Living In Isolation

"Every one always has a choice."
-as heard in the 2007
animated film
"Perseopolis"

I am no Bruce Willis fan. I will be first in line to admit that; however, I saw a preview of his upcoming film, SURROGATES, and I am intrigued. The story follows human beings who are living in isolation. The futuristic world has humans communicating with their own likeness through robotic social surrogates who are better-looking versions of their human self.

Bruce Willis plays an FBI agent who enlists the aid of his own surrogate to investigate the murder of the genius college student who invented the surrogates. The plot is likely to get complicated but I am "into" futuristic "what if" stories. I thought I would give it honorable mention in my blog today. I am excited about seeing this one. I believe it will be released in late September 2009.

The story is based on a graphic novel by Robert Venditti. The paperbacks may be worth a browsing. Here is a peek at the trailer if you have not had the opportunity to see it:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=surrogates&docid=1030013846243&mid=6816EDB734D4064398A16816EDB734D4064398A1&FORM=VIVR23

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 30, 1984
Saturday

I woke up at 8AM and washed my convertible Mustang and went to SEARS at Southland Mall in Hayward for my Traffic School. Frank was there and it all made for a pretty fun-filled day. Frank and I ate at Olga’s Kitchen for lunch. We were done with the course by 5PM. What bummed me out was that Frank forgot his $20 fee and I paid for him!
“I’ll pay you back on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday when my mom comes home from Reno,” Frank said.
“Yeah, sure,” I thought as I nodded to him, knowing I just lost twenty bucks.
“Shit! Like I can afford to throw money around,” I thought during the drive home.

I napped once I arrived home. I needed to sleep off stress. The nap was short and I ended up bicycling from 7:20PM until about 8:20PM. No one called me. I enjoyed more coffee ice-cream and turned in for bed by 9PM on this Saturday night.

Then my mom called to invite me over for a leftover taco from Mexicali-Rose on the condition that I bring Dad some coffee ice-cream. It sounded like “a deal” to me.

We started watching the movie ATLANTIC CITY together and I decided to leave midway through the film.

I thought Ashley’s doll was actually Ashley when I saw it on mom’s couch. Its name is Kelly Lou (after the doll in the Jane Fonda movie, THE DOLLMAKER).

I did not tell my mom that I was upset. Mom had told 'John and Sherri' about my passing on the 8 x 10 portrait at Montgomery Wards after seeing the line of kiddies in line. That was kind of an embarrassing episode (but the freebie coupon seemed so ideal to use versus toss out). I heard that 'John and Sherri' had laughed about it and that hurt my feelings. I kept my anger to myself. I don't know why she had to tell 'John & Sherri' about me going to the department store for the freebie portrait. I guess I can laugh it off now and let bygones be bygones because it is too silly a matter to be upset about (as are most tidbit arguments).

That sums up my Saturday night. Last night (Friday) I drove to the city and back for ‘nothing’. I’m on a roll of excitement here. I heard about this place (HENRY’s) on KITS radio at 8th and Townsend but it looked so ‘dead’. What a waste of time and gas.

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Alex & Ale in San Sebastian

"I wanted you to know me utterly...no one else."
-as heard in the film
"Daniel Deronda"

San Sebastian is a lovely beach resort city. It is known officially as 'Donostia-San Sebastian' in the north of the Basque Country.

I was lucky to know two current residents of San Sebastian (Alex Klein & Alejandra Paz). I've known them in a 'cyber' sort of way through one of my photographic sharing/learning websites. They are both fantastic photographers. Alejandra Paz is originally from Rosario, Argentina.

PHOTO: Ale (Alejandra) Paz

Alex is from Dublin, Ireland. Alejandra met Alex in Argentina and they left for Spain as young adventurers in love. Alex's father is from the Ranedo Family in the Rioja region of Spain and his mother is from Germany. His parents met in Ireland and decided to stay there. I like how Alex is so bold about uprooting himself and exploring. Alex and Ale (Alejandra) will soon move to Barcelona in September 2009. After that...time will tell.

PHOTO: Alex Klein

Alan and I met Alex and Ale (Alejandra) the first night we arrived in San Sebastian. We walked into the Old Town and enjoyed wine and dinner together. It was fun to laugh and get a feel for the area from their 'local' eyes. I took a few portrait photos of each of them.

Donostia-San Sebastian is renowned for its Basque cuisine. San Sebastian and its surrounding area is home to a high concentration of restaurants boasting Michelin stars, namely Arzak (San Sebastian), Berasategi (Lasarte), Akelarre (district Igeldo). In addition to these restaurants, the city features tasty snacks similar to tapas called pintxos, which may be found at the bars of the Old Town.

The Old Town is the traditional core area of the city, surrounded by walls built from 1863, when they were demolished so as to occupy the stretch of sand and land that connected the town to the mainland. The Old Town is divided in two parishes relating to the Santa Maria and San Vicente churches.

