This Guy Is No "Flake"

There is a great magazine that my Creative Director friend, Arlene Zapata, recommended called 'Fast Company'. She lives in the Chicago vicinity. The magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper. It keeps me abreast of new, up and coming companies that are breaking ground in innovative ways. It has a slant towards Internet-based technology companies. I just love it.
www.fastcompany.com/

In the November 2008 issue there was an article about "Young Flakenstein". He considers himself the 'Darth Vader' of the Internets. I was quite interested in the technological prowess of this fellow. Gary Flake is his actual name. This web geek is hopeful in making MICROSOFT come alive again.

The CEO, Steve Ballmer, of MICROSOFT, has said that MICROSOFT's future lies in ad sales. Gary Flake, 41, is known to experiment with risk. (That reminds me of that classic Cole Porter song I love called "EXPERIMENT").
www.coleporter.org/cd.html

Gary Flake calls himself "Dr. Flakenstein" on his own blog.
www.flakenstein.net/blog

With MICROSOFT's unparalleled reach (more than a billion computer users worldwide) Flake has foreseen collective power. The more people contribute data to a site, he says, the richer it becomes for each user. MICROSOFT has an advantage.

I feel the same way about Flake's belief after reading the 'FAST COMPANY' magazine article. He believes the Internet is becoming a mirror of the physical world.

Flake is a bit of a mad scientist. He spent three years writing a computer science textbook (The Computational Beauty of Nature). I just might pick up a copy of that one! The book supposedly explores the work of thinkers like Sir Isaac Newton and the 5th Century Greek philosopher, Zeno. The text touches on how neurons process information in the brain and the behavior of ants.

Personally, I bought a giant hardcover book on the behavior of ants about ten years ago. I have thumbed through it but have never read it. I felt a sort of connection with Flake after I learned of his research on ants. Too funny.

I am curious to see if this "Flake" will create the new ideal 'Bride of Flakenstein' after his recent Microsoft Live Labs innovation of PHOTOSYNTH.
http://livelabs.com/photosynth/
We seem to have more and more web wizards lurking in the mist.
Stay tuned...

Twenty-five years ago today

December 31, 1983

It was an early start morning. I was immediately cruising in my car with my bicycle to Suzy Miller's apartment on Shoreline Drive. She was still in her bathrobe and ready to take a shower. So I didn't stay long and we didn't talk very much. I took the bike to JOE's BIKE SHOP for the flat tire repair. Gray wasn't working (the fellow I spoke to over the telephone). There was another guy there who was pretty friendly. I instructed him to fix both flat tires.

I drove to my Mom's house and had a quick breakfast. I was hanging out until my folks dropped me off at South Shore Shopping Center. My folks had accepted a New Years Eve party invitation at my moms' sisters' house (Aunt Lillian) in Castro Valley. I walked to JOE's BIKE SHOP and was riding my bicycle by one o'clock. I rode non-stop until four o'clock that afternoon. I stopped for a quick lunch with Sherri (my future sister-in-law) at Orange Julius. We had a nice chat.

I won twenty-dollars on the 49er-Detroit Lion football game. That was a pleasant surprise. The bike ride for the day was A-1, too.

Helen called and told me that her sister, Geneva, and her boyfriend, Derek, would not be joining us tonight. Geneva was sick. Such is life. Helen and I went on our own. We ate forty-five dollars worth at Horatio's. It was a great dinner. We remained at the Hilton until 12:45-1am or so. It wasn't QUAKE-FM 99 radio night but we had a good time dancing anyway. It was fun talking about whatever and whoever.

My resolutions for the 1984 year are:
1. No more credit card usage
2. See fifty-two flicks/movies
3. Exercise regularly
4. Look into the modeling scene and get a portfolio worked out
5. Take an Art class and expand on my interest in the Art world
6. Keep a careful watch on permiscuous gentleman (and "NOT" deal with them).

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When In Doubt...Do It ?

"When in doubt, mumble; when in trouble, delegate; when in charge, ponder."
--James H. Boren

The nuns pictured here were captured in Paris, France in July 2008.

I saw the movie DOUBT earlier this month. I remember hearing Meryl Streep in her nun role talk about the BOSSANOVA. It made me want to look it up and I've been listening to this melody all morning. I just love it. Give yourself six minutes of joy and watch the visuals from this video of BOSSANOVA.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_tkje6NjU

I saw the Broadway play DOUBT and I thought it was just "okay". I saw the movie DOUBT and I rate it with 3 STARS (out of 5) primarily because you cannot ignore the actor performances. Would I likely ever see it again? I "doubt" it. It's about doubt, fear, gossip. I liked when they compared gossip to a pillow being shaken and all of the feathers dispersed everywhere. The feathers in the wind are like "gossip".

"There's a wind behind every one of us that takes us through our lives."
--DOUBT

"I was not inviting a guessing game, Sister Raymond."
--Meryl Streep

"What have you seen?"
--Meryl Streep

"You just want things to be resolved so you can have simplicity back!"
--Meryl Streep

Meryl certainly did have some of the best lines. Here is a cool mini-interview of Meryl chatting about her role as 'Sister Aloysius Beauvier' in DOUBT.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1vcW_zvVRk

Twenty-five years ago today

December 30, 1983

Juanita Lane is still being a snobbish bitch at work. The managerial power has gone to her head. I think she is also personally against me because I didn't get her a Christmas gift. I cannot believe it. She has a poor attitude. I don't appreciate her as much anymore.

Salima asked me who I accompanied to the movies last night. I told her I was with Helen, Barbara and Robert. I also added that I'd have gone with her and would like to do so in the future; whereby, she invited me to dinner and a flick on her VCR in Concord on January 1, 1984. What a way to start the New Year. She's too sweet. I just hope my tongue sores will feel soothed and gone by then. If not, then I'll worry about... Oh now! I won't worry. There is no need.

I received a call from Suzy Miller who has returned early from her ski trip. We were going to see YENTL (the Barbara Streisand movie).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL5_ErSq9EM
The timing didn't work out for the movie. And so, I told Frank I would go out with him. When I arrived at Frank's house in Hayward we watched a partial episode of WHEEL OF FORTUNE. His sister with the blond bouffant hairdo watched it with her kids. Afterwards, Frank and i left for Tammy Duhr's to deliver her Christmas gift. I found some costume jewelry earrings that were so "Tammy". We had to wait to see her because she wasn't made-up. She said she was at her worst (appearance wise). It was fun making an impromptu visit.

Frank treated me for a light lunch at CARROWS Restaurant. It's about time. I gave my business card to the hostess. I liked her smile. Her name is Leslie (a cute Spanish-American looking girl). The surprise came when I handed her my card she had already written me a handwritten note with her name (Leslie Fonseca) and telephone number. How flattering. That was an exciting mutuality moment. I will call her.

Frank and I ended up at the 9:40pm showing of GORKY PARK.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkiShr99ZQI
It was a very good movie. I enjoyed the plot as it kept my mind focused and rolling. Frank made some girlish sounding remarks during the movie that irritated me.
"Oh God."
"Oh Darn It!"
"Damn it!"
"Oh Shit."
"Slightly..."
"Eee Hoh La!"
He has those flaming feminine undertones. He's really a nice guy though. I dropped Frank off at home when I saw Rick Clark walking briskly around that sleazy corner of A Street and Mission Boulevard.

I returned home to bathe in some Calgon bubble bath. I was relieved to feel so fresh and clean. Now if only my tongue sores would only disappear. Perhaps tomorrow morning will bring on a new day. I put some baking soda on my tongue before bedtime. I have to wake up early for New Years Eve. I want to get my car washed, repair the flat tire on my bike. The dinner at Horatio's will be fun. I am so looking forward to the 'coffee toffee pie' they serve. I've heard so much about it.

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The 'Jon Bon Jovi' Dream

Two nights ago I was having dinner in San Francisco. Someone brought up the subject of age. One fellow surprised me when he announced that he turned forty years old this year. He looked no more than thirty years old.
“Yikes, I will be fifty next year,” I said.
Another thirty something fellow remarked, “Really? I never would’ve guessed.”
“Well, thanks. Yes, I am the same age as Marie Osmond and a year younger than Michael Jackson and Madonna.”
“Madonna is ageless,” the thirty something said with an eyebrow raise.

The next night I was having cocktails with a small group in Napa Valley.
“What are we going to do for our birthdays next year?” one woman whispered.
Like me, this woman is going to be turning fifty-years old in 2009.
“That’s right. We have to talk about that. We have five decades to celebrate,” I replied.
She smiled.
“Madonna is ageless and she’s a year older than us,” I added.
Madonna was born on August 16, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan.

