For the Weak at Heart

"With a little imagination I can go anywhere."
-as heard while watching
the 2008 film
"Nim's Island"

In the New Scientist magazine there was an article written back in February 2009 about a chemical drink that breathes life into damaged hearts. I thought this was a good one to know about for those who are ‘weak at heart’.

The beginning of the article states:

After drinking a chemical dissolved in water, mice with damaged hearts turn from couch potatoes into treadmill tearaways, researchers say. The finding raises hopes that the same substance can invigorate patients weakened from heart attacks by increasing the supply of oxygen to damaged cardiac muscle.

Designed to make hemoglobin release more of its oxygen than normal, the drug, myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP) boosted exercise levels in the ailing mice by 35% when given dissolved in water. When given by injection into the abdomen, exercise levels rose a massive 60%.

"ITPP doesn't deliver oxygen itself, but makes hemoglobin able to release a larger amount of oxygen to tissues," explains Jean-Marie Lehn of the University of Strasbourg in France.

Normally, he says, hemoglobin releases only 25% of its oxygen cargo during one circuit of the body. But when ITPP binds to hemoglobin, it releases 35% more than usual, boosting supplies of oxygen to tissues without people having to inhale any extra air.

To read further, simply CLICK on this link:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16564-chemical-drink-breathes-life-into-damaged-hearts.html

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 9, 1984
Tuesday

Work was slow. I did sell an RCF to an Orinda customer while Sue Leith was observing my call handling. That was a score!

I shared lunch with Bobbie Renbarger at Macy’s where I actually filled out an application for part-time employment. I am still considering the class at Stanford University. I will research the classes available at the end of this month when I have that free time.

Cycling lasted until 7PM tonight. It’s funny how I see a lot of the same athletes running when I go on my cycling adventure on a daily basis. They wave, smile, or just plain flaunt and choose not to look.

When I was home again the phone rang and it was ‘guess who’?
“I had to call you about this dream I had,” Chris Cordellos said.
“Oh yeah…tell me,” I said urgently.
“Well, my sister Paula was murdered and I was all worried because…well, you know how my sister isn’t really all together from when you saw her,” Chris explained.
“How terrible, yeah, go on.”
“Well the old lady Paula was living with called my mom to tell her that Paula was getting drugs from a black guy named Nigel and he was pimping for her. Then Paula called my mom to say she was living in a hotel and that the old lady she was living with turned out to be a lesbian!”

I was seriously beginning to feel that Chris was very confused after hearing this so-called ‘dream story’. Then he proceeded to say that his mom is confused and concerned about Paula.
“I wanted to ask your thoughts and opinions of Paula. Didn’t it seem like she was hiding something and just plain didn’t open up enough to us?” Chris asked.
“I was surprised about her behavior but I’ve never met her before,” I said.

“Well, I’ve been thinking of you more than I’d like to be. Grant is pissed because he says I am not into all of his wants. Grant got teed off when he saw that picture of you and that green Ferrari on my mirror,” Chris expressed excitedly.
I could only believe that he is asking for drama in his life. It beats me. Chris is still my friend now and I think he always will be. We didn’t say much after that.

I was hoping to receive a card or letter from Jim Koran today. There is always tomorrow.

I telephoned Bobbie and we gabbed about Macy’s. I gave the address to the Macy’s Personnel Department. I can tell she does not like the Business Office. Is it too difficult for her, or what? I needed to vent and gave Bobbie the short version of Chris calling and the ‘brief Paula dream story’.
“My source of pot is going to come through and we need to get together to smoke it through a pipe one evening,” Bobbie said.
That statement kind of blew me away. I acted like the pipe idea was a good idea and then gave her some selling pointers on Remote Call Forwarding. I find them easy to sell.

I telephoned Karyn Kossoff and she gave me some pointers on selling specific jacks and equipment.
“I got a letter from Joann in New York,” Karyn said.
We discussed going to the Hard Rock Café on October 19th, possibly Barnaby’s this Friday. This Friday is celebration time because Steve Bell and Lauri are leaving the office, transferring to other departments. I doubt if I will go due to having no real friends in that crowd (besides Karyn).

I hope my Bay Area Sperm Bank paycheck will be worthwhile. I need more appreciative pocket change.

Paloma returned my call.
“Monica is back from Paris. She is in Los Gatos with her sister,” Paloma said. I remembered Monica was the blond that was with her when we met last Halloween 1983.
“Why don’t we go out this Saturday night?” I asked.
“I have plans,” she said.
When I asked her what kind of plans she could not remember them at first! She was having a ‘boring’ birthday party for Mrs. Walsh’s niece. Mrs. Walsh is the lady she works for (in the Berkeley Hills) as an au pair.
“It’s too boring to invite you,” Paloma said.
How does she know I wouldn’t like it? I remained silent.
“Monica invited me to a party on Friday or Saturday but I’m not sure that I will go. I’ve been feeling, uhh…too tired. Call me tomorrow,” Paloma said.
She sounded too sincere to pass on.
“Okay, I’ll call you.”

