Vibes And Pressure

I never ever thought I’d write anything like this. I was Facebook free for three years, even though I opened my account in 2007. Truth be told, I only opened the account to see my friends wedding pictures. I went to Antigua and had a wonderful time bar the loss of my phone and all my pictures (losing phones is a recurring theme in my life) so the lovely bride said to me
“Open an account on Facebook, I’ll put all the pictures on there!”
I thought nothing of it, being able to ogle all the pictures was great, but when I started getting emails about every last fart that my friends did, I started to take offence. (Yes I now know you can switch off that function but I didn’t at that time) The final straw was when I saw photos of myself in my beachwear from Antigua on the Internet. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not a prude nor were the pictures embarrassing or obscene. I just wondered if it was right to have your picture displayed to potentially the whole world without your consent.

Old-fashioned pictures would end up in a photo album and really now, who looks at photo albums? Let’s be honest, when someone gives you a musty old album to look through, we look at it to be polite, often before the end of it our eyes have glazed over and all the pictures have merged into one hazy mess, but pictures on Facebook? We over indulge in them and all their 10-megapixel glory.

So I deactivated my account and thought that was the end of it. Oh foolish pride. There I was walking tall thinking “Facebook, who needs that? I have real friends in the real world, I don’t want to be part of the matrix”
Famous last words. Many phrases come to my mind, kettle, pot, black or if you live in a glasshouse do not throw stones.

As it transpired I needed to contact someone in South Africa, so after a few cumbersome emails he’s like “Yeah contact me on Facebook” and he gave me his profile name. Upon reading the email I thought, “excuse me sir I don’t do Facebook” but as I had a good excuse I went to check it out. I thought my account had been deleted so I would need to open a new one, so you can imagine my horror when my old account reared its ugly undeleted head and smiled at me! All the pictures all there with unconfirmed friend requests from friends’ non-friends and randoms. At first I felt guilt towards all my friends, folks who I had abandoned and left in limbo having not accepted their requests to be my virtual digital buddy, I frantically started confirming people hoping that I hadn’t offended anyone. I promptly stopped when one my friends said to me in real life “look at you adding people like a madman” I thought about it. I’m sure nobody is really offended if I don’t add them, they don’t really care do they? (Actually I suppose they do. I have sent requests to at least two people that I really do know and they have ignored me, I am actually quite bitter)

So I closed the account again, or should I say deactivated it. Now here is one of the sinister things. The account is just deactivated, so it is still in cyber space but people can’t see it. As you try to close it asks you why you want to close it. I was thinking, why I want to close my account is none of your fucking business Mr Facebook. But it’s a question you have to answer so I put my reason as “other”
Its final twisted temptation before it becomes comatose is to show you pictures you are tagged in and say “so and so will miss you.” It’s like the monster in the movies that is left for dead after a long gruelling battle then suddenly springs back to life with its last dying breath and grabs you by the ankle.

Images of lovely memories almost made me give in, I stopped before I hit the deactivate button and looked at my friends pictures of fun in the sun, then when I realised I was being emotionally black mailed, I hit the deactivate button. “Be gone foul beast of social interaction!”

So fast forward to November 2010 and after meeting new people at home and abroad, coupled with the start of a period of unemployment and that darned Facebook iphone app,(I have since lost my iPhone) the devil made work for my idle hands. I found myself back on Facebook. I could hear my evil account saying, “Sucker, weakling, I knew you’d be back” It knew I’d be back but can honestly say I didn’t. Why else would it only allow you to deactivate it and not be able to delete.

Once again I started confirming all the waiting requests. I laughed when one of my real friends said “Its taken you three years to approve my request” I shuddered when one of my non-friends said “You are lucky, its taken him five years to approve mine” (I am still not 100% sure of who she is)

Being back on there has given me some positive things, it’s made me realise how much I enjoy writing again. It’s made me realise how funny and witty some people are, it’s made me realise how much technology has the ability to shape culture. I was in the supermarket and I over heard two young people talking, when I say young I mean anyone who is too young to remember life without mobile phones. They were talking about someone’s Facebook “Status” They spoke about the status as if it was a true reflection of the person’s inner being, I can’t remember the whole conversation but it was something like “She was really angry with him because she said so on her status”. Status=Reality=Scary.

I do find it strange when people update everything that they do. A old school friend of mine once put on her status “I’m going to take a bath now” after all the mockery (“is that your first one this year?”) her excuse was that she typed it by accident following a telephone conversation. I’m not sure which is more alarming, writing that by accident or writing it on purpose.