I would love to re-visit the area during the International Film Festival which is held every September. In 2008, the film GENOVA, directed by Michael Winterbottom won BEST FILM/DIRECTOR while the two 'Donostia Lifetime Achievement Awards' went to Meryl Streep and Antonio Banderas.
http://www.sansebastianfestival.com/in/index.php

Twenty-five years ago today:

Friday
June 29, 1984

I slept soundly last night. I had such a good time at Baxter’s. It was funny because Johnny (a guy visiting from Washington DC on business from Zintel Corporation) was looking for cocaine and junk. Then he treated me to a “kamikaze” cocktail. He kept winking at me and stuff. This was a straight club. Didn’t he notice that? It kind of ‘got to me’ though. He was being a little to ‘touchy feely’ too.
“Yeah, I used to work on the side as a male stripper,” Johnny said in a showing off kind of way.
“Really, did you like that?” I asked.
“I made the money, shoot,” he blurted.
I should consider that for some extra cash (maybe?). Ha-ha. I’d strip for females only, of course (?).
No way. It’s not for me any which way.
“I’ll save it for Katie,” I thought to myself (if the day should ever come).
Katie is definitely marriage material. What a beautiful Alamo, California dame.

There are only four more business days left at the Downtown Oakland Residential Account Service Center. Hoorah!

I ate lunch alone in the cafeteria. I bought ‘take out’ from the Pot Belli Deli.

I telephoned Frank Vasconcellos. Frank and I will definitely be attending the same Traffic School class from 10AM to 5PM tomorrow. He’s cool. It should be fun.

After work I drove Steve Gaster home and I told him about Katie (the girl I met at Baxter’s). I hopped onto my bicycle and had a good ride for about an hour. It was kind of freaky. A dog ran into my bike! The dog barked a little and seemed a tad shaken up. It was okay.

I went home to nap and decided to go out again tonight. I showered and the gas station attendant (a Latin fellow) was very nice to me. He is the one who fixed Chris Cordellos’ flat tire (his car).
PHOTO: Prime-time TV soap opera,
"Falcon Crest"

I drove into The City and decided to check out HENRY’s, a place advertised on KITS radio. I did not like the appearance of the place, so I just drove back over the Bay Bridge and went home. I hate those ‘dud’ kinds of nights that are mostly spent driving. I enjoyed coffee ice-cream, showered, watched a bit of FALCON CREST and crashed for the night.

Before dreamland Chris was on my mind most of the time. Then it was Danny. Now I have Katie on my mind and I am hoping she will call me on Sunday. It’s not that I am tired of Chris but his fickle attitude at his new, ripe age of twenty-one is nerve racking. He has that ‘go out and experience’ attitude that gets to me. It is to the point of “get over it guy” or later days! We will still remain buddies though. I know.

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What A Girl Needs

They were both at fault;
he for being thoughtless and self-absorbed,
she for failing to express and explain her discontent.
-Ira Levin
"Rosemary's Baby"

I finally discovered 'What A Girl Needs' (besides LOVE). I was on that infamous flight from New York to London and began to fiddle with my headphones and found 'Easy Listening' music. There was a CD called 'What A Girl Needs'. Of course, I wanted to know all about it, so I listened to every tune on the CD. When you have a girl that NEEDS something (a birthday gift, a graduation gift, whatever) I honestly believe this to be a GREAT choice.

And if you're any guy, you should have it too. It's always good to know 'What a Girl Needs'.

You may order it here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JS8RJS/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
Geez...I should get some sort of referral fee for anyone who purchases it, huh?

If you have any doubts then just listen to the first tune and you'll say,
"Yep, gotta have it".
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=can't+take+my+eyes+off+of+you&docid=806147392207&mid=78E31E255AE5EF9B928478E31E255AE5EF9B9284&FORM=VIVR3

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 28, 1984
Thursday

I telephoned Salima Nasardeen-Hamilton this morning. She had not opened her gift yet but she was ever so thankful at my thoughtfulness.

Last night (before bedtime) I telephoned Michelle DeBartoli. We gabbed a good while. I wonder how surprised she was to hear from me, considering the fact that we had not spoken in a while. She is so high-fashion. I hope she knows I’m not “joshing” when I tell her that.

I telephoned Danny Garcia to wish him luck at his Regional Skating Competition but he had already left at 2PM (per Mary). Oh well, he will do well.
“I am sure he will place first, second or third because he is so good!” Mary said.
I’m envious and impressed by his accomplishments.
PHOTO: 2009, Evan Lysacek
A Figure Skating Champion

Surprisingly, Chris Cordellos telephoned while Jim Severn was with him.
“I just wanted to remind you to not call me at Barb’s house anymore because I am moving out,” Chris said.
I repeated the statements Barb had made about Chris being bisexual and the girl that had spotted him on the porch a couple of weeks ago.
Chris did not reply.
“I’m really bummed,” I confessed.
Chris did not reply.

I went to get my haircut by Danny (since I never got the cut on my previous visit). We had a few drinks together along with his roommate, Mary, and her sister, Dawn. I was still a little down from Chris’ limited conversation. I wonder ‘if’ and ‘who’ and ‘what’ is going on up there with him? Chris had said he moved in with some ‘couple’, so he’s probably getting stoned nightly. I don’t envy him.

Frank Vasconcellos called and I am going to see if I can rearrange my Traffic School for Saturday at SEARS in Hayward. Then we can be in the same class. It will be neat to take that class with someone I know. Talking to Frank has inspired me to go out. Barbara Reynolds neat ‘Bike Card’ inspired me, too.

