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.