This is how I like to spend my Saturday nights. I got bored and built this baby in a few hours, literally (cheated with some Wordpress help though). My FULL website is now available in HTML!! No Flash required. Cellphone Friendly. CH-CH-CHECK IT OUT!!
Click image above to enter HTML Site.
Even though I’m pretty amped about the end product, I’m a little sad that it’s probably better than my Flash site—and it took a FRACTION of the time to build. I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out sooner. The HTML version def makes the contents easier to access and easier to navigate. That’s what I get for trying to be all “flashy” and shit with the Flash. Oh well. Now we got both! Luxury of choice. Holla.
Last night I got a malicious comment from a girl I don’t even know (she also posted anonymously—which is cowardly and immature). She painted a ridiculously vivid memory from 2007 involving me, retold it from her own interpretations/inferences and attempted to strip me of my self-respect. I don’t feel a need to copy and paste the message or my response because there’s no need to propagate this any further and I’m not trying to put her on blast. I really want to move beyond the negative energy and try to bring universal awareness to the issue of hating. The tone of her message was condescending and laced with spiteful humor. I don’t know what I ever did to her directly, but she was so intent on “shaming” me to the rest of the world. People are entitled to their opinions about me, I know not everybody will like me. Her hate was so strong that she wanted the rest of the world to know what she thought of me. Even though she admitted to enjoying my blog posts and praised me for my work, she insulted me and called me pathetic and petty. It felt like she built me up just to slap me down. Like damn—she enjoyed humiliating me to the public more than anything. It was the most cruel, personal attack I’ve ever gotten.
I’m not mad about what she said (it was a completely subjective, false interpretation with no significance to me); I’m honestly more hurt by HOW she said it and her INTENTION behind it. Like damn, it’s too often that women have the tendency to misjudge and interpret other women negatively—always assuming the worst—and then cheering on the guy. I am FAR from perfect, and I never claim to be. I’m only human—which means I have positive traits and also many insecurities.
When people hate, it’s really because they are jealous, insecure, want attention, want interaction, or all of the above. I’m def guilty of being a major hater at times. That’s no secret. When I hate, I realize that I’m just jealous someone else is doing something I wish I was doing—whether this is coming up with an idea first or having the courage to do something I’m too scared to do. I know my hate is reactionary to my own insecurities, so I try not to let the hate manifest in negative energy or ugly actions. These are all just stirred emotions. So I’ll “hate”—but I control the hate, I can’t let it control me.
Some quotes from my mentors:
“People who talk shit on the internet anonymously or behind fake identities are cowards. They’re too scared to say it to your face. And even when it’s not to your face, they’re still too scared to let the world know how nasty or ugly they are acting.”
“When you make moves, people get jealous so they try to hold you down. If you don’t challenge and shake things up, then you’re staying in the safe zone.”
“Tell them to GET OFF YOUR JOCK!”
“If people ARE talking about you, then you’re DOING your job. It means you’re DOING SOMETHING.”
“Love the haters, the haters love you.”
“Haters gona be obsessed.”
It’s amazing how much time some people spend on my blog when they “hate” me so much.
This experience has made me rethink a lot about my art and blog. I realized that I can’t waste my time responding to negative comments—this will only degrade me to the same spite and malicious intent as the hater. This is time wasted that I should be spending on producing my art or crafting myself. So from here on, I will not respond to anymore comments–good or bad.I only want to take in and exert positive energy. So I will approve as necessary, and thank you all in advance for commenting. People forget that this is my PERSONAL blog with PERSONAL views. I don’t have to post or approve anything I don’t want. I would encourage people to start their own blogs if they are so intent on speaking their mind about something (good or bad).
I’ve also decided that I’m going to be less personal in my posts. I’ll continue speaking from a personal point of view, but I’ll focus my topics on more interesting, universal points. Don’t worry, I’ll continue to write whatever the fuck I feel like writing. But I need to keep in mind that it’s more than just Facebook friends reading now. Anybody could be reading at any moment, so I will try to be more conscious of this.