It got me thinking about how much people reveal about themselves knowingly and unknowingly on Facebook. With me being an armchair psychologist, I am quite careful about what I post, nothing too that is too militant. I don't wish to offend anyone and I don't think its the appropriate forum for a certain level of debate. My friends and non-friends must be thinking that I have too much time on my hands because at the moment I am in light-hearted comment overdrive. I don’t have a job at the present so I have a (tiny) excuse, however as I am a bit of a conspiracy theorist I can’t help thinking that there is something a bit sinister about a system that coaxes you reveal so much personal stuff, does it get stored somewhere? When big brother goes for lock-down mode will Facebook tell him who the "real revolutionaries" are?

Facebook highlights to the fact that we have at least three parts to our psyche, how we see ourselves, how we wish others to see us and how/who we really are. I suppose in an ideal world to those closest to you all three should be the same, but in everyday life things are different. How many of us go to work and project the image of a professional in a “role” then come home and smoke all the weed we can get our hands on! Facebook is definitely about how we want others to see us, so its quite interesting what people choose to reveal. I suppose it’s a social utility so for the most part people want to show their fun side, but there is also a lot of ignorance, and I find that people can also be overly critical, harsh an quite judgemental sometimes, often more so than they would be in real life. Everyone gets ten tons of courage when they’re behind a computer screen. For a supposed multi-cultural modern world we live in some of the racism I've seen on You Tube comments is appalling.


So I am going to enjoy my time back on Facebook and I am not going to be ashamed of it, hopefully I’ll get bored someday but until then, I’ll be adding people like its going out of fashion. I still admire those who have been able to resist, I think in a way that’s a small sign of strength of character… Anyway, I'm done now so I am going to check my Facebook page.......... I am a self –confessed Facebookaholic don’t judge me!

@me “Get off Facebook!”

Been thinking abt how Brother Clarence taught that it’s all mathematics. How the worlds' peoples r divided in2 percentages, y'all kno the figures (if not, check it out). How things can b looked at as equations, and that the slightest imbalance can bring un4eseen results. There is no gr8er example of that than Gaia herself, impulsive, impetuous, harsh, yet nurturing, sustaining, ever 4giving. Bear witness 2 what has been over the past few years. Indeed, heads need 2 take notice when an earthquake occurs of such magnitude that it shifts the earths’ figure axis, and human life is lost en masse in the blink of an eye.

But sometimes, the profound and incredible can b found in the most unlikely of places. I an’ I heard something that stayed with me, abt a street hustler known in his community as Basboosa. My man sold fruit and produce 2 makes ends meet, and also 2 hook up his Moms and siblings, even sending 1 on 2 higher education. Y’all kno how it goes tho, harassment by po-po is the norm, but that’s just the life of a hustler. These things occur on the regular the world over, the hand of the state slapping the unheard from time 2 time, just 2 keep it all in check. The balance is a delicate thing 2 maintain, after all. Mathematics.

The very temperature of the earth is yet another example, a few degrees this way or that wld have disastrous effects on all life. The sheer mechanics of what it takes 2 sustain life, from a universal perspective right down 2 the nitty gritty, is astounding, and fills any1 who tries 2 take it all in with fear and awe. The insignificance of the individual against the cosmos itself is, well, incalculable, so intelligent heads who have knowledge of these things sit back and observe the movements, attempting 2 gain insight in2 the Gr8 Mystery.

Been checking out the opium box, and I’m told of wave after wave of devastation, upheaval, unrest, and tragedy. I even heard the craziest thing, that the seat of European power, Brussels, exists in a country that 4 almost a year now, has no official government, and that if it wasn’t 4 the fact of the significance of Brussels in the Gr8 Order, Belgium wld cease 2 b what it is. On the real. And, it cld all fall down anyway, the fact that Brussels is the centre of Europe, and that it’s the glue that holds the country 2gether, notwithstanding. Yet, western ‘civilisation’ is the model 4 the world. A beacon, even.

Chaos theory, fractals, butterflies causing the banks 2 crash (not bankers or polytricksters, oh no!)… hmm. In all this awe and wonderment, all this terrifying circumstance and exciting unknowns, there r still individuals. I an’ I. All over the world, people looking out, hoping 2 kno what’s next, wanting something more, not only 4 themselves, but 4 their fam, wishing 2 just mayb catch a glimpse of a little respect, a little dignity, some faint acknowledgement. A life where the powers that b just offer that little bit of dignity, but 4 the unheard, the ability 2 gain this is as unattainable as the Gr8 Mystery.

Galileo famously said that mathematics is the language with which God wrote the universe.

So what can I an’ I do in the face of all that has been beheld? After all, the equation balances itself, right? All an individual can try 2 do is deal with what is in front of them. Do u. Handle yr business, kno yr role and play yr position. Code of the streets, feel me?

