I'm watching one of the last episodes of 'Kourtney & Kim Take New York.' From what I've seen on TV, she's just not ready to give up on her busy lifestyle and sacrifice most of that for her other half.

Maybe Kris Humphries was right.


"It's true, Kim," ... "You're not ready for someone in your life."

Before I go on with this post, I wanna let all of you know that I have been a fan of Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic, for years now igniting the blue and white - ever since I've lived in Orlando back in 2007 up until 2009. I will always have the utmost respect for Dwight Howard, his sense of humor/ personality and his God-given abilities that define him as one of the greatest big men to play the game. But I do have something to say about what's going on recently.

So the Orlando Magic are not doing well during the last few games (right after they were on that hot winning streak for a while). And what's on everyone's minds, especially the Magic fans, is Dwight Howard. Is he gonna bail out on the ballclub that has defined his stellar career for 6 years?

Every time they're losing, it seems more likely that his departure may be imminent (perhaps after All-Star break which is eerie in some ways because it does take place in Orlando). Could that be his last hurrah in Orlando? Only Dwight knows that.....

But what he doesn't know is that he's becoming his own worst enemy right in front of our eyes. He's being poisoned. Gone are his humble ways and instead, we're now facing a version that's yearns for more attention and exposure, notoriety and camaraderie (among other NBA stars in other respective teams). He wants it all, including that camaraderie part I just mentioned there. These days, the trend of having 2-3 good players on a team can have a chance to win the championship. Look what happened to the Celtics and the Miami Heat. They either won or have went close to winning it all. And Dwight Howard wants to leave Orlando for that very reason because the Magic GM Otis Smith doesn't have a good roster. He doesn't wanna start over and over with players he thinks aren't good enough. Dwight prefers to take it the easy route (the shortcut, pretty much) by teaming with high-caliber NBA talent and win it together somewhere else (other than Orlando - a city that remains supportive and faithful to him to this very day). Can't blame the guy especially who holds a great endorsement deal with Adidas and wishes to be so famous (anyone saw that MW3 commercial with him in the end? That's a sure sign). He wants to be a household name that everyone loves and retire successfully when its said and done with his NBA career. Maybe he'll try to emulate Shaq going mainstream with movies, shows, and music (other than taking on the 'Superman' persona from the once-Magic star of the 90s). So much expectations are weighing in on Dwight as he's heading toward the mid-to-late 20s in his life - and his time to win is now.

But...seriously....dude...if your heart is no longer with the city of Orlando and the Magic organization, its best to leave right now. Dwight, you say all these contradictory things saying you wanna stay, telling your faithfuls to buy your latest Adidas kicks, and even hold all these picnics to lure your fans -- but you gotta be truthful on how you feel. We don't want facades or ducking away mumbling or sobbing or what have you. Just the God-honest truth is what we all need so we can bury the hatchet. It would've been better off if you left early on this season rather than doing the wait-and-see approach on the timetable as to when you wanna leave.

It's too bad he can't turn out to be as graciously humble and a team-player first athlete like his Adidas-mate, Tim Duncan who wishes to remain with the San Antonio Spurs (and has stuck with them ever since). Duncan lets the game dictate the direction of his NBA career rather than being too much in the limelight doing too many commercials or being in movies, etc. Plus his intelligence speaking to the media mirrors to that of Tiger Woods, who is the greatest at his game, too. Duncan doesn't do the showboating thing. All he wants to do is win big with what he has even though they (San Antonio Spurs) may not have big names on their team. And he's done so twice already in his NBA career.

He's not like Dwight or some of these NBA divas now. He (Duncan) doesn't go knocking the door of the upper management or the GM trying to request for changes. First off, its not Dwight's business, really, on making changes. It's up to those guys to make the decision. He's just an NBA star assigned to the Orlando Magic and being paid by the owner there until his time there is done being dealt somewhere else. The Magic already fulfilled Dwight's request before in making some roster changes some of which have been unsuccessful (i.e. Gilbert Arenas) to make it further onto the playoffs and finals.

If Dwight took a paycut and is willing to go long-term with the Magic in team-building, that'd be awesome.

But that's not gonna happen. It won't. Free agency ruined most of the team chemistry with teams. As much as it poses as an advantage to teams that have struggled or almost went close to winning, it's a nail-in-the-coffin for most. It can take years to build the perfect team especially when their once big name stars head elsewhere to win the 'ship. It's sad. That's the state of the NBA today. Most of them wanna win big together, get the mainstream exposure and get big money contracts/ endorsement deals. Gone are the heydays of Magic, Bird, Jordan, Barkley, Isiah. Those guys (and their work ethics with their teams) have pretty much left long agos.

