Friday, October 29, 2004

Finally! I Got a Job!!!!!

Yes! I finally got a job offer! As stated in my previous post, I went to my interview yesterday up in the Bay area. It was a great drive up from Oakland to the area near Vallejo. The scenery was beautiful and the traffic was not bad. While driving, I was praying that I get this position. It has been a long 5 months in landing a job with endless amounts of searching and sending out resumes.

I arrive at the interview site and we sit down and go through the interview process. It really felt comfortable. I guess it was because we covered a lot of stuff during the preliminary phone interview. They took me on a short tour of their facility and the kind of equipment I would be working on. These systems were quite massive but it did not seem intimidating. After the tour, I had to take three online tests on electronics. I guess I did pretty well. I was a bit nervous since I had to dig up stuff in my brain from college. They were quite pleased at the results of the test and then they gave me a verbal offer to work down here in the Los Angeles area. They told me to not to give them an answer right then and there but to think it over the weekend.

Well, I've thought about it and will take it. I figured, this was the only company that wants me right now. Everyone else has flaked out by not following up on interviews and not returning any emails or voicemails. I even had one company give me a phone interview and then change up their minds because they wanted to have someone living closer to their area. Don't these guys read the address on my resume?

Working in the LA area, I won't have to move and look for a new place and I'll get to be with my sweetie. I was looking forward to working out in Virginia but this is a better arrangement. If I had moved away, I would miss my fiance a whole lot and wouldn't be a happy samurai. By staying in the area, after we are married we will be living close to her parents, family and friends. I will still be living only 5 hours by plane to my parents versus 12 hours if I lived on the East Coast.

I start work next week Tuesday and begin training on Wednesday for three weeks up in the regional office. Three weeks is nothing compared to the five weeks of training in friggin cold Wisconsin that I did while with my previous employer.

Hehe, now I can be sane again by working. Being unemployed was driving me nuts! Couldn't go out much or do anything. Even going to the movies had to be done carefully. I know I still won't be spending much and will be frugal in ways. I will make a splurge though to celebrate and buy a bass guitar I've been drueling over for a long time. Also, now I can save money for my up coming wedding! Hey! Now we can actually look forward to a honeymoon! Yes! Yes! Yes!...ok, got to get the thoughts of that scene from Harry met Sally out of my mind. That's all for now.

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Finally! An Interview

After being unemployed for several month and applying via the internet to so many companies, I finally got an interview with a company based out in the Bay area. I'm really hoping that this pans out to something great. I'm waiting for results of a phone interview I did with a firm out in Virginia too. I really want that job. It would bring me back into the semiconductor industry. I actually kind of miss that line of work. The pay is great too. The only thing that is uncomfortable about the chip sector is that it is cyclical with hiring booms and mass layoffs. But, right now there is no boom yet. I'm hoping the job market will improve. This is really begining to take a toll on my psyche. I'm trying to stay positive and not slump into a pitty party but it is difficult. I'm glad my fiance is around to help me look at the brighter side of life.

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Cholesterol Drug Alternatives

My prior post showed the dangers of statins used to lower cholesterol and that there were other alternatives to use. I am not a doctor so I cannot say to stop taking medications. I just wanted to let people know that statins are not a one pill cure all with no side effects. Well, I wanted to share alternatives using natural methods of lowering cholesterol and triglyceride.

One of the best ways to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides is to change what you are eating. As I stated in earlier postings, a diet containing high carbohydrates can cause high cholesterol and high triglycerides. By eliminating grains, sugars, and starches from what you are eating, you can lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I have witnessed this with my own very eyes. A friend had some blood work done two months ago and the reading were: cholesterol: 237, triglyceride: 300, fasting blood sugar: 225. After just two months of going on a low carb lifestyle the readings were: cholesterol: 187, triglyceride: 100, fasting blood sugar 135. All of this was without taking statins. There are other testimonials out there that prove that the low carb diet does work and improves blood chemistries. The low carb diet that my friend and I are using is the Page diet. There are other low carb diets out there but this one is great.

Another way of lowering cholesterol and triglycerides is by using natural supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids. One of the best in the market is Res-Q 1250. There are other great fish oils out there other than Res-Q 1250 but you have to make sure that the products don't contain heavy metals, solvents, and other contaminates. The key ingredients for the fish oils are EPA (Eicosapentanoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). It is these componenets in the fish oil that lowers cholesterol.

There are other natural supplements such as red rice yeast and virgin coconut oil. Do some research on these to get a better understanding that statins and drugs are not the only ways to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. As I stated before, one of the best sources for this information is on www.mercola.com.

