Vital Therapy

The psychiatrist was still amazed at the things he had heard.
"See that fellow who was just here?" he asked Michael, who admitted he had.

"Well, he's one of those pansies you've heard about. Says he's 'married' to a fellow, and wears a wedding ring on his little finger. Says those wedding rings they wear mean as much to them as to a married woman. Imagine!"

Michael hoped he looked like he was trying to imagine, as he sat there, with his arms folded, chilly and uncomfortable in his shorts.

"Jesus, the things you hear on this job! Said he was in love with the guy he lives with. Imagine!"
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Have you ever heard of a company called Vital Therapies, Inc? Vital Therapies, Inc. (VTI) is a private San Diego-based liver therapy company that was founded in 2003. It is developing the first human liver cell-based system which provides important metabolic support for patients with severe liver failure. The company’s manufacturing facility meets cGMP specifications to produce ELAD® cartridges for patient treatment.

The company was brought to my attention in an Associated Press announcement on Februay 2, 2009. 'Doctors test latest attempt at an artificial liver' was the headline used. The VTI company has come closer to replacing the amount of liver people need. That is what Dr. Brown of New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University stated.

It amazes me how if we live for the next ten years what additional medical advances will be available. The only question is 'What will our Health Insurance coverage cost and cover?' Ouch!

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 7, 1984
Sunday

I was going to go to the Sausalito Flea Market today but I think I will plan it on another Sunday. I wanted to sleep-in since I got home at 2AM last night!

Chris Cordellos telephoned me before 9AM to say, “Good morning.”
It wasn’t a good morning as I had a slight Long-Island Iced-Tea/Madras hangover.
“I wanted to tell you that I got your card yesterday,” Chris announced.
I thought ‘bullshit’. I mailed it long ago. Then he added that he hadn’t checked his mailbox so it could be true.
“I got hit by a car,” Chris said.
“What? Are you okay?” I asked with some tone of concern.
“Yeah, but my finger and hand got messed up…and my back,” Chris answered.
“Sounds like you need to rest.”
“Yeah, and I got you a card and may have to write with my left hand.”
If he sends me a card it will be a real “shocker”. I have never even seen his handwriting. Now I am wondering if he is just making excuses.

“I’m having problems with my car,” Chris said, “mainly with putting it in third gear.”
“You remember that guy I met in LA with the long hair, Jim?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, he wrote me a card,” I said. I was so anxious to toss these words into our conversation.
“Well, Jerome called me. And some guy named Paul Cassidy from LA called me.”
I believe Chris was just going ‘on and on’ to get at me. He wants me to think that he has this line-up of chaps that are after him. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, so I kept silent. Chris is a good friend ‘period’.

“Mike Miller and I went out last night,” I said.
I really believe Chris called this morning only because I had not made contact with him since that letter I sent him on September 26th. He claimed to have only received the card on October 6th, but I just cannot believe that he had not checked his mailbox for that long of a time. I decided to change the subject.

“I have the last week of October off,” I added.
“Really…what are you gonna do?”
I expected him to invite me up to Humboldt County. He didn’t. I don’t want to go up there anyway. His car problems may bring him down to the Bay Area next weekend. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d call me if he does come down. I refrained from comment. Our conversation ended as we were both absent of words to share.

I popped over at Mom’s house for breakfast and watched a 1972 movie that I have always enjoyed called “The Other”. Maybe it is partly because I am a middle child and I feel like "The Other" at times.

The boy in the movie reminded me of me when I was his age. He was a tad overweight and mischievous. Dad even thought he (the boy in the movie) looked like me at that age as well. How interesting. The boy was played by twin brothers, Chris and Martin Udvarnoky, born in 1961.

I went cycling and saw Ron. I just waved as I rode on by (he was on his bike going the other direction). He’s a definite QBL (questionable).

I continued riding a couple of repeat laps along the beach and around Harbor Bay Isle.

I am now home and I am going to send respective postcards to my friends Jim Koran, Barbara Reynolds, Bobbie Renbarger and Bonnie Jayne.

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Rough Seas

“We’re heading into a rough sea.”
“Yes, we changed our course today.”
-as heard in the 1957 film,
An Affair to Remember

Yesterday, Sunday, September 13, 2009, I read an article from the Associated Press about how ‘Italy grapples with priest sex abuse’.

