Up In The Air

"Men need to think they've made their own decisions, not have them forced up on them."
-Abigail Adams (actress, Laura Linney)
as heard in the 2008
mini-series JOHN ADAMS

The Best Picture 'hopeful' for 2009 is all a buzz about a film called UP IN THE AIR. The plot heads into corporate America territory with this screenplay adaptation from Walter Kirn's novel, UP IN THE AIR.

The plot surrounds a human resource administrator (George Clooney) whose life up in the friendly skies becomes his only world as he works to reach his one-millionth frequent flyer mile.

I am anxious to see what the hot scoop is about this one. It's my mission to definitely see it.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 31, 1984
New Years Eve

Well, I woke at 6:30AM (or thereabouts) and made it to work. I had to wedge into a 'super crowded' BART train this morning.

A lot of co-workers managed to escape the day early with AX time (time off without pay). I was not one of the lucky ones. The people that remained working in the office had fun fooling with my TAROT cards. The telephone was hardly ringing with customer needs, so it was a freebie kind of day.

My New Years Eve plans were up in the air. Karyn Kossoff did tell me to call her when I arrived home because Ron Shelly and Ryan Hargrave were invited to a party (a friend of Nancy's). And so, I may go to that party.

I went to mom and dad's house when I got out of work and had some posole. Sherri dropped by to pick-up Ashley. Then mom and dad left to go to the store (I think). I did a quick 'eat and run'. I ended up leaving about four different messages on Karyn Kossoff's answering machine recorder throughout the day.

Once I was at my pad I was getting ready and deciding to go to Baxter's in Concord alone. I ended up not doing that though. It was quite an evening on my first New Years Eve in San Francisco. Karyn and I did decide to attend this party in San Francisco after all. I picked up Karyn in North Oakland, near the Rockridge Center BART station (where her apartment was located) on College Avenue. We arrived in The City at about 8:30PM. It took a half hour to finally find a parking space. I actually parked in a SFPD red zone (luckily I did not get a ticket).

Karyn and I first popped in to Ron and Ryan's apartment where they were having rum and cokes. We all took a taxicab to Beulah Street (near the Haight-Ashbury area). We bought some additional liquor, etc. The party wasn't too lovely--at first. It eventually got better though.

I met Carol Levine, an intellectual divorcee. I would also describe her as a "female pointdexter" that I found fascinating to listen to. I am also curious about her book "Journey Through Illness, I'm a Survivor".

Then, I met a dentist. I forgot his name already but he was a nice guy and he did give me his business card. I met a lot of very nice people. I made a tentative aerobic exercise date for Wednesday night but I won't be able to make it.

Ron Shelly said, "I think that dentist guy was coming on to you, so I came over to rescue you."
I followed Ron and we went out to the backyard balcony and had a bottle of wine. The view from the backyard balcony was quite breathtaking. We all had a good time dancing, boozing, jumping around on the bed and wrestling, too!

By midnight we were "sloshed". Furthermore, by 1:30AM or 2AM it was "forget it" time. A taxicab driver took us all to Ron and Ryan's apartment. The group included me, Ron, Ryan, Karen and Denise). The cabbie gave us a joy ride. We must have made his night with all of our drunkard 'Happy New Year' glee.
Ron said, "I like to party with you."
He's my good buddy.

We went up to Ron and Ryan's apartment and all crashed on the bed. Ron and I had a few intimate moments (Who knows?). It was all such random and spontaneous fun though. Now I want to have a Valentine's Day Party on February 15th now (maybe?).
Ryan wants to partner with me at the Executive Health Spa on Tuesday or Thursday. I should take him up on it.

I cracked up when Ron molded his miniature 'Popeye and Olive Oil' rubber toy figures into intimate positions.

Happy New Year 1985! I chose the Wheel of Fortune TAROT card for tonight (December 31, 1984). It seemed appropriate. I did find a penny on the street.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE:
The Wheel of Fortune is a very auspicious TAROT card. When pulled in a reading it generally indicates a happy, unexpected event is in the works. However, take a look at the card, and you see an unfortunate fellow falling off the side. As is the nature of fate, sometimes surprises aren't so happy. It is important to note here that what is "good" or "bad" is all in our interpretation. When what may appear as an unsavory event showing up unexpectedly in our lives we must try our best to recognize some potential good from the situation. We may not see any benefit in the tragedy - but down the line (when the Wheel turns again) circumstances from that tragedy may lead to amazing and positive influences.

"Only unfulfilled love can be romantic."
-Javier Bardem to Rebecca Hall
in the 2008 film
"Vicky, Cristina Barcelona"

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Movie Magic

"I didn't know what lay ahead for me but I knew I wouldn't have to face it alone."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

I saw the movie, AVATAR, in 3-D on December 18, 2009 at the AMC Theater in Santa Monica. It was a brilliant feeling of visual special effects and storyline.