Another thing to note. Stop using hydrogenated oils, margarine, and trans-fats. These items are not natural and will promote high cholesterol and triglycerides. Did you know that in some European countries, hydrogentated oils are listed as a poison? If you are going to use fats and oils, use raw (unpasturized) butter, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, and cold pressed virgin coconut oil from fresh coconuts.

To get the best cholesterol and triglyceride lowering effect, a change in eating lifestyle is the best. Take my challenge of going on the Page diet and see if you improve on your cholesterol and triglyceride readings.

Monday, October 18, 2004

Cholesterol Drugs and Dangers

I have been doing some research on the internet about cholesterol and the use of drugs to control them called statins. I have noticed that there are quite a few dangers about this drug that people don't hear about and I thought that I should share them with you. It really seems that statins are not all that great for you and that there are alternatives to lowering your cholesterol.

These links are from Dr. Mercola's excellent web site mercola.com:

  • The Truth About Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs (Statins), Cholesterol, and Health

  • Crestor and Other Statins: Are They Really Worth the Risk?

  • Safety Concerns Surround the Latest Statin, Crestor

  • Lipitor May Suppress Immune System -- There Are Far Better Options

  • Cholesterol Drugs May Increase Cancer Risk

  • Cholesterol Drug May Impair Brain Function

  • The Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven't Been Told About Cholesterol-Lowering Medication

  • Cholesterol Drugs Increase Risk of Nerve Damage

  • Test May Miss Cholesterol Drug-Linked Muscle Damage

  • More Reasons to Avoid Statin Drugs / Does Lipitor Raise Lp(a)?

  • Cholesterol Drugs Actually Cause Heart Disease


  • From N3 Inc. Makers of Res-Q 1250:

  • Lipitor Delimma (from SmartMoney Magazine, Nov. 2003)


  • From the various articles, it seems that statins are not so great. You generally do not hear about the side effects and the harm it does to you. Sounds like the drug companies are doing a great job and pulling the wool over our eyes. So, you may be asking, what are the alternatives? Well for starters, don't have the mentality that a pill will fix your problems. Start by changing your lifestyle. Start eating a diet containing no grains, sugars, or starches. And exercise. Exercise has been proven to reduce LDL (bad)cholesterol and increase HDL (good)cholesterol. I will be publish more on alternatives to statins in the near future.

    I want to hear of your opinions to this. Hope you post a comment about this.

    Sunday, October 17, 2004

    What's With Music Nowdays?

    Recently, I strayed away from my preset radio stations on my car stereo and was listening to various types of music. I found most of the music to be rather sucky compared to the stuff I normally listen to. I normally listen to classic rock, jazz, country, and light rock. I guess my music tastes reflect my age. Somehow, I cannot stand rap music...well, I thing that was an oxymoron...rap music...what music? All I hear are rhymes. Yes, they are very clever and have a good beat but how can that be called music?

    I was listening to the rock band Queen the other day. Now they were musical geniuses. Singing harmonies, great music arrangements, simple yet complex. Today, I was listening to some Eagles...I think they were great musicians. There guitar arrangements are excellent. What I hear with the latest artists are generally garbage to my ears! There are a few exceptions but in general, they suck. I'd rather listen to cats mating or fingernails running across a chalkboard! So many new groups and artists out there that are one hit wonders. It is so disappointing. I'm so glad there are long time artists that are still active such as Sting, Annie Lennox, Lenny Kravis, and Sheryl Crow. What's your take on the music scene nowdays?

    Saturday, October 16, 2004

    Unemployment Sucks!

    Here it is, a Saturday and I'm blogging. This is so addictive. Anyways, I've been thinking, unemployment really sucks. Not having a productive routine, not making any money, and collecting measily unemployment is really taking a toll on my mental health. There are so many things I want to do, like getting a stinking broadband connection (be quiet Dennis, I know what you're thinking), upgrading my computer, marriage plans, etc. All of these things take money. Ugh!

    I'm so glad that my fiance is such a support. If it wasn't for her, I think I would go absolutely insane. It is not like I'm dirt poor, the unemployment checks help, but it does put a damper on free time and limits things to do. The positive side to this is that I'm not spending carelessly so I'm learning to be frugal or what my friends sometimes say, a cheap bastid...hehe. Yeah, I can be a bastid. Especially when I ruthlessly kill while playing CounterStrike. My alter ego takes over when I play that game...Beware of the Pulsating Shaft! Yeah, that's the name I use when I play first player shoot'um games. Ah, what a way to vent aggression and frustration!