And so I think that is one of the reasons Jon Bon Jovi appeared in my dreams last night. He is nearing fifty-years old (in about three years). He was born on March 2, 1962 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
www.imdb.com/name/nm0000954/
I don’t always remember my dreams but this one is all too vivid. It must have been the varietal of wine mixtures over dinner.

The ‘Jon Bon Jovi’ Dream:

I was in a modern, lived-in New York City apartment. There were two women inside who seemed very focused and busy. One was a petite brunette and the other was a short-haired blond who resembled actress Tea Leoni.
www.imdb.com/name/nm0000495/

Jon Bon Jovi was there, lying on a bed. He was posing shirtless and trying to look natural as the two girls photographed him. I was the observer. The photo shoot seemed to be coming to an end.
“You two are really going to make out nice on this job,” I said quietly.
“We have to split the fifty-dollars,” the blond said.
Now I’d say her statement is a sincere sign of these somber economic times.

The girls packed up their equipment and left the apartment. I was suddenly alone with ‘Jon Bon Jovi’.
He looked at me as he sat up on a very contemporary sofa-like bed that was covered in white fur.
“If I let you stay here with me would you NOT tell anyone?” he asked with sensual undertones as he cleared his throat.
“Well, I know I’d like to but I’d have to tell my boyfriend,” I said nervously.
There was a sudden silence.

I found myself roaming the apartment until I found a white spiral staircase. I decided to climb the stair. It felt so claustrophobic. It was like the spiral was closing in on me with each step that I climbed. I chose not to reach the top deck. I made my way back down. Soft piano music started to play.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN_8qFinDBM
The next dream sequence is a blur.

Twenty-five years ago:

December 29, 1983

Frank Vasconcellos and I made plans for a movie this coming Friday night. I guess that should be 'okay'.

Work flew by once again and it wasn't long before I found myself with Helen Wong in Berkeley, California at a Taiwanese Restaurant. We watched 'North By Northwest' at the University Theater. It has to be one of my all-time favorite Hitchcock films. We met Barbara and Robert at the theater. It was an enjoyable outing. We stayed at the theater until 11:30pm because Helen really wanted to see all of the second Hitchcock feature, "Suspicion".

After dropping Helen off at her BART station (where she had left her car) I stopped over at mom's house to get my package of homemade M&M cookies. I bumped into my brother, Tony. He told me that his pal, Dennis Reno, would be getting three applications for each of us for Management Marketing Rep. positions. That would be great if I was hired for one of those openings. Time will tell.

I will have to take more initiative in 1984 if I want some serious career advancement. I want to explore job hunting, modeling (?), and art classes as well as other creative projects. I think things will get brighter. I will allow things to shine on. I need to smile and show that "shining" feeling...despite any mishaps along the way.

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A Night With 'Insignificant Others'

"When all seems insignificant I remember there's you."
--Jay Kuo

Last night was a wonder of fun, energy and delight while watching the San Francisco musical performance of "Insignificant Others". It was about five friends who move from other parts of the country to San Francisco to find love, adventure, friendship, hope and more. It was the closing night show. I can see it coming to New York or some other major city one day. It's a feel good kind of show. I loved the tunes "Beautiful", "So Many Things", "Tell Me Why", "Do People Just Move On?" and "Evolutionary". The writer, Jay Kuo, is clever. I look forward to more of his musical shows as he soon departs to New York City.

I was lucky to be around a number of very "significant" friends and family during my day and night in the City. It makes me want to venture out to San Francisco more often. I feel fortunate that when I reminisce back twenty-five years ago that many of the people I write about are still in my life. Of course some have come and gone and I wonder whatever happened to them...but they were in fact significant at the time...and who knows if they'll re-enter my life again one day.

Twenty-five years ago

Work was through in a flash. I arrived home and was just about to step into the shower when Jackie Woods telephoned. We talked only a couple of minutes. She said she'd call back after my shower but never did.

Frank Vasconcellos called and we talked a good while. My brother, John, stepped out to go to Safeway for groceries. Frank warned me against Bill Helbush.
"You might 'catch' something from that one," he said.
I laughed.
After I hung up the phone I became leery of my own laugh and the romantic incident with Bill. My tongue had some blisters which were irritating me. I had some small red spots that were itching but chalked it up to my occasional eczema (dry skin) during this season. I am hopeful the itch and irritation will pass soon. If not, I will have to try and cure myself and/or see a doctor. I fear herpes with all of the talk of how it has become so common. I have been bathing regularly. I love a bubble bath and appreciate them so much. I tend to feel so much cleaner. Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

John returned home and we watch 'The Whiz Kids'. Soon John left to see Sherri and I hung out at home alone. 'Dynasty' was on and it was "the drama" to watch. I enjoyed my time alone and munched on a few of mom's M&M cookies, too.

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What Matters In Life

Yesterday, I received a phone call after lunch at the Auberge du Soleil resort in Napa Valley from my cousin, Lawrence Vigil. He was sharing the sad news about his mother passing away. His mother was Julia Vigil-Casillas, my Aunt (sister to my father). Julia was a vivacious and talkative soul. In her heyday she was said to be quite the beauty. She was a widow since 1995 when her last husband, Armando Casillas passed away. She always had a chihuahua in the house. She'd fatten it up...and when one chihuahua would die she'd replace it with another. As a young boy I would love visiting her home because she would always have a large glass jar filled with colorful Chiclets gum. She always knew how to make a child smile with candy, cookies or some such goodies. I had not stopped by to see her for several years but always sent her my annual Christmas Card. This morning I was thinking of my dear Aunt Julia (born June 19, 1920 in Ledoux, Mora County, New Mexico) and remembered this poem I wrote a month or so after my mother had passed away. I figured it was a good time to read it again.

What Matters In Life

Feeling the fresh wind swoosh across my face
Walking in a brisk, non-swift pace
Hearing birds chirp and wildly flutter
Touching textures smooth, soft as butter
Reading a story of hope, laughter or joy
Watching a child riding a scooter--his toy
Sensing the smell of baked goods with coffee
Listening to leaves rustle atop the oak tree
Seeing a foreign tourist in couture style
Speaking a new accent for a short while
Waking up each morning to see the sun shine
Sharing a humorous joke to see a face line
Remembering a moment with someone gone 'bye'
Running on the beach, squinting an eye
Musing to music for words to live by
Giving a gift that makes another cry
Living for happiness at every moment in time
Wining, dining and hearing bells chime
Feeling the kiss & embrace from your love
Realizing the simple beauty of a white dove.

I had forgotten about my period of writing poems. I should write more. For a while I was writing a WORD OF THE MONTH and creating a poem from that word. If you'd like to browse at some of my poems (from way back when)...I managed to post some of them here at this poetry website:
www.poetry.com/dotnet/P2450444/Michael/Armijo/PoetProfile.aspx

Twenty-five years ago

It is starting to sink in now (in my mind) about my being an uncle in mid-May 2004. Now that I have shared the news with a few friends and co-workers. In fact it is rather exciting and thrilling.

I discussed spending New Years Eve with Helen Wong, her sister, Geneva and her boyfriend, Derek, over a dinner and dancing plan. Where to do this is still in question.

I received word today (effective January 3, 1983) that I can pay monthly parking in Downtown Oakland for $35 at the usual parking lot I use daily. Good news! Hoorah!

I went to I. MAGNIN during my lunch hour and met Linda. She is a new management hire in the sportswear department. We bumped into one another in the mezzanine hallway due to an exchange in smiles. I gave her my card and she said she'd be working there. So...who knows where that might lead?

Helen invited me for dinner tonight. I drove over to her house and I decided to get my hair cut. We ate salad, chicken, macaroni and vanilla cream pie. It was a delicious homemade meal. We lounged a bit. It seems I tend to do a lot of lounging these days. I exercise too, so I believe it evens out in the long run. Helen and I decided on HORATIO'S in Berkeley, CA as the New Years Eve location. And then we may hit the Hilton for drinks and dancing. It should be fun.

I arrived home around 10:30pm. My brother, John, and his friend, Geoffrey Rookard, were watching my favorite "bike" movie, BREAKING AWAY.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8diYzvCMVQ
I definitely need to get my bicycle 'flat tire' repaired!

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Dancing Through Some Memories

I heard a song during the drive up to Northern California and I fell in love with the lyrics and melody of this tune once again. It has been a song I have loved for a long time. It's pretty special how a single song can flood back memories.

My friend, Carson, who now has a blog inspired me to write a blog every so often about a song. He likes writing a blog based on a song each day. I love that idea. And so, today I chose this tune, "Hey Eugene".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjtekYzkZD4

"Hey Eugene" is based on a true story. China Forbes met a guy named Eugene while dancing in a New York City nightclub. There were fireworks of mutuality and physical attraction when they first met on that night of dancing. And yet, they never saw one another again. I guess Eugene lost her telephone number. Don't we all have a story that is reminiscent of that...or a variation of?

