The GEMATRIA OF POPOLOGY

POPOLOGY / UNIVERSAL / REVELATION / EVERYBODY / YOURSELF / SECOND COMING / POPmessiah

The numerical value of POPOLOGY is 121. A simple number... but a profound revelation. Because in the same code, the words Universal, Glamorous, Revelation, Everybody, Yourself, Second Coming, POPmessiah all share the same value: 121. A coincidence? Or a divine alignment?"

What is Gematria?

Gematria is an alphanumeric code or cipher in which letters of a given alphabet are assigned numerical values. This system has its origins in ancient cultures, such as the Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic traditions. It is primarily associated with Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah) and the Hebrew Bible, where it is used to uncover hidden meanings in sacred texts by interpreting numerical values of words and phrases. How Gematria Works In Hebrew, for example: Each letter has a corresponding numerical value (e.g., א = 1, ב = 2, ג = 3, etc.). Words and phrases are assigned a total numerical value by summing the values of their letters. Scholars and mystics analyze these values to draw connections between words or uncover hidden relationships and messages.

The practice has parallels in Greek Isopsephy and Arabic Abjad numerals, but Gematria remains particularly significant in Jewish thought. Was Gematria Used in Pre-Biblical Scriptures? There is evidence that numerical and symbolic systems like Gematria were integrated into the composition of ancient texts, including early Hebrew scriptures. The use of numerical symbolism predates written versions of the Torah and other biblical texts. Here’s how Gematria might have been connected to pre-biblical scriptures: Oral Tradition and Symbolism: Before the written Torah, Jewish tradition relied heavily on oral teachings. Numbers and patterns (e.g., 7 for divine completeness) played a symbolic role in these teachings, likely influencing the development of the written scriptures. Gematria could have served as a mnemonic or mystical tool in preserving oral traditions.

The POSSIBILITY:

POPOLOGY is more than a word; it’s a purpose. A UNIVERSAL and GLAMOROUS REVELATION that invites EVERYBODY—including YOU—to become a POPmessiah.

What does it mean to be a POPmessiah? It means embracing your unique power to create, inspire, and unite. It means understanding that within you lies the potential for greatness. Just as the universe is built on patterns and connections, so too is your destiny.

POPOLOGY: Empowering YOU to fulfill the promise of the Second Coming... within yourself.

Embedded Numerical Patterns:

The structure of the Torah and other scriptures shows deliberate use of numerical patterns, such as the number of letters, words, or verses in specific passages. Scholars have debated whether these patterns were encoded using Gematria-like principles. Mystical and Esoteric Layers: Jewish mystics believe that the Torah contains hidden codes and divine knowledge, much of which can be accessed through Gematria. This has led to the interpretation that Gematria was part of the “code” behind the Torah’s creation, linking it to pre-biblical mystical traditions.

Influence of Ancient Cultures:

The numerical-symbolic tradition seen in Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures influenced early Semitic peoples. These influences likely shaped the development of proto-Hebrew texts, embedding numerical symbolism akin to Gematria. Gematria and Later Interpretations While Gematria as we know it became more systematized in the medieval period, the foundational ideas of associating letters with numbers and exploring numerical patterns existed in early scriptural traditions. Whether Gematria directly influenced the original "code" of pre-biblical scriptures is debated, but its principles resonate deeply with the symbolic and numerical patterns present in ancient texts.

POPOLOGY is a call for GLOBAL INNER PEACE. Through creativity, unity, and self-expression, we seek to transform the world from within. It’s a mission grounded in the belief that peace is not a distant dream, but a revelation waiting to be unlocked in every individual.

In POPOLOGY, the number 121 is not just a mathematical value—it’s a symbol of unity. A reminder that we are all connected through purpose, passion, and possibility. Together, we are the revelation.

POPOLOGY: The Science of the Popular. The Revelation of YOU.