The film seemed to encompass the best of so many other films: STAR WARS, TRANSFORMERS, LAST OF THE MOHICANS, THE MATRIX, BRAINSTORM, LORD OF THE RINGS, I-ROBOT, ALIEN. It had many hidden messages about the effects of global warming, war, greed and it even intertwined a bit of romance.

The film has no 'big-name' stars except for Sigourney Weaver. She is fantastic in her dual character role.


This one gets 5 STARS from me. I highly recommend you see this FILM. It took my breath away. If you can see it in 3-D you will not believe it. It's amazing how the technology has improved film making. I know I saw a 3-D movie once before but it didn't thrill me in the least. This one was quite awe-inspiring to see in 3-D.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 30, 1984

I woke up at 10AM and rode my bike over to South Shore Shopping Center. Mom's car was parked in front of JC Penney (as I knew she was getting her hair done nearby). I was going to surprise her but she never came out (or I just became impatient). So I just rode on until 11:45AM and went over to visit Dad who was babysitting Ashley Marie. What a good Grandpa!

Dad started on breakfast at 12:15PM while I kept an eye on Ashley. I was watching the Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins when mom walked in at about 1:30PM. We ate together and I told them I had planned on continuing with my bike ride for the day.

By 4:30PM I was parking my bike in the garage and felt a need for nap time. My telephone rang and I refused to answer it. Cedric had called last night and I had a feeling it was him. I did not feel like going out with him tonight.

Earlier, I had telephoned Paloma from mom's house, leaving a 'would very much like to see you' message. The telephone ring may have been her. I don't know.

Mom telephoned me during my nap to see if I would take care of Ashley while she went to the store with my Dad. I agreed happily. I watched a little TV and spoke to my Aunt Nellie Vigil (my Dad's half-sister) who happened to call while I was there.

Sherri dropped by only to see Ashley quietly sleeping.
"I'm just going to run to the store," Sherri said.
And so, I just hung out there.

A little later I got a call from Suzy Miller who was suggesting a movie outing. We both wanted to see 'The River' or 'Micki and Maude'. We ended up at the MAGIC VIDEO store, renting 'The Natural'. Sue and I watched it with my mom and dad. Sue and I had a hot dog, a burrito, an ice-cream cone, MARS candy bar and a slice of Banana Cream Pie (or at least that is all that I devoured).

I drove Sue back to her apartment. Just as I walked into my place I had just missed the last ring of the telephone. Now I have another mystery call to figure out. I'm tired now. I am ready to turn in. Yawn.

"Yes or no, Mister, ain't no in-between."
-Paul Newman to Orson Welles
in the 1958 film "The Long, Hot Summer"


PHOTO: Film clip from AVATAR,
the 2009 film that cost over $300 Million US dollars to make

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Feeling Guilty ?

"If you feel guilty you must have done something wrong."
"...but I feel guilty about mudslides in Ecuador!"
-as heard while watching
a not-so-great film called
"Dorian Blues"

Thank you Deanna Campbell of Las Vegas, NV for sending this tidbit story. It gave me a good 'chuckle' on the morning of May 18, 2009 (when she emailed it to me):

Yesterday, I had a flat tire on the Interstate.

So I eased my car over to the shoulder of the road, carefully got out of the car and opened the trunk.
I took out two cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of my car facing oncoming traffic. They looked so lifelike yo u wouldn't believe it!

They were in trench coats exposing their nude bodies and private parts to the approaching drivers. To my surprise, cars started slowing down looking at my lifelike men. And of course, traffic started backing up. Everybody was tooting their horns and waving like crazy.

It wasn't long before a state trooper pulled up behind me. He got out of his car and started walking toward me. I could tell he was not a happy camper!
"What's going on here?"
"My car has a flat tire," I said calmly.
"Well, what in the hell are those obscene cardboard men doing here by the road?"
I could NOT believe that he didn't know.
So I told him, 'Hellooooo, those are my emergency flashers!'

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 29, 1984
Saturday

It was 8AM and I after a splish-splash of a wash I was biking by 8:30AM until 10AM. I was biking with a scarf around my neck and did repetitive rides along the beach.

I stopped to see mom and I found dad to be a bit on the moody side. I maintained. Mom took down the Christmas tree. I napped a bit and awoke when John and Ashley stopped by. We watched the playoff game against the SF 49ers and the NY Giants. I didn't win anything via my football grid game pool at work. Boo hoo!

As time passed I was back at my pad, reviewing my mail. I received my bank statement and a household questionnaire study that I decided to fill out.

Karyn Kossoff called while I was filling out the silly questionnaire.
"Hi. I'm having a small circle of friends party at my brothers' house."
"Sounds okay to me, I'll be there."
I thought it was funny when she said her brother had to work and couldn't be at the party.

I scanned my San Francisco Examiner newspaper as Karyn and I continued our friendly chat. I am to meet her mom and sister-in-law at about 7:30 or 8PM. Who knows? I may drive up to Baxter's thereafter. I guess it depends on how late the party goes. It also depends on how I feel.

