American Idol

So I was at the UGA @ Alabama game a little while back. We were doing a shoot for Are You Fan Enough, an On Demand show that focuses on the crazy antics of the fans, and them discussing the two teams that are competing. One of the fans told us we should go check out one guys house, because he was one of the largest contributors to that college. Well, on the fence was a sign marked private party, but being the good people we were, we completely ignored it and crashed the party with the camera rolling. Well, turns out it was the house of Taylor Hick's father, and they were throwing a tailgate party. Sure enough, Taylor Hicks was there in a baseball cap. My uncle didn't recognize him, and I didn't think he should have won so I kept my mouth shut. As it also turned out, his lawyer was there, and wanted to know who we were, and what we were doing. No one had told us to leave, but right now we're in a little bit of trouble with Comcast.


Update: We aren't in trouble anymore, and we can use the footage, though we've didn't put anything up showing who he is.

I'm not Dead Yet!

Wow, completely forgot about my blog for a while, but now its time to brush off the cobwebs and the ten pounds of dust, and start afresh. I now live in Georgia about ten minutes from my aunt and uncle, and my cousins, and second cousin. I'm finally back down in the South where I belong.

I've begun watching the Star Wars films in order, Episodes 1-6, and its got me thinking. I don't think the Empire is really all that evil, and low and behold, I found someone else who agrees with me, and even backs it up pretty well.

You can go read it here, or you can just scroll down a bit farther, as I've pasted it from the website to here.

Back to my other topic. I decided to move down to Georgia in order to basically start life afresh. I've felt for a long time that I like where I'm at as far as personal growth, but that the area I was in was filled with too many people who knew the old me, and would judge me based more on that than on what was truly myself. Then too there are a number of things about my past that are tied to Michigan that I regret, and felt that the easiest way to close the chapters on those parts of my life would be simply to relocate to a new area. More on what I'm actually doing down here later.

While a bit warmer than Michigan, the weather in Georgia has been great. There's been very few cloudy days, some great thunderstorms, and my neighbors are much quieter than the ones in my apartment complex in Grand Rapids. Believe it or not, I actually left the white trash in the apartment complex and now live around much better neighbors. Overall stress is down, though so is social activity, as I'm still getting to know the area. I don't yet know where all the groovy hip kids hang out ;-) .

Well, that's enough for now, look for something new on Friday or Saturday, as I feel like it.

Star Wars:

It's a difficult leap to make--embracing Darth Vader and the Emperor over the plucky and attractive Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia--but a careful examination of the facts, sorted apart from Lucas's off-the-shelf moral cues, makes a quite convincing case.

First, an aside: For the sake of this discussion, I've considered only the history gleaned from the actual Star Wars films, not the Expanded Universe. If you know what the Expanded Universe is and want to argue that no discussion of Star Wars can be complete without considering material outside the canon, that's fine. However, it's always been my view that the comic books and novels largely serve to clean up Lucas's narrative and philosophical messes. Therefore, discussions of intrinsic intent must necessarily revolve around the movies alone. You may disagree, but please don't e-mail me about it.

If you don't know what the Expanded Universe is, well, uh, neither do I.

I. The Problems with the Galactic Republic

At the beginning of the Star Wars saga, the known universe is governed by the Galactic Republic. The Republic is controlled by a Senate, which is, in turn, run by an elected chancellor who's in charge of procedure, but

has little real power.

Scores of thousands of planets are represented in the Galactic Senate, and as we first encounter it, it is sclerotic and ineffectual. The Republic has grown over many millennia to the point where there are so many factions and disparate interests, that it is simply too big to be governable. Even the Republic's staunchest supporters recognize this failing: In "The Phantom Menace," Queen Amidala admits, "It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions." In "Attack of the Clones," young Anakin Skywalker observes that it simply "doesn't work."

The Senate moves so slowly that it is powerless to stop aggression between member states. In "The Phantom Menace" a supra-planetary alliance, the Trade Federation (think of it as OPEC to the Galactic Republic's United Nations), invades a planet and all the Senate can agree to do is call for an investigation.

Like the United Nations, the Republic has no armed forces of its own, but instead relies on a group of warriors, the Jedi knights, to "keep the peace." The Jedi, while autonomous, often work in tandem with the Senate, trying to smooth over quarrels and avoid conflicts. But the Jedi number only in the thousands--they cannot protect everyone.

What's more, it's not clear that they should be "protecting" anyone. The Jedi are Lucas's great heroes, full of Zen wisdom and righteous power. They encourage people to "use the Force"--the mystical energy which is the source of their power--but the truth, revealed in "The Phantom Menace," is that the Force isn't available to the rabble. The Force comes from midi-chlorians, tiny symbiotic organisms in people's blood, like mitochondria. The Force, it turns out, is an inherited, genetic trait. If you don't have the blood, you don't get the Force. Which makes the Jedi not a democratic militia, but a royalist Swiss guard.

And an arrogant royalist Swiss guard, at that. With one or two notable exceptions, the Jedi we meet in Star Wars are full of themselves. They ignore the counsel of others (often with terrible consequences), and seem honestly to believe that they are at the center of the universe. When the chief Jedi record-keeper is asked in "Attack of the Clones" about a planet she has never heard of, she replies that if it's not in the Jedi archives, it doesn't exist. (The planet in question does exist, again, with terrible consequences.)

In "Attack of the Clones," a mysterious figure, Count Dooku, leads a separatist movement of planets that want to secede from the Republic. Dooku promises these confederates smaller government, unlimited free trade, and an "absolute commitment to capitalism." Dooku's motives are suspect--it's not clear whether or not he believes in these causes. However, there's no reason to doubt the motives of the other separatists--they seem genuinely to want to make a fresh start with a government that isn't bloated and dysfunctional.

The Republic, of course, is eager to quash these separatists, but they never make a compelling case--or any case, for that matter--as to why, if they are such a freedom-loving regime, these planets should not be allowed to check out of the Republic and take control of their own destinies.

II. The Empire

We do not yet know the exact how's and why's, but we do know this: At some point between the end of Episode II and the beginning of

Episode IV, the Republic is replaced by an Empire. The first hint comes in "Attack of the Clones," when the Senate's Chancellor Palpatine is granted emergency powers to deal with the separatists. It spoils very little to tell you that Palpatine eventually becomes the Emperor. For a time, he keeps the Senate in place, functioning as a rubber-stamp, much like the Roman imperial senate, but a few minutes into Episode IV, we are informed that the he has dissolved the Senate, and that "the last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away."

Lucas wants the Empire to stand for evil, so he tells us that the Emperor and Darth Vader have gone over to the Dark Side and dresses them in black.

But look closer. When Palpatine is still a senator, he says, "The Republic is not what it once was. The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good." At one point he laments that "the bureaucrats are in charge now."

Palpatine believes that the political order must be manipulated to produce peace and stability. When he mutters, "There is no civility, there is only politics," we see that at heart, he's an esoteric Straussian.

Make no mistake, as emperor, Palpatine is a dictator--but a relatively benign one, like Pinochet. It's a dictatorship people can do business with. They collect taxes and patrol the skies. They try to stop organized crime (in the form of the smuggling rings run by the Hutts). The Empire has virtually no effect on the daily life of the average, law-abiding citizen.

Also, unlike the divine-right Jedi, the Empire is a meritocracy. The Empire runs academies throughout the galaxy (Han Solo begins his career at an Imperial academy), and those who show promise are promoted, often rapidly. In "The Empire Strikes Back" Captain Piett is quickly promoted to admiral when his predecessor "falls down on the job."

And while it's a small point, the Empire's manners and decorum speak well of it. When Darth Vader is forced to employ bounty hunters to track down Han Solo, he refuses to address them by name. Even Boba Fett, the greatest of all trackers, is referred to icily as "bounty hunter." And yet Fett understands the protocol. When he captures Solo, he calls him "Captain Solo." (Whether this is in deference to Han's former rank in the Imperial starfleet, or simply because Han owns and pilots his own ship, we don't know. I suspect it's the former.)

But the most compelling evidence that the Empire isn't evil comes in "The Empire Strikes Back" when Darth Vader is battling Luke Skywalker. After an exhausting fight, Vader is poised to finish Luke off, but he stays his hand. He tries to convert Luke to the Dark Side with this simple plea: "There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you. . . . Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy." It is here we find the real controlling impulse for the Dark Side and the Empire. The Empire doesn't want slaves or destruction or "evil." It wants order.

None of which is to say that the Empire isn't sometimes brutal. In Episode IV, Imperial stormtroopers kill Luke's aunt and uncle and Grand Moff Tarkin orders the destruction of an entire planet, Alderaan. But viewed in context, these acts are less brutal than they initially appear. Poor Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen reach a grisly end, but only after they aid the rebellion by hiding Luke and harboring two fugitive droids. They aren't given due process, but they are traitors.