Karyn is sincere, too. (Chris)…Paloma…Maria… (Jim)…who and when will one win my heart and body over?

I need to discuss my screenplay time with Karyn again. I would like to take time and seriously format an outline ‘the ideal screenplay’. God knows I have enough material in the back of my mind.

I just ate a Cup O’ Noodles for dinner. It was great, warmed me up. I forgot I had those emergency starvation items in my cupboard. I must start buying groceries and stop buying lunch so often. It will ensure the saving of some much needed bucks. That is definitely my current aim: saving cash!

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Finish Your Book!

"I thought at first that you had done something clever,
but I see that there was nothing in it after all."
-Dr. Watson's remark
to Sherlock Holmes

Why Read? Well, I forget where I found these reasons but they all make sense. I am writing them more for myself (as a reminder) because I need to finish my current book, a crime novel called "Half-Broken Things". It is time to start a new book (and get inspired by new ideas). Who knows what will spark my interest next?


1. Reading helps you become an interesting person.
2. Reading helps you learn how to write correctly.
3. Reading develops your imagination.
4. Reading entertains you.
5. Reading teaches you about things unfamiliar to you.

6. Reading takes you to places you have never visited.
7. Reading takes you to times you have never experienced.
8. Reading introduces you to people you have never met.
9. Reading introduces you to new ideas.
10. Reading is fun!

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday
August 12, 1984

Chris Cordellos called me before 9AM.
“Guess what?”
“What? Just tell me.”
“I got the time off until September 15th,” Chris announced excitedly.
“That’s so cool!”
“What have you been up to?”
“Well, other than a few lines of coke on Friday night and Michael Miller spending the night last night and…”
“What?”
I laughed. “Yeah and there’s a girl I see at the BART station every morning named Linda Nannizzi that I kind of like.”

Chris sounded worried and wondered about the extent of my ‘going out’. It was evident in his tone of voice.
“There’s no one serious…yet,” I said.
“Well, I understand if you do go out since I am so far and out of reach.”
We continued our good talk. We are both content that we will be able to spend our vacation time together.

Suzy Miller telephoned to see if her brother, Mike, was at my pad.
“Yes, he is. I’ll have him call you back,” I said because I was still talking to Chris at the time of her call.

Keith Collier called for my address in order to send car estimate information. He’s the one who hit my car on the day of Renee’s wedding. He’ll send me the car estimate information so that I can forward it to my auto insurance company. He seemed shaky and nervous over the phone. I called GEICO Insurance and reported the accident to Sonya, a claims representative.

PHOTO: Ashley M Armijo

I went bicycling for a while and then spent part of my Sunday playing with my niece, Ashley. Mom was babysitting Ashley. When Mom was at the store I got to crawl around the floor like a toddler (just like Ashley). I love when she smiles at me.
I started washing clothes. I never did wash my car though.

Later that evening I drove to Mom’s house again for dinner (and ice-cream dessert). I needed some fattening up.

Driving back home I recalled Chris’ reminder of our seven months. Tomorrow, August 13th will mark seven months from the day we met (on January 13, 1984). It was nice of him to remember that (and mention it).

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Incredible

"We know what we are,
but know not what we may be."
-William Shakespeare

Imagine this incredible story based on a novel by Theodore Pratt. A bespectacled, bookkeeper named Henry loves his pet fish so much that he longs to be one. When Henry's wish comes true and he's turned into a talking fish, the simple ocean life he'd envisioned proves more exciting than mundane.

The story was made into a film in 1964. I thought of it the other day and wanted to give it an honorable mention. It is one of my childhood memories when I was only five years old. If there are any children in your life. It's a must see! It will unleash a bit of fun and imagination for everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy20eaJNdDo

The 1942 book by Theodore Pratt (Mr. Limpet) is NOT readily available except for collectible copies. If you get your hands on a copy, SAVE IT!


Twenty-five years ago today:

April 29, 1984
Sunday

After breakfast I drove out to MACY's to buy the living room area rug that I had seen with Chris a couple of weeks ago. I was happy to see that it was still there.

I had a fun-filled Noon to 3:30PM bicycle ride along the beach. It means a lot to me to 'enjoy my solitude'. It makes me feel good to see others (strangers) who are just hangin' out and connecting. Everyone will give 'goo-goo' eyes or whistle, honk or stare. It's amusing how the world can be as they search for mutuality.

