Nine Steps To Living Well Forever

"All that mattered was being at home with my family and feeling that connection again."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

What are the nine steps to living well forever? There is a book called TRANSCEND: Nine Steps To Living Well Forever. I have not read it. I simply did a quick reference to see what the nine steps are.

According to futurist Kurzweil (The Singularity is Near) and homeopathic medical doctor Grossman (The Baby Boomer's Guide to Living Forever), medicine is transforming into an information technology, which by its nature advances at an exponential rate. Thus, those interested in "radical life extension" must make it their immediate goal to live through the next 20 or so years in order to see advances like DNA reprogramming and submicroscopic, cell-repairing robots.


This book outlines these nine areas.
1.Talk with your doctor
2.Relaxation
3.Assessment
4.Nutrition
5.Supplements
6.Calorie reduction
7.Exercise
8.New technologies
9.Detoxification

I hope you're doing at least five. :(

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 24, 1984
Saturday
It was funny to hear my brother, John, say these words:
“I’m surprised to see you here on a four-day weekend and not in LA or something.”
“When you are low on funds you have to make new choices.”
John laughed.

I really wanted to ride my bicycle but with my runny nose I knew it was not a good idea.

Yesterday, I filled my car with gas and added two quarts of oil. It’s running smoothly. I need to make the time to clean up the acidic corrosion that has built up around my car battery. That’s an “ugh” of a job.

It is Saturday morning and I am wondering if Aubrey will be around working for my next door neighbor. My radio is playing and the music is giving me revitalized energy. The lyrics make me feel good. I am feeling mobile.

I decided to do something creative in the townhouse. I began posting all of the greeting cards I have received (and saved) over the last two years and paste them all on one wall of my spare bedroom. It looks so good. It’s like a wall collage. I feel quite creative. As I look at each and every photo or card it brings on memories.

Today, I went to visit mom and persuaded her to join me on a driving excursion to San Francisco. We cruised over to MACY’s and Emporium. She bought me a pair of shoes, a scarf, a tie and a lapel pin for Christmas. She’s too sweet. I love her so much. We had fun scouting around ‘The City’. I showed her the Pacific Bell building where I work (at 633 Folsom) and the Men’s Fragrances department that I will soon be working (at MACY’s). We had fun together. We ate lunch at the restaurant inside the Emporium Department Store. Our feet were tired by the time we returned to Alameda.

I was supposed to call Cathy Ainlay about getting together tonight. I asked myself, “Do you really want to?” And so, I decided against it.

I ended up spending the evening with mom and dad watching a movie on videotape called “Angel”. After the movie, I returned to my place to turn in and relax. I was still sniffling and had an on again/off again cough.

Don't Dwell On It

A few minutes with that voice in his ear would cause his eyes to sparkle and set his heart to dancing.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I fell for this song called "She Could Be You" by Sapphire while watching that show KYLE-XY, Season II a few months back. Someone cleverly created this video on YouTube and I want to share the tune now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nejVmFx3g08

November 23, 1984
Friday

I awoke early once again as I heard someone sweeping Autumn leaves outside.
Suzy Miller called to see if I wanted to go to Ole’s Waffle Shop for coffee and a bite to eat.
“I’m so full. Yesterday was Thanksgiving, remember?”
She laughed. “Maybe you will feel like a movie tonight?”
“That sounds good, I’ll call you back.”

I went over to mom’s house and watched game shows (Wheel of Fortune, Scrabble, The Newlywed Game) and a chain of soap-operas: “Days of our Lives”, “Another World”, “Santa Barbara” and “The Edge of Night”.

John brought Ashley over for a visit. I decided to leave just before Mom left for work. I wanted some silent sleep time as I felt some sniffles coming on along with a bit of a cough. I recalled being sick last Thanksgiving. Danny Garcia called while I was napping.
“Hi, I just wanted to see what you were doing tonight,” said Danny.
“Oh, I don’t know, I’m not feeling so great but I may get a boost of energy later.”
“Well, give me a call if you decide you want to go out.”

I rested, showered and started to feel a bit more energetic.
I chose to call Suzy to see if she wanted to go to the show. She ‘pussy-footed’ around and said, “I think I’m going to my mom’s house for dinner since it’s National Leftovers Day.”
She continued about wanting to see what her brother was doing and promised to call back. Her flimsy excuse did not make sense. “So…”

I am finding that I say “so” a lot these days. And so, I called Danny to see about a flick. We had planned to see “Amadeus” but ended up having coffee and a sandwich at The Copper Plate in Walnut Creek. It was funny because Danny mentioned a guy named Carlos. I remembered Carlos because he was swooping on Chris at ‘The Hub’ one time.