The destruction of Alderaan is often cited as ipso facto proof of the Empire's "evilness" because it seems like mass murder--planeticide, even. As Tarkin prepares to fire the Death Star, Princess Leia implores him to spare the planet, saying, "Alderaan is peaceful. We have no weapons." Her plea is important, if true.

But the audience has no reason to believe that Leia is telling the truth. In Episode IV, every bit of information she gives the Empire is willfully untrue. In the opening, she tells Darth Vader that she is on a diplomatic mission of mercy, when in fact she is on a spy mission, trying to deliver schematics of the Death Star to the Rebel Alliance. When asked where the Alliance is headquartered, she lies again.

Leia's lies are perfectly defensible--she thinks she's serving the greater good--but they make her wholly unreliable on the question of whether or not Alderaan really is peaceful and defenseless. If anything, since Leia is a high-ranking member of the rebellion and the princess of Alderaan, it would be reasonable to suspect that Alderaan is a front for Rebel activity or at least home to many more spies and insurgents like Leia.

Whatever the case, the important thing to recognize is that the Empire is not committing random acts of terror. It is engaged in a fight for the survival of its regime against a violent group of rebels who are committed to its destruction.

III. After the Rebellion

As we all know from the final Star Wars installment, "Return of the Jedi," the rebellion is eventually successful. The Emperor is assassinated, Darth Vader abdicates his post and dies, the central governing apparatus of the Empire is destroyed in a spectacular space battle, and the rebels rejoice with their small, annoying Ewok friends. But what happens next?

(There is a raft of literature on this point, but, as I said at the beginning, I'm going to ignore it because it doesn't speak to Lucas's original intent.)

In Episode IV, after Grand Moff Tarkin announces that the Imperial Senate has been abolished, he's asked how the Emperor can possibly hope to keep control of the galaxy. "The regional governors now have direct control over territories," he says. "Fear will keep the local systems in line."

So under Imperial rule, a large group of regional potentates, each with access to a sizable army and star destroyers, runs local affairs. These governors owe their fealty to the Emperor. And once the Emperor is dead, the galaxy will be plunged into chaos.

In all of the time we spend observing the Rebel Alliance, we never hear of their governing strategy or their plans for a post-Imperial universe. All we see are plots and fighting. Their victory over the Empire doesn't liberate the galaxy--it turns the galaxy into Somalia writ large: dominated by local warlords who are answerable to no one.

Which makes the rebels--Lucas's heroes--an unimpressive crew of anarchic royals who wreck the galaxy so that Princess Leia can have her tiara back.

I'll take the Empire.

Maryland, Gettysburg, and my truck.

Working at Biolife has certain benefits. Included in the benefits is three weeks paid vacation and eight personal days. I decided to take my first paid vacation this past week. I was going to take it sooner, but my mom's surgery and recovery prevented that from being a good idea. Because it would have been too expensive to fly, I elected to drive down to Maryland which is also costly, but in this case still cheaper to flying when you add in gas to get to Detroit, parking for a week, the plane tickets and then the drive back to Grand Rapids. More on the truck later. My mom is doing better, though I've found out that she's going to have to have yet more surgery due to the kind of medication she's going to need to be on to help reduce the chance of the cancer coming back, which is something she's really not looking foreward to having. In the past she's always come back from surgery must faster than the normal person, and this time its taking longer for her, which is frustrating. Other members of my family are doing well, though my younger brother and sister can't seem to understand that mom isn't able to take as much right now.

As I've recently become interested in studying the Civil War, yesterday my father and I went out to Gettysburg and toured the Battlefield, or atleast, the Museum located at the battlefield. The battlefield was closed due to a bad snow storm. A couple days previously the weather had been in the 80's. The museum was nice, and they have an electronic map which shows with lights the progress of the battle at Gettysburg, its interesting how close the CSA came to winning that battle.
After the Museum visit, we walked around downtown a looked in some of the shops, I bought a CSA bowie knife, which features R.E. Lee astride his horse on the handle, and on the blade lists the states of the Confederacy.

I found out that my truck shouldn't have been able to make a 9hr drive to Maryland. Part of the engine is self destructing by rubbing against something else, the water pump was barely hanging on, the muffler wasn't muffling . . . I was unaware of all of this. The only thing I knew was that the truck didn't sound right, the cure for which was turning the radio up and placing tape over the warning lights. Before you go into a panic, no I didn't really place tape over the warning lights, although I did turn the radio up (Engines are much louder without the muffler).

So now my truck is being fixed before I can drive it back to Michigan, luckily that shouldn't take too long.

My eharmony Report

I don't know if I'm seriously going to consider using eharmony, but I thought I would check it out anyway. I did all of their questions, and this is what they've come up with:

This week, Agreeableness.

You are best described as:
TAKING CARE OF OTHERS AND TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Words that describe you:

Fair
Considered
Collaborative
Responsive
Sensible
Diplomatic
Contemplative
Indulgent
Rational

A General Description of How You Interact with Others

You are important. So are other people, especially if they are in trouble. You have a tender heart, but you know how to establish and keep personal boundaries. You are empathetic and compassionate, but you also believe that it's best if people solve their own problems and learn to take care of themselves, if they are able.You are deeply moved by the needs of others, but you know that if you don't take good care of yourself, you'll wind up being of no use to anyone. So yours is a thoughtful compassion. You strive to be fair and sensible, taking care of others while also taking care of yourself.When someone really is in trouble, you like to collaborate with them toward a solution; they do their part, you do yours. You consider carefully, and respond in a sensible way; they do their part, and together you move through the difficulty. You seldom act impulsively; rather, when a problem arises, you take your time to think through the situation. This contemplative quality usually means that you'll arrive at a diplomatic solution, one that's fair for the other person and also fair to you. It's frequently a win/win situation.

Negative Reactions Others May Have Toward You

For people who are ruled by tender-hearted compassion, your more diplomatic response to problems might seem too cool, too focused on fairness and not filled enough with sympathy and selflessness. For them, when someone's life is on fire, what is needed is not collaboration but rescue. And the person who experiences their life on fire may resent the time you take to contemplate. "I need you, and I need you NOW! This isn't about fairness, it's about the fire." "All deliberate speed" may seem too deliberate and not fast enough, either to the more compassionate or to people in genuine trouble. At the other end of the spectrum of compassion, those who believe people should take care of themselves may find even your thoughtful sympathies too soft. They expect people, themselves included, to work their own way out of trouble. They are convinced that the helping hand you lend just fosters dependence and is not good for the development of character, either in you or in the person you assist.

Positive Responses Others May Have Toward You

Many people, perhaps the majority, will come to appreciate your balance as a compassionate person. The more they get to know you, the more they will admire your thoughtful compassion for others and its compliment in the sensible ways you take good care of yourself. Those whom you help will appreciate the way you leave them with their dignity by expecting them to collaborate in their own rescue. Those who are more tender-hearted will find in you a balance they lack; when they've run out of energy because they fail to take good care of themselves, you will still have enough compassion left to lift others out of trouble. Even the tough-hearted, those who believe people should solve their own problems, might come to admire your tenderness which they don't find in themselves. So the people you help will be grateful, and the people who see your balance between self and others will admire you. Certainly, balanced is not bad at all as a way to be known among your friends.

Speak English Dang It!

I know that some people can speak another language in addition to english. If you're out in public and want to converse with friends of yours that can also speak a different language, that's fine with me. However, if you're in a work place that centers around customer service, it should be a condition that around your customers you speak in the dominant language of whatever country you are in. I find it highly rude to walk into a place of business and find that two employees are conversing together in another language that the majority of the people around you don't know.

Psychotic People

Without going into too much detail about it, I've decided to actually look back at my dating history, and I've come up with one conclusion. Every girl that I've ever seriously dated, has been crazy. I'm not talking acceptable crazy either. I'm talking the kind of crazy where the person needs to be locked up in a psych ward and evaluated. I've come to the further conclusion that there is something about me which attracks this kind of girl, so it's definately something I need to work on. Currently I wont date a girl unless a trusted friend at meijer says that she's okay to date, I figure that atleast for now, I can't trust my instincts.

In other news, the redwings didn't win the superbowl, but maybe next year. I've begun teaching people at another swing venue how to do the deathdrop, and I've also decided that running barefoot through the snow is better done when the temperature is slightly above the freezing point.

Superbowl prediction

the Redwings will win the superbowl. The game will go to triple overtime, and they'll finally make the win with a homerun from center court, they'll bring home the world cup for sure.

Cat Talk

I'm looking at getting a kitten with my tax money. Any advice on what to look for in a a kitten? (ie, what are signs of good health and the like?)

This should be the proper link for the swing video.

In other news, I've finally got access to the sci-fi channel, something that I've lacked since moving to Grand Rapids, mainly because Comcast Cable is a complete rip off. I don't yet have internet back, I'm looking into DSL, and trying to find one where I don't need a pre-established phone line. I figure that since I've got a cell phone so I don't need a home phone. My personal life is finally starting to come back together for me, so my stress levels have reduced to defcon three.