Ferris Bueller....2/5/2012

Save the date. 2/5/2012. The movie character Ferris Bueller (portrayed by the talented Matthew Broderick) is returning, this time on the small screen in what is possibly a TV ad for Honda during the Super Bowl next week. So far, that's the rumormill swirling around the internet. Broderick and those involved are tight-lipped on this hype at this juncture. All we can do for the meantime is watch a 10-second clip of an aged, mature, yet young-at-heart Bueller as he opens up the curtain wondering why does he have to go to work on a day like this.

Many of today's generation don't know who Ferris Bueller is unless they watch the movie with their parents or for themselves. Perhaps it's time for them to embrace, get acquainted with the character and what made him such a part of American pop culture in the 1980s.

Let's all 'Save Ferris' again...LOL

Bueller?

Bueller?

BUELLER?

Days ago, I mentioned of my break/ time off from Facebook. And already my resurfacing (especially this weekend) has caught some buzz from some of my friends there. A few would question and ask me why I contradict myself from what I said to them with that posting. That being said, I would like to clarify to them (as well as to everyone here on my blog page) that I am always on my Facebook account while I'm busy, away, or at work (with my Blackberry). On my posting, it said on the first sentence that I am logged on as usual. And I did also say that I wouldn't elaborate much on any comments/replies and creating posts for the most part. That means my social activity will lessen to a huge degree. I never mentioned that I was going to leave Facebook. I just needed to organize my time in life to commit to certain things especially my goals. Facebook will always be there for me to do my thing whenever I am given the open opportunity (particularly on a day off). Having to organize our time daily should be a routine and applied in life. That would mean less stress and unnecessary things in our way. Plan ahead. You'll get that peace of mind. Mine's is just getting started - and I'm satisfied with it already :)

What would it be like if the Chicago Bulls' timelines of 1996 and 2012 crossed together right now? We'd be seeing Bulls' Michael Jordan in-his-prime teaming up with present star, Derrick Rose. Imagine that. That'd be a treat worth one's lifetime :)

With 11 ten-win seasons, 2 Super Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl MVP and being an NFL all-star under-his-belt, there is still an uncertain cloud that looms over Peyton Manning who has been sidelined from action this NFL season due to healing (after major surgeries done to his neck). Of all the accolades and accomplishments mentioned, not even those are able to keep his job fully secure. The final word on March 18th will come from the Colts' owner, Jim Irsay who have made big changes in Colts' management already in the last couple of weeks, with the firings of head coach Caldwell and other coaches, GM Bill Polian and their potential draft pick - Andrew Luck.

"I'm not in a very good place for healing, let's say that...It's not a real good environment down there right now, to say the least. Everybody's walking around on eggshells. I don't recognize our building right now. There's such complete and total change." - Peyton Manning

I totally empathize with Peyton on how he is feeling as he's in the middle of all this. Sudden changes are building around him within the organization. It's not the same like it once was. Like in today's businesses and companies filled with demands and expectations, changes happen no matter how good or bad things can be. As long as there is someone with the upper-hand and power that dictates the situation and pace, we (as employees and workers) can be dealt with one way or another whether its through job promotions, job transfer/relocation, paycut, bonus or being laid-off and termination. Remember, we are working more for the best interest in a company and less so for ourselves earning a paycheck or a certain-so salary (unless we make a decision investing in a business to be our own boss). In today's fragile job economy, we are all expendable no matter what job/career we're in and even how much money we make. In the end, it all comes down to a company's decision that'll decide our impending fate.

The greatest measure and strength from all of this is how we can turn things around and overcome through it all, sometimes taking the brunt and bumps along the way. We must have the fortitude to move on and continue making strides for a better life (for ourselves and the ones we love). I have total confidence in Peyton that he will most certainly earn better opportunities elsewhere in the league, especially having a steady resume already in his illustrious NFL career.

We may not earn big money like Peyton, but we sure can be ready to move on to bigger and better things should Plan A take us to an economic 'dead end.' There's always the Plan B 'detour' somewhere out there.

This is the packaged version of the 'TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon' movie I've been anticipating for months. On January 31st, I will own my copy of that. It contains 7-discs, one of which is in Blu-ray 3D format, as well as behind-the-scenes featurettes on-location in Chicago (that wasn't shown at all in the bare-bones version released last September, 2011). Looks like waiting does indeed have its rewards. I can't wait to watch this in all its glory -- but unfortunately, it'll take some getting used to seeing Ironhide die in such a painful death. I gotta admit, it was a tearjerker moment in some regards. He (Ironhide) was one of my favorite living, breathing Autobots in this trilogy......Overall, I'm stoked about the good news of this latest video release. And I WILL spend my hard-earned U.S. dollars for it.

