Giving Blood - Part 8

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Today has just been absolutely strange. Allow me to run you through my day. First, I wake up, get ready for work...and head down to the apartment offices to get in on a 6 month lease because I haven't heard from any jobs out there & everything considered I'm going to be staying here for the next little while. While there I also picked up a package (thus completing my Jay-Z audio collection...except the Unplugged because...really? Do I have to explain that one?). I go to work...and I have a wonderful message from JJ about her upcoming wedding plans. Always good to hear from her. Being in a merry mood, I decided to do a little something for my two-time $tevie-winning drinking buddy Bubbles. See, she LOVES the "I Saw You" personals in the City Weekly...but doesn't get this SLC-based free paper in Vegas...so I copied them on an email and sent them to her. She was overjoyed...as was I. The day was going splendidly. I got another email shortly after...FROM TAHOE!!! Apparently Boss Man B had sent an email to possible future Boss Men & Women there...and they were looking into the possibility of a position in my field of expertise...and were asking me the usual questions like salary desired, etc. REALLY? The DAY I sign a lease, you guys finally call me back...after about six weeks of NOTHING? Sigh...that's always the way it is with me. So I'm panicking...because the lease is pretty specific & I'm pretty sure that it's going to end up with me pitching a fit and/or feces in an office somewhere (again) and it's just going to be messy all around if I move. So then I went from stressful to super stressful...

I was Donating Blood again for a company drive...and more importantly, for the kids in dire need of my O-Positive blood across the globe. The worst part was...being a blood drive...in the month of October...there were vampires. Also, I thought that one of them might actually be a vampire...because in my experience (of watching movies & TV series) you can always tell who the evil vampire is going to be...because it's usually the really really hot one with the mystical blue (or cat) eyes...and there was one of them at the signup counter. Other than that though, it went without a hitch. The only part even worth mentioning was during the wrap-up when it was all done. "Okay Dr Love, just keep this bandage on for 4-5 hours, no heavy lifting for the rest of the day, drink plenty of fluids for the next few days and here's a paper with an 800-number if anything happens and you don't know what to do. Any questions?" "So wait, I can't even go to the bathroom?" "Yeah you can. Why wouldn't you be able to?" "You said no heavy lifting." (Belly laugh) "Well, as long as you can lift using your left arm you should be fine." "Oh good. Well, I guess that'll be it then. You have my number. Say hi to the kids for me." I was even back working within about 45 minutes...and still stressing a bit about the whole lease / possible move thing. I quickly quelched that by calling the apartments and they can do a month to month...for about 20% more rent. Sigh...this had better work out soon. I even got another email from Tahoe later in the day asking, "If this position opens, would you be interested?" so we'll see if that comes to pass. Oh...and for donating blood, I won a hat in a raffle...from Lake Tahoe. I know. Spooky, right?

THEN I started getting a little email correspondence going with my possible future boss at Tahoe...and eventually she just asked me to call her to discuss the position. Yeah, I know. So I did immediately...and after a quick conversation enjoying...what I think might've been a slight English accent, she told me that she would keep me posted and that she was really looking forward to opening up this position in my field of expertise...and that she's heard nothing but great things about me (Thanks Boss Man B!!!). I don't know how to react to all of this. It's all just a sudden surprise...but I'll probably calm down & rationalize within a few hours like I normally do. Still, I'll have to keep an eye out for apartments again. Sigh...and I'll probably be moving just in time for winter to hit. Oh well, it could be a LOT worse. Anyway, I'll keep you posted. Here's the news...