C, Basboosa, that’s all he tried 2 do, and the odd slap here and there, well its all part of the equation balancing itself out. Mathematics. Except, 1 day, after having his selling stock strewn in the streets, and getting literally bitch slapped by po-po, this hustler had enough. Phuc balance, phuc status quo. So he tried 2 link up with his local beaurocheat, just so he cld try get some kinda acknowledgement, mayb find a little dignity in all this. Dude cldn’t even get on the schedule, much less face time. So he took the only option he cld c, went back 2 that beaurocheats’ big yard, and lit himself on fire.

Years from now, only those who knew him and loved him will mourn his passing, will have a void that is irreplaceable, and cherish his existence. A son, a brother, a cousin, nephew, friend, fellow hustler, 1 of the unheard, is dead.

Yet in his final moments, he made a sound with a power so gr8, it brought down a government, and Tunisia is a whole different place, and all over the world a hustlers’ echo reverberates, moving hearts, inspiring minds, remolding political landscapes or just tearing shit up. All this from an echo that most don’t even kno whose voice it came from. In the face of the insurmountable, the insignificant performed the incredible, the profound. Bear witness.

Now there’s some mathematics 4 yo’ ass!

p.l.h.o.

Corrd the Seeker

Back when my pursuit of the arts of war was a more integral part of my existence, I used to come across articles written by a Grand Master who enthused that the universal purpose of life was 2 b happy. See it deh. Simple, succinct. Profound, even. But then, what is happiness, and is the pursuit of it really our purpose on this mortal coil? I mean, if I and I happiness comes at the expense of I and I, am I justified in this pursuit? It is after all my universal purpose from which I shdn’t b denied.

Even as I penetrate this, something’s off. Happiness can manifest in many ways; a debauched weekend, post coital bliss, familial contentment, or the benefits of an enlightened existence. Happiness itself is both elemental and conceptual. It can spring up on us by surprise in spite of ourselves, or can even b a state we will into existence. Every1 knows at least 1 person who has told themselves that they are happy with a particular situation enough times until the belief is held. Perception becomes reality, or rather desire becomes perception becomes reality. Cld even go as far as 2 say many of us have indulged ourselves thus.

Emerson came at the ting thus: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have to make some difference that you have lived and lived well”. That’s a good look right there… or is it? As much as this sounds like a universal truth, it’s somewhat subjective (like happiness!). It’s also dependent upon the context in which the statement is applied. If eugenics was acceptably applied (many revered 20th century leaders were believers in this, including the beloved Winston Churchill), wld the systemised culling of our own b neatly housed under this definition? And beyond that, Emerson’s’ statement implies that function and purpose r the same thing, in which case whatever your designated function, in whatever skism u r contracted 2 (yes, even the social contract, which is the dominant imposition), your practise of said function is the fulfilment of your purpose. Some heads hold this as absolute.

Uh…..yeah.

Now, depending on whatever principles you hold dear, either 1, or both, of the above perspectives contravenes moral rules in some way... not 2 get 2 deep on morality, perhaps a next time, but even if this is the foundation on which I and I can judge purpose, then that ground cld be a little shaky. More than a little as, according 2 greater minds, morality may well b of a transient nature.

Some of the ancients believed that the purpose of a thing was within the thing itself, and wld lead it 2 its final destination, or resting place. Now language being what it was, and concepts of existence being different from what we perceive now, purpose was something within, something integral, not just a quality, but that which exists in order for the thing itself 2 exist, and relative 2 the reality in which it exists.

This purpose thing still bugs me. Happiness. Usefulness. Honour. Love. Destruction. So many others, all wherein I and I can reside. But 2 what end? There it is. The rub, as they say. Peep this. I and I pree this, and the reality (if there is such a thing) or realness is that as much as the truths talked abt and many others promote (positive) purpose, all these things r still functionary. They r facilitated by other functions in order 2 allow other things to happen. In this they r higher, or deeper, functions, but they still exist in order to facilitate more specific things. If I’m happy, it allows me 2 affect those around me, enrich relationships, and so forth. 2 b utilitarian aids efficiency, promotes productivity, reh teh teh… Purpose within purpose? Nah b, function within function.

The ancients mighta been on 2 something. Purpose at creation, but actually not just of a thing, but the thing itself. The origin, the root. The place where the Vibe and the Pressure meet the Universe. Nature.

Yeah, I hear u, “Corrd, big hole yuh a miss, cause naturally, people function on the baser instinct, and then learn 2 function within the fam. Without the learning, chaos Iyah!”. Indeed. But remember, purpose is born of nature, on a core level, conception level. Not only born of, but that which it aspires 2, a true revolution, that eventually comes back 2 itself. The realness. Nature, as both beginning and end, facilitated by the functioning of purpose.

