A Mini-Blog from my Blackberry....

Chicago's weather has been flip-flopping w/ hot & cold temps....so, that means its better than never to take an extra coat or hoodie just in case. No joke!

A Mini-Blog from my Blackberry....

My first ever blog done thru my Blackberry...But I do have to say I'm happy for Dwight Howard's idea to stay w/ Orlando..now sign extension frm the Magic. Lol.

The Hangover: Part II

I'm not gonna spoil everything for all you fellow readers in regards to The Hangover: Part II, but I must say that it had everything so crude to satisfy the moviegoer anticipating for it. I can list 'em all from beginning to end, but I'll just toss in some tidbits here and there. There are some scenes that show full-frontal male nudity as I kid you not.  The jokes are really 'a ball-out-of-the-park homerun' as they get better and better! The whole plot itself is a like a 'cut-and-paste' method taking things from the original and adding our fellow wolfpack to newer settings: Thailand. Overall, this movie will leave you on the floor laughing so hard and saying to yourself in the end, "It's a friggin' brilliant masterpiece!" Because it is just that. And it just reeked in box office cash this Memorial Day weekend taking in the #1 spot over the competition which included that of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' and Kung Fu Panda 2.' The totals so far is estimated at $130 mil ... My personal experience in seeing this movie kinda hit a weird spot, too. For me, it was just the usual. But I also brought in Rizz and a female co-worker of ours to see it. It was their first time in the theater together and they've never seen so many men's private parts in one movie. LOL.

Bulls Lose The Opportunity

Just trying to update my previous posting. This happened a few days ago. The Chicago Bulls had let their chance of their Finals' run slip away against the Heat (despite the home advantage that went on in this best of 7 series). Bulls only won 1 out of the 5 games played. The Miami Heat led by their supermen (D-Wade, LeBron James, & Chris Bosh) advance to the Finals facing the same opponents from 5 years ago - The Dallas Mavericks, led by a reinvigorated Dirk Nowitski. As for the Bulls, they'll have to look to changes in the offseason which can affect their roster later this year when a new season starts. Derrick Rose cannot do it alone. Kudos to the Bulls on making it this far.

Congrats, Chicago Bulls in the Playoffs

Here's to a good NBA ball club, their superstar MVP Derrick Rose, and Coach Thibodeau! Everyone has done a marvelous job in the playoffs thus far (including the regular season in which they owned the best record). Right now you guys are going against the Heat which have a talented squad, especially consisting of the three (Bosh, LeBron, and D-Wade) and coached by the one and only Erik Spoelstra. As of right now, it's a seesaw battle and may the best team win! I'm hoping for the Bulls to emerge victorious as I currently reside in Bulls country.

Coldness gone; Warm summer weather brings fun - what to do, what to do!

(blog entry created in May, 2011) Here I am doing a work-related errand this afternoon. However, that alone will not occupy most of my time right now. I'm actually doing two things - typing this entry AND listening to the Bulls/Heat game 3 in the company vehicle's radio system. I usually don't take my netbook in tow, but I think I have to start making this a habit whenever I get an open opportunity to do so.

The Chicago area has now gotten out of the cold weather that had dominated for such a long time - when was it - October or November? The weather conditions and temperatures have never been this better. I find that awesome and those days of cabin fever are done with for the time being. I've never had this many days of staying home and not going out - because it was so cold. After being here for more than a year already, I'm still adjusting and it's not easy. Not easy for a dude like me that used to live in tropical settings before in the sunshine state of Florida.

With the weather going great now, that leaves room for more activity. And NO I'm not talking about work-related activities. I'm talking about all that leisure time to go around-and-about downtown or visiting the many suburbs that surround the Chicago area alone.

So what's there to do in the great city? I'd love to do some window shopping at the Magnificent Mile in the Michigan Avenue area. Maybe check out the aquatic animals at the Shedd Aquarium. Perhaps see a ballgame featuring the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs. Hmm, maybe take a stroll around Grant Park and Millennium Park. I'd probably save the best for last - the Navy Pier, for a great time.

Then again, I can go small scale.

