Is music a waste these days - and what's up with that?

Seems like almost every day, every week and every month - a new song comes out from an artist. Then another. And another. It's a continuous process that's never ending. Ever come to listen to the music you downloaded a year or two ago? Is it still in your mind? Maybe. Maybe not. Some people seemed to have given up on their artist after a few years. They would pawn a couple of CDs to a used-music store and reek in a few bucks for gas or a meal. So, in a way, music is like soda - it's wasted. First we seem to thirst for it so bad that we like to play the jams in our cars, laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players. Then it just -- fades away. And you would probably wind up being the only one still listening to it ... What I can encourage the music lovers today to do is just to download all your music collection to a hard-drive device. Make a playlist and decide which songs should appear there. You have the option to drag in and drag out the ones you like and don't like. Sometimes it's also good to mix in the old and the new. That way, it may kick in a little bit of some ol' school / new school flavor at your workplace or at an event with your friends ... Regarding CDs, you may have to limit a bit on that. Did you know that most artists today only release like 1 or 2 songs - and that's it? Seems like they are ripping us off, huh. Go for digital downloads such as iTunes, Napster, or any media downloading software made available on the web. You have the power to choose wisefully than lose a few dollars more on CD material that will seem to be on the brink of extinction ... And what's up with that? The songs today - well - they're a bit more on the wild side than my younger days. Imagine a young kid singing some 'booty slappin' rap beat or a 'I hate you' rock song in a classroom. it is possible these days and it seems we are failing in society to teach 'em what is appropriate and what is not. The media portal is as bigger as ever and that any one (even a kid) can fall prey to it. So I got to encourage the parents out there to step up in showing kids what's right .... Wow, some blog, huh. And I don't mind freeflowing more here in Panera Bread during my day off. It all just comes - from my brain and if I got something - it'll show up right here on JONNYROOBS CENTRAL.

Being the true American ....

Once we see the news or anything from the tube (reality TV shows, sitcoms, etc.), we are aimed to be influenced easily in an instant. And this concept of 'influencing' also goes with judging our own people in this country. Just think of it - there are many of us that yearn for the American dream yet it's sad to see how many of us Americans view each other in such a negative way. The fact of the matter is that we're too blind to see past the colors, the racial barrier, and even the gender/sex line ... During my younger days, I have to say that I was as ignorant as anything saying this and that because I was influenced by the society and the peers I grew up in. But as I have gotten older, I have learned to embrace and appreciate everything that makes this country what it is .... It's a blessing to be in a new place to live in where I see many people of various nationalities, cultures and backgrounds. I have keenly observed that we are in contrast to each other because of where our origins have came from. But that doesn't mean we have to build a barrier to stay away and isolate ourselves. We have to reach out and extend a handshake, even a smile - that can bring a world of a difference. Imagine that. It would be awesome wouldn't it? ... For me, I've been accustomed to the American life for so long in Virginia, but I was stuck mainly with my Filipino friends in the middle of a black & white society. Then I've went on further to know more of my Filipino background after my college years. And now at age 33, I am seeing the world in a bigger and better way. I have traveled to places around the eastern parts of this country whether they were of rural or urban settings. That same time, I also noticed how Americans act differently from one another. From there, I have started to get the sense of the true American feel and the freedoms our country's forefathers have given to the people ... A message to the next generation: let's bridge everyone together in spite of how different we may be from each other. Our country must continue being strong as a united front.

A lesson about men's fashion in GQ...

My car was being serviced for an 80,000 mile maintenance at Tuffy auto service center. There I was sitting in the waiting room. TV was on. News was the usual: filled with bad and outrageous elements (in other words, 'crap,' basically). Hardly any good news, except hearing the fact that the Pope Benedict XVI has arrived for his first visit to the U.S. So that was cool ... Then I saw stacks of GQ magazines on the table. I grabbed one with Eric Bana on the cover. I turned each page and saw some interesting stuff, particularly men's fashion - some of which are way too tacky and some are pretty impressive. Then there are the really crazy articles. However, there was something that caught my eye. No, it's not some guys hot bods, because it's not. lol. Wrong, silly! It's about the clothes that make the man. But it's gotta be fitted right. I feel like I need a makeover in a way because most of my clothes (which were once ok for my big size before) have now made me look like I'm a kid sporting on my dad's gear. So instead of being an L or even an M, I have to make the switch to (perhaps...) an S. That's right! Size S - mostly for the buttoned shirts. The same for the pants as they need to be fitted on the waist and properly hemmed. I'll have to start saving up and redefining my look and appearance yet again to another level ... Back to GQ. It showed candidates with their before and after shots. I know if they can look as good with going a size smaller, so can I. I'm looking forward to get the trend going for myself.