Nature. True nature, not 2 b confused with the baser instinct, which is reactionary and evolutionary, like that which is observed in the natural world. Man is different though, sentient, self aware, intellectual. Yet baser (natural) instinct is the simplest way in which man functions, and can’t b dismissed. If this natural self is the base, where does our nature take us? To what end?

I’ma drop it like this. Man’s true nature is 2 overstand his natural self.

Function (and purpose) becomes relative 2 nature, guiding I and I 2 a higher high. Alpha and Omega.

As the Universe realigns, its time 2 embrace yourself. Don’t b new 2 this, b true 2 this.

p.l.h.o.

Corrd the Seeker

We’re all taught that a species survives or dies, based on its ability 2 thrive in its surroundings, how it interacts with other species and whether or not it can successfully adapt 2 any change in its circumstances. We commonly refer to this as evolution, and view this process as a positive change to a more complex or better form. Evolution is not only abt survival, but progress, often resulting in the development of a new species… only 4 the process to start again.

All evolution, until recently, is influenced by the natural environment, as well as the growth of social and cultural conditions 2 aid natural selection in strengthening the gene pool. Enter Man, the most evolved of all species, master of his natural environment. Man is intelligent, he can visualise, plan 4 his future, increase his ability 2 survive and affect change through sheer force of will. Only, in our great wisdom, we went a step further; why try to better survive when we can adapt our environment 2 suit our own needs. Or better yet, let us use our superior intelligence, our capacity 4 imagination, our ability 2 build, and those resources nature itself provides 2 create our own environment. A “super” natural environment.

We design and construct ourselves this modern environment 2 facilitate a better quality of life, 2 promote human “progress”. We adapt this environment in2 varying landscapes, according 2 the concept of whichever lifestyle we think best suits our needs, continually adding in2 these increasingly complex landscapes gauges and restrictions 2 protect ourselves and aid in guiding the path of our assured, more comfortable existence. We spend the first 20 odd years of our life learning abt this modern environment, the basic navigational tools, and the rules of engagement when traversing these landscapes. We then spend another 30 to 40 years accumulating the things we perceive we need 2 both give us and facilitate the achieving this better quality of life the construct promises. Finally, we enjoy our twilight years in retirement, free at last 2 reap the rewards of achieving the goals our varying lifestyle ideals set 4 us.

Our ability 2 survive no longer is our driving force in our daily lives. We can focus our existence on other things, ascending 2 gr8r levels of sophistication, becoming evermore “civilised”, moving 2wards taking natural selection out of the equation al2gether and ensuring survival 4 both the fittest and the not so fit. Only our inability 2 accumulate wealth can prevent us from experiencing all the construct offers. Conversely, those of us who have gr8r material wealth and/or social influence not only have more opportunity, but in some cases get to shape our landscapes 2 suit our individual needs.

But, with the elimination of natural selection, how do we ensure the continual strength of the gene pool? Or even more importantly, if we continue to build towards a safe, secure environment where there is no more struggle, how will we continue 2 evolve? And if we no longer need 2 evolve, will nature, in its pursuit of constant change, bring forth another species 2 supersede and eventually curtail our existence? This is what we’re told happened 2 the Neanderthal, by us. Maybe, in the quest 2 eliminate natural selection, all we’ve done is anger the beast.

B4 modern society, natural disasters, disease, war and other calamities 2 befall humans, whilst destroying human life, ironically aided our survival by thinning the herd. Through medical and technological developments, our development no longer follows this Nietzschean phylogeny. Diseases that used 2 devastate populations r now held at bay, like cholera or malaria.  Settlements have grown in2 towns, cities, then countries, with concentrated populations and multiple human traffic routes. This has proven to aid the spread of new, more insidious diseases, like SARS, or viruses previously unable 2 jump 2 different species, like bird flu, or superbugs like MRSA.

In creating the supernatural environment, we’re on our way 2 laying waste 2 the natural environment that first spawned us; depleting natural resources, contaminating both land and sea, and polluting the air, which is losing the oxygen we need 2 survive due 2 deforestation anyway. And if the construct exists to make our lives easier, why r so many of us unsatisfied, unfulfilled, or just lost, finding evermore creative ways 2 distract ourselves and escape this pinnacle of human development? Here, perhaps, is an even more disturbing question; is this phenomena an unexpected side effect our experience, or a predetermined part of the system, and therefore a necessary aspect of modern civilisation? Doesn’t the fact that we spend the majority of our life cycle either learning how 2 achieve or working 2 obtain the things we need in order 2 enjoy this superior quality of life somehow defeat the purpose anyway? More and more of us suffer from chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety attacks and stress related illnesses than ever before.

