The Manrilla Blog | Life. Art. Religion. Culture.

MATC’s photography students havoc and chaos upon the city of Madison, Wisconsin, yesterday. There were many prints shown and business cards handed out. But it was the debauchery that ensued later on that has left my mental scarred and twisted. Julia looked very cute in her new get-up. Even though I was highly disappointed that she didn’t go for the super “dooh me now, I’m heeyah” strapless dress, she looked good. Pete looked as calm and cool as ever though some of the following pictures may belie that statement. Ladwig was doing his best Hannibal Lectre impersonation at the Great Dane. Nick Zinn…, had blue…, hair? Pony tail? Yes. Moving right along, Jim Wildeman showed his true colors as the Wild Man, nearly thrown out of every bar by evening’s end. Mario looked as if he should’ve had a drink. Michael, you sure your blood sugar wasn’t low? And there was Pete, Pete’s friend, Pete. Pete, who knew way too much about nanotechnology and creative writing for my comfort. He was also keen on jumping in the lake. I’m glad he’s back in Milwaukee today where they know how to handle that kind of thing. Yaelie made her self feel right at home by insulting everyone in the place. Oh, there’s just too much to say. Too much to write.

Happy Birthday, Dad. He’s 72 years young. If you’re dyslexic, you’re only 27. We’re lookin’ for 72 more!

I am making my dad a print of the three of us entitled, Sons of Pierre. It’s a black and white print of myself, Mike and Dave, printed on 13″x19″, with three 6″ windows. I’ll have it matted to 20″x30″. It will arrive about a week later but it’s still worth it. Didn’t realize it was such a big deal for the frame store to cut the windows. Oh, well. I’m going to make him a custom card as well. He’ll get that on time.

On April 19th at approximately 11pm I was stopped on Anderson Ave near the corner of Stoughton Road by three police officers, one with a drawn gun. I was asked to put my cell phone down and to raise up my shirt and turn around. I did this twice and then was asked to put my hands in the air, turn around and get down on my knees. I was further instructed to place my hands behind my back whereas I was handcuffed by officer Tim Patton (#3346). During this whole process I asked repeatedly what was wrong and why was I being detained. The only reply I received was that I “fit a description”. I was given no further details than this. I was instructed to rise to my feet and was taken to the police car, where I had my back turned to the officer. During this process it began to rain hard and in moments I was fully drenched. With my hands cuffed behind my back it soon became difficult to see as the rain was running down my eyes and face. Again, I inquired as to why I was stopped and was give the same response, “you fit a decription”. After being taken to the car the 2nd female officer took my cell phone which was on the ground and turned it off. For the first few moments of this confrontation, Pete Olsen heard some details of the incident. When the lady officer turned off my phone I was completely isolated. A third officer arrived on the scene where they conferred and it was decided that the initial officer, Tim Patton, “got the height and size all wrong”. I pointed out to the officer that I am 6′ 5″ tall. So who ever this suspect was, they were either much smaller or much taller than myself, making it clear that I was not the one they were looking for. The handcuffs were finally taken off of me but I was still placed between the police car and officer Patton, who kept rather close, leaving me no room to move. In the end I was never given any details other than, “I fit a description”.

I hope that all of you take some time to read this. This is not fiction, but fact, happening less than an hour ago. I especially hope that my white friends and colleagues read this because it’s important to understand the types of harassment that people of color still go through in the United States. Racism is still alive and well. If you have any doubts, walk a mile in my shoes - but you might wanna take a bullet-proof vest with you on that walk.

Had a job in Chicago yesterday. Worked with a really cool guy, Blake Discher. We were working on an ad for Amex, shooting a CFO or something like that on top of a building. We had a lot of fun shooting the shit and he dropped some real valuable knowledge in my lap. It was one of the best days I’d had in a while and I’ve been having good days! Blake is a fellow member of APA, Advertising Photographers of America. If you’re a photographer and are not a member, I’d recommend joining. Especially if you’re new to the business. We talked about how the industry has changed and continues to change. For the good and the bad. But we both agreed that there is always room for those who do genuinely good work. He offered a lot of help in return as well for which I am very grateful. After the shoot we went and had dinner, which he bought. Yeah, a real gentleman and get this, he’s from Detroit! Yeah, I know. We’re all like that. The envy of the Free World. So I got lots of new stuff to work with. Been having a cool time with new girl lately. Got lot’s of Web work to get crackin’ on. And I’m planning a move, as it seems right now. Yeah, I’m busy.

Julia and I hung out today. We went out to take some pics. I’ve been shooting with my Yashica D a lot lately. It’s this cool little 2 1/4 medium-format camera from the 50’s or 60’s. I dunno, just having fun shooting film. What? What? You need aspirin? This type-a pain you couldn’t even kill with Mydol. @#$% around and get sprayed with Lysol - In yo’ face like a can of mace, bebeh, is it burnin’? Well, @#$% it, now ya learnin’!. Yeah. Ol’ Dirty Bastard lives on.

Feels like I’m either sick or allergies are kicking in. I took some medicine for it today. It seemed to help a little though my nose is still plugged up pretty good. I think I may have taken more than was good for me. I took 1000mg of Tylenol. Some Sudafed and a big swig of Nyquill. Oops, probably shouldn’t have mixed all those together. Feelin’ pretty good at this point. Hung with Jules most of the afternoon. We checked out Sin City, my 2nd viewing. I still liked it the 2nd time around. I admired it even more for the way it was shot. Well, I’m starting to fade to black. Hope this crap doesn’t stop my heart! P.S. These were shots I took of my brother, Mike, while he walked his dogs one day. Yashica D, T-Max 100.

Yeah, I’m back. I lived through it all. I had fun and frustration (read on). But I’m dead tired. That magical little pill Michael gave me knocked me on my b-hind. Don’t know what was in it but I’m wacked. So I’m out for the count. More comin’ at’cha laytah.

I went and had fun with Mike today. We went and had lunch with his friend John, who’s really funny. I guess his 2nd cousin is some big wig forensics person over in Rome and was involved with the burial with the Pope. GOD!! You can’t even escape hearing about the Pope here. Oh, well. Anyway, we had a fun lunch laughing about stuff and I got to listen to them brainstorm some ideas about comics or cartoons. John’s very East Coast and has a great, dry sense of humor. I’ve only met him once before but I like him. After that I ran to Calumet to get some film. Mike and I met up with Christoph and went to see Sin City - the movie adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novels. It was good. I liked the way it was shot. The acting was pretty good. The story’s just simple pulp so either you go for that kinda stuff or no. After the flick we went and caught a bite. I’m hoping to see a few friends tomorrow and maybe shoot.