July 31, 2004
Agenting the Homeless
On Thursday, my friend Barbara, was giving me a ride home from her house. One side of the house is on an alley and living at the corner of her property is Fred the homeless guy. I think I've seen only three homeless people total in Toluca Lake and Fred is one of them. He actually moved from the walkway next to my former office to Barbara's alley.
She stopped the car in front of him and rolled the window down. She told him that she has a real problem remembering to put her garbage cans out on the curb on Sunday night and offered him five bucks to do it. He paused for a second so she offered him ten dollars to do it. Fred still hesitated and told her that he'd think about it. He also said he could see doing it for free but he'd have to see. She told him, "Yeah, think about it, Fred. I'll ask you again tomorrow." She rolled up her window, drove away and said to me, "Negotiating with a homeless guy. Dude, you're homeless!"
The next evening when I walked over to her house she told me that Fred said he'd put the bins out "if he remembered". He told her though, that if they weren't out by 7PM, she'd have to do it herself.
Only in Hollywood. Where the deals are always being made.
Me In The 70's
July 31, 1976
Went to the movie "Silent Movie". It was good. Called Julie and said goodbye. She's leaving tomorrow. My parents picked a car today. An Alfetta. It's a stick shift. I probably won't be able to learn how to do it. Went out with Lisa and Hilarie. Went to Tom Garrity's party. It was fun. Chris took me home. Talked to John but I had no feelings for him I think.
Author's note:
I learned to drive a stick shift on that Alfa Romeo Alfetta and I drive a stick shift to this day. However, I don't remember who John is.
July 30, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 30, 1976
Went out to West Wind. Had a dentist appointment. Yuch, It was terrible. Hugh came and sat with me at the pool and then I sat and talked to Chris and Mike. Got a post card from Debbie. Was going to go to Debbie Taylor's party with Hilarie but her garage door wouldn't open. I sat at home all night. Fun.
July 30, 1977
Had to work all day from 11 to 5. Went to Dekalb with Debbie, Lisa, Julie and Elaine. Had fun. Stayed over night at Julie's.
July 30, 1978
Worked all day. Lord & Taylor's first birthday. Went out with John at night.
Author's note:
Needless to say, I liked a party back then. Still do. My tastes are more refined these days but I can still work with a six-pack of Miller Lite. I talked to an Aurora friend about these 70's entries and she said, "It was a party every night!" Apparently it was. Those days, Aurora, Illinois was a lot of corn fields and lenient parenting. It made for a very social crowd. I just wish I was a little more specific in my calendar entries. John who? Mike who? Hugh who? I suppose when you're young you think you'll remember it all.
Funny Stuff
I may be behind a bit in discovering this juicy tidbit of entertainment, but maybe a few other people are too. So I pass this animated short on...have a look and a laugh at the expense of Dubya and Cheerleader Kerry.
July 29, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 29, 1976
Watched TV then went to Julie's and we went to watch some of the tournament. We went shopping at Fox Valley. Bought a few things.
July 29, 1977
Went to Blackwell with Debbie. She ate dinner here then we went to Sealer's party. Georgie came with us. Had a real good time.
July 29, 1978
Worked all day. Went to the block party. Went to Tom Leis's party with Nan and over to Kim's later. Tony and Jerry left for Arizona today. Damn.
July 29, 1979
Party at Nan's farm.
July 28, 2004
How Did I Miss Keith Richards?
Sunday's Times Magazine featured a tribute to one of my all time favorite places on earth - Musso & Frank Grill. I've been going there, enjoying their small carafes of martinis, and liver & onions for about 18 years. The Times interviewd three waiters and one bartender (not my preferred mixologist Rueben) about working there. Some of my favorite excerpts include:
Sergio: (Started as busboy in 1972)
Q:Celebrity client you like?
A: Keith Richards. Him and Johnny Depp lots of times come in together. They are the best tippers.
Manuel: (Waiter since 1974)
Q: Waiters at other restaurants are often struggling actors.
A: I feel sorry for them. They have one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel.
Manny: (Bartender for 18 years)
Q: How has the clientele changed?
A: If someone walks in and says, "How much for a beer?" I know they don't belong here.
Q: Biggest tipper?
A: Keith Richards. He's one of the best.
