PRAISE VROOM:
Which came first-motorcycling or Christianity? Most folks would never be posed such a question, but it's one Ken Barela-a 42-year-old food industry professional-has had to answer. The Santa Fean has been motorcycling since childhood, but he became a Christian 15 years ago. This year, however, he has tried to merge his two loves together. Since March, Barela has been posting fliers around town in search of other Christian motorcyclists. "What we'll probably end up doing is bike rallies where we can kind of witness and give testimonies of how the Lord has changed our lives," he says. Barela says the group's name-Armored Saints-is inspired by the Bible. "In the book of Ephesians, they call believers 'saints' and talk about putting on the whole armor of God when you become a Christian," he says. "It's a spiritual battle." Thus far, Barela says a few people have expressed interest in the group but he is still searching for recruits. He says people are surprised upon learning he's starting a motorcycle ministry. However, Barela's group isn't as unique as one might think. He says a group called the Christian Motorcycle Association has been in the process of forming over the past year in Santa Fe. "They have eight members," he says. "It's a long, slow process." Barela often attends CMA meetings but would still like to form a ministry independent of the group. He says members can be of any denomination, "as long as they want to put God and Jesus Christ as our leader and get together and fellowship as brothers in the Lord." To join, contact Barela at 988-5651. (NK)
STARS IN HIS EYES:
We know the First Lady of New Mexico is hot and all, but her hubby-Gov. Bill Richardson-still possesses otherworldly willpower.
"The last time I was in this studio Cate Blanchett proposed to me," Richardson told a crowd huddled inside the Greer Garson Studios at the College of Santa Fe. "I refused."
Sucker. But there is a reason why the governor is getting marriage proposals from Blanchett (during filming for
The Missing
) and cowboy hats from Charlize Theron (after filming for
Class Action
). The man loves movies. Or at least sees the potential money generated by hosting film productions in New Mexico.
That is why Richardson announced-at a May 13 press conference inside the Greer Garson Studios-that he was allocating $1 million to the College of Santa Fe's Moving Images Arts Program.
The governor also knows the impact hosting films like
The Longest Yard
,
The Missing
and
Class Action
can have on the New Mexican economy. According to the governor's office, film production in New Mexico has grown from $8 million in economic impact to more than $200 million in just two years. The allocation to CSF isn't merely a gift from our generous uncle Richie Richardson, but an investment. Although the financial well-being of his state may not be the governor's sole interest in dropping $1 million on film development.
"There is a link," Richardson told the crowd. "I demand a starring role in every film you will be producing."
Coming soon to a theater near you:
Terminator 4: Rise of the Governors
. (ND)
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