It’s a small world as I recollected this fella that Danny was talking about. Danny had bought a top at Wilkes-Bashford for $125 and the guy who sold it to him was Bob Umland! There goes another coincidence.

After the light bite we went to Danny’s pad to sort of watch “Conan The Barbarian” on television. We talked about nonsensical things.
Danny said, “I’m supposed to meet some friends at eleven o’clock.”
“Well, I refuse to go to that Hub joint if that’s where you’re going.”

And so, I dropped him off at ‘The Hub’. Then I went over to Walnut Creek Liquors, remembering that Bill Helbush was working there now. I received a nice postcard/letter from him not so long ago and thought it would be nice to drop by to greet him. He was very happy to see me.
“I want a pair of your white International Male 501 pants,” Bill said.
This was funny because Danny had said the same thing earlier this evening. I did not stay at the liquor store for very long. My nose was running and fatigue set in.

As I was walking out of the liquor store I recognized Katie Jones with two Chinese girls. She sort of smiled. I gave a little smirk of a smile and walked out without sharing a word.

I drove home, listening to tunes. I started to think about how nice Danny could be. I decided I would allow him to cut my hair the next time I visit. I shared with Danny about my Bay Area Sperm Bank donations. He also gave sound advice about Jeffrey Burr. It was reassuring.
Danny advised, “Don’t dwell on it and don’t let it hurt you.”

I was not feeling well when I got home; however, I chose to telephone Bob Umland of Wilkes-Bashford since his name came up tonight. I left a message on his recorder. I watched the Friday Night Videos program, went upstairs, fantasized and fell asleep.

"We just have to keep our stories straight and stay on our toes."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

Let's Do It

"Will you read some of the lyrics? I like to hear you."
And he handed Michael the songbook.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

After re-reading the above quote I decided to search for a couple of songs that had lyrics that I love and music that makes me feel good. Here are the lyrics followed by a video of both the lyrics and music. Thank you Cole Porter:

I love Paris in the spring time
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love Paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love Paris, why oh why do I love Paris
Because my love is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RbZnvQHlbA
PHOTO: Kim Basinger

And..."Let's Do It"...what a great clip. I have NEVER seen this movie! (YET!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ViJS9Zrrg&feature=related

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 22, 1984
Thursday, Thanksgiving

I woke up at 7am and went back to bed only to wake again at 8:30am. It’s great when I can actually fall back asleep and not be required to get up at a certain time. Waking naturally is the best way.

Since it was Thanksgiving I telephoned mom and got the ‘green flag’ to go over to her house. As soon as I walked in I could smell the turkey. I could NOT wait to eat!

I watched a bit of the Thanksgiving Day MACY’s Parade in New York. Tony arrived. Then, John, Sherri and Ashley arrived. The entire immediate family was there. No pictures were taken but I shall make up for that on another day. We all laughed and just plain had a good ole family dinner.

John actually had to go to work that evening. So John and Sherri left early to take a nap at their pad. Needless to say, we were all “stuffed”.

I stayed at mom and dad’s house, took a nap and debated on whether I should go to Baxter’s in Concord tonight to see if Liz of Lafayette might be there.

I watched a fun animated feature called “Beauty and The Beast”. The moral proved that the true beauty of any one individual is the “inner beauty” that really counts.

I watched ‘Ellis Island’ and ‘Fatal Vision’ movies with mom. Both of the stories were intense and memorable.

Helen gave me a call to wish me a “Happy Thanksgiving”. She’s sweet.

I left mom and dad’s at 10pm and returned to the warmth of my pad.

Dancing With Myself

"Hmm__how interesting to know there's one attractive girl who didn't arouse the caveman in you."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I saw a terrible movie called "Men Who Stare At Goats" recently. It made me NOT want to go out to the movies for a while; however, there was one consolation. The movie featured a longtime favorite song called "Dancing With Myself" by Billy Idol. I had an immediate flashback to a club I would visit near Stanford University during the mid-1980s. I had no qualms to hit the dance floor and simply "dance with myself" when this tune was played. Listen by CLICKing here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DONbY9wd6vU&feature=fvw

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 21, 1984
Wednesday

Work dragged on until the end of the day finally arrived. Carl is continuing to ‘eye’ me. He has offered to sell his bike for two-hundred dollars. It’s a RALEIGH. I am thinking of buying it.
“I think I’d like to see the bike first,” I told Carl.

For lunch I went to I.MAGNIN for my free sample of women’s Gianfranco Ferre cologne, then I browsed at the MACY’s East Wing where I will be working soon.
This evening I was at mom’s house where I devoured one of her homemade pumpkin turnovers.

I watched DYNASTY. While watching this episode I thought, “I have my limits.”