The beginning of the article went something like this:

VERONA, Italy - It happened night after night, the deaf man said, sometimes in the priest’s bedroom, sometimes in the bathroom, even in the confessional.
When he was a young boy at a Catholic-run institute for the deaf, Alessandro Vantini said, priests sodomized him so relentlessly he came to feel "as if I were dead." This year, he and dozens of other former students did something highly unusual for Italy: They went public with claims they were forced to perform sex acts with priests.

I have to say that I attended Catholic School from 1966 to 1970 and I never experienced any sort of misbehavior from the priests I knew. It is sad that this does happen.

While the above story is a very serious matter I thought I would pass on a joke (about priests). Someone sent me this joke a few months back. It made me laugh 'at the time'. Who really knows’ what goes on behind closed doors?

Two priests are off to the showers late one night. They undress and
step into the showers before they realize there is no soap.

Father John says he has soap in his room and goes to get it, not bothering to dress. He grabs two bars of soap, one in each hand, and heads back to the showers.

He is halfway down the hall when he sees three nuns heading his way. Having no place to hide, he stands against the wall and freezes like he's a statue.

The nuns stop and comment on how life-like he looks.

The first nun suddenly reaches out and pulls on his manhood. Startled,
he drops a bar of soap.
"Oh look" says the first nun, "It's a soap dispenser".

To test her theory, the second nun also pulls on his manhood. Sure
enough, he drops the second bar of soap.

Now the third nun decides to have a go. She pulls once, Then twice and
three times but nothing happens. So she gives several more tugs, and then yells.
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, hand lotion, too!"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 15, 1984
Saturday

The telephone rang a bit before 11AM. It was Suzy Miller. She told me about her visit to see her Dad in Arkansas. She even managed a short visit to Texas, too. She went on to share some news about a high-school pal, Sandy Renk.
“You won’t believe it but Sandy is marrying some guy in October who has a nine year old son. And Sandy hates the son,” she said.

Suzy and I ended up at Ole’s Waffle Shop for breakfast. We followed that with an hour at Longs Drugstore. I was trying to figure out which photo reprints I wanted. We also spent time looking and buying greeting cards.

Suzy and I went bicycling together and had a sufficient ‘cool down’ by sharing a Coca-Cola near her apartment building swimming pool.

I cruised on my bike and spent some time with ‘mom and dad’. Then I proceeded to go cycling again along South Shore beach. Once home again I got a call from Suzy Miller who wanted to see what I was up to.
“I’m tired and I’m going to take a nap,” I said. For some reason I could not tell her about my forthcoming date with Karen.
“I may go dancing with some friends from work,” I continued.
“Well, if you change your mind and want to see a movie…call me,” Suzy said.

I telephoned Karen an hour or so later. I agreed to pick her up at around 9:30PM; whereby, we would head over to The Oasis nightclub. It will be fun. I am hungry now, so I will take a quick shower and run over and raid mom’s fridge.
Again, my bicycle was good therapy and the thought of a marriage proposal to Karen (or anyone for that matter) is frightening. I mean, what if I get a positive “yes” or “I will” as an answer! I really do not know what to do. Why am I even considering marriage ideas now?

Now that Chris Cordellos has come to an end it is good for me. I am glad he is ‘just a pal’ now. The varied times we have spent will never be forgotten. After all, a lot of it is now documented.

I gathered my things and drove over to San Francisco to pick up Karen. We danced at The Oasis. I saw that Richard guy from yesterday, too. I guess he’s a ‘regular’ at this place. While I was standing with Karen some guy came over to ask Karen to dance. Luckily, she said, “No, Thank you.” She did not make me look like a complete fool.

We left The Oasis for Hippo’s Burgers at 1AM. We laughed aloud together about the ‘Hamburger Sundae’ that we saw on the menu. She insisted on paying for the meal. I took her home and we kissed ‘goodnight’.

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No Matter What

There was no inviting the hurt
he knew would only be inevitable.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Have you ever heard of “Boy Zone”?
No, it’s not a place where only boys hang out in cyberspace. It is the name of a boy band from IRELAND that had popular mainstream success in the 1990’s. They were most successful in The Republic of Ireland, Australia, Asia and the UK. The band has released six #1 UK hit singles and four #1 albums, with sales approaching 20 million records as of 2008.

There was a song that they released in August 1998 that I heard about from my mother. It is called “No Matter What”. I don’t know if I introduced her to the song or if my niece, Ashley, did (she was very into ‘Boy Bands’ at this time).