I've come to appreciate small towns during my frequent work routes via scenic routes and several interstate changes. To tell you the truth, I am overwhelmed. I've never seen this many towns in my life in one area alone. This totally beats the Orlando area which is only 1/3rd of Chicago's size.

So what activities can small towns have? Well, there are some local events that go on during certain times such as parades, festivals, outdoor markets at the parking lot. Best advantage to check this out is go for a ride on the Metra commuter train and stop by these towns around the weekend. With the weekend pass having unlimited rides and stops, you can have as much fun as you want.

But for most of this to happen, I would have to make the necessary improvement in trying to get another job, which I've failed to do. I need to stop the procrastination such as going to Facebook, Twitter, and Google so often - and even repititiously. If I accomplish this task, I will be able to balance things in my life, especially on my personal time in which I don't plan on staying home all too much. I want myself and Rizz to do enjoy the most of our freetime. Seems like work is the mainstay to our active lives right now as we've been working machines day and night. Maybe that's why I lack the 'feel' for liking my surroundings at the moment. We just don't have enough time to go anywhere for the heck of it. By the time we get home and get the day off going on, we're so tired to do anything.

I look forward to challenging myself to better my life. Not just for me, but for Rizz, as well. It may not be easy all the time but I'll take the initiative to implement the change that's needed. I want to make the most out of the Chicago lifestyle while I can. There's so much to check out here. And it's all in the waiting for me to check out. It may not be Orlando or Virginia Beach, but I'll do my best to have as much fun as possible and not taking granted for the great days of summer. As I'm here for the time being, I gotta enjoy the sweet ride that is Chicago. I just may never know what destination in the U.S. I could reside next. That's the amazing part about life - not knowing where you'd end up. But at the same time, God's continuing to bless me in the greatest of ways and letting me enjoying life wherever I am.

My take on the 'Move-Over' Law

(blog entry created in April, 2011).....Let me shoot off for today's blog while munching on Boston Creme donuts this morning at Dunkin Donuts. I must admit that the IL state troopers got a good weapon here that they use on all drivers in this state. They do it at their own discretion and they can get whoever they want at a certain-so time they choose. And despite their initiative to stop drivers for the 'move-over' law (a/k/a Scott's Law), many are still getting away with it. A few months ago, I was pulled over for that. And I was the only one out of all drivers that sped up to 55 mph because I was driving a company vehicle for my job. I didn't mind the fact that I did break this type of law (as it applies in this state), but I am so profoundly disappointed that a lot of drivers I've witnessed don't get pulled over for the same exact thing I committed. I find it unfair, unjust and so wrong. I think that state troopers use this 'move-over' law as an effective tool to take away $$$ from anybody as a financial means to help the budget to maintain and build roadways in this state. The move-over law should apply to everybody that breaks it, myself included. I'm all for it. The law itself helps protect fellow emergency/maintenance personnel from harm during emergency procedures on the shoulder portion in all highways. For those that want to know how Scott's Law got started, it was because a drunk driver moron who hit a fireman hero during an emergency operation on the highway. Because of that, the law came into place and was passed through state legislation a couple years ago. The impending result of my situation was that I had to pay a court costs and fines, as well as attorney fees. But the good part from all of this was that my driving record is still good and that I have my license back (note: It was taken away when I was pulled as a way to bond myself). It was better than what the state trooper dude was requesting: to have my license suspended for 3 months and pay a fine. I've learned a lot from all of this and I want to pass this message to those that live in this state: DO NOT be the next one to be pulled-over by the trooper. Obey Scott's Law for what it is. Move your car one lane to the left or right depending where the emergency vehicle is with their rotating lights. It may not be easy sometimes as road conditions may vary, but do what you can to slow down and execute the move properly/cautiously. Sure you'll see rulebreaking drivers that won't act on it, but that doesn't mean you have to do the same. They'll get their day in court one day and be penalized for what they've done. In conclusion, I find it that state troopers unfairly use this law to get anybody they so choose from the pack of drivers on the road, the law itself cannot get all the drivers who break it, AND that no matter how this law is interpreted (through our perspective and the troopers), we have to obey it so we can help save lives for those heroes that are willing to protect us on our roadways.