Things in my family life aren't going so well however. My mother was diagnosed with cancer, and my grandfather has been in the hospital for the last week. My mom had already had surgery to take care of it, and started radiation, but they found more so they have to do more surgery, and they still aren't sure if they will need to do Kemo or not.

Biolife and Swing

Yesterday the doctor came back from his two week cruise, and finally signed off on my ability to do the task 1 and 2 jobs for the medical history area. Unfortunately, he had two weeks of files to go over, three nurses to observe, as well as a co-worker of mine who needed to be recertified. So it wasn't until late in my shift that I was finally signed off. And of course, because the doctor finally showed up, this was the day that the center became extremely busy (I think there's a murphy's law about this.) After I finally was certified, I went to lunch, ate Jimmy John's (Best subs ever) and came back to work, only to find out that a manager had to also sign the paperwork, and that that hadn't been done yet, so I still needed to locate a manager to verify my protien level checks, as well as co-sign with me. I started processing, I gave the guy a fingerstick (take blood from the finger, similar to diabetics), took his vitals (blood pressure and pulse), and he was fine to donate. I sent him out to the holding area, and then asked a coworker to get either a manager or a trainer to verify that I had everything right. Somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes later, someone finally showed up, I gave her my read, and she looked, then asked me to check again. I looked, and the reading had jumped from 6.7 to 8.9. When she had looked just a second before, it read 7.2. Due to the long wait for verification, the sample had gone bad. So I had to document a QNS (Quantity Not Sufficient) and then bring the guy back in and do a second fingerstick. I redid everything, and once again, he was fine to donate, this time the trainer stuck around to verify it with me at 6.7.

After that they finished with my paperwork, and I no longer need to get my findings checked over and co-signed.

While swing dancing Wednesday night, I started learning a move we have dubbed: "The Death Drop." I had done it improperly before with a much lighter and much shorter girl once before, and we got through it because I was able to muscle the whole thing. I figured I should learn the proper way. The description of the move is as follows: Boost the girl up so that she straddles your right shoulder, you both grip eachother's wrists, she then twists and slides down your side face first towards the ground (you have to help manuever her to the side of your body, otherwise she slides down your front and gets stuck), you lean back at the end, and she pops up. video (the video is sideways, as the site owner never got around to fixing it, but you can see the move)
Pictures of the place can be views here.

Happy freakin' New Year. :)

Fun in Medical History

At this point in job training, I'm waiting for the doctor to get back from his vacation so that he can sign off on my tasks. Once that is done, I won't be needing an initial next to my initial after everything I do, and I can finally be placed on the regular schedule.

All of my coworkers and even the management are fun to work with, everyone who works there is quite friendly and welcomed me to the center. Occassionally they will mix words, but it's always in jest, and you can tell that it isn't really meant. Thus far management has seemed more like coworkers than a boss.

Although customer service still plays a roll in my job, it isn't the main focus, and the people who come in to donate plasma are there because they want to be there, rather than they have to be, which makes a huge difference in the attitude people have.

So far its been the second job of nine that I've held that I've actually liked going to.

I outrank my blogfather . . .

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Emperor Andrew the Expensive of London by the Bow Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

As I recall, emperor outranks duke.

I'm worth $60.00

Here's the deal. You look it over the following list and see how many of these things you have done. BUT you have to ADD up the money amount along the way. Then post the amount that you are as the title of the bulletin. Example "I've done $00 worth of stuff."


1. Had sex: $6.00

2. Smoked: $5.00

3. Got drunk: $5.00

4. Went skinny dipping: $3.00

5. Kissed someone of the opposite sex: $4.00

6. Kissed someone of the same sex: $4.00

7. Cheated: $2.00

8. Fell asleep in class: $0.50

9. Been expelled: $5.00

10. Been in a fist fight: $3.00

11. Given oral: $5.00

12. Got oral: $5.00

13. Prank called the cops: $3.00

14. Stole something: $2.00

15. Done drugs: $5.00

16.Dyed your hair: $0.50

17. Done something with someone older (like a few years): $3.00

18. Went out with someone OVER 18 (if you were under 18): $4.00

19. Ate a whole thing of oreos: $0.50

20. Cried yourself to sleep: $1.00

21 .Said you love someone but didnt mean it: $1.00

22. Been in love: $4.00

23. Got caught doing something that you shouldnt have been doing: $1.00

24. Went streaking: $4.00

25. Got arrested: $5.00

26. Madeout with someone at the movies: $2.00

27. Peed in the pool: $0.50

28. Played spin the bottle: $1.00

29. Done something you regret: $3.00

Now add up and post as "I'm worth $(amount)"


The following people are getting tagged:

Blogfather Harvey of Badexample

Boudicca of Boudicca's Voice

Pete of Shakey Pete's Shootin' Shack

Sissy of And What Next

Update forthcoming

As soon as I get a chance to get to the library, I'll create a proper post about work, but until then, I can't write much about it, as I don't want coworkers to be peeking over my shoulder as I write.

Quite the Blurse

Blurse: A blessing and a curse

I have now started my job with Biolife, and I've finished with the initial reading, which took about two and a half work shifts. I am now beginning my observations, in which they observe me as I do the basic tasks, and help me to learn how they are done.

The good news about the job is this: I am the only male currently working in the medical history area, and all of my coworkers are attractive.

The bad news: I am the only male in the medical history area, and all of my coworkers are already dating someone else.

I am adrift in an estrigen sea, but there are definately worse places I could be . . . ;)

Which is Better?

So my friends, when it comes to acts in the bedroom (or elsewhere as the case sometimes is) which is better, lingerie, or just bein' naked from the getgo?

We'll take the Physical Challenge

I remember when I was growing up, a very special show that would come on Nick. I used to watch the show all the time, and then it got canceled. Double Dare was in my ever-so-humble-completely-correct-oppinion the best game show ever. Not only did you have to have a decent knowledge, but you also had to have athletic ability, and not be grossed out by slime, and the many ways that they presented to you on that show. Slime was Nick's trademark. If someone got slimed, it happened on Nick. No other television station used it. Shows like You can't do that on Television, Double Dare, What Would You Do? all had this trademark. Nick needs to bring it back, along with the shows the worked so well with it. I'll never forget Barf the chef . . .

The Willowbrook Ballroom

Last night, I and some friends took a road trip to the Willowbrook Ballroom for a night of swing dancing. Overall we had a good time, we met some people there, and I had a great time swing dancing, and even managed to learn how to triple-step without constantly going back to the swing step. Big help is not to look at your partner when you triplestep, but at the back ground, because you will get dizzy. The dance floor was nice, and while they didn't allow flips and other throw moves, it was kind of nice because I likely wouldn't have learned the triple-step if they had allowed them. It would have been better if there was a live band instead of just a DJ. It was a nice place compared to the places I go on a regular basis on Tuesday and Thursday Nights, but overall I would have to say that it wasn't really worth the trip.

Medical Historian

As to what a Medical Historian is, I don't really know. This is what Biolife says is the job of a Medical Historian. I'm not sure what it all means.

1) Comply with federal, state, local and company-specific regulations related to quality of product, employee and donor safety and to the proper performance of day-to-day activities.


2) Committed to meet customer service expectations, greeting donors as they enter and exit the building.


3) Answer phones within reasonable timeframe


4) Take and record donor pulse, blood pressure, and temperature measures and conduct medical history questionnaire


5) Take and record other donor measures to include weight, hematocrit, and total protein


6) Check all equipment used in the medical history area


7) Enter donor information into the Donor Information System (DIS) (where applicable)


8) Assemble charts/collection containers for donor floor.


9) Coordinate donors to donor floor and compensate donors at Outgoing Coordinator.


10) Respond to donor reactions


11) Maintains complete and accurate records, in accordance with cGMP.


12) Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.


13) Ensure general cleanliness of work area, donor waiting area and assist other work areas, as
needed, to ensure a clean and professional environment.


14) Attend monthly staff meetings.


15) Maintain orderly filing system, purging records as needed.

A Job and A Road Trip

I received a call this morning, in fact it woke me up, I was going to let it go to voicemail and go back to sleep, but the caller ID stated that it was Biolife calling. When I answered the phone, it was the manager on the other end, and she informed me that she was pleased to let me know that I have been accepted for a position at Biolife as a Medical Historian at a wage of ten dollars an hour. I went in and filled out the remaining paperwork, and then went down the road and got a drug screening. Once they get the results from that, I can start working for Biolife.

In celebration, I'm going to take a road trip with some friends down to Chicago and we're going to go swing dancing. Anyone in the area is welcome to come, information about it is below

NO JEANS OR GYM SHOES ALLOWED!!!!!!! Seriously, Ballroom's rules, so
dress up and have a ball.
$10.00 admission at the door

Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave.
Willow Springs, IL 60480.

Final Interview

So I think I had my final interview with Biolife today, and it will likely take until early next week to here any results from them.