A dope girlfriend said today, “It’s not about “winning” or letting the world know that you “won” by making better points to bring the other person down. All that matters is that you won for yourself. You don’t have to validate or prove yourself to anyone else.” This is true. We should be helping elevate each other, not put each other down. At the end of the day, it’s all a battle of egos anyways. Another home girl, Miss P said, “If we don’t transform the way that we understand and love ourselves, then we’ll never understand how to love each other.” (Paraphrased from Bell Hooks).
I made a choice to put myself out there on my blog. The more I put myself, my art and my ambitions out there, the more vulnerable I make myself to judgment and criticism. It’s the risk I accept in trying to make big moves and cause big waves. I’ll inspire more people and also attract more haters. I’m going to continue living my life and pushing my dreams while staying as positive as possible. Whether people love or hate, I’ll continue to go hard. I’ll continue to be human. Every time someone gives me props, I’ll feel good that I was doing my job. Every time someone hates, I’ll feel good that I was doing my job. I promise you I am going places, so you can journey with me or bite the dust.
A historian, political activist and visionary, Howard Zinn played a pioneering role in reshaping the consciousness of America. Today, Howard Zinn passed away at age 87. R.I.P.! Click here for full article.
Gaddam, if Pharrell ever said “Right now,” I’d be there with the quickness. I just saw the chairs he designed with Perrotin for Art Basel 2009. The chairs are nice, but Pharrell looks more comfortable. YEEEEEA!
Description from Amazon:
By now most of us are aware of the threats looming in the food world. The best-selling Fast Food Nation and other recent books have alerted us to such dangers as genetically modified organisms, food-borne diseases, and industrial farming. Now it is time for answers, and Slow Food Nation steps up to the challenge. Here the charismatic leader of the Slow Food movement, Carlo Petrini, outlines many different routes by which we may take back control of our food. The three central principles of the Slow Food plan are these: food must be sustainably produced in ways that are sensitive to the environment, those who produce the food must be fairly treated, and the food must be healthful and delicious. In his travels around the world as ambassador for Slow Food, Petrini has witnessed firsthand the many ways that native peoples are feeding themselves without making use of the harmful methods of the industrial complex. He relates the wisdom to be gleaned from local cultures in such varied places as Mongolia, Chiapas, Sri Lanka, and Puglia. Amidst our crisis, it is critical that Americans look for insight from other cultures around the world and begin to build a new and better way of eating in our communities here.
Adventures of Eggplant: Journey to Justice
Watch this film! I made it when I was in college (Los Angeles). Produced, directed and edited by me! The background story and inspiration is simple: the injustice behind food accessibility in low-income, poor communities. Many supermarkets have divested from South Central because moving to richer neighborhoods was more profitable. South Central food options are primarily from bodegas, liquor stores and fast food joints. Diet and obesity negatively affect the success rate of individuals in school performance, work opportunities and sustaining communities.
My friend D’Juan grew up in Compton all his life. He took me around his hood while I filmed. I asked him,”Is this a good sized eggplant?” He said, “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never seen or eaten an eggplant in my life!”
Check this girl out. Jazz, neo-soul, everything you want and more singer. She performed at Sulu Series this weekend with me and I became an instant fan. She’s got a crazy dope voice with a crazy dope personality to match.
I’m in New York this weekend hanging out with big sis and running amok. I’m also performing this Sunday for Sulu Series so come out if you’re in town. Peep the flyer from a previous post. Stay tuned for more updates. I love New York!
About Sulu Series:
Started in September 2005, theSulu Seriesis a monthly showcase of emerging and established Asian American artists locally and across the country.
Hosted by Regie Cabico, curated by Artistic Director Taiyo Na, with music by resident crowd mover DJ Boo, and brought to you by the Sulu Artist Network, the Sulu Series, named after Sulu of Star Trek – the first Asian American character to venture into unknown galactic quadrants – and a remote island in the Philippines, features Asian American performers in music, spoken word, video and multidisciplinary performances from the local and national scenes.