Just when we thought that we'd be ending our service with Comcast (due to a $30 increase in fees), there was something good that came out of it. We were able to find a package known as the 'Triple Play Bundle' in which there is internet, TV, and phone for a valued price. After adding the increased fees and everything, it all totaled up to what we were paying before ($30 less). As if nothing big really happened (except for the addition of a phone line and a brand new cable modem which is double the speed than the previous one we had). We are grateful to have gotten the help of a Comcast sales rep (on the phone) who knew a lot what to offer us, especially when we didn't liked that big increase to our cable bill. However, there is one more thing we'd like to tell them before the next billing cycle: a $25 credit because the serviceman didn't show up during install in our home. Overall, we're still satisfied of what we're getting right now - and that's saving $30.

Joe Paterno (1926-2012)

Joe Paterno, legendary college football coach, has succumbed to cancer at the age of 85. He was the only coach to have won 400+ victories in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and spearheaded 5 undefeated teams that won their respective bowl games in dominating fashion. With these accomplishments that have developed for decades, he was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Paterno was well-admired by the university he worked for, the sports world, and through people who have come to have known him in his life.

I have witnessed Joe Paterno once and that was during my middle school years. He visited Norview High School back in the late 80s and I heard his motivating speech about bringing the best out of yourself and accomplishing your goals. He often made comparisons to those and sports. Seeing him up there on the podium was a great moment forever etched in time. I still remember that as if it was yesterday and remains fresh to this very day like it was 1988 all over again.

Coach Paterno, you are and always will be 'the man.'

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - Trailer 2 (HD)

Just saw this today in the theater and it's me & Rizz's first movie to see this year. Brilliant storytelling showing the compassion and power of the human spirit. Wonderfully acted by Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock and introducing Thomas Horn who plays the main character.

For those that want a simple movie to see this weekend (other than the high-octane, commercially driven flicks 'Haywire', 'Underworld: Awakening' or 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol'), 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' is one worth checking out.

I've attached the trailer (via You Tube) to this latest blog posting. Perhaps this will convince you to check it out (if you haven't already done so).

So what's next to see? Maybe 'The Vow' or 'The Lucky One.'

Timbaland - Pass At Me (Explicit Version) ft. Pitbull

Music Choice of the Day - Pitbull does it again! Either someone collaborates on a track with him, or vice versa. So far, it's hit-after-hit. And this is Timbaland's first take on this type of beat, too. I likes!

If anyone who owns a Lenovo Thinkpad T60 (or equivalent) is undergoing a 'black-screen-of-death' situation (with the batt/ electric/ system indicators still lit) and nothing's happening, go for the reset. To achieve this reset, we must go forth with 10 intervals (like if it's 10 laps around the track for an athlete) of holding the push button consecutively for 10 seconds. But it doesn't end there. There is the LAST attempt (known as the 11th try) after the 10 intervals. For this latest IMPORTANT stage, hold the push button for 30-seconds. Then plug in your Lenovo Thinkpad T60(or equivalent) AC adapter to the wall outlet, or power strip, what have you, etc. And see it come to life!!!!

I'm glad it did for this company laptop :) Someone is smiling.

For some skeptics, it may sound like urban legend or something made up, but I saw and I witnessed. It works! I must provide a disclaimer for this blog though. It will only work for this scenario as seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm4Lklr6-Rk ... Results may vary and that there may be/ are different solutions for any other descrepancies with the Lenovo Thinkpad T60.

Vanilla Hostess Pudding Pie 1986

I beg to differ calling this 'disgusting.' From my perspective, it wasn't bad. To others, they may offer a second opinion which will contradict mine's. The product shown in this You Tube video clip is the Hostess Pudding Pie. It was definitely a favorite during my childhood in the mid-'80s. I can still remember the chocolate covered crust on the outside and the rich vanilla pudding flavor in the inside. Sure it may wind up to be a mess on our hands if we don't hold it with a napkin or the product's wrapper, but it's all worth it once we get a taste of it. Too bad it only came out for a limited time. Hopefully, Hostess can bring it back and make it a part of their regular line-up of their snack treats commonly found in grocery stores and convenience stores (i.e. 7-Eleven). I wouldn't mind having another bite of this delicious dessert, but I do not plan on eating a lot of these this time around, for health's sake.