Cathy Ainlay called me. She has been away, attending Chico State University.
“I just got word of the postcard you sent me and I wanted to Thank you,” Cathy said.
“Oh great, we should get together!”
We may try to see one another this coming Saturday. Who knows? I may see my yellow shorts yet!

I received no significant correspondence in the last two days.

Football & Things

"Of course, I'll miss football and things, especially dramatics, but in order to get one thing you want it seems like you almost always have to give up something else, don't you think so?"
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

It was twenty years ago today (November 20, 1989) that I met Alan Freiman. Today is our 20th Anniversary so-to-speak. It was a Monday night in West Hollywood around 5:30pm. I was new to the area and thought it would be a good idea to visit this bar on a Monday night. I thought I would meet someone local, not someone faraway looking for a 'one night stand'.

I was in a bar called MICKEY's having a 'White Russian' cocktail. Alan walked in and we exchanged glances. He sat near me and there were two empty bar stools between us.
The bar was relatively empty, so we started to 'schmooze' (schmooze: Yiddish word meaning-To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection).
Alan asked, "What is that you're drinking?"
"Oh, it's called a 'White Russian'. It's really good."
"I think I'll have one of those," Alan instructed the bartender.
We began to talk a bit more.
"So, are you just getting out of work?" I asked.
"Yeah, but I have a meeting over at the Bel Age Hotel within the hour. Are you from around here?"
"Actually, I'm new to the area. I thought I'd go out now, on a Monday evening, to meet some local people. I live up near Sunset across from Tower Records."
"I'm in Venice Beach."
"Really? I so want to get familiar with the Southern Cal beaches. That's one of the reasons I moved down here...for the beaches and palm trees."
We seemed to get along very well. I explained how I transferred from my job in Northern California. We ordered second rounds. We ended up exchanging telephone numbers. Alan left for his meeting and I decided to head on home. I felt I accomplished what I wanted. I met a local and I got a phone number. I had no idea where it would lead 'at the time'.

On November 20, 2006 we re-enacted our first meeting at the same MICKEY'S BAR. We ordered 'white Russians'. I arrived first. There was a 2 for 1 special 'Happy Hour' deal, so I ordered two. When Alan arrived fifteen minutes later I told him to pretend he just bought the drink...and we re-lived the first meeting. Funny.
PHOTO: The bartender took our photo
in celebration of our 17th Anniversary
November 20, 2006

To commemorate our special anniversary on this day I dedicate this video of #1 HIT songs of 1989 to "us". Do you remember any of them?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzK7pUCXHsE


Twenty-five years ago today:

November 20, 1984
Tuesday
Carl, my tub mate at work, seems to be giving me this eye that I read as ‘I like your body and then some…’ He’s a nice guy, but…

I enjoyed lunch with Karyn at a little Italian Café. It was fun spending time with her today.

After work I picked up Karyn at her place near Rockridge Center. We went out to see a 1978 Australian flick called “Mouth To Mouth” which was a pretty ‘shitty’ movie. We did not even stay for the co-feature, “Don’s Party”. We still had fun though.

We did a good job of sneaking in our McDonald’s dinner into the theater. We looked at each other with these ‘what in the hell’ sort of eyes when we heard a strange man in the movie theater yell ‘cocksucker’ and other vulgarities inside the theater.

We kissed each other goodnight. The date was pleasant.

I came home to read a bit. I had dreams. I felt confused and delirious.

“Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at a touch;
nay, you may kick it about all day, like a football,
and it will be round and full at evening.”
-Mark Twain

Remembering Baby Huey

"You put too much strain on your mind.
You have to condition yourself."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

Does anyone remember "Baby Huey" like I do?
Before you watch your next movie take five minutes to watch this cartoon:
CLICK here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDHpJwlJ9wE&feature=PlayList&p=A120DCB49E3CA7A5&index=22&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 19, 1984
Monday

This morning I ran into my old friend who resembles actor/comedian Marty Feldman on the BART train. He lives in Fremont and works at the Union Railroad. He is talkative and funny. What a nice chap.

While at work, Carl sat next to me (he is the one who had been away on disability). He talks a lot…and very loudly. He’s like a big baby boy. The cartoon Baby Huey comes to mind but he has a very fit, muscular upper torso (unlike Baby Huey). He is really very nice. I like sitting next to him because he brings out certain points for me to practice that I do tend to forget about. Carl was kind enough to switch my noon lunch hour for his one o’clock lunch hour. I didn’t even ask. He volunteered.

I enjoyed a sandwich and yogurt at the Health Food Store. I sat outside on Market Street. The sun was out and it felt good. It was nice sitting alone, watching the passers go by. I practiced my ‘Friendship Formation’ collegiate study, taking note of who noticed me (via eye contact) and simultaneously who I noticed.