When my mother passed away in January 2000 the tune was played at her memorial service. It has a lot of sentimental value for me. It is also a wonderful song. It is time to share it here on my BLOG.

PHOTO: Virginia Marie Armijo, 1956

Here are the lyrics to the 'NO MATTER WHAT' song (and a video LINK of them performing the tune if you care to listen):
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=no+matter+what%2C+boyzone&first=61&docid=1043954401641&mid=70379610B4B9891660DF70379610B4B9891660DF&FORM=VIVR36#

Chorus:
No matter what they tell us
No matter what they do
No matter what they teach us
What we believe is true
---------------------------------
No matter what they call us
However they attack
No matter where they take us
We'll find our own way back

I can't deny what I believe
I can't be what I'm not
I know I'll love forever
I know, no matter what

If only tears were laughter
If only night was day
If only prayers were answered
Then we would hear God say

Chorus

And I will keep you safe and strong
And shelter from the storm
No matter where it's barren
A dream is being born
No matter who they follow
No matter where they lead
No matter how they judge us
I'll be everyone you need
No matter if the sun don't shine
Or if the skies are blue
No matter what the end is
My life began with you

I can't deny what I believe
I can't be what I'm not
I know, I know
I know this love's forever
That's all that matters now
No matter what

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 21, 1984
Tuesday

Training seemed to be another ‘wasted day’. Most of us had to wait around for our individual reviews for our role plays.

At lunchtime Barbara Reynolds and enjoyed Chinese food at the Galleria. We bumped into Teri Milham, a real ‘wench’ of an Assistant Manager that we used to know from Downtown Oakland. She was always so unpleasant towards me.

After work I came home and Chris was not there. He did telephone with his reasons.
“I’ll be right over after my Dad comes over. He wants to show me his new car, a 1971 red SAAB,” said Chris.

I happened to be talking to the geek (Bruce) when Chris rang the doorbell. Chris and I were happy to see one another after so long. He took me for a ride in his neat, classic looking car. It only cost him $800. It does have a look (very ‘77 Sunset Strip’).

We had a drink at Croll’s for old times’ sake. Chris started to talk all about this new guy he had met named Grant.
“I’m just not sure what to do with you hanging over my mind all of the time,” Chris said matter-of-factly.
He was being open about it all at least.
“Do whatever feels right and don’t worry,” I said directly.

We returned to my pad and ‘reunited and such’. It is clear to me that Chris seems to feel we both want to go out with other people. Linda Nannizzi is proof of the pudding (on my part). Now that he is on vacation his promiscuous talk kind of worries me. I must be very wary of that fact.
“Call me around six o’clock tomorrow,” Chris said before he left.

I really don’t think I can call right at that exact time. I will call him when I get home. I refuse to be the aggressor ‘on his tail’. He may call me as much as he wants. It will inform me as to exactly how much time he really wants to spend with me (on his vacation). It is funny. I am on the last page of this journal book. Now that I am coming to the last page it is also like closure of a key relationship.

I must remember what Chris did say.
“We are ‘and know’ we will always be friends,” Chris had said.
I enjoyed being with him tonight but then again something grosses me out about him—in a way. I don’t like the looks of it.

I telephoned Karyn Kossoff to make sure she was watching ’79 Park Avenue’. She is such a nice gal. I respect and love her companionship.

Chris is overly anxious to go out. And “shit”, he said he planned to go to that bar, “The Hub”, in Walnut Creek. I refused to say a word when he told me of his plans to go there. His ‘open, gay attitude’ is making me like him less and less in terms of anything more than friends.

Linda Nannizzi is definitely marriage material but I do need to get to know her ‘deep down’ a lot better. She has not opened up enough to me about her actual self, her likes, dislikes, thoughts and feelings. I want to know her better. As far as marriage goes…I am not even sure if I really want to go there yet (now or ever for that matter).

All I know is that I forecast Chris and I coming to a close; however, we will remain good chums. I, at least, want to be. I guess it’s a matter of him wanting to make time for me and vice-versa. I know he wants to explore. He said it ‘point blank’. If this is the case I intend to close his chapter very soon! I do intend on keeping tabs with him. Tomorrow he is arranging a portfolio shooting with his mom’s friend who used to own an agency of some kind.

I love Leslie Ann Warren as I watched her in ’79 Park Avenue’ again. I want a beautiful relationship and possibly a family one day. I believe the idea of that will always be in the back of my mind. I do know that ‘no matter what’…I am and ‘always will be’ a Happy Man.

