Happy Trail

Interesting news that Jax wants to be traded. I wouldn’t call it surprising. He’s a loyal guy. Loyal to people he’s close with, not necessarily the Warriors franchise, Cohan or Rowell.

Look at it from his perspective: - Great big 2007 playoff run. We Believe. That team never had a chance to play a full season together. - Trade a key piece of the team, JRich, for BWright (so far a bust) and an unused trade exception, money that goes straight into Mr. Cohan’s pockets - One of his good friends on the team, Baron Davis, doesn’t get a contract extension after literally putting this franchise back on the map. So he’s gone from the team. - Another of his close friends on the team, Al Harrington, has been so unhappy with how he’s treated, that he demands a trade. Wish granted, he’s gone. - Chris Mullin, the guy who believed in Jax enough to trade for him, was essentially fired. - He has to play 100 minutes per game because the players on the bench aren’t good enough to give him a breather. Why would he want to continue to play on a team of developing players? Actually, why do we want to watch a team full of developing players? - The team made no significant move this offseason to improve the team. Drafting a rookie, does not count. Having Monta stay off 2 wheeled motorized vehicles for an entire summer (almost there), does not count either. So, I ask you, why would he want to stick around? Is it really that surprising? Cohan and Rowell deserve it. They got fooled, badly. Jax got them to give him a big, fat contract extension that he would never have got from any other franchise. No other franchise would have come close to those dollars and that length. Now they’re stuck with a trade demand from the guy who they thought could lead this team to glory. The fans, we get screwed. The fans are always the last ones anyone cares about. The players don’t ever stick around because of the fans. The owners never do anything for the fans. In both cases, it’s always about making money. They have a lot, we don’t. This trade demand will not turn out well for the Warriors. How could it? A lengthy, expensive contract will only get you a lengthy, expensive contract back in return. Riley, have fun with that one. You know who’s laughing? Chris Mullin Al Harrington Jason Richardson Baron Davis And hopefully Mickael Pietrus just because I want to imagine him laughing. He’s got to have a funny laugh, I have this image in my head of him laughing like the Count on Sesame Street - Ah Ah Ah

And you thought the Warriors offseason was boring. It’s a great time out.

-goldenstateofmind.com

I need a new hobby to pass the time. Preferably something that takes a long time and gets me out of the house. Biking is number one right now. Still looking for jobs though, everyday. But in the mean time, any other suggestions?

Decided to shower at 1:30 inthe morning. So there I was scrubbing, thinking about random stuff. When all of a sudden, my thoughts lead to the TAP DANCER. Wtf. Scared shitless in the shower. Couldn’t close my eyes for fear of it appearing in the shower. Actually opened the shower door just to make sure it wasn’t there. Then when I got out I wiped the mirrors of all the condensation. Fuckkk youuuu. I hope you think of it when you take a shower whoever knows about it. That’s one reason I will not smoke salvia. My mind thinks of the craziest shit. And I’ll probably die from fright. Goodnight everyone. Hello nightmares.

Your Next Place to Live: Apartment or Living with Mom and Dad
A recent graduate who had planned to move into an apartment far from home upon graduation just changed his plans - and is now moving back home on a trial basis in what he refers to as a “nightmare.”

Where will you live upon graduation?

Living at home — assuming you still can — certainly has some advantages: low (or no) rent, home-cooked meals, laundry service, and all utilities included for free. The downside? They’re your family, which means even though you are now an adult, your folks and siblings are still going to treat you the same way. Another recent grad talks about her folks trying to set rules about curfews and dating. Can you imagine bringing a date back to your parent’s house for the evening? For some short advice on the subject, read: Living With Parents: Moving Back In.

Living in an apartment, either by yourself or with some roommates, certainly has its advantages: freedom to do what you want, privacy (up to a point), and a sense you are really an adult because you are living on your own. The downside? Mainly a lot of payments — rent, phone, cable, utilities (unless included in rent) — plus, you’ll need to do your own cooking and laundry. If you choose apartment living, you’ll want to be sure to plan carefully, deciding on where you want to live, the kinds of amenities you want (tennis courts, laundry facilities, clubhouse, etc.), how much you can afford to pay per month, the age of residents in the complex, and detailed information about leases and upfront costs (usually first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit). Find some great apartment living resources in this section from About.com: Looking for Your First Apartment.