This POST uses the concept of Gematria and the numerical value 121 to weave a compelling narrative about POPOLOGY's purpose. By connecting this phenomenon to universal values like inner peace, creativity, and unity, it invites viewers to see themselves as part of a greater revelation. The campaign emphasizes personal empowerment and global transformation, making POPOLOGY a rallying cry for a brighter future.

The Making of Dragon Ball: How Akira Toriyama Created a Global Phenomenon

The Journey of Akira Toriyama:

The Artist Who Redefined Manga and Anime

The small town of Kiyosu, nestled in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, was an unlikely place for a revolution to begin. Yet, in 1955, it was here that a boy named Akira Toriyama was born—one who would go on to change the face of manga, anime, and pop culture forever.

The Boy Who Loved to Draw

As a child, young Akira was more interested in doodling on the margins of his schoolbooks than in his studies. While his classmates dreamed of traditional careers, Toriyama was enchanted by the stories of Osamu Tezuka, whose Astro Boy was capturing the imaginations of children across Japan.

He would sit for hours, trying to replicate Tezuka’s clean, expressive lines.

But manga wasn’t his only source of inspiration. He was just as obsessed with American cartoons—Tom & Jerry made him laugh, and the exaggerated expressions of Looney Tunes characters fascinated him. Even the wild, unpredictable motion of Walt Disney’s films shaped his artistic instincts. Yet, despite this love for drawing, the thought of turning it into a career had never crossed his mind.

When he finished high school, he entered a design school and later took a job at an advertising company. But the monotony of commercial design quickly bored him. He longed for something more—something with the freedom to create worlds of his own.

A Rocky Start in Manga

In 1977, with nothing to lose, Toriyama submitted his first manga to Weekly Shonen Jump. It was rejected. Then another. And another.

But one editor saw something in his work: Kazuhiko Torishima, a sharp-eyed talent scout for Shonen Jump. Torishima wasn’t impressed by the stories, but he saw a rare, playful energy in Toriyama’s art. “You have something,” he told the young artist. “But your stories need work.”

Under Torishima’s mentorship, Toriyama refined his craft. His first published manga, Wonder Island, appeared in 1978. It wasn’t a success. Nor were his next few stories. But Toriyama wasn’t discouraged—he was learning, adapting, evolving.

And then, in 1980, everything changed.

The Birth of Dr. Slump: A Star is Born

Toriyama’s breakthrough came with Dr. Slump, a wacky sci-fi comedy about an absent-minded scientist and his powerful but naïve android creation, Arale. The manga was an instant hit.

Readers loved its absurd humor, slapstick action, and the way it poked fun at everything—from Japanese culture to Hollywood movies.

Before he knew it, Dr. Slump had been adapted into an anime. Toriyama was no longer just an artist—he was a celebrity.

The manga’s success won him the Shogakukan Manga Award, and for the first time, he felt a sense of creative power. He had made people laugh. He had brought joy.

But something inside him was still restless. He wanted to try something new. Something bigger.

The Legend Begins: Dragon Ball

Toriyama was fascinated by classic kung fu films, especially Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon and Jackie Chan’s Drunken Master. He also loved the ancient Chinese tale Journey to the West. What if, he thought, he combined these influences into a single story?

In 1984, Dragon Ball was born.

At first, it was a lighthearted adventure about a monkey-tailed boy named Son Goku searching for mystical Dragon Balls. It was filled with humor, quirky characters, and imaginative fights. Readers loved it.

But something unexpected happened.

As Dragon Ball progressed, the story shifted. The fights became more intense, the stakes higher. The characters trained, grew stronger, and faced unimaginable foes. By the time Dragon Ball Z began in 1989, Toriyama had redefined the shonen (boys’) manga genre.

The Dragon Ball Z Explosion: A Global Phenomenon

Dragon Ball Z introduced Vegeta, Frieza, the Saiyans, and Super Saiyans—concepts that would become legendary. The series’ fights were unlike anything seen before in manga. Fast-paced, explosive, filled with transformations and power-ups, Dragon Ball Z was a new kind of storytelling—one that would set the standard for future battle manga.