China Forbes is the lead singer for the group PINK MARTINI. Her voice is fabulous. Alan and I were blown away when we saw the group perform at CARNEGIE HALL back on June 21, 2007. I just did an online search and learned that they are playing once again at CARNEGIE HALL on June 18, 2009. I really want to be there.
http://shorefire.com/blog/2007/06/everybody-loves-pink-martini.html

I shot this candid photo of a guy in Soho, NYC (illustrated above) and I just NOW decided to call him "Eugene". If you want to sing-a-long to the tune here are the lyrics:

Hey Eugene do you remember me?
I'm that chick you danced with two times through the Rufus album Friday night at that party on avenue A:
where your skinhead friend passed out for several hours on the bathroom floor and you told me
You weren't that drunk, and that I was your favourite Salsa dancer you had ever come across in New York city

Eugene
Eugene
Eugene
I said hello Eugene
Are you there Eugene

Hey Eugene then we kissed once we lobbed your friend into the elevator and went to write my number on a soggy paper towel
And the car went down
And when we had finished making out we noticed that your skinhead friend was gone. Long gone
And you looked into my bloodshot eyes and said is it too soon if I call you Sunday

Eugene
Eugene

Eugene
I said hello, Eugene
Are you there, Eugene

I said hello (hello), Eugene (Eugene)
Eugene (Eugene)
Eugene (oh yeah)

I said hello (hello), Eugene
Are you there, Eugene (tell me are you there)

I said hello (hello), Eugene (Eugene)
Eugene (Eugene)
Eugene (tell me oh)

I said hello (hello), Eugene (Eugene)
Does any of this ring a bell Eugene?

Twenty-five years ago:

I awoke early to accomplish the nuisance errand of getting my flat tire repaired.
After the chore was complete I returned home and went on a brisk, relaxing bicycle ride. I stopped by Suzy Miller's pad on my bike. We spontaneously went over to OLE's WAFFLE SHOP on Park Street for breakfast. We love that place. We browsed at Tammy's Antiques next door. We saw some local high school acquaintances (Clayton Case and Maureen Dixon). It's funny how you run into folks from high-school. It happens so randomly. The other day I saw Anthony Battu working as a cashier at SAFEWAY.

After breakfast I rode my bike back home from Suzy's pad. I was surprised to find my mom at the townhouse doing her masterful cleaning. She is too sweet.

I called Bill Helbush but he wasn't home. I gave up on that. After ordering a few items from the SPIEGEL catalog and cleaning out my closet I ended up getting a return phone call from Bill. He sounded like he had just woke up (2pm).
"I did just wake up," he said.
I got those quiet (don't want to tell you about last night) vibes.
I said "later" in my mind to our previously made plans of going to the International Book Store in San Francisco. I have also said "later" in my mind to Bill's values and direction in...(whatever direction we were going).

I went bicycle riding again. It exhilarates me and relieves my anxieties. Unfortunately, I got a flat tire (on my bike this time). Luckily, the mishap took place in front of Suzy's apartment complex on Shoreline Road. Suzy was cleaning. I stuck around and ran into Jim (the guy Suzy is sort of seeing how lives in the same apartment building).

Suzy was kind enough to give me a ride home in her car. My parents had just left. John was watching TV (The Doberman Gang).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnuRQR-3Ui8
Suzy left after she did some browsing in my Entertaining Cookbook. After she left I went to mom's house to 'pork out' on her Spanish pozole.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozole

When I returned home I received a phone call from Sherri Lewis. We discussed the happiness she (and everyone) felt over the announcement from John about the new baby. She said she felt kind of "iffy" about the marriage part. She said she's not sure what's going to happen. There is no question what is going to happen around mid-May 2004 though...a baby will be born.

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My Passion for Photography

"It's A Long Way Home, Dear..."

My dear friend and fellow photographer, Brenda, who resides in Florida purchased a mounted print of my photo illustrated here. Brenda asked me when I first realized my passion for photography. I hesitated. Then I thought long and hard and realized it happened during my Alameda Summers of 1972-1973. I had one of those little Instamatic point and shoot cameras. I saved up money and bought a Bell & Howell movie camera, too. I loved taking candid shots of mom, dad and my brothers. They didn't always appreciated it but I loved capturing 'real life' candid moments. The photographic masterpieces--in my humble opinion--are those where the human subject has no clue a camera is there. It creates an image of pure reality.


The photo illustrated above ("It's A Long Way Home, Dear...") was randomly taken while I was walking over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. He had no clue. It is a typical candid that tells a story. Photographs leave a lasting "mark" in life. www.redbubble.com/products/configure/4373349"

During the summer of 1973 I had a girlfriend named Bonni Jayne. She came over to visit at my home. I had a brainstorm idea to photo shoot her, using my backyard as the setting. I know I still own those photos in some old photo albums. I should go back and dig them up. "Whatever Happened to Bonni Jayne" sounds a bit like that Bette Davis classic movie, "Whatever Happened to Babe Jane". www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ck-Uo52MOg

A year or so after our high school graduation in June 1977, Bonni Jayne moved to New York. She had a brief stint as a stripper in a night club. She was a bit on the wildside. She had rampant hormones. She taught me how to kiss. While in New York she met an Italian chap with the "Ludovicy" surname. She got pregnant and had Crystal Joy Ludovicy. I'm 99% positive that was her name because I recall teasing Bonni about how it sounded like a new dishwashing liquid or detergent (Crystal Joy).
The marriage did not last long and Bonni moved back to California. She told me how horrible she felt because Mr. Ludovicy and his parents would not allow her to take her baby. She always felt that her Crystal would think she didn't love her when it was far from the truth. The last I heard Bonni had married again and had two or three children and was living somewhere in the Redding, CA area.

In the early 1980's my passion turned to writing in journals. On November 1, 1999 I saw the CEO of Amazon.com (Jeff Bezos) in a guest appearance of the Oprah Winfrey Show. I was in an auto service waiting area in Palm Desert, CA. Mr. Bezos had recently had a baby girl and thought up the idea of a photo-a-day from the day she was born to document his life. He photographed Oprah on that show as a sort of photo journal. The concept of how a picture is worth one-thousand words meant more to me after watching this show. I began taking a photo-a-day on that exact date. I still take a minimum of one photo per day. My passion is still there as I continue to enhance my photographic works with new photo editing techniques. I sometimes upload photos at this site for a daily sort of chronology (if you click here and then click on the ARCHIVES tab you can see a month at a glance of daily photos): www.fotolog.com/michaelarm

Twenty-five years ago

December 23, 1983
I worked until 4 o'clock but it was really a freebie sort of work day. Salima loved the earrings I gifted her. Barbara Reynolds loved me for thinking of her during this festive time with the 'imported bath oil' gift. I kissed Salima and Barbara with Merry Christmas wishes at the end of the day.

While driving home on the freeway I thought I heard a rattling noise from my car. I chose to think nothing of it. Later...after a short holiday nap at mom and dad's house I noticed I had a flat tire. This unfortunate incident blew the date plans for the evening of dancing with Tammy Duhr. She was not thrilled to hear the news...but it was just as well.

My brother, Tony, introduced me to his friend, Ramona. She was very nice.

I walked to my house on Soloman Lane and decided to call Frank Vasconcellos. I invited him over but he had no form of transportation (just like Tammy). It was just as well. I stayed home and watched '79 Park Avenue', a made for TV movie starring Lesley Ann Warren as a high class call girl in New York City in the role of 'Marja' Morgan. She won a Golden Globe in 1977 for her part in this film based on the Harold Robbins best-seller. www.imdb.com/title/tt0075515/

December 24, 1983

I watched the ending of '79 Park Avenue' in the morning. My dad stopped over to pick me up and we went to Mervyn's at South Shore Shopping Center. I bought my brother, John, another gift (a beach towel). My dad and I picked up mom and drove out to Grandma's house for a Christmas Eve visit. I played with my little cousins, Shawn & Shonette West and Jason Lucero for a while. Mom and Dad did some holiday chitchat with Grandma and we left soon afterward.

I read a few articles in my ESQUIRE Magazine. I watched 'An Uncommon Love' and 'Looker' on television with mom and dad.

My brother, John, arrived from work at Noon. My brother, Tony arrived at 12:30pm and we proceeded to open our Christmas presents in the living room. We shared a lot of cutlery this year. I got a new bike shirt from John. A VCR case from mom and 'drinking glasses and placemats' from Tony. All in all I was happy with my gifts. I love the sense of family. We had a great Christmas Eve evening together even if I still had an unrepaired 'flat tire'. Tomorrow is Christmas Day.

