The GAP-brand hoodie has always been a fashion tradition for this trendy clothing company. I respect them for retaining its look for the many years its been out. However, I realized something is different now from when I first worn my own GAP hoodie back in the late 1990s. The garment isn't as thick as a standard fleece anymore. Feels more like a sweater instead. Hopefully one day, they'll bring it back.

Pictured below is myself in that GAP hoodie taken back in 2005 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

I guess this explains why we had no power in the area for an hour or two last Thursday evening. Thanks to Com Ed for the save!

I got into my first vehicle accident since 1994. But it's a different scenario compared to the time when I was just a 2nd year college student in Norfolk, VA heading home from school and later getting my mom's red '85 Dodge Omni spun in the traffic intersection (because of someone's negligence of failing to stop at a stop light). Enter 2012 at 3:15PM on an April 25th, Thursday. I'm now a company driver operating a company vehicle which is a '08 Toyota Sienna. I was with a crew of 3 (which included myself). We were at a red light on the intersection of River St & New York St in the heart of downtown Aurora, IL. Everything seemed okay for the first 20 seconds as we all had a conversation going on in the van - until a lady in her '06 Buick Lucerne rear-ended us from behind. First, I was wondering what kind of damage the van had and second, to see if the lady herself was okay from the impact. So we both had to park awkwardly to the right of New York St (as pictured above) before the local police would arrive. It turns out that there was no significant damage (to the vehicles) or injury of any kind to both parties. However, through company policies and procedures (because after all - we were in a company vehicle), the accident must still be reported. I'm relieved that everyone is okay.

Make this the 2nd time now that the Hayame XT5 exhaust muffler went down again from my '01 Honda Civic Coupe EX. It apparently failed to hang on because of the damaged, rusted pipe that was once welded into it a few years back. So it's another minus of a modified part that was once a part of the trendy fast-and-furious days during the 2000 decade. All that's left now is the Injen-brand intake, the Eibach-brand lower springs, and the Altezza-style taillights. Though heartbreaking to a huge degree (because of its appearance and sound), the Hayame XT5 had to finally be taken out. I am grateful that there is a workable and affordable muffler to replace it. Special thanks to the staff of Auto Plus in Aurora, IL for their help in resolving this latest dilemma to my Civic.

This is the BEFORE photo. As you can see here, the Hayame XT5 exhaust muffler and the rusted pipe are separated.

This is the AFTER photo. As you can see here, a standard OEM muffler replaces the Hayame XT5 and that the rusted pipe is removed.

The last few weeks lately have been a thrill-ride for me, most of which seem to be beyond my control appearing sudden and sometimes unexpected. Despite all that's going on, I do my best to remain as cool, calm and laid back as possible. In any type of circumstance I usually face, I always take these as learning lessons to pave the way for a better life. Sometimes moments like these can bring out the best in myself while facing the daily trials. Through this also comes faith. I'm proud to say that God's been picking me up when things seem to be too much of a burden with its intricacies. And He's been consistent at that all these 37 years of my life.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34

My Music Pick of the Day: Sabi ft. Wale - Where They Do That At [Official Music Video]

Sabi had that smash hit way back months ago teaming up with Cobra Starship which charted all the way to the top of the charts. Now she's got her own track 'Where They Do That At.' Sounds really good. Laid back jam. She reminds me of the late Aaliyah in this music video - from her hairstyle to her outfit(s).

