"Why are you yelling at me?" : The Universe speaks.

I was getting ready to go on a vacation to London for the week. I am gonna meet my girlfriend there. Then we are heading back to Paris to spend the next week there. We are going not the Jay-Z show on June 6th. Days of departure for me on these kinds of trips are always a bit nuts. Today was no exception.

Approx 9:00
I wake up and brush my teeth. I immediately walk into to my studio to check on a painting I left rusting the night before. It's looking good and I am pleased. Next I go to the couch where I do my daily morning meditation. Sofia calls me. We chat lovingly before I get off to meditate.

10:00
I am done meditating and I am hopping in the shower. I have to go meet my biz partner for a quick meeting before I head out. This is gonna be a busy 2 weeks even from across the pond.

12:00
I arrive and we go sit and meet. We catch up and discuss some things. Come to some agreements and come up with a few ideas. All the things that a start-up biz does in meetings.

1:30
I am heading home because I know that time passes like its nothing. I decide to take the Q today to save time, plus I can do some talking/texting/emailing while crossing the bridge for about 3 mins if I need it.

1:46
I get a text from a number that is not in my phone.



2:15
I get home and run basically. I am taking inventory, organizing, finishing packing- I am amazingly sharp and on it today.

5:00
I get this strange thought in my mind. The thought goes "Hmm, not that you don't want to trust the guy, but you don't even know if ***** is not as cool as he used to be.

5:02
I send a text to my friend, who's boyfriend I know knows this guy very well. I texted her-



5:11
I kinda thought she was joking. I was waiting for the standard ':)' or LOL or HAHA. But nothing. She didn't text back saying she was kidding. So I called her. She is telling me some things and I am on the phone with her literally amazed at the story she is telling me. I am thinking to myself. "wow- I cannot believe how the universe works." I am actually laughing at what almost happened. But didn't. I say to her " I am gonna tell him that I can't do it now and I'm gonna be straight up tell him the truth about what I heard.

The long and short of the story is this.
****** was friends with ***** for more than 15 years. They practically grew up together. ***** got evicted and needed a place to stay. ***** asked ***** if he can stay with he and his fiance. This was a week before the wedding, They get married and moved out. Next thing ****** knows, they received a letter in the mail saying that they are due in court. ***** calls and asks what for, they moved out long time ago. The apt complex say no you haven't. We have video of you living in the apt. They go and look at the video- it's *****. ie Squatting. There is and has been no heat and no electricity in the apt either.

Crazy.

***** also allegedly forged ***** signature on the eviction notice. Get this- 2 hours after ***** called and told ***** that he was going to see his mom because she had just suffered a stroke. ie. identity theft

He had also tried to set up a vendor account with American Apparel in LA. But was rejected. He asked ***** if he could order some things using their account. ***** said that they no longer worked with American Apparel, so "No." He calls them up anyway and orders some things under *****'s account. He has them shipped to a friends address in LA. ***** finds out and has the shipment tracked and calls the recipient. ***** tells them that if they accept the shipment there will be federal agents knocking on the door.

I can't even remember what the theft thing was- but does it matter?

I am dumbfounded. Not that I know this guy THAT well but I figured if ****** co-signed him, he must be ok. But they hadn't.

Let me Tarantino this piece.- A little background story: I was going out with a group of friends for another friends birthday. We were going sky diving. This was circa 2001. I had never been on a plane before. ***** just happens to be out going on the jump. Not with the group, just a regular jumper.

Fast forward a few years and I find out along with Nooch, that he knew a new friend of ours. They had known each other for a long time at this point. That signature would last a few years, I had no idea it expired.

Tarantino again- I am riding my bike home one day. I am riding down Kent in WillyB and I pass this guy walking past me. I am like "Heyyyy man" We chat, exchange numbers and I am too ashamed to ask him his name again. So I don't. I was gonna text ***** and ask them. But I rode on a forgot. The number was deleted from mu call log.

Present day

5:19
I texted Ekene to not answer any calls from *****. And that I would tell him the story once he comes to Paris.

5:32
As I am walking to the train I text ***** the following.

I was intending on calling ***** from the airport but that never happened…

6:46
He responded as I was on the Airtrain...


But I am just amazed at how the universe said something to me. And though I am very trusting of people, I listened. All I could think about was ALLLLL the wrong shit that could have happened and how it was averted. Bravo Uni. Bravo.

Lesson of the day. The Universe has spoken…LISTEN.

-R39W

Bamboozled...

I found this article on Facebook one day in my news feed. And I had to read it and repost it.

