Delightful Tickling

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
-Sally Berger

The following is on page 8 of the 'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

She has always been like that. Innately fun loving, just like me, or perhaps, even more than me. Justiniana is never wrong concerning matters of pleasure. It is what I like most about her, even more than her voluptuous hips or her silky pubic hair, so delightfully tickling to the palate: her swift fantasy and accurate instinct to recognize, within the confusion of this world, the sources of amusement and pleasure.

Her small mouth of red lips will kiss my foot and will suck each one of my toes as lime and lemon are sucked during the feverish summertime afternoons. We will soon be intertwined, frolicking in the sibilant silk of the blue blanket, absorbed in the sheer bliss from where life springs. The forest will hear us sigh as we swoon and, all of a sudden cry as if fatally wounded. A second later we will be heard laughing and kidding. And still entangled, we will doze off in a peaceful dream.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, March 31, 1984

It was raining during this Arcata, California morning. I didn't let it depress me. Chris didn't mind it. Barbara didn't mind the rain either. We drove together to the Samoa Cookhouse. I treated them to breakfast. It was delicious home cooking. I had scrambled eggs, french toast and sausage.

We continued on to the Old Town of Eureka. I bought a few 'future journals' for myself. I also found a 'Baby Book' that Sherri might like for little 'Shane' or 'Ashley'. I bout a tie for $6.99. Chris found a fashionable jacket to match for $22 at the Vintage shop in town. It was great fun browsing the boutiques.

We continued on for miles to a small town known as Ferndale. We looked through shop after shop. I bought a few postcards and actual greeting cards from Mom and Barbara Reynolds. I found a cool 'bike pin' and a 'bike charm' that I now use on my silver chain that Helen gifted me.

After the exploring of Ferndale, California we were a bit tired and enjoyed some ice-cream at Bon Boniere in Old Town Eureka. We had to return to 'Chris & Barbara's' home to lounge now. I took some pictures and we listened to tunes.

Barbara was sweet to make a home-cooked meal for the three of us. The main course was chicken and snow peas.

Jim Severn and some other Coast Guard fellow named Dan stopped by. We drank wine and 'wine coolers' and got ready to go to "Mojo's". This is a big place with a live group called 'A Band Of Desperate Men'. Chris and I heckled about the name of the band.

A blond chick, visiting from Los Angeles asked me to dance. She was actually from Coronado.
"You dance like you're from L.A.," she said while we were dancing.
I couldn't help but take that as a complement.

We left the Mojo's joint. It was fun doing a little slam dancin' with Chris and Barbara.

The most eventful part of the evening was our non-stop cracking up while at Denny's. The waitress looked like a "poodle". We tried to walk out without paying for our meal just to see what would happen. It was an embarrassment that we would not quickly forget. We weaseled our way out of it by saying we were 'out of it'. It sounded like a good explanation and I am a smooth talker. Chris tried to foolishly run. I remained calm. During the drive home we talked and talked and talked about the foolish motive. We all regretted it.

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The Descriptive Sentence

"Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it."
-Francis Bacon, artist
as heard in the 1998
film 'Love Is The Devil'

The following is on page 6 of the 'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Now Don Rigoberto had his eyes half-closed and it was as if all his energy had fled from the rest of his body and had taken refuge in his reproductive and nasal organs, his nostrils inhaling Dona Lucrecia's honeysuckle.

And as the warm and dense perfume, reminiscent of musk, incense, soaked cabbage, anise, fish in vinegar, opening violets, sweat of a virgin girl, reaches his brain like a vegetal fragrance of sulfurous lava arousing his desire, his nose, now sensitive, was also able to feel that beloved bush, the viscous brush of that slit of burning lips, the tickle of that moist fleece whose silky threads excited his nostrils, further enhancing the effect of vaporous narcotic that the body of his lover offered him.

The above line is what I call 'The Descriptive Sentence'. Amazing!

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 30, 1984
Friday

The manager on-duty, Deborah Smith, said she could probably arrange for me to get out of work at 3PM today. At lunchtime Helen and my brother, Tony, walked with me to Tony's car in order to retrieve my luggage for my weekend escape. I was able to leave the office at 3PM; whereas, I hopped on a Downtown Oakland BART station, taking me to Daly City. I spoke to some high school chick I remembered named Tammy while on the train.

I arrived at the San Francisco Airport around 5:15PM. I ate a Host Cheeseburger and enjoyed a cocktail in the lounge area. The flight left precisely at 8:15PM and I arrived in Arcata, California before 8:45PM. It seemed like the quickest flight ever!

Chris Cordellos was waiting to greet me at the Arcata/Eureka Airport. Who knew there was an airport in this vicinity? I met Chris' roommate, Barbara and his friend and fellow Coast Guard cohort, Jim Severn. We all went partying, drinking and talking at the Old Town Bar & Grill and The Central Station to see and hear The Lee Brothers performance. We ate eggs and bacon afterward, wrapping up the late night with breakfast conversation.

Chris gave me a 'friends forever' medal. I appreciated his thoughtfulness. Tomorrow we will go to The Samoa Cookhouse, a Historic Restaurant.
http://www.samoacookhouse.net/
I love Chris. And Barbara is so "cool".

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Leaving On A Jet Plane

"The majority of society are judgemental and cannot let go with regard to sexual behavior. It is a difficult and intense subject for most to discuss."
-Dr. Steven Zlutnick,
USF Graduate Studies Professor
Human Sexuality
As found from my 'saved notes' dated January 26, 1989

The following is on page 4 of the 'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

All human shapes have vanished except you and me. Everything that could have distracted or impoverished us at the time of supreme egoism, which is the time of love, has disappeared.

Here, as it happens with the monster of the God, nothing restrains or inhibits us. This room is the reign of pure instinct and of the imagination that serves it, in the same way that your winding tongue and your sweet saliva have served me and have been served by by. We were a man and a woman and now we are ejaculation, orgasm and only one fixed idea. We have become sacred and obsessive. Our knowledge of each other is total. You are me and you, and I am me and you: as perfect and simple as a swallow or the law of gravity.

Vicious perversity-to put it in words which we do not believe and we both despise-is represented by our own eyes, the contemplation we so eagerly practice-as you are doing now, the essential nakedness that each one demands of the other in the feast of love and this fusion that can only be accurately expressed by discomposing the syntax: I to me you give myself, you to me masturbate, you me we suck ourselves.

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 29, 1984
Thursday

I had an in-depth discussion with General Manager, Nancy Guzman, today about the Walnut Creek trial that begins on April 23rd. We explored how the new 'business office' may change the way we do business along with the entire Oakland Residence Account Service Center.

I enjoyed a burrito lunch at 'The Happy Burrito'. I ate alone at the park.

My complete physical was done right after work. I am in A-1 health as far as they could tell. I hated the rectum exam (when that lady doc put her finger up my ass). She probably loved it. I think I detected a slight smile when she saw my "bod". Yeah, it's that good.

I signed my contract and didn't realize that I'd be receiving a whopping $25 for ever 2 cc's of sperm that I donated.
"You'll start receiving a check on or around May 7th, 1984," announced the administrative clerk.

After my appointment I stopped over to visit my Dad. We ate homemade tamales. It's rare for my mother to make them and she makes them in such an authentic Southwestern style. While I had my casual dinner with Dad I perused my mail (primarily my Preferred VISA statement). My balance was $2,218 only because I charged my $2000 Great Western IRA Contribution on the VISA. I did it out of convenience. It's not a big deal. There were some nonsense brochures, too. The tamale was far more enjoyable.