December 25, 1983

John and I woke up and got semi-dressed up for the holiday occasion. We went over to our parents' house. We ate. We slept. We watched television. It was an all-around lounging kind of Christmas Day. I felt like I ate all day and evening. Christmas Day is meant to be a lazy sort of day, isn't it? It was fun. The evening dinner brought about the real shocker of the day. John announced that Sherri Lewis was 4 1/2 months along in her pregnancy. He said that I was going to be an uncle before my 25th Birthday. Now that really was one heck of a shocker. I should say so.

I returned to my pad later that night...thinking, dreaming and wondering. Will I ever reach or feel that fatherhood stage in my life?

Oh yes, Suzy Miller came by for Christmas Eve and gave me the coolest gift of a colorful scarf.

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The Holiday Feeling Is Here

I felt it. I am frantically wrapping presents today. Alan and I take a road trip up north (from Los Angeles to Napa Valley) tomorrow. We are having a family holiday party on Christmas Eve. The above photo was taken a year ago (December 23, 2007). These are my five nieces and one nephew. Top row: Ally Armijo (b. 1990); Dylan Armijo (b. 1992); Leigh Armijo (b. 1988); Bottom row: Ashley Armijo (b. 1984); Holly Armijo (b. 1988) and Lauren Armijo (b. 1985). My daughter, Arianna, is on her 6-month to 1-year live & work abroad program with her boyfriend, Nick Swann, in Australia. So...they won't be there. Still...it will be fun to catch up on the kids. (I know...not exactly kids...young adults shall I say?)

Ally is a freshman at Sacramento State University and she is all excited about being accepted to a summer work abroad program to Bangkok, Thailand where she will nurture, protect, bathe and feed "baby elephants". I have to hear more about that one.

Dylan is a sophomore at Alameda High School and probably having all the high school girls all giddy every time he walks down the hallway.

Leigh is loving her Physics over at University of Nevada. She has another year left (I believe). It will be interesting to hear where her aspirations are now. It was focused on pre-med or dentistry at one point. Who knows now?

Ashley is a mentor for young children in San Leandro, California. I hear she loves working the "academic school year". It must be nice to have a free summer. However, with the lackluster economy I am wondering what plans she may have for the Summer of 2009.

Holly is in her third year at Sonoma State University and keeps busy with the Water Polo Team. She was having a difficult time with her STATISTICS course during this last semester. I do hope she managed fine. Her major is Human Development and she was toying with the idea of graduate school in Hawaii to pursue Social Work...but who knows. Youth decisions tend to change so quickly.

Lauren graduated a year ago with a Biology degree. I hear she is applying to a few places (Oregon, Utah and Los Angeles) to pursue pharmacy school. I am anxious to hear the status on that aspiration.

It's 11:20am and Alan and I are meeting his daughter, Lauren, and her boyfriend, Mark, for a holiday lunch at a place called KREATION KAFE (never been there but this link shows someone writing that it has the best salad on earth?).
www.yelp.com/biz/kreation-kafe-santa-monica-2#hrid:hm86qk-CXqufd7_HLzJXHA

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 22, 1983

I told Salima this morning about the good movie I saw last night (SILKWOOD) and the "bitchy" date that spoiled it all.

At lunchtime, Helen Wong and I ate at JOSHUA's. We copied a verse that we found that defined LOVE. It was kind of neat. We made definitive "for sure" arrangements for next Thursday to see NORTH BY NORTHWEST at the UC Berkeley University Theater.

I stayed home on this Thursday evening. Some nights are meant strictly to remain at home.

I did make my appointment to my dentist, Dr. Hinkle. He is such a nice dentist. He cleaned my teeth and a new appointment was made on January 10th. I just realized as I write that I need to change that appointment because another Service Representative has an appointment on that date. Two of us cannot be absent simultaneously. I saw my cousin, Cecelia Markus, leaving the dentist as I was in the waiting room.

I drove my mustang to Morris Landy FORD on Park Street. I waited while they removed my stereo in order to repair the cassette tape that was "stuck" inside. What a pain! While waiting in the car service lounge area I watched the soap-opera THE EDGE OF NIGHT. Raven and Skylar found their forty-million dollars in diamonds stuffed in a doll. Who writes for that show? What a great storyline!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lxqLsWivoA

That evening I watched some situation comedies (Gimme A Break, Mamma's Family and Cheers) when I received a phone call from Bill Helbush. He said he was at some restaurant in San Francisco. His buddy, Randy, (a hairdresser) was with him and he suggested stopping by at my place in Alameda. Then he realized the hour was late and he decided against the visit. It's just as well. I wasn't in the mood for visitors. We did make arrangements for Monday to go to the International Book Store and a stroll in the town of Sausalito. We shall see if this happens or not.

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8 Steps To Wellness

It's a little embarassing to admit but I had this poster of Suzanne Somers posted up in my bedroom around 1977-1978. Everyone had the Farrah Fawcett poster and I had to be a little different.

Just before bedtime last night I happened to catch a glimpse of Suzanne Somers as a featured guest on LARRY KING LIVE. Suzanne was promoting her new book called WELLNESS. I was curious as to how obsessed she is with her health, practicing all of these nouveau techniques to live longer and be healthier. She even has a major website promoting all of her ideal products for living.
http://suzannesomers.com/
I was interested to hear that she has interviewed many respected doctors and that if you were to take only three vitamins she highly recommends:
1. Omega 3 FISH OIL gel capsules
2. Coenzyme Q-10: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10/
3. Anti-oxidant vitamins (Vitamin C or E)

It's clear to me she's had some facial lift/cosmetic help which I don't see as proper graceful aging. You can decide for yourself. I am not saying she is the authority on medicine but some of what she says does make sense. Per the LARRY KING interview and some online research I learned that her new book guides you through 8 Steps to Wellness. These are the steps:

1. BHRT-Hormone replacement treatments (costly treatment with scientific studies that suggest some serious side effects)
2. DETOXIFICATION (by resting organs through fasting; stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body; promoting elimination throught the intestines, kidneys and skin; improving circulation of one's blood; refueling your body with nutrients)
3. SERIOUS NUTRITION (eliminate products from your life: alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats; these all prevent your body's natural healing)
4. GI TRACT ATTENTION (the gastrointestinal tract is often overlooked and your digestion requires you to remember to chew everything thoroughly)
5. AVOID PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS (only when absolutely necessary should you take pharmaceutical drugs as they contain toxins that speed the aging process)
6. WATCH YOUR DIET (regulate your intake of fat, sodium, sugar, cholesterol)
7. EXERCISE
8. SLEEP (ideally 8 hours per night)

I beleive some of her steps are worth taking a look at. She is not one that I seriously thought to admire, but her recent interview impressed me based on her passion of what she has learned. I mean...we all know that diet, exercise and sleep are important to one's living healthy. It's the first five steps that are worthy of reexamination. It's your call...watch this video to hear her:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zx5GjLE6SI

Twenty-five years ago

December 21, 1983
Work was fine today. I shared breakfast with Salima and made a date for next Thursday night with Helen Wong to see Alfred Hitchcock's NORTH BY NORTHWEST.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRfmTpmIUwo
I called Nici Maurino and verified our date to see SILKWOOD.

Nici came over to my pad. I drove to Hayward, CA and we saw the new Meryl Streep, Cher film, SILKWOOD. It was good, but sad. After the movie Nici and I ended up arguing. She said that she has learned that people simply will NOT get involved to help another person out. I disagreed with her completely. I told her that it really depended on the situation. She got all riled up and it ruined our evening.

I chose not to enter the LYON'S RESTAURANT with her because she was walking in front of me.
"You can never be wrong, can you?" I shouted.
"No," she said in her serious bitchy tone.
She was being such a bitch that I walked back to my car. She attempted to smoke in my car. At that point I started the engine and headed home. As I was driving we barely said two words to one another. When I drove up to my garage she got out of the car and ran to over to her run-down Volkswagen. It was her loss, not mine.

She had the nerve to say that I didn't have manners because I told her to open her door (when I simply wanted to use the automatic switch to lock the door). I know damn well that I am the only guy she's ever dated with more polite manners than she's ever known. What a bitch!

Once I was inside I watched an episode of DYNASTY on tape.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcdhdzfbR_o
Bill Helbush called and we talked about our days. He said he would have to greet his brother at the airport tomorrow. He suggested getting together for dinner or something--I think. He promised he'd call to arrange it. Now it's time for bed. My car needs a filling up of gas and my hair needs a good washing in the morning.

