The Beauty of BING

What happens to all the things you might say or want to say, but don't?

Well, they don't lie about in your head indefinitely waiting to be let out. For a time they may stay there quite patiently, but then they shuffle off and fade until you can't locate them anymore, and you realize they're not coming back. By then you're past caring.
-Morag Joss
"Half-Broken Things"

PHOTO: Kiera Knightley,
Blu-Ray, "The Edge of Love"
as photographed from our new Ultra-Slim SAMSUNG TV screen

I am really beginning to LOVE it at www.BING.com

You simply go to the site and CLICK on SHOPPING and then CLICK on ‘Your cash back account’ to register for FREE. When you buy stuff by using BING as your 'starting point' you can only earn up to $2500 in savings every calendar year.

They make it so EASY, too. Check it out and be sure to compare prices and look for and "CLICK ON" the BING Cash back option. I know where I plan to be doing a lot of my holiday shopping this year.

I am a little late on the BING bandwagon myself. I just made my first two purchases:
1) a ‘personalized throw blanket’ gift purchase for a charming little girl and
2) a ‘nose and ear trimmer’ for myself.
What can I say? It’s terrible when one starts to grow hair in the nose and ears
…but ‘Thank God’ for good grooming.

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 10, 1984
Monday

Chris Cordellos and I found Paula’s house. Paula is Chris’ sister. She lives in Venice, CA and we went to visit her today. She was ecstatic and surprised to see Chris. We stayed with her for a few hours, conversing in her living room. It really smelled like “Stanley”, her dog. It was such a grotesque odor! How do people live this way? I was so happy to get some fresh ocean air afterwards.

During the day Chris and I ventured out to Santa Monica Beach to lie out and ‘catch some rays’. We sort of tried to catch up on much needed sleep (or tried to). There were a lot of kids on the beach because it was a holiday (Admission Day). It was pretty nice at the beach in Santa Monica despite the cloudy overcast moments.

After our ‘laying out’ long enough we went over to SUPERCUTS. We both got our respective haircuts and it cooled us off a bit.

We drove into West Hollywood and browsed at the International Male clothing store. We both drooled at things that were simply not affordable.

We stopped at SAFEWAY for refreshments and it was not long before our cranberry juice and Coca-Cola got very HOT. Too bad we didn’t have an ice-maker in the car. That just might be a useful invention.

We returned to Paula’s pad at about 5:30PM and met her ‘roommate’. She was what we described as an ‘old maid’ with dirty blond hair. She was very nice but so inquisitive. She wanted to know all about us.
'What do you do Chris?'
'And what do you do, Michael?'
It went on and on like that with all sorts of questions like where we grew up, how long did you live there, what next, etc.

Paula dressed up a bit and we accompanied her to visit a few of her ‘burn out’ friends. Then Chris and I escaped to Griffith Park to check out the Los Angeles views. I also played chauffeur into Hollywood. We ate Mexican Food near the Grumman’s Chinese Theater. It was very tourist-like walking around Hollywood Boulevard, so that was okay. We felt tired after a while and headed back to Paula’s.

We foolishly slept in Paula’s backyard that evening even though it was sprinkling (from a sprinkler on the other side of her fence). The lawn was wet. Suddenly all of these mosquitoes quietly appeared. It was murder (for me). Mosquitoes adore me. I had to get out of there and transported myself to my car for hopeful sleep. What a crazy vacation escape! Chris found the mosquitoes disruptive as well and slept in his sisters’ car after he realized my good idea. I actually went to Paula’s car later but could not stand the mosquitoes (or Stanley the dog fleas???) that were inside her car! I immediately left that scenario and returned to the back seat of my car. Oh what a night…I could easily change the words to that song...
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=oh+what+a+night%2C+four+seasons&qs=n&docid=1209971245833&mid=5C47D0ECEB1AE0E9C51E5C47D0ECEB1AE0E9C51E&FORM=VIVR2#

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Delightful Tickling

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
-Sally Berger

The following is on page 8 of the 'Te Matare Ramirez'
Restaurante menu in Buenos Aires, Argentina

She has always been like that. Innately fun loving, just like me, or perhaps, even more than me. Justiniana is never wrong concerning matters of pleasure. It is what I like most about her, even more than her voluptuous hips or her silky pubic hair, so delightfully tickling to the palate: her swift fantasy and accurate instinct to recognize, within the confusion of this world, the sources of amusement and pleasure.