My Life is a continued 'Work-In-Progress'

Last couple of months flew by so quick. And already, we're nearing the middle of 2011. So what have I done lately for myself? Pretty much putting everything aside. I gotta be honest here and admit that I haven't done a good job in changing things for the better. Whatever I said before, I've failed to set out and accomplish. It was more like words coming out of my mouth rather than following-up being attentive and fulfilling the actions. I take the criticism from anybody, whether they're close in my life or people that aren't as close. Because I failed - and failed greatly, their words echo in me. I have become lazy focusing more detail and attention towards social networking. And this is where to invest all of my time on during my days off spending time by myself. Where did my hunger go? I ask myself that question. What's holding me back? I ask myself that question, too. If I want to change for the better, where's the sense of motivation to get myself there? What if I don't like the lifestyle I have now? I ask myself why don't you focus on something you like more. Looks like there'll have to be some cutting back on some of the usual things I do in a day or even, as week. I'll have to keep pushing and pushing myself more to get better. I will have to hold back my fears and focus more on my strengths. Life is a continued 'Work-In-Progress.' But for how long will I take to change things for the better is solely up to me.

Thia Megia

The next filipino hype to make it BIG on Fox's American IDOL show is none other than 16-year old, Thia Megia from California. She previously let the public take note of her past performance on another show - America's Got Talent on NBC. And she was able to take it up a notch as one of this season's top finalists on American IDOL. She excelled greatly at what she could do every time she was on the spotlight and stage. There were times of struggles in which she failed to capitalize more of her strength and energy through her vocals. And she was harshly critiqued by IDOL judge Randy Jackson who seemed to always feel bored listening to her. Thia seemed to be on the defensive sometimes after that happens giving her own opinion - and that is so much to take for a humble, gracious, sometimes shey filipina. Through it all, she kept on and kept up avoiding some near-elimination moments. But there had to be an end for Thia, unfortunately. Like her past predecessors during the past IDOL, seasons, they've lasted in about the Top 5 or 10 positions, respectively. And last Thursday, her fate was decided by millions of voters. Thia was voted off in that direction, as well - falling short of the dream to become the next American IDOL. Thia wasn't alone as fellow contestant - Naima Adedapo, was also eliminated. However, it is good news for the two that they will be able to join the rest of their AI castmates for this year's summer tour, being it that both Naima and herself are two of the Top 11 finalists that made it ... Thia's future is still being written as we speak. Her IDOL days are near-to-over after she wraps up the tour this year. No telling where she will go from here - but her performances throughout the last couple of episodes show promise for long, continued success. It could very well start in the Philippines following the same footsteps like IDOL finalist Jasmine Trias, international singing sensation Lea Salonga and recently discovered talent, Charice Pempengco who was endorsed by media queen Oprah Winfrey. Thia did show some spark of the future as she was in an event helmed by songwriter and producer, David Foster. So, that can tell us she'll definitely wind up big. It's only a matter of time till the world hears Thia Megia sing once again and finally being able to get her record out.

Caught In a Facebook-related mess

Here I am posting things that spark my interest on Facebook. Next thing I know, a dude who I happened to know for a long time suddenly says to me that I'm becoming very repetitive with my profile's contents whether they are video blogs, jam-of-the-day music videos, or anything, for that matter. And oh yeah, he also criticized me for tagging some rising actor with just 3-4 pictures. And he's making it sound like I committed a huge sin! SO --- what he's technically saying to me is STOP IT. I know, I know. But you know what? I'll keep on what I'm doing. Doesn't matter what he or any of those so-called friends would think. If he can freely post where he's located every-hour-on-the-hour, his food pictures that got the-succulent-and-tasty-feel, or anything of the intellect, I must also be given the same privileges like anyone on Facebook should do. Because facebooking truly defines power to THE individual. Period. I don't care about what my stats can do to people. If they're tired of the materials I post or if it's sparks some spammage (if any), better for them to UNFRIEND me ... Just 2 weeks ago, I posted a note in which I expressed my views on the dude's remarks. I said it well and I don't have to copy or paste it here. It's meant to be read to my friends (and even the critics) in Facebookland and I'll leave it at that. Thanks to my supportive base out there. I really appreciated the love!

