The things I've lost and the things I've gained

Well, it has been 9  bittersweet years since I had my stroke. I've been through quite a bit physically,spiritually,emotionally, and mentally.I’ll admit it hasn't always been easy but I've been able to venture through it with the support of family, friends,therapists,kind strangers but mostly my unshakable faith in Christ’s healing blood.I discovered when I’m in a situation  like mine   I had do several things.First,I had to accept but not settle where I was  I then had to try my best to adjust and move on. Second,I couldn't take everything so personally that someone said or didn't say  and even do or didn't do.I really didn’t want to spend a lot of time thinking about how I've lost my independence or saying and thinking,”what if this never happened?”.But, I needed  to move on and focus on recovery. I've learned quite a bit about over this period in my life both medically and spiritually.But when you're in the venture period, desert, or whatever you want to call it. I've learned you have  adjust to the  situation. I've adjusted by  having to do most things  one handed and using my other hand differently. I've learned how to adjust  in nearly everything I do from putting on my t-shirt to brushing my teeth all through trial and error..Honestly, I would have liked to have learned a easier way. Now here are a few things you need to know about a stroke survivor or  from my experience or an adjustment period.

1.      Each stroke or person  is different people progress at different paces

2.      Don't assume our limitations. As for myself  if I need help I'm not afraid to ask even if it's someone I don’t know.

3.      You don't have handle us with kid gloves  most of us are pretty tough and resilient.

4.      Feel free to ask any questions you may have if you don’t know or haven't looked  it up for yourself.

5.      Don't make any assumptions about what they can or cannot do.

6.      Give them time to adjust to their situation but be there for them.

 Those things are not set in stone because as I'm sure you know things change.

 Now, keep in mind I'm not a therapist of any kind by a long shot. I’m just a guy that's adjusting through stuff.

 Thanx,

Manny

* On a side note This week and this morning  at work I  was  going over that morning I had my stroke and that summer I was thinking about how  far I’ve come and I’m simply humbled and amazed by the strength , patience , people ,and grace God has given me.

Top albums of 2011

I really didn't pick up too much music in 2011 but these few albums really stood out for me.

1. Twin Shadow-Forget- He looks like Prince and sounds like early Depeche Mode with touch of The Cure. This album has the same feel of any dark new wave album of the early 80's. It can be a little " dancey" on some tracks and a tad romantic on others. This is one album that is in constant loop.
Top tracks-
Slow
At My Heels
Castles in the Snow

2.Beastie Boys-Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2- I'm a huge fan of the Beastie Boys I was really excited for this release and it did not disappoint. This was one of the few times the Beastie Boys had a few guest artist such as Nas and Santigold. This album had a party feel it reminds me of my favorite Beastie Boys' album Check Your Head but with a heavier hip hop sound. You've most likely seen the Fight for Your Right( revised version) with various celebrities I have to admit I'm not a fan of it but I am a fan of this album.
Top tracks-
Nonstop Disco Powerpack
Say It
Don't Play No Game I Can't Win (Featuring Santigold)
Make Some Noise this was on a single not the album it's pretty amazing it should been on the album.
3. Jay-Z and Kayne West- Watch The Throne
Say what you will about Mr. West he is an amazing showman and rapper with his antics aside.Jay-Z has always been in a class of his own.This album also introduced me to R&B singer Frank Ocean which I was surprised to like. The mixture of these two rap heavywieghts gives us a rap collaboration that will be hard to match for years.
Top tracks-
Otis
No Church in the Wild
Made in America

4.Wild Flag-Wild Flag
It seems real easy to call a group of this magnitude a supergroup but honestly it's not because supergroups are long gone it seems more like a missing Slits album. With Carrie Brownstein, Janet Weis and Mary Timony, of Sleater-Kinney along with of Quasi and Sleater-Kinney plus Rebecca Cole of the Minders. These"indie" ( I hate that word) queens put together an album that gives the boys a run for the hills.Oh, watch Portlandia on IFC it stars a very funny Carrie Brownstein and SNL member Fred Armisen.
Top tracks-
Romance
Endless Talk
Future Crimes