Now it's time to exercise and shower. I just woke from another one-hour nap. I am beginning to feel like I have overslept.

I drove my car to Karyn Kossoff's and shared in on the small circle of friends party. I met her mom, sister-in-law, her friend Elizabeth who recently learned of a pregnancy from a married man she's been seeing for the last year or two! Now that sounds like a story right out of 'Days of our Lives'. Karyn and I ended up driving out to Point Richmond (where Elizabeth is living).

Oh yes, I also met some oriental fellow and some gal who grew up in Walnut Creek but now lives in Morocco. I met Karyn's brother, too. It was all pretty laid back. I stuffed my face with cheese, wine, pastries, kiwi, pistachios and tangerines. I departed at a quarter passed midnight, so I decided against the trip to Baxter's. Yawn.

"What's the matter?"
"What could be the matter?"
"You seemed to go away...Come back to me!"
-as heard while watching the LIVE play
"A Brief Encounter" at St. Ann's Warehouse
in Brooklyn, NY on December 2, 2009.

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Infatuation

"There's something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You're never quite sure where they'll take you."
-as heard while watching
the 2006 film
"Miss Potter"

On April 14, 2009 I received a quote via e-mail from Alan's dear mother, Gloria Weiner-Freiman-Cohen:

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have rather talked.
And, oh, how some oldsters can talk!

It made me laugh because of how Gloria loves to talk.

Please say a little prayer of 'hope and love' for Gloria as she is still recovering from her pelvic fracture after a fall on a New York City street in SOHO on November 17, 2009. Ouch.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 28, 1984
Friday

Today I chose 'The Lovers' as my TAROT Card for the day; however, nothing 'lovey-dovey' happened. Then again...it could relate to my many infatuations.

THE LOVERS:
The Tarot card meaning of 'The Lovers' is all about love and everything it entails. Without a doubt, this is one of the more straight-forward card meanings in the deck. The aspects of our lives that deal with passion, infatuation, sex, arousal, and all those things that heat us up. This card comes up when we are contemplating a new romance, when we're obsessed with another person, or when we are in more than one amorous relationship. On a lesser scale, card also comes up when we are developing a partnership in business. It may also indicate matters regarding friendship and family.

I wanted to go out on this evening to see Karen (the Cybil Shepherd lookalike waitress) at BAXTER's in Concord but I did not make it happen. I was sidetracked because mom took the day off.

The telephone rang and it was Cedric Green. We had a good talk.
"You know, Michael, I stopped by your place a couple of Saturday's ago but you weren't home."
"Oh, I was probably working at MACY's."
After that roundabout discussion we decided to make tentative plans of going out on January 11th. Who knows what could take place between now and then though?
I told him a fib.
"Well, I have a date tonight with Karen, she works at Baxter's in Concord," I fibbed to Cedric. I had to be on-guard in case he suggested going out tonight.
I was dreamin' on that date with Karen. If only I did have that date. Time will tell.

After I wrote out all of my bill paying checks I had only a measly seventy-five dollars remaining. I decided to spend time with mom and watch the three hours of VCR-taped "Young and The Restless" shows with her. I left her place at around midnight.

"I'm almost like a child.
I can hardly wait for the morning."
-as heard while watching
the TV series "Dark Shadows"
DVD Collection 24.

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The Desired Craving for Chinese Food

"If variety is the spice of life, then my life must be one of the spiciest you ever heard of...a curry of a life."
-Julia Child
"My Life In France"

Are you craving comfort food? The research behind craving food is reinforced by the idea that it's not the hunger for the particular food itself, but the feeling it provides that brings on a craving.

In November 2008, Brian Wansink, a marketing professor, who heads the lab at the Food and Brand Lab at UL Urbana-Champaign, explains: "Comfort foods are foods whose consumption evoke a psychologically pleasurable state ...".

Drawing from national survey questionnaires, the lab has concluded that a person's comfort-food preferences are formed at an early age and are triggered, in addition to hunger, by conditioned associations.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 27, 1984
Thursday

Great! A short work week! It's already Thursday--but payday will be delayed until tomorrow morning. Sadness.

I had a good sales day. Karyn did not show up for work because she couldn't open her eye and felt "uggie".

Suzy caught me at pops (via a phone call). I was dropping Dad the San Francisco Examiner now that I am subscribing. I was being nice as I know he likes to be kept up-to-date with the latest Bay Area news.

Sue asked, "So yeah, I feel like eating Chinese food tonight, wanna go?"
"Hmmm...you know that sounds good to me."
When I arrived at her pad I suggested that we invite her brother, Mike Miller. And so, it was the three of us having a delicious Chinese dinner. The price was right at this place in Alameda.


Sue had the day off tomorrow, so it was no wonder that she called to go out. We were almost going to see "The Cotton Club" movie since we drove over to the SHOWCASE THEATER at South Shore Shopping Center three times (but we did not go after all).