I returned home and learned that Chris Cordellos had been trying to reach me. I telephoned him to confirm my arrival time of 8:40PM tomorrow night. My visit ought to be fun.


Michael Thoennes also called and wanted to talk before I left on my long weekend escape. He's a nice guy despite his ugly smoking habit. I look forward to the BART, Bus and fly transportation excursion tomorrow. It should prove an exciting adventure. All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go...
Have you ever heard Cass Elliot and John Denver sing "Leaving On A Jet Plane"?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKdknYaSHgE

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The Aphrodisiac

'Repetition is important in "training'.
-Yann Martel,
The Life of Pi

The Imagination

Each culture and each person responds to aphrodisiacs in his or her own way.
Some work by analogy, like oysters in the shape of vulvas or asparagus in the shape of phallus; others by association and also by suggestion.
That is why it is good to have seductive names for exquisite dishes in the same way as the wise erotic Asian manuals have for different postures.
We might as well say that aphrodisiac is any substance or activity that stirs our erotic desire.
Some of them have a scientific basis, but most of them act by the impulse of our imagination.
This is precisely what 'Te Matare Ramirez' aims at:
to activate the most daring part of our imagination, which is the most powerful aphrodisiac we have knowledge of.
-On page three of the
'Te Matare Ramirez'
restaurant menu

Twenty-five years ago today:

Wednesday, March 28, 1984

I was in the company cafeteria this morning. I had my usual pancakes with the three hidden slices of bacon underneath the second pancake. This was my way of not having to pay for the side order of bacon. Yummy.

Helen and I went for a little chicken, rice and broccoli at the Chinese Food Joint for lunch. We enjoyed lunch outside, laying on the lawn, feeling the warm sun on our faces. We called it our 'temporary nap'.

Later that afternoon I was talking to Judy Albert (another co-worker) and Helen about a friend of mine who suggested an outing to a nude beach. They seemed to giggle at the concept. I am personally tempted and curious about the nude beach deal. I am kind of looking forward to the outdoor freedom. I will have to seriously consider it if I ever hear from Michael Thoennes again.

Surprise, Surprise! Michael Thoennes called me at about 3:15PM today with an invitation to dinner. That was fast. We ate at the Ice Cream Dock on Harbor Bay Isle in Alameda (my suggestion and one of my favorite places). I, of course, had to drive to the Fruitvale BART station to pick him up. That is rather convenient actually. I just realized that I've introduced Paloma, Chris, Paige and Michael to the Ice Cream Dock.

The young fellow that I often see each morning, waiting for his school bus was working at the Ice Cream Dock on this evening.
"See that guy?" I questioned Michael Thoennes with a smooth whisper.
"Yeah, why?" Thoennes asked.
"I really think he's a questionable case," I said in reference to the young fellow being questionably gay. I wasn't sure, but there was reason for speculation.
"I agree with you that there are a lot of 'questionables' out there," Thoennes said.

Michael Thoennes has nice hair but had some ugly sores on the sides of each lip from his aggressive shaving methods. Otherwise, he is quite a 'GLG' (Good Looking Guy). I mentioned Chris Cordellos only once during our dinner conversation.
"You don't really look 'new wavish' considering the alternative rock that you like," Thoennes commented.
"My friend, Chris, looks more 'new wavish' than I do," I replied.
I knew I did not look 'new wave' tonight. I was wearing a red and white striped Rugby shirt.

Thoennes came over to my house for a while. I took a photograph of him. He took interest in looking at my photos. Eventually we gave a quick hug goodbye for the evening. That is all. There was not talk of 'nude beaches'. I certainly wasn't going to bring it up. I drove him to the Fruitvale BART station at 8:30PM and was back home by 9PM. I was just in time for the latest episode of 'Dynasty'.

Chris is expected to call. Should I mention the Michael Thoennes dinner? I think I will hold off on the subject until the weekend comes around.

Tomorrow is Salima's last day at the Downtown Oakland office. I wonder if she'll like her new promotion at the 'Final Accounts Collection Center' in El Cerrito, CA. I am envious that she has a change in business venue. I will give her my 'You're Simply Grand' greeting card that I've held on to for a year. She is the "right" person for that card.

At 5pm tomorrow I have my medical physical appointment at the Bay Area Sperm Bank. This is the last phase in the process. Then my 'itty bitty' friends will apparently be shout up into some needy ladies' you-know-what. Eighteen years from now (2002 or 2003) will be very interesting. I wonder if I will ever meet this inseminated child of mine.

I fell asleep and woke up in the middle of the night. I realized that I wasn't going to get that telephone call from Chris Cordellos after all. I tossed and turned and rolled over many times until I finally fell asleep.

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Carnal Pleasure

Trust your aversions the same as you do your cravings.
-Ira Levin,
Rosemary's Baby

There are some places you just never forget. This time it is a restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina called "Te Matare Ramirez".
Translated it literally means "I'm going to kill you, Ramirez!" It comes from playful arguments the owner would have with a friend who was a sort of Casanova, and this was a threat the friend often heard from the husbands whose wives he was carrying on affairs with.

When Alan and I dined here alone one evening in February 2008 we were quite taken by the red velvet darkness and sensual aura of the establishment. I was so in awe of the menu that the 'sweet talking' with the hostess paid off. She allowed me to take a menu home as a souvenir. I found the menu yesterday after some careful desk reorganization.

I will focus my next few blogs on the words within the menu by Isabel Allende, Franz Von Bayros, Pablo Picasso, Utagawa Kuniyasu, Salome. I will also share the delightful descriptions of their salads, starters, main courses and desserts. It's worthwhile reading.

If you should ever find yourself in Buenos Aires this is the place you must NOT miss.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/buenosaires/D55886.html

First page of the menu at "Te Matare Ramirez":

The most intense carnal pleasure,
slowly revealed in a messy clandestine bed,
a perfect mixture of caresses,
laughter and mind games, has the taste of a baguette, of prosciutto,
of French cheese and wine of the Rhine.
I cannot dissociate food from eroticism and I see no reason to do it.
Far from it, I do intend to keep on enjoying them for as long as I have enough joy and energy to do so.
-Isabel Allende

Twenty-five years ago today:

Tuesday, March 27, 1984

I accompanied Helen to her new apartment on 7th Avenue in Oakland. She needed to accept her keys. It is an okay pad. The area is safe near the Grand Lake Theater.

I did my usual bike ride after work. I had to drop by Dad's house because I locked myself out of the house (not remembering to tie my house key to my shoelace). Mom and Dad held the spare keys at their house.

I took a drive into San Leandro later that evening. I stopped at Nadine's but she wasn't at home (again).

I did it. I went to the skating rink. Some lesbian named Maureen treated me to a beer. That's a 'first'. I saw Ned (Frank Vasconcellos' friend).
"Where have you been?" Ned asked.
"Around," I replied.
I browsed the foolish skaters as they went round and round. I recognized Jim, Don, Toni and George Jones' cousin (his name escapes me), Kevin (the one who recognized me in Alameda last Sunday), and Eddie. They all said 'hi' or 'greeted' me in some way. I consider a nod as a greeting, too.