5. T.V.on the Radio- Nine Types of Light
TVOR had a rough 2011 after the death of their basist Gerard Smith's death from a battle with lung cancer. They still were able to pu out their fourth album. This album is an expansion for this Brooklyn based band which I like it shows the band will continue to grow.The album still had the classic sound you would expect.The album is funky,mellow, and yes dancey. I would like to think this album best reflects how far the band has come. It's bittersweet but strong album.There is a documentary on the band and the making of the album called Nine Types of Light give it watch if your unfamiliar with the band you can find it on the Youtube.
Top Tracks-
Will Do
New Cannonball Blues
Second Song

Honorable Mentions
Adele-21
Radiohead- King of Limbs
R.E.M- Collapse Into Now
Wye Oak- Civillian
Twerps- Twerps
That's pretty much it. As I said before I didn't pick up too much. I'm hoping 2012 will be a bigger music year for me. What stood out for you in 2011 or what are looking forward to?

Simpsons musical guests

I'm a huge Simpsons fan I've seen every episode. I don't care what people say about them( I've heard some crazy stuff) One of the things I like about them is that they have always managed to get the best celebrity voices. Here is a list of the musicians they've had over 20 years.

1. Ringo Star- Brush with Greatness -Season 2
*2. Michael Jackson(under the name Jay Smith)- Stark Raving Dad Season3
3.Sting- Radio Bart-Season-3
4.Red Hot Chilli Peppers Barry White, and Bette Midler- Krusty Get Kancelled- Season4
5. Barry White- Whacking Day Season 4
6.Linda Rondstant-Mr. Plow Season 4
*7.The Ramones- Rosebud- Season5
*8. Gorge Harrison- Homer's Barbershop Quartet-Season 5
9.James Taylor- Deep Space Homer- Season 5
*9.Paul McCartney- Lisa the Vegetarian - Season7 As a vegetarian I'm close to this episode.
*10. Sonic Youth,Smashing Pumpkins, Cypress Hill,and Peter Frampton Homerpolooza- Season7
11.Johnny Cash-El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)- Season8
12.U2- Trash of Titans- Season9
13.Elton John- I'm With Cupid Season 10
13.Shawn Colvin-I'm Goin' to Praiseland- Season12
***14. The Who- Tale of Two Springfields -Season 12
15.'N Sync -New Kids on the Blecch-Season 12
*16.R.E.M- Homer the Moe- Season13
17.Phish-Weekend at Burnsie's- Season13
**18.Elvis Costello,Mick Jagger,Keith Richards,Tom Petty,Lenny Kravitz,and Brian Setezer- Season14 I had this as a screen saver
*19.David Byrne- Dude Where's My Ranch- Season14
20.Weird Al- Three Gays of the Condo- Season14
21.50 Cent-Prankster Rap- Season16
22.Mandy Moore- Marge and Homer Turn a Couple Play -Season 17
23.Metallica-The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer-Season18
24.Ludacris- You Kent Always Say What You Want- Season18
25. White Stripes- Jazzy and the Pussy Cats- Season18
*26.Lionel Richie-He Loves to Fly and He D'ohs- Season 19
27.Plácido Domingo-Homer of Seville-Season19
28.Dixie Chicks- Papa Don't Leech-Season19
29.Josh Groban- Lisa the Drama Queen- Season20
The Simpsons Movie- Green Day
* Denotes Fan of artist
** I'm not a fan of Lenny Kravitz
** Not really Pete Townshend but his brother.
What are some of your favorites?

More what I've learned from television and movies.