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I Believe Disco Is Back In Style

She was the substance and I was the shadow.
--Philippa Gregory
a line I chose that reminds me of when I would dance with Paloma in the early 1980s

My first sign of the DISCO return was about two weeks ago when I opened a letter and found an invitation to a February 2009 Montessori School 'Saturday Night Fever' fundraiser in St. Helena (Napa Valley), California. Secondly, the closing scene of the hit movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' thrived on a group Disco dance groove. And as recently as two days ago my dear, Paloma, from Balaruc-Les-Bains (in the South of France) sent me a 'DISCO BITCH' CD which seems to be one of the rave songs 'in and around' France right now. I believe Paloma wanted to 'brainwash' me by repeatedly listening to the song. I have been doing 'just that' every time I am in the car. I like the mix of French and English it has going on.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEI6qz4Kzyk&feature=related
And what else:
1. On New Years Eve at the San Mateo County Expo Center (near San Francisco) a big 'DISCO 2009' event is being advertised.

2. Apparently there was a French film released in April of this year (2008) called DISCO. I hope it comes to the states. I'd love to see it. It's a French movie directed by Fabien Onteniente with Franck Dubosc as "Didier Travolta" in the main role. Here is what I found on the Internet movie data base:

The main subject of the 'DISCO' movie is the rebirth of disco music at the the mid-2000s in a French town. The film is at first humorous, with a lot of clichés about Saturday Night Fever, but it doesn't disparage the disco culture at any time. In fact, all the people involved in this film are fans of disco, dance and funk music.

I better start practicing my dance steps and shakin' my groove thing...just like the good ole days when Paloma and I used to dance at the I-BEAM Club in San Francisco (even if it was a few years passed the heart of Disco).

"Let's dance before dinner!"
"You're a wild card and I don't know how to play you," he said with brutal frankness.
--Philippa Gregory
as written in her book 'The Other Boleyn Girl'

Twenty-five years ago today:

It was fun today. Salima was on the telephone all day at work. She was seated next to me and making me realize how much I like and care for that girl. She is so super special and "simpatico".

I won "Samuel the Super Spaniel" for best sales yesterday. Hoorah! I am pleased.
I get to have the stuffed dog displayed on my desk for the day.

After work I arrived home and my brother, John, was joking around with his friend, Geoff Rookard. My pal, Suzy Miller, called and we arranged a holiday shopping date. It was coincidental because I had intentions of calling her at the same moment. Suzy came over to my place and we drove out to the Bay Fair Shopping Center in San Leandro. I bought myself a 'bicycle' ornament. We stopped over at the drive-thru Jack-In-The-Box and they tried to screw me over by mistakenly giving me the wrong order. I hate that. Suzy and I laughed, returning to my pad to munch out. She had to leave soon thereafter to cook her 'potluck' stuff for some holiday office affair the next day. She works for AT&T in Pleasanton, CA now.

My brother, John, was nice enough to give me twenty one-dollar bills. I better remember to pay him back. I like dealing with cash. John always has cash from his bar back/bartender in training job at GALLAGHERS at Jack London Square.

I have decided to make my New Year 2004 Resolution a 'no credit card' year. I want to pay only on a cash basis except in dire emergencies.

I watched some new funny show called "Oh Madeline" and then I quickly fell asleep.

Tomorrow is Wednesday and I guess Nici Maurino and I will be seeing SILKWOOD.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KGmkaoIbQo
Oh yes...Helen told me the Placement Center called her about a Directory Sales job. She is taking the test on January 10, 2004. I am so jealous. Suzy said her ex-boyfriend, Don, was promoted to supervisor. I am so jealous. I know my turn will come. I shall continue to be persistent, show stability and drive forward for what I want.

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What Good Is a Dream ?

"What harm is dreaming, if it eases pain?
What good is reality if it blots out hope?--Bette Bao Lord in her epic novel about China called SPRING MOON

Do you ever remember your dreams? I would like to remember all of mine but it seems as soon as I open my eyes the pictures and stories are completely gone. I need to keep telling myself I will remember them. The vivid ones where I actually see my mother or father are 'heavy' because they seem all too real. Then I wake up and I realize I cannot just pick up the phone or run over to see them anymore.

Dreams are good. I photographed the above young man in Central Park randomly in November 2008. I have a feeling he was dreaming his problems (if any) away. There are a few songs that come to mind that I love that relate to dreams. Do you know "IN DREAMS" or "DREAM LOVER" or "DREAM WEAVER"?

1. In Dreams
by Roy Orbison (circa 1963)

I believe I fell for this song after seeing the classic cult film BLUE VELVET.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-DjluKLY14
A candy colored clown they call the sandman
Tiptoes to my room every night
Just to sprinkle stardust and to whisper,
"Go to sleep, everything is alright."
I close my eyes then I drift away
Into the magic night
I softly say a silent prayer
Like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep to dream my dreams of you
In dreams I walk with you
In dreams I talk to you
In dreams you're mine, all the time
With you ever in dreams, in dreams
But just before the dawn
I awake and find you gone
I can't help it, I can't help it
If I cry
I remember that you said goodbye
It's too bad that all these things
Can only happen in my dreams
Only in dreams, in beautiful dreams

2. Dream Lover
by Bobby Darin (circa 1959)

There was always something special about his voice when I heard this one on the oldies but goodies station.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdLn-QhRSB4
Every night I hope and pray
A dream lover will come my way
A girl to hold in my arms
And know the magic of her charms
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Dream lover, where are you?
With a love, oh, so true
And the hand that I can hold
To feel you near as I grow old
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Someday, I don't know how
I hope she'll hear my plea
Someway, I don't know how
She'll bring her love to me
Dream lover until then
I'll go to sleep and dream again
That's the only thing to do
Till all my lovers dreams come true
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Dream lover until then
I'll go to sleep and dream again
That's the only thing to do
Till all my lovers dreams come true
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Please, don't make me dream alone
I beg you, don't make me dream alone
No, I don't wanna dream alone

3. Dream Weaver
by Gary Wright (circa 1976)
This was one of those songs I liked as a teenager. It sort of took me away on a kaleidoscope, imaginary escape.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk4qeCT-RFk
I've just closed my eyes again
Climbed aboard the dream weaver train
Driver take away my worries of today
And leave tomorrow behind
Ooh dream weaver
I believe you can get me through the night
Ooh dream weaver
I believe we can reach the morning light
Fly me high through the starry skies
Maybe to an astral plane
Cross the highways of fantasy
Help me to forget today's pain
Though the dawn may be coming soon
There still may be some time
Fly me away to the bright side of the moon
And meet me on the other side
There is simply something romantic about these songs. I guess that is why I like them.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 19, 1983

Work went over just fine except for the fact that my 'secret angel' forgot me. During the holidays every employee in my department secretly picks a name in our group and each employee is responsible for leaving a little gift on the desk of their respective 'secret angel'. I was forgotten.

On the bright side, Salima Nasardeen-Hamilton and I flew paper airplanes from one cubicle to another during non-busy times. We complimented one another on how "HOT" lookin' we were. It was rather amusing. Salima is married to her very own "Michael".

I received a message from Tammy Duhr. I believe she received my Christmas Card. I returned her call when I arrived home and we made tentative Thursday night plans. I also had an answering machine message from Steve Ficarra. He was also thanking me for the Christmas Card. We talked about getting together after the holidays.
Bill Helbush called and thanked me for his "Hershey Kiss" card. We made tentative arrangements for this Thursday night. I guess I might be going out with Tammy or Bill on Thursday night.

I exercised some and called Pac Bell repair service co-worker pal, Nici Maurino. She's always good for some enlightening conversation. She told me abour her weekend and of some big cigar smokin' fellow she met. We made a tentative arrangement for seeing the new CHER movie 'SILKWOOD' on Wednesday night.

I called Juanita Lane (another co-worker at the Business Office) and we discussed work life and her temporary management status assignment. We talked about the possibility of going out sometime. We shared gossip ideas about 'secret angels' and guessed who may have picked who.

I called David Vigil (another co-worker at the Business Office) and we talked about going to Los Angeles for New Years Eve. It could prove fun and interesting. We may go. I think we'd have a good time. He is such a femme fatale though.

I guess George's so-called business is now defunct. I felt sorry for him. He told me to call him again before Christmas but I don't think I will be doing that. After all, there is Juanita, Nici, Tammy, Alexis, Suzy, David, Bill, Mike, Steve and 'God knows who else' (Helen?) all taking up my time in terms of dates, outings and 'what have you'.

It was rather strange when I called Alexis tonight. She said she was just waking up from a dream. She promised to call me right back. She added that if she didn't call back she would call me tomorrow. She never called me.