George Jones (who I also noticed) avoided me like the plague. He ignored me. I chose to let it pass, realizing it is his loss. I am kind of glad he did not talk to me. It would be an awkward moment.

PHOTO: 1983-George Jones on the hood of my car

While at the skating rink on this night I met someone new. His name is Michael Thoennes. He was accompanied by a black girlfriend. The black girlfriend is the one who approached me.
"He thinks you are gorgeous," the black girlfriend said to me as I sipped my beer.
I smiled at Michael Thoennes, thinking he resembled George Jones in a slight way. This wasn't exactly a good thing. We started to exchange introductory words. He is a Gemini like myself, born on May 23. He is 23 years old.
"I thought for sure you were about nineteen," Thoennes said in disbelief.
I had to prove my age with my drivers license. I was twenty-four and soon-to-be a quarter of a century on May 26, 1984.

Thoennes treated me to another beer. I knocked him on his smoking habit. He agreed that it was bad, leading me to believe he might quit one day. I handed him my card. I persisted negatively about his smoking habit. I sensed that he felt disapproval of me for continuing to knock his inhaling of the poisonous smoke.
"I just hate it," I continued in reference to the smell of the smoke.

Subjects changed. Michael Thoennes suggested we visit a nude beach that he knew further south of Santa Cruz sometime in the near future.
"Sounds interesting." I said with a bit of hidden fear and curiosity over the idea.
"Maybe I can go around April 7th after my Arcata excursion," I thought silently to myself. How naughty am I?

Thoennes handed my business card back to me after I made one additional snide remark to his smoking habit. He couldn't take one more degrading remark about the disgusting smoke. I accepted my card back and shrugged nonchalantly. Before Michael Thoennes left for the evening he approached me again.
"I want that card back," he said with an apologetic shyness.
I gave it back to him hesitantly.

"I'll give you Michael Thoennes' telephone number before the night is over," Don had said earlier. I left before he gave it to me. I figured Thoennes had more than enough chances to give me his telephone number. I did not intend to stand around the rink (alone), waiting for him to come around.

I went to bed on this night wondering what turn of events will occur in my near future.

Paloma Sanchez-Guerra has not called me.

Nadine DeShera hasn't contacted me about this Saturdays' BBQ that we had tentatively planned.

Chris Cordellos is in Arcata, CA, stuck in the US Coast Guard for who knows how long.

And now Michael Thoennes of Milpitas, CA has entered the picture.
"That damn smoking," I thought.
I slept with intentions of riding my bike to work the next day. I was so "beered out" that I doubted I could wake up easily in the morning.

I still yearn to fly out of SFO Airport this Friday night. It will be fun to get away out in this unknown Northern California country setting until next Wednesday. Five days and four nights of escape and pleasures are ahead of me.

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Do Your Surname Search!

"The world is in perpetual motion, and we must invent the things of tomorrow."
-Tilar J Mazzeo,
The Widow Clicquot

Leave it to my 'DNA' cousin, John E Spencer to introduce me to another magnificent website that is available. It's called the 'World Names Profiler'. Simply go to this website link and type in your surname in the SEARCH box.
http://www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames/

I entered ARMIJO and learned the 'Frequency Per Million' of people with my surname in our world. I wasn't surprised that SPAIN was my 'power' country (which is why I will be there for my '5 decades' birthday this year). Look at where my other ARMIJO descendants are scattered.

SPAIN.............20.53
USA...............10.28
ARGENTINA......... 3.58
NEW ZEALAND....... 1.06
SWITZERLAND....... .64
NORWAY............ .57
FRANCE............ .44
CANADA............ .23
GERMANY........... .11
ITALY............. .06

This helps in my personal travel plans. I have yet to visit New Zealand, Norway, and Canada. I shall add them to my list. Smiles.

I did a search under my mom's maiden name (LUCERO) and my paternal grandmothers' maiden name (GARCIA) and my maternal grandmothers' maiden name (LEYBA) and learned that SPAIN, ARGENTINA and the USA are currently my most populated places of ancestral heritage. Where do you stand? I would love to know your family roots!

LUCERO:
ARGENTINA....1641.99
USA.......... 49.43
SPAIN........ 31.64
NORWAY....... 4.24
AUSTRIA...... 1.59

LEYBA (a Spanish Jewish surname):
ARGENTINA.... 14.13
USA.......... 5.98
SPAIN........ 1.05
GERMANY...... .18

GARCIA:
SPAIN........36639.41
ARGENTINA.... 7535.77
FRANCE....... 1130.15
USA.......... 1045.54
SWITZERLAND.. 544.98

Twenty-five years ago today:

Monday, March 26, 1984

It was another 'okay' work day. Salima has a temporary promotion beginning next week in the El Cerrito 'Final Accounts Collection Center'. I will miss her. I already miss Juanita Lane who is on promotional assignment somewhere in Hayward, CA. My promotion will come one of these days. I'm in no real rush.

Helen and I ate at the 'Pot Belli Deli'. I think Helen has one hell of a humongous crush on my brother, Tony. Whatever!

I rode my bike repeatedly along the South Shore beach. It was a cool, breezy day. The tunes were good as I rode swiftly in my new Campagnolo T-shirt and gloves. I felt as if I was promoting the Italian 'Tour De France' cyclists.

After my ride I went to eat with Dad. He started to yell at me because I was late for dinner. I left quickly thereafter. Shit. I don't have to eat there (and didn't). I split.

Sherri called me and we talked about the bird (Madison) that John bought. She taught me how to feed it since John was away on his ski trip. He is due back on Wednesday.

I drove my car to NATIONS Burgers on Webster Street for a burger, fries and shake (and a slice of cheesecake). There goes any calories I may have lost during the strenuous bicycle ride.

I had felt sleepy when I awoke this morning, so I felt like turning in early tonight. I watched 'Automan', a new TV series starring Desi Arnaz Jr. about a computerized man-made Automatic man. It was so-so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOYRbfSG55o
"Only When I Laugh" is on TV but I am not in the mood for a flick.

There are only four more days and I shall be on that flight from San Francisco. I look forward to escaping for a while.

Nadine never called me. I am sure she received my card/note that I left on her front door by now. Oh well...it's her loss.

I have been considering a visit to the skating rink in San Leandro this coming Tuesday for 'gay' night. I am not sure whether I should go or not. Sometimes I hate the "vibes". Maybe I will go.

I don't feel like attending that drab class at the California College of Arts & Crafts anymore. I intend to ride my bike every day after work this week. This is for sure!

I like the way my mom straightened up the townhouse. She is too sweet.

Dad called me back with his own way of apologizing. He made me laugh. There's a SAFEWAY Bingo game going on.
"I'll let you win eighty-percent of the SAFEWAY Bingo winnings if you get the winning number to clinch it," Dad said.
He is so 'cool' sometimes. It's too bad he spends his vacation at home. He deserves to get away. I think he is missing out because he always talks about going to Mora Valley or Taos in New Mexico.

I love being part of the 'jet set'. My flight to Arcata-Eureka this Friday night will be fun. I know it!

I am really flattered that Patty Paisal does want to go out with me. She is super nice. I was kind of tempted to ask Nici Kapellas out when I saw her at Elisa's party. I didn't. I keep flashing back to our short 8th grade romance. Haha.

