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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District 9 vs. District B13

“My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been.”
-Diane Arbus
Influential 20th Century
American Photographer
b. March 14, 1923, d. July 26, 1971

What is it about the word “district”? In the English Dictionary it is defined as (noun) a region marked off for administrative or other purposes or (verb)to regulate housing in certain areas of towns.

Earlier this month I went out to see a film called District 9 that was produced by the renowned director, Peter Jackson and actually directed by Neill Blomkamp (who was born in South Africa).

The movie, DISTRICT 9, was a very imaginative science-fiction type film that was quite amazing to see. It leaves the viewer open to a sequel in three years. I give it FOUR stars. It is a cross between other films like Blackhawk Down, E.T., Hurt Locker and I-Robot in a mock documentary-drama style. I simply do not think I can ever eat another prawn again (after watching the story).

The DISTRICT 9 movie was actually inspired by historical events that took place in District Six, an inner-city residential area in Cape Town in South Africa under apartheid. In 1966, District 6 was declared a "whites only" area by the apartheid government and for the next several decades, 60,000 people were forcibly removed and relocated to Cape Flats. It only cost 30 million dollars to produce the film. Ouch! Yet, it made 37 million dollars on the opening weekend. Lucky!

I happened to notice a French film on my Netflix list about a week later called DISTRICT B13. I thought it might be a French version of the same story, so I wanted to watch it as soon as possible. This film was nothing like District 9 but it sure had all the elements of action and thrill rides. If you want to be on ‘the edge of your seat’ for one evening then watch DISTRICT B13. District 13 is the English language release title of the 2004 French action film, Banlieue 13, directed by Pierre Morel, and written and produced by Luc Besson. It was also released in North America as District B13.

The DISTRICT B13 movie centers on Paris in 2010 where social problems like violence, drugs and organized crime have overrun the poor suburb areas. The two lead characters Cyril Raffaelli (Captain Damien Tomaso) and David Belle (Leito) are so fit and exciting to watch.

Cyril plays the tough undercover police officer who believes in law and government while David Belle plays an acrobatic ghetto-dweller who fights the gangs and feels cheated by the system.

The sequel, District B13 Ultimatum, will reprise the roles with Cyril and David once again. The sequel has promised to be just as action-packed a film as the first. It was released in France in February 2009 and the DVD/Bluray was released in France last week (on August 19, 2009). I look forward to watching the sequel.

Both District 9 & B13 films are highly recommended by me if you would like to test your adventure ride endurance. You will definitely 'go where you've never been'. If you were strapped to a heart monitor while watching you would surely see your frequency changes go wild ‘every now and then’. It is a good way to lose a couple of pounds (just don’t have two Snickers bars or Reese's Butter Cups while you’re watching them).


Twenty-five years ago today:

August 27, 1984
Monday

I had a fair day at work.

Lunch was enjoyable with Barbara Reynolds and Joe at the Galleria ‘Chinese’ place. It was as delicious as it could be.

We did more stupid role play cases at work. I have to repeat one tomorrow morning. It has me bummed out. I shall comply. I just cannot wait until the damn ‘practice cases’ and training days come to a final end. I will be on vacation at that time.

After work I came home and I received my $3300 bill from VISA. Shit! Thank God I don’t use those credit cards anymore. I will catch up to my ‘discretionary income’ soon.

I went bicycling and my rear tire now has a low leak. As if my day had not been SHOT already! I went over to visit mom and we walked slowly around the hallways of the Alameda Hospital. Mom will be released tomorrow or Wednesday. Hurrah!
“John and Sherri are having problems,” mom said.
“Really, why,” I asked, “What happened?”
“John told Sherri to move out and it’s a sad story because Ashley is in the middle of it.”
“Well, only time will tell with that. You never know, so don’t worry about it.”

I was going to invite Sherri over for a trip to Nations Burgers but she wasn’t home. Instead, I drove to Nations alone. I enjoyed a cheeseburger, fries and shake.

I did not feel I had enough cycling in today. I need to have my bike tune-up and that low leak fixed. I think I will just exercise these forthcoming nights to QUAKE radio tunes versus the cycling. It is always good to tone up and stretch. It will be my new way for a change of pace.

Karyn Kossoff never called me to find out why I did not show up at Barnaby’s last Friday night. I am beginning to wonder why.

I always wonder why Chris Cordellos did not call. That’s nothing new. I told him if he did not call I would only assume he went to Sonoma. And so, I guess he hit ‘the boonies’ (the small hick town of Sonoma). I love to visit there but ‘to live’ is another story.

Now I want to sleep. I want to have a good dream about the damn role play I have to repeat tomorrow morning.

Speaking of outright anger (as mentioned yesterday) it is really frustrating because I know I want to do well. I believe they know I am doing well but they only want me to polish it up. Anything and everything in life could use some ‘polishing’ (especially after aging usage and built-up dust).

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The Power of Hugh

"Feeling love is very important,
but loving is the necessity."
-Amy Irving
in the 2009 film "ADAM"

Nope, I did not mean ‘The Power of You’. I really did mean ‘The Power of Hugh’. I am referring to actor Hugh Dancy, an up and coming one to appreciate.

I first took notice of his performance in the 2002 film “Daniel Deronda” via a Netflix ‘random pick’. I still remember him in character as Daniel Deronda (in a romantic scene) saying, “I spent my life in doubt and confusion, but it was your voice I always heard.” After seeing his fabulous work in “Daniel Deronda” I wondered ‘Who is that guy?’


