Looking for Mr. Goodbar

“If we’re all alone
then we’re all together ‘in that’ too.”
-Kathy Bates
as heard in the 2007 film
“P.S. I Love You”

There are chocolate wars going on in the world right now. It is primarily based on the untouched market of potential chocolate consumers in India.

Hershey and Kraft Foods are both trying to sweeten the bid for buying the Cadbury company in England. There are places in India where people have never even tasted chocolate. These companies want “in” for this market share.

PHOTO: Michael J Armijo with
Mr. Goodbar, July 7, 2002

The Mr. Goodbar candy bar was introduced by Hershey in 1925. I have a feeling there are a lot of people in India that are anxiously awaiting their first Mr. Goodbar.

I am not a chocolate lover but I love my occasional bit of chocolate with a cappuccino now and then. Let's take a survey. Are you a chocolate lover? Yum Yum!

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 17, 1984
Monday

Work was welcoming. Both Barbara Reynolds and ‘Miss Peggy’ (my nickname for her with the concept of ‘Miss Piggy’ in mind) gave me welcome back hugs. Bobbie Renbarger and I may see a flick on Thursday night. Bobbie is cool.

I told Barbara about Karen (of England). Barbara confirmed my awareness that Karen may think she is the “it” girl. Karen would often mention someone she hates because she thinks that she is “it”. Therefore, I am beginning to think she really thinks she is “it”. In other words, she is stuck on herself. She was not the least bit aggressive with me yesterday. I get the sneaking suspicion that she will not be calling me again.

Today was a leader led program of training on requests of Disconnects (disconnecting telecommunications services). We have a new instructor from Los Angeles named Conrad Cox. He is fat, married and very much ‘questionable’.

I went to moms’ house for dinner (roast chicken). My brother, Tony, was there to enjoy dinner with mom and I.
“Did you hear the news about Dana Mitchell?” Tony asked.
Dana was a gal I used to work with and I had not heard the news. She was pregnant.
“Well, she had her baby at the Toll Plaza on the Bay Bridge. It was a first. They named the baby girl, Bridgette,” Tony explained.
I loved that idea of naming the girl after the place she decided to be born.

I returned home to my place and changed into my bike threads. I wore black shorts and a grey sweat shirt (worn inside out/reversed). Jim Koran wore his sweat shirt reversed that way when I met him. I was influenced and inspired by the look.

Karen Jackson (of England) telephoned me. I was surprised, yet delighted.
“Would you rather go to lunch tomorrow or to the I-BEAM for dancing tomorrow night?” Karen asked.
“I think lunch,” I replied as I was in no mood to drive in to The City, home and back to The City on a Tuesday.
“Okay, I will call you at work tomorrow to let you know for sure,” Karen said.
I don’t know who she thinks she is. She acts like she is so ‘in control’.

I went bicycling for a good while on this early evening. It was kind of humid but a very beautiful night. I took a ride to mom’s house for more nourishment. I left by 9pm and returned to my pad.

I heard the telephone was ringing as I parked my bike. It was Frank Vasconcellos, my old buddy. I only say old because it’s been a while since I had heard from him. He was calling from Stockton, California.
“I’m at my friend’s house. His name is David. I was thinking about you and thought we should go out again,” Frank said.
And so, we made plans to go out this Saturday to see a flick and catch up on things.
“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. A friend of mine ran into Tammy and she dyed her hair black!” Frank said with his shocking flamboyant sounding voice.
“I can’t even picture it!”
“Yeah,” he laughed, “I don’t really want to talk about it now but I’ve been feeling depressed.”
“I can relate.”
“Well, we’ll have fun this weekend.”

Karyn Kossoff telephoned me, too. I filled her in on the trip to Los Angeles. I left out a lot, of course.
“Well, I confronted Chris about Wayne. Chris said that Wayne was the one making moves on him. And then Chris just freaked out and got up to leave,” I explained to Karyn.
“I see. Well, I went to Lake Temescal yesterday with Ron Shelly,” Karyn said.
“That sounds fun. I just got back from L.A. so I need a vacation from the vacation.”