By the 1990s, Dragon Ball had conquered the world.

• It was the first manga/anime to gain massive popularity in the U.S., thanks to Toonami.

• It inspired generations of artists, including the creators of Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach.

• It became one of the highest-grossing franchises in history, with movies, games, and merchandise selling in the billions.

Toriyama, ever humble, never expected Dragon Ball to become this big. “I was just drawing what I liked,” he once said. But what he liked had shaped anime, manga, and pop culture forever.

Life After Dragon Ball

When Dragon Ball ended in 1995, Toriyama took a step back. He still created manga, but on a smaller scale. He worked as a character designer for video games, crafting the iconic look of Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon.

He explored short manga like Cowa! and Sand Land. But nothing matched the overwhelming success of Dragon Ball.

Yet, even as he moved away from the spotlight, Dragon Ball refused to fade.

In 2015, Dragon Ball Super revived the franchise. Toriyama once again crafted stories, designing new characters and shaping the future of the saga. The world still wanted more Goku, more Vegeta, more battles that shook the heavens.

At its core, Dragon Ball is an epic adventure story following Son Goku, a naïve yet powerful boy with a monkey tail, as he embarks on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls—mystical orbs that, when gathered, summon the eternal dragon Shenron, who grants a single wish.

Inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West, the early story is lighthearted and filled with humor, martial arts, and quirky characters like Bulma, a genius inventor; Master Roshi, a perverted but wise martial arts master; and Krillin, Goku’s best friend and rival.

As the series progresses, the tone shifts into a high-stakes battle manga, introducing powerful warriors, alien races, and intergalactic conflicts. Goku learns he is actually a Saiyan, a nearly extinct race of powerful fighters, and must protect Earth from ever-stronger enemies, including Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.

Throughout Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, themes of friendship, perseverance, self-improvement, and destiny drive the story. Goku and his allies push beyond their limits, unlocking new forms like Super Saiyan, and engaging in some of the most iconic battles in anime history.

The series is ultimately about growth, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of strength—not just physical, but also of character and spirit.

A Legacy That Will Never Die

Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68. The news sent shockwaves through the world of anime and manga. Fans mourned. Artists paid tribute. And yet, his legacy was everywhere.

What made Toriyama special wasn’t just that he created Dragon Ball. It was how he created it.

✅ He took influences from all over—kung fu movies, Western cartoons, mythology, and slapstick comedy—and blended them into something uniquely Japanese yet universally loved.✅ He revolutionized battle manga, introducing power-ups, transformations, and epic tournaments.✅ He shaped the gaming industry with his work on Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger.✅ He inspired generations of creators, from manga artists to Hollywood directors.✅ He brought joy to millions of people—and continues to do so.

Even after his passing, Dragon Ball remains one of the most successful and beloved franchises in history. His characters, his style, and his stories will never be forgotten.

Akira Toriyama didn’t just draw manga.

He created a universe.

And that universe will live on forever.

The Pop Influence of Saul Williams: Bridging Poetry, Hip-Hop, and Culture

The Story of Saul Williams: A True Renaissance Artist

Saul Williams is a visionary artist who defies categorization. As a poet, actor, musician, and activist, Williams has spent decades breaking boundaries and reshaping the intersections of art and culture. His journey, from the raw energy of the Nuyorican Poets Café to becoming a global icon, is a testament to the power of words and their ability to transform lives.

The Nuyorican Poets Café and National Poetry Slam

Williams' journey began in the vibrant spoken word scene of New York City during the early 1990s. A graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in philosophy and acting, and later the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, he found his voice at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Café. This venue, a breeding ground for raw poetic talent, became his proving ground.