I realized that I had actually seen Hugh Dancy before in the 2000 film “Madam Bovary” and in the 2007 film “Evening” (another favorite—and it’s no wonder he became engaged to actress Claire Danes after seeing her lavish beauty shine in that film and “Stardust”). Wonders never cease.
Yesterday, Alan and I went out to see British born Hugh Dancy in his most recent released film, “Adam”. It had a soft opening with limited release in theaters in Los Angeles and New York. The film is getting critical acclaim as I read a tidbit in Venice Magazine, the Los Angeles and New York Times well before the release date. We ‘fell in’ on the screening last night as the brilliant Writer/Director, Max Mayer, and the lead Australian actress, Rose Byrne were there for commentary and a ‘Q & A’ session after the show.

“Adam”, the film, is about a young twenty-nine year old man who has Asbergers Syndrome (a form of autism). The initial piano melody that begins during the funeral of Adam’s father is sensitive and heartfelt in and of itself. Adam seems to show such genius qualities as he has such impressive knowledge of how the universe was formed after ‘The Big Bang’.

Here is a website that gets into detail about ‘The Big Bang’ theory:
http://www.big-bang-theory.com/

The film shares a heartwarming story about raccoons in Central Park and how ‘they don’t really belong here, but here they are’. This line ties into the whole “Pretending to be Normal” premise of the Asbergers Syndrome. The music was sensitive and soothing as the audience felt the close knit connection between the main characters. I have already put my order in for the original soundtrack:
http://www.amazon.com/Adam-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B002BNTO4C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1249060632&sr=1-1

I loved it when Adam was courting his neighbor (played by Rose Byrne) and she said, “Eating mac and cheese every night is a meager life. It lacks stimulation.”
The actor, Peter Gallagher, says it perfectly in the film, “There are things you do, things you have to do. We make our choices.”

If you do one thing this month, make the choice of seeing “Adam”. You won’t be sorry. Now that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences are nominating 10 films this year I will not be surprised if “Adam” is a top contender with Hugh Dancy as a hopeful ‘Best Actor’ nomination.


Twenty-five years ago today:

August 1, 1984
Wednesday

It was fun. Our training group had a field trip outing today as we visited our new Business Office. I had a great time. We left at 1PM but it was encouraging to see the entire work group being productive.

I enjoyed lunch with Barbara Reynolds at the Health Food Store (great turkey/avocado sandwich).

After work I went to see a film called “Another Country”. It was not as good as I had hoped but well worth my viewing time (even if I did not ride my bike). It was a smash hit London play that was turned into a film. The film explores the effect of Public School life in the 1930’s on Guy Bennet (played by Rupert Everett) as his homosexuality and unwillingness to ‘play the game’ turns him eastward towards communist Russia.

After the movie I went to John & Sherri’s house once again to play with Ashley and deliver some mail that came to my address. I watched bits of the Tom Cruise movie “Risky Business”.

I left to keep company with Dad while mom was at work. I prepared myself a hamburger there while I watched the Women’s gymnastics.

Once I returned home I took a relaxing shower and decided to give Karyn Kossoff a call at about 9:30PM. We talked until about 10:45PM or so. She loves talking on the phone and admits to it. She mentioned the idea of having a Happy Hour drink this Friday (after work). I cannot believe it is almost Thursday. I did say “okay” to the drink idea.

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A Dog Named Atticus

"And you'll always be my friend, won't you?"
The big eyes were so earnest and entreating.
"How could I ever be anything else?"
"Thank you...I knew you would. Well, I must go now. See you."
And he was gone, leaving silence and great emptiness behind him.
Michael knew only one thing--that he must get out of the house with all possible speed. He felt a movie, any movie, was what he wanted right now.
Something to occupy his mind for a while.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

There’s a new Café in the neighborhood and Alan and I wanted to try it. We were in line to order our hopeful rendition of the perfect cappuccino on a bright, sunny Saturday morning. I noticed a beautiful German shepherd dog seated in a comfortable position near me. A German shepherd is my ‘dream dog’ to have one of these days. I don’t want one until I can give it the wonderful life it deserves.

I looked at the docile eyes in this dog and ‘fell for him’ instantly. I got the dogs’ attention and he leaped up a bit to come near me.
The owner said, “Atticus!”
It was his way of having the shepherd obey and ‘stay put’. I still managed to pet him a little.

I whispered to Alan, “How cool. He named it Atticus. I bet he named it after the Gregory Peck character in ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, one of my favorite movies.”

It was our turn to order our coffee when I looked to the side and recognized the dog owner. He was with a tall, chubby blond guy but the owner had a white ski cap and sunglasses. It was obvious to me that he was slightly disguised but he was none other than actor Jake Gyllenhaal.

Once again I whispered the news to Alan. Jake had been in line in front of us and I was too busy paying attention to his friendly dog, Atticus. I didn't even realize it was Jake until he was a further distance away.
I have a new found admiration for Jake now. It seems he takes his dog out a lot. I found photos online and I became more aware that he just wants to be a ‘regular guy’ with a ‘regular life’. I get the impression that he does not really want the extra attention. He has to be wary about who he can trust. He’s a successful actor but something tells me he just wants to feel non-celebrity at times. I especially like that he has the kind of dog I would own.
And so I say now, “Go Jake, take care of Atticus. I hope I run into you again sometime."
I ended up seated next to him as I enjoyed my cappuccino on this Saturday morning on July 18, 2009. He was speaking softly to his friend. I kind of wish I owned my very own German shepherd now. I might have to neglect my blog to take the dog out for walks though. Time will tell.