Regie Cabico, the series co-founder and host was inspired to start Sulu because New York lacked a gathering of emerging and established Asian artists. “When I started performing my work in the Nuyorican Poets Cafe 13 years ago there was no community or support.” He is currently Artist-In-Residence at NYU’s Asian Pacific American Studies Department and a Poetry Slam Icon having won top prizes in the 1993, 1994 & 1997 National Poetry Slam and has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam.
Today I got a special visit from a special homie, SOEM!! Part of legendary ALA Collective and PFP crew. He’s so dope, I just had to dedicate today’s post to him. This dude is seriously one of the most gifted cats I know. He’s got a Flickr gallery full of ill shit so I’ll let the work speak for itself.
Still painting in 28 degrees cold. SOEM is SERIOUS with this shit.
Everybody keeps asking me, “Why not?” HIS MIND IS NOT READY.
Over the weekend I was at Middlesex Lounge with some girls on the dance floor and the homie spinning. As I’m cutting out, a tall dark handsome prototype guy (I haven’t talked to or noticed all night) jumps up and stops me: Guy: Are you leaving??? Me: Yes. Guy: But why?? Me: Because I’m good to go. Guy: But I wanted to talk to you! Me: Oh, well you just missed your chance dawgy. Guy: Stay and hang out with me. I really wanted to talk to you. Me: Why didn’t you? Guy: Because…you’re just so pretty. Me: So I gota be a little ugly for a guy to talk to me? Guy: Kinda. It helps… Me: Oh, you mean it helps your EGO! Guy: YES!
Me and B rapping about the results–unedited. If people didn’t fully understand the magnitude of this election–it was the most important election of THE WORLD! What came out of little ‘ole Massachusetts tonight will now go on to affect national and global politics. We have a black president, but people forget that the president DOES NOT have the POWER to pass bills. Anyways, I was watching the post-election news on T.V. while typing so watch out for typos. I started the chat over text message when I asked, “Do you think Brown is setting himself up for President 2012? And the convo goes on… (disregard the time, it’s still set on west coast)
Ladies & gents & everyone in between, I am so amped to announce my first performance of the decade happening this weekend in New York City at the Bowery Poetry Club. As I’m quietly booking away shows for the upcoming months, I couldn’t imagine a BETTER way to jump start my season than with a getaway this weekend to the Big Apple. There will be some ill homies in the house, so if you’re in town def come out. And let’s get cruuunnkk!!!! (After my set of course).
Big ups to the iLL-homie Drizzletron for the dope line up and the dope flyer.
In honor of MLK, Jr. Day—His monumental speech in full:
I can’t believe this historical clip actually lives on YouTube. In my search, I was expecting to find a bunch of slideshows with wack MC’s dubbing the video with a voice over. As a pseudo-technophobe, moments like this make me utterly impressed and appreciative of our world’s rapid technological advancements–with the video camera back in the day and YouTube today, I feel like I can almost transport myself to that moment in time. WHOA.
Dreams
Last night my girl Biba (educator, social justice activist, all-around fly mama & my new road dawg) hosted another one of her dope ass pot lucks (fundraiser for Haiti–over 400 bones!). This was my first time and I’m glad I went ’cause shit was poppin’ (I know, whoda thought a potluck could get so hot…not I). Biba got some dope ass friends though. The house felt like a mecca of beautiful people from all different cultural backgrounds; they were educators, artists, activists, poets, grad students, consultants and everything else in the similar vein of social justice. It felt like the perfect jump off to MLK, Jr. Day. Talking to everybody about their work and passion got me feeling hella refreshed and alive in the most positive way. Thanks B.
We were discussing some top secret shit I can't really talk about here...over a game of Spades ;^)
This brings me to my main point about dreams, and in reflection with MLK, Jr.’s dreams. A lot of people have dreams just to enlighten themselves (have fun–we’re all going to die one day). Many people have dreams to better the lives of others and the world around them. Whether it was the Mecca Crew last night raising money for Haiti or the individuals who strive to inspire lives around them, everybody is working towards making a positive impact. In the line of social justice (a lot of things can be considered social justice), part of our consciousness is understanding that we may not live to see the full extent of our dreams realized. And that’s okay. As long as we breathe, speak and practice our dreams into existence, others around us will continue to carry on its mission—just as in MLK, Jr.’s case and his assassination. The world he described in his speech decades ago looks very much like the world we live in today. And although he can’t be on this earth to see it, and although we still have much change to push for, our reality today all started with a dream.