With the surprise instant elimination of show-fave Jesse Campbell, I will no longer watch 'The Voice' on NBC for the rest of this season. I find it unfair as it favors others to win the competition instead. I was hooked on it for the last few months seeing who will make it to the finals and I hoped that Jesse would be 'in-it-to-win-it.' But that didn't happen probably thanks in part to the NBC producers, showrunners, what have you, etc. who wanted to go with their own terms of a better direction for the show. I know Christina Aguilera didn't want to get rid of Jesse, personally, but she ultimately had no choice having to sacrifice someone great from her team. She played fiddle to what the producers want and they got it. Jesse Campbell IS The Voice, hands down. Every week, he took it up a notch with his performance that seemed so ever flawless and well loved by the audiences everywhere. No offense, but I don't think Team Christina team member Lyndsey is better than Jesse. She's still in the show and has survived. These shows can be as addictively entertaining but later comes those rules - that come from nowhere. I wish they'd stick to the rules of letting it be America's choice on deciding who wins and who goes home. I guess I'll have to look forward to next season. And I still have mad love for the judges - Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton. They're a fun bunch and I hope they'll get the greatest talents out there that'll rightfully be given that opportunity to vie and win the coveted title as The Voice!

Note to self: These are great Kettlebell workouts

I am looking forward to these types of Kettlebell workouts...It'll be time to get this 37 year old body jacked and ripped -- to levels it's never been before. At the same time, I'll have to eat nutritiously and make this a vital part of my daily life. I devised myself a playlist of this awesome dude showing how its done with intense Kettlebell techniques. Once I get my Kettlebell weights, I'll be set. That means hardly any texting, internet time, or even blogging for that matter. Well, uhm, not necessarily on blogging. I can always allow time to blog for up to a minute, an hour, or days. But I won't let you guys down by not posting for a week, that's for sure :)

Guest Blog - Trayvon Martin/ George Zimmerman's 2nd degree murder & arrest, various cases, racism, etc.

(Jonnyroobs' Disclaimer: I am not responsible for the contents written in this guest blog post. It belongs to a friend of mine's from Virginia who seems to be aligning himself to Zimmerman. As much as I'm in total support for Trayvon Martin, his family and supporters, and justice in general, I would like to hear someone's perspective giving him a chance to validate his points regarding this case as well as other cases not taken to consideration by the news media. Racism, no matter what case, is still an ongoing issue that remains so prevalent in today's society like it was generations before. I still think 100% that Zimmerman's own actions beyond that of a neighborhood watchman were so wrong that led to Martin being gunned down in the end. That is no excuse - period. I look forward to this case when it goes to court. My friend is right though when it comes to other cases being ignored. I think that too is wrong. Everyone - no matter the background or race - deserves justice equally, and not just the media attention sticking solely on the Trayvon Martin case alone.)

Guest Blog by E.B., Northern Virginia

2nd Degree murder charges is pretty typical on cases like this. Once the court date starts we will see the actual evidence. One thing for sure is the the special prosecutor could not charge him on 1st degree is because the evidence proves he did not just run up to Trayvon and shoot him as the media and his parents have been claiming. Now the prosecutor has to prove Zimmerman killed Trayvon without good reason, such as his defense will be selfdefense in a life threatening situation. Now the burden is all on the special prosecutor to prove that Zimmerman's life was not in danger as Zimmerman claims and evidence leans towards so far. One thing is for sure, the special prosecutor would have not taken this case if it wasn't for so much media that has so far been very misleading. This is a dog and pony show. If they were truly for equality for all, where are the marches for the racial attack on the Baltimore man a few weeks ago who was beaten, robbed and stripped of his cloths by a group of blacks. Of the white child who was burned alive by the two black teens who hurled racial slurs at the child. It all happened around the same time as this shooting happened yet no one knows about it.

http://newsone.com/2001628/black-baltimore-men-caught-on-tape-beating-white-man-worldstarhiphop/

Read the comments by many blacks as they claim this white man is to make up for the sins of all white men. Who says black folk are not racist? Many blacks claim this... that they can't be racist or be found guilty of it even if they are. Sad. Many black are confused the reaction and comments of so many other blacks as they are starting to turn into the thing they hate the most. Racists.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f4c_1332714892&comments=1

The media has a thing to point out victims who are black but if they are white they say nothing. Yet if the criminal is anything other then black they point it out. Look how hard they tried to convince us for 4 weeks the Zimmerman was caucasian. They even printed in a few major stories he was a white racist then when it came out he was all along a hispanic. Then they covered their tracks with "white-hispanic". Please... they are making up words to show white this and white that... when will they ever address our president as white-african American? They won't... even though he is 50% white. Again, media race bating. No word from the NAACP on those two cases and calls for justice.