Barbara Reynolds and I shared our last break together. We had an interesting chat about work and the people in our office. She went off about how she really liked Joe Sandford. She said that Tom and David ‘suffice’ as her tub mates but did not elaborate. She missed Joe and Brenda from the old office in Downtown Oakland.

“I notice you and Cyndy Chow seem to be getting along better,” Barbara said.
It is true and a plus that we are getting along but the frown on my face must have been something else after hearing the way Barbara laughed aloud.

I called mom and she invited me to come by the house for her homemade ‘salmon patties’ for dinner. My stomach growled at the time.

I had my Patelco Credit Union teller card encoded, making up my very own secret PIN number: 0526 (for my birthday).

After dinner at mom’s house I rummaged through the junk mail and more pre-approved credit cards that I immediately threw into the garbage.

I am thinking of calling Jennifer Andres tomorrow. She is the one who works at IBM.

I was thinking of Aubrey, my thirteen year old buddy (not in that way!).

Jim is still in my thoughts and Jeffrey Burr is ‘fading fast’. I am wondering about Chris Cordellos’ latest “going ons” but then again…his telephone is disconnected!

Paloma crossed my mind a couple of times. Her semi-stern and opinionated ways ‘turn me off’. I really do foresee a future in ‘us’. And so, her rough edges are just as well.

Mike and Suzy Miller crossed my mind this last weekend. They’re both so caught up in their Christianity these days. It makes me feel limited in being free and able to do whatever.

I telephoned Karyn Kossoff tonight. She was talking to her girlfriend, Joann, in New York about the pictures she took of all of us at Barnaby’s when she was visiting. I really love Karyn’s New York accent. We discussed the possibility of a movie tomorrow night when I suddenly remembered about my 6pm Vidal Sassoon appointment.

“Fatal Vision”, a movie about a fellow who supposedly murdered his family is out in the theaters now. I was in no mood and felt like going to bed now. I would rather see a new movie called “Falling In Love”, starring Meryl Streep and Robert de Niro. It starts on Wednesday.

I received a surprise phone call just as I hit the pillow. It was Danny Garcia from Walnut Creek, CA. It is funny because I thought of him recently (while I was writing Christmas cards). After the formalities of asking how each of us were doing the real reason he called was revealed.
“Oh Mike,” Danny said cheerfully, “I saw Chris at ‘The Hub’ bar in Walnut Creek with a ‘dark’ boy a few weeks back.”
“That was probably, Clay, a Coast Guard friend of his.”
“Are you still seeing him?”
“No, we pretty much broke it off and I’m not seeing anyone,” I said as I started to realize that I was not truly committed to any one person at this point. I did know that I really did not want to become in any way involved with Danny (except as friends). I wonder if he was fishing for ‘me’ with ‘him’.
“I’m working at a new salon in Alamo now called Chez Noel.”
Danny’s nice. It was good catching up on the latest.

One Night in Bangkok

"We can't be liked until we like ourselves."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

Have you played charades lately?
My dear cousin, Brenda Rosser, in Oklahoma sent me this one of many comic strips and it made me laugh:

It also reminded me of a song from the mid-1980's called "One Night in Bangkok" that I used to like. I have yet to visit Bangkok. It's on my list of places to go.

When I first moved to Los Angeles in October 1989 I met a young man from Bangkok, Thailand (Monte Ng) who was touring Los Angeles with his grandfather. We talked for a while and I gave him my address and we have been friends ever since. I have not seen him since that day on the airport shuttle but we keep in touch from time to time via email.

Listen now to 'One Night in Bangkok':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9mwELXPGbA

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 18, 1984
Sunday

It was one of those ‘wake up’ at 7:30am mornings. I exercised, showered and went for a bike ride until 9:30am. It was a fresh Sunday start. I enjoyed breakfast at mom and dad’s house, of course. Sherri brought Ashley over at 11:30am. Ashley is as cute as ever.

I watched the San Francisco 49er game. I did not win the office grid game as usual. I remained at the house and played with Ashley. I taped her baby voice on my cassette tape recorder. She started to cry when she heard herself. After I played it four or five times she started to smile ever-so-sweetly. She started to love listening to the tape of her making little pouts, hmmm’s and ‘grgrgrgr’s’. It was fun to just hang out there for most of the day.

I felt fat today after mom’s home cooked breakfast and Stella Doro cookies with milk. And then I had two hamburgers a few hours later. It’s no wonder.

After John and Sherri picked up Ashley at around 6:30pm I left about a half hour later.

As soon as I arrived back at my pad I received a call from Bruce. He did not have any big news to report. He did say that he has a new dog.

I watched a bit of ‘Ripley’s Believe It Or Not’ on television followed by an episode of ‘Murder She Wrote’. I went to bed at nine o’clock. Yawn.