Bobbie Renbarger is one really nice lady at work. She is in her late thirties. I know she has never been married. She’s a lot of fun though. I am glad she is my friend. I wrote her a thoughtful letter today. She wrote me a poetic letter that I shall treasure as well.

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Daniel Pearl: Never Forgotten

The only thing that's important is where someone's going.

Never work with people who are desperate.

When you're desperate that's when you've got no choice.
-as heard watching the
2009 Film,
"Public Enemies"

Did you know I am an authorized Citizens Reporter for Oh My NEWS International? Well, I am but I have not contributed much because I have been busy doing my own blog, working my money management business and finding free time for my creative venue of photography.

PHOTO: Daniel Pearl

I wanted to recall the memory of a man that cannot be forgotten…ever! His name is Daniel Pearl. Daniel attended Stanford University from 1981 to 1985, where he stood out as a Communications Major. He co-founded a student newspaper called the Stanford Commentator. Pearl graduated Stanford with a B.A. in Communications, after which he spent a summer as a Pulliam Fellow intern at the Indianapolis Star and a winter bussing tables as a ski bum in Idaho. I, myself, bussed tables so I have great admiration for any one who has survived the chore on being an unnoticed, unskilled worker trying to make a few bucks.

After writing this MOVIES GALORE article I wrote after the Tribeca Film Festival in 2006 I was graciously contacted my Ruth Pearl, Daniel’s mother.
http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?article_class=6&no=290771&rel_no=1

I had mentioned Daniel Pearl in my article after I had seen the documentary “The Journalist and the Jihad”. I wrote the following:

"The Journalist and the Jihad -- the Murder of Daniel Pearl" was the second film I viewed. This documentary made me want to contribute to the Daniel Pearl Foundation. It is a complete tribute film and a "definitive" sign of the times amid terrorism, uncertainty, cultural hatred and religious discrimination. The film compared the lives of Daniel Pearl, the journalist, who I came to like very much as a person, and Omar Sheikh, a Middle Eastern fellow, who grew up as a British National and ended up becoming a political intelligence agent for Pakistan. It was an eerie and sad outcome that is very well worth seeing.

PHOTO: Actor, Dan Futterman

It has been over three years now since the release of that documentary. The documentary is narrated by Christian Amanpour, and was nominated for two Emmy Awards. Since then a 2007 feature film, starring Angelina Jolie (as the wife of Daniel Pearl, Mariane) and Dan Futterman, was released by the name of “A Mighty Heart”. The story is based on the book and true life events written by Mariane Pearl and a screenwriter, John Orloff.

PHOTO: Actress, Angelina Jolie
with two of her children
In the film 'A Mighty Heart', Daniel and Mariane are a successful American couple of reporters who are accommodated by Asra Q. Nomani in Karachi, Pakistan. Daniel served as the South Asia Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal (and was based in Mumbai, India). Daniel contacts Sheikh Gilani (a Jihad) to conduct an interview about alleged links between Richard Reid, the shoe bomber, and Al Qaeda and Pakistan’s ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), and gets abducted.

The rescue process brings about interviews with many culprits, traced phone calls and e-mails, the stresses of a pregnant wife and the political aspects involved while the police investigate.
Here is a short interview conducted by Charlie Rose with Mariane Pearl and Angelina Jolie and how the point of “A Mighty Heart” was to deliver the message of all that had happened:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=daniel+pearl+song&qs=n&docid=1135800418415&mid=AE6AD2191DA80B0ADEFBAE6AD2191DA80B0ADEFB&FORM=VIVR2#

Daniel Pearl was subsequently beheaded by his captors on February 1, 2002. Immediately after his killing there was text written on video by The NATIONAL MOVEMENT FOR THE RESTORATION OF PAKISTAN SOVEREIGNTY (NMRPS)
They demanded the following:
1. The immediate release of U.S. held prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba .
2. The return of Pakistani prisoners to Pakistan.
3. The immediate end of U.S. presence in Pakistan.
4. The delivery of F-16 planes that Pakistan had paid for and never received.
The text continued with:
We assure Americans that they shall never be safe on the Muslim Land of Pakistan.
And if our demands are not met this scene shall be repeated again and again (referring to the horrific video of Daniel’s death).

In July 2002, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British national of Pakistani origin, was sentenced to death by hanging for Pearl's abduction and murder.