Usually, this would be the place to introduce the topic of why college graduates can’t get a job these days but I won’t bother to do that in order to save time.

Let’s dive right into all the reasons.

1. Increased competition.

The days when college was only accessible to the rich and elite are over. College has become more affordable and a lot of pressure has been put on students to attend college in order to find a good job. The result?

Record number of college applications across the nation, resulting in more college graduates, and thus, more competition for the limited number of jobs available on the market. I can also safely assume that every person reading this knows at least one person in their social circle who has graduated college and is still having difficulty getting a job.

The secondary effect of this is that the days when having a degree alone would get you a job are over. The “prestige” that comes with having a degree has now become diluted with the rampant number of students graduating. You now need something more than just a degree to get you that first job out of college. (more on that later).

2. Little or no work experience.

Many college graduates make the grave mistake of assuming that their degree alone will qualify them for a job. They spend their college years just getting by, partying, and essentially, wasting their time. Because there’s more competition, college graduates are now a dime a dozen. What’s going to separate one college graduate with a degree from the next and the next and the next?

The result is they get stuck in a catch 22 position. They have no job experience, yet all the jobs out there require it if you want to apply. So they can’t get a job because they have no experience and in order to get a job, they need a job for work experience, but they can’t get a job without work experience and the cycle viciously continues.

One way to get out of this cycle is to not pass up on jobs that you may think are beneath you. Swallow your pride and take those jobs or intern for free at a company you would like to work at. You could also propose a new position to an employer if you have the creativity and the boldness to do so. You’ve got to start somewhere, and if you didn’t take the time to gather decent work experience during your college years, this is the price you may have to pay.

Always keep in mind that jobs can lead to other jobs. You never know if the job you think is beneath you can lead to the job you want. There’s always room to move up in the company. Always do more than what you are asked to do. That is one of the keys to moving on up Plus, by actually having that job, it can provide valuable work experience and knowledge, as well as the much needed dough.

3. No skills

You have to be good at something (aka skills) in order to contribute something of value to a company. People with computer skills (or at the very least computer proficient) will always be in high demand. Learning these types of technological skills will always be in your best interest because companies leverage technology in their offices in order to be more efficient, and if you can integrate well with that, you’ve got something good going for you.

Another valuable skill to have is people skills. (more on that later)

4. Lack of networking

Many people get jobs through referrals. Statistics show the majority of people get their jobs this way. The reason why word of mouth is so effective is because it cuts through all the worry of whether or not this person can do the job.

If somebody has been working for a company for some time, then that employee knows what it takes to succeed, and if that employee knows somebody who can do it, it’s an easy fit. The employer will trust the employee referring the new candidate and the new candidate will most likely get the job.

There’s just one catch though. You have to be “worthy” of being referred. Remember that the reputation of the person referring you is one the line. If you do a bad job, you make them look worse. So have a fine reputation of being a hard worker, someone who learns easily, etc. so people will be happy to refer you.

Spend a lot of time networking at college. Make a ton of friends, get in touch with recruiters, career counselors, etc. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and word of mouth. (btw, my first job out of college was due to such networking.)

5. No preparation on the resume and cover letter.

Your resume and cover letter act as your first impression. You can’t charm them with your presence or your smile. Your writing does it all for you. So spend some time to make it look and sound good. When describing yourself or your work history, use action words. It makes a big difference. Go to google and type in “resume action words” and you should get a ton of sites which you can use as a reference when crafting your resume.

Get a proofreader to look over your resume and cover letter. Make your cover letter and resume stand out. Be detailed and descriptive.

I had a friend who volunteered to look over my cover letter when I told him I was applying for jobs during my senior year. He made some good suggestions and I implemented them and it sure made the cover letter look a whole lot better. It didn’t hurt that he was a copywriter by profession

I suggest you get some professional editing done as well. It’s worth the investment. Think of all the money you can earn by just investing a very small portion of it to professional editing.