I invited Sue to my pad and we watched some random television shows. We also skimmed through the new SPIEGEL Catalog. Sue started to fall asleep, so she left at around 10:30PM. I 'jerked myself a soda' and went to bed.

"Desire moved me...Desire carried me."
-as heard while watching
"Dante's Cove", Series III

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Standing Erect

No one was likely to visit him, not until the morning, that was certain; so he had plenty of time to meditate at his leisure on how to arrange his life afresh.
-Franz Kafka
"The Metamorphosis"

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 26, 1984
Wednesday

My first day back to work and it really was not so bad. I had an especially good day. I sold two 'Remote Call Forwarding' services and one Premiere Telephone Service System.

Karyn Kossoff accepted an early day out with AX (Absent Without Pay) time.

Carl was hyperactive a lot of the day. He is like a big 'little boy'.

Hank, another coworker in my section, kept giving me an eerie, seductive eye. It gave me an uneasy, unknown feeling.

Rene was nice to give me the POLO cologne gift. I was sure to give him a 'Thank You' for it.

Stephanie loved my duck head umbrella. I told her it was a Christmas present (but it was actually a Christmas present to myself).

Barbara Reynolds was sweet to come by and chat with me at my cubicle this morning.

I may get December 31st off without pay. Why not? I'll take it!

I brought my TAROT Cards in and had some of my cohorts pick a card as a sign of how the day/night will be. Stephanie Bautista and Cindy Chow and I all picked the ACE of SWORDS. Carl picked THE EMPRESS.

ACE OF SWORDS:
The ace of swords Tarot card meaning has to do with aligning yourself. Visually, this card is clearly making a statement of solidarity. When we see the strength of that sword standing erect in the center of this card, there is no doubt in our mind that we must focus upon the issues at hand (indicated by surrounding cards) and make our stand.

THE EMPRESS:
The mother figure of the Tarot deck, the Empress Tarot card meanings are all about love, abundance, nurturing, and pleasure. When we observe the card we see elements of nature - all exploding on the card - the Empress brings about the flood of growth and is the epitome of abundance. She reminds us that there is always enough for everyone to enjoy. There is no shortage.

I did miss my scheduled FREMONT bound BART train today. Transportation was not good for me today. I still made it to my 'after work' appointment at the Bay Area Sperm Bank. Barbara, the lady in-charge there, is the one who informed me of my first successful pregnancy. I was elated once again. Now, the next question is in August 1985, when we learn if it is a boy or a girl.

I stopped over at Dad's and munched on leftovers with him. Then, I came home in disgust when I noticed my credit card bills. Ugh! Then Bruce called and we talked for a short while.

Karyn Kossoff also telephoned and we had a nice chat. I was telling her how I want to see the flick called "DUNE" and the other one called "THE RIVER".

Life is different with money--at least I believe it is, and so do you.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

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In A Kind of Heaven

We were all in a kind of heaven--not sitting about on clouds, you understand, but busy doing things that made us happy.
-Morag Joss
"Half Broken Things"


Twenty-five years ago today:

December 25, 1984
Tuesday

My running nose was reaching its peak by this morning. I sounded pretty raspy as I spoke to Karyn Kossoff on the telephone this morning.
"Thank you so much for my scarf and gloves," Karyn said pleasingly.
It was one of those sweet Christmas Day kind of phone calls.

I dreamed of Karen (of Baxter's in Concord) last night. She is the waitress who resembles actress Cybil Shepherd. What does that mean?

I telephoned Sue to Thank her for the especially selected towels she bought for me.

I soon found myself at mom and dad's house, lounging as we waited for John and Sherri to arrive with Ashley. I had the urge to open gifts under the tree.

I received socks, a shirt and two leather ties from John and Sherri. Mom gave me a gold tie clip, a cashmere scarf, an electric razor and a brand new water hose (to make up for the one Dad took from my house). Grandma gave me a tie. Aunt Lillian gave me some Aqua Velva after shave (not exactly my brand). Rene (my Santa's Gift Game Helper at work) gave me POLO cologne (much better). My boss, Stephanie Bautista, gave me whisky (not my cup of tea). Tony gave me a framed poster of three female cyclists and a couple of bicycle memorabilia items. And so, all in all, I had a great reception of gifts.

I ate Christmas dinner with Mom, Dad, Tony, John, Sherri and Ashley. It felt very "family". It was a pleasure.
PHOTO: The "immediate" ARMIJO Family
Joe Nelson, Virginia Marie, Anthony Fidel, Michael Joe and John Edward

I cannot help wondering about the unknown woman who is about one month pregnant with my child. I am her/his/its surrogate father so-to-speak. They (at the Bay Area Sperm Bank) say the mother-to-be is extremely excited about her pregnancy. I am happy I have done a good deed. I did not mention it during dinner but it crossed my mind as we all gave Ashley her first 'spoil her' Christmas.

We all remained at the house and watched portions of 'Wheel Of Fortune' and ate, ate again, napped, wrapped and took more pictures.