Twenty-five years ago today:

July 28, 1984
Saturday

Despite the grand awakening from my rooftop this morning I energized myself and took a drive to mom and dad’s to enjoy a good breakfast at 9:30AM.

I was watching the televised 1984 Summer Olympics from Los Angeles. The Women’s Road Cycling event was exciting to see. A Colorado ‘chick’ named Connie Carpenter won the Gold medal. This inspired me to go on my own bicycle ride.

When I arrived back at my pad I received a call from Bruce. He wanted to see about our going on that hike he had suggested to me last Thursday night. I shunned him off using the excuse of exhaustion.

I decided to pay Suzy and Michael Miller a visit on my bike but they weren’t at home.

I returned to mom and dad’s and took a nap.

When I woke up I watched “The Island of Dr. Moreau”. It was just what I needed (an escape to an island). Of course, this island was not the ideal choice (if you're familiar with the H.G. Wells' story).

I was at my pad by 11PM and went straight to bed, hoping I would not dream of sci-fi
DNA experimentation of turning animals into humans.

The telephone rang and it was a ‘hanger upper’. I had a feeling it was Nici Maurino.

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The Assignment

“That’s where all the good writing comes from
…the imagination.”
-Joe Caldwell,
Dark Shadows TV series writer

What is your “assignment” for today?

Definition: Assignment
Noun: an undertaking that you have been assigned to do (as by an instructor or yourself)

In the Mission Impossible television show (and films) top-secret assignments are taken on by an elite group of agents. This usually involves disrupting the activities of various small foreign powers seeking to create problems for America or the Free World. I always loved the beginning message from these stories:

"Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is…as always, should you or any member of your I.M. Force be caught or killed, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds."

There is another intense Action-Thriller film from 1997 that remains with me to this day and it is called THE ASSIGNMENT. It stars Aidan Quinn, Donald Sutherland and Ben Kingsley. With this cast at the helm how could one go wrong? It is about an American naval officer who is recruited by the government to impersonate the most vicious and cold-blooded terrorist there is in order to catch him. Things are NOT what they really seem to be. I would highly recommend you see this one, considering the brainless other offerings at the movie theaters these days.

In memory of the fantastic journalist, Walter Cronkite, I must honor his classic way with words. He sadly passed away at age ninety-two on July 17, 2009. I will never forget hearing on the radio the other day that he had named his boat “Assignment”. It was said by close friends that he named the boat "Assignment" so that the journalist could truthfully say,
"I'm on assignment."
I would like to think he is on a very 'happy' and 'heavenly' assignment now.

Never lose track of your assignments. Get them done and you can relish in your accomplishments.

Twenty-five years ago today:

July 26, 1984
I met Karyn Kossoff at Third and Mission for lunch today. We ate at WENDY’s and sat out on this sunny day. I saw Mary Halverson (an old Alameda High School friend) pass by and she give a quick 'hello'. I also saw Michelle and Don (two people from our office). Now more rumors may start just because Karyn and I arranged our secret lunch outing together.

I was very excited yesterday because I received my Palo Alto Bicycle “road shorts”. UPS rang my doorbell with the package at 6PM as I was speaking to Geneva Wong (Helen’s sister). I had a date with Helen to see “The Good Earth” at the UC Berkeley Theater. I got dressed for my Berkeley outing and drove to San Leandro to pick up Helen and Geneva. I was home by 10:15PM.

I called Karyn Kossoff to ask her what time I should be at her house in the morning. She lives near College Avenue in Oakland and I made a deal to carpool in to The City with her and two other co-workers. We had a great talk and she made me laugh hysterically. It was when we were playing our ‘Bamm Bamm’ and ‘Pebbles’ mimicking talk that really got us ‘busting up’. Our 'new' thing was that I was 'Bamm Bamm' and she was 'Pebbles'. No one could ever know our top-secret code names.

Bruce telephoned once again. This time he invited me to go hiking this Saturday in the Hayward hills.
“That sounds like a pretty good idea, why don’t you call me on Saturday morning around nine o’clock,” I said affirmatively.
After I hung up I wasn’t sure it was such a good idea.

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The Clive Connection

"All I knew is that I was full of emotion
and I had to find a way to express it."
-Javier Bardem
as heard in his role in
'Vicky, Cristina Barcelona'

What is my connection with Clive Owen? It is all too coincidental. I have seen him three times in the last several years. The first meeting was the best. If I see him a fourth time I must speak to him again. Better yet, if you are reading this Clive, do save me the trouble by making a comment and we can do lunch.

November 24, 1997, LOS ANGELES
The Premiere of BENT

Alan and I were somehow invited to the Premiere of this movie called BENT in Beverly Hills, CA in November 1997. I forget the circumstances behind the invitation and my 1997 journals are not handy.
There were no major known actors in this film unless you count Ian McKellan, Jude Law and Mick Jagger (of course, Mick was the most well known for his music and Ian for his stage work ‘at the time’). The star of the film was Clive Owen who plays the lead role of Max. This movie, by the way, is one of my classic favorites.