DaVinci Code - A portrait of a young woman thought to be created by a 19th century German artist and sold two years ago for about $19,000 is now being attributed by art experts to Leonardo da Vinci and valued at more than $150 million (SHAZAM!!!). The unsigned chalk, ink and pencil drawing, known as "La Bella Principessa," was matched to Leonardo via a technique more suited to a crime lab than an art studio — a fingerprint and palm print found on the 13 1/2-inch-by-10-inch work. Peter Paul Biro, a Montreal-based forensic art expert, said the print of an index or middle finger matched a fingerprint found on Leonardo's "St. Jerome" in the Vatican. Technical, stylistic and material composition evidence (including carbon dating) had art experts believing as early as last year that they had found another work by the creator of the "Mona Lisa." The discovery of the fingerprint has them convinced the work was by Leonardo, whose myth and mystery already put him at the center of such best-sellers as "The Da Vinci Code" and "The Lost Symbol." Biro examined multispectral images of the drawing taken by the Lumiere Technology laboratory in Paris, which used a special digital scanner to show successive layers of the work. "Leonardo used his hands liberally and frequently as part of his painting technique. His fingerprints are found on many of his works. I was able to make use of multispectral images to make a little smudge a very readable fingerprint." Alessandro Vezzosi, director of a museum dedicated to Leonardo in the artist's hometown of Vinci, Italy, said Wednesday he was "very happy" to hear about the fingerprint analysis, saying it confirmed his own conclusion that the portrait can be attributed to Leonardo with "reasonable certainty." "For me, it's extraordinary there is confirmation" through the fingerprint, although "it's not like I had any doubt," he said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. Even before the fingerprint discovery, Vezzosi said several experts agreed with his conclusion, which was based on "historical, artistic, stylistic (and) aesthetic" considerations. Based on its style, the portrait has been dated to 1485-1490, placing it at a time when Leonardo (1452-1519) was living in Milan. Canadian-born art collector Peter Silverman bought "La Bella Principessa" (The Beautiful Princess, which on a side note I've often called my mom) at the gallery in New York on behalf of an anonymous Swiss collector in 2007 for about $19,000. New York art dealer Kate Ganz had owned it for about nine years after buying it at auction for a similar price. One London art dealer now says it could be worth more than $150 million. If experts are correct, it will be the first major work by Leonardo to be identified in 100 years. Ganz still doesn't believe it is a Leonardo. "Nothing that I have seen or read in the past two years has changed my mind. I do not believe that this drawing is by Leonardo da Vinci," Ganz told the AP on Wednesday. She declined to comment further (I wouldn't either if I found out that I had lost $150 million). Silverman said he didn't expect Ganz to acknowledge it's a Leonardo because that would damage her credibility, adding that if she wants to "go against science and say the Earth is not round," then that's her prerogative. "Thank God, we have the fingerprint because there will still be those doubting Thomases out there saying it couldn't possibly be and giving all sorts of reasons for it. We not only have a fingerprint, but a palm print." He said the palm print was found in the neck of the portrait's subject, who is believed to be the daughter of a 15th century Milanese duke. Biro said the two main ideas to emerge from the news are the discovery of "an important lost work by Leonardo," and how "science, technology, scholars and art historians are learning to work together to solve these incredibly complex puzzles." Yeah, that's the story here. Not the $150 million painting that somebody sold for less than a fully equipped Ford Escort. I just thought that I'd share this with you because...hey, it'd be cool if it were a DaVinci work. Why not? Now it's just a matter of finding out...how this picture will bring about the doom of Man through theological mysteries. What is the symbolism of the hair braid? Is it the Serpent from the Garden of Eden? Wait, that's the mark of the Free Masons in the ruffles on her shoulder. My GOD!!! P.S. I've never seen "DaVinci Code" or "Angels & Demons" nor do I ever plan to. Just throwing that out there.

Lavigne's Divine Divorce - Court records show Avril Lavigne has filed for divorce (she was married?) from her musician husband (OH!!! One of those) after three years of marriage. Lavigne filed for divorce from Sum 41 singer Deryck Jason Whibley on Friday in Los Angeles. The couple were married in July 2006 and have no children together (thank God, could you imagine not only the child...but the ridiculous name possibilities of the offspring of Avril & Deryck? Avryck? Derril? Punkin?). Lavigne cited "irreconcilable differences." (Basically she was making money...and he hasn't for a while) The 25-year-old punk-pop singer burst to fame with her 2002 debut album "Let's Go." Lavigne is asking a ruling to block Whibley from receiving spousal support (See?). Best part: Court records show Whibley was granted a request to add Lavigne's last name to his name in December 2007. That's right, HE took on HER name. Isn't that sweet? Gee, nobody could've seen this coming. It's impossible to predict that some pseudo-punk-pop princess would divorce her rocker husband who burst onto the scene with a single entitled "FAT LIP"!!! Great song by the way. Oh well, I just wanted to share that with you...for the celebrity gossip, silly names & most importantly...a dude taking on the wife's name...and then getting dropped. Ouch! Sorry playa. You'll be okay though. I'm sure you're still collecting some royalties from the "All Killer No Filler" album...and you banged Avril Lavigne. There's only like...a few people I know that can say that.