So whatever your dream is, stop hiding it in your imagination and bring it into existence. Talk about it, write about it, practice it and let it take flight in shaping our world.
“Yes, please continue blaming all your problems on white people. it really puts your brethren on the path to social growth and success. if we are going to racialize all the interactions in society, why are black people so intent on shooting each other and perpetuating broken families? probably white peoples fault too somehow (although other previously vilified minority groups through history have managed to avoid this just fine. See jews and asians for examples)”
1) Yes, please continue blaming all your problems on white people.
Who the fuck did I blame? Nobody. I am simply stating the facts. Race is a social construction created by white people to justify the institution of slavery. Obrienk84’s inference of “blame” is simply a result of his own conscience and defense.
2) It really puts your brethren on the path to social growth and success.
Part of social growth and success is recognizing and acknowledging the reality of our present situation so that we can make conscious steps for the future. Shit is not always pretty. But in order to move forward, we must understand the past and the present. Our past consists of oppression, slavery and a time when only white men had access to education and certain jobs. Despite the fact that we have equal rights now, it is not always an equal opportunity. If we think about race as a race, then the privileged ones of the past have gotten a head start. In your case Obrienk84, part of social growth for you is confronting your own privilege without getting angry and trying to take the heat off my blog.
3) If we are going to racialize all the interactions in society, why are black people so intent on shooting each other and perpetuating broken families? probably white peoples fault too somehow
Gaddam Jebus, that comment is beyond ignorant. Straight up arrogant and very shallow. Let’s try to dig a little deeper and be more “critical” here. I’ll sum up “shooting each other and perpetuating broken families” as the violence, drugs, poverty, etc. that create unstable conditions in these communities. Well for starters, during the 1960s the CIA infiltrated black communities with crack as an effort to dismantle grassroots rising, power struggles and Civil Rights movement. (Kind of like when Britain drugged up China with opium so the British can steal resources). COINTELPRO was a government created agency to infiltrate the Black Panther Party, turn members against each other, instigate assassinations to destabilize the black community and destroy the community empowerment occurring through the Black Power movement. The U.S. Army strategically targets and recruits from low-income communities and communities of color. And the list goes on. Basically Jebus, the unstable conditions you describe as “shooting each other and perpetuating broken families” is a product and remnant of historical oppression and disenfranchisement. And it is very ignorant when people say “that shit’s all in the past we’re in 2010 now”. I understand slavery is over, but we still have a long way to go to stabilize conditions and equalize opportunity for all generations. This includes accepting social responsibility and holding each other accountable to this effort.
4) Although other previously vilified minority groups through history have managed to avoid this just fine. See jews and asians for examples
Wow. Another terrible argument. Race is a social construction and it works in a very simple, yet stupid way: judgment of skin and “passing” with physical features. The reason why Jews have been able to avoid this is very simple: Jews look white. Their social evolution has grouped them into the racially privileged majority because they “pass” with fair skin. As a Vietnamese American, I am so damn tired of when people dub Asians as the “good minority”. This ignorance is a result of the Model Minority Myth–the concept that “All Asians are good minorities because they are quiet and do well in school and don’t cause trouble!” also created by the U.S. government during the 1960s era because they wanted to pit Asians and blacks against each other to thwart the Civil Rights movement and other grassroots movements. Under the umbrella term of “Asian American” there is a wide range of ethnicities–Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Hmong, Khmer, etc. There is a huge difference between the social, cultural, political and historical backgrounds of these ethnic communities–particularly East Asian and Southeast Asian. Some “Asian Americans” have been here for many generations (1800s or earlier)–like the Chinese (Transcontinental Railroad)–and others have been here for 30 years or less (mostly the Southeast Asian refugee community from the Vietnam War [1959-1975] and Khmer Rouge [1975-1979]). The Southeast Asian community in the U.S., being such a young and recent community in the U.S., face social, cultural and language barriers that are often overlooked. The Southeast Asian community (my community) is still struggling with high poverty rates, gang violence, drugs, low retention rates and limited access to higher education. So no, we are not doing “just fine”. But we are still gangsta as shit.