I drove to Baxter’s (a Restaurant with bar and small dance floor) in Concord. I had a hell of a good time. I met Katie Jones, Mary Vincent, Myra, Karen, Ed and Johnny. I danced with Katie (we were both wearing black). I made a tentative dinner date at Baxter’s for Sunday night with Katie, too. She’s going to call me on Sunday. She is so fine, she blows my mind. Oh Katie!

I arrived in Alameda at 2:30AM or so and a cop pulled me over because I supposedly weaved a bit on Encinal Avenue. Luckily, I was sober enough and mentioned that Al Jayne could vouch for me. I went to high school with Bonnie Jayne and her dad, Al Jayne, was a force to reckon with in the Alameda Police Department. The cop cleared me and let me go. Hoorah!

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Healing Yourself to Sleep

"You just sit there like pudding, wobbling gently."
-as heard while watching the
Broadway show starring Matthew Broderick
"The Philanthropist"

Do you have trouble sleeping? I know what will work for you.

1. Go to LUSH and buy some cool bubble bath stuff and take a bath. It will soothe your body, soul and mind. Check out the LUSH USA shop website or just go to lush.com for any other country.
http://www.lushusa.com/shop

2. Before bedtime have a cup of chamomile tea. If you are a tea connoisseur or a fan of calming, warm drinks that settle you down before bedtime, you are probably familiar with chamomile. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea appreciated for its mild, fruity flavor and capacity to soothe one’s nerves. Actually, the word derives from a Greek word for ground apple, and its taste has been described as reminiscent of quinces or apples.

3. Do not read, watch television within a half hour before bedtime. This will only get your brain stimulated and thinking 'every which way'. Instead, immerse yourself in the music of REIKI HEALING WAVES or THE PERFECT BALANCE: Buddhist Relaxation. Here are the links to purchase these compact discs. I discovered the music during a flight from New York to London. The music will relax you. They soothed my mind and helped me to sleep.
http://www.amazon.com/Reiki-Healing-Waves-Parijat/dp/B001FA30DS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245945710&sr=8-1
OR
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ECXTCU/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 27, 1984
Wednesday
Hoorah! My work day ended at 1:30PM. I had a real life dental appointment (not a fake one this time). A cavity filling was replaced. I went for my 8 X 10 portrait photo at Montgomery Ward’s but all of the tiny tots turned me off, so I left the scene and never took advantage of the deal for my portrait photo.

I returned home and took a nice nap. I was bike riding from 7 to 7:40PM.

Frank Vasconcellos telephoned. It was a coincidence to learn that he has traffic school scheduled for Saturday as well. We may be in the same class.

Chris telephoned.
“I am packing all of my stuff from Barb’s. Don’t call me at her place anymore,” Chris said.
Since he was moving out I figured it was okay to spill the beans. I told him what Barb had said to me about the friend who spotted him on the porch with another guy.
I started to wonder if it was that Tony ‘fella’ that Chris had mentioned once (an older gent) that may have been on the porch with him.

PHOTO: The Porch

Chris did not really share any insight about who he was with on the porch. He remained quiet. Then I decided to tell him that I saw Danny, the hair stylist I met at "The Hub" in Walnut Creek.

Chris was approving about my seeing Danny. I began to wonder if he was feeling guilty about his own actions.
“I think you should go out with others,” Chris said.
His statement made me feel that I should go out with others. I still feel there will always be a place for Chris. Then again, who knows? Is this the end of us?

I went to the store for fresh bread. I made a sandwich, showered and retired for the evening.

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Somewhere

He stopped to look at the bright colors of magazine covers in a drugstore window.
Anything to postpone the inevitable a little longer.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I was on a flight from New York to London on May 20, 2009 and I found myself listening to easy tunes by a singer named RHYDIAN. He was the runner-up in the 2007 X-Factor (a British show that is similar to America's AMERICAN IDOL). I liked his singing of 'The Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Somewhere' and 'Not a Dry Eye in the House'.

I decided to feature the song SOMEWHERE in today's blog because I never realized it was a song from WEST SIDE STORY until recently. Here is a video of RHYDIAN, singing SOMEWHERE during the X-Factor show:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=rhydian&docid=1004139380943&mid=F67A4F4D40E2FE1993D2F67A4F4D40E2FE1993D2&FORM=VIVR3

SOMEWHERE (lyrics)

There's a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.

There's a time for us,
Some day a time for us,
Time together with time spare,
Time to learn, time to care,
Some day!

Somewhere.
We'll find a new way of living,
We'll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere . . .

There's a place for us,
A time and place for us.
Hold my hand and we're halfway there.
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow,
Some day,
Somewhere!

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 26, 1984
Tuesday

I managed to get out of work early today (3PM). I went to moms for my clothes that she sweetly ironed for me. I had a good bike ride up until 5:15PM or so.

I decided at about 7PM that I’d drive to Walnut Creek for a haircut by Danny (at Supercuts).
PHOTO: Actor, Michael Damian
a 'Danny' lookalike

Michael Thoennes telephoned.
“I just called to say goodbye because I’m moving to Oregon on Sunday,” Michael T said.