John and Sherri left at about 8PM while I departed at around 9PM. I left rather abruptly because Dad wanted me to take some of their excess garbage to fill my garbage can and I did NOT feel like doing that on Christmas Day. When I got to my place I was slightly upset because I had forgotten my Christmas gifts at my folks' house.

Mom called me when she noticed my gifts were left there. She was sweet enough to come and drop them over for me. We made up after the 'take the excess garbage' incident. Dad even came by with her, so all was festive and good.

And to my surprise...the unknown phone call of the day was from Paloma Sanchez-Guerra.
"Uhh...I called to find out why you hadn't sent me a Christmas card."
I laughed it off and we proceeded to have a nice chat.

Paloma asked, "So, when are we getting married?"
It surprised me and she made me laugh once again. It's like when I talk to her it is as if it was like I had just spoken to her a day ago even though it has been weeks. She knows how to 'break the ice'.

"I missed you," Paloma announced.
I was a bit dumbfounded to say the least. All I could think of was that by her being with her brother and sister-in-law and the other family Christmas 'going ons' she really did feel something missing.
"I thought of you last Saturday while I was watching the SOLID GOLD dancers," I assured her.

Now she was laughing as I explained that her body is similar to those dancers.
Nice.
PHOTO: Paloma Sanchez-Guerra

Now he happened to be unoccupied, to observe everything exactly, at least in his vicinity, the result of his aimless glancing hither and thither was that there was a great deal he did not notice.
-Franz Kafka
"Wedding Preparations in the Country"

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Honorable Traditions

"I admit she's not perfect, but I think I love her enough to overlook her faults."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

At holiday time people throughout the world honor traditions, and New Mexico is no exception. One tradition many here look forward to on Christmas Eve is a steaming bowl of posole (po-SO-lay), a spicy corn stew that is known as the ceremonial dish for celebrating life's blessings.

New Mexicans have been enjoying posole for centuries. The cuisine here springs from three cultures: Native American, Mexican, and European. The Rio Grande Pueblo Indians, and their ancestors, the “Anasazi,” or "ancient ones,” relied on corn, beans, squash, and chiles for sustenance. These early crops became firmly entrenched in the culture, forming the foundation of New Mexican cuisine even before the Spanish arrived.

Corn has been and is the major food plant of the Native Americans. Red, yellow, and blue corn are cultivated in New Mexico. The corn is ground into meal and flour for use in breads and tortillas, and it is processed into posole corn.

Posole corn is prepared by soaking hard kernels of field corn (traditionally white, although blue is sometimes used now) in powdered lime and water - a method thought to mimic the ancient preservation of corn in limestone caves. After several hours, when the corn kernels have swollen, the liquid is allowed to evaporate and the kernels to dry.

Posole is different from hominy, another kind of processed corn, which tends to be softer and more bland. Compared to hominy, posole’s flavor is intense and earthy, its consistency more robust. Since posole corn can be difficult to find, hominy is often used as a substitute in posole stew.

The variations for posole are many. Some make it with chicken rather than pork; some prefer to use vegetable protein rather than meat. While posole in Southern New Mexico is always made with red chile, it is not uncommon to find Northern New Mexico posole made with green chile.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 24, 1984
Monday

Christmas Eve. I got dressed and went to mom's and watch TV. I indulged on posole (New Mexican style). I enjoyed some of Grandma's homemade tamale's as I listened to the Eurythmics play "Here Comes The Rain Again".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-o3tMA2bb0
And yes, I had a few M&M cookies, too.

Sherri had to work (at the Pic-A-Dilly retail clothing store) and I ended up having to care for Ashley from 3:30PM to 7PM all by my lonesome because mom had to work (at the Post-Office) a short shift from 4PM to 8PM on Christmas Eve! I took some fun, festive photos of Ashley though.

Dad made his holiday stops over at his half-sister's house near Fruitvale Ave (my Aunt Julia Vigil-Casillas). I'm sure they had a few cocktails and caught up on family gossip.

Sue Miller telephoned while I was wrapping last-minute Christmas gifts. I invited her over to my mom's house because she said, "I have a gift for you." She arrived while my Dad and I were watching 'Lady Chatterly's Lover' (a juicy part). She came with her brother, Mike Miller, who was wearing a neat, mod jacket that he bought in Belgium.

I started to watch the TV movie "Lace" with them, then changed it to "The Waltons". That show is Sue's speed 'for sure'. She likes 'John-Boy', I think. Mom arrived during the start of "The Waltons" episode, so we all watched together.

By midnight (when the midnight mass was being televised from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy) Sue was falling asleep. She and Mike left not long after that. I went home myself and opened Sue's gift. She gave me a set of neat, gray and black striped bath towels. How nice. I can use them.


"Every action has its consequences."
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

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Winter Wind

Winter
by Nial Kent
from his book "The Divided Path"

The wind howls and blows
with steady fury,
driving the frightened snowflakes
horizontally before it.

Out of a white sky they come,
the snowflakes that whiten the earth.
The cruel wind cuts to the heart,
and the earth is without life or color.