In Conclusion
I am very open to people challenging my views or thoughts—-because I do not know everything about this world and I choose to learn and grow everyday. So I invite you all to help me expand my understanding of things. But I DO NOT tolerate ignorant bullshit. So if you step to me, you better come correct or I will tear your point to pieces just to make a BETTER motherfucking point than yours. I do this to affirm my views, but also to enlighten all others who may be reading. If anything I wrote above is new or interesting to you, I encourage you to continue your own research and understanding. There is a lot of information out there—-get educated. I’m only offering a snippet.
Another part of white privilege is that they are not used to being challenged in this way. GET USED TO IT.
In Closing
If anything good came out of Obrienk84’s ignorant comment, it is HELLA TRAFFIC to my blog! Word up! Thanks for that. Most of all, thank you to everyone who commented on that post and contributed their insight. Hella appreciated. Spread the knowledge. Thanks for reading.
“The Living Stroke” post category has been a little skimp lately. It’s been too cold to spray paint outside and the canvases have been put on hold since I’ve been on the writing grind (recent chapbook release, etc.). But enough about me. If you wana check out some HOT ASS MFN ARTWORK, check out A.L.A. Collective’s new website. Legendary graffiti crew straight outa THE BEAN (my hometown)!! I have some homies and mentors in A.L.A., who have–and continue–to inspire me, push me and challenge me to that NEXT LEVEL SHIT.
Here are a few photos I was able to dig up:
Me & Problak. This is an oldie from my Birthday Art Show 2008 (Make it Rain Fundraiser for New Orleans). Can you believe I get one of these hugs at least 5 days out of the week? I am one lucky bastard. Be very jealous y’all.
Stro + Stan + Sahra = Business
If you follow my blog, you already know who SWAT is. Here he is spray painting a portrait of me. He made me look hot as shit.
Shout out to Soem, Biz and Ferb!! (Can’t find photos, sorry!) I said it before and I’ll say it again–
I can’t help it if I got dope friends. No homie bias!!
It’s Friday night and I’m off this shit. TIME TO PARTAY. Peace!!
I don’t know what to say. Or how to say it. For someone who tries to conceptualize and understand everything, natural disasters are beyond my words. I’m still trying to digest images and make space for these twisted feelings.
I’ve been talking a lot of shit lately. If you caught my Bahamas Chronicles Pt. 1, 2 & 3, you’d know (i.e. recession, white privilege, slavery, etc.). If you missed it, they are posted under recent posts or category “Essays on the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It’s good to keep a critical eye in life. Sometimes I can’t “turn it off” (The Matrix). But life isn’t worth living if you’re not enjoying it. So while I’ve tried to offer readers a critical perspective on my trip to the Bahamas, I gota share some of the beauty of the Bahamas as well.
I think my favorite experience in the Bahamas was Junkanoo. Junkanoo happens every year during Boxing Day and New Years Day. It is a huge 10 hour (yes, TEN HOURS!) parade where teams compete in best theme, music composition, dance, float and costume. It’s the biggest event of the year and teams spend over 6 months preparing. Everything they created was absolutely beautiful, breathtaking and took my imagination to a whole new level. Junkanoo is a true testament to the Bahamian people’s talent, creativity and lively spirit. Watch Junkanoo clips I took:
A few snapshots from my trip:
This bridge connected the two main islands, Nassau and Paradise Island.
Coconut tree makes…
Coconut drink. This stuff is magic.
Bahamian specialty: Conch Salad and conch everything.
Conch fritters and lobster fritters. Watch me eat.
Honestly, I wasn’t a fan of the conch. MY shit was the PEAS & RICE!!! SO BOMB. Don’t judge a book by its cover. I ate PEAS & RICE all day.
I’m waiting for the Kool-Aid guy to bust out of the wall any moment now.
Remember when I said I wanted the Instax camera for x-mas?? I didn’t get it. MY SISTER did tho!
