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!

Update

I know it has been sometime since my last post (6 months) to be honest with you I didn’t feel much like writing anything. I know a lot has happened since then. I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people since then I’ll get to writing about that later. As far as my recovery goes I’m doing good I’ve been getting Botox in my bicep, shoulder, and hamstring to titrate the muscle tone and spasticity it really helps. I also start more physical therapy for a few weeks to help things along. I’ve tried a lot of things to help along with my recovery I did acupuncture for a bit the only thing that did was waste time and money. I’m not paying $90 a session twice a week for something that I was a tad skeptical about. The place burned down anyway I still owe her $90 (that will be our little secret) I’ve found hard work and harder faith pays off. As each day goes on I learn something new about me and it definitely helps with my recovery right now I’m learning the importance of trust and staying steadfast and focused. And remembering what has been promised to me about my recovery but, more importantly on who made that promise to me. I will try to keep you posted on what’s going on in my life as much as I can.

That unspeakable feeling

Some of us have one or more an unspeakable feeling or feelings in our lives about something or someone. The unspeakable feelings can cause a lot of pain both emotional and physical. I know that’s prevalent for me. I call them unspeakable because they may be so personal and painful that you don’t want to share those feelings with anyone for fear that won’t understand, not know what to say or do, or even worse not care at all. My unspeakable feelings have been with me for years and have increased within the past year. They are something I live with on a daily basis it’s as if these painful emotional and physical unspeakable feelings seem to always loom over me. We all may feel or have felt that way. I guess the next best this is try to figure out a way to deal with these unspeakable feelings caused by pain. Some people try to numb the feelings with alcohol, drugs, or whatever else they can think of. That normally leads to more pain and more unspeakable feelings. I don’t think you can ever stop feeling the pain from whatever happen to you emotionally or physically. Well, if it’s physical you can carefully take the pain medication to manage the feeling of pain. Dealing with the unspeakable feeling of emotional pain is not that easy yes, there is medication for it but, it may not be enough. That unspeakable feeling may creep back I know it has done that for me. You don’t want to walk around with these unspeakable feelings forever. I know from experience it’s not the best thing for you. I guess the best way to deal with is to actually speak about the feelings with someone you can truly trust. You don’t want to live your life with your life having that unspeakable feeling.

I can say that I have a black friend

Tonight, the Democratic Party nominated the first African American to lead a major political party in the United States. Tomorrow, he will formally accept the nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. For those of you who think that these events will magically wipe out years of racial ignorance or just flat-out racism, I give you some examples why that isn’t so. I was with some old “friends” earlier this year and the touchy topic of politics came up. One of them said,” I like my president old and white, that’s how it should be.” I guess he forgot I was black or can hear and understand English. It amazes me what people will think is acceptable. I've had people (mainly white) tell me that you speak so articulately which is not the complement you think it is. I don’t know how to speak any other way I’ve had this speech pattern for 30 yrs now.How am I supposed to sound like a character in a Blaxploitation film? I guess I could try to slang it up or use a “blackcent” (black accent) I’d only sound goofy. When I worked at Borders this guy would be embarrassed and upset by the corporate sells lady who is black and spoke with a “blackcent” (according to him) to customers which he thought could hurt sells (I don’t know why he cared we never saw that money) He would voice these complaints to me! What was I supposed to do work a My Fair Lady thing on her? I’m no Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison). When I was younger, people used to come up to me and ask if they could touch my hair because they never felt a black person's hair before! (really?) I've had people tell me that I can't be completely black because I'm smart and I because love stuff like French films and Brian Eno (not together).Even when I was in high school I dressed in colorful and "non black” clothing with skate shoes and shirts. I also listened to a lot of alternative music.I was made fun for those thing druring my time at Hammond High most by black people. Now, when I’m at the mall I see young black kids dressing the same as I did with their skateboards also rappers are crossing genres in a non ironic or patronizing way. (if you can sample a song Can you’re golden).It's weird growing up and even now I'm normally the only other black guy at a show or boring French Film sometimes people give me a look saying," what is he doing here?" when I was younger I thought I had to prove myself that I belonged there or something. The idea of Black people in America is changing for the better with the help of Barack Obama and his lovely wife and countless others that just live not in the mold the media or society but has placed us in for years But, they're living as good honest people regardless of race ,is'nt that America is about? But,we are a strong people we will over come any negativity with our blend of positivity!

The things I lost and the things I have gained part 2: Wrapping up

After three times a week for a year I finished my last bit of occupational therapy this week I had already finished physical therapy and a touch a speech therapy a few months ago. I also did a stint in cardiac rehab again for 3 months. Now, this is all I did for a year! I don’t know how I feel about the whole thing I guess you could say I’m apathetic about it. I’m not where I thought was going to be or want to be physically I still need to do arm exercises at home to regain strength and full use I do a ton of walking for my leg around my neighborhood or the mall (it’s walking distance from my house) I do get really frustrated being able to only use one arm to do everything however, I’ve gotten pretty good at it. But, this is not the life I want it’s like being trapped in your on body. I’ve been like this for a year. Sometimes I think people who haven’t had a stroke don’t realize how hard it is to give up your independence or give up the simple things you like to do. You quickly realize how much you took that stuff for granted and you want nothing more to do those boring mundane things again. I do look back and see how far I’ve come physically and I’m kinda impressed. There are things about this stroke I hate with in reason aside from all the physical set backs and disappointments. There is the emotional and personal stuff I deal with on a day to day level. I’ll talk to a few people I knew pre-stroke and when they’re not patronizing me or making awkward and phony conversation they’re treating me like as if a stroke is contagious (it’s not trust me.) they basically treat me kind of “wired”. Someone said to me,” Maybe they don’t know how to deal with it” well, that’s good if I was caught stealing from Claire’s or something. But, I’m the one that had the “tragedy” and I 'm the one who is dealing with the "pain"! Treat me the same way you did before June 17th 2007.With all that whining aside from this stroke I’m learning to adjust and move on. I used to think the phrase “count your blessings” was nothing more that tacky sentimental stuff you say to someone you don’t want to deal with. But, now I’m like,” Yeah, that makes sense in a way” I’m able to work at a job that you can do with one hand.(and watch movies) I have the support of my family a few key friends. Going through this has forced me to “grow up” emotionally and learning how to deal with things better. I’ve meet some wonderful people during this whole thing I’m learning the fine art of humility. I’ve learned what a church isn’t and what one is the same could be said about friends or relationships .A part of me is like, “ those are things I’m having to settle on” but, the truth is those are things that are helping me to recover from everything this past year. I have a strong feeling that all what I’m going through will be wrapping up very soon. And I need people as well as myself to continue to have absolute faith in God without any doubt that He will restore me back to good health! My stroke has been all I’ve known for a year it has been both a setback and advancement for me. But, I’m looking forward to the next thing in my life that will advance me to greater things as all this is wrapping up.