So we create more complex solutions, legislate more restrictions, exhaust more of our finite resources, and invent even distractions so as 2 lessen our struggle and negate our need for change in an environment that, by nature of the resources it draws upon, is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

All in the name of progress.

p.l.h.o.

Corrd the Seeker

A big part of the human experience is our relationships. The connections between I an’ I; parents and children, loved 1’s, colleagues, friends, etc... c, relationships r not just the abt foundations and connections, but abt real-time interaction, ongoing communication, and how we relate and relay that 2 each other. Y’all kno that say u have a bredren or sistren, and that person gets u a work hook up, the relationship may take on new dimensions. The ongoing experience may then have a new root, and spread thru new connections. This can develop more complexity if, thru duties and responsibilities, formal connections are forged, say 1 person has to report 2 another. I an’ I c this manifest in so many different ways, on many levels. This kind of evolution occurs in many situations, and influences our perception of self, our environment, even the world. It certainly influences the way we see each other.

So once again it’s freezing in London, yes, absolutely fucking freezing. One of the things that I love to hate about London is when Arsenal are playing at Emirates stadium and I’m trying to get home. I’m not a football fanatic but I grew up nearer the better team in North London so I prefer when Tottenham fans obstruct my journey home. (I swear I’m not a fan)

It was Wednesday the 19 February 2011, approximately 23:30 at Seven Sisters station. There on the platform, I watched as a couple stood waving their Arsenal flags. You could feel the effervescent energy that they were emitting. They were both happy that Arsenal had won. Arsenal had beaten Barcelona at home. I didn’t watch the game, I couldn’t care less what happens to Arsenal, but, as usual, Arsenal fans have to throw everything in your face, so there they were, right in the middle of Tottenham, in the middle of the night waving their Flags, just because Arsenal had won.

She was stunning. Tall slim with almond shaped eyes; eyes so deep and dark that you could quickly and easily get lost in them, very lost. She was the truth, at least she seemed like she was. Her only deception was the waist length hair that she owned. It was her property I’m sure but it somehow seemed out of place. So much so that I thought she was European from behind, it was that long.
Her companion was equally matched. He was tall, deep brown and well built with a heavy baritone voice.

The chemistry between them was apparent. It made them brazen enough to keep waving those flags. I looked at them and heard parts of their conversation. I remember thinking that she must be faking her enjoyment just like she’d fake an orgasm if she ever got bored. I was secretly cynical, my chauvinism was alive and well and I couldn’t believe that she enjoyed watching Arsenal as much as her present demeanour suggested. She was happy and it was real happiness but I couldn’t work out if it really was because of the football or because she was so beautiful and was in the company of someone she cared for deeply.

The train arrived and we boarded. As the doors closed, and the train moved the flags continued to wave (yes the song was in my mind too) past Bruce Grove then up to White Heart Lane. Like I said before I’m not a fan so I wasn’t offended but you can’t be waving an Arsenal Flag going through White Heart Lane. It’s not the done thing. Yes, I said it, “You can’t wave Arsenal Flags in Tottenham Just because you look good.”

They continued, sitting there looking good like a black Barbie and Ken. Their conversation revolved around Arsenal. By the way, I had been totally wrong. She wasn’t confused by the offside rule. This chick knew her shit. She was no shrinking violet, she could hold her own with the big boys and from the confidence in her tone and the intelligence in her eyes she would’ve given any male fan a run for his money.

Misconception number one…busted.

Ken had started a conversation on his mobile, while Barbie sat next to him in all her radiant glory, contented, and without a care in the world. Opposite them about two seats away sat an older man, greying and bald but huge in stature and powerful. He had just come from a night out because he was hopelessly drunk, leering over a pretty blond girl that sat directly opposite him. His charm was sufficient it seemed, because even his drunken stupor was not enough to chase her away, she didn’t move seats…until she had to get off.

When she left, his drunken mind looked for more attention. I find that’s what happens to me when I get drunk, I chat rubbish to anyone who’ll listen. He began his slurring onslaught at Barbie and Ken. It turned out that Mr Grey was a Manchester United fan. He reluctantly congratulated Barbie and Ken on their win. They were a trio, knee deep in footballing conversation, and I was lost.

“I‘m not being funny,” he slurred as he looked at Barbie in bemusement, “ I can understand why a man would be interested in football but a woman? Isn’t there better things that you’d be interested in?”

“Like what?” She had answered this question before.

“Knitting” Ken’s retort was accompanied with a cheeky grin that materialised on his face as he spoke.

I found the answer funny. Barbie just looked at him and rolled her eyes.

Mr Grey went on with his shameless drunken interview.

“So do you two argue when you get home” He had obviously picked up on the chemistry that everyone else could feel.

“Yes we argue sometimes”

“Not about football I bet, so what do you argue about”

“Normal stuff I guess” she paused “er………..he’s my brother”

Misconception number two, busted.