I returned home and mom was gone. She was attending Sherri's baby shower at the Solomon Lane Townhouse. I decided to watch 'Master of the Game', a TV-mini series. The title seemed right up my alley.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086755/

I took a nap until 5:30PM when the telephone rang. It was Western Union calling to give my brother, Tony, a telegram. I believe it was in regard to his friend, Dennis Reno, and his illness.
"Could you call back at around eight o'clock?" I asked.
I gave Tony the message as soon as he walked into the house.

At 5:30PM Chris Cordellos telephoned with good news.
"I just laid back and did nothing all weekend," Chris announced.
He went on to say how he took in the sun and specifically did not go out on Friday or Saturday nights.
"Well, I called you Friday night and there was no answer," I said.
"Oh, there was something wrong with the fun," Chris readily replied.
Chris continued, "There we so many happenings on Friday night with Jim Severn and Edward. And I had this dream. I was driving in a car with someone and a guy was walking over the bridge. I drove up next to him and drew a curtain inside my car."

We all dream our problems. What did his dream mean? I felt fear and worry indicators about his concern about our relationship coming to an end. The bridge is not a good place for him to be because he had told me that a dear friend of his had jumped off of a bridge. When he told me of his dream it made me freak. Then again, I feel good at the same time.

Chris is a good friend and my intention is to maintain the friendship and closeness.
When I telephoned Chris again at 11PM we tried to talk but he kept saying "Yeah" a lot. This was to supposed to indicate that Barb was in the room. We still managed a reasonably good talk. We always do.

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Stress Management Technique

"I knew I liked boys more than I should.
I had already had a torrid,
if one-sided, affair with Montgomery Clift and several other actors
I saw on late-night movies on TV."
-John DiCarlo
"Telling Tales Out of School"

The other day I received an email from Barbara Reynolds about the latest 'stress management technique' that is being recommended in psychological journals. It supposedly really works. Personally, I think it might work best if a gentle voice is reading the suggestions:

1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream.

2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.

3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.

4. No one knows your secret place.

5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.

6. The soothing sound of a gentle water fall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding underwater

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 16, 1984
Monday

When I telephoned Chris at 9:30AM this morning I was pleased to hear his voice. He was overjoyed to hear from me.
"I wanted to make sure you and Barb arrived home okay."
"Yeah, when we got here we went to see Lyle. I was talking to him about you, the Billy Idol Concert and the time we've been spending together," Chris explained.
Chris continued, "And Clay says he is going to come up and spend like thirty days with us!"
I just don't like that Clay is trying to influence Chris against me. Clay has never even met me!
PHOTO: Student Stress, Cambridge, England, July 2008

Helen, Tony and I shared tuna sandwiches for lunch. The work day flew by quickly. When I arrived home I went bike riding until 6:30PM. The batteries on my SONY headphones are running low and that interferes with my bike riding musical experience.

I ate BBQ chicken and relaxed as I watched 'Entertainment Tonight' and 'Wheel Of Fortune'. I started to dwell on my earlier conversation with Chris. I almost had the impression that he couldn't really talk because Barb was in the room.
"I guess I'll see you in May," I had said.
"Okay," Chris replied nonchalantly.
Just then...my doorbell rang. To my shock and speechlessness I could not believe my eyes. It was Chris and Barb right there at my doorstep!

We fed 'James the Dog' some ALPO. Then we went to 'The Royal Pub' but the service was horrible, so we left. We eventually found ourselves at 'The Lung Kong Restaurant' for eats along with a bottle of champagne. I treated them to dinner. Afterwards we went to McGee's bar on Park Street in Alameda. This led to more talking, laughing and drinking. We hopped out and over to Croll's on Webster Street, too.
"I have to talk to you," Chris whispered.
I was bummed out. I learned through his whispers that Clay and his old friends are trying to influence him to 'later me'.
"They think we should just be friends," Chris confided.
I was confused. Just this morning he seemed to realize something totally different.

By 12:30AM we were back at my house. I showed Chris some of my family pictures. I saw tears show up in his eyes. It was because he was feeling very close to me. I felt truly touched by his sensitivity. It made me feel that Chris was my very favorite person and 'best friend'.

Barb lounged in the living room as Chris and I politely excused ourselves to the backyard area. We rapped about our happiness and held things 'close knit' and 'very together'. We have good vibes right now. Despite our small quibbles I just want to be happy. He seems to want the same.

Chris and Barb are coming to visit me tomorrow during my lunch hour.