I telephoned Chris and Barbara answered the phone. It wasn’t a surprise that she answered.
“I have to ask you a question. Is Chris bisexual?” Barb asked.
Now that was a surprise! I was dumbfounded.
“I can’t figure it out because he was acting peculiar and wouldn’t discuss the problem with me,” Barb continued.
“The real problem, according to Chris, is your nagging,” I explained.
“Well, a girlfriend had stopped by the house and saw Chris on the porch with some guy. Chris was ‘more than’ buddy-buddy with this guy, so the girl split the scene, totally freaked,” Barb said, hoping I would offer some insight.
“I don’t know. I promise I won’t say a word,” I said after she pleaded that I not tell Chris about any of this information.

I decided to go and see Danny (in Walnut Creek) after this conversation. Danny cut my hair and we arranged to meet at the Lyon’s Restaurant. I had four white Russians before the meeting. He arrived with his roommate of the week (Mary) and her sister (Dawn). We all ate together and talked about mushrooms, pictures, haircuts, roller skating and Danny’s regional championship event in Bakersfield on Saturday (my traffic school date). Danny is a champion skater.

I ended up spending the night at Danny’s apartment. Mary went to bed before us. I learned that Mary’s husband (Dan) had died in a car accident less than six months ago. Danny and I barely slept a wink. We slept in his very untidy room. We started to kiss and fool around but never went very far. I needed to vent my frustrations as I told him about being “together” with Chris. I explained our long-distance romance and his being in the Coast Guard in the Eureka area.
“I understand,” Danny said as he kept staring at me like he was in total love.

Danny’s surname is Garcia and he believes we have an uncanny resemblance to one another. I don't see it as clearly. I thought he looked more like Danny Romalotti (aka Michael Damien), a character on "The Young & The Restless".

Danny Garcia is a Libra and I find him to be a very nice guy. Danny had hair cuttings to deal with in San Jose the next day. Then he had skating rehearsals. My plan was to drive to work in Downtown Oakland from his Alamo, California apartment.

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The Third Man

"He never grew up.
The world grew up around him that's all."
-as hear in the 1949 film,
"The Third Man"

Every once in a while you see a movie that 'sticks' with you for a day and 'the day after that'. I happened to see a motion picture from 1949 the other day called "The Third Man". The B&W cinematography was brilliant. If I were a photography instructor it would be a required film to watch on the first day of class.

"The Third Man" is a suspenseful mystery directed by Carol Green. The drama captured me through many of the images. Orson Welles has a role in the film along with classic stars from the early 1950s like Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard and Wilfrid Hyde-White. It is also an advantageous way to escape to Vienna in 1949.
The story follows an unemployed writer, Holly Martins, who arrives in a post war Vienna that is divided into sectors by the victorious allies (France, Britain, America and Russia). A shortage of supplies leads to a flourishing black market.

Holly arrives at the invitation of an ex-school friend named Harry Lime who has offered him a job. Suddenly, Harry Lime dies in a peculiar traffic accident. From talking to Lime's friends and associates Holly Martins soon notices that some of the stories are inconsistent. He is determined to discover what really happened to Harry Lime.


The director, Peter Bogdonavich, said, "Orson Welles used to refer to Black and White as the actors' friend. It's the lack of distraction. It focuses on the dramatic."


Twenty-five years ago today:

June 25, 1984
Monday

I looked pretty slick at work (as usual). I was told that I looked slick. Funny.

Bob Fadda gave me a few “slick” and “questionable” looks. I am sure the looks were because he had seen me last Saturday night at the “Bench and Bar”. Oh well…I only have eight more business days left in that office. Hoorah!

I went to the Day Cleaners after work.

I also had a good few solid bike hours. I stopped at Suzy Miller’s and spoke to her apartment mate, a black fellow. He’s a nice guy.

Now here I am wondering if I should exercise, shower, go out or what? It’s almost 9PM already.

Chris Cordellos telephoned me sooner than I had expected (at 9:35PM). It was a good, nice chat.
“I miss it down there and hangin’ out with ya,” Chris said in a soft, quiet voice, “Barb is bummin’ me out, yellin’ at me, tellin’ me that I’m good-for-nothin’ and that I’m going nowhere in life. You know what else?”
“What?” I asked, feeling scared as to what was coming next.
“She said I have no balls and that I use one friend and then I just flake another friend off.”
I felt bad for him.
I tried to give him words of support.
“She’s a bad influence. Don’t worry because you and I both know your self-worth is high.” I thought I sounded reassuring. It seemed to make him feel better.
We said “Good night.”

Now I will shower.

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The Extebarri Experience

"Don't try to understand it. Just feel it."
"Ne pas essayer de comprendre. Juste le sentiment."
"No trate de entenderlo. Sólo siente."
-as heard in the 2000 film
'WOMAN ON TOP'
Extebarri is the name of an unforgettable restaurant in the middle of Basque Country (Spain). It is not easy to find. Extebarri is located in the Basque province of Vizcaya, a 45-minute drive southeast of Bilbao, or more than an hour southwest of San Sebastián.