I still haven't heard anything from the Bank in Maryland, but I'm not too upset by that, as I don't really want to move there.

Either job is likely to be temporary, as my Uncle in Georgia may yet decide to hire me to work for his production company, but that's atleast a few months away, as there's some things that he needs to take care of first.

I'm glad I was blessed with patience, because I hate waiting.

Biolife

Today I went in and donated, and as I was heading to the holding area, which is the area that you go to before they give you one of those really nice almost beds, the assistant manager asked if he could give me the initial interview (after the phone call) after I finished my donation. After my donation I had the interview, and things seemed to go well. He gave me the typical questions that they ask in interviews and told me a about a few of the details that are part of a medical historian's job, and made sure I could handle stress. I assured him that after working for three years as a cashier at meijer, stressful situations weren't a problem for me.

I got the impression from the interview that he liked me and would speak favorably about the interview with the manager. I now look foreward to recieving a call about the third interview. I wouldn't be surprised if when I go in for my Wednesday donation they ask if I can interview after that. Here's hoping things continue to go well.

Movies and Jobs

I think I've been watching too many movies as of late. Thanks to Blockbuster, I can now take the movies that I rent from online, and return them at the store for a free rental, and free up my que right away. I've lost count of the number of movies I've seen in the last few weeks, and couldn't begin to remember the names of all of them.

My current employer continues to schedule me only once a week, so I'm going to be quitting this week as soon as I find a seasonal job so that I can continue to eat, buy gas for my truck, and pay my bills. You know, the luxeries of life.

Monday I'll be heading in to Biolife for the first of my twice a week donations, so I'll see if I can talk to the Manager that hires people while I'm there. My interview with the bank in Maryland the name of which escapes me still went well, and I will likely get a call back from them at some point, though I'm hoping to stick around Michigan for a little while longer.

Another Possible Job, This Time No Girlfriend

I recieved a call from Biolife, which is a company that pays people to come in and donate plasma. I had been interested in getting a job there, and turned in an application about a month ago, but never heard from them. Today during the 4 o'clock episode of Friends, they called me and did an initial interview, and will be getting back to me about coming in for an interview. Pay starts at $10 an hour, so it would be a nice job if I could get it full time.

Looks like I might have to make a decision or two in the future. It'd be nice to have options for once.

The common cold

If you're going to get the cold anyway, you may as well make out with a girl that has it. Unfortunately, all I did was sit across from her.

A Job and a Girlfriend?

My mother has conspired with her friends at the bank she's a member of to set me up with a job there. There also happens to be a single girl who works there, and they've also conspired to get us together. I visited the family in Maryland for Thanksgiving, and also turned in the application for the bank. The girl was on vacation, so I didn't meet her, but I did meet my mother's firends, and they seem very nice, despite their teasing me and all agreeing that the girl would like me. I flew back home later that day, and after I landed in Michigan, I recieved a phone call from my mother that the bank had called, and wanted to know if I could come in for an interview that night. I'll be flying out to Maryland again this coming week, for the interview.

In other news, strife with the manager continues, as he only scheduled me one day this coming week, and its a Tuesday PM shift. I'm not happy about that, but atleast I'll be able to go swing dancing right after work.

Ravencroft is lame.

Actually, he's not really lame. I just felt like being inflamatory. Although, analyzing his name I can't help but picture his head on Laura Croft's body... and that scares me.

Figured I'd post at random here, since Mesuir Ravencroft was so kind as to update. I actually can't find the last post I made here, so it must have been forever plus a day ago. Anywho, on with the post.

I believe I had mentioned here before that I was selling Aflac insurance. I had a really rough start with it, but I've actually improved as I've been going. Trouble is, the money is not coming in as fast as I had hoped or needed. Although I've seen people make good money and do well at this, I'm not going to be able to continue doing this full time any longer. I've started refreshing my resume and looking for a job, but all is not a loss. My speaking skills have seen a decent improvement, which happens after a thousand or so approaches to businesses. I'm also better organized than before.

Because of the situation, it does look as though I'm going to need to sell my house and move back to the city (Dearborn). It's really odd just driving by homes in the city and seeing the backyards. Now I'm not in the country where I'm currently living, but I could probably fit my house 4 times on my property and still have room between them. I'm not sure I could fit a house in the city twice on those lots. Another odd adjustment will be the noise. After living in Caro for 5+ years, I've become quite accustomed to the quiet. My mom lives about 4 blocks from the freeway, plus Metro planes fly overhead occasionally and that's just freaking loud! I don't quite remember it being so damned noisy.

So for now I'll just have to hope that things work out. It's going to be rough if we have to move everything and everyone back. Plus, I won't have my own home again. Trying to stay positive though, but it's not always easy.

Issues with a Manager

This week, I decided to go home for Thanksgiving, so that I could be with my family. In order to do this, I had to take time off of work. When I first started working for the company, it was established that I wouldn't be working Tuesday PM. The days I asked off for were Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (11/22-11/24). My parents then set up my flight for me, which had me flying out of Grand Rapids on Tuesday. When I recieved my schedule for the next week, my manager had scheduled me Tuesday @ 12 pm.

I sent an email the day I recieved my schedule (it comes via email) and then called on Friday when I hadn't heard back from him, and he told me that he hadn't gotten my email, but that he would work things out. Today I recieved an email reprimanding me for not also asking for Tuesday off. In the past, he had scheduled me to work Tuesday PM, and since I didn't have anything I needed today, I worked the shift and then rescheduled the things I did that day to other times. I then sent an email reminding him that Tuesday PM I wasn't supposed to work.

Everyone says that Mike is a great boss, is my definition wrong?

Moving

Well, it looks like I'm going to be joining the rest of my family. Currently I'm the only member of my family that is north of the masen-dixen line. Trying to find a decent job in Michigan (that pays well with good hours) is similar to trying to find a virgin in a house of ill repute. By the looks of things I'll be heading to Maryland, which is located close to a few other states, and the capital of this great nation.

Last Day Fun

So I figure enough time has passed (two months), and I can share this now.

On my last day at Meijer, I had a lot of fun.

The first thing I did was arrange in advance that I would be on U-scan. This is where the fun begins.

As a cashier, I'd been running the U-scan for two and half of the three years that I worked for meijer, so I learned a lot from the guys who would come and fix the machines. One guy didn't like to be called all the time, so he gave me the username and password, as well as showed me how to do some basic maintenance. Also at my desposal are a fair amount of computer skills.

By searching through the files on the computer at U-scan one day, I came accross network connections, and noticed that all of the lanes are connected to eachother through the U-scan.

On my last day, while at U-scan, I had previously called a radio station and requested the song: Take This Job And Shove It as well as arranged with a coworker in the back to set the radios to that station, and then broadcast it over the PA when the song came on. I waited for the song to start up over the PA, and then proceeded with my plan. I went back through the computer and located the network connections button, and then proceeded to shut down the network. I watched the expressions on cashier's faces as computer after computer started to malfunction. I then walked off the job. The service team leaders still aren't sure what happened.

No Longer a Moderate

I used to consider myself a moderate, because there a some issues where I take the left's stance, and some where I take the republican view. However, with this election campaign, the left has just been ticking me off.

Their defeatist attitude about the war in Iraq, the fact that they can't give a straight answer to any question that matters. Rather than take responsibility for their mistakes, they blame it on anyone or anything that had even a remote connection to what happened. Rather than talk about the issues, they run a smear campaign against their opponants, forcing them to respond. In one instance, with the governor race here in Michigan, Granholm keeps pointing out how DeVos laid off a lot of jobs in Michigan and invested $200 million dollars in China. Well, first of all, it isn't DeVos' job to give people jobs. It's his job to make sure that the company he's running does well. Second of all, if he had kept those people here in Michigan and didn't invest his money in a factory in China, the company would have ended up having to lay off even more people, or might have failed, which would have placed more people in unemployment.

So if I'm not a moderate, what am I? I'm a conservative. I vote republican. I am pro-life, anti-control (pro gun education), for lower taxes, for the death penalty, and proud of it.

How can I be against abortion and for the death penalty? Easy. An unborn child hasn't killed anyone. When you have the intention to take someone else's life, and you act on that intention, whether you suceed or not, you forfeit your own right to life.

Michigan, and why I'm still living here

I had been trying to figure out why I remain in Michigan when I don't really want to be here in the first place. When I think about it, there isn't anything really going for me here. I have a job that I like, but it doesn't give me enough hours, and I'm starting to hate my boss. I have a few people that I call friend, but none of them are close enough to me that it would be a good reason to stay. I spend the majority of my time by myself, and I like it that way, I don't need to be surrounded by a lot of people, and when I am, I switch to observation mode. I don't have any romantic interests, and I constantly long to just take off with no set destination in mind.

So why remain here? I stay because there are some things in my life that I need to figure out, and it feels like it would be running away if I left. If I had a career waiting for me if I should leave, that would be a different story, but right now I don't, so I can't leave without feeling like I'm giving up. One thing I've never done is give up (unless refusing to do so would violate my integrity in other areas).