1. If you run off a cliff and you don’t look down, you can stay in the air.
2. When you turn on your television on the show you’re planning to watch will just be starting.
3. A crazy mix up will send the wrong unqualified people(or animals) into space.
4.Hefty blue collar workers tend to have attractive wives.
5. Three hour boats tours may sound great but, turns out to quite an adventure or (misadventure).
6.Always remember some of those weird training things you had to go through because you'll need it later.
7. If you ever get into a disagreement with someone you live with you can split the house or room in half with tape.
8. Most contest's prize money is the exact amount you need.
9.Places like Mypos and Melmac exist.
10.Be careful of the "One day left of Retirement Rule"(being killed or broken of
therapy before retirement)
11. If you go into the future you can run into your future self the same can be said about going back in time.
12.Some guys will do anything for a cheap place.

Things I've learned from television and movies.

I’ve watched quite a bit of television and a decent amount of movies growing up these are things I’ve learned from them:

1. A knock on the head can make someone lose or regain their memory
2. Giving an emotional speech in court or to someone you have feelings
for will always work in your favor.
3. If it's not in the rulebook an animal can play on any sports team.
4. Babies are born in less than a hour and with a full head of hair.
5. Having two dates on the same night can be tricky but,can pulled off.
6. There just may be a long lost cousin you don't know about.
7. Just about anyone can fire a gun with near perfect accuracy.
8. The housekeeper can give good advice or funny one-liners.
9. You can make a radio out of a coconut.
10. A superstar athlete or celebrity can always give you advice on a particular problem because they went through the same thing.
11. Hair brain schemes just seem to work.
12.Don't underestimate nerds.
13. There is a good chance your next door neighbor will be wacky and or intrusive.
14. A mad dash to the airport can save any relationship.
15. Unconventional methods of training can have positive results.
16. You can scare a group of teens and a talking dog with trick
lighting, mirrors, and a rubber mask
17.There are bad Russians and good Russians.


18. The evil twin has a goatee or an eye patch if we're lucky both.
19. If there is no Santa then there is no Christmas
20.Pairing complete opposite detectives somehow works.
21. If there’s a rag tag group of misfits in a police department or sports team they can always over come any odds.
22. People from the future are bald and wear trench coats.
23. Cousins can be twins.
24. In the future there will be flying cars and robots lots of robots.
25. If you're a free spirited teen with an uptight over worked parent be careful you may switch bodies.
26. You can drag around a dead body and have people think it's still alive but, only for about a weekend.
27. If your car can talk it's either inhabited by the spirit of your dead mother or your sound advice giving partner that has a charming
English accent.
28. Just because he's a kid doesn’t mean he can't be a doctor.
29. A catch phrase never hurts.
30. One man can take out a whole army of bad guys.
31. If your family needs money for something there will be a singing contest where prize is that exact amount.
32. If there is a “will they won't they?" relationship trust me they will.
33. One hand clap after a moving speech or event can start a wave of applause.
34. If a detective knows one more thing, you're busted.
35. Whatever you do don't go alone to checkout that noise.
36.Don't hire these guys

37.You can reach most people at 555-4909
38. Time machines can be Deloerans, phone booths,and hot tubs.
39. Dogs and cats are sworn enemies.The same can be said about cats and mice.
40. Some doctors and scientists are the most attractive people.
41. If you’re a free-wheeling bachelor there is a chance kid will show up claim that you’re their father.
42. A detective can be teamed up with a dog, a kid, or someone who is their complete opposite.
43. During prehistoric times they have all the modern appliances we have now but, they’re just wise cracking animals.
44. You can build a robot child just be prepared for a lot of mix ups and misunderstandings because it will not compute.
45.I would avoid eating Soylent Green, trust me on this one.
46.If things are getting boring don't worry a cute kid will show up to make things fun again
47.If you and your friends start a band please don't cover any Ace of Base songs.
48.One day you'll wake up and realize that Bed and Breakfast you ran was a only a dream.
49.If there's a slight mix up or misunderstanding hilarity will always ensue.
50.If you don’t understand something don’t worry Clarissa explains it all.
51.In the future there are no roads.
52.Don't bother competing against Parker Lewis because he can't loose.
53. Brothers can have same name such as Daryl or Pete.
54. Aliens most likely want phone home, be taken to our leader, eat our cats, or want to take over the world.
55. There's a kid that can smell ice cream.
56.You can be safe from an explosion that is a few yards behind you.
57. If you get a pet that multiplies in water and you can't feed after midnight is not worth having.
59. If you back in time(there's a good chance you will) be careful what you do because it can effect the space time continuum.
60. If this guy shows up your show is doomed
61. It doesn't hurt to double check your toilet for bombs

NOTE: This a satire please don't take this too seriously.
If you want you can point out which television show or movie I've referenced.