David Vigil yelled out to me across the entire office about partying out by Fisherman's Wharf tonight. I cannot see going to San Francisco every night. Once to twice a month is more than satisfactory.

My recent bike ride in The City was fun despite the whistles, head turns and car honks by other men in the wild, crazy City.

Sherri is moving into this townhouse on April 1st. I am going to mom's. What a drag! It's like going back in time by a major step. At least I can save some extra money.

Helen found a new apartment near the Merritt Building by Lake Merritt on 7th Avenue. I guess that's a triumph for her. We will be closer for dinners after work. Nighty night.

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The Innovator

He never said “woman”, always “female” because it sounded more scientific.
-Thomas Mann
In his short story,
VISION, written in 1893

Jules Verne was an avid reader of Edgar Allan Poe. Have you ever read ‘Paris in the Twentieth Century’ by Jules Verne? It was written in 1863 but first published only in 1994, about a young man who lives in a technologically advanced, but culturally backwards future. Often referred to as Verne's "lost" novel, the work, set in August, 1960, paints a grim, miserable view of the future. In this book Verne wrote ‘Nothing happens by itself in this world of ours…you must bear in mind contacts.’

This leads me to a most impressive innovator that I have come in contact with in recent years. I consider him a great friend and one that I admire very much. Innovators are successful, sophisticated, take-charge people with high self-esteem. Because they have such abundant resources, they exhibit all three primary motivations in varying degrees. They are change leaders and are the most receptive to new ideas and technologies. Innovators are very active consumers, and their purchases reflect cultivated tastes for upscale, niche products and services.

Image is important to Innovators, not as evidence of status or power but as an expression of their taste, independence, and personality. Innovators are among the established and emerging leaders in business and government, yet they continue to seek challenges. Their lives are characterized by variety. Their possessions and recreation reflect a cultivated taste for the finer things in life.

My innovator friend is Bob Bressler. He is the only one I know to immediately purchase the second generation Amazon Kindle 2.0. The Amazon Kindle is a software and hardware platform for reading electronic books. Bob is also the only person I know to own the Tesla Roadster, the high-performance “pure” electric sports car.

PHOTO: Bob Bressler with his Telsa sports car

Bob is a graduate from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is known for its strong emphasis on scientific and technological research. Bob became well known in the Computer Networking Industry. He was also a Chief Networking Scientist at Sun Micro Systems from 1994 to 2004.

During a dinner party in wine country in 2008 I met a Cisco Systems executive and I mentioned Bob Bressler and his work at Sun Micro Systems.
“Oh my God, Bressler is a legend in Silicon Valley,” said the Cisco executive. “You know him?”
I had no idea of his legendary status at the time. I learned that prior to Sun Micro Systems, Bob had held executive positions at other networking companies including:
Chief Technology Officer for Network Equipment Technologies
Chief Technology Officer for 3Com
Senior Vice-President of Development & Engineering at BBN Communications.

While at MIT in 1971, Bob wrote a graduate thesis about how computers talk to each other. He got involved in a Department of Defense project called ARPANET, which for all practical purposes became the Internet.

Bob continues to be my ‘Knight in Shining’ Innovator that I continue to admire for all of his brilliance. His love for Science Fiction and the ‘latest inventions’ continue to keep him in the technological loop. I always know I can count on him for advice and counsel when techno-confusion sets in.

Bob and his wife, Stacey, are successful vintners in the Napa Valley, producing a most luscious Cabernet Sauvignon at Bressler Vineyards. Trust me; it’s scientifically tested by the best “supertasters” around.


Twenty-five years ago today:

March 25, 1984, Sunday

Chris Cordellos came over to my pad. We had planned on breakfast but Chris had no appetite. We eventually made it to Arthur's Coffee Shop and I ate an omelet. We continued our Sunday adventure with a visit to Mervyn's in Alameda where I bought Elisa Berney's baby daughter, Stephanie, a gift. Suddenly someone yelled out my name in the store. It was Kevin, a friend of Bill Helbush and Rick Clark and/or an ex to, Dick, a 'gay' skating rink visitor from Concord, CA.
"I live on Regent Street in Alameda now," Kevin said.
We exchanged a few words. What a very nice guy to take the time to chat.

Chris and I returned to my place after a stroll along the beach. We said our 'goodbyes'. When he left my folks stopped by to visit. Soon after I was on my way to Elisa's Birthday party for her daughter. I saw Nickie Kapellas and recalled our one-week eighth grade mini-romance. The wonders of junior high and 'going steady'. I chatted with Bunny (Elisa's sister) and some other chick who is attending Law School. It was eventful but a trite dull.

I stopped at Nadine's house on my way home. She wasn't home. Rejection #1. I left my business card on her door as proof of my visit.

When I returned home I called 'Patty Paisal'. A girl I barely knew in high-school but liked from a distance. My Dad had mentioned that she worked at the local Harbor Bay Isle Bank.
"I have a boyfriend but I'd still like to go out as friends and see," Patty said.
Rejection #1 1/2. Oh well. Feeling depressed I called Pat Shikuzawa and her telephone number was now non-existent. I called a few other people and no one answered...not even mom.

I decided to go for a Sunday drive to the 'Bench & Bar' for a drink. I browsed at a bookstore on Webster Street on my way home. I felt alone and depressed.

When I was home I found a written message from my brother John.
'Chris called and I've gone skiing.'

I started to take a shower when Salima called. She asked if I would stay at work until 5:30PM on Monday and Wednesday. I agreed.

I telephoned Chris and the Coast Guard did not even notice his absence last Saturday. How lucky is that? I will probably be flying up to Arcata this weekend. I was excited.
.

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For the Coffee Connoisseur

“Why don't you have a cup of coffee at least?
I, um, I'm a little low in sugar and I don't have any cream,
but it's real coffee.”
-Barbra Streisand

I received a postcard dated March 11, 2009 from Netherlands with a photo of a coffee cup. It had a 'scratch n' sniff' and included these Dutch words:
Kom je op de koffie? The backside of the postcard stated the following:

Hi Michael!
A postcard from Holland! Just scratch the coffee and then smell it. Lovely, huh? Coffee is one of my big passions! i couldn't do without. I've heard that American coffee is really bad, is that so? Enjoy your coffee!
Cheers,
Cindy

I sent Cindy an electronic mail that went something like 'American coffee is pretty BAD unless you know where to shop for the GOOD beans'. Cindy's postcard inspired me to write about my three favorite coffees. Today I share them with you:

1. Torrefazione Italia Perugia Blend-
Medium roast, full body, smooth and rich!
http://www.titalia.com/site/default.aspx

2. PEETS Coffee
a. a mix of beans-half Italian Roast + half Major Dickason's Blend
b. a mix of beans-half French Roast + half Major Dickason's Blend
(PEETS French Roast-
The darkest roast. An intense, bold coffee with pronounced smoky overtones.
Major Dickason's Blend-
Our most famous blend. Combines the best coffees from the world's premier coffee-growing regions. Very full-bodied, complex, rich, and smooth.
PEETS Italian Roast-
Intense; blended from the fullest-bodied, most flavorful coffees from the Pacific and Latin America.)
http://www.peets.com/shop/coffee.asp

3. Verona Blend, Starbucks
Caffè Verona is a seductive blend of beans from Latin America and Indonesia, with a gentle touch of Italian Roast lending depth, soul and sweetness.