In a grave of smooth ice
sleeps the river,
and the leaves are gone
from the willow trees.

When one is without love
the wind blows colder,
more barren is the earth,
and Spring seems far away.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 23, 1984

This morning started with a bike ride. It was so cold and windy. Winter is here. The ride did not even warm me up much. I rode my bike straight to mom's house.

I was going to accompany mom for a visit to Grandma's house to deliver presents, so I said, "Okay, let me go home and change clothes first."

When I hopped back on the bike the next song I heard on my SONY headphones got me into a hyperactive mood. I couldn't resist and did a quick ride along South Shore beach. It was fun and I was going fast.

Once home I quickly changed into my white pants from International Male and my European blazer with a white leather tie, sweater and yellow shirt. I surprised mom.
"You look sharp," mom said.

I ate breakfast and we went to John and Sherri's house because we were going to take Ashley with us to Grandma's house. Sherri did not arrive until two o'clock. Mom and I had to sit around and wait with Sherri's mom (Janet Lewis). When Sherri finally appeared we saw Ashley in a red ruffled dress and black patent leather shoes. It was cute. We were off to Granny's.

I took photos and then we went to my Aunt Lillian's (my mom's sister) and hung out there for a while. Shawn West, my first cousin, was a lot of fun. He is ten years old now. His sister, Shonnette, is thirteen and she looks so grown-up. She's getting to be one heck of a 'looker'. We returned to Alameda by 4:30PM.

I went over to my mom's later to try two of my Grandma's homemade tamales. She uses authentic Santa Fe Southwestern chile and it's always so good.

By 6:30PM I was driving over to Karyn Kossoff's apartment. We went to the UC THEATER to see the Hitchcock classic "North by Northwest" and "Torn Curtain". They were both good...but quite long. I gave Karyn her Christmas gift. I didn't open the gift she gave me until I arrived home. I was so pleased! She gave me the Woody Wood Pecker T-Shirt and a scarf. She is too sweet. She knew I wanted that T-Shirt.

Dancing isn't enough, it seems to her now. This much contact is only making her impatient for something more passionate, more unrestrained, and she struggles not to let it show.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

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Shopping

Once shame touches your being at any point, even the most distant nerve is implicated, whether you know it or not; any fleeting encounter or random thought will rake up anguish and add to it.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

Ever hear the PET SHOP BOYS sing "Shopping". Oh, it's a classic (I like when they spell the word 'S H O P P I N G'):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR4h6yfqI-M

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 22, 1984

It's Saturday morning and there is no sign of good ole Aubrey next door. I dressed in my casual wear to meet with Erika for coffee but there was no answer at 9:45AM. And so, I stopped over at mom's and called Sue Miller, inviting her to join me at Ole's Waffle Shop on Park Street. She had plans to have breakfast at her mom's house.
Sue added, "I want to go to MACY's though. Why don't I call you when I'm done and we can go."
"Okay, that sounds great."
And so, I waited for Sue Miller to call back. I took a stroll from my mom's house to my pad. I wrote five more Christmas Cards while I was waiting. I sent them to the following:
1. Bob Umland
2. Bill Helbush
3. Michael Thoennes
4. Erika Hurst
5. Pat Shikuzawa

Once Sue called to say she'd be over shortly I received a call from Erika Hurst.
"Oh, hi Erika! I was just about to step out. Maybe we can meet this afternoon at two o'clock or so since the morning coffee didn't work out."
"Oh, okay...call me."
I never did call because Sue and I ended up shopping around at MACY's until about two o'clock. I had fun. Sue is my dear, good buddy and always will be--I trust.

I spent the rest of the afternoon at mom's wrapping Grandma's present and a last minute gift of earrings for Sherri. I munched out on M&M cookies, of course. Mom made cookies all day. It smelled so good in the house. I babysat for Ashley while 'ma and pa' went to LUCKY's for groceries.

Sherri and Anna came by to pick up Ashley.
Anna said, "I don't think I've ever met you."
I know I've met her though. I think it was when she was about fifteen or sixteen. Sherri showed off some of the cute, new pictures of Ashley, too.

I returned home at around 10:30pm after watching a string of television shows (Gimme A Break, Spencer and Finder of Lost Loves).

Sue Miller called me at 11:15pm. It was another surprise call.
"I wanted to know what you wanted for Christmas," Sue said, "Would you believe I just left from Mervyn's? It was open until eleven tonight!"
Tis the season.

It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once;
a shower is forever falling; vapor is forever rising.
-John Muir

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Abbott & Costello

"I feel like I'm sleeping in a history book tonight."
-Jason F Wright
"The Wednesday Letters"

Thank you Sue Savarese for sending this joke that made me laugh:

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch,
'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking
about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write
proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm
sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some
straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I
can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on 'START'.............

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 21, 1984
Friday

This morning I slept in again. I am getting used to it now.