6. No interview skills

So you’ve got past the resume stage and now you’re at the interview. Think it’s a breeze? Think again.

They WILL ask the hard hitting questions. Why should we hire you? What do you bring to the table? Tell me about yourself (that throws off a lot of people) What’s your greatest weakness (obviously reframe this question when you answer), etc. There are a ton of resources online you can tap into in order to prepare. Use our trusty friend Google.

You must prepare. Have all your answers ready to go when the question is asked. Be prepared to give examples of things you’ve listed on your resume.

When you meet the interviewer, don’t give the limp fish handshake or the bone crushing one. Give a firm handshake and smile. Show your friendly side. We are all human.

Wear the suit, tie and jacket. It’s never wrong to overdress. Even when I applied for a part time position while in college, I went to the interview wearing a suit and later found out I was the only applicant to do so and yes, I did get the job.

Don’t go in blind. Research the company. When I went to interview at the Hilton Hotels Corporate Office in Beverly Hills, my interviewer actually asked me when and where the first Hilton hotel was built. I answered Texas, 1919 of course. Did I get the job offer? Of course I did.

When they ask: Do you have any questions?, make sure you do! Always ask questions. This shows you’re interested in the job. Ask what kind of skills/qualities are needed to succeed in the job. Ask what a day in the life of the job is, etc.,

This is also your opportunity to flip the tables on them. Start interviewing the interviewer. Ask about opportunities for advancement, benefits package, etc. Remember, YOU are interviewing companies as well to see which one is best suited for you. Own the frame.

7. No weapon x

You’ve got to have an edge. Something that’ll make you stand out from the rest. Be different. Among a sea of black family sedans, be the fiery red convertible.

I can’t help you with this part as the only person who knows yourself the best is you. So take some time, sit down and think of what are some of the best qualities you have and write them down. You can use this when they ask you the hot question of: Why should we hire you?

8. No follow up

So you sent the resume and cover letter, but didn’t hear anything back? Follow up. It can’t hurt. It can only help. Shoot an email or a phone call and ask what’s going on. Chances are, they may have not received it or forgotten about it. It also shows your tenacity and separates you from the rest of the people who don’t follow up. Don’t just assume that they don’t want you and wallow in your self pity. Take action and make it happen.

9. Quitting too easily

Not getting any call backs can be depressing. Don’t look at it as a negative thing. Look at it as a positive thing. It’s just a sign you have to change things because it’s not working.

If you have worked in sales, you know that all sales is just a numbers game. If you have a good product (which is yourself) and if you can put the product out there in front of as many buyers as possible, you’ll eventually make a sale. It’s inevitable.

So don’t quit. Keep on going.

10. A lack of people skills

One of the greatest myths regarding getting a job is that you just have to have the skills and knowledge. That may be true for some jobs, but the other major thing that employers are looking for is social skills. Will you integrate well with the staff? Will you mesh with co-workers? Are you a positive person? Are you easy to get along with?, etc.

I remember times when a lot of staff members would talk about the interviewee right after he left. They talked about whether or not to hire him based on not his skills, but his behavior, demeanor and likeability.

This ties in with the tip of: Be nice to everyone you see in the office because they DO talk about you after you leave. The secretary, the intern, etc,. they all chip in and can help make or break you.

Try to avoid these types of mistakes and you shouldn’t fall into the pool of college graduates who are having a hard time finding a job after they graduate.

I divorced Erika David earlier today. After she butchered “God Bless America” at the Dodger game. Too embarassed to post the video. But it’s on YouTube. SMH. There goes her “career”. Haha

Whoever sees this can join the league. The draft is on Saturday at 3:30. It’s a yahoo league. Don’t be a noob and drop out in the middle of the season.

League ID#: 673682

League Name: Fumblr

Password: football

Draft Type: Live Draft

Draft Time: Sat Aug 22 3:30pm PDT [ Add to My Calendar ]

http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/signup

Would you rather know the lyrics to Spice Girls songs or Backstreet Boys songs?