It took Alan and I two hours to find Extebarri from San Sebastian because our concierge foolishly printed the wrong address. Still, the tiny village of Axpe can be easily missed. Never give up. I was ready to go back to San Sebastian and have a late lunch at McDonald's but we finally found it when we were determined to find Axpe (it's just about the only establishment in the village).



It is best to aim for lunch. You will see the gorgeous Basque landscape and won't have to drive in the dark. There aren't many street lights in these parts. Lunch is served daily (except on Monday).


The food is delicious. The cod fish salad and the Galicia steak filet memories make me want to return to this 'middle of nowhere' place. I honestly believe I have never had a better steak filet in my life. The sprinkled sea salt and those peppers were not spicy hot, just miraculously ultra-fresh vegetarian.

I took a photograph of each course (as you can see). The only thing I would not order again are the croquettes (they were much too filling).

Needless to say, there was a very light dinner that night in San Sebastian.
We were 'well fed'.




Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday
June 24, 1984

I woke up early once again. Chris did not appreciate that fact. He wanted to sleep in. He remained in bed while I organized and got things together around the house.
We had a ‘morning delight’ and headed for Tillie’s on Webster Street for breakfast. It was good. We were both hungry. Chris bought his mom a mirrored brass frame at the Alameda Flea Market. She ended up loving it.

We went for a Moosehead beer at my house and everything was reasonably fine between us until I saw an empty matchbook in his car from the ‘Islander Motel”. This evidence was an indicator as to how much he smokes when he is up in Humboldt. We went to Concord and then Chris drove my car to Sonoma. I did not feel like driving.

While in Sonoma Chris ran into some of his old friends (Charlu, Robin, etc). We went to a pool party and then ate at Mary’s Pizza Shack in ‘Boyes Hot Springs’. We had a good time. We couldn't help cracking jokes about the name of this town (BOYES HOT SPRINGS).

“You are the A-1 looker at the poolside,” Chris said. His comment made me feel good. I was flattered after all of his talk about his friend, Charlu, and what they had done together.
“He’s like a bro to me because we’ve known each other since we were three years old,” Chris repeated.

By 7PM we were on our way back to Concord. Once again, Chris went through his doldrums mood about not wanting to go back. We dipped into the swimming pool in Concord. His mom gave us some “tool kits” gifts. She’s so sweet and caring.

Chris and I shared vague goodbyes.
“Well, at least I have some clothing of yours that will remind me of you,” Chris said. Suddenly the stupid arguments we’d had over the weekend were erased and seemed so blah-zay. I still cannot forget the not-so-nice things he had said. I don’t intend on calling or writing him for a while. I will wait and see how long it will take for him to initiate contact with me.

I went to see mom once I returned to Alameda. We watched “Young & the Restless” again. I headed home at around 10:30PM and settled in to bed, starting to feel ready for another Monday, a Blue Monday.

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A Visit to Costa Brava

"Feelings can creep up just like that."
-as heard in a very slow moving
2001 Asian film called
"In The Mood For Love"

Alan and I stayed at the Hotel Aiguaclara in Begur, Spain (the Costa Brava region) on May 31, 2009 & June 1, 2009. The owners of the Hotel (Joan and Clara) are so kind and helpful. It’s not the most expensive hotel in the area but it’s worth the quaint feeling to be near town.

I remember being impressed by the young, Salvador Dali, postcard photo I saw in the foyer. The eyes were so piercing.

The small town area reminded me of the small town depicted in the classic film ‘Cinema Paradaiso’. By the time you check-out you feel as though Joan and Clara will forever be your friends.

It’s not the easiest place to find but it’s cozy and comfortable, near some fabulous beaches like Si Riera or Temuira. The nearby Platja Castell de Cap Roig didn’t seem to have a very sophisticated crowd but it was worth lying out on this beach for some local people watching, too.

The local ‘Casa Juanita Restaurant’ is ideal for the grilled fish dinner, prepared in a wood oven stove with olive oil, fresh potatoes and onions. It was recommended to us by Joan and Clara. Delicious! The tuna tartare appetizer at the Hotel Aiguaclara Restaurant was quite good. The breakfasts they provide in the morning are ideal, too. We would definitely stay here again. We need to find a good place for paella the next time around.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 23, 1984
Saturday

This morning we had a couple of ‘kidding around arguments’ but I hate them.

Oh yeah! Last night at ‘The Hub’ I met Danny who cuts hair at Supercuts in Walnut Creek.
“You should come in for a cut,” Danny suggested.
I just may do that.

In the morning Chris Cordellos and I went to Ole’s Waffle Shop and then over to MACY’s. I bought about $100 in shirts (a pretty good deal). We went to Emporium-Capwell in Downtown Oakland.
Chris fell in love with a vest and shorts outfit.
“I’m going to talk my mom into buying them with her credit card,” Chris announced excitedly as he proceeded to telephone her.
He did get her credit card number and ended up purchasing the same shorts and vest at Sun Valley Shopping Center in Concord.

I bought a tie and some black shoes at Grodins.

We decided to go back to his mom’s condo and we ended up having some ‘killer’ White Russian drinks. They were too “buzzingly” good!