Government Mandated 2nd Honeymoon - Divorce rates are at an all-time high. Some say it's because of the lowered standards...or tax benefits...or the mixture of Vegas & alcohol...but regardless of the cause, the effects are evident. Families torn apart, the legal system tied up with meaningless bullspit, far too many tears being shed & gun being fired into crowds. If only there was a solution. Well, for the first time in a long time, we can thank the Muslims for a great idea (that might've been a low blow...but you bombed my peeps) and it might've helped Avril & Deryck. Malaysia's eastern state of Terengganu is offering free honeymoons worth up to $440 each to rekindle the romance between married couples on the brink of divorce. The honeymoon package comes with some counseling and is an attempt to slow soaring divorce rates in the state, according to The Star newspaper reported on Monday. "We can understand newlyweds having problems understanding one another, where a slight skirmish could lead to a separation but it is unacceptable for those married more than two decades to file for divorce," the paper quoted Terengganu Welfare Community Development and Women Affairs committee chairman, Ashaari Idris, as saying. The conservative Muslim state did not disclose divorce rates (probably less than 1%). Idris said the state had carried out a successful pilot project where 25 couples facing marital woes were selected for three-day honeymoon package that cost around 1,500 ringgit ($440) per couple. Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country. Under Islam, divorce is allowed, but frowned upon, with the Prophet Mohammed saying divorce was, in the eyes of God, the most distasteful lawful act (that's right, FAR WORSE than suicide bombing apparently). Regardless of where the idea came from, I think it's a great idea. Is your marriage on the skids? Has the fiery passion of your Love been reduced to a warming glow of a lava lamp? Well, how about a weekend getaway to San Diego? Miami? New England? Oh wait, if it's going to be around $440 per couple...then you might have to settle for the beautiful sandy beaches of Mississippi...but Filly can confirm that they do exist...and are rather nice. She told me so yesterday. I wouldn't recommend Vegas for this kind of a trip...but hey, if that's where you guys hooked up, then maybe the volcano show at the Mirage will help spark that Passion again. It's worth a shot...and a LOT cheaper than counseling and/or a divorce lawyer. Just keep it in mind...and Barack, once this Healthcare thing is taken care of, let's get to work on this too, okay?

Anyway, that'll do it for today. I'm really in a staggered state at this point. This morning, I was basically at a point where moving to Lake Tahoe was kind of an afterthought and pushed aside...but then within a few hours, I went from signing a lease to stay in Slick City until my birthday to getting ready to start packing for a quick move to another mountain town because Boss Man B hooked me up once again. I guess it really isn't what you know but who you know in this game after all. My mind is just going a thousand miles a minute right now...but I'm sure I'll think it all through & get it straightened out. I don't want to get too excited about it all...seeing as technically, there isn't a job yet...and I would still be going up against the 12% unemployment of Cali, plus plenty of others who would be interested in this job (even a few good friends) so we shall see how it goes...but I think it's a good sign that she has already called to talk to me, right? Don't I have a good reason to be excited about this again? Cheese & Rice, it's just like this time last year. Almost EXACTLY like last year. What is it about the month of October seriously rocking my world the past few years? Sigh...I'll keep you all posted. Have a great day everybody!!!

Giving Blood - Part 7

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

At work today, I had another training class for managment...and it was more of the same. You know, clips from the Office, note sheets full of acronyms for handling situations, all the stuff that you would expect from a company training. Then the presenter threw on a clip that peaked my interest...because I've posted about it on the blog a few times...Terry Tate - Office Linebacker. Please hit the link to enjoy some of his greatest hits...literally. "YOU KILL THE JOE, YOU MAKE SOME MO'!!! WOOOOOO!!!"