High gas prices

Those greedy oil tycoons and even the heads in the high authority of our wonderful nation will never understand the burdens of us everyday average people...no matter where we live, we all suffer. I used to live in Orlando, now I live in Chicago. It's the same thing everywhere. Prices expensive no matter where you are....AND already, we're struggling to keep everything together on everything else in this present economy.

Jaycee Badeaux of IDOL

SOOOOO...I'm an American Idol fan this season, go figure. LOL. Show's getting better. The focus are no longer on the crazy antics of the once-judges, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. It's better with Steven Tyler and J-Lo this time teaming up with Randy Jackson for Season 10.

The last few episodes, he was treated unfairly..I hated how a particular contestant (some dude in glasses now in the top 12 of guys) singled him out of the group in a group contest of IDOL. Jaycee was going through a lot of emotions and of course, it'd be hard for him to focus. I want him to be a wild card, definitely. The guy's got soul and a voice, rarely heard in music in such a long time. And for a kid his age - he's got it! To be honest with you, folks - and I know I'm gonna get some hate on this BUT, I think that maybe 2 or 3 of those guys that made it to the top 12 are not that any good...who knows, perhaps Jaycee doesn't need IDOL in this next round. A record company can be calling for him anytime. He'd be terrific on the gospel/christian sector... I salute you, Jaycee for being yourself out of that crowd and getting respect although the results weren't in your favor. Come back strong. Hope to see you in the limelight one day. You deserve your chance...I'll be rooting for mostly the ladies in this season of IDOL. They have the best talent over the guys right now (because I think they only have like 9 good ones out of the 12).

Random Thought For Today (2/18/11)

After looking at Green Day's '97 music video for "Good Riddance" (The Time Of Your Life), doesn't it make you think about where you are now in your life? Looks that way to me. Makes me wanna stare straight for a minute or a few seconds like what's happening to the individuals shown there.

Dwight Howard

He's a great personality on-and-off the court. You gotta love the guy for who he is. He's a clean-cut role model for all that smiles and laughs a lot with his teammates and even his opponents. Sure, he's been the target lately for committing a lot of technical fouls (but not like the way Rasheed Wallace does..lol) and trade rumors, but nothing sways Dwight Howard. His eyes are on the prize and that's winning the NBA championship with his team - The Orlando Magic. I can't wait to see Superman do his thing again in a future game to see when I visit Orlando and the Magic's new place - The Amway Center. I'm sure he'll be around for a while. I feel optimistic for as long as the Magic management are committed to building a strong unit with Dwight. Go Magic! Go Superman! You're my favorite!

Florida Blog Flashback: 'Watching My First Magic Game at the O-rena'

April 9,2008 ORLANDO, FL - "From the view you see here in this digital photograph (taken from my cell phone's camera), this is what $38.00 could bring you. That's how much a co-worker/friend paid for my ticket. It was very nice of him to have one of my dreams come true: to watch a live Orlando Magic basketball game at the O-rena (a/k/a Amway Arena). Originally, I was planning to save up some of my money to watch some home games for the next season ... Describing the picture itself, this was before the start of the game between the Magic (led by 2008 Slam Dunk Champion - Dwight Howard) and the Bulls (which featured Florida Univ alum - Joakim Noah). All the players were on-hand doing their usual warm-ups and stretches. The experience itself was awesome as it was the first time in a long time that I've seen an NBA game live. The last moment was an NBA exhibition game in Norfolk, VA when Hampton native Allen Iverson and the 76ers faced Norfolk native Joe Smith and the Golden State Warriors in 1998 ... The game itself was a thrill! I finally get to see several three pointers, slam dunks, and off-balance layups happen right before my very eyes without the use of a high def television. The Magic started off slowly in the first quarter and then later gained a sizeable lead as the game was drawing to a close. Final score 115-83."

Thank goodness for Facebook!

