Here's to 37 years living the life! And the beat goes on!

Thanks to ALL who wished me Happy Birthday on my facebook profile as well as on my Blackberry. I appreciated it soooo very much. I channeled all the inspiration and energy - and had a good day, overall.

Photo: Allen Eyestone/Palm Beach Post

And so Ozzie Guillen has left Chicago and the White Sox organization to make way for his new home in Miami, Florida and the newly-named Miami Marlins (p/k/a Florida Marlins). I am happy for him that he found his moment of peace (for the time being because it's no telling when exactly he'll blow up at the media again BUT it's gonna happen). No telling how he'd fare managing-wise with the Marlins because he just had a mediocre season with the White Sox. However, I do  think that the location will make a difference to him  as there are more sunny, warmer days in South Beach than the changing-of-the-seasons happening here in Chicago (maybe that explains him being mad so much..could it be? Probably not. LOL)...I don't think he'll receive much of a great reception if ever him and his new ballclub visit the White Sox. Then again, it could be a mixture of cheers and jeers, depending on how the fans see fit. But I think he left a valid, respectable milestone that should be best remembered because after all, he and the Sox won the World Series back in 2005 ... Glad to know Ozzie is still in the world of baseball. It's something he loves and has passion for. And when he speaks out (even when we may not understand him most of the time), we know he's into it.

Me and the inventory team (spearheaded by Rizz) went to the Chicago History Museum yesterday afternoon for an assignment. I never gotten to know much of what was inside the facility (until me and my co-worker Ninh decided to take a chance at it 5 minutes before the museum closed). I didn't see much really. There was the low-rider car given by the Amistad Car Club, a passenger car from a train, and Scottie Pippen's #33 Bulls jersey w/ sneakers. I had to end the moment of roaming around since work was about to start and that the museum was closing...That wasn't the interesting part. It was the end actually. Workers there talk about ghosts that are wandering around still yearning for their possessions (not willing to let go of those). The employee told me to keep looking straight as me and Ninh followed him around the facility like as if it was a maze. Another employee told me that Lincoln's ghost is rumored to lurk in the basement area too since his deathbed is inside ... From my own personal account and observations, I didn't see a lost soul there nor did I feel a cold touch, but by hearing what the workers had said, I believe them. Things have been moved around off-and-on and they speculate the actions have been from that of a ghostly spirit ... Looks like this story has to continue at some point. I plan on making a future visit, perhaps tomorrow on my 37th birthday. Maybe then shall I see an apparition-of-sorts. Maybe not since this won't be a late evening thing like last night. We shall see, folks. Just in time for Halloween. LOL.

For the last few days, me and Rizz have been watching the complete STAR WARS Saga on Blu ray. We're done with five films so far except for 'RETURN OF THE JEDI' which we still have to watch. The amazing crisp, clear high-definition quality is amazing given the Lucasfilm restoration treatment which also includes some of their own bells and whistles added later (i.e. Darth's 'Nooooo' and Ewoks eyes-blinking in JEDI, Yoda's CGI-enhanced look in PHANTOM MENACE, Luke's lightsaber corrected and Ben Kenobi's shriek sound to the Tuskens in A NEW HOPE, etc.).......However, despite some of the great things given, the fact still remains that the original trilogy is still way better and superior to the new trilogy (a/k/a the prequel). Characters that we come to appreciate (such as Han, Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, Threepio, R2-D2, Ben, etc.), some cheesy quotes yet simple dialogue, and a less-noisy story/plot is all that was needed. And the CGI was conservative as well not being heavily relied on (until worked on later as Special Edition) The prequel tried so hard to captivate these elements but it really failed to deliver. Jar Jar Binks was supposed to be loved, but received a hate-following instead. Characters were a bore (sadly to say it, but its true ---- and NO I am mindful of this as my thoughts are not betraying me on this one. LOL) and Anakin was annoying from childhood-to-adulthood. The dialogue was kinda difficult (yet boring) to understand especially for the kids out there watching who don't understand all the talk of diplomacy, trade, negotiations, veto, etc. (yawn).  Who really cares, right? And the budding romance between Padme and Anakin was like watching an N-Sync or Backstreet Boys 90s music video. For a moment, I thought that Justin Timberlake was Anakin (LOL). The CGI was an improvement (but it still tacks off on the realism from the original trilogy). Only thing I liked really that was as real as it got was Naboo. So natural, so refreshing-----ahhhhh. Looks like nothing there looked CGI. If only Lucasfilm balanced on the CGI a bit, perhaps things'll look more realistic. The SITH movie was the best one from all of the prequels and redeemed me from calling the whole prequel a 'SUCKY' trilogy. Things there seem to connect fittingly to A NEW HOPE. And the big battle between Obi-Wan and Anakin reeked awesomeness. I just couldn't wait for Anakin to turn out burnt bald like he did in the future. Only thing that still annoyed me was Anakin's anger. Hasn't that jerk learned to be what an ideal Jedi should be? I guess not. LOL .... In conclusion, I'll take the whole entire Star Wars saga with a grain of salt. I don't mind the improvements later added by Lucasfilm though it will raise a lot of eyebrows on the hardcore Star Wars purists, geeks, enthusiasts out there who still worship the original trilogy (sans most of the CGI technological enhancements). You guys gotta get understand that it's George Lucas's films in the first place, not ours - and for as long as he lives, he can do anything he wants with the Star Wars universe. I stand 100% behind the master although I didn't liked his prequels that much. But I am proud to say I DO like the Star Wars films overall and so happy to add them to my ever-growing Blu Ray collection. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH ALL OF US.

