked for strength and He's hooking me up a little at a time. Ambra really is doing God's work ;)!

~ME!

Tired!

Have you ever been just tired?!!.....of working of doing of thinking....of just stuff? Well, I am. I'm working everyday. Don't get me wrong the job is great (for a job). It's a job nonetheless. I'm also in the midst of finals: just completed my Hebrew final yesterday. I hope it gets delivered to my professor. We had to send it in and I didn't put a return address on the envelope b/c I didn't have a pen in my car. And after I dropped it in the box, I realized that it may have needed another stamp just to be safe (I'm praying on that one). I now have to do my Biblical Interpretation final plus a 15 page paper. I haven't written 15 pages since the 11th grade. That was the first and last time I did that and I think it took me like a week straight plus some serious guidance. The 10-page paper I wrote in college was turned in late....if that shows you how excited I am about papers more than 2 pages! Church is cool minus that fact that a certain someone is always trippin'; doesn't seem to realize that I'm in SEMINARY, which in my opinion is just as much ministry as being at a bunch of church meetings....but whatever. So anyway, I'm not in all that great of a mood as you can see. I'm tired, I'm broke even though a make enough money and I live at home....uhhhhhhhhh. So the Bible says (and I believe it): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I'll just put it frankly, God, I'm asking for strength b/c i surely can't do all of this on my own, well...not with a smile at least. So somebody, PRAY FOR ME! I need all that help I can get. And yes, I need a vacation (or something)!
~Later

Herman McKinney, VP of Urban Affairs for the Urban Enterprise Center, Me and Edward James Olmos