The Haunt

Last night I had the chance to check out one of Grand Rapids fall attractions, The Haunt, with friends DJ, Bethany and Joel. Its basically a haunted house, and I gotta give the people credit for doing an amazing job with decorations and costumes. However, I can't say that I found it scary, so I was a bit disapointed by that. The highlight of the night was that I knew one of the guys that worked there, and he either already knew who Bethany was, or I had mentioned her when he asked if I was planning on going to the Haunt (he got me VIP tickets for $10 instead of $20.) So I think Bethany got pretty weirded out by that. DJ didn't catch on to it until the guy mentioned his name as well, or atleast he didn't seem to. Another good part was where they had a platform that you had to walk over to get through a revolving tunnel, which completely messes with your sense of balance. It was a funy experience, but I was really hoping to get scared. I guess part of the fun is taken out of it if you know that you won't come to any harm. Maybe they could change that in the future . . .

Swing Dancing and Work

So my job with 7up is very physically demanding, as is swing dancing. On days where I don't have both, I can easily handle one or the other. Today my body is very sore and fatigued, and I'm going to be attempting work and swing for the next couple of days, so by Friday, I likely won't be able to move from my bed. I owe myself atleast 48 hours of make-up sleep, but we'll see if I manage to pull that off . . .

I'm Sorry! Really I am!

Its been a two month unnofficial hiatus. I really did mean to post sooner than this, but I kept putting it off. I'm going to have to start writing stuff at home, burn it to CD, then bring it to the library I guess. I'm going to try and make up for it now by sharing an addictive game with you:

the game is called line rider, and the concept is simple: draw at a downward angle, and then press play to watch someone ride the line. Then add jumps, try for backflips and front flips, try a loop de loop (harder than it sounds) then show it off to a friend.

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/40255643/?&q=line+rider&qh=boost%3Apopular+age_sigma%3A24h+age_scale%3A5


Swing dancing has been going great, and I've begun teaching novices the basic steps, and the flips and airials that I know really well. If you're ever in Grand Rapids, come downtown and check out the swing club at 800 Monroe.

7-up

As you know from a previous post, I got a job recently working for 7-up as a merchandiser (read: glorified stock guy). Now that I've been there a few weeks, I've got a good idea of how the job works (okay so it isn't rocket science). However, the main thing is that I actually like my job. Yeah, there is some hard work involved with it, mostly heavy lifting, and counting (okay, that part isn't hard) but its actually enjoyable, and when I get done with work, I feel like I've actually done something productive, which is a feeling I never got when working for Meijer (read: Hell on earth) In some ways it's like I'm getting paid to be a member of a gym, and between that and swing dancing, I'm getting into shape again pretty fast.

Straight Outta Lynwood

"I thought you all might be interested to know that I am going to WORLD PREMIERE the first single from "Straight Outta Lynwood" on MySpace.

Right here on this page.

August 21. 6 PM Pacific, 9 PM Eastern.

And I'll even make it a free download.

Have fun!"

- Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al's new album hits the stores 09/26/06 you can preorder the CD at his website: www.weirdal.com.

Leaving hell, hoping never to return

So finally, after three years at a job that I despise, I've managed to find a new job, and will finally be leaving Meijer, never to return. I will now be working for 7-up/American bottling group, stocking the shelves and coolers at stores. Pay is a lot nicer, and I also get paid compensation for gas milage. I'll still be working at Meijer, as well as a few other stores, but I'll no longer have to answer to management or customers there.

Union Steward

Well, I've done something completely unnexpected, I've become a Union Steward. This is unexpected strictly because I hate unions. I think that in the past there was a place for them, but now that we have laws protecting workers, they ultimately serve no purpose. So why become a steward? for the power. In certain situations, I have as much authority as management. Also a perk is that every christmas I get my union dues back. So that's about the only perk I have at work anymore, other than finally getting vacation time after 3 years. I'm still paid less than 7 an hour, and I need more than that to survive.

Swing Dancing and Renaissance Festivals

Recently in my post-loss of internet life (how I miss easily accessing it anytime I want) I have taken up swing dancing. While I am still in the process of learning, it has been the most fun that I've had in quite some time.

This past Saturday, I had the chance to go to a Renaissance Festival. Unfortunately, I had to work. So I went to the Ren-fair, and when I got there, I called into work to inform them that my truck couldn't get me in to work today. This was a true enough statement, as my truck was at the time 2 hours away from me. That settled, I set about enjoying the fair. The first thing I did other than checking out the various swords and armor was to have my friend DJ arrested for sullying the name of a woman. He in turn had me and a friend arrested in his stead. And she and I had to dance and sing our way out of prison, after which I had DJ arrested again, and paid a small bonus so that he was forced to sing and dance to get out. However, he decided that this time he should run for it, and did so, finally getting caught because he ran down a dead end path. Next we went and checked out the various birds of prey (unfortunately we never got around to seeing a demonstration) and then proceded to the Ric Rac Dumb Show, essentially a guy making a complete fool of himself. Almost everything at a Ren-Fair is interactive, and I was called upon in the audience to help him get a ball out of his mouth that he was "stuck" there. I misunderstood what he meant by his hand gestures, and asked if he wanted me to punch him in the stomach-- to which he informed me by his behavior was not the case-- he wanted me to do the heimlich maneuver. The show was quite fun. The next event we went to was the Pirate Shanty and The Bonnie Lass, which I ended up going to a total of three times, as I enjoyed it quite a bit. However the best event was the Drench a Wench/Soke a Bloak. Those who dressed up for the fair were allowed to participate in getting soked, which DJ and I did, as it does get quite hot wearing period clothing. In this event, you are given three sponges to throw at the opposite sex. In thanks of getting soked, the guys hug the girls that soked them, and the girls kiss the guys on the cheek. The festival was great, and I'm looking forward to going to the Holly Renaissance Festival on September 2nd. Actually, I wouldn't mind being a participant in them and performing, and doing that for a living.

internet lacking

no internet for a little while. not that it affects this blog too much . . .

Time Loops (History Repeating)

Its odd, but the girl that I found myself attracted to most recently is becoming very similar to a girl that I was interested in in the past. Last time it ended badly, and I really don't want that to happen this time, but it's as if I'm walking a pre-established path. The path is headed straight for the executioner's block. I struggle against my bonds but I am unable to break loose of them. As I near the platform, I struggle harder still, and finally the executioner comes into view, his face covered by a hooded cloak. When I reach the platform, I stumble and fall. Hands pick me back up, but they are not comforting hands, but the hands of one that doesn't care. A hood is placed over my head and I can no longer see. Despite this, I can hear soft twang of the axe being freed from the executioner's block. I'm forced to kneel, with my head on the block, and I feel the axe briefly touch my neck as the executioner lines up. I hear a grunt as he raises the heavy axe. All the while I struggle to break free of my bonds. I hear the whistle of the axe as it falls, craving my blood. I find myself in the third person, watching my head fall onto the platform, the executioner's hood is thrown back, and the face I see is my own. I don't know how to break free of this path before its too late.

This seems expensive for something that is basically a bunch of leftover wire.

and a whole load of technology here is waiting for your to view.

just to touch on a few of the items:

In Japan, they've released a credit card sized phone. I don't know why people keep wanting cell phones that are smaller. A smaller phone is easer to lose. Personally, I'm happy with my razr. I thought about getting the slivr, but I prefer flip phones, as I've seen people call numbers by accident too many times, only to hear a faint disembodied voice coming from their crotch region.

Available at Amazon is an ice cream maker ball. This seems interesting, and if I liked ice cream enough, I would probably get it. You place the ingredients inside the ball, and then bounce it around for twenty minutes, when your done, you have ice cream. Before your done, you have a 7lb ball of death that I'm sure you can find creative things to bounce it off of to get that "special" flavor of ice cream . . .


here's also a remote control golf ball, which I'm sure you can imagine the uses for right away (just don't let someone tee off on a par 3 . . .) how many points do you knock off for a hole in none?



For those of you who just can't figure out what your dog wants or how their feeling, go buy a different pet! Or you can buy a doggie translation device, which tells you just that. Frankly, I find it a waste of money, as dogs, being dumber than man are quite easy for anyone to understand.



Mr. T and Burt Renolds have lent their voice to TomTom's navigation company. "I pity the fool who can't find his way without asking directions!"

Finally, there's a model tornado available for purchase. For only $204.00 you can have your very own tornado sitting right on your desk. No word as to the liability if there should be a sudden power surge, quickly creating a class 5 tornado in your office building, ripping your latest project to shreds moments before the deadline and at the same time killing off your secretary . . . but it looks nifty!

There are many more gadgets for your viewing pleasure at that site, so go check it out.