We ended up going to The Greek Festival and hung out, eating Greek food. Then we had to drop into the “Bench and Bar” in Downtown Oakland (a gay bar). Another small argument emerged when I bumped into Bob Fadda (a co-worker). I can only guess that Chris is definitely ‘off balance’. As soon as I noticed his negative vibes I wanted to split. Chris was upset. He even hit the rear of his car on a wall and the cops pulled us over because of his radical speeding down Webster Street!

“Just take me home,” I finally said.
Chris was just happy that the cop did not give him a ticket. I was too. After that relief we decided to go to McGee’s on Park Street in Alameda where I saw Steve Gaster and his sister along with a few other friends. We sat there for a while. Vicki Wiltens (who I remember from Alameda High School) was there looking not-so-pretty. She was giving me the eye but I know she didn’t remember me from school. After the stopover at McGee’s bar we went to my place and simply slept. We were tired.

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Hot Summer Night (Oh La La La)

"When you kissed me your lips burned of the chili pepper."
-Penelope Cruz
while in character as Isabella Oliviera
in the 2000 film, "WOMAN ON TOP"

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=hot+summer+night%2c+david+tavare&docid=882472648786&mid=40A33F7F6F71F8EB646F40A33F7F6F71F8EB646F&FORM=VIVR
Oh Boy! Another EUROPA-FM song that I love (and discovered while in Spain last month)...just in time for SUMMER.
It makes me want to dance!

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 22, 1984
Friday

I telephoned my mom from work at 8:30AM. She thought I was at work but I explained about my AX Time. Five minutes later I was at her house. She was so sweet to give me two of her well kept fig tree plants and a wicker chair. I accomplished things today that I normally would not have done.

I went to the Dry Cleaners and made a stop at Great Western Savings for my IRA Contribution 1984. I biked from 1pm to 3pm because the office did not need me to come in midday after all. I had the entire day as AX Time. I spent time with mom just before she left for work at 3:30pm at the Oakland Main post-office. Then I simply went bicycling again.

I stopped over at Suzy’s apartment and she shared her pictures with me. We talked some ‘small talk’ and then I headed back home. Before I knew it the time was 6PM. I saw that Chris’ convertible top was down, so I knew that he was “HERE”. I saw him walking over in a dark sweater, looking ever-so-suave and cool. He walks as if he is so ‘sure of himself’. He gave me a tennis ball and I gave him some Swedish soap, a photograph and a BERLIN music tape with a great BIKE greeting card.

“I want to see my mom, so will you come with me?” Chris asked.
“Sure, let’s go,” I answered.
He drove to Concord and we stayed a while. His mom has this vaporizer in her home because of her emphysema. It’s always so cool in her home.

Chris and I decided to venture over to “The Hub” in Walnut Creek after we finally found Salima’s house so that I could deliver her birthday gift (a $25 vase that looked $100). “The Hub” was a bit of a shock for me because Laura Rossi was there! She was the gorgeous Italian girl that I had met at Gladman a few years ago. She recognized and greeted me. I gave her my business card with my home telephone number written on it.
“Please call me,” I said.
I have not been home, so I don’t know if she has called.

Chris woke up on the wrong side of the bed or we simply got off on the wrong foot today. We argued about not being able to find Salima’s house quickly enough. And I was wearing sandals, so I was in no mood to dance at “The Hub”.
“Besides, I thought we were just gonna hang out at my pad and watch TV,” I questioned.
Well, Chris ended up dancing anyway. He was dancing with some muscular ‘flip’ (Filipino) named Dallas. He also danced with some grody spic (Spanish) guy named Carlos who was visiting from San Bruno, CA. Chris seemed so infatuated with this Carlos guy.
It burned me up when Chris said, “Carlos has said nicer things to me than you’ve ever said!”
“Give me a break!” I admit that I may have been a bit jealous but he had to drag it out just to spite me. I think he wanted to make me out as an ‘exacto duplicate’ of his ex (Tony) who supposedly maintained jealousy to every move Chris made.

I did not bother to give Chris the satisfaction of reacting the way he wanted me to.
I simply said, “I knew there was nothing to worry about because I thought he was so grody lookin’.”

As anyone could imagine the drive home was a “bummer”. First, it was the argument about finding Salima’s house to deliver her gift in a timely manner. Then it was the Carlos dance fling and the possible future outings alone (and separately).

PHOTO: A fictitious photo of Carlos,
Trust me, he did NOT look like this. LOL


When we arrive to my house Chris continued to act childish. He would not get out of the car.
“Why don’t you just spend the night?” I asked, trying to chalk it all off.
“No, I want to have a joint,” Chris shouted.
Luckily, he did not have that joint. He eventually came inside the house and he looked through my box of clothes that I was planning to give away to Goodwill. He chose a few items he wanted.

We ended up going to sleep together. Slowly but surely and ‘nonchalantly’ we made it nice again.

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Pictures Of You

When things were not to her liking, her eyes would fill, her lower lip would protrude, and her voice had a quiver as she said,
"My feelings are hurt."
By which method she usually got what she wanted.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I know I had heard this song a year or two ago and I never found it again until my recent trip to Europe (thanks to EUROPA-FM). It's called PICTURES OF YOU by a group called 'The Last Goodnight'. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! (One would think I must LOVE taking pictures.)