Her small mouth of red lips will kiss my foot and will suck each one of my toes as lime and lemon are sucked during the feverish summertime afternoons. We will soon be intertwined, frolicking in the sibilant silk of the blue blanket, absorbed in the sheer bliss from where life springs. The forest will hear us sigh as we swoon and, all of a sudden cry as if fatally wounded. A second later we will be heard laughing and kidding. And still entangled, we will doze off in a peaceful dream.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, March 31, 1984

It was raining during this Arcata, California morning. I didn't let it depress me. Chris didn't mind it. Barbara didn't mind the rain either. We drove together to the Samoa Cookhouse. I treated them to breakfast. It was delicious home cooking. I had scrambled eggs, french toast and sausage.

We continued on to the Old Town of Eureka. I bought a few 'future journals' for myself. I also found a 'Baby Book' that Sherri might like for little 'Shane' or 'Ashley'. I bout a tie for $6.99. Chris found a fashionable jacket to match for $22 at the Vintage shop in town. It was great fun browsing the boutiques.

We continued on for miles to a small town known as Ferndale. We looked through shop after shop. I bought a few postcards and actual greeting cards from Mom and Barbara Reynolds. I found a cool 'bike pin' and a 'bike charm' that I now use on my silver chain that Helen gifted me.

After the exploring of Ferndale, California we were a bit tired and enjoyed some ice-cream at Bon Boniere in Old Town Eureka. We had to return to 'Chris & Barbara's' home to lounge now. I took some pictures and we listened to tunes.

Barbara was sweet to make a home-cooked meal for the three of us. The main course was chicken and snow peas.

Jim Severn and some other Coast Guard fellow named Dan stopped by. We drank wine and 'wine coolers' and got ready to go to "Mojo's". This is a big place with a live group called 'A Band Of Desperate Men'. Chris and I heckled about the name of the band.

A blond chick, visiting from Los Angeles asked me to dance. She was actually from Coronado.
"You dance like you're from L.A.," she said while we were dancing.
I couldn't help but take that as a complement.

We left the Mojo's joint. It was fun doing a little slam dancin' with Chris and Barbara.

The most eventful part of the evening was our non-stop cracking up while at Denny's. The waitress looked like a "poodle". We tried to walk out without paying for our meal just to see what would happen. It was an embarrassment that we would not quickly forget. We weaseled our way out of it by saying we were 'out of it'. It sounded like a good explanation and I am a smooth talker. Chris tried to foolishly run. I remained calm. During the drive home we talked and talked and talked about the foolish motive. We all regretted it.

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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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Strategic Thinking

'Don't be like a river.'
It just flows and goes the easiest way possible.

ESP was always associated with Extra Sensory Perception. As of this week we can match ESP to 'Economic Stimulus Plan'. Who knows if this will work? Something is better than nothing as the global depression continues.

A strategy is necessary.

A strategy is a long term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. Strategy is differentiated from tactics, or immediate actions, with resources at hand by its nature of being extensively premeditated, and often practically rehearsed. It may be time to read The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money from 1936 that was written by the British economist John Maynard Keynes. It may provide a perfect strategy for NOW, including 'incentives to invest'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Theory_of_Employment,_Interest_and_Money

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, January 29, 1984

Once again I went bicycling but not as much riding as yesterday. I feel so good about my cycling efforts these days. By 10:30am I popped over at mom's to make myself a 'smoothie', followed by Rice Krispies. My appetite is eager after I ride. I slept until 1pm. The needed rest did not stop me as I went on an afternoon bike ride, doing a few repetitive rounds along South Shore beach.

I finally went home and gave Bill Helbush a call. He was being his usual prudish self. He brought up the stupid January 10th incident of affection versus non-affection. What is he trying to say?
"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight," Bill asked.
I didn't feel like driving out to Concord. I felt exhausted after all of my cycling today.
"I appreciate the invitation but why don't we make it another time?" I heard myself say.
And we made a pact that when either one of us feels like calling the other that we will 'just do it'.
However, I have no intention of calling him. His asinine, control-ridden, 'have it his way' attitude is just too overbearing as far as I am concerned.

After writing some futuristic Pacific Bell strategies I received a call from Mom who invited me to accompany her to the South Shore Shopping Center. I agreed and we browsed at Mervyn's and a few other stores, ending with a light lunch. We dropped into the Pic-A-Dilly's boutique (where Sherri is working). We greeted her politely and she was happy to see us.