    Friday, October 15, 2004

    What a Blah Kind of Day

    Fridays are supposed to be good days but today I'm not feeling so great. I've got a monumental task of cleaning up my apartment. Instead, I've been procrastinating and just blogging along. Man, I think I need to get an EPA clean up crew for my refridgerator. Just getting the motivation to clean is tough but it needs to be done. With the possibility of moving to another state, I need to get my act together. Yes, I am a slob. Did you hear me? I'M A SLOB!

    I got a phone call this morning from my fiance letting me know that one of her close cousins passed away unexpectantly from a stroke. Her cousin lives out of country and was battling some sort of infection. Man, the guy was only 50 years old. I never met him but I've heard a lot about him from my fiance. I really do feel for her loss. You know, this really makes me reflect about life and how short it can be...that there are no guarantees...and not to take life for granted. I realize I'm no kid anymore and that I'm attending more funerals or hear about people I know who are passing away as I grow older. My parents are in their 70's and it worries me that I am not living close to them and that they are starting to have health issues. I have been trying to enjoy life as much as I can and not take things for granted. I tell my fiance every day that I love her. I tell my parents that I love them whenever we hang up on the phone. You never know that those simple words, "I love you", might be the last words that people will hear from you. I don't mean to bum anyone who reads this, but we just can't take things for granted. Live life to the fullest, seize the day, and tell your loved ones that you love them.

    Talking about seizing the day...today is Friday. Those of you that are Tom Leykis fans, turn on your headlights, it's flash Friday! Yes, I am a long time listener of Tom Leykis and agree most of the time of what he says. The man makes sense when it comes to dating and relationships. Those of you who are single, listen to his show. It is a valuable resource. I love it when callers try to argue against him. I thought I was a master debater and a cunning linguist but he is the king of that.

    Well, time to log off my computer and get to cleaning. Let me see...hazmat suit....check, rubber gloves...check, respirator...check. Ok, I'm all set.

    Sign of the Beast?

    I have been reading about the new implantable chip that was recently approved by the FDA for human use. These chips are the same chips they implant in dogs so all that needs to be done is to use a reader and it provides information about the dog and its owner. Now its planned use is for using it to provide medical records for patients. Could this be leading to what is written in the Book of Revelation about the the "mark of the beast"?

    I do see a good side to the chip where doctors can access your medical records and history in an emergency. However, I feel that this will lead to other uses and is opening pandora's box leading to where it will be used like a credit/atm check card. When this happens, you know that the end is near! Maybe I'm being paranoid about this but who knows?

    Here's the details about this implantable chip: RFID chips in humans get green light

    The Pho King

    Posted by Hello


    My friends know that prior to my diet I was a Pho (pronounced "fa?") fanatic. Thus, some of my friends would call me the Pho King! I could eat the delicious Vietnamese rice noodle soup in savoury beef broth many days in a row. Living in Southern California in an area near the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam, I was fortunate to be able eat Pho all over the place. Mmmmm, how I miss eating this dish. Unfortunately, Pho is not on the Page diet because the noodles are made out of rice and it probably contributed to my weight gain. Not that I was skinny to begin with. Hmmm....maybe it was a combination of Pho, beer, sake, burgers, cokes, rice, pasta,...ok I'm an eating machine so you get the picture. Well, the Pho King has now abdicated his throne. Well, I still have my "throne and reading library" but that's a different story. Well, I guess I could eat the meat and the soup. Hmmmm, maybe that is what I will do in the near future especially with the cooler weather. One of the best places to eat this dish in my area is a place called Pho 99 near the Cerritos Mall. Another great place is called Pho Thang Long near Little Saigon in Garden Grove.

    One thing I noticed is that alot of the restaurants that specialize in Pho has a bunch of numbers like the mentioned Pho 99. I've always wondered what it means. My guess is that they are lucky numbers. With all them numbers and the close proximity of different Pho restaurants in Little Saigon can make one go a little bonkers. The way I solved the problem was to try most of them out. The ones that I mentioned earlier were the ones that stood out from the pack. Another thing I noticed is that the majority of these restaurants only accept cash. I wonder why they do that when it can cause an inconvenience to the customers. Anyways, if you're in Garden Grove or Cerritos go and eat some Pho. Maybe you can be the next Pho King!