As David and I laughed over this expose', he reminded me of a question he asked me a few years ago. He said, "So, you don't smoke anymore - if you were having a drink with Keith Richards and he offered you a cigarette, would you smoke it?" I replied, "I could be dying of lung cancer, I'd have a cigarette with Keith Richards."
I think Saturday may deserve a visit to Musso & Frank.
ME IN THE 70'S
July 28, 1976
Played my third round match today against Jenny Hahn. Lost 6-2, 6-1. Went to Tom Conen's party with Julie and Lisa. They had a band and we danced. Talked to Chris most of the night. I can't help it, there's something about him.
July 28, 1977
Went out to West Wind for a while & watched the tournament. Worked at night till 9:30. Picked up Debbie, Robin and Joy and went out for a while.
July 28, 1978
Had a tennis lesson. Went over to Tony's all day. Helped Liz move into Jerry's. Went to Jeff's with Debbie and Georgie. Went to Lemur's later.
July 27, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 27, 1976
Went out to West Wind with Julie all day. Watched some of the tournament. Did nothing at night. Went to T.J.'s to get my racket. Lisa came over at 10:00 and we just sat around.
July 27, 1977
Went out to Blackwell all day w/Lisa & Elaine. Talked to Ken a lot! Went to Nan's party. Had fun. First time I saw Chris in three weeks. Yuch!!
July 27, 1978
Worked all day. Went to West Wind for a little while. Went over to Pearson's for a while then to Cathy Sealer's party. The last night with Tony for a long time.
July 26, 2004
Love & Marriage
Sunday was the wedding of friends Indra & Aaron. The ceremony was held at the Hollywood United Methodist Church on Franklin & Highland. I lived right down the road from that church for years and years and this was the first time I got to see inside it. A treat.
The groom got an ecstatic ovation when he entered, as did the bridesmaids who carried spanish fans, wore red roses in their hair and strolled in to "Carmen" music. The bride brought on the tears.
Indra's new father-in-law read a self-authored poem that made folks grasp their hands to heart. Later, his wife told me that he does that to her all the time.
When they were announced as husband and wife, the new Mr. & Mrs. Clark walked down the aisle to Bowie's "Let's Dance".
Now I don't know what this guy was doing here, but I guess this is a consequence of having a wedding in Hollywood. He was probably looking for a snack.
There was just enough time for David and I to have a martini and some divine olives at Lucques before the reception.
The reception was at Table 8 where the bride's brother Govind Armstrong (one of People's 50 Most Beautiful People) presides as chef. Delicious!
Two other most beautiful people - Indra and Aaron respond to one of the thousands of photos taken of the happy couple.
There was much champagne and laughter and dancing. A great party.
More pics to come on My Buzznet
July 23, 2004
Answers Must Be Given In The Form Of A Question
You can get the online version of the official 9/11 Commission Report HERE. And don't forget to vote in November. BUSH MUST GO!
Me In The 70's
July 24, 1976
Went out to West Wind with Julie. Really hot. Chris and Brian got kicked out. DeDe called. Party at Julie Conover's. Mary didn't want to come to the party. It was a good party. Was with John. Stayed over nite at Julie's. Had fun.
From Wayne's World News
AURORA — Heartland Blood Centers and Walter Payton's Roundhouse Complex are teaming up for a blood drive Sunday to mark the 50th birthday of the late Chicago Bears star.
Heartland will accept blood donations and the Illinois Secretary of State's office will accept organ donor pledges from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Roundhouse at 205 N. Broadway in downtown Aurora. Every blood donor will receive a free Walter Payton football trading card and a coupon for a free quart of Oberweis Ice Cream.
July 21, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 21, 1976
Went shopping and to lunch with Julie. Came back to my house and listened to records. Stayed home at night and watched the Olympics. Couldn't find a ride for the Rockford tournament tomorrow. Tried everybody.
July 21, 1977
Watched all my soaps then washed the car. Went to Meisters most of the nite. Saw Smitty there.
July 21, 1979
Party at Silver Springs State Park. 4th Annual C.C. party.
Authors note: C.C. stands for Canadian Club & Commander Cody. Indeed, you must get creative in the boonies of Illinois.