In March 2007, at a closed military hearing in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed said that he had personally beheaded Pearl.

The “A Mighty Heart” film had its World Premiere on May 21, 2007 at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France.

PHOTO: Daniel & Mariane Pearl
To watch both the documentary film and “A Mighty Heart” makes one realize the joyful character of Daniel Pearl as a person. To this day, I consider him a “friend” I honestly wish I could have known.

The Daniel Pearl Foundation was formed in memory of Daniel Pearl, the journalist, to further the ideals that inspired Daniel's life and work. The foundation's mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music, and innovative communications.
http://www.danielpearl.org/

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 13, 1984
Monday

Let’s see if I can backtrack my day. I met Linda Nannizzi at the BART station and we had a nice talk. She is a sweetheart. I think of her a lot. I talked to her abut dinner on Friday night and perhaps a movie. She did not exactly say yes ‘right off’. I think it’s because we were on the BART train and people were eavesdropping. I could care less what the strangers may have been thinking. Also, I did not make it a direct question.
I just said, “Hey, we should go to dinner and a movie this coming Friday night.”

Training was cool. Peggy, the instructor, complemented me on my purple shirt of the day. Bobbie Renbarger and I ate lunch at the Vicky’s Café. Bobbie also invited me to Lake Tahoe for the weekend.
“Yes,” I answered immediately. Then I began to ‘back off’ on the idea as I mentioned my prospective date with Linda Nannizzi.

Bobbie and I both ordered a hot meat loaf platter that looked like ALPO All-Beef chunks. And the Thousand Island dressing looked like vomit. I made Bobbie laugh hysterically.

After work I went straight home and got on my bike. I rode from 6PM to 7:15PM. When I returned home I called Linda only because I saw no sign of her bicycling.
“I was biking with my Dad and we went a different direction,” Linda replied after I had asked.
“So, what do you think about dinner on Friday?”
“Okay, yes.”
Hurrah! Who knows where this could lead? She is marriage material.

Then again, there’s my good buddy (Chris) but there are limits to that relationship. I am my own man who will make the final decision as to what will make me happy, right? I think Linda may be able to make me happy. Chris does a good job of making me happy in his own right. Once again…time will tell.

I made myself an apple juice milkshake and had some baked chicken. Now I am home listening to my window blinds make a recurring shudder noise as I write in my journal.

Bruce called me last night. I explained to him that I had tried to call him.
“It was just as well because I didn’t have a very good time at that party. I had to work, collecting tickets at the event,” Bruce had said.
Bruce now has a telephone and he gave me his number but the only people I have any desire to call right now are Chris Cordellos and Linda Nannizzi. Good night.

It is not even 9PM and I want to dream of being happy. Be it alone or with Chris or Linda or….?

I have thought of calling Michael Miller but I think it is a bit too soon after he stayed over on Saturday night. Linda went out to dinner with her Dad and her sixteen year old sister. And now, Chris has no telephone. So there really is no choice. Night night.

As I slept, the phone rang. Surprisingly, it was a long-distance call from Oregon. It was Michael Thoennus.
“I am still looking around for a job up here and things don’t look too bright,” Thoennus said.
“That’s not good.”
“I may move back to the Bay Area in January or February. I will most likely go back to school but it is so expensive.”
We continued with his talking about his potential plans. It was nice of him to call. He needed to vent.

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Do More Veggies

He had become a vegetarian years before, and by now it had become a mania with him NOT to take into his system anything that might contain animal matter, eggs and milk being the only exceptions to his ruling.
-Nial Kent
“The Divided Path”

Even if you are not 100% Vegetarian (like me) it is clear that we all need more veggies in our life. I came across an old 1999 article written by Norine Dworkin that talked about the 22 Reasons to go vegetarian. I loved what she wrote. You can read the full article here:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_1999_April/ai_54232138/
…but if you’re short for time here are the 22 Reasons (the condensed summarized version):