My Top Stand out Films

These are 21 films that have stood out to me since 1992. I got the idea from a friend it was long but,fun process so here they are:
1.Bottle Rocket(1996)/ Rushmore(1998)- I’m a sucker for Wes Anderson I love his attention to the smallest details, his use of music, the use of rectangles in most shots theses are really his best two films he got kind of sloppy after The Royal Tenenbaums.
2. High Fidelity (2000) – Stephen Fears translates Nick Hornsby book into near perfection. I love this film as a music snob, mix tape maker, and,a record collector you can say it mirrored my life at one time.
3.Spirited Away (2001) - I’ve never been emotionally invested into an animated film until this one.
4.Fargo (1996) - I love the Coen Brothers and I like how the characters “step in it and walk all over the carpet” and spend most of the time trying to clean it only making matters worse.
5.Dazed and Confused(1995)- One of the best high school movies made Linklater captured both the essence of high school angst from burn outs and the late 70’s.It also has Matthew McConughey’s one role only worth watching.The soundtrack is awesome 70's rock without being trite.
6.Reality Bites (1994) - I always thought Ben Stiller made better stuff in the 90’s before he had his teeth fixed. I like the mockery of ironic 70’s and 80’s pop culture, and truth be told I had a thing for Wionna Ryder.
7.Crooklyn (1996) - Spike Lee’s last great film I didn’t grow up in 1970’s Brooklyn (my family did) after seeing this film I felt like I did. More films need soundtracks that transplant you to the era were set in.
8.Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995) - Todd Solondz and Heather Matarazzo show us being the awkward middle child can sometimes suck.
9.Lost in Translation (2003) - I enjoyed Virgin Suicides just as much but, Lost in Translation hit me at the right time. Fueled by Bill Murray’s subtle comical performance, Sofia Coppola delivered a solid picture for her sophomore effort. The physical and emotional unavailability of spouses, words left unspoken, life’s missing purpose, an “affair” devoid of sex—absence is the looming presence here. Lost in Translation is a testament to the power of a raised eyebrow, a gentle touch and a parting whisper.
10. Requiem for a Dream (2000) - If you still abuse perception or illegal drugs after seeing this movie you need help.
11.Jump Tomorrow(2001)- starring TV on the Radio’s front man Tunde Adeimpe stars as a young Nigerian man on the verge of being in an arranged marriage, suddenly questions his situation after an encounter with a stunning Latin woman, who is also about to be married. There is also a fun cameo from funny lady Amy Sedaris.
12.Election (1999) - Politics are dirty even in high school.
13.Ghost World (2001) - I’m not really into comic book movies but, this is a good translation of Daniel Clowes graphic novel.
14.Waiting for Guffman (1996) - I was in high school theater for 4yrs and I’ve done both professional and local theater Christopher Guest and company nail everything about it in this hilarious film.
15.Lords of Dogtown (2005) - Great film version of Stacey Peralta’s documentary on skate boarding Dogtown and Z-Boys. The film had great performances by Heath Ledger and Emile Hirsch as bad boy Jay Adams. A must see for any skate kid out there.
16.Afro Punk (2003) - An honest documentary about being minority inside minority community. If have ever been the only the minority at a show for a band this is for you. I saw this in the back room at the Black Cat in 2004; I was only black guy there.
17. Being John Malovich (1999) - Ever wonder what it’s like being John Malovich? Video director Spike Jonez and writer Charlie Kaufman gives us a fun look how in their first film together.
18. Pan’s Labyrinth(2006)- Fantasy or a thriller whatever you want to call it, is generally not my thing but, Guillermo del Toro painted a picture that took me to a place of wonder and awe, when I was done watching I wanted to watch it again so I could go back.
19.Boyz in the Hood (1991) - I know it’s from 91 but, Singleton gives us a look into South Central L.A. without being too tacky or patronizing. Although, it has a rapper (Ice Cube) in it there is no hip-hop theme to it just real life in South Central L.A.
20. Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai (1999) - Jim Jarmusch never really makes the same film twice. Forest Whitaker nails the part of the perfect of the anti-hero.He's a hit man that follows the way of the traditional samurai and is soon faced with a dilemma that will challenge his traditional samurai teaching. If you blink who’ll miss a quick cameo from Wu- Tang Clan’s RZA.
21.The Big Lebowski (1998) - Another Coen brother’s film? I love this so much Jeff Bridges should have been nominated as the “Dude” an easy going guy who craves the occasional White Russian that tries to abide and bowl after a case of mistaken identity.
Honorable mentions:
Malcolm X (1992) Beastie Boys’Awesome I F***king Shot That (2005), Casino(1995), Cable Guy (1996 ,24 Hour Party People (2002)Office Space(1999),) Persepolis(2007 ), Kids (1995),City of God(2004), The Squid and the Whale (2006), American Splendor(2003),Ed Wood (1994),Almost Famous(2000),Shaun of the Dead,(2004)Big Fan(2009)