For now, my suitable replacement to this is Dunkin's Boston Creme donut. It may not be pie, but it does retain some of the ingredients that does remind me of the snack from years ago.

As much as I'll be focusing mainly on my life itself (than online) starting tomorrow, I will try to put in time to write my blogs here exclusively on Jonnyroobs Centralized. That's a sure promise. I'm making strides to bring about a positive channeling effect in my life starting first with my goals. I know it's a New Year and it's time to make changes. Every day is a blessing and I gotta take advantage of every second, minute, hour, day, and month that comes this year.

Flo Rida - Good Feeling [Official Video]

Music Choice of the Day - Flo Rida's always got the good jamz. Heard this on B96 FM the other day.

Excerpts of "I Have A Dream" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

"Yo, when life says 'stop', you say 'go'!" - lyric from 1990s track "Go For It" (Heart & Fire) by Joey B. Ellis

If I want us to go to FL so bad, I gotta get started on pursuing change. I am still focused on the dream of going to the sunshine state by 2013 before turning 40 years old. I don't intend to stay in IL for long enduring another long winter. Better days are ahead.


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Tim Tebow may be the latest athlete to make headlines and be scrutinized by mainstream media and the sportsworld. Its not because of the things he does on-the-field but more on emphasis off-the-field regarding his belief, his stance on abortion, and being a caring person unlike most talented, greedy athletes in this era. He's rare as if he's an athlete that's stuck in the wrong decade. He would've fit well with the values and morals like past NFL gridiron legends from years ago. To Tim, there are things to do while he's here such as being there for children in the Philippines (helping with funds to build a hospital), making wishes come true for those (who are terminally-ill or having a life-threatening disease) here in the states, and much more! Being Christlike, a saint, a good samaritan, etc. in this modern era can get a bad rap in this world because people like Tim are just too good for us. We judge him too much more than the plays he make with his Broncos teammates. Sure, they fell short of making it to the Super Bowl but their season is unforgettable and successful, nonetheless. May God continue using Tebow to help guide us all back to the right direction instilling the values most of our forefathers and ancestors left us. What was once forsaken, we can have it all staying true being a nation under God again :)


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Janet Jackson - Black Cat

Music Choice of the Day - Miss Jackson from back in 1989 ... song and video still looks as fresh as it was during the days of my youth. Wow, how time flies! Had to post this up since I survived Friday the 13th yesterday (although I did hurt my kneecap badly before I went to sleep). LOL. I didn't see a 'black cat' at all that day.

Work.

The workplace environment has a company. The company itself has a set of objectives that must come to fruition within a day, a week, and even a month. Reliable staff and workers are employed by the company. And the company's needs are met.

That is work, as the usual.

But I'd like to pass on that part and focus on the people that I've come to have known during my few years with a company here in the Chicago, Ilinois area. Its turnover rate is usually high. Most of them have come and went moving on to better ventures in the workforce, while a few have ultimately met their fate somehow either in death or a consequence through their own actions. Some are as mysterious and interesting and then there are the crazy ones. Overall, they have all left an indelible impression to me and thus, I've come to wholeheartedly appreciate them as human beings. Each has a story of his/her own. And I hope they are doing well wherever they may be.

For those that are still around, I will do everything I can to embrace them like family and part-taking in the duties that work has for us. And then there are some that don't work in the company anymore, but remain good friends with me outside of the workforce....I gotta enjoy everything -- until my time is done here and when I will have to go elsewhere to succeed in my goals.

Felicity enters the world!

Congratulations to my dearest friends - Eileen and Kris - in Bradenton, FL, on the birth of their newborn baby daughter. May God's blessings be upon you all, this year and throughout ... I look forward to meeting you both and Felicity one day in the near future.

David Guetta - Without You ft. Usher

Music Choice of the Day - sticking with the Guetta jams. He always has great collaborations going on with today's top acts. This one's a great example as he works alongside with Usher on this track.

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

Cobra Starship: You Make Me Feel... ft. Sabi [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Music Choice of the Day - A great 'feel-good' dance song! Never tired of it. I can jam to this anyday! I have this as one of my ringtones to my Blackberry.

Gym Class Heroes: Stereo Hearts ft. Adam Levine (LYRIC VIDEO)

Music Choice of the Day - Travie's metaphoric rhymes and Adam Levine's vocals = sheer genius! I like the throwback boom boxes in this sing-along video. Got this on my Blackberry as a ringtone!