July 20, 2004
Tomb Raider
When visiting foreign lands or when I'm in need of a little church'n, I check out the local cemetery - which is exactly what I did in Napa over the weekend in between parties. Nothing like a good Sunday morning stroll through the graveyard to find some solace.
And a beautiful graveyard it was. And solace, though often fleeting, was found.
July 19, 2004
Out Of My Brain On The 5
To Napa
Cruise Control
Listenening to Bukowski slur
Drinking diet energy drinks
Because last nights vodka still
Hangs in my balance
I wish the farmers would
Mark their crops so I'd know
What was growing on the side of the road
Huge parsnips and cadmium red
Tomatoes being trucked north
A billboard hand painted proclaiming
"The worst president ever" and
"Osama who?"
A stuffed bear on the soft shoulder
Somewhere a crying child
Six hours and 392 miles
A cocktail party awaits
July 16, 2004
Wanna Buy A Bobble?
Big Shaq Like What? Maybe he'll sweat off a few pounds in the awful awful humidity of Miami. I'm just wishing I had the D. Fish bobblehead, but alas, I don't eat Jack-in-the-Box. My favorite Laker is now a Warrior.
So much drama in the L A C.
July 15, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 15, 1976
Went to Excellence 8-10. My racket broke. So mad. It was only about two months old. Went to the hospital to see Steve. We were there for two hours. He looks good. Went to the Pizza Hut with the Volks. Julie and I went out later. Went to the park. Talked to Chris there.
July 15, 1977
Worked all day. Went out with Patty Blu at night. Went to a big party out on 25. It was a lot of fun. Whew. Debbie moved in tonight. Her parents went to Texas.
July 15, 1978
Went to Blackwell with Elaine. Had fun. Went out with Debbie, Sue, Lisa, & Debbie. Went to Pozzi's party. Had a good time.
July 15, 2004
Got woken up by JV. He can't find CT. Nobody can find CT. Took a walk with the dog. Ran into CT.
July 13, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 13, 1976
Went to the Pizza Hut with John & Julie. Then tried to see Steve in the hospital. Julie was only let in. Went to party at Bill's house. It was really big. Sat with Chris for a while then he left. Talked to a lot of people there. It was OK.
July 13, 1977
Went to Blackwell with Lisa and Elaine. Dave and Brad were there. Went over to Nan's at night and went out later with Debbie.
July 13, 1978
Worked today. Went over to Jerry's. Took him swimming at West Wind. Tony called. Went over to Jerry's later with Debbie.
July 13, 2004
Was reminded that July 12, 1979 was Disco Demolition at Comisky Park. I wasn't there but I remember it well. Disc Jockey Steve Dahl hosted the demolition in between a White Sox double header. Fans got a discount ticket if they brought a disco record which was then ceremoniously exploded in mid field by Dahl. It caused a riot and fires on the grass and the Sox had to forfeit the second game. Chicago Rocks and Rolls.
July 12, 2004
What Do Ya Get When Ya Fall In Love
Lady and the tramp. It's play time 24/7 here while babysitting the Pug. I've never had to use the line, "take it outside" more in my life.
July 10, 2004
Baseball Tix 4 Sale
If you are in the Bay Area - or are headed that way, I have some Oakland A's vs White Sox tickets for sale at eBay. They are also listed on craigslist in the LA and San Fran area. Date - July 16, 6PM. Prices negotiable!
Me In The 70's
July 10, 1976
Went out to West Wind with Julie.Talked to Bill out there. Woopie. Lisa had a party tonight. It was okay. Talked to John Becker most of the night. Chris came in a couple times and hardly said a word. What is wrong with him?
July 10, 1977
Went into Chicago early with Debbie, Lisa, Robin, Sue, Joy and Debbie R. We saw Ted Nugent, Lynard Skynard & REO Speedwagon at Soldier Field. It was fantastic. Had a great time.
July 10, 2004
Watched "School of Rock" last night. It was pretty dumb.