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Remembering Those M&M Cookies

“Mike,
Don’t change.
Stay as you are…
Happy all the time
…And a good boy.
Hope you continue your education
And hope you like going to college
And hope you get ahead in the future because you deserve it.
PS-And Thank you for Sunday for taking me out for dinner
At the ‘Mexicali Rose’.
Love Your Mom,
Virginia.”
---handwritten June, 1977 in my Alameda High School year book

The holiday season is difficult sometimes when you think about loved ones you’ve lost. On January 24, 2000 I was talking to my mother on the telephone at 8 o’clock in the evening. I was in Los Angeles and she was in Alameda. We had our typical chitchat.
“So, what’s new,” I would typically ask.
“Oh nothing…there’s a good movie on TV tonight that I want to see called THE COURAGE TO LOVE, starring Vanessa Williams,” she said.
“Oh really? Maybe you can tape it for me and then I can watch it,” I suggested.
She said she’d tape it as she often did with stories/movies she wished to share with me. It's a blur to recall any additional conversation. We probably talked about the holidays and the grandkids, Ashley, Holly, Ally, Dylan, Lauren and Leigh.
“Okay, good night, I LOVE YOU,” I said, not realizing they would be my last words to her. At around 11:35pm that night, my sister-in-law, Sherri Armijo, called in hysterics, crying every which way.
“She’s gone, Michael,” she said.
As I write these words it hurts once again. There was a delirium in the air and I hoped it was all a dream. Sherri was telling me that my mother had passed away. My mother had managed to call 911 but her doors were locked and the firemen paramedics had to break down a garage side door to enter her home. She passed away at Alameda Hospital from complications of a 'mitral regurgitation' condition. I can never use the ‘dead’ word. I always say “passed away”. Why is that? It eases my pain.

I just did a search online at the Internet Movie Data Base under Vanessa Williams’ filmography. I found her film THE COURAGE TO LOVE and it strikes me now to see the actual RELEASE date of January 24, 2000:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217749/
I never saw the last movie that my mother watched. This is the plot summary:

In 19th century New Orleans a new class of colored people has arisen. They are creoles, a result of relations between African-Americans and wealthy European people. Children are born, there is love, but marriage is out of the question. Colored people are still not considered equal. Henriette Delille is a very religious Creole. The time she has she spends on educating, care and helping out in church. On the day her father Jean-Baptiste leaves her mother Pouponne to marry a white woman, Henriette is supposed to meet her arranged future 'caretaker' Paul Cartier. But she refuses him, defying every tradition and so bringing her mother to madness. She becomes friends with the French doctor Gerard Gaultier. He is in love with her and wants her to move to France, so they can be legally married. Henriette is torn apart by her feelings for Gerard and her devotion to the church. She must choose, but neither choice is going to be an easy one as there are people who greatly disapprove of Henriette's ideas of breaking traditions.

I just checked and I cannot believe it is available for sale on Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/Courage-to-Love/dp/B000LC57K0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1229623351&sr=8-2
I just NOW bought it as a Christmas gift to myself. I still have my silent moments of sadness when I have memories or dreams of my mom---like this morning---and I usually keep them to myself. Maybe the movie, COURAGE TO LOVE, will grant me a line or two of rescue this season.

I had been like a wild bird in a cage, given just enough bird seed by its captor to keep alive but not to thrive; doomed as time passed to lose the use of its wings so that if ever released it would be unable to fly. Now, at any rate, I had got out of the cage. I must soar anew through the boundless sky before it was too late, I had forgotten how to flap my wings.
–Lu Xun, Regret for The Past

Another holiday season is here and once again I miss the aroma and taste of Mom’s homemade M&M cookies.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups M&M plain or peanut candies
1. Preheat oven to 375*F (190*C).
2. In medium bowl combine flour, soda and salt, mixing well; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars together with electric mixer; add eggs and vanilla and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Stir in flour mixture and candies until just combined. Do not over-mix.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2-inches apart.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden brown. Do not over-bake! Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 18, 1983

I went shopping with mom to the South Shore Shopping Center in Alameda today. We had such a good time.
We returned to my pad on Solomon Lane and wrapped Christmas presents together. It was festive fun as we listened to Christmas chipmunk tunes together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rN-7wGz_3w
I am so relieved that I had an exhilarating bike ride today, too.

I called Bill and we spoke about the possibility of getting together on Thursday.

After a quick shower I began to watch an old James Bond feature called GOLDFINGER when Michael Miller called me. We arranged a holiday outing to see the new Al Pacino film called SCARFACE. It sounds good to me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7leX_BBcOA
SCARFACE was violent but so very well done. It was a three-hour flick that kept me interested all the way through.
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=ciF2CYn36gA
I enjoyed the escape but it is now 1:30am and time for bed.

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A 'Clint Eastwood' Christmas

I just walked in the door after a visit to COSTCO. I am starting to feel the holiday shopping spirit with so many folks 'out and about' on a rainy day. I took a photo while in line at the checkout of an overweight woman with a giant box of CHEERIOS in her cart. It made me wonder if this is a 'sign of the times'. CHEERIOS for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Yikes...

Last night Alan and I pulled off a spontaneous Christmas movie caper outing by checking out the new Clint Eastwood film called GRAN TORINO. It's not exactly a holiday spirited film, but it was a great character study and story. I will give it 3 STARS but I would recommend anyone go out and see this one. We were intrigued by the preview:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9teLeXZ3XMU
It was better than his usual films. He seemed to be more in character with his old Dirty Harry days. I heard four fabulous lines that I jotted down in the darkness of the movie house:
"When things go wrong you have to act quickly."
"The thing that haunts a man most is what he isn't ordered to do."
"That old hag hates my ass."
The above three lines were said by Clint in the movie. The following line of amusement was made by the Asian teen age boy that Clint was trying to make a man out of: "Boy, does my ass hurt from all the guys at the construction job!"

I am loving the mailbox lately. We found a box of Napa Valley WOODHOUSE Chocolates delivered today. There have also been an average of five or so Christmas Cards arriving each day. There is always that 'one' where someone writes a humdinger note. Here was the best one for today:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
12-15-2008
Merry Christmas to you both_
My boyfriend, Dale, has given me my present early. He told his wife that he's gay and that he is in a relationship with me.
I am very happy with this startling "turn of events".
All the best-Andreas

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 17, 1983
Saturday
I had a freebie family breakfast when I stopped by at Mom and Dad's house before driving out to Bill Helbush's house in Concord. Bill and I went to the Sun Valley Shopping Center to browse. We both bought the remaining gifts on each of our Christmas lists. We went back to his grubby pad for a nap, etcetera.

That evening I drove us out to San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, wearing my new GAP outfit. We ate at ALIOTO's. It was a great dinner. I had Chicken Cordon Bleu. We followed dinner with a visit to the Alcatraz Theater. We met Dick and Jimmy there. We watched the second act of CLOUD 9 by Caryl Churchill. They didn't care for the play and wanted to leave before it was over. I appreciated the plays' effort and wanted to give the entire show a chance. That's not easy when it is three against one. I tend to avoid confrontation and simply choose to give up.

We found our way at the JUST DESSERTS Owners' holiday party on South Van Ness. I thought this party was pretty dead. Bill and I quickly took a taxicab to my parked car. I drove Bill back to Concord and I drove home, too.

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The Benefits of Tomatoes

I was in the car with Alan yesterday when we heard that eating tomatoes tend to make one look more beautiful. I laughed because my choice beverage on airline flights is tomato juice. Apparently, there is a magical component in tomatoes that research is beginning to show could protect our skin from UV damage from sunburn. It’s called lycopene and it is a very effective antioxidant. About 85% of lycopene in the western diet is obtained ONLY from tomatoes and the best place to find it is in tomato paste.

Cancers such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancers of the stomach, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus have all been proven to be staved off by high levels of Lycopene.

Tomatoes are loaded with all kinds of health benefits for the body. Tomatoes are by far the healthiest of the fruits and vegetables with the power to ward off some of the worst known diseases to man. Be sure to get your fair share!

This morning Alan clipped the Los Angeles times horoscope for me to read. For all of you GEMINI people:

'When you say the name of your loved one, do it only in a loving way.
The utterance of those words can cast a magic spell today, as your attention is all this person craves.'

Hmmm...I guess it was meant for Alan to hand me this one. Too funny.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 16, 1983
Oakland, California

Work was fun once again but Salima was not at work today. It was Beth's last day as she accepted a new job transfer. Many people brought her going away gifts. She will be missed. She is happy (and sad). I am sure. I saw her cry today. It must be an emotional time.

After work I couldn't get into the mood of working out at the gym. I chose to go to San Francisco to check out the Rathskellum joint that QUAKE-FM99 radio keeps advertising for Friday nights. I foolishly arrived too early and it was a dead scene. I left and walked around the city until I found myself in a little museum near Jones Street that was showing some erotic video flick of a fat police officer undressing to reveal a young, blond stripper. It was really bad entertainment. I chose to move on and simply go home, chalking it up as a dud Friday night.

The line at Jack-In-The-Box was too long so I cancelled my craving for a vanilla milkshake. I showered and immediately fell asleep. When Bill called during the start of a dream I answered the phone groggily. I think he said he'd call back in the morning.

