A Robot Named 'Twenty-One'

It was sometime before he slept, and when he did, he found himself walking on an endless path. At last he came to a place where the path divided, one fork seeming to lead downward into misty, shadowy depths which were somehow strangely, compellingly attractive by their very mystery, and the other branch led uphill into the sunshine. He decided after a moment to keep to the right and follow the upward path. But the climb was steep, and his strength was beginning to fail him when he saw approaching him "a Madonna'.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I read this article back in February 2009 and had it saved to share on my BLOG for a future date. The future date has arrived (only about six months later). It’s still a major futuristic look as to what is to come.

Japanese scientists and engineers at Waseda University in Tokyo unveiled their latest humanoid robot named Twenty-One.

This new and improved humanoid robot is equipped with manual dexterity capable of picking up a drinking straw, placing it into a tumbler and handing off the drink to its human counter-part.

Twenty-One looks like a robotic version of Steven Spielberg's kind-eyed character ET. Japan is truly taking one giant step forward for mankind.

Read the in-depth article and watch the Robotic Housekeeper video by CLICKING on this link:
http://www.physorg.com/news153079697.html

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 30, 1984
Sunday

The last day of September and I ate breakfast with Frank Vasconcellos at NIKKO’s in Oakland at the foot of the Park Street, Alameda bridge. What a dive! It was my first time to have ever eaten at this place. It wasn’t so hot. I was a bit embarrassed to be seated with Frank with his jet-black, ugly hair color-to tell the truth. I hated it the more I looked at it. He knew it, too.

After breakfast I drove him to the Fruitvale BART station. I skedaddled over to moms’ house. It started to rain and I figured I would not be cycling at all today.

Sherri came by with Ashley because she had to work from 11:30AM to 6PM. Mom happily made arrangements to babysit. I bid farewell to Sherri and played with Ash for a while.

I decided to go for a bike ride anyway. It was only a slight sprinkle of rain. I saw my Colombian friend, Alfonse, on the beach again.
“Hey, yeah, I’m living in Vallejo now,” Alfonse said.
I thought to myself, “Yuck, Vallejo!” The area of Vallejo is not too hot—or so I’ve heard.
“Why don’t you ride by later and share a beer with me.”
I did actually see him later but he had no beers, so I said, “Later.”
I decided to ‘ditch him’.

It was rather windy but I still had a good ride. I decided to take a nap at mom’s house. Then I ended up having to babysit for Ashley for an hour. Mom and Dad decided to go out together for shopping and a visit to Longs Drugstore.

While babysitting Ashley I telephoned Paloma. We had a good talk while Ashley was playing with her toys.

When I was back at my place later I decided to telephone Michael Miller.
“Yeah, I’m feeling a lot better,” Michael said.
He suggested I bring my mini-chess set over so we could play. I didn’t feel like it.

Instead, I went to Walgreens to see if Rick was at Lucky’s Grocery store. I wanted to see if he knew of any potential roommates (including him). While at Walgreens I saw this poster of Ann Turkel that I never seen before. I loved it.

I went to a Book Store and found a few magazines with interesting photography. When I returned home to ‘hang out’ I got a call from mom who said, “Paloma called here a little while ago.”

And so, I returned Paloma's call. Again, we had a great chat. I actually told her about my being Donor number 151 at the Bay Area Sperm Bank. I gave her some of my true stories with regard to the CIA and Gladman. I confessed to my beginning to be in ‘serious like of her’ back in mid-March of this year.
“Then you blew the news of Jody,” I said. Jody is the guy she liked so much. She had met him around that time.

“I thought you had lost interest in me,” Paloma said.
I got the feeling she was just saying that and I was starting to feel that she was interested now.
“I never talk to anyone as long on the phone as I do you,” Paloma exclaimed in her usual French-English style.
“I’m flattered, you know.”
“I have a good time with you. We should go out more and maybe go to Great America…like you said.”

PHOTO: Great America Amusement Park
Santa Clara, California



We do have our Ice-Cream Dock date set for this coming Thursday. Paloma surprised me. I feel so comfortable talking to her. Maybe we needed that break from one another. She also questioned me about my plans for the end of October when I have vacation time.
“I may just stick around here. I’m not sure yet,” I replied.

I think I want to send Paloma that card with the airplane. She has this yearning to become a flight attendant. The card has this verse inscribed in it:
‘I know you’ll be up again soon.’

Paloma says she is depressed often. I can somewhat relate to her feelings. It will also give me a good chance to send her the photo of me with the Green Ferrari (taken in Carmel). She’ll laugh…I think.

I slept and released easily.

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Your Very Own 'Humanoid Robot'

Without phrasing it in so many words to himself, he took it for granted that they would live together forever and that life would be beautiful and serene, an endless golden haze of music and books and theater and talks by the fire.
-Nial Kent
aka William Leroy Thomas
'The Divided Path'


A February 2009 article written by Paul Marks in NEW SCIENTIST magazine talks about how robots have started to evolve.

Imagine having your very own robot to talk with by the fireplace someday? It does not seem too far-fetched to me.

Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Christopher MacLeod, and his colleagues at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, have created a robot that adapts to such changes by mimicking biological evolution.
"If we want to make really complex humanoid robots with ever more sensors and more complex behaviours, it is critical that they are able to grow in complexity over time-just like biological creatures did," he says.

What would you name your "humanoid robot"?
Macleod is moving forward with his idea. A simulated robot that not only evolves its own way of moving, but also decides how many legs and sensors it needs to carry out a given task most effectively is on the way.

He is confident the technique will help to build more advanced robots. In particular, the software could make humanoid robots and prosthetic limbs more versatile.
"It can build layer-upon-layer of complexity to fulfil tasks in an open-ended way." Macleod says.

What next? Read the complete article here:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126946.600-unnatural-selection-robots-start-to-evolve.html?full=true

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 10, 1984
Tuesday

My 'tubmate', Judy Albert, a big black lady, wore the funniest looking wig today. I almost died laughing when I saw her. She is in the cubicle next to mine.

I called Tammy Duhr and we scheduled a date for this Saturday. The plan is for a movie and 'conversation catch up'.

I had lunch at FATS alone. My brother, Tony, and Helen are "a growing item". I guess they preferred having lunch as a twosome today.

I took a daytime snooze on my afternoon break. Ben Nunley, a co-worker, allowed me to read his newspaper. Michelle of the Residential Telephone Order Center spoke to me for a while. I always tease her, calling her Ms. High Fashion.

Chris Cordellos telephoned around 7PM. We talked until 8:30PM. He mentioned his accident.
"Yeah, I fell. I couldn't even stand up, so they gave me a week of rest," Chris sighed in relief. 'They' refers to the US Coast Guard, of course.
"You lucky sucker," I said.
He chuckled as we continued to chatter about the great time we had during my recent visit.

"Jim Severn has been coming by every day," Chris revealed, "I wrote him a note because I'm trying to get him off of my back."
I comforted Chris, complementing his "pizzaz" and "personality".
"I miss you," I said, stressing how much I appreciate our friendship.
We laughed and reminisced about April 1st and our walk along Clam Beach and 'our' twin twigs.
"I'll call you tomorrow," I said, closing our conversation.
I fell asleep not long after.

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My Ever Changing Moods

The relationship was very real and important, yet there was about it enough of mystery and imagination to satisfy Michael's craving for romance.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

The following is on page 15 of the 'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

ISN'T SHE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN?
Yes, incredibly beautiful. Now, above all, when her instincts have started to rouse, enticed by the ardent corruptions I drizzle in her ear. My left hand feels, there on her breast, how her skin has become tense and hot. Her blood begins to boil. This is the moment she reaches her climax, or (to put it in the academic terms) that what philosophers call absolute of the alchemist transubtantiation.

The word that best applies to her body is: plentiful. Stirred by my salacious fictions, everything in her turns to curve and prominence, winding elevation, softness. That is the consistency that the expert should prefer for his lover at the time of love: tender abundance which seems just about to overflow but keeps firm, supple, resilient like ripe fruit and freshly kneaded dough, that soft texture the Italians call morbidezza, a word that even when referring to bread sounds lustful.

After the above excerpt I shall have to save 'Desserts' for tomorrow. Smiles.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 3, 1984, Tuesday

This morning dragged on a bit with watching 'Good Morning America' and a soap-opera called 'Loving'. I went in and outside to the porch as I observed the indecisive sun. It would continually come out and then hide again behind the clouds as if to tease me.

I felt some raspiness in my throat. I was trying to kill it with coffee, knowing it is not the best antidote.

Chris telephoned us.
"I can't get out at eleven but I will be able to at one o'clock," he said happily.
Barbara and I simply hung out and sat on the porch for a while.

Chris finally arrived but 'in a bad mood'. He was telling us how he had to cut all of the lawns via tractor at the USCG Humboldt Base. I didn't dare say it aloud but I was thinking how lucky that he was able to sit on a tractor to do the laborious chore. Chris had to have a quick crash nap for about fifteen minutes. After a bit of encouragement he was able to get up and venture out to "Critters & Co.".

We went to "Critters & Co." to pick up James (the dog). It was the pet that Barbara and Chris adopted. James was getting a cleaning. He looked so cute and clean, like a completely different dog.

Barbara received her IRS Tax Refund yesterday. We accompanied her to Eureka Stereo. She wanted a new stereo. After the first look we decided to go to Sears to see what they had in terms of stereo inventory. I was having fun playing a few video games. Chris and I were contemplating a plan to 'get rid of' Barb. In the end, we didn't choose to 'ditch' her.

We all had homemade pie at Jacoby's in Arcata. I bought another greeting card. Both Chris and I were thrilled to find cool sunglasses, too.
http://www.jacobystorehouse.com/history.php

We relaxed at home for a while until it was time to dress for dinner. We decided to go for Chinese Food. Who gets dressed for Chinese Food? We do. Chris received a telephone call from his mother as we were getting ready. I felt so bad because from what I had overheard she was entering the hospital on April 13th.
"I'm sorry I couldn't fulfill everything that I wanted to for you," Chris' mother said.
It made Chris cry. I felt so bad. Words can't express how I wanted to help soothe his crying soul. I believe I did comfort him though. I gave him a few hugs that I believe helped.