A pinoy pro wrestler is making waves on the Impact Wrestling TV show (shown on Spike TV every Thursday night). He is Michael Paris, 25, known to the wrestling world by his showname Zema Ion (also called 'Shiima Xion' in other independent wrestling circuits and promotions). Ion is billed to be from the Philippines and his larger-than-life, macho, ego-driven personality seems to be hinging towards more on the 'heel' (bad guy) side. It's really fun seeing Zema Ion in action and representing Filipino-America to the fullest. The music biz got Enrique, Bruno Mars, Charice and Arnel (from Journey). Boxing's got Donaire and Pac-Man. And pro wrestling had Bautista - but now it's Zema Ion's turn to enter the spotlight. He's doing it so well in 'heel' mode and I expect him to make strides in his professional wrestling career. Sure, he may have not won the coveted X-Division title from Austin Aries last weekend, but he's already getting his name out there in the mainstream. The world will get to know Zema Ion in the times to come.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, ZEMA ION!!!!

[Picture Source: from Impact Wrestling]

Little Bad Girl (Lyrics Video)

Music Choice of the Day ... Liking these David Guetta tracks. Great DJ. This is one of 'em. "Little Bad Girl" featuring Taio Cruz and Ludacris.

Tim Tebow may be this generation's beloved, heavily scrutinized, and newsworthy NFL quarterback since the heydays of 'Broadway' Joe Namath. The public and media still got it wrong. It's not the work of one man, but a team and their hard work! Tebow and the Denver Broncos made a great feel-good story this season known to many as 'The Miracle in Mile High.' The Broncos which started off with a 1-4 record are now in the NFL playoffs sweepstakes shocking the Pittsburgh Steelers on overtime with a 29-23 victory in a Wild Card game last weekend. And if they win over the Patriots in the next game, it can only get better for them! However, their last game against this powerful dynasty hasn't fared well for them as they lost so bad. Time will tell if Tebowtime is gonna happen again. Maybe things can go in their favor. Maybe not. For the doubters and naysayers, get ready to put Tebow and the Broncos down. For those that wish to do the opposite, get ready to witness and see what happens. In the NFL, there are so many stories that are made.

So-called 'friends' come-and-go out from my life, BUT the true, real ones remain. That alone puts a big smile on my face. I know whatever I do can't please everybody in this world. Sometimes too much is too much. Better a small world than a bigger one. I'm satisfied with that. It's comfortable, especially during this phase in which I'm growing older, setting goals, counting my blessings and appreciating every moment of what life has to offer me while I'm still alive and breathing :)

The trip to Florida has awakened my eyes to a great outlook in life as well as infinite possibilities on what the great future can be. I can go on forever talking about it. Living there is now only within reach (hopefully it can be done before I turn 40 years old). And that's something I like to see happen. But first, I have to steer course and direction on the situation that's going on right now here in Chicago. With 2012 already making its presence known, this can open a new chapter for me to start anew, fresh, and fully focused. If I don't pick up the pace on making changes in life right now, then Florida will turn out to be nothing more than a daydream and that I won't able to grow and immerse into the person I wish to be. I can't procrastinate myself this time around and keep wishing forever for something to happen. 2012 may be known to skeptics as the end of the world or Armageddon, but if it were the case, I wanna go out in a blaze of glory achieving and accomplishing things left-and-right. My New Year's resolution really is to be THE better person than I was last year, and the year before that, and so forth. The time is now. The time is here. Time to get to business :)

After 600+ snapshots and 4 awesome days that went so fast, part 2 of our holiday vacation drew to a close. It felt good returning to the sunshine state and its warm winter weather conditions. What I'm so proud of is the fact that this marks Rizz's first-ever visit there. For me and my brother, it was a return to paradise filled with palm trees, thick grass and a wonderful landscape. It seemed a bit rough at first as to how things were going to plan out (because some of it came about the last minute), but by God's graces, we managed to take care of it successfully. Our needs and accommodations were met, including a 4-day stay at a hotel and tickets to Walt Disney World theme parks in which it was Rizz's first time there (with the exception of Hollywood Studios in which we didn't had time to go to). She enjoyed every moment of it as much as we brothers did. We were able to get on certain rides, enjoy 3D screened-entertainment, and pose with photos alongside Disney cartoon favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy Duck, Rafiki and the Disney princesses (much to Rizz's delight). Besides the Disney theme parks, we were able to take Rizz to Universal Studios CityWalk. She loved it there, too. Overall, the money spent on this trip was worth it. Every single cent of it.

It is time to get back on the blogging saddle once again! It's been a while since I've done this and I hope to put a lot more emphasis on blogging this week. Stay tuned for fresh exclusive blogs for 2012 starting tomorrow! Vacation is finally done. Time to get the mind back into full swing!





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