Boston’s Different Tea Party (And The Spurs)

How good is this team? They converted me into a fan.

Celtics for years have been a “who” in the basketball world for the past several years. Yes, we respect the old times when it has been Cousy, Russell, Cowens, Havlicek, McHale and Bird. No team is good enough to threaten their string of championships. But after Larry Bird, the bright spots were simply Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. They made an impact but never good enough to conquer the conference finals. To my knowledge, they never got higher than 49 wins during the regular season.

Fast forward. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen came to town and got the world excited. At the beginning of the season, I was like, “Wow. This is a serious contender.” Both of the new additions are superstars with bad back-ups from former teams. And now that there are three of them to make up the Celtic’s core, the foundation’s robust enough. They’ve got an agile slasher and a good enough shooter in Paul Pierce, a quick releasing, ruthless shooter in Ray Allen and a versatile power forward in the Big Ticket. Mighty fine, huh?

My first question was: who’s at the point? If there’s a little less than a Jason Kidd, it’s a sigh of relief. Rajon Rondo? Offensively, good. But that’s not what I think this team needs. I want to see a guard who’ll pace the show and defend big time. I want him dishin’, stealin’ and stoppin’ opponents’ point guards. I’m giving him allowance though. He’s a newbie with a lot to learn. But as a good player, he must improve. One boring morning, I tried to match the present Celtics against the Spurs—my dream finals match-up. I left the playing controls of both teams to the computer. It was a real good match up. It the kind you want to see in the Finals. At the end of the game, Boston won. Guess who made the difference? Rondo. Garnett and Duncan went at each other. Bowen has his focus on Pierce, while Manu and Ray-Ray having a shooting and cutting contest. This left the Parker-Rondo match-up. Of course, you’d give the salute to the 2007 Finals MVP Tony Parker. His quickness and speed ratings are both 99, Rondo’s are 80s. But Rondo stayed in front of him most of the time. He was also passin’ the ball well to the big three. You could say that was in the computer. But, hear me, what’s stopping him from that feat? He’s young, lithe and skilled. He’s got the perfect height, too.

I must not forget another key: Ray Allen versus Manu Ginobili. Manu is good on both ends of the court. It’s my guess that James Posey would be assigned to be all over him. But what if Ray’s on the court? He’s got to play tight defense and he’s got to have quick feet. Let’s not forget: Ray Allen, when he was with the Seattle Supersonics last 2005, torched the Spurs in two playoff games that made their battle a series. They lost the series but his performance in those two games is worth mentioning. Now he has Garnett and Pierce. Together, they form the Big Win-Hungry Three.

Yeah, I know what’s on your mind. When we start talking about the Boston-San Antonio header, the depth of the bench issue surfaces. Spurs has this aspect to their advantage. They have Big Shot Rob Horry, Brent Barry, Michael Finley and Fabricio Oberto who brings goodies to a full table. Celtics has Big Baby Davis, Eddie House and James Posey to count on. They can match but not well enough in my opinion. Trades? Yes, I’d agree to that. But they’d better make wise choices. Or, the Celtics bench must prove themselves—or better yet—improve themselves. Glen Davis and Tony Allen had breakout performances. Posey and House contributes. But consistency is the factor here. That’s were the coaches come in.

Motivation and strategies—the headlines of coaching papers. Doc Rivers no Pop but he’s collecting wins, too. This head-to-head I leave to them though. Aside from their résumé, do we really know what’s on their minds at this moment? Improve this, dump that, and all those thoughts. It’s in the map of their minds.

Let’s go to the statistics.

Scoring. Paul Pierce leads the team with 21.2, followed by Kevin Garnett (19.2) and Ray Allen (18). I want to see them in 20s. The rest of the team is in single digits. I want to see at least 2 in 10s.

Rebounds. Kevin Garnett leads the green and white with 10.0 followed by Pierce and Perkins at 5.7 each. Wait a minute. Kendrick Perkins the center? Whoa! ‘got to show me double digits in that category, man!

Assists. Rondo’s got 5, Pierce has 4.9 and Garnett has 3.6. Rajon must strive to get at least 8 a night. Doc, help him!

Defensive Stats. They have good defense and, as far as that category is concerned, they place higher than San Antonio. Top Ten guys. Eyes on the prize!

The Boston Celtics are for real. Let’s stop fussin’ about that. It has become a fact. But the next stop is the playoffs. I’d say they can take it to the top but they have to beat San Antonio, which arguably is the best team (plus numerous finals appearances). Celtics got ‘em tools—but they have to be consistent and show progress as a team.

 I believe in the green and white. Not just because I’m a La Sallian but the newest Celtic fan.

Crescent Healthcare New York Scam

Few minutes past 12:00 noon. Last quarter of 2007.