I did not bother to mention my time with Suzy Miller or Karen Jackson. The less known is probably better. I did tell Karyn about my new Gucci Bag, umbrella, belt, tie and the Beverly Wilshire night stay.

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Out Of It

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves,
but wiser people so full of doubts."
-Bertrand Russell
& the quote was provided to me
by
Gloria Weiner-Freiman Cohen

As a child I watched a film called GIGOT, starring Jackie Gleason. It is not available on DVD and I really loved it. Gene Kelly directed it in 1962.

It's a sentimental comedy about a mute who befriends the young daughter of a prostitute. Gleason shows his magnificent acting talent without uttering a sound as he plays the bumbling, kind-hearted janitor, Gigot. Gleason wrote the original story and music for this film.

If anyone ever finds a copy available on DVD, please let me know.

Twenty-five years ago today:

July 6, 1984
Friday

I got a plant, a big SUGAR DADDY candy bar, a few farewell/good luck cards and a wallet from the disgruntled fellow employees that were very sad by my leaving the department. There was a pot-luck smorgasbord luncheon that was put together nicely. I had a really good time on my last day. The significance of the SUGAR DADDY candy bar is beyond me. Maybe I was a SUGAR DADDY to a lot of the ladies in the office.

After work Michelle DeBortoli, Cedric Green and I went for Happy Hour drinks at the T.J. Toppers that is located inside the Hyatt-Downtown Oakland. It was even more fun as I drank a white Russian, a long island iced-tea and two separators. Believe me, I was separated myself (after those drinks). A separator is a brandy, Kahlua, milk ‘on the rocks’ shaken well, so one can just imagine.

We had a good time. I drove Michelle home. Cedric took BART home. I made tentative plans to go out dancing with Cedric tomorrow night. One would agree to a lot after a “separator”.

After dropping Michelle off I went to a gas station telephone booth to give Danny Garcia a call. He thought I sounded OOI (Out Of It). He was not all that into my non-sober explanation after Happy Hour. It was clear he didn’t think I should come out to Walnut Creek. He and Mary were going to Lyon’s.
“I’ll meet you there,” I said firmly.
I ended up arriving there before they did. I ordered a white Russian and an ice-water.

It was cool. We talked and gabbed the night until we decided to go to “The Hub”. While I was there I saw Sherri’s friend, Tony, at the club (and Jim Hartman, too).
“Don’t tell Sherri you saw me because I’m not sure how she’d handle it,” Tony said.
“Don’t worry about it,” I said.

Mary, Danny and I were all dancing together (the threesome). It was a fun night for me to celebrate. By 2PM we were at Lyon’s again for ‘eats’. Our tummies were growling.

I ended up spending the night at Danny’s apartment in Alamo. Danny slept with Mary and I slept in Danny’s messy room. I did not understand that. I woke up at 8:30AM and Danny ‘sort of’ woke up around the same time. He bid me goodbye.
“Call me around three o’clock,” Danny said.
“Okay, I will,” I replied.

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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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The Caterpillar & The Butterfly

The young see what they wish to see.
The old see what they do not wish.

What must happen before a caterpillar can become a butterfly?

"The caterpillar must weave a cocoon, and live within it alone.
It becomes chrysalis, always changing, waiting until the proper time.
Then the cocoon is broken.
The butterfly escapes.
It is beautiful.
And it flies.

-Bette Bao Lord,
'Spring Moon'

PHOTO: A caterpillar I photographed on the island of St. Lucia on April 19, 2004.

Twenty-five years ago today:

I finally selected my 'floating holidays' for 1984. I was able to get April 2, 3, 4 and October 29, 30, 31 and November 1st. It's almost like having two extra weeks of vacation when one includes the attached weekends. Hoorah!

Once I arrived home I had a swift bike ride excursion in Alameda until 6:30pm. It was ever-so-rejuvenating.

I went to visit Dad and we ate dinner together. He gave me a few goodies. He really enjoys my visits. I decided to complete my ART class homework while I was there.