When we're done, tap water will be relegated to showers and washing dishes.
—Susan Wellington, president of the Quaker Oats Company's United States beverage division.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126833795

Snippets"

"How do you convince consumers to buy something that is essentially the same as a far cheaper and more easily accessible alternative? You promote perceived advantages of your product, and you emphasize the flaws in your competitor's product. For water bottlers this means selling safety, style, and convenience, and playing on consumer's fears. Fear is an effective tool. Especially fear of sickness and of invisible contamination. If we can be made to fear our tap water, the market for bottled water skyrockets."

"Subtler advertising approaches also play on our fears. PepsiCo hired actress Lisa Kudrow to promote Aquafina with the phrase "So pure, we promise nothing" in a campaign Brandweek magazine jokingly called the "Nothing" campaign. Kinley in India offers "Trust in every drop," while another Indian bottler, Bisleri, advertises "Bisleri. Play safe." "

"The beverage companies are winning the war on tap water. As long as people can be made to fear tap water, they will seek out alternatives they think offer more safety. But we have to ask: is bottled water actually any safer? What do we know about what's actually in our tap water — or in the bottles of water we buy? And how safe is it to drink?"

From Bottled and Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water by Peter H. Gleick. Copyright 2010 by Island Press. Excerpted with permission by Island Press.

-R39W

Lyrical Breakdown: Out My Mind, Just In Time

I was riding in Chicago a few weeks back listening to the new Erykah Badu cd with Sofia. We were both just vibing and zoning to this song. We started to talk about it lyrically- she asked me if I knew what Chopped and Screw means. I said " Yeah, it's a type of hip-hop that started in Houston." She goes "How come I am the only one that doesn't know that?" As she said that it kinda hit me.

The song is about 3 different loves in her life. The first course of the song is about her relationship and love with hip-hop. She has already written a song about hip-hop before ie. "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)". I am thinking it all makes sense now...

Lyrics:
I'm a recovering undercover over-lover (She loves hip-hop too much, but it's inside)
Recovering from a love I can't get over...(She can't get over her love for hip-hop)
Recovering undercover over-lover
And now my common law lover thinks he wants another (She has been in this relationship for many years. No formal wedding. Hip-hop is changing and is deciding it wants something different than what she does.)
(We begin the stages hip-hop has gone thru)
And I'd lie for you (When we were young, our parents didn't want us to listen to it)
I'd cry for you
I'd pop for you
I'd break for you (Breakdancing- an element of hip-hop)
And hate for you (Gangsta Rap)
And I'll hate you too (I don't think she agrees with the previous direction)
If you want me too
Ah, Uuu Uu
I'd pray for you
I'd crochet for you ("Neo-Soul, hip-hop" I hate that word..."
Make it from scratch for you
Leave out the latch for you
Go to the stove for you
Do it some more for you
Do what you want me to
Yes I'm a fool for you (inequivocally)

I'm a recovering undercover over-lover
Recovering from a love I can't get over...
Recovering undercover over-lover
And now my common law lover thinks he wants another
And I'd lie for you
I'd cry for you
I'd pop for you
I'd break for you
And hate for you
And I'll hate you too
If you want me too
I gotta do my love for you
Chopped and screwed for you (Houston hip-hop)
Pay the rent for you
It's true
It's true
Poor Badu
Thought I was through with you
Guess I'm a fool for you...



I could be totally wrong. I can't justify every line- but I think it's about hip-hop...Or this could just be my very own idea. Which in that case makes me brilliant.

-R39W

Appreciation + Obsession, Not Daily- just 'Obsession': The Archandroid

I have been listening to this CD nonstop since Saturday. And with every listen it gets better. The energy of the spirit of this collection of music is quite amazing and it's quite difficult to put it within containment. Like a jumping bean, it just leaps around and refuses to be categorized and labeled other than "Brilliant". Only then will it sit still, smile and wink. But don't blink, because it commences to jump around again erratically because you got comfortable with the idea that you have defined it.

Archandroid by the one and only Janelle Monae.

I would advise musicians to not release any albums the rest of the year. 2010 belongs to Ms. Monae. Sorry to have to break the news so publicly. I bought one from iTines 'cause I support great music and I am buying a hard copy for liner notes tomorrow.

Here is an example of the brilliance.

She moonwalks forward ya'll...That's just insane.



And her explaining the idea behind it.



wow...
I had to add the lyrics to Many Moons

Verse 1:
We're dancing free but we're stuck here underground
And everybody trying to figure they way out
Hey Hey Hey, all we ever wanted to say
Was chased erased and then thrown away
And day to day we live in a daze

Refrain:
We march all around til' the sun goes down night children
Broken dreams, no sunshine, endless crimes, we long for freedom (for freedom)
You're free but in your mind, your freedom's in a bind

Chorus:
Oh make it rain, ain't a thang and the sky to fall
(The silver bullet's in your hand and the war's heating up)
And when the truth goes BANG the shouts splatter out
(Revolutionize your lives and find a way out)
And when you're growing down instead of growing up
(You gotta ooo ah ah like a panther)
Tell me are you bold enough to reach for love?
(Na na na...)