Everyone that knows me up close and personal - definitely can tell how much I love 'facebooking.' Its a great online hobby to some, like in my situation. For others that aren't into the social networking hype altogether, it may be considered as a waste of time. I was actually one of hundreds, maybe millions of users that were once addicted to the MySpace hype a few years back. But I did mine's for a valid reason, not just because a waitress/server from Hooters suggested me and the fellas (my friends Ray & Jim) to go on there. My purpose and aim was clear: to find old friends from the past as well as connecting with family and relatives that I never knew I've had. At first, everything seemed so weird because of my familiarity and proficiency with MySpace. But then as time went on, I got so used to it. I was able to post anything and everything that crossed my mind from random thoughts to pictures to my home videos and YouTube JAM OF THE DAY segments. All my friends/family there bought into the hype that I was putting on my profile. The success continues to this very day as I am manifesting from one friend to another. Make that 323 I have as of right now. The numbers could dwindle. It may go up. It may go down. But there's always room to forge a friendship with anyone at any given time. And as all of that is happening, the end-result is that this blog page has remained stationary over a course of time. There isn't that much activity going on here and I failed on my promise to hype up Jonnyroobs Central furthermore. So, it looks like I will do what I can (but it can't be a guarantee) to balance my time between blogging, tweeting, and facebooking. That sure is a lot of internet activity, isn't it? If done right, it'll allot time to do other things than just being on the computer. I can concentrate more on my offline life. Anyways, I shall get going out of this blog post and check out my Facebook posts now. Catch you all later!

First epic blizzard storm of 2011 lives up to the hype!

Sure was a big one last night! ... I was able to document some of this event on my YouTube channel filming video bits 1,2 and 3 out on my apartment's balcony. The conditions didn't seem to be as worse where we are in Aurora, IL (as many residents preferred to stay indoors when the blizzard ushered it's way through from the late afternoon to the late evening hours). However, it's a different story in Downtown Chicago. They had it bad. Several cars had to be abandoned on the famous Lake Shore Drive. Pieces of Wrigley Field's roof went down. Pedestrians were swept by 50+ mph winds. There was even a thunder and lightning show included. Feels like something out of movie, huh - say, uh - 'The Day After Tomorrow.' But it wasn't nothing of catastrophic proportions, thank goodness. Lives were spared (except for one that was lost at the Lake Michigan area). We all woke up to seeing more than a foot of snow outdoors. There were adults shoveling the snow away and the kids are enjoying their moments having snowball fights or making snow angels. And of course, the cleaning crew taking care of the roadways. I'm happy to know most of my friends and co-workers were safe from harm's way. It was good to see them document their photo & video highlights respectively on Facebook. It will take a while for everything to get back to normal ... Do I sense an early Spring happening as we rely on the prediction of a 125 yr old Groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil? Here's hoping he's right on the money. I really want Old Man Winter outta here and enjoy Chicago for what it is!

Blog Written From Inside The Jet Plane ... Vacation over!