Parakeet Issues

Well, for a while now, I've owned a parakeet. It used to be two, but one died, and so for a month or two it was just the one. Well, recently I noticed that the one parakeet has started shedding more than she should, including some blood feathers. I'm hoping its merely depression, as I've bought a new parakeet to be her companion.

The newest edition seems more content to either fly around the room or perch on me, where as the other two prefered the cage. I've decided to let my parakeets keep their wings, as its more fun watching them fly around the room, and easier to train them to do arial acrobatics if they can fly.

Today, I came across a rather funny comic, which you can view here.

If Star Wars was a Porno . . .

I'm pretty sure it'd look something like this.


Personally, I think there's something wrong with a guy who needs to use a dildo for any reason. Now if it was one of these, I could understand, provided it was for use with a female in conjunction with a ball gag and a leash.

Let me further state that I'm glad I no longer attend Cornerstone University, as I would have a hard time explaining any of this to the IS department when they recieve the flags for everything I was looking up in order to do this post.

Random Sappyness

Speak Softly Love by Andy Williams

"Speak softly love and hold me warm against your heart
I feel your words, the tender trembling moments start
We're in a world, our very own
Sharing a love that only few have ever know

*Wine coloured days warmed by the sun
Deep velvet nights when we are one

Speak softly love so no one hears us but the sky
The vows of love we make will live unitil we die
My life is yours and all because
You came into my world with love, so softly love"

Embeding flash

okay, I've figured out how to embed flash files in my posts-- does anyone know how to keep them from starting/repeating on their own? I have no trouble on flashes that come with the appropriate code, but what do i do with the ones that don't?

How Jedi Are You?

how jedi are you? :: by lawrie malen

"50 things about guys" with comments by: The Reverend Andrew

1. Guys hate "sluts."
Well, hates kind of a strong word, but I definately wouldn't seriously date one.

2. "Hey, are you busy?" or "Are you doing something?" ~ two phrases guys open with to stop from stammering on the phone.

I've never used either of those lines on the phone

3. Guys may be flirting around all day but before they go to sleep, they always think about the girl they truly care about.

The most important things are the things we think about just before we go to sleep, depending on how many there are, we may not sleep that night. (pretty sure this is why I don't sleep much)

4. Before they call, guys try to plan out a little about what they're gonna say so there aren't awkward pauses, but once he's on the phone he forgets it all and makes it up as he goes.

I don't plan it out, I prefer to make it up as I go, yeah there will be pauses, but so what?

5. Guys go crazy over a girl's smile.

If he cares about the girl, he could be having the worst day ever, and her smile will make whatever bad stuff happened fade to nothing.

6. Guys will do anything just to get you to notice him.

eh, I do stuff just to do stuff.

7. Guys hate it when you talk about your ex-boyfriend or ex love-interest. Unless they're goin for the let-her-complain-to-you-and-then-have-her-realize-how-wonderful-and-nice-you-are method.

Actually, I don't mind hearing about it, but its not something I want to talk about constantly. I'd like to know you have more of a life than who you're dating or who you dated.

8. A guy who likes you wants to be the only guy you talk to.

I just want her to feel that she can come to me about anything.

9. Boyfriends need to be reassured often that they're still loved.

guys aren't as secure as you think we are.

10. Don't talk about your guy friends to your boyfriend.

I don't mind actually, unless its a guy I don't trust. Hang out with whomever you wish, but if I don't trust them I don't really want to hear about it.

11. Guys get jealous easily.

It depends on the situation, and how serious the relationship is.

12. Guys are more emotional than they'd like people to think.

I definately have a pretty good poker face when I try.

13. Giving a guy a hanging message like "You know what?!..uh...nevermind.." would make him jump to a conclusion that is far from what you are thinking. And he'll assume he did something wrong and he'll obsess about it trying to figure it out.

depends on how she says it.


14. Guys are good flatterers when courting but they usually stammer when they talk to a girl they really like.

not always the case

15. Guys hate asking parents for money to buy girls presents. So they come up with ideas like saving their lunch money for a week. But it never works because guys are always hungry so they end up asking the parents for money anyway.

I've never asked my parents for money so I could get a girl something. I had this lovely thing called a job

16. Girls are guys' weaknesses.

17. Guys are very open about themselves.

depends on who I'm around. If I'm around the right person, I'll volunteer the information. Otherwise they have to ask, and then I'll only give the most basic information.

18. It's good to test a guy first before you trust him. But don't let him wait too long.

This is true about anyone

19. Your best friend, whom your boyfriend seeks help from about his problems with you may end up being admired by your boyfriend.

This doesn't mean we like you any less.

20. If a guy tells you about his problems, he just needs someone to listen to him. You don't need to give advice.

not always the case. But if we want your advice, then we trust you a lot.

21. A usual act that proves that the guy likes you is when he teases you.

I'm just a tease, doesn't mean I like the person beyond friendship.

22. Guys love you more than you love them if they are serious in your relationships.


23. Guys will brag about anything.

If you've done it and there's a witness, it ain't bragging.

24. Guys use words like hot or cute to describe girls. We rarely use beautiful. If a guy uses that, he likes you.

I've only used the word hot to describe a girl that is temperature hot. I use words like attractive or pretty.

25. Guys think WAY too much. One small thing a girl does, even if she doesn't notice it can make the guy think about it for hours, trying to figure out what it meant.

Where as girls seem able to do more than one thing at once, guys seem to be able to think about more than one thing at once. When a girl does one small thing, a guys entire mental energy will go into trying to figure it out-- which usually leads to burn out

26. Guys seek for advice from girls not other guys. Because most guys think alike, so if one guy's confused, then we're all confused.

not always the case

27. Any guy could write out a rulebook or advice book for flirting, but no guy can write out a book about relationships.

I know several who cant do either, or can do both.

28. Try to be as straightforward as possible.

29. A guy has to experience rejection, because if he's too-good-never-been-busted, never been in love and hurt, he won't be mature and grown up.

30. If the guy does something stupid in front of the girl, he will think about it for the next couple days or until the next time he spends time with the girl.

31. I didn't like this one, so i took it out. Though true it was. **Nomi's note: Just a typical guy thing, taking out the bits they don't like. Haha.

32. Guys learn from experience not from the romance books that girls read and take as their basis of experience.

I've learned from both, I know some who don't learn from either.

33. Guys worry about the thin line between being compassionate and other things. (being a wuss)

34. If a guy looks unusually calm and laid back, he's probably faking it and is spazzing inside.

sometimes true, not usually the case for me.

35. When a guy says he is going crazy about the girl, he really is. Guys rarely say that.

36. When a guy asks you to leave him alone, he's just actually saying, "Please come and listen to me."

again, depends on the person and the circumstance

37. Guys don't really have final decisions.

its more that we're flexible enough to allow some wiggle room.

38. If a guy starts to talk seriously, listen to him. It doesn't happen that often, so when it does, you know something's up.

39. If your best guy friend seems to avoid you or is never around when you're with your boyfriend, he's probably jealous and likes you.

or you and your boyfriend need to watch the pda. . .

40. When a guy looks at you for longer than a second, he's definitely thinking something.

41. Guys like femininity not feebleness.

Very much true

42. Guys don't like girls who punch harder than they do.

actually, I like a good challenge

43. A guy has more problems than you can see with your naked eyes.

44. Don't be a snob. Guys can be intimidated and give up easily.

not so much with the intimidation, I just don't like snobs.

45. Everything in moderation. Put on makeup, wear perfume. Just not too much.

46. Guys talk about girls more than girls talk about guys.


47. Guys hate rejection, BUT THEY HATE BEING LED ON EVEN MORE.

Very very true. I hate being led on. Rejection really doesn't bother me.

48. Guys really think that girls are strange and have unpredictable decisions and are MAD confusing but somehow are drawn even more to them.

49. A guy would give his right arm to be able to read a girl's mind for a day.

It'd have to be atleast for a month or two

50. No guy can handle all his problems by his own. He's just too stubborn to admit it.

I Have Good News . . .

I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico.

Well, not really, but I am now a state certified bartender. And I only had to take the test four times . . .

The class was a lot of fun, as were the teachers. Now I just need to find a job . . .

Man Laws

Miller Lite has changed its ads to comercials about Man Laws, they have a website for it, and you can find it here. On the site they have the manlawpedia, with over 1,000 man laws written in it that were previously unwritten. Also in the manlawpedia, there is the option to edit the manlaws, as well as comment on them, and make exceptions to said man law. It's a granted that persuit of a woman is usually a justifiable reason for breaking just about any of the man laws.

I have added my own man law: All men must see the Godfather Trilogy atleast once in their lifetime.

I personally hold that no woman should be a valid excuse for breaking this man law.

a message

Repeat this message to a friend And there will only be one to offend Send it to two And there will be one more to think less of you Send it to three And there will be one more annoyed with thee If you send it to four on your list There will a total of four that will get p***ed Sending it to more will be a synch They only need one of you to lynch Send a few more to be drawn and quartered A few hundred to be crushed in a mortar Or send it to none and spare your life And spare your back from a friend s knife.