Oh yea! Sue asked if I would like to RD (Research and Develop) as assistant manager in the office today. I said, "Sure". I will be conducting our section meeting Monday too. This should be interesting.

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Now and Then: The True Joys In Life

I have returned to the Los Angeles metro (Marina Del Rey, California to be exact) after a weekend in Santa Fe, NM. It was a busy return over the last couple of days with mail, work and other domestic duties. I opened my top desk drawer today and found a handwritten quote that I scribbled a few months ago on my 'Success Begins With A Dream' notepad. I heard the words by the actress, Jacqueline Bisset, while in character during an episode of the cable television series 'Nip Tuck'. She was speaking to Dr. Troy in her provocative tone when she said, "The only true joy in life is being in love and having those feelings reciprocated."

I had to write those words down when I heard them. It was a wonderful, unexpected find for the day. It is always good to be reminded of the true joys in life. Don't you agree?

I saw the film 'The Reader' tonight. I was pleasantly surprised as it seemed to cover all the bases with a few new twists and revisions. I read the book first and I knew most of the intricate details. Now I am on a rampage to read books before I see the film versions. I am hoping to read 'Revolutionary Road' before I see the film version now. After screening 'The Reader' tonight I came up with this idea to revisit some of my old words from years gone by in my very own private journals. Some of it may seem like gibberish, but it might make more sense over time as I continue to share some of the old thoughts. I hope to learn from the flashbacks.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 15, 1983

The atmosphere at work is so very lax. There is no pressure at all. I am having so much fun working with Salima Nasardeen and Barbara Reynolds.

I walked with Beth Neroda and Salima Nasardeen to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. Salima was giving us the 'inside story' on Ida's employee observations of the new Pac Tel Business Office Service Representatives. She spoke of the temporary new Administrator from Walnut Creek. They were typical, funny stories in the world of the telecommunications biz.

I arrived home and prepared myself for Bancheros, a Mexican restaurant that was chosen by co-workers. I met a lot of the Residence Telecommunications Order Center representatives there. It was just an 'okay' sort of time. We laughed. I learned that I like Louis Martini wine (at least that night I did).

After dinner I went to the Stargaze club in Fremont, CA. I asked one girl to dance and she said, "Later". I said later to her in my own mind. I ended up spending the evening with Suzanne Kowalski from Fairfield, CA. She attends Cal State University, Hayward. We danced a lot. I worked off my ravioli. It was fun.
Suzanne now has my personal telephone number. She may call me because she says she might be moving to Berkeley. By the time I arrived back home it was one o'clock in the morning. I crashed.

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The Horny Busboy

There was so much energy in me, such belief that one day I’d be handsome and clever and superior and admired, such anticipation when I met new people and new situations.
--a line from 'The Reader' by Bernhard Schlink

Once upon a time there was a seventeen year old teenage boy who worked as a stock boy in the paint department of a major department store known as Montgomery Ward & Co. It was the summer of 1976 and the workload was diminishing as the fall season approached. The young lad would soon be out of a job. He was such a hard worker that his manager arranged a referral for the only other job available at the time. It was in the Montgomery Ward cafeteria as a “busboy”.

As the teen surmised the new position he knew the money would be better than cutting the next door neighbors’ lawn every two or three weeks. He accepted the busboy challenge. The duties of a busboy had peak time obligations Monday through Friday, primarily at lunch and evenings. The evening shift required grueling clean up chores, flawless cleaning of dining tables while roaming along in a bus cart, washing dishes and assisting with customer concerns. It wasn't always pretty.
(a busboy: noun--a restaurant attendant who sets tables and assists waiters and clears away dirty dishes).

The busboy continued his duties throughout his first half of his senior year in high school by working nights and weekends for a full six months. He had silent wishing periods as he wiped off tables for that hopeful sight of a single quarter coin under a coffee cup and/or a dollar bill note under a plate. It happened but it was far and few between. It wasn’t like being a waiter; yet, busboys have much more laborious duties. This horny busboy was a big flirt with the female cashiers. He still remembers their names. There was Arlene, Lucille, Sandy and Corinne. The fun flirtatious memories would linger years later. What was the matter with him at this time? Could a teenage boy of seventeen behave otherwise?

The thirty-five year old Corinne would always use her lip gloss and flirt right back. The boy was too naïve to think anything serious of it. As years passed the boy came to realize that she was actually relaying hints of seduction. Her obsession with the lip gloss and the conversations were too suggestive to ignore.
“When do you turn eighteen?” she asked once again.
“In about five months and I can’t wait. I’ll be able to vote!”
“I bet all of the girls at your school adore you,” Corinne would say as she licked her flavored glossy lips.
“…oh…maybe a few,” he chuckled.
“Did you know that I brush my tongue?”
“No,” he laughed loudly.
“I’m serious. I do it and when I visit the dentist you would not believe the complement he gives me because it is the cleanest tongue he has ever seen,” Corinne snapped back to ridicule the busboys' laughter.
“Well, I guess I’ll have to start brushing my tongue then,” he said.
He would answer any questions she had and explain the detailed thoughts that were always on his mind.

She continued to lick her luscious lips and went on with her storytelling. She told the innocent busboy with a serious, straightforward face how she had been told that she gives amazing oral sex.
He cleared his throat, wanting to say something. Then the busboy laughed, “Really? I can’t say I am surprised. You are trouble,” as he quickly tried to change the subject. He knew she expected a major response but he chose to sweep it under the rug nonchalantly.
“But you still like me, don’t you?” she asked.
He nodded, smiling. It was true. He enjoyed Corinne’s company more than that of any other co-worker. Their paths did not always cross due to the unpredictable cafeteria work scheduling.

As time went by she suggested he come to her apartment one evening (after work). The secretive wishes of Corinne never came to pass. The busboy continued to play his flirtatious games but never felt that ultimate attraction to act on it. Corinne soon shrugged him off as too immature.

The busboys’ identity was me (Michael J Armijo). Did you guess? To this day, I wonder whatever happened to Corinne. I chose the photo above of my eighteen year old cousin, Gus (August) Keller, to accompany this story (he is the right age more-or-less). I hope he won’t mind. I found the photo on his Facebook. He is currently a freshman at Cal State University, Long Beach. I will close on another line from that great book.

‘Behavior…had its own sources…just as my thoughts are my thoughts, and my decisions my decisions.’
--an excerpt from THE READER by Bernhard Schlink
(it inspired the memory of the above story of ‘The Horny Busboy’)

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THE READER Is One Worthwhile Book

"If looking at someone with desire was as bad as satisfying that desire, if having an active fantasy was as bad as the act you were fantasizing then why not the satisfaction and the act itself? As the days went on, I discovered that I couldn't stop thinking sinful thoughts. In which case I also wanted the sin itself."
--excerpt from THE READER
by Bernhard Schlink

I had bought this book around 2001 knowing that it was a National Best-Seller. It remained on a bookcase until recently. I learned that a film was being released this month based on THE READER and it encouraged me to read it immediately. I was engrossed in the story during my flight from New York City to Santa Fe, NM.

THE READER is about finding love and happiness. It is a love story. It has mystery, intrigue and courtroom drama. It's a story about one searching for answers throughout life. It's about revisiting a scene of a past tragedy. It blends philosophy, psychology and dilemma. It's about defending the not-so-innocent. It's a realization of loneliness and secrets. The story includes a dramatic trial that comes to grips with a Nazi past. It's about dealing with guilt silently. It's about a youth who has an affair. It's about a woman in the middle of a treacherous work environment who seeks innocence and love. It's about reading.

I loved the book so much that I so look forward to seeing the movie version now.
The Golden Globes has already blessed it with a BEST PICTURE nomination.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lZideRK0Vo
My blog is devoted to you 'reading' this book. It is simply brilliant. It was one of those page-turner stories that almost had me in tears at one point.

"When we open ourselves
you yourself to me and
I myself to you
When we submerge
you into me and I into you
When we vanish
into me you and into you I
Then
am I me
and you are you."
--a poem excerpt from THE READER
by Bernhard Schlink

(The photo above is simply a picture of my niece, Holly Armijo, reading.)

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Dancing Is All About Self-Discovery

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." --Sally Berger (a quote also found on a Fantesca Chardonnay wine cork).

It was a busy 'last day in New York Wednesday' with a meeting in Brooklyn followed by organizing and packing at home. I am now writing you from the INN AT THE ANASAZI, Suite #224 in Santa Fe, NM. I will be at the Pojoaque Pueblo tonight to see my two year old GodDaughter, Micaela, dance Native American-style for the very first time.

Alan and I had a pre-planned NYC dinner last night with our dear friend, Mimi, and her sister, Joanie, at the Lattanzi Ristorante Italiano. The fettucine al ragu was 'delicioso'. Mimi and Joanie were en route to see the Broadway play August: Osage County. Our intention was to eat and return home to finish packing and 'hit they hay' early.