I took a morning bike ride and stopped at mom and dad's house. I ate 'salmon patties' for lunch. I ended up staying there in 'lounge mode' until about 3:30 or 4PM.

I returned to mom and dad's a few hours later ant remained there until 9:30PM. I was feeling ill. I think the salmon patties did not agree with me--or perhaps I just ate too many.

I wanted to go out tonight to Baxter's again to see Karen, the cocktail waitress-Cybil Shepherd lookalike. Instead I went home and read my book, "The Painted Bird".

At 10PM Erika Hurst telephoned me. I was surprised.
"Maybe we can get together for coffee or hot chocolate tomorrow morning," Erika suggested.
"Okay, I'm hoping I'll feel better in the morning."
Erika is sweet. The sixty-four year old thing sure does gab a lot though.

Nothing would delight him more than to spend the morning reading.
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

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Playing More Games

"Stop memorizing all possible moves from books; play more games."
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

There are a lot of stories that slip through the cracks. And when they turn up again (accidentally) you find a bit of a connection.

It was back on May 9, 2003 when there was an article posted on www.people.com (The PEOPLE Magazine website) by Stephen M Silverman:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Demi Moore Sued for Sexual Harassment

The former manager of Demi Moore's Idaho ranch is suing the star for more than $200,000 in damages, accusing her of sexual harassment and discrimination amid claims that she fired him after he turned down her advances.

According to New York's Daily News, the ex-employee, Lawrence Bass, 43, claims Moore, 40, hit on him in the same manner she used to approach Michael Douglas in the 1994 movie "Disclosure."

Bass, a former butler for Hugh Hefner, reportedly has filed a complaint with federal authorities and the Idaho Human Rights Commission.

Moore's attorney, Martin Singer, tells the Daily News he is considering counter suing, given that Bass spoke to the Star tabloid about the alleged incident.

"This guy signed a confidentiality agreement," said Singer, terming Bass a "disgruntled ex-employee" and calling his legal action against Moore "ridiculous" and with "no merit."

Wade Hyder, an attorney for Bass, declined comment to the Daily News.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above article has a link to my '25 Years Ago' segment. Will wonders ever cease?

Feel free to listen to 'The Spinners' sing GAMES PEOPLE PLAY now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfak36F7v58&feature=PlayList&p=2C71D481D19D885B&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=24

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 20, 1984
Thursday

The other Barbara (Barbra Reynolds) called me this morning.
"Hello! I went to visit our old office in Oakland today. It was so wonderful."
She inspired me to do the same. I drove over to 2150 Webster Street in Downtown Oakland to see former co-workers and spread some holiday cheer. I did not stay too long. It was not all that exciting either.

I followed that visit with breakfast at mom's. I watched a little television and played with my niece, Ashley, for a short while.

By 3pm I decided to go ahead and take Carl's old bike for a spin. I had to raise the seat. It's okay now.

I went to South Shore Shopping Center and bought myself two new sets of TAROT Cards. They're so much fun.

By 9PM I became tired of writing the TAROT meanings, so I went to Baxter's in Concord for a few drinks and possible dancing.

I met two Iranian guys who were really friendly. They gave me their telephone numbers in hopes that we'd all go out together again sometime. I also met Eva Cyrus but she was a tall, blond, smoking-wench. I "latered" her and had my eyes on my cocktail waitress (Karen) for the remainder of the evening. She looked like actress, Cybil Shepherd (the one I fell in love with during the 'Heartbreak Kid' movie). Karen was so sweet that she even took care of my twenty-dollar tab. This gave me the impression that she really liked me. I asked, "Are you working tomorrow?"
Karen replied, "It'll be wild here tomorrow."
And so, I may return tomorrow night.

I also met Wade Franklin Hyder who is from Idaho! What's with the Idaho people in the Bay Area lately? He lives in the Oakland Hills and works at Pacific Fresh in Concord.
"I live in Alameda."
I had a few drinks and Wade was sitting at the bar. I had no problem talking to him. I can only describe him as a fit, blond, hunk-type. I wonder if it was my eye contact. Things began to develop with the two of us.

I couldn't believe what happened next as the night was coming to a close. This was a 'straight club' after all. Wade and I seemed to go our separate ways only to meet up again on the freeway.

Wade and I caravaned (traveled together in single file) and he followed me to my pad! It was like a daring and adventurous 'James Bond' sort of thing (only it wasn't with Karen, the cocktail waitress or Pussy Galore from GOLDFINGER--but with Wade of Idaho). Wade could have easily passed as an agent of the British Secret Intelligence Service. To my dismay or fantasy fascination, Wade spent the night with me. I learned more about him. He attends UC Berkeley. Who knows whether our paths will ever cross again. We played games. It was a one-night stand, a clandestine operation.
http://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/wade-franklin-hyder-162272

They didn't talk a great deal;
it was just so good to be together.
They walked, and they too pictures.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

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The Wake-Up Call

All this time I have been becoming the person I am.
I have always been heading this way.
-Morag Joss
"Half Broken Things"

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 19, 1984
Wednesday

When I awoke Bob Umland was in a rush. He had to be at work by 9:45AM. I left at the same time he left. I decided to head over to the Castro area to see if they still had my Chilly Willy T-shirt at that one particular shop. I was determined to buy it this time. To my dismay, the store was closed. I stuck around until 10AM but it still never opened! And so, I decided to just leave.