100 things about the Reverend Andrew Ravencroft

1.EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT RING?:
nope, never given one either.

2. LONGEST RELATIONSHIP?: a while-- didn't really keep track, i think 3 years or so

3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED?: Just got my christmas gift from my aunt, gift card to target

4. Ever dropped a cell phone? yeah

5. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT?: couple days ago

6. THING(S) YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON?: gas and food

7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE?: cream o' wheat

8. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX?: eyes and smile

9. ONE FAVORITE SONG: Sad Songs and Waltzes - Cake

10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE?: by the plainfield library

11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED:Harrison, Fuquay-Varina, and Franklin Road

12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER: Verizon

13. FAVORITE MALL STORE(S): the book store, Hot Topic, Suncoast

14. LONGEST JOB YOU HAD: Cashier at Meijer

15. DO YOU OWN A PAIR OF DICE?: somewhere

16. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE?: yup-- I know how to block caller id

17. LAST WEDDING YOU ATTENDED: My friend Ryan's

18. FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY: don't know

19. LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BEST FRIEND: April or May of last year, but I don't have a best friend anymore

20. FAVORITE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT: Burger King or Arby's, depending on my mood

21. BIGGEST LIE YOU HAVE HEARD?: "I don't want to hurt you."

23. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? anywhere

24. CAN YOU COOK?: of course

25. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE: don't drive a car, drive a 98 dodge dakota sport

26. BEST KISSER?: right now its a tie . . .

27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: about 30mins ago watching Rainman

28. MOST DISLIKED FOOD: peas

29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: I like that I'm laid back and easy going

30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: I let things go too much

32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB?: 12 hours

33. FAVORITE MOVIE?: Uncle Buck

34. CAN YOU SING?: if its in my range

35. LAST CONCERT ATTENDED?: never been to a concert

36. LAST KISS?: a month or so ago

37. LAST MOVIE RENTED: Rainman

38. THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?: clothes

39. What country would you most like to visit?: Ireland, Scotland, Englad, Japan

41. DO YOU LIKE CHINESE FOOD?: yup

42. IS YOUR ROOM CLEAN?: clean enough

43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER?: desktop

44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN?: John Candy

45. DO YOU SMOKE?: occassionally

46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES?: depends on the temerature

47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT? just me

48. DO LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS WORk? I've yet to have one that does

49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE?: twice

50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST?: pancakes

51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE?: no. coffee is about the same as beer to me-- both are nasty

52. HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS?: poached

53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?: nope-- think its funny though

54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE: Jessica

55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST?: Jessica

56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECIEved? something from Jessica (this is getting kinda sad-- no one ever calls me other than her :-D )

57. MCDONALDS OR BURGER KING?: Burger King-- McDonald puts oatmeal in their burgers :-P

58. NUMBER OF PILLOWS?: depends on where I sleep

59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARIN RIGHT NOW?: shorts

60. PICK A LYRIC, ANY LYRIC OR SONG:

"Hey are you girls, waitin' on your friends?

What did you say, you're lesbians?

Bartender cancel those two drinks,

I'm not as am as you drunk I think..."

61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J SANDWICH?: grape, strawberry

62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL?: yup

63. CAN YOU SWIM?: yup-- c'mon, I just told you I could play in the pool, that's kinda a prerequesite . . . ;)

64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM?: Cookie dough

65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS?: just learned how to actually read one the other day

66. TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?: I know stuff

68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY?: nope

69. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?: I like 'em all

70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID?: yesterday

71. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING?: umm, still awake-- I'll be up again by 8 though

72. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER?: skiing and ice skating

73. LAST TIME A COP GAVE YOU A TICKET? this past winter

75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET?: Buck-- Hamster

76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED?: Pirates are great, and they'd kick a Ninja's butt any day of the week in a fair fight.

77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? work! and Church

78. BIRTHDATE: Apull 23, 1983

79. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE: right now i'll settle for a certified Mixologist

85. ARE YOU ON A LAPTOP?: nope

86. ARE YOU SMILING?: too tired to smile
.
88. DO YOU HAVE ON EYELINER?: oh yeah, wear that all the time . . . I'm a guy, and I'm not weird in that way, of course I don't have eye liner. I ran out . . .

89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?: Unfortunately

90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO?: see above about the vacations

91. DO YOU HAVE A MYSPACE? What's myspace?

92. ARE YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL?: I wish . . . life was so much easier then

93. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?: no, but there are a couple people I am interested in

94. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NAME? Vash

95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT?: black w/ a white stripe or two

96. DOES YOUR SCHOOL START IN AUGUST? nope

97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH? yup, took a trip to the moon, it was great

98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE?: no, but that was supposed to be my job for 5 months

99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER? I have 1 1/2 sisters

100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS? 2nd floor of 3

Some kind of test thingy

I thought I would score higher in warmth, however, I can see how on average I'm at that level. Depending on the person, I go much higher or lower in that area. Overall I agree with my results.

Cattell's 16 Factor Test Results Warmth 50% Intellect 82% Emotional Stability 86% Aggressiveness 62% Liveliness 50% Dutifulness 74% Social Assertiveness 46% Sensitivity 54% Paranoia 50% Abstractness 66% Introversion 66% Anxiety 26% Openmindedness 62% Independence 42% Perfectionism 30% Tension 18%

Take Cattell 16 Factor Test (similar to 16pf)
personality tests by similarminds.com

Meijer Babysitting Service

Every time I work in the gas station with Sonny and Cher (no their real names), I end up having to act as a baby sitter. These two people are seeing eachother. Now, if they were younger than me, I could understand this, however, they are both older than me (cher is a grandmother) I shouldn't have to be the mature one. However, I find that I end up having to parent these two as they fight through out the entire work shift. I had once asked to transfer to the gas station, now I really don't want to do that, as I really don't want to be a babysitter for these two every time that I have to work. I get along fine with everyone else though, so if I end up transfering out there for good, I'm going to have to ask for an ealier shift-- I can't handle those two in six to eight hour stretches.

Bitterness

yeah, I'm entering a pretty bitter period in my life-- it starts with work, and I'm able to contain it there, but then it starts to spread to the rest of my life. I've never been able to figure out the cause, as I'm pretty good at keeping my work life and my personal life seperate-- there's some over lap with people I interact with which I also interact with at work.

I know that part of it is that I've got people who say that they're my friends, but I never actually hang out with them. Those aren't friends, those are people I know. They tell me that they're busy-- but no one's busy 24/7. I'm tired of getting the short end of the stick, and its getting to the point where I begin cutting off the people in my life who take but never give. I can only give so much before I need to be refilled. It isn't fair to the people with whom I have an equal give and take relationship, because it will begin to affect how I treat them as well.

It's too hot

I've been without my air conditioning for a while, but I didn't really start to feel it until this past saturday. My fan just isn't doing the job. So I've put in to have the air conditioning fixed, as well as the toilet which has been running constantly for the last few months. Its not that I like my things to work less than pefectly well, its just that I learn to adapt to the changes, and then forget about it completely.

It's for this reason that I abdicate spanking. When my parents spanked me, there wasn't a re-occurance of the crime committed for quite some time. But when I was grounded, or had things taken away, I learned to live without television or video games. I loved reading when I was little, and I still do, my parents never took my books away, so I always had a way to pass the time. But spankings, those hurt, and that nice survival instinct given to us by God teaches us that such pain is bad, and therefore, avoid things that cause it.

Drink of the Day

Grasshopper
stemmed glass, chilled
mixing cup, two scoop and a half of ice

1/2 oz. Green Creme De Menthe
1/2 oz White Creme De Cacoa
2 oz. Cream

shake and strain

My Secret Project

I've been working on a secret project which combined with work and Jessica has really sapped my time. (which is why I've rarely been posting)

anyway, I've finished the project, and you can view it here.

Its an anime music video, and lasts about 9 minutes. It speaks for itself, so I'm not really going to speak much about it here, other than to say that the quality isn't the greatest because I had to lower it in order to upload it.

Jesus Wasn't a Hippy!

Many Christians believe that Jesus had long hair, and that since he also preached loving God with all of yourself, and loving others as you love yourself, they call him a hippy. These people forget that Jesus was in favor of owning a sword (if you have no sword, sell your garment, and buy one [Luke 22:36]), and don't forget the temple where he trashed the place because people were being dishonest in the Lord's House. He even said: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34) The men who had long hair were the Nazarites (Samson was one of these) they made a promise to God that they would do something, and a mark of that promise was letting their hair grow out until they accomplished it, which once accoplished they could cut their hair. Jesus was a Nazarene, not a Nazarite (He hadn't made such a promise), his hair would have been short. Had his hair been long, he would have been noticeable, and Judas would not have had to kiss him to mark him as Jesus.

Jesus was no hippy.

I thought I'd be happier by now . . .