Today had a lot of ups and downs. I’ve been sleeping at 3 AM the past few days and last night was no exception. I wanted to sleep early in order to wake up early but that didn’t happen. Slept around 3 then my aunt woke me up at 6 to ask me what her email address is. -___- Couldnt fall asleep till 7. But while I was up I went through my usual morning routine. Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and a game of TapDefense :). Twitter has it’s usual sports news. Some feedback on the niner game and other preseason games. Can’t wait to draft Kyle Orton. Sleeper of the year! Tumblr was full of my usual blogs, i.e architecture blog, Harrypotterismylife, sportscentr, Fuckyeahemmawatson, Jans International Eateries haha. For those who didn’t see, Canada sells a Double Big Mac, and they give you a packet of McChicken sauce when you order a McChicken. But the sauce is just mayo.  Saturdays edition of facebook tells me what everyone did Friday night, which mostly consisted of going to the Block Party and getting drunk. Wish I couldve gone but Jan was in Canada, Ed was caking, rest were in Vallejo or San Jose. But I went to the gym instead which made up for it. ANYWAYS…

Did some errands before me, Jenna, Coco and Ed went to Meg and Stephens baby shower. Got there around 130-2. I only started to get excited the night before the shower. Couldn’t wait to eat and play football and frisbee. Started the party with a plate of food, talked about fantasy footbll for a bit since Jan was in a live draft at the picnic, caught a bee in my cup, then threw the frisbee for a bit. Found out Ron can open beer bottles with his teeth. Wtffff. Then the baby shower games started. First was to guess the belly size, which I lost. Then was tasting the baby food and guessing which it was, which me and Christian lost to but it was hella hard. One of the foods was beef and macaroni… How the hell does someone get that?! Then we had to guess how many snickers were in the baby bottle. Which i lost too. Then we played the game where you have to be the one to suck beer out of a baby bottle first, which I lost too… But that game was hard and I was the first to finish without biting the nip. ;) After all these games, the gifts were opened and then Eugene came with the Four Lokos. Drank that and played football. Play of the day. Ed getting juked by Horace aka Desean Jackson and falling down. Lawry’s. Can’t wait to read this 10 years from now and picture it in my head haha. When football ended we all had to leave. But it was a great baby shower and I’m glad I didn’t bring a negative attitude to it. After that most of us went to Christians to relax since it was only 15 minutes away. Played TTR for the first time since before Vegas while watching I love you man. Played Wii sports resort. Then just chilled and talked. Left at 1:30 got back at 2 and held onto my iPhone the whole time… Now i’m back at home blogging… Can’t wait to wash my car tomorrow. Let’s hope it’s sunny! Crosses Fingers 

everythingharrypotter:

omgharrypotter:

(via bigwordsexciteme)

darrint:

aaden holds your leash…definition of bitch…you guys see each other everyday…just talk shit to each other’s faces…or through a postcard or telegram….funny stuff…but sad…so sad

supersaiz:

tammyjaneee:

@craigdavid19, @supersaiz- have anything planned for the big 23?! whomp whomp.

HAHAHAHAHA. yeah right…. do i ever have anything planned?!?!?! my family wants to do something on saturday the 22nd. thats what i got planned, so if craig is doing something…. maybe ill just hop on!!! HAH! but if anything…saturday is OPEN to the FAM….possibly something on frida the 21st?!??! CRAIG.. YOU DOWN?!?!?

everythingharrypotter:

(via supdogmillionaire)

No mayo, no ranch, no cheese. Oh my.

I couldn’t have woken up any more happier. = ) Went to the gym yesterday. Stayed home and did a real Fantasy Football Draft. Preparing for the one that matters. MMAS IV. Chilled at home for a while. Met up Jan and Ed at SB before Ed left for LA. Tweeted with Eugene to Avena Lee. She gave him a big kiss  -_- Then watched her live stream. Gave some good/real insight on the Industry. Took a while to get out of that room. Ended up sleeping around 4 and waking up just now. Got plans to go to the gym today. Either 24 or PF. Dreading deadlifts. Dodgers vs Giants today. Our chance to get closer to 1st. I used to be the one who said baseball is soooo borring. How can people watch an entire game? But the more and more games I went to the more I enjoyed it. Although I may not know every player or every term, I can understand why so many people love the game. Ok Enough of my rambling. Deuce deuce baby.