So week 3 has passed in the NFL and how is my favorite team (the Buccaneers) doing? I think they are boding well with a 2-1 record. However, they still show struggle offensively resulting in a low-scoring win. They haven't yet exposed most of their offense as a legitimate threat with the exception of RB LeGarrette Blount's powerhouse running. Josh Freeman's interception at the end zone was reckless as it could've been an easy TD. Perhaps the score would've ended up slightly higher had a Bucs' WR got it instead. Freeman redeemed himself going at the end zone himself for a TD on a later play. And to celebrate that, he did his 'dirty bird' dance. Very uncharacteristic of the humble QB, but I'm sure he was really getting sike'd up!!!! LOL. On the defensive side of things - oh yes - they are for REAL! Big improvement from last week as they really stuffed it to their rival (Atlanta Falcons) especially on QB Matt Ryan who was taking most of the brunt. Here's hoping the Bucs continue to work on their weaknesses and forge on ahead with more victories. I'll give my take on things in about 2-3 weeks from now.

Bucs' Performance Grade: B-

Pros: Defense is getting better
Cons: Get more the O-Line involved more on the offense; can't always rely on Blount most of the time

440am in the morning. Temperatures seem to bode well for the fall season as it was tipping near 50 degrees. Just got out of the condo tower to do some grocery shopping. But there was a skunk nearby the door as I exited. It went away but thank goodness it didn't unleashed it's foul odor. I hope it understood I was there to go to my Civic and drive off ... I love doing grocery shopping either later in the evening or early morning. No traffic from all angles - the highway, the parking lot, and inside Woodman's grocery store. Got what I wanted in less than an hour. Next thing I know, I'm back home safe and sound.

Today is the last episode of ALL MY CHILDREN, after 41 years on-the-air. Feels like the best friend in the whole wide world is bidding bye bye to all of us who have stuck with it since. I haven't watched AMC since the late 90s, but there were some times that I kept tuning in. As it started drawing to a close, I watched every episode from my DVR. I'm gonna miss the values it instills and the magic that every actor brings in the characters they portray ... I must say my feelings are mixed because the ending wasn't what I expected it to be. It just made me ask for more questions leading up to the cliffhanger involving the JR character (played by Jacob Young, who always gives out his all-out brilliantness as the always-mad, always-angry son of Adam Chandler)...I'm so bummed out now that it's finally off from ABC, as its being replaced by a NEW home/cooking show called THE CHEW. I hope that don't last long. It probably won't anyways ... But back to AMC, it's to be given a new life from Prospect Park, who bought the show along with OLTL (One Life To Live). Most likely it won't be the same with most of the regulars, but I'd give it a try. Better than nothing, right? Cheers to all the actors and behind-the-scene crew that made AMC what it was and what it'll be remembered for. And thanks to one Walt Willey (playing Jackson Montgomery) who was able to send me e-mail messages in-between his plans back in the late-90s. Maybe one of these days, I'll see him doing his comedy thing in Ottawa, IL (his hometown).

Another video tweet coming right at ya..Today was a really good afternoon. Once again, the day was cooler. Here I was in Schaumburg, IL (a Chicago suburb) doing a job-related errand. Just like yesterday, I have my FLIP cam in tow to film things here and there. A few seconds wouldn't hurt around Woodfield Mall and on the stop light. That's all you'll really see in this clip.

This is a video tweet shoutout to Eric Lee - 'the asian brutha' that partnered with me during the Apple inventory. Duuuuuude, thanks so much for helping me out with the flawless performance. Without you, dude, this wouldn't have become. Promised that I would do this (haha). You & the Apple Team (from the Deer Park location) are awesome! If anyone's around the area making a visit, feel free to check out Apple's finest products including the iPhone and the MacBook Pro at 20530 N. Rand Rd. Deer Park, IL 60010....