While all of this was taking place Barbara and Jim Severn were attempting to install her new stereo in the living room.
"I'll meet you guys at the restaurant," Barbara said.
That gave Chris and I the go ahead to leave. Chris didn't want to talk about his mom because it made him sad. It also made me depressed to see him depressed, so we skirted the subject.

Barbara took a while to arrive for dinner. I guess there were stereo connection problems. We were all stuffed and enjoying ourselves that we forgot to take home the leftovers! We ended up at 'Burgies', a lounge, for a Brandy Alexander.

We eventually ended up at the Old Bar & Grill to watch Elvin Bishop perform. He wasn't my kind of entertainment. I thought he made noise (not music). I looked 'cool', wearing Chris' sport coat and striped 'Papillon' pants. We all agreed we looked out of place in this joint. It was like going through a time warp back in time (between 1968 and 1972)! It made for amusing fun.

The rain mixed with the drinking made me feel like I was having strep throat symptoms. I didn't feel to hot. We all did get up and dance to a song called "Go With The Flow". We made the night fun. We took our wine glasses home as souvenirs. They allowed us to do that. It wasn't like the naughty behavior at Denny's.

We finally left the dang joint. And when we were almost home we realized that we left Chris' car parked in Eureka! How foolish is that? The alcohol stirred our brains. We drove back and I had to drive Chris' car because he wasn't in high grade condition to do so.

When we were home we continued to party in the living room with the new stereo.
We danced to a song by Style Council called "My Ever Changing Moods". It's such a good song. It described our feelings and moods at this late hour completely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJeP3mipHQY

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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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'Junior High' Flashback

"To be, or not to be: That is the question."
-Soliloquy in Hamlet
by William Shakespeare

Several years ago my junior high school buddy (Anthony Battu) and I reconnected at a high-school reunion. He sent me an old photo of me--in the playground--with the love-of-my-life (at the time), Vicki Coffin.

This was 8th grade at Lincoln School in Alameda, California. Our mini-romance lasted around the end of 8th grade and through the early part of the Summer of 73.
Once high-school started (9th grade) I was no competition for the good-looking jock junior and senior boys.

For me, the best part of junior high (8th grade) was that increase in popularity. I lost a lot of my 'baby fat' from chasing the girls in the playground during recess and lunch. I grew a bit taller which obviously helped me out.
I admit it now, "I was a flirt."
I was so happy to feel my husky-sized pants reduced. Every week I heard a new girl had a crush on me and 'secret note passing' was all too fun.

My focus was so much on 'Vicki Coffin' at one point. I wonder what ever happened to that gal? I am pictured (above) with her in 8th grade during a 'young love' moment. There was not a worry in our worlds...but "us". Again, I still wonder what ever became of her. Her surname (Coffin) probably intrigued me more because of my obsession with the TV-series, DARK SHADOWS. As I look at this 'Junior High' flashback image I think I wanted to bite her neck (or at least give her a hickey).

The last time I remember seeing Vicki was our sophomore year at Alameda High School.


It was definitely not meant 'to be'. Do you have a mini-flashback to share?

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, February 6, 1984

It was another typical work day. After I parked my car I ran into that "questionable guy" at the lot. He is so nice to me. What's with that?

Work was busy. I decided to call Jerry Chalmers--after all--during my break. He was busy (at work himself).
"Hey, would you mind if you call me back later?" Jerry asked.
I never returned the call on this day.

During lunchtime I walked to the Art Supply shop and purchased two 4B pencils. They are required items for my class tomorrow night. I had time to order a hamburger at the company cafeteria. I sat with a few of the 'cafeteria regulars'. Ugh! It was boring for me. I am happy that Helen Wong is back at work. I am very glad. I missed her.

David Vigil said he saw my brother, John, bar tending at Gallagher's in Jack London Square during Sunday brunch.
"You're the cutest of your brothers," David said as I wondered if that was supposed to flatter me. I should probably laugh at his viewpoint for each of us have our own so-called "cute" phases.

I had some daylight left after the work day and did a quick bicycle ride to the Crown Harbor area of Alameda. I called "pops" when I returned home and he invited me over for dinner. We watched "Wheel of Fortune" together. I'm so good at those word scramble games.
Dad told me he met a mutual friend of mine and Sue Miller's named Walter Seabuck. I'm not recognizing the name.
"He said he had met you before," Dad said.
I don't remember him but it is a small town. Who knows when or where?
It was good spending some time with Dad and Tony. Mom was working her usual shift at the post-office. We talked about the new housing in San Ramon, spare ribs (yummy) and Dennis Reno's dad (a school time classmate of mine who has become good friends with Tony). Dennis Reno's dad recently died of a massive heart attack.

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