I got a call from homie, Misha Tsukerman, working at the Asian American Justice Center in Washington, DC. Today marks the beginning of a Week of Action happening all across the country to make Immigration Reform a reality. At the brink of every “New Year”, gym memberships spike, yoga classes sell out, salons hustle makeovers and people on the Gregorian calendar make feel-good resolutions to be better people. It’s great people are taking steps to look good and feel good, but it is also important to look beyond ourselves. One of the ways to be a better person is do what you can to better the lives of those around you, better your community and ultimately better your world.
WHY REFORM?
Our current immigration system is broken. In the process of shutting down businesses, breaking up families, deporting people and vilifying hard workers, our country LOSES MONEY, creates conditions for human exploitation and makes America an unsafe place for everyone. By passing immigration reform, we can BOOST our economy, protect America’s families and strengthen the country.
The time for Immigration Reform is NOW. President Obama supports Immigration Reform, but only Congress can pass it. Congress has the vote, but WE the people have the power to demand. Let’s not forget, WE put the Congress heads in there to work for US.
ACT NOW
There are so many ways to get involved–from behind the computer screen to filling the streets. It’s SO easy, even an idiot can do it. It’s SO easy, only an idiot wouldn’t do it. For starters, send Congress a clear message RIGHT NOW! Take 2 seconds to send a letter: Click Here
How can you help? 50 State Kick-Off Events This Week:
DON’T JUST WATCH HISTORY HAPPEN. MAKE HISTORY HAPPEN.
I don’t plan anything on these family trips. I just show up. As we’re pulling up to the hotel, I ask my sister, “Where are we staying?” She says, “The British Colonial Hilton”. AW SHIIIIIIT. And it starts.
Bahamas was first colonized by the Spanish Empire. Next came the British colonists who settled and brought with them African slaves and forced agricultural labor. For the rest of the trip I keep getting flashes of slavery and remnants of British colonialism. WTF. In my Bahamas Chronicles Pt. 2, I talked about White Privilege and Entitlement. As a vacationer from the “First World” (America) in a less developed country, I also have a degree of privilege that brings me to be conscious of my imposing presence on the island. How do I enjoy the Bahamas without appropriating or offending the native culture? If tourism is the Bahamas’ #1 industry, is commodification of culture inevitable?
TOURISM is the country’s #1 industry—which means it is a predominantly service-oriented country. That means the most you can do IN the country is enter the tourism industry and reap the economic benefits. That means little Bahamian boys and girls grow up and enter the tourism industry to SERVE MY ASS?! Damn, the Bahamian people must hate me. And other tourists like me. Damn, I suck for being here. Damn, the British HELLA SUCK for being here way before me and fucking everything up!
Shit was tripping me out. I was riding the ferry and the tour guide was like, “Thank you so0o0o much for making the Bahamas your destination. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have a job, and the captain wouldn’t have a job. So thank you so0o0 much for visiting and we hope you come back again soon!” Damn, really? Of course not. Nobody wants to serve other people. It’s a catch-22 in many ways. Colonialism and slavery got the country stuck in an economic cycle of servitude. So what do you do? Visit the country—help them economically but hurt them culturally, socially and perpetuate the cycle of servitude? Or don’t visit the country out of principle and end up hurting their #1 industry? Millions of foreigners come in and out of the country, throw some money around, have the natives serve them and enjoy the land in ways many natives can’t even enjoy themselves. The best beaches in the Bahamas are privatized for resorts, clubs and hotels. So the Bahamian people don’t even have access to Bahamian beaches?! Shit.
Who’s world are we living in now?
I don’t have answers to these questions. All I know is that I got slavery on my mind when I’m trying to get my tan on. I wish I wasn’t. When it comes down to it, part of my privilege is NOT trying to figure what’s best for the Bahamian people. As privileged people, don’t let your “guilt” be an excuse to try to “be the savior” (I think we’ve seen enough of these types in Hollywood movies where the white person comes to the rescue). Whether they want tourism to thrive or a social revolution, that is for the Bahamian people to decide.
P.S. Oh yea, I’ll post some half-naked pictures of me and Bahamian conch delicacies tomorrow.