“I knew it was too good to be true!” said Mr Grey

Too good to be true? That was a was strange thing to say. At least I thought so. As if the notion of a couple both enjoying something like football together was unusual. The mind-set we are all sometimes guilty of, that assumes being in a relationship needs to be based on conflict and argument. Who wants that? There are better things to fight against than the man or woman that you’re supposed to be trying to love.


Ken burst out laughing, “Don’t we look alike?” They squared their faces together. They did look alike in a subtle kind of way; actually it really was quite obvious.
It’s so easy to stick to tried and tested thought patterns, stereotypes and foregone conclusions; we live by them every day. Often without thinking twice………..

As I got near my stop another Arsenal fan had crawled out of the woodworks and joined in the foray. It was all too much to bear and I was glad that I was getting off.

So the morals of the story are:
1.Never judge a Barbie by her hair.
2.Never judge a Ken by his Barbie.
3.Never think that love is supposed to be unhappy.
4. Never ever wave an Arsenal flag as you ride on a train through White Heart Lane. (The cheek of it! I swear I’m NOT a fan!)

Vibes and Pressure is the philosophy and theory on which I, Natty live my life. Another way to see it would be creation and application.

Vibration is the source of creation on every level, from atoms to art. Sound is vibration, hence my tool is music. Pressure is the right amount of force needed carry the creation through. For me one can't exist without the other, otherwise there would be sparks of creativity flying everywhere but no creations.

I believe that in any situation, personal or professional, a little vibes and pressure will see you through it, righteoussly. From this theory comes a movement. A collective conscious that recognises the need to be in tune with positive vibrations, and the need to apply a positive pressure.

Through the arts is where we find our voice, tapping into the right vibes and with the right amount of pressure, we really believe we can make a difference. So as a group not only do we create using the arts, but we try and provide a platform for positive people to get their voice heard. We put on gigs, community events and programmes, put up blog pages etc etc. Our Goal is to create a better present and future. Through our collective voice -that we express through our creativity- we can spread a vibration of truth, and through the right amount of pressure we can break down the neccessary doors to get our voice heard.

Corrd the Seeker**

“It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you/Without a strong rhyme to step to/Think of how many weak shows you slept through/Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you” Rakim

Hmm… so I came across 2 articles ova the past 2 days, which essentially informed I that scientists r at a loss 2 explain why 500 red-winged blackbirds dropped dead on a stretch of road in Louisiana. 3 days b4 that 3 000 blackbirds died in Arkansas. At the same time in Kentucky, a woman reported dozens of dead birds in her garden. 100 000 fish were found dead along a river 125 miles from the Arkansas bird deaths.

Days l8r, 2 000 000 fish died in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. 50 jackdaws dropped dead on a street in Sweden. Other occurrences have been cited around the world, including Brazil and N. Zealand…

Wha’ gwaan Daadi? Is this a sign? And if so, of what? On the real, such things r significant, startling, and even disturbing. Around the world, from ancient times till now, scrolls, glyphs, and scriptures speak on revolution in the direction of human existence, from the Age of Aquarius 2 the End of Days, and that the only way I an’ I can pree wha’ gwaan is 2 observe the signs.

But then again, this could all b the results of experiments, not such a stretch if the conspiracy theorists r 2 b believed (not bcos a 1 might b crazy, that don’t mean that they’re wrong). But really? Well, there were the Tuskegee experiments. Cld b some sci fi bullshit, or, cld b weapons testing.. or some bird shit on a scientists car, and my man wants revenge.

Mayb its chaos theory in action. Now even a decade or so back, Chaos theory was a joke at best, but with the growing but reluctant (I’ll explain in a bit) acceptance of the overwhelming importance of what quantum theory means, chaos may well change….everything. Cld well b that from a scientific perspective, these events were supposed 2 happen.

Peep this.. Y’all kno the Schrödinger’s cat experiment, put the cat in a sealed container with poison that may or may not get released, so kitty cld live or die. The cat then supposedly exists in both states til the experiment is ended, probability waves collapse and the cat only exists in 1 state. The measurement of the outcome affects the experiment so the state comes 2 b at this time. Big tings. Now the reason 4 the reluctance 2ward quantum theory is this; on a subatomic level, things exist in many states simultaneously, and its just dawning on some heads the despite earlier denials, observances on our level may just b the same. Which makes all scientific experiments suspect. Which makes science as we kno it suspect. Schrödinger l8r on said he wished he never met that cat.