Always before, whenever I've gotten drunk, I've been the happiest person on the earth. Not so much this time. I'm not sad or anything-- I'm just apathetic this time. I don't get it.

Drink of The Day

Lynchburg Lemonade

1 oz. Jack Daniels
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
almost fill with lemon-lime soda
lemon and cherry garnish

A Petition

Okay, I'm not really an American Idol[atry] fan. But I've heard Chris sing, and he's a lot better than the others. Tyler is still in because he appeals to the age 35+ women out there, and they don't want to lose him, he can't actually sing well. The chick is still in there because there's a whole lot of men that don't want to lose their eye-candy. The last guy, I don't know why he's still in it-- he just sucks . . .

anyway, go here to sign a petition to get Chris back onto the show.

Drink of the Day

okay, so I'm not sure why I didn't get this idea sooner, but to help me memorize my drinks for bartending, I'm going to post, from memory, an alcoholic drink. You're job is then to post in the comments, about the night that you tried this drink. If you haven't had it yet, then your assignment is to go out and procure the drink, and then report back in the comments-- or mention it on your own blog (make sure to trackback) At the end of the week, I'll post highlights.

Today's Drink:

Blue Motherfucker

1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. gin
1/2 oz. light rum
1/2 oz. blue caracoa
1/2 oz. taquila
2 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
fill with 7up
lemon wedge garnish

This is currently my favorite drink from the class that I've actually tried.

So this is long overdue

APPLICATION TO DATE MY SON

Note to would-be femme fatale: I know all your tricks. I am watching you..

Name:__________________ Date (today):_____________________

Social Security Number____________________________________

Your age _________ (provide certified copy of birth certificate and two forms of ID)

My sons age________(Subtract the lowest of the two above numbers from the highest. If the difference is more than 1, do not continue)

Mothers name and profession:__________________________________________
Home number: ___________ Work number:_____________
Best time to call:______

Fathers name and profession:___________________________________________
Home number:___________ Work number:_____________
Best time to call:______

Are your parents still together? (Circle one) YES NO

Do you get along with your parents? (Circle one) YES NO

If you circled no, please attach a two-page typed, double-spaced explanation in your own words explaining the reason

Do you have any children? (Circle one) YES NO
If you circled yes, put the paper down, back away slowly and leave quietly.

What are your future goals? ______________________________________________

How do you plan to meet those goals? (Circle all that apply):
College
Hard work
Part-time job while in college
Volunteer work
Keep my grades up so I can get good scholarships for college
Intentional overdose to get attention
Intentional overdose to end it all
Find a rich husband
Live off the child support from all the babies Im going to have
Welfare
Partying
Working to legalize drugs and prostitution
Just find some guy willing to put a roof over my head so I won't have to work!

Circle the best answer to complete the following sentence:
The boys at school say I am:
A. Easy
B. Cheap
C. Fun
D. Really hard to get
E. A golddigger
F. Trashy
G. REALLY popular
H. a total perv
I. A stalker

Has anyone ever been sent to jail because of you? YES NO

Have you ever been in jail? YES NO

How many times a day do you believe it is acceptable to call a guy? (choose one)
A. None! It's the man's place to call!
B. Umm...maybe once or twice.
C. Oh please! I could never stand to not hear his voice!
D. As many times as it takes until the SOB calls me BACK!!!!

My favorite things to do are (circle all that apply):
A. Hang with my girls
B. Hook up
C. Read my Bible every night
D. Party Party Party!!
E. Watch the little line turn blue on the preg test more money, YAY!!
F. Find new and creative ways to fake out the drug tests they make me take every week.
G. Flirt with my probation officer
H. Flirt with my priest/pastor
I. Flirt with anything in pants
J. Spend extra time in the teachers office after hours how else am I going to pass this year?
K. Shop for that perfect little black lipstick
L. Get pierced and/or inked gotta find some way to hide the track marks!

(if you circled anything other than C you may NOT date my son and you should go NOW before Mama hurts you.Be advised: I will review the application for completeness and accuracy and do the necessary background checks. If I disapprove of your application I will thump my son over the head and take out a restraining order against you.Think you can pass?
Then sign here________________________________________

What personality elements make up your Personality cocktail?

How to make a Andrew

Ingredients: 3 parts pride 1 part brilliance 3 parts ego

Method: Layer ingredientes in a shot glass. Add a little cocktail umbrella and a dash of wisdom

Username:

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

Bartending

This past weekend, I had my first two classes at Bartending School. The classes were quite enjoyable, and while we did have assignments, learning how to make drinks is actually quite fun. The people teaching the classes all have 20+ years of bartending experience, so not only do they know the best ways to make the drinks, they also know the best dirty jokes. One of them is as follows:

“Why don’t women have brains?”

“Because they don’t have a penis to put one in.”

The ‘tender that taught us this one told us that a female in one of his classes last week came up with this reply on the spot:

“Yeah, well I wouldn’t want a brain that small.”

The only downside to the class, other than it being in Detroit (two hours distance), is that you don’t get to try the drinks you prepare (this is ill-advisable, as it’s all latex paints and dyes)

Which Office Space Character Are You?

What Office Space character are you?

Post-Hypnotized Peter
Take this quiz!








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PSA: Men and How To Last Longer During Sex

Lets face it, Men and Women are different when it comes to sex. To quote Jeff Foxworthy, women are a bit like diesel engines. It takes a while to warm them up, but once started, they can run for a long time. Men on the other hand are like bottle rockets. We light fast, and fizzle out faster. However, there are ways to last longer in the bedroom (or where ever else it is that you make love). Hopefully, after some practice with these, you will no longer be refered to as a minute man.



One way is to picture this.

Another is to press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Tensing other muscles in your body requires blood to direct to that region, and away from your penis.

AskMen.com suggests a few approaches as well:

Control your breathing

Slow, even breaths are the way to go. Taking fast breaths, or holding your breath is not the way to go Adding sound to help you remember may also help arouse your partner as well.

Pull Your Testicles

Your testicles will rise closer to your body when its close to ejaculation. Lightly tugging (emphasis on lightly! Do not yank!) will keep them from rising, and thus help prolong the experience

Apply Pressure to the perineum(aka Male G-spot)

When it feels like your close to ejaculation, pressing down on the area between the anus and the scrotum with your fingers (or have your partner do it) will conjest the flow of fluid, as this is the path it takes to get to your penis.

Stop and Go (kind of like a sexier game of redlight greenlight)

Before getting too close to climax, pull out, and do other things that she will enjoy. This allows you to last longer, while still getting her closer to climax herself. This will also increase the amount of ejaculation fluids that you expel.

Finally, contract your muscle

located around your testicles, penis and anus are your pelvic floor muscles, also called the pubococcygeus (PC muscle). By contracting these muscles and letting go, you will have more solid erections and be better able to control your ejaculation.

You must keep your PC muscle in top shape in order to have the maximum sexual experience (women, this goes for you too!) The next time you urinate, try to staunch the flow midway by contracting these muscles. If you can't, then you need to start exercising it. The great thing is that you can exercise anywhere, whether at work, or sitting on your couch watching TV, to laying in bed before going to sleep.

Try stopping your urine midstream 3-5 times to make sure that you know where its located. Another way is to contract the muscles while you have an erection. If your penis moves up slightly, then you've found the right set of muscles.

For a complete list of the different type of exercises to strengthen your PC muscle, go here.

Well guys, good luck in your endeavors.

Confidence In Yourself

Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.

-E. E. Cummings

Who has confidence in himself will gain the confidence of others.

-Leib Lazarow

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.

-Malcolm S. Forbes

Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.

-Alan Alda

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.

-Arthur Ashe

God helps those who help themselves.

-Benjamin Franklin

Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig.

-Marcus Aurelius

Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.

-Samuel Johnson

Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.

-Golda Meir

A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity.

-Robert A. Heinlein

But the real secret to total gorgeousness is to believe in yourself, have self confindence, and try to be secure in your decisions and thoughts.

-Kirsten Dunst

If you don't believe in yourself, then who will believe in you? The next man's way of getting there might not necessarily work for me, so I have to create my own ways of getting there.

-Michael Korda

It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself.

-Epicurus

I'd go from film to film and almost detach from one world and jump in another. I was living as these people and not having a self. I didn't know who I was. And things just get really dark.

-Angelina Jolie

The only kind of dignity which is genuine is that which is not diminished by the indifference of others.

-Dag Hammarskjold

There is only one security, and when you've lost that security, you've lost everything you've got. And that is the security of confidence in yourself; to be, to create, to make any position you want to make for yourself. And when you lose that confidence, you've lost the only security you can have. ... Self-confidence is self-determinism. One's belief in one's ability to determine his own course. As long as one has that, he's got the universe in his pocket. And when he hasn't got that, not all the pearls in China nor all the grain and corn in Iowa can give him security, because that's the only security there is. (I include this, but would say that security in God is what gives self confidence)

-Billie Jean King