What films stood out for you? I want to hear your feed back!

Burying your dreams

Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
-Langston Hughes

I’m not much into poetry but, that poem sparked the play A Raisin in the sun (awesome) and that play gave us the show Goodtimes (even more awesome). That poem also made me think of the parable of the talents Jesus told in Matthew 25. The story goes as follows: The parable tells of a master who was leaving his home to travel, and before going gave his three servants different amounts of money (or talents). On returning from his travels, the master asked his servants for an account of the money given to them. The first servant reported that he was given five talents, and he had made five talents more. The master praised the servant as being good and faithful, gave him more responsibility because of his faithfulness, and invited the servant to be joyful together with him.
The second servant said that he had received two talents, and he had made two talents more. The master praised this servant in the same way as being good and faithful, giving him more responsibility and inviting the servant to be joyful together with him.
The last servant who had received one talent reported that knowing his master was a hard man; he buried his talent in the ground for safekeeping, and therefore returned the original amount to his master. The master called him a wicked and lazy servant, saying that he should have placed the money in the bank to generate interest. The master commanded that the one talent be taken away from that servant, and given to the servant with ten talents, because everyone that has much will be given more, and whoever that has a little, even the little that he has will be taken away. And the master ordered the servant to be thrown outside into the darkness where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth." What I think Jesus is saying here God has given us each a talent, skill, call or dream that can be used to serve others but, ultimately serve Him. The skill, talent or dream could be acting, writing, painting, etc (you know artsy stuff) .It could also be a skill like being a handy person (I went PC with that) It could be a dream that people of all races could one day not be treated based on the color of their skin but, be treated as equals (that day is slowly approaching!)It could be a call to help people in need all over the world but, if we sit back get selfish or lazy and “bury” or defer those things not only do we suffer but, others suffer. I love all the analogies Hughes uses for an unused dream, talent or skill. I look at it as this what if Dr. King gave up his dream and decided to just let racism have it’s way we would have had the Civil Rights movement and all the good that came from that? What if the Wright bothers decided to just sit back and do other stuff? What if Milton Hersey gave up? No Milk Duds or Rolos! This can be applied to any great entertainer, athlete or political activist helped inspire society in a positive way. You may have the dream, talent, call, or skill and could be “burying” it and letting do all those things Hughes mentions well its wrong and kinda selfish and lazy. We can make excuses why we don’t act on them but, it’s not worth it. You may feel unqualified or unprepared at times. But, if God put that in you He will make everything possible to see that it’s done. So urge you check to see if you have anything you may be “burying” I know there are things let “bury” but, I want to dig them up and use it the best way I can!