Now chaos was recognised by the ancients (look it up) as part of the fabric of existence. It’s only now that so called great minds in the west recognise. Random (seemingly 2 us) events must occur to preserve the balance of existence. Humbleness b4 nature, natural diversity, the complex from the simple, understanding the whole 2 overstand the part; many non western minds perceived and penetrated this. From agriculture, 2 the pursuit of enlightenment, educational models, and even creation itself, chaos has been utilised. Fractals, used since the 70’s in chaos theory, have been used in Indian art 4 centuries, and Islamic art in mosques since medieval days, the patterns used to focus contemplation of the Infinite. Lao Tzu imparted overstandings of the meaning of chaos 2 existence b4 leaving the city, never 2 return.

Even scientists concede that all existence follows the 2nd law of thermodynamics (energy must disperse from higher 2 lower forms), except life, which contravenes this and thus demonstrates the existence of a Higher Power, or unknown natural processes (or both).

But mayb what’s most significant, startling, and disturbing abt these occurrences is not the origins, but our reactions. 2 million members of any species' synchronized dying is a significant thing.. this just one of many events over a few days. From any point of view, collectively these are the most important occurrences of this kind, maybe for millennia. Yet acknowledgement of this in the collective consciousness is almost nonexistent.

Mayb its a sign that environmental and ecological events no longer important, or a sign of the arrogance of our self importance and dominance on the planet... or apathy...or that natures’ importance shd b consigned 2 labs and obscure journals... mayb a select few already kno what the deal is, what this really means, and even tho rest of us may never kno, we may still feel the effects... ain’t that a bitch!!

Mayb we shd fix up and look sharp 4 what is 2 come. Or not…

**Big shout 2 Abi 4 bringing focus

The world we are living in is changing. Yes change is the only constant but these times we are living in right now is different. I believe there is a type of spritual and conscious change which is unique to are times. Is this cos of 2012??? I'd say partly. It is no coincidence that people are talking about time speeding up, the earths magnetic fields in disarray, the mayan calendar etc at the same time when everyone is asking questions about the powers that be. More than ever now people are starting to believe in what they used to call "conspiracy theories" or fighting the system with publications or youtube broadcasts. what was once secret knowledge or unspoken truths are now in every ones mind. Nobody I know now belives the twin towers were actually bought down by a group of "islamic radicals." Whereas even a few years ago those same people may have been anti-war but they still understood why the english and americans started invading these countries. The truth is out there and it is now so easily accessible. And people are learning about this stuff more rapidly by the day. Also in science the level of progression is so much more than even a couple of years ago. The technical knowledge is accelerating so fast that sooner or later we will start asking real questions. And capitalism wont be able keep a lid on these technological advances to serve their greedy pockets, like they have been doing. The advances being made in technical fields such as maths and physics have led to the top guys in these fields talking in the language of quantum. Through theories such as entanglement even the scientists are now saying things like "we are all connected/we are all one." Also the religious institutions are crumbling, people are generally starting to accept a more spiritual angle. Don't get it twisted the church and mosque will continue to thrive for a while, and as long as the bombs are falling and injustice is served the youts in the middle east will continue to embrace the ways of the Jihad. But still there is a wave of consciousness creeping over this planet. Thats not to say people are rejecting the religion, but just looking at the institutions with a crooked eye.
Anyway, sooner or later all the hidden lies we are fed aren't gonna be hidden no more, which means the methods they use to control us ain't really gonna mean shit to us no more.
I've heard it said that every living thing has a kundalini, and so do planets, and around 2012 is when the earths kundalini will shift (if it hasn't already). This, along wit the shift in the stars that we face mean many things apparently. Me I dunno wats goin on or even wats gonna happen but I feel myself having my own spiritual awakening, and I know quite a few people that are too. Is this something to do with the times that we are living... yeah, maybe.
All I know is that shit is changing and I'm glad I'm alive now.

I had to write this. I had a vision which was the impossibility of the first African team to get to the final four in the World cup. The first World cup in Africa. And then it dawned on me. That horrifying feeling that my vision really was too good to be true. The shattering of a dream. It did, for a moment feel like Africa had become one huge unified continent. In London, the Black star flags flowing proudly from cars and not one, unlike the England flags, broken off by the force of the wind, strewn at the side of the road.

In reality the glory of a continent in the arena of sports denied by the the new "hand of God" It was almost as if Suarez wrenched the title from Maradona and took away the power that created his legend as the mystic manager that was destined to lead Argentina to further World cup glory. Suarez takes the title, Argentina crashes out and Maradona resigns. Very fitting. Somehow I think "hand of the Devil" is more apt.

It is Ironic that even though we all serve the same God, the winners always sight God's power for their win and the losers are left to find a romantic justification for the loss, or just blame the Devil. The Roman Catholic Church has spread its tentacles all over Africa, and all over South America, but is now losing its right to legal immunity. Losing the self appointed right to harm people and get away with it. It will be very hard for the Church, but as John Blood states in his piece, times are indeed changing, and I think its about time those walls came tumbling down. Now, back to football.