ALWAYS buy the coffee beans and grind them just before preparation for the freshest, dreamy cup.

Of course, if you're in ITALY...always go to the coffee bar for the best 'cappuccini' in the world. That's the BEST.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, March 24, 1984

This morning I took a zip quick bike ride to mom's. I ate breakfast and continued on my ride to the Fruitvale BART station. I transported my bike into San Francisco and did some brisk riding in and around Golden Gate Park until about 3:30PM. I discovered the velodrome. The continuous circling was boring but invigorating. I cruised on over to Foster Freeze for a Root Beer float.

When I returned to Alameda I went to mom's and made another Root Beer float. I deserved it after all of that riding.

John and Sherri told me that Chris Cordellos had called me. I called him and he told me he was going to dinner with his mother. I slept. Then Chris called me back and discussed the notion of going to see a movie. We were going to see 'Splash' but we ended up at The Black Angus in Walnut Creek for drinks and browsing. The imitation Live Band was a 'sorry' experience after our recent concert escape.

Chris made some true confessions.
"I have to tell you that I had a St. Patrick's Day party at my place. It was so 'LIVE'," Chris suddenly announced as we listened to the sorry music at The Black Angus.
"That's cool that you had so much fun," I said as I wondered why he hadn't told me before tonight.

We continued on to "The Hub", a small bar in the town of Walnut Creek. It is not welcomed by many, as you could imagine as it has a mix of gay and lesbian clientele. Those places kind of depress me. Chris' confessions continued at this bar.
"I've changed so much in the last two months since meeting you," Chris said happily.
I smiled at the news, thinking it a good thing.
"I backed out of a beach party just so I could see you tonight," Chris continued.
I started to have my own personal visions of a potential US Coast Guard beach party.

"Michael, last Thursday I was going to tell you that you deserve someone better than me."
"Why?" I asked.
"I decided not to say it because I would be 'knocking' myself," Chris revealed.
I listened, wondering what he was trying to say.
"We are both different in our opinions," Chris hesitated, "but we have the 'The Quake' tunes in common. And I just think I'm really wrong because we are compatible in a lot of ways."

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Deep Discussions

"He had to let off steam, otherwise we would never hear the end of it."
Thomas Mann
in his short story
FALLEN, 1894

It's time to honor a favorite author. I have only read his famed novella DEATH IN VENICE from 1918. I have a new appreciation for him as I am currently reading 'Six Early Stories' that were never before published in the United States by the great German novelist until 1997.

Born on June 6, 1875, Thomas Mann lived in Munich from 1893, emigrating to Switzerland in 1933 and to the USA in 1939, returning to Zurich at the end of his life. He died August 12, 1955.

Mann's writing reveals many of the great artistic forces behind late 19th and early 20th century Europe. His earliest works, including the novel "Buddenbrooks" (1901) and "Tonio Kroger" (1902), combine the European social novelw with the most regional model of German literature. The clash between 'a member of the middle class' and 'artist', between the stolid philistine (a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits) and the sensitive aesthete (one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature), is repeated in 'Death In Venice' and in his great novel 'The Magic Mountain' (1924).

Thomas Mann works explore the role of art and the individual in a working world, which has little patience or understanding of the aesthetics.

I will be reading his other significant books (Joseph and His Brothers, Lotte in Wimar, Doctor Faustus, The Holy Sinner and Felix Krull) in the near future. Mann was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1929.

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 23, 1984, Friday

I made the mistake of calling Chris Cordellos at his moms' house in Concord at around 2PM.
"He's not here," Mrs. Cordellos said.
"Oh, well I was just wondering because we're going to a concert and I wanted to discuss details," I said.

I would later learn from Chris that he had told his mom that he was going to the concert with his friends, Elliot and Lyle. I guess I blew his cover.
"I don't really care because I'm twenty-one and I can do and see whomever I please," Chris said proudly.
He's got a point there. He is twenty-one now.

Chris arrived at my house around 7:15PM. I gave him his handmade tape of KQAK tunes and a TAMSTAR telephone. He was overjoyed. We had a grand time at the concert, too. 'The Uptones', a group from Berkeley, were a pretty cool opening act.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYG-LTM_byU

While at the concert some 'chick' pinched my ass. I took it as a flattering gesture. Let me tell you. After the concert we returned to my place and listened to every song on the tape I had made for him.

Chris started to feel a little 'down and out' because of his US Coast Guard troubles. He knew he was supposed to be at the base the next morning but figured he'd find a way to get excused from that. He was also worried about our relationship. He confessed about being nervous. His primary concern was my 'goings on' while he was at the base in Arcata, CA and me being down here in Alameda, CA. He was worried about what may or may not happen while we are away from one another. Chris seems to be overly jealous whenever I mention someone more than once. He should know by now how much I care for him. He's such a 'best friend' to me.

Chris went on to talk about his fellow Coast Guard pal, Jim Severn.
"He has such a good physique and sometimes I think he may be coming on to me," Chris said.

I was starting to realize that he may be more worried about what he may do while he is away. He assured me that nothing has happened between him and Jim Severn.

We ended up upstairs. We were both satisfied. Chris left at approximately 2:30AM on this 'Billy Idol' REBEL YELL night.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HuXl05QWos

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The New Entrepreneur

"As an entrepreneur, you have to get used to failure.
It is just part of the path to success."
-Mark Pincus,
Founder of Tribe.net
and Zynga, a San Francisco based
company that develops online games

Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself. Life is fully of setback. Success is determined by how you handle them.

Write down your short and long term goals four times a year. Two personal, two business and one health goal. A study at Yale University found that only 3% of the students had written goals. Twenty years later, the same 3% were wealthier and healthier than the other 97% combined.

I clipped and saved an article in the Small Business "The Journal Report" back on February 23, 2009 that was written by Kelly K. Spors as a reference for inspiring 'The New Entrepreneur'.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123498006564714189.html
The economic atmosphere today requires a new entrepreneur to answer these questions to see if you have what it takes. I have condensed some of the key advice from the Spors' article (with the inclusion of some great supplemental books):

1. Are you willing and able to bear great financial risk?
Roughly half of all start-ups close within five years, so you must be realistic about the financial risks that come with owning a business. Don't assume you'll be able to lower your risk substantially by finding investors.

2. Are you willing to sacrifice your lifestyle for potentially many years?
If you are used to steady paychecks, four weeks' paid vacation and employer-sponsored health benefits, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise.

3. Is your significant other on board?
Don't ignore the toll running a business will take on your loved ones. Failed ventures frequently break up marriages because entrepreneurs devote so much time and money to the business.

4. Do you like all aspects of running a business?
In the early stages of a business, founders are often expected to handle 'everything' (from billing customers, hiring employees to writing marketing materials).

5. Are you comfortable making decisions on the fly with no playbook?
A book that lays out the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is written by Bill Wagner called "The Entrepreneur Next Door". Find a copy immediately!

6. What’s your track record of executing your ideas?
The ability to implement ideas is one of the biggest differences that will lead one to success.

7. How persuasive and well-spoken are you?
You must always be selling your mission and vision.

8. Do you have a concept you’re passionate about?
You must be eager and exuberant about running your business.

9. Are you a self-starter?
John Gartner, an assistant clinical psychiatry professor at John Hopkins University has written a book called "The Hypomaniac Edge".
It theorizes the many well-known entrepreneurs that have a temperament called hypomania. They are highly creative, energetic, impatient and very persistent.