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pictures+of+you%2C+the+last+goodnight&docid=953062916548&mid=8AA609E92BB13368E4D88AA609E92BB13368E4D8&FORM=VIVR7

This is the clock up on the wall
This is the story of us all
This is the first sound of a new born child before he starts to crawl
This is the war that's never won
This is the soldier and his gun
This is the mother waiting by the phone praying for her son

(chorus)
Pictures of you
Pictures of me
Hung up on your wall for the world to see
Pictures of you
Pictures of me
Remind us all of what we used to be
Woooah

There is a drug that cures it all
Blocked by the governmental wall
We are the scientists inside the lab just waiting for the call
This earthquake weather has got me shaking
Inside i'm high up and dry

(chorus)
Pictures of you
Pictures of me
Hung up on your wall for the world to see
Pictures of you
Pictures of me
Remind us all of what we used to be

Confess to me
Every secret moment
Every stolen promise you've believed
Confess to me
All that lies between us
All that lies between you and me
We are the boxers in the ring
We are the bells that never sing
There is a title we cant win no matter how hard we must swing

(chorus)
Pictures of you
Pictures of me
Hung up on your wall for the world to see
Pictures of you
Pictures of me
Remind us all of what we could have been

There's another PICTURES OF YOU song by The Cure that I was reminded of that I loved back in the 1980's, too. Allow me to take "PICTURES OF YOU". Please!
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pictures+of+you%2C+the+cure&docid=989699834145&mid=7C7A416779B7FC3B82237C7A416779B7FC3B8223&FORM=VIVR11

Which version do you like better?

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 21, 1984
Thursday

It was a drab day until around 4pm when Moe (one of the mid-level supervisors) decided to come over to my cubicle.
“Would you like to have tomorrow morning off as AX time?” Moe asked.
I jumped at the offer. “AX” is ‘Absent Without Pay’ but I could use the time to get things together at my pad (even if I had to be at work midday).

On this evening I pretty much refurbished the environment of my closet. Things were beginning to look much neater. John still has not removed his bed frame, headboard and desk. I will be happy when I have that space.

I went to bed at midnight.

I telephoned Chris Cordellos at 11PM and ‘Barbara the Bitch’ answered. She was unusually ‘snotty’ at me. I could tell by her aloof tone. It was for no apparent reason either. I asked her to wake Chris. He did not say much, so ‘that was that’.

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Three Good Things

"The work I am doing is helping kids keep from feeling so tired they give up. Instead, they might even find the ability to give themselves and others LOVE. After all, it is what we all want anyway."-Michael Kozuch
Massachusetts
as read in the book
"Telling Lies Out of School"

I spoke to a notable doctor known as 'The Naked Scientist' while in Cambridge, England last month, June 2009. He told me of a researcher he knew that was focusing on a study for improving our well-being.
She told him, "Each night before bedtime I take my notebook and write THREE good things that I did on the given day. W hen I did this similar study with others I found that each person improved their well-being and individual feelings."

My advice for you today is to buy a notebook. And, of course, each night simply write three GOOD things you did today. You will feel better. I have already begun and it makes for a better night of sleep, too.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 20, 1984
Wednesday

I ended up buying two raffle tickets today. This is what happens. I sell a few Baby Pageant tickets and they all come from the woodwork, wanting me to buy their tickets. I bought from Barbara Pauley and Andra Wicks. Oh well, it all evens out in the end.

To my disappointment I learned that my current balance on my preferred VISA is now $940. How did that happen? I am definitely playing it cool until my bills are paid.

After the Sperm Bank visit today I headed home and ate some lasagna. I rearranged my pad a bit and did a lot of cleaning up at the ‘3348 Solomon Lane’ townhouse. It was time to give Chris a call.
“I’m moved-in,” I said with a sigh of relief.
We had a good chat. I think I will take his car in to the MOBIL Service Station and have his flat tire fixed.

I helped my brother, John, move his refrigerator, washer and dryer in to his new pad. After that workout I came home to shower and lounge. I waited for ‘Dark Shadows’ to start, watching it as I wrapped Salima’s Birthday gift and Chris’ Surprise gift.

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The CBS Annual Shareholder's Meeting, 2009

"The act is the same, only the actors change!"
-Evelyn Davis,
an avid shareholder attendee

The CBS Annual Shareholder's Meeting, 2009, took place at 787 Seventh Avenue at 51st Street in New York City. I was in attendance. The stock price is trading around $7.45 per share right now. In mid-June 2008 it was trading in the $21.30 range. The meeting did not seem to bring up this issue, using the trauma of the current economy as the excuse.

It cannot be ignored that the CBS Class B shares have no voting value. It is the CBS Class A shares that are majority-owned by Sumner Redstone that have "full throttle" control. It seems that the CBS stock price will not have an immediate revival unless Sumner decides to release his control (yes, one venue is by selling the company). It is doubtful he will do so. It's his "baby".

"May I remind you that the top ten shows on television are on CBS," Sumner said at this meeting. Were his powerful words supposed to give high hopes to every investor?

The President & CEO, Leslie Moonves, spoke with an excited tone about the new CBS Interactive Music Group. I guess it remains to be seen what benefits that shall bring. The new CBS MoneyWatch was also given honorable mention.
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/
I jotted this information down as I felt a need to investigate these further.