July 09, 2004
New Piece, New Page
My tribute piece to Brando
can also be seen on my new page L' hommage at my art site,
July 08, 2004
Celebrity Sighting du jour
While walking the dogs (we are baby sitting the neighbor's Pug) this morning in Toluca Lake, we found ourselves behind Eric McCormick. He was walking his two dogs and a baby in a baby carriage. We held up at a point when he had to pick up his dog's poopy. I was going to say something clever like, he's got three times the poop now with the new baby, but he hardly gave me a glance while yanking at the dog and then stuffing the bag of poop in his pocket! Aren't there places for that sort of thing in fancy baby carriages??!! I dare say though, after years on Will & Grace he has picked up a bit of a swish in his stride. But hey - it works for him. The show's still on and he's adding on.
Me In The 70's
July 8, 1977
I don't remember what I did.
July 8, 1978
Went to see the ROLLING STONES!!! Went with Paula, Kim, Robin and Debbie. It was excellent. Ran into Tony. Went out to Nan's farm later.
From My Hometown Rag:
New name tossed into Senate mix: Mike Ditka
By Kristen McQueary
DAILY SOUTHTOWN
Could "Da Coach" pursue a new title as "Da Senator?"
A group of grass-roots GOP loyalists is trying to recruit former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka to run for U.S. Senate, or for the Illinois Republican Party chairman position in December.
But are they serious? "Dead serious," said Tom Pence, of Oswego, a Kendall County GOP committeeman who co-founded the Web site draftditka.com.
The goal of his group is to gather 10,000 signatures to convince Ditka to lead the Republican Party after current Chairman Judy Baar Topinka ends her term.
"There are some young Republicans interested in rebuilding the party, and who better to lead than the coach of the only Super Bowl Chicago Bears team?"
A separate group, sparked by "draft Ditka" supporters, took the movement a step further and commissioned a poll to test Ditka's viability as a U.S. Senate candidate. The 504 likely Republican voters polled in an unscientific Internet survey picked Ditka overwhelmingly from a list of possible contenders to replace GOP nominee Jack Ryan. Ryan announced last month he would withdraw.
"We're aware of (Ditka's name) being out there, but ultimately, we know the people making the decision will be the State Central Committee," said Dan Allen, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
A spokesman for Ditka did not return phone calls.
"It would certainly elevate the national stature of our race, and he could be an Arnold Schwarzenegger-type of candidate," said state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, a member of the State Central Committee, which will chose Ryan's replacement on the ballot. "If Mike Ditka's professional schedule would allow him to campaign, I'd love to talk to the coach."
The poll was funded by Allan Hug, a suburban businessman and supporter of Jim Oberweis, of Aurora. Oberweis came in second behind Ryan in the March U.S. Senate primary election.
In the poll, Ditka took 58 percent of the vote compared to the next runner-up, Oberweis, at 16 percent.
Ryan announced last month he would withdraw from the race after allegations from his divorce file became public. His ex-wife alleged during a custody dispute he took her to sex clubs and wanted to have sex with her in front of other people.
That "character test" could be a problem for Ditka, who is well-known for losing his temper. He apologized and was fined for flipping his middle finger at New Orleans Saints fans and grabbing his crotch as he left the field in a 1999 game. He also was banned from a casino after police said he threw a cigar at an employee at a craps table.
But fans of Ditka like his no-nonsense approach. After the middle-finger incident, he apologized and said he was "dead wrong" for doing it. "There are no excuses for what I did, and I don't make one," he later told ESPN.com. "I didn't control myself."
....Ditka is sharp and well-read. "From finances to workforce issues, he's very well-informed. You don't make it as a spokesperson on TV at the level that Mike Ditka is at without being intelligent," he said.
July 07, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 7, 1976
Went to Excellence 8-10. Went out to West Wind with Julie. Weather wasn't very good. At night, Lisa came over for a while. We took a walk. Went to store with Margaret to get an album. Bought Gary Wright.
July 7, 1977
Got my ticket for Nugent. Went out at night for a while with Julie.
Bar Code
The other day, July 5, DJ and I braved the holiday crowds at City Walk up at Universal Studios. I am in the process of a video project and a crowd is just what I needed - though I loath them - but it is in walking distance and we needed a walk. After going from one end to the other of the highly concentrated tourist trap, we went into Saddle Ranch for a happy-hour beer. Our bartender, who was wearing a Greatful Dead ball cap greeted us, and the next thirty people that followed with, "Welcome to Saddle Ranch, my name is Fish. Happy July 5, how can I make your day happier?"