10. Do you have a business partner?
If you don't have all the traits to run the show find a partner who compensates your shortcomings. Choosing a partner is not a light decision. Spend several days hashing out the specifics to make sure you are both on the same page.

Jon Gillespie-Brown seems to have taken notice of the article by Kelly K. Spors as well. Jon is a published Author, Lecturer, Founder/CEO and Mentor on Entrepreneurship. He currently mentors at Stanford, UC Berkeley and the London Business School. He recently wrote about liking the article as much as I did.
http://www.tobeanentrepreneur.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-entrepreneur-at-the-wall-street-journal/
Jon Gillespie-Brown has a paperback book "So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur: How to decide if starting a business is really for you" that will also help you with your business plan.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1841128031?tag=soyouwantob05-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1841128031&adid=0GYBRPXJNK8EW07W71M2&

Twenty-five years ago today:

Thursday, March 22, 1984

Today we celebrated Barbara Reynolds' birthday (even though the official day is March 23rd). It was great fun. I left a little 'Happy Birthday' note in her incoming mail slot. I bought her a mini-birthday cake. I also selected a scarf for her at Emporium that she seemed to like. She was certainly surprised. She is too sweet. I wish I could have seen her face when she saw the card I found for her in Sonoma.

After work I called Helen Wong and we went to 'Headlines' in San Francisco. I bought a BIKE T-shirt. I couldn't resist not buying my brother John the "A Super Papa" sweatshirt.

We found our way to the 'Executive Health Spa'. I saw Stevei serving drinks. She recognized me. Helen thought she kept looking at me on occasion but I didn't notice any of that.
"You're the best-lookin' gent here," Helen whispered.
I was flattered as I was feeling the electric buzz from the triple vodka grape I had ordered. Dave Vigil made the drink for me. It found it tasty (after getting used to the flavor).

Helen and I did not dance. We both thought the band was "shitty". That's okay. We departed by 9PM and I drove Helen to her car at the BART station.

Before I knew it I was home in bed, dreaming.

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Back to Life

“My voice has a life of its own.”
-Judy Davis as 'Judy Garland'
in the 2001 movie
Life With Judy Garland ‘Me & My Shadows’

In January 2009 of this year an article by New Scientist was written about the recipe for making any creature and how it is written in its DNA. So last November, when geneticists published the near-complete DNA sequence of the long-extinct woolly mammoth, there was much speculation about whether we could bring this behemoth back to life.

Creating a living, breathing creature from a genome sequence that exists only in a computer's memory is not possible right now. But someone someday is sure to try it, predicts Stephan Schuster, a molecular biologist at Pennsylvania State University, University Park, and a driving force behind the mammoth genome project.
The full article link:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126905.000-ten-extinct-beasts-that-could-walk-the-earth-again.html?full=true
Does this mean in years to come that we can analyze the complete DNA sequence of Judy Garland and bring her back to life, too? Nothing is impossible.

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 21, 1984, Wednesday

I was wearing my ‘cool green’ pants today. A lot of people liked them.

I called Cartier Jewelers to confirm the cancellation of my ROLEX watch transaction. Ooops, maybe next time! I also called my First Chicago VISA to take care of my billing inquiries.

I stopped by at the Denevi Camera shop after work where they replaced my batteries. My camera unit works fine now. I bet my brother, John, left the power switch “on”. Creep!

PHOTO:
Self-Portrait
with a camera
taken on
August 27, 2007


I kept my appointment with Robin, leaving my third sperm sample. I was congratulated because my “sperm count” was exceptionally high. I did not know how to react to that.
“Oh, that’s great,” I said trying not to appear too embarrassed about it.

I have a physical exam scheduled for next Thursday at 5PM and that will be that (I guess). The next step will be that they’ll ‘knock up’ some gal for me ‘from me’. Haha-It all sounds so extraordinarily funny.

I had a couple of tuna sandwiches with Dad. I went to pick up my IRS documents from H&R Block along with my Sacramento check for a whopping $86.18.

Dad stopped by my place to see John’s new bird. I hung out and watched the latest episode of Dynasty. I slept. Tomorrow is payday.

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Rules of Marriage

"All women whether they want to admit it or not want to see a man in a tied-up situation."
-Richard Burton
in the 1964 film
'The Night of the Iguana

Rules of Marriage: respect the other person, compromise, be open to communicate, and build a common set of life values. If you don't do this, you are in a lot of trouble.

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 20, 1984, Tuesday

Helen and I went to some 'Gem' Shop during lunchtime. She introduced me to a 'Baumer Mercier' wristwatch that had a price tag of $560. I also pondered the idea of a Davidson & Licht Concord watch model. Both of the watches were beautiful. I am just not crazy enough to spend that much for one.

After work Helen and I looked at a couple of apartments in Alameda. Edith (Veronica Herrera's friend from high-school) showed us one of the apartments. I always had a 'mad crush' on her. She looked so pretty today. I am sure she knew about my 'mad crush'. Veronica had to tell her about my secret wish romance. Edith said she planned to attend law school. I wished her all the luck. She mentioned a 'boyfriend', so any other ideas I might have are totally out of the question.

Helen and I went to her place for a quick bite to eat. She's very quick to create something yummy. It was good. After the meal we went to Macy's and there was a major clearance sale. I bought $91 worth of clothes (three pairs of pants and four shirts). What a steal! We proceeded to Bay Fair Shopping Center and I put $500 down (on my VISA) on a $2000 18K gold ROLEX watch! I must have been "high".
I was tossing and turning all night. After a discussion on the potential ROLEX purchase with John, Chris and Sherri I realized I could buy three racing bikes and go on a nice vacation with that money. And so, I cancelled the purchase.

Chris called with all sorts of depressive talk. He was upset because he was ordered to work at 8AM on Saturday morning.
"I'm not going," Chris said, "I'm coming down there to see 'Billy Idol' and 'The Uptones' with you!"

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Heartbreak Alley

"I shall be better for having known you."
-from the British film
Daniel Deronda

I am in the mood to do a tribute sort of blog today. I want to share two sorrowful stories that began as pleasure excursions. It gives us all a wake up call as to how a random mishap can turn our lives around.

The first one involved two NFL football players and two of their good friends. They sailed into the Gulf of Mexico on a fishing trip on February 28, 2009 when the boat overturned in the choppy waters. I read a few online articles and found them confusing as to 'who was who' in terms of these players. I decided to 'cut to the chase' by writing this condensed tribute story while clarifying 'who is who' through these photographs.

PHOTO: These are the players pictured here respectively (Corey Smith, William Bleakley, Victor Marquis Cooper and Nick Schuyler):


Corey smith was a free agent defensive lineman.

William Bleakley was a former University of South Florida football player.

Victor Marquis Cooper owned the boat and was an Oakland Raiders linebacker.


Nick Schulyer was a former twenty-four year old former University of South Florida football player.

Nick was the sole survivor in this unfortunate tragedy. Nick Schuyler said that he and Bleakley were the last two survivors. Bleakley encouraged Nick to stay upbeat as they hung on to the boat and talked to each other through the last night in the dark terrifying waters.
"It's the longest thing possible you can imagine. We just kept saying that we weren't going to go out like this," Nick Schuyler said.