The story is about Max who is gay and as such is sent to Dachau concentration camp under the Nazi regime. He tries to deny he is gay and gets a yellow label (the one for the Jews) instead of pink (the one for the gays). In camp he falls in love with his fellow prisoner, Horst, who wears his pink label with pride. It is based on a play by Martin Sherman (who also wrote the screenplay).

After the screening of this film in 1997 there was an after-party at the Neiman-Marcus department store. Alan and I were two of the first ones there. We were given glasses of champagne and I took notice of Clive Owen. He looked me straight in the eye.
I couldn’t help myself by saying, “You’re going to win an Oscar for that! You were fantastic.”
“Ah, you’re too kind. I don’t know about that,” Clive said, shaking his head in disbelief.
I almost detected him blush. I guess actors are really shy ‘at heart’. I would be.
“Well, we loved the movie and you were GREAT,” I continued. I believe we toasted with our champagne glasses as more guests started to arrive.
I didn’t know what to say after that. This Clive Owen was relatively unknown in the USA, having done mostly television in the United Kingdom.

The next year (1998) he did CROUPIER which gave him more US notoriety. And then he followed with films like GOSFORD PARK, THE BOURNE IDENTITY and KING ARTHUR. I loved it when he won the Oscar for CLOSER (2004). I could have told him, “I told you so!”

November 2008, NEW YORK CITY
A Visit to SULLIVAN STREET BAKERY

In November 2008 I stopped into the Sullivan Street Bakery in New York City. There is a favorite zucchini pizza slice that I love there. Who walks into the tiny shop? Yes, it is Clive Owen, the tall striking fellow looking a tad disheveled. I suddenly had ‘stage fright’. I wanted to remind him of our meeting in 1997. Would he remember? I decided to let it pass. Darn it.
“The next time I see him I’ll remind him,” I thought.
I imagine he was in NYC after just wrapping up his film ‘THE INTERNATIONAL’ (a good film, too). I found a printed interview with Clive after this film. I like the way he answered this question:

How did you feel when you knew you were cast in the role of ‘The International’ and that you were able to go in front of the camera and do what you did?

“Every time you do a film you are starting from scratch. It’s a very weird thing acting no matter how much experience you have got, no matter how much you do, every time you start filming there is the potential to be bad in it and to fall flat on your face. I tend to get very nervous at the beginning of every film, just until I am a few weeks in. It was very difficult in this movie because the very first scene that we shot was that very last scene on the roofs in Istanbul. And we literally started the movie out there, so we did the very very end of the movie before we had shot anything. You always shoot movies out of sequence but it was particularly difficult in this movie, because it’s such a big journey that guy travels all over the world in pursuit of this guy and eventually they come together at the end. In terms of feeling comfortable I spend a lot of time on the script before shooting. I will read it over and over again…I don’t know if you ever feel comfortable. Every day there are new challenges and new things that you have got to do. I just do as best I can.

June 6, 2009, LONDON, England
THE ROYAL BALLET, Ondine Ballet in three ACTS

I was fortunate to be accompanied by some lovely friends for The Royal Ballet in London, England. There was an AUDI sponsored event going on and Clive was a participating guest. After the third act I was walking down the stairs and spotted Clive Owen once again with his wife, Sarah-Jane Fenton walking up the stairs. It was not conducive for a conversation. Where will I run into Clive Owen a fourth time? It’s just too coincidental. Time will tell as to whether there will be another chance meeting.


Twenty-five years ago today:

June 17, 1984
Sunday

Here I am at the start of a relaxing Sunday, lying out on the South Shore Alameda beach, listening to my KQAK-FM tunes, wearing my new Moroccan madras shorts. Please allow me to relax.

I did relax until 1:30PM or so. I seemed to get a number of “double-takes”, too. It was time to move on and get my bike. I ended up riding along the beach until almost 3PM. I had a nice nap after a scrumptious homemade sandwich.

I woke from my nap at 4:30PM and went over to 3330 Cook Lane to help Sherri’s Dad (Bob) carry Sherri’s dresser upstairs to the master bedroom. I hung out at the Cook Lane townhouse with my mom and dad, Sherri and Ashley until about 8pm.

I learned that Sherri’s friend, Gina, is only sixteen years old. So I will have to later that ‘idea’ for a couple of years anyway. I finally decided it was time to come home.

Just as I walked in the door the telephone was ringing. It was Christopher Cordellos.
“Hey, what’s up? I’ve been trying to reach you all weekend,” Chris said.
“Well, you finally got lucky because you got me this time,” I replied.
“Guess what?”
“What?” I asked without being able to guess.
“I told Barb that I was moving out on August First,” Chris announced proudly.
I was happy for him. It’s a good move on his part. We all need our own space and privacy.
“I’m not sure I can come down on Thursday,” Chris said.
“I’ll keep tabs on you until you know for sure,” I said with a tinge of hope that he would come.

All I know is that I get to move back into my ‘3348 Solomon Lane’ pad on Wednesday. Hoorah!

I watched a taped episode of ‘The Young and The Restless’ with my mom. It’s funny because I do feel ‘young and restless’ myself these days. I went to bed by 11PM.

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The Long, Hot Summer

"Am I a sentimental old fool?"
-Orson Welles
in the 1958 film
"The Long, Hot Summer"

Last night I saw the 1958 film "The Long, Hot Summer" starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The theme song was sung by Jimmie Rodgers. I liked his voice. I could not find a recording of him singing "The Long, Hot Summer" but here's an audio of him singing 'Secretly':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zub0Cx1DUY

If you haven't seen the movie I'd suggest you see it. It still holds up with the test of time. Check out this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr0IeZXtMrA
The story combines two William Faulkner stories.