I browsed at some greeting cards at another nearby store. The best cards I have seen--as of late--were at the Hallmark Shop at the Alamo Plaza (near Danville) yesterday.

I arrived at mom's house at 11am just in the nick of time for the theme song to "The Young & The Restless" (also known as Nadia's Theme). I love the piano melody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1_xDytEB1Q
I watched the show along with "Days Of Our Lives". It seems as though nothing ever changes in the story lines of these soap operas--or maybe they just move to slowly for me.

Mike Miller called me at about 3PM or so, "Hey Mike, do you want to go shopping for Christmas?"
I took him up on it. Mike volunteered to drive over to the Fremont Hub, so that was nice escape. We spent time at a book store and i bought things for Suzy Miller and Helen Wong. We stopped to eat at a Burrito Shop and Orange Julius and then on to Loard's Ice-Cream for dessert. It was good.

We returned to my pad by 8:30PM when I decided to call on Karyn Kossoff. She was coming to watch DYNASTY with me tonight. I confirmed the visit when she told me she had to pick up Dennis Reno at the San Francisco Airport.
"Oh, okay, well I can go with you," I said.
Karyn met Mike Miller, too.

Karyn is so much fun. It was even fun walking around the San Francisco Airport with her. I had a fun time watching DYNASTY with her, too.

Later, we had to pick-up Dennis again in Central Alameda and drive him to the Oakland Airport. Thereafter, Karyn dropped me off at my pad. By then it was half past midnight. I hit the hay.

...Then, much to my surprise, at 2AM or so 'Mr. Christopher Cordellos' telephoned!
"I'm at Barbara's. You won't believe this but I just finished telling her the whole story about us."
"Unbelievable," I said as I rubbed my eyes, feeling as though this was a dream (or maybe even a nightmare).
"Yeah...I lost twenty pounds and I feel like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown."
"Chris! You have to start eating right!"
"Jim Severn and Jim Sullivan both bent and took advantage. Crazy!"
"Well, you know...Danny and Mary both said they saw you at 'The Hub'."
Chris began to shout in an overbearing way, trying to be defensive about his visit to 'The Hub'. He handed the phone over to Barbara.

"Hi Michael, I miss you. I promise to write to you," Barbara pleaded, "I'm going to Indiana in February and Chris gets out on January 2nd."

What a wake up call! Chris continued with stories about how his family life is not too well either. His new nephew (per his brother, Nick) is tiny and gets blisters when touched. The doctor says he will be lucky to live longer than three months!

Either way, I was glad to hear from Chris.
"I thought of you A LOT," Chris expressed in his shy, roundabout way.
I briefly mentioned my experiences with Jim Koran, Jeffrey Burr and 'sort of' about Bob Umland (but not really much about Bob).

He could understand now, better than ever before, that Greeks knew what they were doing when they put lovers side by side in battle. No one worth his salt would dare to show fatigue or cowardice before his lover.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

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Two Fragments

It's one thing to read your story, and quite another to hear you tell it!
And yet another, sir,
to have experienced it.
-Franz Kafka
"A Report to an Academy: Two Fragments"

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 18, 1984
Tuesday

I took a drive from Fremont to Danville and arrived in Alamo for my haircut appointment with Danny Garcia. I was at the shop before Danny arrived. I waited patiently.

Danny did a clean cut job with my hair. I was pleased. I treated him to lunch next door. We had a nice chat. He has some especially "BIG news". He is "HOH" (Head Over Heels) over someone from Idaho. It's funny because the guy named Ken that I met last night who lives in Fremont is originally from Idaho. It would have been funny if it was the same guy--but it was not.

Danny and I were tentatively planning on getting together later tonight for a drink or two at Cafe St. Marcos in San Francisco. I left Alamo and arrived in Alameda at approximately 1:30PM.

I slept at mom's. A nap was needed. Then I went on a good bike ride from 2:30 to 3:30PM. I simply rode up and down the Central Avenue bike lane. I tried to relax at home when I got the urge to call Bob Umland at around 6PM. He was at Wilkes-Bashford.
"Hey Bob, I'm going in to the City in a couple of hours."
"Oh that's great! Why don't you come on over."

I ended up joining Tim (Bob's cousin) and Bob to some ski shop at around 8:30PM. The shop was just about to close. Bob wanted to buy a ski rack for his BMW. After that we went back to their apartment. Tim left for the night (who knows where). Bob and I wrapped Christmas gifts. Then I massaged Bob's back a bit. We went to bed after munching on some popcorn.

The trees had thrown out low branches, making an impediment to progress.
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"

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