Once home again I realized it was still daylight and chose to go for another bicycling spin around town. I met up with Suzi Miller and she invited me to stop by her apartment. I ended up sharing a Domino's Pizza with Suzi and her siblings, Michael and Renee. Then Sue made some M&M cookies while Michael was doing his Algebra homework.
"We are going to Hawaii for sure in October," Sue said to me.
"I'm game," I said but wondered to myself if she is all talk and no action.
We all watched TRAPPER JOHN M.D. on TV.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=trapper%20john%20md&docid=585770009144&FORM=VIVR7
It was late and dark. Michael was kind enough to drive me home. I invited him inside to watch my favorite "Breaking Away" movie. I can watch that one over and over again. We stayed up watching it until 1am. Then he left...unfortunately.
Michael threw me for a loop after the movie when he said, "So now what are you going to do?"
I suppose he was being his usual goofy self. I thought it was nice when he told me he had thought of me for the breaking-in of the New Year.
"Yeah," he said, "I called you before New Years to invite you to go to Tahoe for that weekend."
I may have missed out on a fun adventure.

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I Believe Disco Is Back In Style

She was the substance and I was the shadow.
--Philippa Gregory
a line I chose that reminds me of when I would dance with Paloma in the early 1980s

My first sign of the DISCO return was about two weeks ago when I opened a letter and found an invitation to a February 2009 Montessori School 'Saturday Night Fever' fundraiser in St. Helena (Napa Valley), California. Secondly, the closing scene of the hit movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' thrived on a group Disco dance groove. And as recently as two days ago my dear, Paloma, from Balaruc-Les-Bains (in the South of France) sent me a 'DISCO BITCH' CD which seems to be one of the rave songs 'in and around' France right now. I believe Paloma wanted to 'brainwash' me by repeatedly listening to the song. I have been doing 'just that' every time I am in the car. I like the mix of French and English it has going on.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEI6qz4Kzyk&feature=related
And what else:
1. On New Years Eve at the San Mateo County Expo Center (near San Francisco) a big 'DISCO 2009' event is being advertised.

2. Apparently there was a French film released in April of this year (2008) called DISCO. I hope it comes to the states. I'd love to see it. It's a French movie directed by Fabien Onteniente with Franck Dubosc as "Didier Travolta" in the main role. Here is what I found on the Internet movie data base:

The main subject of the 'DISCO' movie is the rebirth of disco music at the the mid-2000s in a French town. The film is at first humorous, with a lot of clichés about Saturday Night Fever, but it doesn't disparage the disco culture at any time. In fact, all the people involved in this film are fans of disco, dance and funk music.

I better start practicing my dance steps and shakin' my groove thing...just like the good ole days when Paloma and I used to dance at the I-BEAM Club in San Francisco (even if it was a few years passed the heart of Disco).

"Let's dance before dinner!"
"You're a wild card and I don't know how to play you," he said with brutal frankness.
--Philippa Gregory
as written in her book 'The Other Boleyn Girl'

Twenty-five years ago today:

It was fun today. Salima was on the telephone all day at work. She was seated next to me and making me realize how much I like and care for that girl. She is so super special and "simpatico".

I won "Samuel the Super Spaniel" for best sales yesterday. Hoorah! I am pleased.
I get to have the stuffed dog displayed on my desk for the day.

After work I arrived home and my brother, John, was joking around with his friend, Geoff Rookard. My pal, Suzy Miller, called and we arranged a holiday shopping date. It was coincidental because I had intentions of calling her at the same moment. Suzy came over to my place and we drove out to the Bay Fair Shopping Center in San Leandro. I bought myself a 'bicycle' ornament. We stopped over at the drive-thru Jack-In-The-Box and they tried to screw me over by mistakenly giving me the wrong order. I hate that. Suzy and I laughed, returning to my pad to munch out. She had to leave soon thereafter to cook her 'potluck' stuff for some holiday office affair the next day. She works for AT&T in Pleasanton, CA now.

My brother, John, was nice enough to give me twenty one-dollar bills. I better remember to pay him back. I like dealing with cash. John always has cash from his bar back/bartender in training job at GALLAGHERS at Jack London Square.

I have decided to make my New Year 2004 Resolution a 'no credit card' year. I want to pay only on a cash basis except in dire emergencies.

I watched some new funny show called "Oh Madeline" and then I quickly fell asleep.

Tomorrow is Wednesday and I guess Nici Maurino and I will be seeing SILKWOOD.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KGmkaoIbQo
Oh yes...Helen told me the Placement Center called her about a Directory Sales job. She is taking the test on January 10, 2004. I am so jealous. Suzy said her ex-boyfriend, Don, was promoted to supervisor. I am so jealous. I know my turn will come. I shall continue to be persistent, show stability and drive forward for what I want.

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