It's amazing to see Paul Newman and JoAnne Woodward in the story and realize they were married for 50 years. The two worked together in this film in 1958 and were married that same year.

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 1, 1984
It rained today.

I saw a big 'rat' on the way to work. Gross! I wondered if it had any significance for my forthcoming day.

I telephoned Chris Cordellos at 12:20PM. Once again he could not say much. When I called at 2:30PM at the US Coast Guard Base he was able to talk.
"I laid it on the line with Jim. I even tried fixing him up with Leandra," Chris said. Chris implied that the 'set up' with Leandra was Jim's request.
"Leandra and Jim went to bed together and Jim couldn't get into it. Jim told me he felt bad. Leandra told me all about it, too. Can you believe it?"
"I guess I can believe it," I said.
"Yeah, I'm leaving this base and transferring to Guam for a year," Chris announced.
He was only kidding about the Guam part. I'm so gullible that I believed him.
"It was a bad day. Some officer kept giving me a bad time. I'm still a little shaky. Who knows if I will get my time off request from May 23rd to 30th now," Chris said as he continued to complain about his unknown future.

Since the rain continued after my work day I did not bother to go for a ride. I simply ate dinner, lounged and watched a taped soap-opera episode of "The Young and The Restless" with mom. It was relaxing. I was feeling a little O.W. (overweight). I don't think I look it.

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Nobody Listens

'A baby's smile...
The truth of that smile was in the eye and heart of the parent and in the unfolding love that only had meaning through time.
-Ian McEwan
"Enduring Love"



After writing about 'The Incredible Mr. Limpet' movie yesterday I also remembered a book I read as child called 'Nobody Listens To Andrew'. It had such an impact on me when I was a boy. It's a great one to read even today. And so I am recommending it for my blog today.
http://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Listens-Andrew-Curriculum-Beginning/dp/0813659590/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241123094&sr=8-1


Twenty-five years ago today:

April 30, 1984

Today I shared 'spare ribs' with my brother, Tony, and Helen. It was a great lunch (even if my hands needed extra cleaning).

I called Chris Cordellos at his Arcata house at around 11:30AM. He gave me the repetitive "Yeah" treatment once again. It meant that he couldn't really talk with Barb around (I guess).

After work I ate a home cooked meal (made by mom). Mom is on vacation. Her 'sweet rice' dessert with the whipped egg whites with sprinkles of cinnamon is my favorite. I was too full to go out on my typical bike ride.

I watched a taped episode of

"The Young & The Restless" with mom.

PHOTO: Adam Walsh

We also watched a show called "Adam" that was about missing children. It was based on the true story of Adam Walsh.
After their child is abducted, John and Reve Walsh are trying to find him. But, shortly after that, Adam is found dead (quite sad). I went to bed after that.

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One Less Bell To Answer

"His practice was to write two books at once, turning to the second when he struck a snag on the first, and back to the first when he struck a snag on the second."
-Ira Levin
Rosemary's Baby

I liked the above line in the Ira Levin book that I finished reading last night. I tend to read two books at once, turning to the second when I strike a snag on the first. I'm in the middle of 'Six Early Stories' by the German novelist, Thomas Mann.

The other day Alan and I were laughing. I think it started with me saying that it was 'one less thing to do'. We remembered this song and tried singing the words 'off & on' throughout the day. We couldn't remember the name of the song or who had sung it. Thanks to Alan's I-PHONE we found the answer. I had to relive the experience and know all of the lyrics once more. Here they are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2z0KmhK95Q
One Less Bell To Answer lyrics
by The Fifth Dimension

One less bell to answer
One less egg to fry
One less man to pick up after
I should be happy
But all I do is cry
(Cry, cry, no more laughter) I should be happy
(Oh, why did he go)
Since he left my life's so empty
Though I try to forget it just can't be done
Each time the doorbell rings I still run
I don't know how in the world
To stop thinking of him
'Cause I still love him so
I spend each day the way I start out
Crying my heart out
One less man to pick up after
No more laughter, no more love
Since he went away (he went away)
(One less bell to answer) Why did he leave me
(Why, why, why did he leave)
(One less bell to answer) Now I've got one less egg to fry
One less egg to fry
(Why, why, why did he leave) And all I do is cry
(One less bell to answer) Because a man told me goodbye
(Why, why, why did he leave)
(One less bell to answer) Somebody tell me please
Where did he go, why did he go
(Why, why, why did he leave) How could he leave me

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, March 18, 1984

I was pissed-off to say the least. I took an early nonsense drive into San Lorenzo and Hayward after just washing my car. It was pointless to begin the day so early because Denevi Camera and Emporium Capwell were not open until noon. I ended up driving all the way back to mom's for breakfast. I had the convertible top down and the cool breeze made for a nice drive (the only consolation).

At Noon I rode my bicycle until 3:30PM along the South Shore beach in Alameda and surrounding areas. I laid out along different sections of the beach to view the scenery for 'Sunday' rest and relaxation.

I am considering a white Samoan husky dog as a pet. I will hold off on it. It's hard enough taking care of myself these days. The husky I saw at Lake Chabot yesterday was adorable.

The biking tired me out. I came home after a brief visit at Mom's. We had a few good laughs over some old family photographs.