I also did something that I hadn't done for almost a year because of moving and just kind of spacing it...and that's donate blood. (Remember those entries? Always entertaining) As you may know, I don't care for needles. At all. Like ever. So why do I donate blood? For the kids in China and wherever else that need my awesome disease-free blood. Did you know that one pint of blood can save three lives? That's why I brave the little needle sucking the life juice out of me (and not the hot sexy vampire way) so that others may know the bliss of Life. This time, it even got me a little paid time off work too...which is always awesome. "But $teve, after giving blood a half dozen times or so, don't you get over the needle thing?" F**k no!!! I don't like needles. Not a big fan of blood (surprisingly even in movies). Trust me. It's not that easy of a thing to do. I just keep having to put faith into the fact that the person taking it knows what they're doing...and it's been difficult a few times when I see lip rings and the like. I just...(shiver) don't like needles...but I do it anyway...for the kids.

This time around...it wasn't that bad though. I even helped a coworker, we'll call her Vixen, through the process because she was getting a little light headed. Other than that, it really wasn't too eventful...or I blocked it out. One of the two. Afterwards, JL Clyde & I went to Gallivan Plaza for a free concert (and a sh*tload of patrons) but I had to leave after an hour or so because I just wasn't feeling it (like I was a pint low on blood or something) so I went home. Tomorrow I'll elaborate a bit more on the concert.

So...I'm also considering another trip out to the Crescent City, the Big Easy, New Orleans for Halloween this year...to see Filly for a few days...and see the crazy sh*t that I can assume would happen there. (Just imagine all those Southern Belles and the skimpy outfits) So yeah, if anybody's interested in going with me, please let me know and we can get this thing started. Also, what should I be for Halloween? I'd say Chewbacca again...but having that mask in may seriously hinder my ability to drink...and deprive the ladies of my chiseled good looks. We simply can't have that. Hmm, there's always the young Dennis Quaid approach. He was in "The Big Easy", right? Yeah... Anyway, let me know...and in the meantime, here's the news...

The Birdman Cometh - One of my favorite NBA players is Chris "The Birdman" Andersen of the Denver Nuggets. Perhaps you've heard me mention him...and his great skills and basketball playing instincts...and what sets him apart is his overcoming substance abuse and an incredible amount of tattoos (I believe 37 of them at last tally). Well, he has cashed in now. Andersen, who turned 31 on Tuesday, celebrated by signing a 5-year, $26 million contract which is actually a back-loaded contract that gives the Nuggets financial flexibility as well. Andersen will make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season, when he averaged 6.4 points and 2.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes per game. He was second in the league in shotblocking behind only Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard...and in FAR fewer minutes. His attorney Mark Bryant said, “You write the best-case scenario, think you’re dreaming and open your eyes and it’s real. He’s very excited. They treated him as a priority.” It is a bit of a shame that the Spurs didn't make a move for him (instead they did sign Antonio McDyess, which is also super awesome) but congratulations Birdman. I look forward to seeing you play for at least five more years. Good luck...until you run into the Spurs in the playoffs.

On that note, I am VERY curious as to some of the meanings and stories behind NBA player tattoos. I mean...what possesses a man to get 37 tattoos? What does each mean? Were they all tatted during drunken experiences? Are they in memory of loved ones? A childhood story? Whose lips are on Kenyon Martin's neck? His mom? Wife? Girlfriend? Why does everybody have a sun on their shoulder? I want to know these answers. Does anybody know of a website where this is speculated or reported? Please share. I just remember back in the 90's when somebody having a tattoo was scandalous (think Dennis Rodman) but now it's like two-thirds of everybody in the NBA is a walking billboard for...whatever these things mean. Please. Help a brutha understand your art.