Going onto this now ----- it must be cool to do a random video before doing laundry at past 4am in the morn. LOL

Regarding the co-workers at the job, they are divas. They're demanding and choose when they wanna work while people like me & others work their hardest with all the energy, all the focus (even how tiresome it is) from beginning to the end of an assignment. Even my superiors have to deal with this situation and I feel so much what they're going through. Shame on those workers for not making themselves avail while others suffer..Tell you what though -, these lazy folks wallow in self-pity wondering where the opportunity & money went on their paycheck...smh (scratching my head)....What you get on your check is what you get - period! 

SPEAK OUT: Guest Blog on 9/16/2011

"God's grace is the best insurance policy. Whether you believe him or not, your still covered. The premium is just receiving his finished work. If you pursue Christ then you begin to understand how this insurance protects you from You." - Kendrick Jackson, CA

Never thought I'd face it again BUT it happened yesterday and the day after. Me, Rizz and the crew worked an inventory at a Victoria's Secret store almost a whole 24 hours (from 12PM to 10:30AM the next day) with an additional 30 minutes of lunch and two 15 minute breaks. We counted everything - bras, panties, thongs, etc. My body feels like it went through a lot especially stretching my left lower back which is always in pain (note to self: don't carry big boxes anymore, ok buddy? lol). And my eyes appeared glassy, too. However, it wasn't bloodshot red as I thought. I'm grateful that we all made decent money good enough to take care of our needs and expenses. It was a long, grueling day for many and the day may have not been perfect for some, but we got out of there doing what we could to fulfill the company's objectives......Boy am I tired! I can still feel my skin being so hot. I hope that's normal. Must be a burnout effect. I'm gonna go get my much deserved nap before I cook our meal for tonight. Another note to self: Consider a career change. It might be time to do the data-entry/clerical thing again like in years' past :)

In rememberance to the heroes and victims of 9/11 (in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC) ... Ten years have passed. We will always have you in our hearts.

I'm watching the Saints/Packers game right now on NBC. Packers are killing 'em. It's good football is back on the TV tube. I look forward to a jubilant season, especially for my favorite team: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I know Coach Morris assembled a great squad consisting again of the youth movement. But wow, this IS the football season that almost wasn't. Imagine if it never worked out. Better yet, let's not even think about it. Football is back. It's time for us to root for our teams at home, at a sports bar, at a sports store -- who knows, Times Square, if anyone's lucky enough to catch it there (lol) .... For now, we'll watch everything in its glory, even the outrageous drama that'll build during the season right up to the Super Bowl.

I had a 2nd job as of Sunday (before Labor Day), but the next day, I decided to call it quits. Sounds crazy, but believe me, it was for the right intentions. I was employed exclusively by a major shoe company that sponsors some of the biggest names in sports including one iconic, now-retired basketball star from Chicago (you know who...LOL). My job was working as an associate that deals with stocking and replenishing items in the store. Great job duties and everything seems so fast pace. Next thing I know, I'm like, 'I'm in a break now?' I should've gotten myself a watch because I can't have my Blackberry on the sales floor. The co-workers are all great and friendly. However, that night would turn out to be my last, unfortunately. Looks like my hours from my 1st job didn't work out well with the store's. It just conflicted. I did notify the manager during the screening interview that I would be available after 2 weeks time, but I guess they were desperate for good workers out there. I can only assume they got rid of employees who just didn't value the company's goals and vision. I got nothing to complain about this company and their goals. It's a good job, especially if one wants to burn calories and be on-the-go every hour/ on the hour. But man, it would've been great if everything flowed together (in regards to the scheduling between the two jobs). I really would've loved to have kept the job opportunity. I guess I'll have to check out for more in the upcoming times ahead, but probably not on the retail sector. Maybe working in a temp job at an office environment would suffice. Gotta start sending out copies of my resume before the year ends. I can't be doing the same thing forever. It's time to step up and get out of this latest setback because of my scheduling. As the saying goes, 'Good Things comes to those who wait.'

Lee Roy Selmon (1954-2011)
The NFL has lost a living legend. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their '95 Hall-of-Fame inductee and first-ever draft pick to make it to the then-expansion franchise. The Tampa Bay community lost someone who meant a lot to them, from restaurant entrepreneur to various charity work. Lee Roy Selmon exemplified greatness beyond his 9 years with the Buccaneers, He simply went forth in reaching out to the people as a great human being. In the 56 years he lived, he fulfilled his mission. And now it's time for God to call him up to heaven ... Regarding the cementing of his legacy, Selmon will forever be immortalized as one of the many NFL greats that made the league what it is today. That part right there is 'football heaven.' He earned that one. The Bucs certainly will have him in their hearts come regular season. They'll win for Lee Roy :)

Check this photo out! No, it's not photoshopped. It's the real deal. A giant 21-foot crocodile in a Philippine province was captured.