After dinner we walked them to their theater when we took notice of the line of people walking into The Imperical Theater next door. Billy Elliot, The musical, was playing there and Jay Kuo told us it was a 'must see'. With our spontaneous nature we stood in line in hopes of a major 'what if' possibilty of getting seats. One woman actually offerred us free tickets but they were in the rear mezzanine. Lo and behold...with a bit of patience we were able to get third row center based on a recent cancellation. We really thought we would not see this one until the Springtime.

The 2000 feature film of Billy Elliot directed by Stephen Daldry (who also directed the stage production) was always a favorite film. If you have not seen it add it to your 'must see' list. I am now anxious to see Stephen Daldry's recently directed film called THE READER (I plan to read the book on the plane ride).

Kiril Kulish played the Billy Elliot part on-stage with style. I was so impressed to read that he is an accomplished pianist as well. What a talent! I posted the photo above by a Canadian photographer friend (Edith Kangas) because there was a scene on-stage when Billy pulled a rubiks cube out of his backpack. Ediths' son also seemed like a prospective Billy Elliot (though not sure he can do any ballet dance moves) in the photo. You may view more of Ediths' photography at:
www.redbubble.com/people/throughmyeyes

There was a bit of dialogue during the show that remained with me. Billy's teacher with her snappy British accent said to Billy, "Dance is all about discovering yourself, isn't it?" It struck me as so true. The show got me in the mood to dance. Stephen Hanna of the NYC Ballet was stunning to see as the grown-up Billy Elliot. Ballet dancers really do have the 'best bodies'. I think it is time for me to pull out my NYC BALLET Stretch and Exercise DVD once I return to Los Angeles. It will whip anyone into shape after 6 weeks of doing this DVD. Of course, I hardly look like the ballet dancers but you feel the progess (within 24 hours) after one episode. Many of you know that more Americans gain more weight during the months of October, November and December, so this would make a nice stocking stuffer:
www.amazon.com/New-York-City-Ballet-Complete/dp/B000HRMAR2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1229037430&sr=8-1

I loved it when Billy sang "Electricity" (take a peek).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVO8e3jFMus
The show won me over.

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Life Is A Cabaret Ole Chum

Cabaret: noun-a spot that is open late at night and that provides entertainment (as singers or dancers) as well as dancing and food and drink

Oh...what a night! I saw Liza's At The Palace starring Liza Minnelli on-Broadway last night, December 9th. Ron Lewis, the director and choreographer was in the first row. We had unbelievable center orchestra seats. Candice Bergen was seated behind me. Denise Rich was one row to the side. Our friend, Ron de Salvo, was there with his ole chum, Tommy Tune (the recipient of 9 Tony Awards, more than anyone else). Who knows who else was there that I did not recognize. I saw the actors Jane Krakowski and Don Amendolia.

Liza was in top form as she aligned her music with a tribute to Kay Thompson, her Godmother, mentor and well-known MGM creative consultant and performer. She cracked a few jokes about how she used to sing a lot of songs about falling in love but now sings about falling 'out of love' which led to her singing "If You Hadn't, But You Did".

I liked when she sang CABARET. I felt a tad guilty since I have yet to see that 1972 film where she won an Academy Award for her legendary performance. I did see CABARET on Broadway twice (once with Alan Cumming starring and once with Brooke Shields starring), so that accounts for something.

When Liza sang the Al Jolson classic "Mammy" every audience member could visualize her mother, Judy Garland, looking down with happiness. It was especially touching when Liza told of a story about her Godmother, Kay Thompson. Kay had introduced her to three closet doors and asked Liza to open each one. The first door had wallpaper surrounded with views of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, a beautiful, awe-inspiring sight to be seen. The second door had an amazing view of the Champs-Elysees leading to the Eiffel Tower, one of Liza's most favorite places on earth.
"Okay, now look at the last door that is my most favorite on earth," Kay said.
Liza opened closet door number three and there was a mirror. For the first time, Liza disclosed that she saw the wonder of herself.

After the show our friend, Ron de Salvo, arranged a late night supper at the popular Hell's Kitchen restaurant ORSO at 322 W. 46th Street. The supper group included me, Alan Freiman, Ron de Salvo, Tommy Tune, Don Amendolia and Todd Anthony. As we walked into the restaurant Tommy was greeted by Lauren Bacall (known as Bette to her dearest friends). She was seated at the next table. Would it ever end? What a wild theater outing. It was perfect for Alan and I since we would be leaving NYC in two days. It was an ideal way to close our chapter on this electric city (until we return in March 2009).

During supper we talked more about the fabulous energy of Liza. She was on-stage, sober, older and pleasantly full of pizzaz. I just joined the Official Tommy Tune fan club, too (www.tommytune.com). Tommy shared some scoop about his Broadway Theater production (1982-1984) "NINE" that is being directed by Rob Marshall into a feature film next year (2009) with an extraordinary cast. Javier Bardem was tapped and set for the lead role. After he won his Supporting Actor Oscar things had changed; whereby, Daniel Day Lewis got the part. The cast seems unbelievable and I will be first in line to see this one:
www.imdb.com/title/tt0875034/
The comaraderie continued outside the restaurant when we bumped into one of the sidekick Andy Williams' brothers, Jim Caruso, who was one of the dancer, singer performers on-stage with Liza. Jim was on his way to Bar Centrale to meet a friend. We gave Jim is well-deserved "kudos". We all bid farewell at the corner of 8th Avenue and 46th Street.

During the subway ride home I recalled these words from Liza while on-stage,
"You are my family."
I could still faintly hear Liza singing in my mind...
"New York New York"...

Start spreading the news,
I'm leaving today.
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York.
These vagabond shoes,
Are longing to stray,
And make a brand new start of it
New York, New York
I want to wake up in the city that doesn't sleep,
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap.
These little town blues,
Are melting away.
I'll make a brand new start of it,
In old New York.
If I can make it there,
I'll make it anywhere,
It's up to you, New York, New York.

New York, New York.
I want to wake up, in the city that doesn't sleep
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
Creme of the crop and the top of the heap.
My little town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it,
In old New York.
If I can make it there,
I'll make it anywhere,
Come on, Come though, New York, New York.

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Martini Techno-Theater Night

It is funny how a few degrees of separation can lead to new friends and laughter. If you had read my previous blog from a few days ago (Have You Had Your DNA Tested?) you would have read how my ancestral "DNA cousin" John Earl Spencer entered my life this year.

John resides in San Francisco, CA and he cyber-introduced (Is that a new word for wikipedia?) me to Jay Kuo who has become a mutual friend. Jay Kuo and I have been exchanging electronic mail messages over the last couple of months. Jay was a former commercial litigation attorney who chose to follow his passion into musical theater arts. He is a talented and accomplished composer, lyricist and producer with three finished musicals: Insignificant Others, Homeland, and Upwardly Mobile. He is currently working on two new projects that he plans to workshop and release in New York City or wherever the theater path will lead him. It is exciting to know that Jay plans to move to New York City in March 2009.

Jay has been in New York City over the last week and made a point to come by to meet myself and Alan. We arranged a cocktail meeting at our apartment in Tribeca last night. Jay brought along two of his good friends and business associates who were ever-so-friendly. We met Gregory Rae, a former software engineer with Google.com, and Lorenzo Thione, an entrepreneur, of which both have a passion for martini's and theater.

Gregory Rae grew up in Napa, California, so we touched up on our love of the Napa Valley. Gregory has been living in the Chelsea area of New York City for five years now and was a joy to get to know. Lorenzo Thione grew up in Milan, Italy. He speaks fluent Italian and one wouldn't know it. He must have been an A student in his English classes. Lorenzo was educated in Computer Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. He was Founder and Product Architect of Powerset, Inc. a Natural Language Search company that was committed to delivering the next breakthrough revolution in web search. His company was recently sold to Microsoft for a decent amount of bucks.

Alan mixed his delicious apple martini's using the Russian vodka we received last July 2008 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The original Berentzen Apfel Korn schnapps liqueur from Germany was the magic elixir. These boys know how to drink us under the table. We couldn't join them for musical fun at SPLASH because we had an early morning meeting but we delighted in our martini techno-theater conversation.

We chatted up a storm about theater shows from West Side Story, Memphis, Billy Elliot, Gypsy and more to techno-talk on Google, Microsoft, Yahoo. We are delighted to join them again for the closing night gala of INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS on December 27, 2008 in San Francisco, CA.

It really is a joy to be random and spontaneous every now and then. Now I am hoping Lorenzo was not kidding with regard to his cooking skills. I want that home cooked 'cotoletta alla milanese' (heck...even his Italian-style pasta will do). Yummy!

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