(There is a piece here that is missing)

2nd Verse:
So strong for so long
All i wanna do is sing my simple song
Square or round, rich or poor
At the end of day and night all we want is more
I keep my feet on solid ground and use my wings when storms come around
I keep my feet on solid ground for freedom
You're free but in your mind, your freedom's in a bind

Chorus

Cybernetic Chantdown:
Civil rights, civil war
Hood rat, crack whore
Carefree, nightclub
Closet drunk, bathtub
Outcast, weirdo
Stepchild, freak show
Black girl, bad hair
Broad nose, cold stare
Tap shoes, Broadway
Tuxedo, holiday
Creative black, Love song
Stupid words, erased song
Gun shots, orange house
Dead man walking with a dirty mouth
Spoiled milk, stale bread
Welfare, bubonic plague
Record deal, light bulb
Keep back kid not corporate thug
Breast cancer, common cold
HIV, lost hope
Overweight, self esteem
Misfit, broken dream
Fish tank, small bowl
Closed mind, dark hold
Cybergirl, droid control
Get away now they trying to steal your soul
Microphone, one stage
Tomboy, outrage
Street fight, bloody war
Instigators, third floor
Promiscuous child, broken dream
STD, quarentine
Heroin user, coke head
Final chapter, death bed
Plastic sweat, metal skin
Metallic tears, mannequin
Carefree, night club
Closet drunk, bathtub
White house, Jim Crow
Dirty lies, my regards

Closing Lullaby:
And when the world just treats you wrong
just come with me and I'll take you home
No need to pack a bag
Who put your life in the danger zone?
You running dropping like a rolling stone
No need to pack a bag
You just can't stop your hurt from hanging on
The old man dies and then a baby's born
Chan, chan, chan, change your life
And when the world just treats you wrong
just come with me and i'll take you home
Shan, shan shan shan-gri la
Na na na na na na na na na na na

-R39W

Nice...

-R39W

Pencil Test

I was on the train the other day and saw this. I could only think
about a time when this trick was a test to see if one would be
classified as "Black" or "Coloured". The difference between the two
was if you were deemed coloured, you wouldn't be treated 'as bad' as
someone classified as black.

The statement of this struck me. It was almost saying "Yes, I am Black"

Sourced from Wikipedia:
"When it was unclear from a person's physical appearance whether a
person was to be considered Colored or Black, the "pencil test" was
employed. This involved inserting a pencil in a person's hair to
determine if the hair was kinky enough for the pencil to get stuck. During the apartheid era, those classed as 'Coloured' were oppressed and discriminated against. However, they did have limited rights and overall had slightly better socioeconomic conditions than those classed as 'Black'.

In the post-apartheid era the government's policies of affirmative action have favored 'Blacks' over 'Coloureds'. Some South Africans categorized as 'Black' openly state that 'Coloureds' did not suffer as much as they did during apartheid. The popular saying by 'Coloured' South Africans to illustrate this dilemma is: Not white enough under apartheid and not black enough under the ANC (African National Congress)"

Appreciation: MAD APPRECIATION! K-OS. This is the truth...

This came on in my iTunes and it sucker punched me in the same eye that I just injured. But I am prone to injuries. I am also insanely resilient.

Check it...



-R39W

Personal Injury

I just literally recieved a call from a personal injury lawyer about my bicycle accident. He was genuinely shocked to find there was no car involved.

WH: I am Webster Hall, I am a personal injury lawyer. I am calling about your accident.

I am thinking, that was 2 years ago man...

Me: What accident?

WH: I see that you were in a bicycle accident.

Me: I was but there was no car involved.

WH: (Shocked) There was no car involved? What did you do, run into a pole?

Me: (I didn't say this, but I was thinking it) Well, a steel gate. But its was mean man! It would like fighting Floyd Mayweather!

-R39W

Appreciation: Water talks...bull**** walks.

This is really cool.

Solidarités International: Water talks from La Boite Concept on Vimeo.

-R39W

As my mama used to say, "Don't get too big for your britches."

I was out earlier making a run today on my bike. On that run , I figured out how to do a skid. (For those that don't know - Skidding is stopping on a fixed gear bike without use of the brakes). Not the way the "riders" do, but my way. At first I was skidding a short distance. Not yet able to do it at high speeds. I am a baby.

I was about to get in the studio for the first time for myself in a minute. But I realized I didn't have the paint that I wanted for a certain look. So I dart out again on my bike to get to Utrecht before it closes. I am booking. It's crazy windy- so "booking" essentially means I was slow dragging like was at my prom.