1. You’ll live a lot longer.
2. You’ll save your heart.
3. You can put more money in your savings account. Replacing meat, chicken and fish with vegetables and fruits is estimated to cut food bills by an average of $4,000 a year.
4. You’ll reduce your risk of cancer.
5. You’ll add color to your plate.
6. You’ll fit into your old jeans.
7. You’ll give your body a spring cleaning.
8. You’ll make a strong political statement.
9. Your meals will taste delicious.
10. You’ll help reduce waste and air pollution.
11. Your bones will last longer.
12. You’ll help reduce famine.
13. You’ll avoid toxic chemicals.
14. You’ll protect yourself from food-borne illnesses.
15. You may get rid of your back problems.
16. You’ll be more ‘regular’.
17. You’ll cool those hot flashes.
18. You’ll help to bring down the National Debt.
19. You’ll preserve our fish population.
20. You’ll help protect the purity of water.
21. You’ll provide a great role model for your kids.
22. Going vegetarian is very easy to do.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 6, 1984
Monday

I finally saw 'That Girl' Linda again at the Fruitvale BART station (after a couple of weeks had passed I was beginning to give up). I went right up to her and made tentative plans for lunch with her tomorrow.

“I’m sure I'll meet you at 7:20 for the 7:25 BART train tomorrow,” I said.
She smiled.

I like her. I am kind of leery about it. I am especially worrisome now after catching Renee’s garter last Saturday. Linda could be marriage material. She’s wholesome, natural, clean, and pretty, smiles a lot and has a great body.

For lunch I went to Security Pacific Bank for $3000 to transfer to my Great Western Savings Account. I felt ‘iffy’ about carrying so much cash as I walked the Streets of San Francisco. However, the holding of that large amount of cash did not last long. I successfully transferred the funds. It was a ‘no problem’ transaction.

After work I went cycling from 6PM to 7PM. I guess I hoped to see Erik Jacobsen but—in a way---I am glad I did not.

I ate some fresh zucchini and corn at my mom’s house and flushed it down with a root beer (how naughty of me). I was soon home to shower and browse ‘The Spurs’ magazine again. I went to bed at 8:30PM. Yawn.

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Rules of Marriage

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

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

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 20, 1984, Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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Spaghetti

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

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

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

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

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

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 16, 1984

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Story of Amer & Simone

"I like watching people.
Sometimes I make up stories for them.
I imagine what their lives are like."
-The Diary of Anne Frank

Now let's imagine the lives of Amer and Simone for a moment...

Amer:
Amer was born on July 28, 1967. I have known Amer since 2007 via a photography website known as EyeFetch (www.eyefetch.com).
Amer lives in the Northridge, CA area. We've talked of a photoshoot outing. It has not happened yet but we're working on it. I only know Amer in a 'cyber sort of way' but I know his professionalism in photography.

His landscapes are magnificent. This 'Laguna Beach' seascape is a mere example of his photographic eye. See more of Amer Khwaja's work via this link:
www.artbyamer.com
Simone
(pictured here with her significant other,Ian):

Simone was born on December 2, 1958. Alan and I met a woman named, Katy Briger, at a penthouse Christmas party a few years ago in New York City. We exchanged contact information and became instant friends.

During a weekend visit to Katy's country home in Bedford, NY we met a local friend of Katy's named Simone. We came to learn that Simone is in the City often as she has a collection of regular clients for her licensed massage therapy business.

We have arranged house visits with Simone at our loft in NYC. Simone is a phenomenal massage therapist (even when my toes cramp up during session).
www.redbubble.com/people/michaelarm/art/466566-5-on-vacation
Yesterday, March 10, 2009, I learned that Amer had recently become a member on the FaceBook website (a social utility network that connects people with friends and others who work, study and share like interests). We had an impromptu FaceBook chat.
"How do you know Simone?" Amer asked.
"Why? Do you know her?" I ping-ponged back with my double question.
"Well, I think she used to be my babysitter," he answered.
"What?" I questioned with disbelief.
Yes, it seems to be true. Simone recognized Amers' surname and remembered Amers' mother, Eva Khwaja. Amer was just a boy and didn't remember very much except a flashback of a great dane that her family owned.

Imagine a 5 year old Amer in Irvine, California back in 1972-73. A neighboring teenager named Simone who was about 14 years old who was so excited that she got a job for the summer. Approximately 35 years later, they are reunited as FaceBook pals as of yesterday, March 10, 2009. Did this happen because of me? Wild. Another example of six degrees of separation. I love it!

Shall I play the Disney tune, "It's a small world after all...".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxvlKp-76ioBack to results
WARNING:
If you CLICK on the above tab this tune may live with you THROUGHOUT your day.