PHOTO: 2007-Nick with his girlfriend, Paula Olivera.

Nick was found clinging to the hull of the twenty-one foot Everglades boat on Monday afternoon,March 2, 2009. The search for the remaining three athletes was called off on Tuesday, March 3, 2009.

PHOTO: William Bleakley during a game

"He saved my life. I'll never ever forget Will. I'm only here today because of what Will did," Nick Schuyler told reporters.

The second story involves actress, Natasha Richardson. She was born in England on May 11, 1963. She ventured out on a Montreal ski vacation with her husband, Liam Neeson, and her two sons (Michael and Daniel Neeson).

She died of injuries from a blunt impact to the head after falling on a Canadian ski slope. She passed away two days later at Lenox Hill hospital in New York City on March 18, 2009 (yesterday).

I now wish I had seen her On-Broadway in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' in 2005 when I had the opportunity. She was such a talent and will be greatly missed by many.
She had been scheduled to perform in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music" this year, after a January benefit performance of the show. We can still see her 'forever' in her many films.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001670/

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 19, 1984, Tuesday

During my lunch hour I went to Brooks Camera. To my own embarrassment the problem with my camera was that it just needed new batteries. That minor problem had not even dawned on me.

I drove to Berkeley, CA after work and bought a camera at Denevi's. I'm glad I bought it, too. It was on sale for $49.95. Yes, I charged it on my Preferred VISA. I used it again.

The weather today was so very Springtime. I was about to go bike riding when Chris Cordellos called to interrupt my escape. We got to talking about the Billy Idol concert on Friday night. We also discussed my possible visit to Arcata on the April 1st weekend.
"I'm worried about you being down there in Alameda all alone," Chris said.
To put it plainly his concern is that I may get 'picked up' by someone else. This was flattering to hear. It boosted my morale but I assured him that it was hardly likely.

I did call Nadine tonight though. She wasn't home. I was surprised when she called me but her call was only to say that she received a third notice from Pacific Bell without being referred to an outside collection agency.
"What is this?" I asked myself silently. I'm not even 'at work' now!
I tried to console her worries. She didn't seem to listen to my reasoning. I was actually willing to drive over to visit her but she was going to dinner with her visiting Arkansas girlfriends.
"I'll call you back tonight," Nadine said, making me believe that she really enjoys my conversation.

Chris and I wanted to remain on the telephone all night long. I have a good time talking with him. He's my "VBF" (Very Best Friend) right now. I remember when 'others' were my very best friends. Chris seems extra special now.

I continued taping ninety minutes of select KQAK music. I wanted to create a tape of great music for Chris because I felt guilty that I didn't really give him anything for his 21st Birthday. I am taking him to see Billy Idol and I did treat him to dinner. I guess it will balance itself out. I just feel this tape of selected music is a touch more personal. He will be one that appreciates the time and effort it took to create.

When I went to eat salad and a pork chop with my Dad I looked in the mirror. I was surprised to see some color in my face. It must be from the bike riding. It's good that I take in the sun gradually. Chris said he was 'lobster red' from his visit to the beach. I am envious. I want more free beach time, too.

I called Chris after 11 o'clock when the long-distance rates were 60% off. He was tired, so we didn't talk as long as usual.

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One Less Bell To Answer

"His practice was to write two books at once, turning to the second when he struck a snag on the first, and back to the first when he struck a snag on the second."
-Ira Levin
Rosemary's Baby

I liked the above line in the Ira Levin book that I finished reading last night. I tend to read two books at once, turning to the second when I strike a snag on the first. I'm in the middle of 'Six Early Stories' by the German novelist, Thomas Mann.

The other day Alan and I were laughing. I think it started with me saying that it was 'one less thing to do'. We remembered this song and tried singing the words 'off & on' throughout the day. We couldn't remember the name of the song or who had sung it. Thanks to Alan's I-PHONE we found the answer. I had to relive the experience and know all of the lyrics once more. Here they are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2z0KmhK95Q
One Less Bell To Answer lyrics
by The Fifth Dimension

One less bell to answer
One less egg to fry
One less man to pick up after
I should be happy
But all I do is cry
(Cry, cry, no more laughter) I should be happy
(Oh, why did he go)
Since he left my life's so empty
Though I try to forget it just can't be done
Each time the doorbell rings I still run
I don't know how in the world
To stop thinking of him
'Cause I still love him so
I spend each day the way I start out
Crying my heart out
One less man to pick up after
No more laughter, no more love
Since he went away (he went away)
(One less bell to answer) Why did he leave me
(Why, why, why did he leave)
(One less bell to answer) Now I've got one less egg to fry
One less egg to fry
(Why, why, why did he leave) And all I do is cry
(One less bell to answer) Because a man told me goodbye
(Why, why, why did he leave)
(One less bell to answer) Somebody tell me please
Where did he go, why did he go
(Why, why, why did he leave) How could he leave me

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, March 18, 1984

I was pissed-off to say the least. I took an early nonsense drive into San Lorenzo and Hayward after just washing my car. It was pointless to begin the day so early because Denevi Camera and Emporium Capwell were not open until noon. I ended up driving all the way back to mom's for breakfast. I had the convertible top down and the cool breeze made for a nice drive (the only consolation).

At Noon I rode my bicycle until 3:30PM along the South Shore beach in Alameda and surrounding areas. I laid out along different sections of the beach to view the scenery for 'Sunday' rest and relaxation.

I am considering a white Samoan husky dog as a pet. I will hold off on it. It's hard enough taking care of myself these days. The husky I saw at Lake Chabot yesterday was adorable.

The biking tired me out. I came home after a brief visit at Mom's. We had a few good laughs over some old family photographs.

I laughed at mom's story of the day. She said she touched Tony's car today and the alarm went off for the entire neighborhood.
She freaked out, realizing she had no idea how to turn it off.
"I didn't know what to do," she laughed.
I laughed.

Mom showed me the baby shower guest list for Sherri. She plans on inviting Suzy Miller and Helen Wong. I agreed that it was a great idea to invite them.

I went home to nap until 7:30PM. It was time for a movie. I chose "Absence of Malice".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SGe-IywHXg
After a shower I decided to go back to mom & dad's and watch the movie there. Besides, there is more to 'munch on' in their fridge.

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Eavesdropping

"How come you turned out sane
when the rest of your family is nutty?"
-Ira Levin
in his book
"Rosemary's Baby"

It's interesting how we learn about things. Yesterday, I was at the Los Angeles Airport, minding my own business. I was trying to concentrate on my latest book experience. I am reading 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin. There was a man a couple of seats away on his cellular phone. You know how people tend to speak louder on their cell phones, right? Well, he was obnoxious. I kept re-reading my last paragraph and finally decided to close my book.

I listened to the stranger talking on his cell phone and wondered if I would hear anything profound. I'll close my eyes and be an eavesdropper.

He was telling someone about 'In The Rooms':
http://www.intherooms.com/
He described it as a FaceBook online social community for people 'in recovery' that has become increasingly popular. I thought this was helpful to know. If you know someone in recovery or in need of comprehensive healing for alcoholism, stress or whatever ails you it might be a good place to surf. I know a fabulous acupuncturist (Lauren Freiman) who must register her services via a profile presence there.