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Titanic SUPER 3D

Here's a funny take on the Titanic 3D hype. The add-on effects for humor's sake is a definite plus. Well made! The movie itself fared behind American Reunion and this week's box office hit (because of the kids and teenagers out there) - The Hunger Games.

Guest Blog - Easter Edition

"On this very day...I will drop to my knees...take grasp of the earth with both full fists...lift my head up to the sky...and with prayer, give my thanks to the higher power for allowing me to live a life full of forgiveness...live a life full of love...living for no other reason but to walk the trail that "he" has put before me.. Im thankful for the ones who are in my life...and thankful for the ones that were removed.. I give my prayers to the souls that cannot share this day on earth..but possess the greatest seat possible right next to Jesus himself. He died for us...now we must live for him and everyone that he loves.. Happy Resurrection." - D.C., Orlando, FL

I'm so proud of myself. I was vowing vengeance against the wind that took away most of my good shots during hooptime. Looks like the wind was a 'no-show' and I claimed victory. I was able to drill 3-pointers (totaling to 50 pts) but it still wasn't able to usually go in like normal. I admit that my form seems out of whack just slightly because of the fact I use my wrist, hand and fingers often to operate a device in my inventory job. I think once I keep shooting hoops often, there'll be improvement. But man - I'm just happy that the weather conditions today was favorable and I hope there'll be more days like this. So here's to good news to mention for today :)

Guest Blogs (regarding Trayvon Martin)

(Disclaimer note: I did not write these pieces posted below. It actually comes from friends one that happens to live in Florida and another, in Virginia. The contents are uncensored in its pure raw form and remains 'as is' for everyone to read. It's one's take on the matter from different sides and how they feel regarding the controversial Trayvon Martin case which is dominating headlines as of late.)

So.....can somebody explain to me how a person can consciously put himself in a compromising situation...provoke an un-needed altercation...disobey direct orders from the police department...shoot AND kill somebody elses child who just happens to have a dangerous can of iced tea and a lethal bag of skittles... and at the end of the night get to just go home and SLEEP IT OFF???...FOR DAYS!!??? First off..If somebody is following me...and continues to follow me after i ask "WHY THE FUCK ARE U FOLLOWING ME?"..We have a problem..and will result in me bout to knock yo ass out so u would stop following me(as im sure Trayvon had the same idea)

They said there was a cry for help...in which it could have either been the man yelling for help as he found out the hard way what following a black kid at night for no reason at all will get you..an ass whoopin...but in retrospect..Trayvon was just fighting for his life..

It also could have been Trayvon yelling for help...and I honestly hope it wasn't him yelling for help...becuz its heart-wrenching to think about a child screaming for help in that situation.. it's enough to make u drop tears..

The puzzling thing about it...is that this guy wasn't even arrested..tested for drugs or alcohol...and not even thought of as being the immediate threat as HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAD A DAMN FIREARM!!! The dude is a self-appointed neighborhood watch WITH A GUN...meaning...Nobody told his ass was in charge of patrolling the neighborhood...and most of all...What Neighborhood Watch carries firearms around??? Aint they just supposed to "Watch" and "Snitch"?? smh Praying for Trayvon and his family...praying this is justified..