Catching myself a bus ride to my Makati apartment after work, I received an interesting text message. It came from csoft.co.uk as automatically identified by my phone. It stated there Paolo, please check your email regarding you employment process and reply back urgently to crescent_healthcare_usa@yahoo.com. Fax 1-646-390-1373 Crescent Healthcare NY USA.

Oh wow. It’s a big break for a tired E*Trade rep itching to have some well-deserved rest. Can you imagine that? A US-based agency’s sending SMS directly to my phone! It’s silly. Yeah. But, for a licensed nurse who can barely survive in the Philippines’ financial district, it sounds like lovely music to the ears. As sweet as it was, however, I had my initial feeling of doubt at that point. Did I see yahoo.com? Institutions of this sort usually have their e-mail addresses connected to their website address i.e. info@***health.com. I gave that some thought but I told myself, “Let it go. It’s a chance after all.” So I did with some reluctance. After reading the message thrice, I called my girlfriend and asked her to check my mail. By weekend, she handed me two sheets of paper containing Crescent NY’s message. Here’s a part:

 Dear Paolo, 

This is with reference to your application seeking a position in Nursing Service and we thank you for your interest in our company!  We are always looking for motivated and career oriented professionals to join our team and contribute to our continued growth and success. Crescent Healthcare offers a positive, professional and award winning work environment where our team members are recognized for their contributions. We are recruiting and processing nurses, pharmacists and other hospital staff for various positions in Hospitals throughout the United States. To enable us to consider your application for a suitable job you are advised to send the following documents through email attachments or by fax and then to our New York office by courier service and we will let you know of your eligibility for a suitable position in Nursing service. 

Documents Required for your Employment Visa & Green Card Process

(1) Copy of RN License from your country

(2) Copy of birth certificate

(3) Copy of passport

(4) Copy of marriage certificate (if married)

(5) Copy of your Diplomas/Degrees of Nursing Education

(6) High School Diploma/Certificate with the dates of graduation and years attended

(7) Copy of CGFNS Certificate or Passing score report from NCLEX-RN exam (if available otherwise we will arrange your exam registration & preparation)

(8) Your full resume of current work experience with past work experience certificates with three professional references/certificates

(9) TOEFL or IELTS and TSE Certificate (or certificates from other English test if available otherwise we will arrange your exam registration & preparation)

(10)Eight recent photographs passport style photographs taken within the current year) 

We would also like to inform you that as a valued member of Crescent Healthcare you will have the privilege to experience most challenging and exuberant work environment offering promising rewards. Excellent benefits package may include competitive salary and free of cost housing, health and dental plans, paid vacation, extended sick leave, medical care, life insurance, short and long term disability plans, 401(k) pension plan. You will be glad to learn that your travel and housing is absolutely supported by us. In addition, the Management will provide you all necessary training, orientation, & study materials and assistance to prepare you for this job and Visa Screen.  Moreover, we will also arrange for your work visa (preferably green card) provided you fulfill all the pre-requisites and comply with the contract terms and instructions, confirming your long term commitment with us. To facilitate a prompt review and verification process of your credentials, you need to send a complete set of your testimonials and copy of passport through fax or email attachments.  We operate nationwide and place nurses, pharmacists and other hospital staff throughout the United States. This job offer is valid for our Group of Hospitals located in the United States and the Management will apply its best discretion while placing your services at any of these hospitals based on your meeting with the eligibility requirements, your past work experience and our staffing needs In case you have any question regarding this job opportunity and benefit package, please feel free to contact us by phone, fax or e-mail. We look forward to receiving your documents as soon as possible.  Thank you once again for your interest in our employment.  

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely, 

D. Scoville

Director, HRM Crescent Healthcare

110 Wall Street, 11th Floor, New York , NY 10005 USA ,

Phone: 212-709-8182 Fax: 1-646-390-1373  email:crescent_healthcare_ny@usa.com crescent_healthcare_ny@yahoo.com

Not the type of professionalism I expected especially with the D. Scoville thing but I guess it’s some undergrad clerk typing it all up for the company. So I allowed that to pass. My girlfriend though has some questions. She e-mailed them asking them about what particularly would they want to be sent first—the testimonials part or the detailed ones, what to do in case we get married in the middle of the processing, etc. We got promising responses and I decided to continue communication with them. I am somehow nearly convinced of their offers until this message came as an answer to my question about what support will their give my girlfriend:

 We can bring her to the United States as we told you repeatedly but you must send your signed employment contract and all credentials. If you want to take her with you while traveling first time to the United States, we will be able to get her a visitor visa valid for six months renewable for another six months but in the meantime we will petition her for a permanent visa (fiancée or wife either way) when you get married.  We are willing to provide you all possible help and assistance but you must follow our instructions and procedures for timely process of your employment. 