Death by Chocolate - A little something for all the ladies out there. Authorities say a man has died after falling into a vat of melted chocolate in a New Jersey processing plant. The Camden County prosecutor's office identified the victim as 29-year-old Vincent Smith II of Camden. He was a temporary worker at the Cocoa Services Inc. plant. The accident happened Wednesday morning as Smith was loading chocolate into a vat where it's melted and mixed before being shipped elsewhere to be made into candy. Prosecutor's spokesman Jason Laughlin says a co-worker tried to shut off the machine and two others tried to pull Smith out of the 8-foot-deep vat. He was hit and fatally injured by the agitator that mixes the chocolate. Still think it sounds like a good way to go, ladies?

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this edition. Don't forget to Google Terry Tate - Office Linebacker. You won't regret it. Have a great night everybody!!!

Giving Blood - Part 6

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

I simply can't believe that I forgot to mention something yesterday that is INSANELY awesome. I blame the Guinness. Regardless, I will be seeing THE Reverend Al Green's concert at Red Butte Gardens next month. I am so excited about it...and that's why I spent the money that I did...because the man is an American Legend...and one of the few artists I listen to that are still alive (as creepy as that sounds). That's why I spent...we'll just say more than $30 to see him. I've also never been to Red Butte Gardens (though lived next door to it for over a year) but I hear good things. SO excited about it. JL Clyde & I are going to have some fun there.

Yesterday, I watched one of my favorite movies as a kid, the "Rocketeer" with Bill Campbell, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton (worst Bond ever), and quite possibly the most perfect actress in the world, Jennifer Connelly. I mean...think about it. How can you improve on her? Everybody says that she's one of those classic Hollywood beauties...but she's also a great actress, humanitarian, philanthropist, picks incredible movie roles and always performs at her best, and never has a bad thing to say about ANYBODY. You never hear about her in any of the gossip magazines because she's always talking about boring stuff like recycling and global warming and stuff. Oh...and if you haven't seen this movie, it's about a test pilot (Campbell) who stumbles upon a jet pack and uses it to save the world from Nazis aided by an actor/spy (Dalton). The pilot also has a quirky engineer friend (Arkin) and a superhot actress girlfriend (Connelly) who goes out with the Nazi spy to create some jealousy or something. Anyway, it's Disney.

After the movie, I was thumbing through the On-Demand features and found some things about Comic Con (B wetted my appetite on his blog) and found an interview with Jennifer Connelly and Keanu about the upcoming "The Day the Earth Stood Still" remake. I loved how the director was asked if they were the first choices...and he was like "Oh yeah, Jennifer was #1 from the beginning. No doubt. Then...as we got to looking at things and the process of making the movie, we (the studio) decided that Keanu was the only choice to play Klaatu." Also, if you check out the interview, tell me if you think that A) Jennifer hasn't aged a day since "Rocketeer" in 1991; and B) Keanu's beard looks like pubes glued onto his face in hastily thrown patches. Can't wait for that movie to come out. Love the original.

For the afternoon, my brother & his family stopped by for a few hours. Though my niece Kelaudri & nephew Vinny slept most of the time, I still got to have some fun with Kairi...who was so excited to see me (and my pandas, Scooby Doos, and other simple delights) that she didn't nap the whole time...so got a little grouchy towards the end of the visit. She'll be the Terrible Two in October. She's so damn cute though...and likes her Uncle $teve. Oh, also...Vinny got to sleep in my bed...and he loved it. When he woke up, he was giggling and smiling like I had never seen him before. He's had such problems with his acid reflux and stuff like that since he was born...but it was so awesome to see him smiling...and laughing loudly...and just looking at me like "Thanks playa, this bed was awesome! I gotta get me one of these." The Magic of a Good Nap, ladies & gentlemen. I highly recommend that you experience it. I don't have any pictures of this visit unfortunately...but yeah, good times were had...and that's what's important. After they left, I watched "Bulletproof" with Damon Wayans & Adam Sandler, laughed a whole lot (though I've seen it a few dozen times), and slept like a baby.

This morning, I donated blood yet again. I woke up, had a good breakfast & a bottle of water, then went to the Red Cross. After I checked in, they gave me the materials to read (giving you the many reasons you shouldn't donate) and the lady who checked me in, I didn't hear the whole conversation, but once she started yelling stuff like, "She called me lazy. I can't believe that. I'm so outta here. Screw this place." then I just started to think, "I hope she's not the one sticking me." When I finished reading the stuff (for like the 6th time), she came over and apologized, "Sorry you had to hear that." "Oh, it's all good. It happens. No worries." and she walked out the doors.