- D.C., Orlando, FL

There are more facts coming out that are pointing out that Trayvon wasn't as innocent as claimed... nor how can a 6'2" 17 year be a 10 year kid. This picture is doctored to make him look innocent, much younger then he actually looks. Sorry but I will wait for all the facts because a latino man, no man should be wrongfully accused of racism or murder when evidence may be proving his innocence. They mobs that rally are supporting the illegal manhunt by the Black Panther party. There is no warrant out for Zimmerman and to place a $10K bounty on him is illegal. That is a call for a hitman and I do not hear black folk calling for the racist group of the Black Panthers to back off. How can you claim justice if you will not serve justice. The media has been lying as they claimed it was a racist white man when all along Zimmerman is latino with black family members. So, again I will let the special investigator gather their facts and determine what when on. But so far eye witnesses are claiming 6'2" Treyvon was beating to death Zimmerman who's voice you hear on the 911 tapes screaming for his life, not Treyvon as first claimed and had no choice but to shoot Trayvon to stop the beating and attack. I hope true justice is served by bringing out the truth of the situation wether or not if Zimmerman is innocent or guilty but so far he is innocent until proven guilty. Don't be fooled as so many are without weighing all the facts...Trayvon was witness in beating to death Zimmerman. Zimmerman is 6' 2", he is not small. He was more athletic and taller then Zimmerman. Trayvon should have not ran. He should have not been out so late at night. What good was a 17 year old doing being out late at night past midnight. I know as a 17 year old I was up to no good. All my Filipino, Black and White friends at age 17 being out past midnight were up to no good. There is more about this teen that is not being told. If someone was beating you to death and you could not physically stop it, you would use your gun to gain control. So please will every man stop perpitrating. There are over 100 black folk who died since Trayvon and not one word. Let the special investigator do his job and inform us if Zimmerman's story matches up. So far, the neighborhood is testifying for Zimmerman saying Trayvon was beating him to death. I heard one of the eyewitnesses today tell his side and his story does not match Trayvon's innocent appeal. Just saying what I have learned not what the liberal media is telling me... Please people get your facts straight.

- E.B., Northern VA

One of the many graphic art designs that illustrates the look of the up-and-coming iPhone5. This isn't an official or final rendering of the product. And I didn't create that impressive artwork either. I found it circulating on the internet. Apple heads just keeps us guessing on this one until its unveiling a few months from now. Rumors circulating so far are a bigger screen (in which Apple contradicts that thus sticking to its usual 3.5" screen), wireless charging and a 3D high-res cam. We'll just have to see come fall season of 2012 when its time for me to get renew my Sprint contract for another 2 years.

My Music Pick of the Day: Jack Johnson - You And Your Heart

It's time to feel inspired on a gloomy, rainy day. Why not put a Jack Johnson tune, right? LOL

Some interesting food tonight during inventory. Through the birthday girl, herself, Lindsay R. (who is a manager of a store located in the nearby mall) - me and some co-workers were able to get a taste of (get this!) non-dairy cupcakes AND pizza with no cheese whatsoever. However, we weren't able to eat the pizza that she was holding for Rizz's Blackberry cam. That one had pepperoni and crust.

Having a shaved head these days is sooo cool, sexy and aerodynamic...but what's cooler (and painful to the extreme) is having a tiny skin peeled off by the blade. Ouch! That hurts! LOL. I've survived, folks. Nothing really life-threatening :)


Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Its one of those days today where it doesn't bode too well on the basketball court...I make a few shots here and there but it just wasn't enough to satisfy me. Battling the elements of heavy winds was a major factor as to why most of my shots swayed left or right. The sunny, pleasant conditions just wouldn't work with me today. The winds were dominant for the most part. The skateboarders on the opposite side were a non-factor. I didn't mind the noise and excitement coming from them.


Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Inspiration for the day! Love it!!!!

My cousin Camille sings a song via Skype conversation

Had a wonderful Friday evening conversation via Skype with my relatives who just arrived in Virginia Beach a few days ago. It's good to know that they finally made it. They're living with Mom, Dad, and my brother Jeff for the time being. I hope to meet everyone by June, in which I am going to the area for my friend Ray's wedding. The young teenage girl singing the Taylor Swift tune is my cousin Camille. She's absolutely amazing in her musical talent. I hope one day she can have the chance to see or meet her idol, Taylor Swift.