It seems they’re so willing to negotiate at great lengths. Yes, I’m an NCLEX-RN passer and I have an impressive résumé. But I never heard of an agency that’s willing to stretch its normal boundaries for clients. It gave me doubts again. 

I didn’t know that my Crescent hopes exploded with the fireworks. After conducting a Bible study at a place called Dalahican, I went with my girlfriend to an internet café. While she was rushing a lousy clerk for the photocopying of her book, I logged online. Doubts subtly bugged my mind so I decided to check on Crescent’s website. I typed in Crescent Healthcare. Up came a site that’s different from the one I saw before. I checked their locations and saw that they have several but only within California and Florida. I reckoned that probably the one in New York was their corporate office and it wasn’t made available in cases of pesky compliance. I returned to the search engine’s homepage and typed in Crescent Healthcare New York. I clicked on one hyperlink and it led me to the website that I have opened before. This time I decided to scrutinize it. No logo of Crescent Healthcare was posted unlike in the site I opened minutes before. It has pictures of its supposedly New York office but the shots seem to be copied from the internet and it didn’t look like it’s some staffing office. It looked like some typical Wall Street façade. At its side column, it posted some features of the agency. I presume it wants to slap into your face the things they can offer you. One of its claimed offerings said A bit smarter healthcare professional. I was like, “What?!” A bit smarter?! What kind of company offers you that? No, it can’t pass for being simply realistic. Not even a struggling institution will state that in its page. It’s stupidity at its April 1^st parade. Here’s one final blow: the website presents itself like wonderland for teens. It does not appear like a website for professionals. See for yourself: http://www.crescent-usa.com/index.htm

How stupid can I be? I didn’t see these proofs before. I decided to dig further after my brief investigation. I searched for forums or blogs that say something about the aforementioned institution and (surprise!) I discovered a lot of inquiries about its legitimacy, complaints after being swindled and information about this certain scam. Man! I was a few steps away from sending my papers! I wouldn’t send placement money, of course, but sending documents to the United States still cost some hard-earned pesos. I found out though that there are some people who bit a piece of this $2000- or sometimes $4000-worth rotten pizza and got conned. Whew! It’s disappointing to lose a prospect but it’s a surefire relief to save my fanny from confidence games.

The puzzle pieces were complete and in place by that moment. Yeah, you can say it’s the moment of truth. I’m glad I’m not on the losing end. I feel sorry for those who got ripped off and it’s easily the reason why I’m writing this entry. Guys, let’s be extra careful. Scrutinize, scrutinize, scrutinize. I hope this helps.

 Let me get this clear: Crescent Healthcare, with its offices around California and Florida is a legitimate institution. I have nothing against them and this blog entry is not directed to them. Crescent Healthcare New York though is non-existent and a fraud. It’s awful for their business that their name is used but it’s up to you guys to establish the distinction in your minds and trust the original one.

Happy New Year!

Sorry, I’m late.

            2007 has been a huge year for me. I passed my $2500, all-expense-inclusive NCLEX-RN Exam and, again, the local board exam (CGFNS and BON guys: See? I told you I passed it fair and square the first time!). My relationship with my current girlfriend became official last May. Also, I got to work at the not-so-perfect-(payroll for mah bros, baby!) but-one-of-the-better companies: Access Worldwide. I even got myself tangled in the lines of E*Trade Financial’s late bear slide. That was suffering plus excitement rejuvenated! Why is that any good? I’m a nurse not a financial kid and yet I got to be a business saver there! I got new friends from that place (which is a good thing, of course) before I left for Lucena (which is another good thing!), “the slow motion town”. I also got to have new outlets for my creativity: eager young people in the church. Man, they’re a workforce! All in all, I have Jesus to thank for such a tremendous year. I couldn’t have done it by myself.

            Err… 2008, welcome! (One, two, three… Ten fingers! Complete, sir! Haha!) I anticipate this to be a bigger year than 2007. It’s my shot for jobs in local and American hospitals. It’s also the launching year of the programs I pushed for my team of young people, the Red Champs. 40 Days of Focus: Revival, Deuteronomy 8:3 Drive, The First Step Challenge and the Champs Care programs are all set to fire up the first and second quarters of this year. I also got assigned to become an assistant teacher to the New Converts’ Class and probably a spot for the Outreach Department. You see, when somebody gives me a stage and walks my talk, that’s big for me. I’m also set to complete my Fascination With A Better Garden Series. And well, my NBA team is still winning! Say what you want but the Boston Celtics are on a roll! Bigger than the winning stretch though (I want them to lose 11 games to retain the Bulls’ 72-10 record) is my dream match-up of Celtics versus Spurs in the Finals. My girlfriend is an avid San Antonio fan and it would be exciting to be rooting for different teams in the championship round. Go Gang Green!