I make it in time, get my paints and am back on the bridge. I decide to stop by Target for some scented candles. I could use some 'smell good' while I paint. It's good energy.

I grab some candles and head home. I am doing my moderate baby skids on the way back and I get ballsy as I am pulling up to my apt. So I step it up a notch.

I am pulling up to my door, I skid. I evidently am not...So I quickly go for the brake. As I see the gate to building next door in front of me. Mind you, I have only a front brake on my bike. I am going a decent enough speed where the front wheel stops and I see the rear wheel lift off the ground. Next thing, I see the gate- very close-up. I smashed the gate and knocked my glasses off.

The only thing I was thinking was - "Please, don't let my glasses be broken. I love these frames." I get up and feel a drip on my face. I know I am not sweating. Shit.

Another drip. By the time I make it in the apt I am full on bleeding. I look in the mirror. Yep.



Mind you I just stopped by my little spot and picked up a bread pudding muffin. So I am not gonna let this knick keep me from eating my treat.



After I skyped Sofia, I was wanting her to tell me whether she thought it was bad enough to go to ER. I don't want to miss The Boondocks tonite man.

She concurs- I need stitches.

So I go. I go to University Hospital of Brooklyn. I know I will die at Woodhull waiting for an aspirin.

I get there, sign in, and ask the lady if she thinks it will be awhile. She plainly looks at me and says, "Most certainly so."

I sit. They call me back immediately- I am thinking "I like this hospital." I am sent back out. They call me back again. I am back there for another 45 mins.

I get stitched up and I am out in 2 hours. This has to be some medical anomaly.



I was actually awake for this surgery. I am a trooper...

I am home waiting for The Boondocks. Can't wait.

Mama- used to say "Don't get too big for your britches." Oh that's what you meant...

-R39W

Why is this okay?

Spotted on the L train platform

-R39W

Is this what it's like here? Sold!

I arrived yesterday in Chicago on a wonderfully warm day for my exhibition. I had a great day with my friend Emily. But today took the cake. Or black bean, avocado and cocoa brownie. Or how about this- today took the homemade ice cream.

I was out on the balcony of Emily's carriage house doing some work, when she walks up holding a Whole Foods bag of goodies. She asks me if I had eaten. I said "I made some eggs with - And you should try this- with the pesto from last night's dinner." We nodded in agreement about the deliciousness. She said well "I'm about to make chicken sandwiches with camembert cheese." I say "Okay. What kind of cheese is that?" She say it's like Brie.

As I am sitting, this young lady walks up to the fence and waves. I wave back reluctantly because I did not know her. But I figured she must know Emily. She walks in the gate and Emily introduces us. Her name is Stephanie. She is holding two containers. One that looks like brownies and one with strawberries.

In the background, the sound of this machine is churning. Emily says to Stephanie and I, "Oh that sound is the ice cream machine" I am like, that's what I hear? I thought it was a washing machine.

I go inside as I am finished with my work. Emily is putting together this great lunch. Stephanie, as I have learned, loves to bake. She has brought some vegan brownies made of black beans, avocado and cocoa. A flour-less and dairy-less brownie. I am psyched. I survey the spread and it's looking great.



As I am standing there mouth-watering, one of Emily's neighbor/tenant, Ting Ting walks in holding this dish of apple crumb cobbler. She says "Hi Emily, I baked this and wanted to bring it over." Emily says "Oh what a treat, I am making lunch and you are more than welcome to join. That would go great with the ice cream."





I am smiling uncontrollably. Almost giddy. Because this is something I just don't experience often. I say "Is this what ya'll do in Chicago on weekends?" I can barely get the following words out because I am so giddy and smiley. "Ya'll are gonna spoil me and make me come to expect this."





So we fix plates and sit down to eat. Delicious. Never heard of camembert cheese but it's awesome. I finish and sit back thinking, "Wow". Then Emily says, "Okay time for desert." I think to myself " Oh yeaaaah. I forgot about that." We go in and fix plates. We sit down. I take a spoon to the ice cream. Wow. I think, "Am I dead? I should have called my mama last night."

This ice cream is INSANELY good. The brownie- wonderful. The Apple crisp- amazing! Strawberries and like God plucked them personally.





Ting Ting has taken to baking too because they don't really have ovens in their homes where she's from in China. Stephanie just loves to bake. Emily told me about a party she had once, where there was no counterspace to put the wine that guests brought because every open space was filled with a baked desert of some kind. Why wasn't I called in for that one!

I am having a great time with the ladies. Wow. I am spoiled. Great lunch before the show tonite. Gonna be a good a one. Even if not - which isn't possible - it's still a great day.

-R39W