In 1996, Williams’ skill and charisma propelled him to victory at the National Poetry Slam, where he gained national recognition. His electric performances, which combined sharp intellect, raw emotion, and a unique blend of hip-hop cadence and poetic lyricism, made him a standout in a burgeoning art form.

The Rise of Slam Poetry and Slam Nation

The success of the National Poetry Slam placed Williams in the spotlight during a time when slam poetry was capturing the imagination of audiences around the world.

He became one of the central figures in Slam Nation (1998), a documentary chronicling the intense, competitive world of slam poetry. The film introduced Williams to a broader audience, showcasing his ability to elevate spoken word into a captivating art form.

Acting Career and Slam (1998)

Williams transitioned seamlessly into acting, landing a starring role in Slam, a groundbreaking independent film directed by Marc Levin. The movie, which follows a young poet navigating the justice system and finding his voice through spoken word, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Slam won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1998, solidifying Williams’ reputation as a powerful voice for justice and artistic expression. His performance in the film was both raw and transformative, cementing his place as a multi-faceted artist capable of excelling across mediums.

Publishing and MTV Books

In addition to performing and acting, Williams made waves in the literary world. His poetry collections, including The Seventh Octave (1998), She (1999), and Said the Shotgun to the Head (2003), captured the rhythm of modern struggles and triumphs, blending elements of love, revolution, and self-discovery.

Williams collaborated with MTV Books to publish The Dead Emcee Scrolls: The Lost Teachings of Hip-Hop (2006), a poetic exploration of hip-hop’s deeper cultural roots. This partnership highlighted his ability to bridge underground art forms with mainstream platforms, bringing spoken word and poetry into the pop-cultural conversation.

Musical Collaborations and World Tours

Williams’ foray into music was as revolutionary as his work in poetry and film. In 2001, he released his debut album, Amethyst Rock Star, produced by Rick Rubin. The album combined spoken word, hip-hop, and rock, with lyrics that were both socially conscious and deeply personal.

He went on to collaborate with an eclectic range of artists, including:

• Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine): Together, they created politically charged tracks that fused poetry and rock.

• David Murray: The jazz saxophonist joined forces with Williams on The Obscure Work of David Murray, blending jazz improvisation with spoken word.

• Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails): Williams’ second album, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! (2007), was produced by Reznor. It featured experimental sounds and was one of the first albums distributed directly to fans using a pay-what-you-want model, innovating music distribution.

Williams toured globally, bringing his electrifying performances to audiences around the world. His stage presence combined the visceral energy of a rock star with the depth of a poet, captivating fans across continents.

Directing, Acting, and Continuing Innovation

Williams continued to expand his artistic repertoire in the 2010s and beyond. He took on roles in films like K-PAX (2001) and TV series such as Girlfriends, while remaining committed to his roots in poetry and activism.

In 2021, Williams co-wrote and co-directed Neptune Frost, a critically acclaimed Afrofuturist musical film set in Rwanda. The film explored themes of resistance, technology, and identity, blending his poetic vision with stunning visuals and music. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving widespread praise for its originality and depth.

What Sets Saul Williams Apart

Williams brought something to the worlds of poetry, music, and film that no one else did:

• A fusion of art forms: By seamlessly blending poetry, hip-hop, rock, and jazz, he created a unique style that transcended genres.

• A voice for the marginalized: His work consistently amplifies voices often overlooked by mainstream media, tackling themes of race, politics, and social justice.

• Global reach: Williams’ ability to resonate with audiences across cultures has made him a truly universal artist.

Legacy and Influence

Williams has influenced a generation of poets, musicians, and activists. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monáe, and Common have drawn from his ability to merge art and activism. His work remains a touchstone for those seeking to use their craft to inspire change.

As of today, Saul Williams continues to challenge artistic norms, proving that creativity knows no bounds. Whether through poetry, music, film, or activism, he remains a revolutionary voice, as relevant now as he was when he first stepped onto the stage of the Nuyorican Poets Café.