 

I’ve said a lot of things and lemme dedicate this space for these thank yous or this entry won’t be complete:  

To Jesus-I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for using a lot of people to help me out. My greatest love is you.

 To Sui-It’s been a tough year for us. But hey—we’re so fortunate—we have each other all the time! Thanks for the love, support and inspiration. This is no easy road (The enemy’s throwing mud pies! Goodness!) with the pressure rising up all the time but you’re enough encouragement to stand strong.  I love you! 

To Nanay and Tita Betz-thanks for being such wonderful parents and for the support you never ceased to extend throughout the years. ‘hope you’ll understand the real reason why I’m away from home. I love you both! 

To Wry-hey sis—you’re a big girl now, aye? Now I have to kick ‘em boys’ backsides! Thanks for your loyalty to me, sis. That’s your greatest trait. I’m proud of you.

 To Pastor Jun and Mama Ela-thanks for accommodating me like real family. I can’t be more fortunate. Thanks for your love—the key reason why we have good chemistry inside the household. 

To Marky and Kuliws-you’re the brothers I never had. Thanks for the friendship that started this wonderful craze and for you’re generosity. 

To Shane-thanks for being a real sis!

To the rest of the Vasquez, Mendoza, Gabinete and the good slice of Alivio family-thanks for the warm welcomes. 

To the Lucena Church-you mean much to me. The chance you’ve given me is much appreciated. 

To the Venstraphiles-‘miss the pizzas, bros! Thanks for the friendship and the kakulitan. See you soon. 

To the Juan Parliament-Tang, where in the world are you? ‘Mund, you are bonakid! You’re a genius, man! To everyone, you’ve all grown up, huh? I miss you… Thanks for the lasting chemistry and friendship. 

To the BSN 4A 2006-‘miss ya fellows. Thanks for the fun and the teamwork we’ve shared. 

To Bespren and Kas-thanks for the kind of friendship that never dies albeit we’re miles apart. I know I can always count on you. 

To Marlon-Hey, dude! Thanks for the friendship, man—and the treats! You are Access’ future—I’m tellin’ ya! Do your best, man. I will criticize you ruthlessly if you ain’t promoted to TL this year. Au revoir! Take care!

 To TL John-please have a single girlfriend or they’ll break your neck! Haha! Somebody’s tellin’ that it’s a different somebody all the time! What the? Haha! ‘just playin’, TL. Thanks—you’ve been real kind to me and you’re still the best fashionista-machoman-supervisor there is. Or is it you alone in that category? Hehe. 

To Danilleh (Dan made me think you’re gay)-give up thinking ‘bout your ex or was it just air? Haha! Thanks for being open and for accepting my trash. You can do it! Laugh with your trade mark laugh. 

To Emmy-I don’t think you look like an angel with that hair. Change it puh-lease! Haha! Kiddin… Come on… ‘Wag pikon… Thanks for the jolly jeep walks. 

To Burt-go for Jeleen, man! Haha! Thanks for the laughs.

 To Abby and Sierma-thanks for helping me survive guys! I couldn’t have done it without you! 

To Kix-don’t give up on TL! Haha! Thanks for the compliments on my side view shot!

To Dee-I’ll never forget the foodie! Thanks!

To the rest of the Royalty Units-I miss you guys and thanks for the company.

 Daddy Nelson-you’ve turned the statement upside down, man! The truth is—you’re the better writer but I’m better looking than you are at all counts! Thanks for reviving my writing hunger. 

To Wave 30-thanks for the friendship and the memories guys… “Seriously…” 

To anyone I might have forgotten about-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. But thanks for who you are to me and my life. Basta!

            What is the most personal thing I have for myself? Project Turnaround. It’s a program I set to cater to areas where I need to give my special attention to: Productivity, Papers, Prayer Life, Partner and Parents. It may seem silly setting a program for my own self but, being a streak shooter, not having plans is synonymous to a year of failure. If I start lousy, then it’s a lousy run. If I have a great start, then expect fireworks behind my name. I’m not “Everybody Loves Raymond”, you know, so victories should pile up for me to weigh heavier than the lawsuit stage drama that my dunno-what-they-want malicious critics are setting up.

            How about you guys? A new year’s a new chance. Rev yourself up! 2007 was bad for you? Encourage yourself. Don’t wait for a friend to come by and give you a back rub. For all I know, if you don’t start within yourself, then the only marks he or she will leave is a Grauman’s Chinese Theater imprint of money-smelling dirt on your shirt. Dwyane Wade’s Converse slogan says Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight. And that’s Biblical, too. Proverbs 24:16 states: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again… Rise up. I believe it’s my year, it’s the church’s year and it can be your year. HAPPY NEW YEAR, BUDDY. GOD BLESS YOU!