I laughed at mom's story of the day. She said she touched Tony's car today and the alarm went off for the entire neighborhood.
She freaked out, realizing she had no idea how to turn it off.
"I didn't know what to do," she laughed.
I laughed.

Mom showed me the baby shower guest list for Sherri. She plans on inviting Suzy Miller and Helen Wong. I agreed that it was a great idea to invite them.

I went home to nap until 7:30PM. It was time for a movie. I chose "Absence of Malice".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SGe-IywHXg
After a shower I decided to go back to mom & dad's and watch the movie there. Besides, there is more to 'munch on' in their fridge.

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I'm In Heaven

'All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time.'
-as heard in the film
'The Five People
You Meet In Heaven'

A special someone recommended I read the book 'The Five People You Meet In Heaven', written by Mitch Albom.

When I realized there was a Hallmark movie version I recently added it to my NetFlix movie list. I'm so glad I did. I saw it during this past week. It's one of the best films I've seen this year.

There were two songs in the film that just thrilled me.
1. Pocketful of Rainbows by Elvis Presley:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2vbHWsEsAs
and
2. You Made Me Love You:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbkrzJjoC5Y

The other lines that captured me in this highly recommended film are:

-'Strangers are just family you have just come to know.'

-'No life is a waste.'

-'Hatred is a curved blade.'

-'Life has to end...Love doesn't. Memory becomes your partner.'

Speaking of 'HEAVEN' I shall close on one of my favorite tunes called "I'm In Heaven" by N-Trance:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTj6WydIlas

Twenty-five years ago today:

Work breezed by.

It was a typical evening as I went to visit Dad. I dined with him and watched a bit of television. I ate some great tasting 'sunflower seeds'.

I considered a drive to the Stargaze Club in Fremont, CA but decided against it.

I spoke to Chris Cordellos a couple of times (by telephone) during the evening. He suggested outings at the usual places in The City: Echo Beach, Rathskeller, I-Beam and Earls. I chose to remain at home and read an article or two in my Madison Avenue magazine. There was a story about the telecommunications industry and AT&T and Pacific Bell were mentioned.

I was tired. I went to bed. It is a 'Saturday' work day tomorrow--after all!

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Do You Know a 'Donna' ?

"Evening is a time of real experimentation.
You never kind of want to look the same way.”
-Donna Karan



It was 50 Years ago today, February 3, 1959: At the age of 17, Ritchie Valens is killed in a plane crash, along with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.

I heard about it on the radio on this very day, February 3, 2009. I remember my mother used to like the music of Buddy Holly. I was not even born yet when the plane crashed. They interviewed Ritchie Valens' girlfriend who is named Donna (she now lives in Sacramento, CA). He wrote a teen love ballad for her called 'Donna':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mKHkz6A3Fk
When they played the song I could just imagine the emotion this woman must feel (even to this day).

It made me think of the Donna's I have known...

1964-There was Donna Schumann, a little girl who lived in our Oakland neighborhood. She had two brothers (one named Billy) and she had dirty blond hair and a sensitive smile. I think I had an itty bitty crush on that one. I wonder what ever happened to her?

1969-My first cousin (Donna Lynn Armijo) was born on August 27, 1969 at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, CA. Her father and my father were brothers. Donna now has four daughters and resides in Livermore, CA. She is working as a beautician who specializes in facials (I believe) in Pleasanton, CA. I have not seen her since the mid 1990's. The family tends to get so large and I'm sure she has her hands full with the daughters these days.

1971-Donna Emmons was a local girl in Alameda, California. She didn't have the best reputation because rumor had it that she did the 'oochie-koochie' with Tim Halpin (another local boy). I'm not sure if that really happened or not. I believe Donna moved away because she never attended Alameda High School.

1977-I graduated with Donna Van Amburg. I remember her uncle was a KGO-TV News anchorman. I thought it was such a big deal. Donna and I still keep in touch (a bit) and she is now happily married and living in Dandridge, Tennessee. Maybe I will see her when I finally make that trip to the Blackberry Farm Inn in Tennessee.
http://www.blackberryfarm.com/
I really want to visit there. Funny...I just did a search on Donna's uncle and I just learned what happened to him:

What ever happened to KGO-TV Van Amburg?

And then, one night in December 1986, he suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen again on television news in all these years since.

Not that it was poor Van's fault. There he was as always, knocking the crowd dead, as it were, when out from the wings came the hook, extended by Station Management. He was fired, summarily removed without warning from his anchor chair after seventeen years... it was simply time for Something New (it was really time for Someone Cheaper). Indeed, like most local stations in highly competitive markets, KGO has this habit of abruptly and brutally dropping the ax on their telegenic employees. Van wasn't the first to be told "we don't want you as a presence in the newsroom anymore", nor was it the last time KGO's motives would be suspect.
Also,
Wallace suggested the station's 11 p.m. news was like vaudeville. He questioned Van Amburg about a story he did one night a severed penis found on what is now the Caltrain tracks. Van Amburg said somebody was victim of that attack, and Channel 7 needed to report it.

1979-I guess the last Donna that really is memorable to me is 'Donna Summer'. I can still hear that song at a nightclub in June 1979 in Waikiki, Hawaii. And yes...I was dancing to it.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=donna%20summer%2C%20hot%20stuff&docid=260772004003&mid=74C7DD7440443C52071D74C7DD7440443C52071D&FORM=VIVR11

Twenty-five years ago today:

February 3, 1984, Friday

It was a good day. One of the better parts of my day was at noontime. My entire section (along with Nancy Guzman) gathered for lunch at a very quaint downtown French restaurant on Harrison Street. I loved the delicious veal entree and the Roquefort walnut salad. I sat directly in front of Nancy which allowed me to share a fair amount of words. I found her to be very sincere. I think she found me 'simpatico', too. Who knows? Maybe I will get somewhere within this company after all. It all seems to be a matter of the right connections.