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 11, 1984

Paige LaBris and I went to Ole's Waffle Shop on Park Street for breakfast. I had to have her experience some local Alameda flavor. We went to the Alameda Flea Market. She bought a plastic purse and costume jewelry. I bought a ring and a silver cross for fifty-cents. We laid out at Alameda South Shore beach. There was some 'young surf board slidin' guy who said "Hi" to us. He looked familiar but I wasn't sure where I had recognized him.

Oh, I almost forgot. I saw Ron Sanders at the flea market. We exchanged a few words and bid our friendly farewells. I know him from high school days.

Paige and I returned to my house and we listened to 'alternative rock' tunes. She likes some 'heavy metal' stuff, too. We decided to go to the beach once again in search of seashells. When you're an "inland" Sacramento girl it's necessary to have these souvenirs (I guess).

The camera I found is 'screwed up'. Thanks to my brother, John! I drove Paige to the Greyhound bus depot. Thank God! Two days and two nights is more than enough of her.

I stopped to visit Sherri and we chose a 1982 movie to rent called "Still of the Night", starring Roy Scheider and Meryl Streep. I'll be screening that with John and Sherri tonight.
www.imdb.com/title/tt0084732/
Chris Cordellos left a message on my answering machine while I was enjoying my very first Harbor Bay 'La Val's Pizza'. Some dude with some chubby chick nodded hello to me at the pizzeria. Did I know them? Was it my Los Angeles T-shirt that caught their eye?

I returned Chris' phone call.
"Yeah, guess what?" Chris asked.
"What, just tell me," I said.
"I got a new pad in the Arcata area!" he said excitedly.
He seems so happy. I guess that is where he plans to remain situated for the time being. We talked about going to see BILLY IDOL together on March 23, 1984. I may fly up north on the April 1st weekend.

Chris called back once again just before 11pm. We talked for another hour (give or take). This time we made definite plans for BILLY IDOL on March 23, 1984.
"I'm so excited about my new place," Chris continued, "You have no idea."
I yawned.
"After the weekend you just had with Paige I really thought you'd say 'oh well, later'," Chris confessed.
I reassured him that it was just a friendly visit.
"I feel sorry for her a bit because I think she likes you," Chris said.
I guess I had that one coming to me when I told him about how she confided in me about her virginity.

The "Still of the Night" movie was good. I thought it was cute to hear Sherri and John in action.
"Time to put your games away," Sherri told John as if he was the baby.
They leave for Reno, Nevada tomorrow. I wonder if they'll get married? Who knows? At least they made plans to get away. I don't believe Sherri wants to marry for the sole reason of being pregnant. I will temporarily move in to mom and dad's house starting April 1, 1984. They will be able to give the 'living together' an actual test.

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Sliding Through Life

As you slide down the banister of life,
may The splinters never point the wrong way.
-a quotable sharing by,
Joe Fingerett

Here is a story shared with me by John Earl Spencer. It made me chuckle.

Fondling In Bed

After 20 years of marriage, a couple was lying in bed one evening, when the wife
felt her husband begin to fondle her in ways he hadn't in quite some time.

It almost tickled as his fingers started at her neck, and then began moving down past the small of her back.

He then caressed her shoulders and neck, slowly worked his down over her breasts, stopping just over her lower stomach.

He then proceeded to place his hand on her left inner arm, caressed past the side of her breast again, working down her side, passed gently over her buttock and down her leg to her calf. Then, he proceeded up her inner thigh, stopping at just the uppermost portion of her leg. He continued in the same manner on her right side, suddenly stopped, rolled over and started to watch the TV.

As she had become quite aroused by this caressing, she asked in a longing voice.
"That was wonderful. Why did you stop?"

He said, "I found the remote."

Twenty-five years ago today:

February 8, 1984
Wednesday

Helen and I went to the Joseph Magnin store together. She looked at a few dresses (Yawn!) while I stood around to give my opinion.

I spoke to Michael Padazinski on the telephone during my last break. I had to inform him of the 'mandatory overtime' this Saturday. We had scheduled a lunch meeting in Menlo Park to see his new pad where he his training for the Seminary. I agreed to call him tomorrow to hopefully reschedule.

Helen and I went walking around Emporium Capwell department store. I tried on a red Speedo bathing suit. I may buy it for my vacation this summer to Huntington Beach. (It's possible.) I eventually dropped Helen off at her hairdresser.

I stopped by on Dad and ate some of mom's homemade lasagna and a bit of rice. I received a clock--in the mail--that I had won as an incentive prize from work. It's a pretty nice round wooden kitchen clock. Thank God tomorrow is payday. I received my VISA bill today (an ugly total amount due of $420.00).