    Thursday, October 14, 2004

    MamboJambo

    I had to make improvements to my site since it looked rather plain when I first started. Being a rookie in all of this, it was very difficult trying to figure out html. It has been years since I even did some sort of web coding. It is a good thing that there are a lot of free resources out there that helped. HTML Code Tutorial was one of them. Another one that my friend Dennis told me about is Webmonkey. I am definitely sleepy...stayed up until 5am trying to figure stuff out for this web page. I'm hoping that this site will attract people and that they will use the links that I have.

    The top link contains vital information for everyone. Dr. Mercola's daily blogs are very informative and are beneficial in staying healthy. The second link contains the Page Diet which I am on. Just look under the link Dr. Page's Food Plan. It is a healthy and easy way to loose weight. If you have problems with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or are overweight, this is an excellent program. Talk about an easy diet...you must eat to lose weight and you can eat as much as you want within the items in the food plan. With eating 5 meals within the day, your metabolism will increase which will burn off the excess fat. I would dare anyone to try this diet and tell me that it doesn't work or their blood chemistries has gone bad. If I'm proven wrong about this diet, I will shut up about it. Until then, I will continue to preach about it. Of course one should see a doctor before trying any diet or weight loss regiment, so go see a doctor and start this incredible diet.

    Well, I'm still waiting to hear from some companies for face to face interviews. This whole job search thing is starting to drive me nuts! Let alone, the financial strains I've been facing. I'm hoping that I get a job soon. One job does sound promising. I've gone throught the phone screenings and now waiting for word from their HR department to be flown out there for an interview. I really hope it does happen. Yeah, this Island boy might be shipping out of California to Virginia. Never lived out on the East Coast and it snows in that area. I've never lived where it snowed. My island blood will freeze! However, I am really looking forward to moving out of California. It's not that I don't like California (I only lived in the state for 16 years) but I cannot afford to buy a house in this state. With a marriage coming up, I really have to think about the future and....I can't believe I'm saying this....children. I don't see us raising children in an apartment. I want my children to be able to play in their own yard like I did as a child. I want to be able to have my family live comfortably and not struggle financially. I want to be able to send my children to college. Virginia will be able to give me a better financial foothold than being in California. Yes, I will miss a lot of people dearly but I gotta do what I gotta do. My biggest worry moving to Virginia is that I will be farther away from my folks living in Hawaii. They are getting old and time is short. They keep encouraging me about the prospects of moving to a place where I can buy a home and raise a family and they are all for my move to Virginia. My parents are awesome. They have always supported my decisions and always want a better life for me than what they have. What I really wish is that I could move to Hawaii and be able to afford living there comfortably, but that is next to impossible due to the kind of work I do and the low salary/high cost of living.

    Well, I guess that's all for now.

    Wednesday, October 13, 2004

    Low Carbs? Low Fat? What is Good?

    For the past couple of months I've been reading about various diets and related web pages and I've come to the conclusion that the medical community in general and our own FDA is out to screw us.

    Recently, my fiance was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and so I began my research into various diets. I figured that type 2 diabetes is caused by poor diet and with me being overweight, a change in eating habits was in order. After going through diabetes classes with my fiance, talking to my chiropractor about diets and my own research through various resources, I have concluded that the low carb, high protein lifestyle was the best. It just doesn't make any sense what the medical community says about diet and nutrition. Can you imaging eating starches, sugar, and other sweetners while you are trying to lose weight or have a high blood sugar problem? Well, it certainly is allowed by the medical community. The medical community has long advocated a low fat, high carb diet. Just look at the FDA food pyramid. And what is the result of the FDA's recommendation? 63% of the American population being obese, heart attacks being the leading cause of death, increase of cancers, arthritis, strokes, diabetes, and on and on. The disease we face today were not common 100 years ago. What caused this drastic change? The advent of processed foods, refined sugars, and starches. Do you know that whenever a society is introduced to the modern diet, their health deteriorates?

    I'm not saying that I'm an expert in nutrition or that a low carb/high protein diet is the cure all but it works for me and my fiance. I've lost over 32 pounds in the last two months without even trying. My fiance's blood work drastically improved in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, triglycerites. I do not feel like I'm suffering in a diet like those recommended by the medical community. If I'm hungry, I eat but I eat wisely. No processed foods, no sugars, no starches. I eat protein and vegetables. The food plan I follow is based not on the Atkins diet but on the Page diet by Dr. Melvin Page. You can find it on www.ifnh.org.

    Other web pages that helped me in changing my eating lifestyle and is very informative and beneficial is www.mercola.com . Read his blogs and tell me that the medical community and the government is not screwing us over (just my opinion). Also read Atkins' books. I assumed wrong about Atkins prior to reading his works. While I don't agree with him 100% due to the use of sucralose, he has a lot of great points.