We also celebrated Rose Rodarte's birthday (February 5th). She loved my humorous card.

I wanted to go straight home and take a nap. The lunch must have made me more exhausted than usual. However, I had a sudden burst of energy after I read the newspaper. I was reading about two appealing films (Forced Entry & Make Them Die Slowly). The latter was quoted as being banned in thirty-one countries and had excessive violence. It made me curious as to the why the film had such culture shock.

And so, I drove into the City and happened to bump into Jerry Chalmers. He just happened to be hangin' out. We talked about his job at Monster Cable and he gave me his telephone number. I doubt I'll ever call him. We shook hands and I went on my merry way to see the two movies. The first one looked really 'low budget'. Yawn (a suspenseful and stupid horror film). I started to get into the second feature until it started to get gruesome and gory with the castration, cannibalism, hooks, cut wrists and gross worms. It was pretty terrifying. Why did I want to see this? Oh heck...maybe I did learn something. There are crazy people out there making some pretty ridiculous movies. I believe I also learned that one's bad actions are merely learned from anothers' bad actions; whereby, influencing one to make it habit-forming. After the movies I headed straight to my car and drove home.

I showered just to get out of the Colombian forest (where that second film took place). I taped the Friday Night Videos program and fell asleep.

Tomorrow was a Saturday but I agreed to work. I need the extra money. I start those Art classes next week.

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The 2009 Journey Begins

"Remember...this is a military operation, nothing ever goes according to plan."
--as heard in the movie VALKYRIE

I saw the new Tom Cruise movie, VALKYRIE, yesterday. Alan and I accompanied Mimi to Downtown Napa for the 7pm screening. We all thought it was better than expected.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSy96KB7Dh4
I did get something out of it (3 Stars from me). Here are a few other lines that I took from it:

"They say when there is no clear option the best thing to do is nothing."

"When they catch you they'll pull you apart like warm bread."

"I say...DO IT!"

"Why remove a madman to have a lunatic in his place?"

The morning DOW US market is up 157 points. That's a good indicator for the first business day of the New Year. Let's just hope there is no BLACK SWAN forthcoming.

The BLACK SWAN theory (in Nassim Nicholas Taleb 's version) refers to a large-impact, hard-to-predict, and rare event beyond the realm of normal expectations. Unlike the philosophical "black swan problem", the "Black Swan" theory (capitalized) refers only to events of large consequence and their dominant role in history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan_theory

Today begins the six hour journey from Napa Valley to Los Angeles (back to the beach). I only have time for a bowl of Cheerio's before the road trip begins. Hasta La Vista! (See You Later!)

Twenty-five years ago:

January 2, 1984

At 8am the sun was shining through my window shades. I had to go out to feel the sunshine on my face. I took my bicycle and enjoyed a ride along the beach until about 10am. Then I had to get ready for the lunch date with Leslie Fonseca of San Lorenzo, CA.

I stopped for a pitstop (gasoline) and found Leslie's apartment easily right afterwards. She said she wasn't ready to eat, so we decided on choosing a flick at the Magic Video store. I selected 'PHANTOM", a thriller. We drove to my townhouse and when I drove up to the driveway I found my dad in the garage and my mom was cleaning the house. It was time for introductions. Mom and Dad seemed to like Leslie (and vice versa). My parents didn't stay long as they said they had to go shopping.

Leslie and I proceeded to watch the 'PHANTOM' feature as we lounged on my couch. The movie was scary and made us 'jumpy' in some parts.

It's funny how there's always one flaw in every 'chick'. She either smokes (Paloma); She's too touchy and hot temper oriented (Nici); She doesn't offer that mutual physical attraction (Helen); She is ultra-negative and does not provide enough positive feedback (Suzy); or she has a child (Leslie). What's next? No, I am not perfect either...am I (as I consider my attraction to George Jones)?

Suzy called me but we didn't talk long. Michael Padazinski called. He works in the adjacent department at work (RTOC-Residence Telephone Order Center). We had a good talk. We plan on getting together soon to talk about his big decision to join the seminary. I sense that he is attracted to me. Will he become a priest?

After the movie I took Leslie for a short drive to my parents' home. Leslie had a good chat with my folks once again. We left and ate at MOUNTAIN MIKE'S PIZZA. We actually had a good time. I do enjoy her company. Her intelligence levels seem lower but I think I'm discriminating because of her latin accent. There is a bit of a language barrier. After the pizza meal we took a walk. She seemed to enjoy my company. I don't relish her craving for so many Spanish tunes though.

I met her daughter. She is cute...but am I ready for such a responsibility at this time? I like her a lot but I don't want to get tied down. If it were my own child would it be different? Probably. Who cares? I decided to make another date to see "NOSFERATU" in Berkeley, tomorrow night. I choose such romantic films, don't I? I promised to call her at around 2pm. Who knows what will happen?

Leslie starts classes at CHABOT COLLEGE in Hayward, CA tomorrow.
"You better call...or else," she said.
Then she followed that line with a "just kidding".
Hmmm...she wouldn't have said it if she didn't think it. She is born on April 23rd, a bull-headed Taurus. Is there any point in pursuing?