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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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A New Year In Australia

"Imagination rules the world"
-inside a fortune cookie

My daughter, Arianna, and her boyfriend, Nick, flew out of Los Angeles in late October 2008. They are on a 6 month to 1 year adventure of working and living abroad in Australia. They keep me informed via an imaginative and occasional email. I don't think they'll be too upset if I post this most recent one received on December 23, 2008. I loved the imagination and the cleverness of it:

As I am very far away, in an Australian summer... I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Love Always~
Ari

P.S. Nick and I wrote you a holiday greeting:


'Twas the night before Christmas and all 'cross the shore,
Not a noise could be heard 'cept for the surf's roar.
The swimsuits were hung from the roof rack with care,
In hopes they'd soon dry in the warm salty air.
The wombats were nestled all snug in their lair,
While Ari and Nick washed the sand from their hair.
All ready for bed and clean from the tap,
We climbed in the tent for a midsummer's nap.
When out on the beach there rose such a clatter,
We zipped out the tent to see what was the matter.
Away to the ocean, we ran in a flash,
Losing our shoes, down the dunes in our dash.
The moon on the crest of each new wave,
An image of wondrous beauty, it gave.
But what to our wandering eyes should appear,
But eight kangaroo and a sleigh drawing near.
With a little old rider, so sun burnt and tan,
We knew in a moment it must be the jolly swagman.
More rapid than seagulls, his kangas they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Bounder, Now Hopper, Now Jumper and Bouncin',
On Joey, On Skippy, On Springer and Pouncin'."
To the top of the dune they followed his call,
Now bound away, bound away, bound away all.
Like sea foam blown from the cyclone's eye,
When it crashes ashore and blasts to the sky,
Right up on the car the kangas, they hop,
With a sleigh full of toys and Santa on top.
And then with a scraping, we heard from their paws,
Ripping and scratching the paint with their claws.
So with a leap and a bound, Santa jumped off the car,
Down to the ground, which was not very far.
He was dressed in his best red bathing costume,
So tight that his figure, one needn't assume.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a bushman just opening his sack.
His eyes how they twinkle, his dimples how merry,
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.
With a smile so big it lit up the land,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the sand.
Like any good Aussie, he smelled strongly of beer,
Which helped to explain all his good cheer.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That was clearly the result of far too much telly.
He was chubby and plump, not your average surf man,
And we found ourselves laughing at his farmer's tan.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave us to know, we had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word but went straight to work,
Filled the boot full of presents, then turned with a jerk,
To the meat pies, which he ate, even licking the plate,
And grabbing the roof rack, he hoisted his weight.
Flopping into his sleigh, in the most elegant way,
He called out to the 'roos, to start hopping away,
And we heard him exclaim 'ere they bounced out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all and may all eat vegemite!"

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 1, 1984

I am waking up early regularly these days. I hopped on my bicycle after a nutritious breakfast at mom's house. My bike is my 'best friend'. The QUAKE FM-99 tunes help me collect my thoughts as I ride like the wind. Yes, 'Ride Like the Wind' is a favorite song.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt9wULOlc6o

By 2pm I was home again. Leslie Fonseca, the CARROWS restaurant hostess surprisingly called me! She is sweet. I thought I heard a baby crying in the background as I spoke to her. I asked if she was babysitting.
"No, it's her daughter," she said.
That sure was not thrilling news. I guess I tried to pretend I had not heard that fact. I'm not prepared for the IFP (Immediate Family Plan).
"I am from Nicaragua," Leslie added after I asked where she was from because of her strong, sexy accent.
"Would you like to go out for lunch tomorrow?" I asked excitedly.
"Yes," she quickly replied with a giggle.
I knew I had promised to call Bill Helbush to see what we might do together but it's just as well. I really think I'd rather see Leslie and get to know someone new.

That evening as I was getting ready for dinner at Salima's house in Concord, CA I decided to call Bill Helbush.
"I went over to the Moscone Center in San Francisco today and I saw Tammy Duhr there with that guy, Sean," Bill said.
"Oh really? Frank had told me he was going there, too. I'm glad I didn't go," I told Bill as I explained how I would not have enjoyed the "vibes".
"I loved being there. I can see that is the fine line where we are different," he said.
"Yeah, whatever," I replied.
"Do you think Tammy is a transvestite?" Bill asked.
I couldn't believe he asked such a question. What a creep. I just can't believe how he blurts out rude things behind ones back.

Before I knew it I was ringing the doorbell to Salima's apartment. Her son answered the door and the little young boy looked half-white. He was quite the nice little chap. Salima's husband, Michael, was there. I was surprised to also find Salima's sister, Saeeda, there. We all had a cordial, pleasant time. We ate chile, shrimp, coleslaw, cornbread, rice followed by apple pie and ice-cream.

We watched a double-feature. They were two repeats for me but still enjoyable the second time around.
FRANCES
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G01a5y84oDc
and PORKY's
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xh-qBa4-bQ

I left Concord and arrived home by 1:30am. So far it's a Happy New Year...No credit card usage and no sex.

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