PHOTO: Lauren Freiman

The stranger went on and on...
"I don't like people who try to have an 'in' through any avenue they can find," he said.
"My cousins' boyfriend shows up from Albany, New York with a VIP pass," he explained as his example.
"How'd you get that? I asked him and he said 'I used your name'," the stranger said to his cell phone confidant.
At this point, it was time to board the plane. Hoorah!

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, March 17, 1984

What a fun-filled St. Patrick's Day. It started as early as 3AM when Chris called me from Arcata. We talked on the telephone until 5:30AM! I confronted him with what I learned on his so-called telephone account.
"It wasn't working telephone service," Chris said.
He went on to try to explain his requirement to stay in the Arcata area to serve his time for ten months. He is in the US Coast Guard! I felt sorry for him because I know he just wants out of the service as soon as possible. It took him a while to share all of his feelings.
"I'm afraid I'll be jailed if I go AWOL," he said. I felt good that I knew that AWOL was 'Absent Without Leave'. How did I know that?

Chris went on to share secret facts from his past.
"When I was fifteen years old I was sexually abused by a member of my family," he confessed. That was a heavy one. I wasn't sure how to react. I only knew I cared for Chris deeply and that he was an A-1 friend.

I woke up at 8:30AM and went to H&R Block. I am getting a tax refund of about $80. By 10:05AM U was at Great Western Savings opening my Individual Retirement Account for 1983. This visit took another hour from my day.

By 11:05AM I was at The Bay Area Sperm Bank in North Oakland. I was slightly late but it didn't seem to matter. I have one last appointment on Wednesday. It will be my last donor sample. Then I will learn whether or not I am acceptable as an official donor. I will have a physical exam and then the process will begin (whatever that really means). I believe it's all about contracts and my willingness to reveal my identity when the child turns eighteen. I do want to respond 'Yes' on that. Shoot. I'm willing to meet the mother beforehand if she'd allow it. Why not?

I arrived home by 12:30PM and telephoned Debbie Honcik. We met at the foot of the Bay Farm Island Bridge where we headed on out for a fun-filled excursion to Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. It was great to spend time with Debbie again. We experienced such a rewarding bicycle ride, too. The hills were a challenge for her but she managed fine. I loved it.
"I can't believe how fast you got up those hills," Debbie managed to say as she was breathing hard.
Yes, 'Oh What A Feeling' (like that song). We hung out at the Lake Chabot park area. I had forgotten how much I love the serenity of that park. Maybe I will venture there on my own next Saturday.

When I arrived home at 5:30PM I called mom to beg for dinner. There was no chance of that. It was her day off and wasn't in the mood for preparing a big meal.
"Helen called," mom said.
I returned Helen's call and she was invited to a a dinner/surprise Birthday party at the Alameda South Shore Beach & Tennis Club. I couldn't resist the idea of going. The dinner was excellent. They served tortellini pasta, chicken, ham with pineapple, tossed salad, rice. The bike ride today really worked up my appetite.

While at the party I met a guy named Drew. He is the head of personnel at Blue Cross. The guy who invited Helen to this party is the head of personnel at Kaiser Hospital. Helen and I had a great time. We left by 10PM and went to The Black Angus in San Lorenzo where we danced. I was searching for Nadine (who was supposed to be there) but I never saw her.

I was home by 12:30PM. I called Nadine and we talked for a couple of hours. We had one of our usual great conversations. I told her I drove a black mustang. Why do women care about the type of car a man drives? We spoke of the regular phrases we use. We spoke of bicycling, rose tattoos, a future date, my resemblance to Donny Osmond on certain days and my favorite actors (Natalie Wood, Joan Rivers, Ann-Margret,Robert Redford, Mel Gibson). We continued on several topics. We talked about my highlighted blond hair streaks, Hard Rock n' Roll, Paloma, Dan (an ex-boyfriend with two kids), Leslie Fonseca and probably more.

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Spaghetti

"Those who forget the pasta are condemned to reheat it."

For 2 years, a man was having an affair with an Italian woman.
One night, she confided in him that she was pregnant.

Not wanting to ruin his reputation or his marriage, He told her he would pay her a large sum of money if she would go to Italy to secretly have the child.
If she stayed in Italy to raise the child, he would also provide child support until the child turned 18. She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born.

To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a post card, and write 'Spaghetti' on the back. He would then arrange for the child support payments to begin.
One day, about 9 months later, he came home to his confused wife.
'Honey,' she said, 'you received a very strange post card today.'
'Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it later,' he said.
The wife obeyed and watched as her husband read the card, turned white, and fainted.

On the card was written:
'Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, and Spaghetti.
Three with meatballs, two without.
Send extra sauce.'

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 16, 1984

I received an invitation from Helen to drive up to Lake Tahoe for her sister’s (Geneva) wedding. I turned her down because of my definite bike ride date with Debbie Honcik. I had also committed to attending the birthday party for Elisa Berney-Brown’s daughter, Stephanie.

I received AX (Absent without Pay) time which allowed me to leave the office at 1:30pm today. Hoorah! That means four hours cut from my pay. Ouch. Oh well.
I drove over to moms for a while. Then I went to my pad for my bike and rode along until 3:30pm. I decided to stop riding. I started to feel ‘Raindrops Falling on My Head’. (I love that song.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mfSbL_hhQ
I lounged around with my brother John until Sherri arrived. John left for work. Sherri left right afterwards. She is very pregnant. My dad paid me a visit, too.

Finally, Chris called me while Dad was visiting. He wanted to verify where or not I succeeded in getting the BILLY IDOL concert tickets.
“Yeah, I sure did,” I replied.
“Well then I’m definitely coming down by six on Friday the twenty-third,” he confirmed, “I’m sure we’ll have fun.”
He mentioned that he was going out to dinner this evening with some friends. I chose not to disclose any details of what I had learned when I saw the Arcata phone calls on his Concord telephone billing data.
Chris did reveal his new address. He is living on Dow’s Prairie Road…or something like that. He had me wondering about the ‘group of people’ he was going out with tonight.
“You sure do know a lot of people out there,” I announced in the hopes of getting more information.
“I’m starting to,” Chris said.
I will put him on the spot the next time he calls. The good part is that he may be calling back tonight. He mentioned he would try to call back.

PHOTO: A photo I found that reminded me of Chris Cordellos in 1984 but it is actually model, Travis Hanson.

My dad stayed a while longer. Then I watched a bit of TV until I drove out to the MOBIL Station to fill the car with gas. I surprised dad and went to visit him after filling the car. Dad wanted to go out for dinner but we decided to just stay at his place and eat there.

When I returned to the townhouse it seemed more quiet than usual. I listened to music. Tomorrow I will go to H&R Block and make my 11am appointment at The Sperm Bank.

If I should die or if a major accident would occur this journal will be read by someone. I admit that I would be embarrassed to have just any one read what I have written. These are my thoughts. I want to regroup and polish my ideas, words, blunder, facts and stories into a more polished format one day. If I never do all will be well.

If an accident occurred while riding my bicycle I would want all of my female friends to know about my sperm donation. I wonder. I just wonder which of my female friends would choose to carry my child if I were gone. That’s an interesting thought. Yeah. I will definitely keep that appointment tomorrow. So what if I’m a donor father. That child will be blessed in some special way.

Elisa cancelled her daughters’ birthday party to Sunday. It’s just as well. I can work on my fictitious letterhead for my ART class: Cordellos Clothiers Associate Designer - Michael J Armijo.

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