During our stay, we asked about football season, seeing as how there were about thirty TV's just on the outside patios. Later DJ asked Fish how the crowds were on the weekend nights - in other words, was there a gang factor? Fish proceeded to tell us about not only Saddle Ranch's security system, but Universal's also. He mentioned an exorbitant number in regards to money spent in the last three years in technology and said that Universal sees all. Right then we and everybody on the premises were being watched. Things were "taken care of" immediately if something were to arise. Five years ago he said, the gangs were bad, but its not much of a factor now.
He went on to tell us how he censors the crowds in his bar. If there is a group of guys getting rowdy and using fowl language near young ears, he will squelch it and tell them it was a family place. There happened to be a large family adjacent to the bar. Sitting around the corner from us, and in front of the family was a young couple who had arrived and ordered a couple shots of expensive tequila. The male was wearing a black t-shirt that displayed huge white letters on his back spelling "FUCK LOVE". So I asked Fish, "So that guys t-shirt is not an issue?" Fish looked. He squinted. He looked back at me and asked, "Does that say "fuck" something?" Uh huh. Love. Fuck love. Fish took off, went into the restaurant and returned with two other guys. They talked to the couple quietly and soon they were moved to the other side of the bar, to the left of us and out of sight of the family. Then they ordered multi-liquor flavored huge carafe cocktails. DJ saw this and said, "They'll be starting a family tonight." About ten minutes later, Fish reported, after high-fiving the couple, that they had just decided to get married. Well. Fuck love, indeed.
July 06, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 6, 1976
Went out to West Wind with Julie. Chris and Jim were there. I think I sort of bombed out with Chris. I doubt he even likes me. Steve's getting better in the hospital. Went bike riding with Julie at night. Went to her house later.
July 05, 2004
July 04, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 4, 1976
Independence Day 1776 - 1976!! 200 years!! Went to flag raising ceremony in the morning. Boring. Went out to West Wind. Ate dinner there. Went to the hospital. Went to the fireworks with Vickie and Julie. Boring night. Nobody was out.
Extended entry:
It was a terrible weekend. Las night Rob (Twirp) St. Clair's house caught on fire. Steve was caught in it and he's in the hospital. There's practically nothing left of Rob's house. Steve has third degree burns. He's in bad shape. What a way to celebrate the bicentennial.
July 4, 1977
Went out to West Wind all day. Went out at night with Julie and Lisa but the car broke down so we never saw fireworks. Debbie and Nan picked me up and we went to Belles.
July 4, 1978
Went to parties at Bob & Angel's then to Donanld M's. Ate a big dinner then out again. Went with Debbie to Donald's again and then to a party at Reiter's. Went swimming. Had a good 4th of July.
July 4, 2004
Watching "Breakfast at Wimbledon", I remember that I used to carry a picture of Bjorn Borg in my wallet. Now loving Andy Roddick. After losing Wimbledon he says. "I threw the kitchen sink at him but he went to the bathroom and got his tub." Also, in the spirit of Brando, I remembered that my tennis pro used to tell the ladies on the sidelines watching me play, "She could've been a contender, but she discovered boys".
July 03, 2004
Me In The 70's
July 3, 1976
Went out to West Wind all day with Julie. Talked to Paula S. and Paula E. a lot out there. Lisa had to wait to see if Cris was coming home before she decided if we went out. Chris came. Talked to a lot of people at the Country Club then went to Twirp's. Terrible night.
July 3, 1977
Went to Blackwell Lake and swam with Lisa, Julie & Debbie. Went to see "Rocky" at the drive-in w/them too. It was fun.
July 02, 2004
Brando R.I.P.
In honor of Marlon, I'm drinkin' some...
Stella!!!
And thinkin' about a Marlon tribute piece....
Me In The 70's
July 2, 1976
Went to West Wind all day with Julie and Lisa. Julie broke up with Dave out there. Julie got her car back so we went out. Twirp had a party. Dave was a complete fool at the party. Julie and Steve got back together.
July 2, 1977
Went to Westwind with Julie & Debbie. Went to Belle's for a while too. Went to the Pizza Hut with Julie, Debbie and Nan then went to Belle's all night. Debbie stayed over night.
July 2, 2004
I have no idea who or what Belle's is.