I watched very little TV tonight. I received a call from the CCAC (California College of Arts & Crafts), informing me that my Calligraphy class had been cancelled. I quickly fell asleep at woke up at 11pm to see The Tonight Show.
Joan Rivers was supposed to be hosting for Johnny Carson but did NOT. How disappointing. She cracks me up.

I plan on an escape soon by seeing the 'Fanny & Alexander' classic this coming Saturday night.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfYbcZFgTGQ
There is a three-day weekend coming next week too. Hoorah!

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Bizarre Love Triangle

"You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely."
-Ogden Nash

It's time for a song. I loved this song when it was introduced by the group NEW ORDER. New Order is an English rock group formed in 1980 by the remaining members of Joy Division following the suicide of singer Ian Curtis.

There is a movie I recently added to my NETFLIX list called CONTROL. It is about the death of Ian Curtis. I look forward to watching this story.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c2_B_cWK_M

Listen to BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDD41R_5eR8

The lyrics:

Every time i think of you
I feel shot right through with a bolt of blue
It's no problem of mine but it's a problem I find
Living a life that I can't leave behind
There's no sense in telling me
The wisdom of a fool won't set you free
But that's the way that it goes
And it's what nobody knows
While every day my confusion grows
Every time I see you falling
I get down on my knees and pray
I'm waiting for that final moment
You'll say the words that I can't say

I feel fine and I feel good
I'm feeling like I never should
Whenever I get this way, I just don't know what to say
Why can't we be ourselves like we were yesterday
I'm not sure what this could mean
I don't think you're what you seem
I do admit to myself
That if I hurt someone else
Then I'll never see just what we're meant to be
Every time I see you falling
I get down on my knees and pray
I'm waiting for that final moment
You'll say the words that I can't say

Twenty-five years ago today:

Monday, January 30, 1984

I submitted my Pacific Bell ideas to the Division Staff Management today. Work went smoothly today. I told Susan, Pat, Mathilda and Ben a dirty joke (the one that ends 'but Mom...you told me not to talk with my mouth full'). Ben got a kick out of it.

I ate lunch at the Pot Belly Deli today.

Leslie Fonseca called me at around 4pm per Salima. I did not call her back. Am I a creep? I don't think so. I will call her when I am in the mood to do so.

I called mom on break to chat a bit. During break I told Salima and Rose that I may be (HOH) 'Head Over Heals' over Nancy. Am I really?

After work I cruised via bicycle to Dad's and ate a couple of tuna sandwiches. I was back home before one could blink an eyelash. The phone rang within minutes of my entering my pad. It was Chris Cordellos.

Chris is interesting but I am worried about his back problem. It sounds very bad. We made definitive plans for a visit to Huntington Beach in June 'no matter what'. Chris tells me he has been considering art, fashion design, sewing and cosmetology as potential careers. He speaks so ambitiously of these fields. He seems to have a lot of ideas. The only problem is that he seems unsure as to where to turn and what to do. I am glad I am his friend. He appreciates my advice. He is always requesting my opinions.

The disc on Chris' lower back fell and may be touching his spinal cord.
"It may require an operation," Chris said.
"If you need it I think you better get it done soon," I advised.
"You're right. I have an appointment any minute," he confirmed.
I went on to share the two classes that I have decided to take at the College of Arts & Crafts in North Oakland.
"That sounds good," he interjected, "I still might move to Arcata, it's near Eureka."

Chris wants to do so many things. It will be interesting to learn when and where things will end up. Chris explained that he was calling me from Oak Knoll Hospital. Poor guy. I wonder if our 'no matter what' trip to Huntington Beach will actually happen.

Later that night I had another call from Chris.
"You won't believe it, Michael. I had a dream about you." he said.
"Really?" I asked, "What was it about?"
"Well, you got married." he announced.
It was funny to hear his words because I think I had the same dream but the bride was a blur. Was it Nancy? Was it Paloma? Who was it?

The 'powers that be' say that we dream about our problems and forecast solutions this way. How true is that? I wonder if (and when) I'll ever marry? I am a bit curious to know. Then again I am willing to wait longer than usual for that 'big step'. If Barbara Reynolds (age 38) and Helen Wong (age 35) have remained single all of this time then why can't I just be happy and 'wait n' see'? What is going to happen? How is it going to be? I will just remain happy for now.

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