When I returned to my place I listened to KQAK 105.7 alternative-rock tunes as I wrote a short letter to Nancy. Don't ask me why. I just felt like I wanted to get my 'last words' out.
PHOTO: 1984-Self-Portrait, Michael Joe Armijo

I heard the CALL ME song by Blondie (from the American Gigolo soundtrack). I took it as a sign to call Paloma (probably because of those few French words).

I telephoned Paloma and we talked about my being so persistent yesterday.
"And then you gave up," she said in her heavy French accent.
It made me wonder where our relationship will lead. I decided to be frank with her and shared tidbit stories about Nici Maurino and Nancy.
"It's their loss as far as I'm concerned...not mine," I explained after I shared their annoying behavior.
She agreed with me that it is their loss.
"I enjoy something about you...like your way with words or something," Paloma said.

CALL ME
by Blondie lyrics

Colour me your colour, baby
Colour me your car
Colour me your colour, darling
I know who you are
Come up off your colour chart
I know where you're coming from
Call me on the line
Call me call me any anytime
Call me my love you can call me any day or night
Call me
Cover me with kisses, baby
Cover me with love
Roll me in designer sheets
I'll never get enough
Emotions come I don't know why
Cover up love's alibi
Call me on the line
Call me call me any anytime
Call me oh my love
When you're ready we can share the wine
Call me
Ooh, he speaks the languages of love
Ooh, amore, chiamami chiamami.
Oo, appelle-moi mon cherie, appelle-moi
Anytime anyplace anywhere anyway
Anytime anyplace anywhere any day, anyway
Call me my life
Call me call me any anytime
Call me for a ride
Call me call me for some overtime
Take me out and show me off
Put me on the scene
Dress Me in the fashions of the nineteen nighties
You're the man no in between
I know what you words can mean
Call me call me any anytime
Call me for a ride
Call me call me for some overtime
Call me in my life
Call me call me in a sweet design
Call me call me for your lover's lover's alibi
Call me on the line
Call me call me any anytime
Call me
Oh, call me, ooh ooh ah.
Call me my love.
Call me, call me any anytime

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Living Outside Your Bubble

We have been very happy.
I have often felt completely alone.
There is always in this life something to discover.
The days and the years have gone by in some sort of blur.
On the whole, I am satisfied.
-Alice Munro
from her short story,
The Albanian Virgin

We all become too routine. It is time to remove yourself from your 'bubble'. Go out and get some of that fresh air. Never limit yourself to new discoveries is my 'blog' suggestion for today.

"Doesn't fresh air give us an appetite?"
-Alice Munro
from her short story,
Open Secrets

Twenty-fives year ago today:

Janurary 31, 1984, Tuesday

It is the last day of January 1984 and the month has proved 'key' in a couple of respects. Chris Cordellos and Nancy DeSilva are new faces 'in the picture'.

I made an attempt to call Nancy. She was attending a school 'Rah Rah" game.

I called Paloma and we talked about the upcoming UC Berkeley schedule of events.
"Why don't we go out on Friday night?" I asked her.
Her tone of voice made me feel she was not so thrilled with my idea. I believe Paloma prefers outings with her girlfriends on the weekends. She should know how that made me feel. Her smoking while she speaks to me on the telephone is most annoying. I can hear her 'blow smoke'.

While at work today I told Ben Nunley a few dirty jokes that seemed to tickle his fancy. It was fun. Ben is pretty 'cool'. I guess it's because he laughs at my corny jokes.

I consulted Salima about what business-like attire I should wear on Friday for our section luncheon. Salima always dresses so high-fashion. She is such a sweet 'looker'.

After work I dialed Helen's number.
"I have a rash all over my body," Helen said.
"How did that happen?" I questioned with much concern.
"It may mean food poisoning," she explained, "the doctors are still checking into it."

I went to bed early (by 9pm). I had tried to call Chris Cordellos at Oak Knoll Hospital but here was no record of his name with the Admissions Office. It beats me? I wonder if he had to get the operation after all? I wonder if Nancy will ever return my call?

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