Then I saw a familiar face, a former coworker from about two years ago was the lady verifying my information. "You look familiar?" "(Employer)?" "That's right. You're $teve." "Yup, Iliana, right?" While she went through the questions and pricked my finger and took my blood pressure, we caught up a little bit...and I told her about how work has changed in the past two years (she was glad she left) and how I'm trying to go to Vegas (unsuccessfully so far) and how she's liking her new job (not very much). Good times. I think we cheered eachother up though...and that's good. Still think the little quiz that they make you take...makes you realize how lame you are...but safe, I guess. "Have you injected yourself with anything not prescribed by your doctor?" "What? No!" "Have you ever been to Africa?" "Not yet." "Have you had sexual contact with anybody who has been to Africa?" "Mmm...brown sugar. (Sigh) No." "Have you had sexual contact within the last 12 months?" "That's none of your Goddamn business, computer. Are you trying to make me inject something into my arm? Do you want me to exchange money, goods, or services for sex? I would LOVE to spend a few months in countries outside the United States or Canada. Are you gonna pay for it? This interview is over." Word to the wise, don't argue with the computer out loud when there are nurses five feet away. They wonder about you.

For the actual sticking, it was a lady named Shawnee (like the tribe) who luckily knew a little something about needles...because she had some interesting piercings on her face. She didn't seem to be having a cheerful day...but it's really hard to tell early in the morning. Also, what is it with the eyebrow piercings? Are they really cool and I just think they're funny? Maybe I'm just not hip or something...but I keep wanting to say something like "Oh my God, is that staple holding your face on?" Out of concern of course, because I've been there...but then I realize it's those little ball things at the ends and it assume it's some fashion thing. Anyway, she was very efficient...and despite seeming a little disconnected, we made some small talk. "Seen any good movies lately?" "Just the Dark Knight...like everybody else." "Oh yeah, I haven't seen it yet...but everybody talks about it. I'm just not into comic book movies." "Well, as far as comic book movies go, this is one of the better ones...but yeah, if you don't like them and don't want to be a sheep, you may wanna check out something else. You could be original and watch something that nobody saw...like that Eddie Murphy movie, Meet Dave. Or Space Chimps. Monkeys on rocket ships are always interesting." I got a laugh out of her. Mission accomplished. So I gave my blood in five minutes and twelve seconds, had a few cans of Welch's White Grape Peach juice (so good...and sounds so sexy) and drove home without event. Didn't even get lightheaded this time. That's two in a row. Yay me!!! Did you know that every time you give blood, you can help MULTIPLE people?

Also, while drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding heavy lifting, I watched a nice little marathon on the Travel Channel about Asia...and China in particular...and it basically just makes me want to go back and experience it again...preferably with family & friends this time. There was a special about a Royal Carribean tour that I've been looking into (Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Japan, etc.) then Samantha Brown had hour-long special about Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, all of which I have been to...but would love to go back and experience again. It's an incredible experience. One of these days, I'll go through the five hours of video, thousands of pictures, and continue to search for my Lost Journal of China and try my best to convey all the stories, sights, wonders, legends, and just as much of the voyage as I can...but it may take a long while. I wish that I could just take you all with me next week (while the exchange rate's still pretty good) but until I get some job that pays me eight-digits a year, that's probably not going to happen...but you know me, I'm optimistic. I'll certainly keep you posted. Maybe tomorrow I can find some time between chores & work to get some stuff done with that. Anyway, let me know if you're interested in something like that.

Anyway, that should do it for today. Yeah, I know today was kind of boring...but maybe I'll find something more interesting to do...besides work...and long to go back to China. Maybe I'll just babble stories from memory...and in no particular order...like a Tarantino movie. You can piece them together when you read it for the fourth or fifth time. No? Not cool? Okay, well someday I may stumble upon my journal. Should've kept it in the same book as my real journal. Oh well, you live you learn. Have a great day everybody!!!