As a bearer of the Black Stars flag, I noticed that there was a gathering of Africans in all shapes and sizes behind Ghana. Many people had become honorary Africans. The team always stressed that this was being done for Africa, their continued progress was for the whole of Africa, and it seemed that the people started to believe that. Victory against Uruguay and progressing to the final four on African soil was not about Ghana, it was win for Africa.

To lose in such a dramatic fashion was, however, all about Ghana. I noticed the commentators were surprised that so many other African nations were supporting Ghana, so the bitter sweet pill of hearing the words "its the end of the Africa dream" were especially resonant to me. They are still ringing in my ears now. Was it really all a dream? Did the African really have a chance? All the other promise of Africa had gone out in the early stages of the competition, surely Ghana couldn't do much better? Surely they couldn't make footballing history in Africa.

See, when you play with fire, you get burnt, this is logical. As Africans we are always playing with fire. Everything that is unique about Africa we tend to take for granted or we use a tool to generate revenue or we allow others to use as a tool to generate revenue. This is the game we play and it really is so much bigger than football.

I watched the game when Ghana beat the USA. It was wonderful for African football, not only because Ghana beat a much better USA team than they did in 2006, but also because the Americans, in true Hollywood blockbuster style had several million supporters across the Atlantic in the old US of A, (apparently their games had the highest viewing figures) and a star studded line up in the stadium including Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger (who quickly switched to his England Shirt after the USA lost) The profile of African teams and Ghana a footballing nation was raised.

Anyway I'll let you into a secret, due to my affliction with the deadly dis-ease Procrastinitis, I wrote this article in two sections. The latter section is written with the hindsight of being aware that Uruguay's volleyball team are now out of the running to win World cup, after a spirited battle with the Dutch and a goal awarded against them that should have been offside, I almost found myself rooting for the volleyball team and prayed for them to call on the "hand of the devil" but they changed tact and decided to play football instead (I am starting to sound bitter aren't I)

It would have been nice to see a little variety in the World cup final and that was why it was such a shame that Ghana went out when they did. After seeing the result of Uruguay and Holland, I had a crazy feeling (without trying to sound like a disillusioned England commentator ) that due to sheer ram hearted determination Ghana could have beaten Holland on the day, had it not been the for the antics the Uruguayans and/or Asamoah Gyan's penalty miss. The anti-penalty, I haven't mentioned that have I, I put that miss down to pressure, although I do have the weak hearted tendency to be a little too forgiving.

Asamoah Gyan had now transferred the dreams of the entire African continent into his foot. In seconds before he took that penalty we had all planned our celebratory dances and which party we were going to and how long that party would go on for. All the owners of the Ghanaian bars and clubs in London rubbed their grubby mits together thinking of the all the money that they would be making though the reckless abandon of the crazed legions of fans. Hell, even the Turkish shops in London that were near to Ghanaian outlets would make a killing, as we all know how randomly supportive the Black pound is!

We were all on the edge of our seats literally waiting for that inevitable goal, from Algeria in the North through to Nigeria in the West and Angola in Central. Once the ball hit the cross bar all our dreams began to swiftly unravel, and no doubt there was utter maniacal but short lived jubilation on the streets of Montevideo (yes I have been on wikipedia, but I bet none of you could state the capital city of Uruguay until now and it is such an interesting word, no?)

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 230 people were torched to death in a village called Sange after a petrol tanker crashed and caused a huge fireball. Many of the victims were in a cinema watching the game. So many variables. I wonder what stage of the the game the accident occurred at? First half? Extra time? if Ghana had won without going into extra time would all those people have left the cinema at a different time?

So now we have reached the finals and the end of the world cup, Africa's almost crowning moment. My prediction was that an African team should, would and could be in the final, the first on (pseudo) African soil, but I was wrong. So much for my clairvoyance, I need more training.

I read a story about a "psychic" Octopus called Paul, who is incarcerated in a Zoo in Oberhausen, Germany. He has, by predicting Spain's win against Germany maintained an 100% accurate prediction rate in all Germany's games during the this world cup.

They put a container with octopus food, (whatever that is) in the tank with a flag of each nation on each container, and which ever he goes to to denotes his prediction. Apparently he had an 80% prediction rate in the last European cup, his only error was picking Germany as the winners against Spain in the final when Spain actually won. By picking Spain again I bet the the Germans were hoping that he was wrong again, but he wasn't. Maybe he's taking the piss with his a jailers. He predicted correctly all Germany's wins against Australia, Ghana and England, the loss against Serbia and the final loss against Spain. I wonder how he would predict a draw?