Leslie Moonves says, "In 2008 we reduced our cost structure. Our stock performance is affected by the recession more than it should have been. As the economy improves our stock price will as well."

Not long after this statement another shareholder came to the microphone to say, "Why can't my dividend go direct to the bank? Since Westinghouse, I've gotten older," the woman looked to be in her late eighties or early nineties.

Attending a shareholder's meeting in the year 2009 can almost be an idea for a new interactive cable show. The happenings are easily the makings of comedy and drama. Perhaps CBS should televise their annual shareholder meetings "LIVE" for the entertainment value in and of itself. I was almost going to recommend a new talk show, starring a fabulous English notable. Then I figured, "Would they even listen?"

Ironically, there was no mention of the October 2008 news headline:
Redstone's firm sells $233 million worth of stock in Viacom, CBS
The billionaire dumped the shares to raise cash to comply with debt agreements.
By Meg James,
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 14, 2008

Billionaire Sumner Redstone's National Amusements Inc. said Monday that it had sold $233 million worth of stock in Viacom Inc. and CBS Corp. to raise cash to comply with debt covenants.

All I can say to this is, "How lovely". It is clear that ad revenues and sales need to return to CASH "KING" mode. It is 'advertising' that keeps CBS alive. Then again, CBS is such a diamond status network that I am sure some Middle Eastern oil-rich chap or some credible China entrepreneur could afford to pay a high price that Sumner would be forced to consider.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 19, 1984
Tuesday

The work day passed on rather quickly. There was nothing too eventful to mention except that I appreciated Joan Lyons coming to my cubicle, requesting a purchase of a ticket to Ashley’s Baby Pageant. I am only surprised that Barbara Reynolds did not buy one. She’s a bitch (at times).

I did not ride my bike. Instead I went to ‘3330 Cook Lane’ to help Sherri set up the crib and other items.

Chris telephoned me before I left for Sherri's saying, “I will be heading your way this Friday at around four o’clock!”
“That’s good news,” I told him.
The only thing is that we will not be spending any money. We are just going to lounge. We may lay out by the pool at the Islandia Homeowners Clubhouse.


I feel guilty for not riding my bike today. I transferred all of my clothes from 356 Magnolia Drive to ‘3348 Solomon Lane’. What a chore. I will be moving my ‘body’ into the townhouse tomorrow night. At 9PM I ‘hit the hay’. Yawn.

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THE ROYAL BALLET, London

"For three years I've been lying flat on my back for you!"
-Murilo Benicio, the Brazilian husband
to Penelope Cruz
in the 2000 film
"WOMAN ON TOP"

Imagine this story:
Ondine was a water nymph in German mythology. She was very beautiful and, like all nymphs, immortal. However, should she fall in love with a mortal man and bear his child - she will lose her "gift" of everlasting life. Ondine fell in love with a dashing knight - Sir Lawrence - and they were married.

When they exchanged vows, Lawrence said, "My every waking breath shall be my pledge of love and faithfulness to you."
A year after their marriage Ondine gave birth to his child. From that moment on she began to age.

As Ondine’s physical attractiveness diminished, Lawrence lost interest in his wife. One afternoon Ondine was walking near the stables when she heard the familiar snoring of her husband. When she entered the stable, however, she saw Lawrence lying in the arms of another woman. Ondine pointed her finger at him, which he felt as a kick, waking up with a start.

Ondine uttered a curse: "You swore faithfulness to me with every waking breath, and I accepted your oath. So be it. As long as you are awake, you shall have your breath, but should you ever fall asleep, then that breath will be taken from you and you will die!"

That was the storyline of the very first 'Royal London' ballet I witnessed on Saturday evening, June, 6, 2009 at The Royal Opera House in London. I am quite honored by this outing as it was a gift to me from Lord John Eatwell and his dear wife, Lady Susan Digby-Eatwell. It is difficult to describe the regal aura of attending The Royal Ballet. Fantastico!

PHOTO: Alan Freiman, Michael J Armijo,
Susan Digby-Eatwell, Lord John Eatwell

Twenty-five years ago today:

Monday
June 18, 1984

I sold a few more tickets for Ashley’s Baby Pageant. I enjoyed lunch at ‘The Roof Garden’ with my brother, Tony, and Helen Wong.

I telephoned Chris Cordellos on my last break.
“I’m still not sure of my assignments at the end of the week because Ed and Jim are AWOL! I am on high demand because I am seen as the ideal conscientious worker now,” Chris explained.
I laughed, “I know you are.”
“Listen. Could you call Barb and pretend that you haven’t heard from me in a while?”
“Why?”
“I gave her a wild fib that I hadn’t seen or talked to you when she asked,” Chris confessed.
I thought it odd that he would do that but ‘whatever’.

I end up staying at work until 5:30PM today. Ugh! I arrived home and crashed on mom’s brass bed in the guest room. When I woke up I ate ravioli. I did not even feel like riding my bike. I was tired, lazy and kind of ‘bummed out’.

At 8PM I telephoned Sherri and ended up helping her transport a load of boxes from Solomon Lane to Cook Lane. I did a little interior decorating at my pad on Solomon Lane at the same time. Suddenly it was 11PM. Yawn. Good night.

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