Spending New Year's Day w/ Virginia friends at Gina & Marfel's home

I am writing this post while riding the Southwest jet at about an altitude of between 5,000 - 10,000 feet. It doesn't seem so high from how it looks here on the window. My girlfriend Rizz and I are heading back to Chicago after spending 10 days of our holiday vacation in Virginia Beach/ Norfolk. The trip's highlights lagged in the beginning because of a big snow storm event that paralyzed the east coast for a few days, especially for wary travelers at airports and for regular commuters driving to work, school, etc. Even though the weather outside was frightful (as the saying goes in the 'Let It Snow' Christmas song), we managed to enjoy the comfort of being indoors in the home and chatting with my folks while we watched some TV ... It was good being at home for a while but then it became frustrating. I started to get cabin fever. I couldn't just stay put and not go anywhere with all the time we have left with this vacation. Thanks to my brother, Jay & my former boss and good friend, Emer, we managed to pick up the pace with our plans. Emer's help was certainly a plus. He actually loaned us his car to commute throughout the area. As the days were soon to be outnumbered, I hastened to get this going so we can meet a lot of friends and family. There was plenty of food to eat wherever we went and the get-togethers were planned so spontaneously and last minute, especially when New Year's was about to take place. First, Emer took us to the buffet restaurant to meet with his pals Cheryl and Julius. We sang karaoke in a reserved area. Though we were in little numbers, we managed to keep up with the fun killing song after song. And then there was another event that was quite memorable, too. It all started with a brief conversation between Gina and myself. Gina was very nice enough to get something spectacular going on our last Saturday night in Virginia. We both planned the gathering by-ear depending on whether she would have to work, or not (as she is on-call). The event ultimately was a success and we were able to get at least almost between 5 and 10 people there. Seeing everyone interact definitely put a smile to my face. There were no distractions. No music. No TV. Just a random conversation going on with everyone. But of course, the conclusion had to close out with a bang! So it did. We all sang karaoke for about 3 hours or so, lasting to the morning hour of 3AM. My friend Jim was really so into it like I've never seen him before. He actually sang the songs the way it ought to be heard - and not making up his own lyrics like most of us have gotten out of him in the past... Before all of these get-togethers, there was something spectacular to add to the highlight reel. Jayson took us all the way to Pungo in Virginia Beach and let us participate in shooting lessons at the C2 Shooting Center. We used his AR-15 rifle to shoot the paper targets that were about 25 - 30 yds away. For starters, Rizz and I were impressive. We were able to hit the bullseye and its surrounding areas. We totally rocked that day. Jayson was proud of us ... Lastly, Emer took us to the Red Ribbon bakery that just recently opened to the public. Amidst the news of long lines, we've decided to give it a go and head over there. Each of us had Halo-Halo and a piece of cake (in which I don't remember from the top of my head.) It was definitely a great milestone being there for the first time and seeing all this hype unfold. The only inconvenience was of course the dreaded long lines and the lack of seats available (in which people were just about finished with their food, yet they never left). Oh well. We took our desserts to Emer's office instead. From then on, he took us to the airport so we can catch up with our flight on-time. And this leads to where I am now: in the Southwest jet ... Documenting video clips and pictures through my Blackberry Curve was a breakthrough indeed. Usually, I use separate gadgets to do each task (such as that of my Canon digital camera & Flip video camera). And with those mentioned, I seldom used them. It was all Blackberry from there. From the shooting range to the gatherings, the device captured great moments on a tiny little Micro SD card that could keep data for up to 4MB. These media files were uploaded to social communities online such as Facebook and Twitter. I can always relive each highlight to the fullest ... However, I have to say this. The biggest highlight doesn't have to be documented on film or through pictures. It was something worthy to live each day for - and that's reuniting with my family. And having Rizz around was a great blessing, too. She's my inspiration.

Snowed-In During First Half of VA Holiday Visit...but...it's ok

Despite the big snow storm that happened on Christmas night, Rizz and I were able to enjoy the comfort of being home with loved ones, eating plenty of food, as well as catching up on week 16 NFL games and NBA Christmas double-header games. We even had our presents open in the middle of Christmas Day. So it wasn't bad staying home after all even though the weather outside was indeed frightful. However, it did scale back our plans on going everywhere. Hopefully by Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, our adventure will take us furthermore - and that the snow should melt by then. I'm ready for the 2nd half of this holiday vacation. The 1st half is done and so is staying put at home. No snow is forecasted in the days ahead and that the temps are going to increase to a high of at least 60 by this Friday. So here's to more good times ahead with the days we have left in this holiday vacation in Hampton Roads, VA.

Here we go! It's V-A we go for the holidays!

Tomorrow, me and Rizz are headed for Virginia. The 757. Hampton Roads Area. I'm looking forward to being surrounded by loved ones that consist of my parents, brothers, relatives, and of course, my closest circle of friends - for the holiday season. I'm not exactly sure what's in store for the next few days we'll be there, but we're definitely gonna enjoy every moment of it as it comes .... The excitement just started to build up as we just got out of work and now it's like 3:32am in the morning. In about 4 hours or so, I'm gonna reserve space for me and her on the Southwest Airlines flights bound for Baltimore and Norfolk. Then, we'll start packing in order to prepare for tomorrow's departure out of Midway.