I told my mom about Leslie's child later that evening. My mom was speechless and dumbfounded. She liked the girls' friendliness and manners.

I found it interesting when Leslie and I were looking through some magazines at a store near MOUNTAIN MIKE'S PIZZA. Leslie saw a nude girl on the cover of a magazine.
"I think the reason girls do this nude posing is because they feel men do not notice them with their clothes on. Also, those girls who wear tons of make-up only wear it to get noticed. And even as they do get noticed it is not a look of envy but of disgust," she stated.
I immediately thought of Tammy Duhr and her heavy make-up. I also recalled Frank's stories of Tammy and her 'sugar daddy'. Frank even mentioned something about the way she walked on the streets of Polk Street.

I called Suzy again tonight. She said she would call me right back. I like Suzy and I wonder if there could ever be a future between us despite her "complaining" over every little thing. And she seems so ultra-religious now. It could be difficult. She surprised me at breakfast the other morning when she reminded me that if we were NOT married by age 30 we would "tie the knot". That's a big question mark? Then again, who knows what the future holds.

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THE READER Is One Worthwhile Book

"If looking at someone with desire was as bad as satisfying that desire, if having an active fantasy was as bad as the act you were fantasizing then why not the satisfaction and the act itself? As the days went on, I discovered that I couldn't stop thinking sinful thoughts. In which case I also wanted the sin itself."
--excerpt from THE READER
by Bernhard Schlink

I had bought this book around 2001 knowing that it was a National Best-Seller. It remained on a bookcase until recently. I learned that a film was being released this month based on THE READER and it encouraged me to read it immediately. I was engrossed in the story during my flight from New York City to Santa Fe, NM.

THE READER is about finding love and happiness. It is a love story. It has mystery, intrigue and courtroom drama. It's a story about one searching for answers throughout life. It's about revisiting a scene of a past tragedy. It blends philosophy, psychology and dilemma. It's about defending the not-so-innocent. It's a realization of loneliness and secrets. The story includes a dramatic trial that comes to grips with a Nazi past. It's about dealing with guilt silently. It's about a youth who has an affair. It's about a woman in the middle of a treacherous work environment who seeks innocence and love. It's about reading.

I loved the book so much that I so look forward to seeing the movie version now.
The Golden Globes has already blessed it with a BEST PICTURE nomination.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lZideRK0Vo
My blog is devoted to you 'reading' this book. It is simply brilliant. It was one of those page-turner stories that almost had me in tears at one point.

"When we open ourselves
you yourself to me and
I myself to you
When we submerge
you into me and I into you
When we vanish
into me you and into you I
Then
am I me
and you are you."
--a poem excerpt from THE READER
by Bernhard Schlink

(The photo above is simply a picture of my niece, Holly Armijo, reading.)

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It Starts With An Idea

"It's the good girls who keep the diaries...the bad girls never have the time."
--Tallulah Bankhead

Last night I laughed when I came across the above quote inscription on a Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon wine cork. It made me think of the wild and zany ways of Tallulah Bankhead. She was quite the attention getter in here heyday with her 'off the wall' remarks that would make anyone raise an eyebrow.

Coincidentally, I recently read a delightful screenplay by two writer/friends (Christopher Bram and Draper Shreeve) called TALLULAH. Christopher Bram is one of my favorite authors. He wrote the book 'Father of Frankenstein' which was turned into the film starring Ian McKellan and Brandon Fraser called 'Gods and Monsters'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFhK0ia7oG0
His book 'The Nortorious Dr. August' is one of my all-time favorites. I will soon be reading 'Exiles In America: a novel' in which Chris inscribed "11-28-08, To Michael, From one artist to another. It's an honor and a pleasure knowing you. All good things, Christopher Bram".

The TALLULAH screenplay is an excerpt of her life that tells of the events that led to an actual trial brought upon by her maid. The screenplay depicted her true colors. I would love to see it made into a film. The screenplay was sold to producer, Jayne Baron Sherman. Jayne made her Broadway debut with A RAISIN IN THE SUN.

The feature film about Tallulah Bankhead was in development with Philip Kaufman as director (for a time) but seems to have fallen out of the loop. These economic downturn times do not make it easier to have a film made. I am crossing my fingers that it won't be one of those projects that will take ten years to make. I believe Jayne is in search of another producer to help get the project rolling, so if you have a suggestion for me--let me know. You could be on a red carpet, accepting an Oscar if all goes well.

If you take a few minutes to read the biography of Tallulah at wikipedia.org you'll be quite amazed at the substantial stories surrounding her:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallulah_Bankhead

I already have my sights set on specific actors giggling at the Algonquin Hotel with Tallulah. The landmark hotel in midtown New York City opened in 1902. It was destined to be at the center of New York 's literary and theatrical life. In addition to Tallulah there were illustrious clients who lunched daily at the The Algonquin's Rose Room.

I really think I need to arrange a Tallulah Bankhead "marathon film screening" of three or four of her films. I am eager to see her in action.

Then I think I want to find myself a 'Rose Room' to meet a group of several friends daily to exchange ideas (just like the Cafe de Flore in Paris, France where my dear friend, Marie-Paule, now hangs out whenever she can).

"Do you believe people can enter our lives...for a purpose?"
--Ian McKellan as James Whale
in the film GODS & MONSTERS

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