Cowboys - Eagles Rivalry

Not sure why, but one of the great sports rivalries exist between the Cowboys and the Eagles NFL football teams. 

According to Wikipedia, the Cowboys versus Eagles rivalry is a 63 year long intra-divisional rivalry, with the two teams contained in the same division since 1961. I was only four years old when the rivalry began.

The teams will be facing again next Sunday, and the fans are ready for battle. Every time they play, some sport reporters make it sound like they are waging a war to end all wars between Israel and Palestine. Since I am not a football fan, to me the entire football rivalry thing is a bit silly.

Foto Friday - United States Capitol Building

This picture was taken during a trip to Washington DC on November 2020, two months before the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States.

I remember setting up my camera gear near the grassy triangle on the House side of the Capitol's East Front. This is the location where reporters and politicians hold their press conferences.

The phone rang and it was my sister who lives in Puerto Rico, and knew I was spending the weekend in DC. She was worried about me; afraid that crowds of MAGA supporters would protest, and that it would turn violent.

At that time there was a lot of hateful rhetoric and misinformation about the "Stop the Steal" movement from Trump. To put her at ease, I reassure her that some small pockets of MAGA supporters were marching outside the Capitol building, and chanting peacefully. So I was not concerned.

My visit to DC was two months before Trump and his minions encouraged his followers to march inside the Capitol building, and the riot and chaos that ensued. Every time I look at this selfie of myself photographing the Capitol building, brings back memories of when my sister called from 2,000 miles away, very concerned about my well being.

Throwback Thursday - 1950 United States Army

This is a picture of my then 23-year-old father serving in the Army in 1950. He was fortunate that World War 2 ended six years earlier with the unconditional surrender of Germany in May 1945. 

When the Korean War broke out in 1950, my father was stationed in Panama thanks to his radio repair/maintenance skills and knowledge of communication equipment. For that reason he did not see combat action in Korea. After the war, SEARS offered my father the opportunity to be manager of the Radio/Television department in my home town. My father declined, and opened his own radio and television repair shop, until he retired.

Who Advocates For The Victims Rights?

More information is now pouring in about the mass murderer (Robert Card) that gunned down 18 people in Maine last week.

The sister of the gunman was the person who called police and identified him as the shooter. His brother disclosed to police that a woman ended a relationship with Robert Card in the previous months, and they had previously met at one of the locations where he opened fire. Details have now been disclosed that Robert Card had been under the authorities radar for months.

Robert Card's ex-wife and his son met with authorities last May to share that Robert Card mental health had been declining, that he was paranoid and hearing voices. As per the family, Mr. Card had 10-15 guns. In September, some of his Army reservist friends contacted the sheriff office, and shared that they were concerned Mr. Card was going to snap, and commit a mass shooting. In addition, the sheriff office knew Mr. Card spent time in a psychiatric hospital, but never removed his guns.

Mr. Card killed 18 people and took his own life last week. Yesterday, Joel Merry, the county sheriff still defended the decision not to use Maine's "Yellow Flag" gun law, which removes a person's guns, if they are considered a danger to themselves or others.

The County Sheriff argues that they didn't want to violate the shooter's rights. The question to ask should be, who advocates for the rights of the victims?

La Codicia Y La Amistad No Van De La Mano

Ayer se quito la vida, José Miguel Centeno Sánchez, un policia de la uniformada de Puerto Rico en el pueblo de Isabela, cuando las autoridades llegaron a su casa con una orden de allanamiento. El agente, llevaba 20 años trabajando con la policia de Puerto Rico.

El policia era sospechoso de cometer el horrendo asesinato de una pareja de envejecientes. La pareja fue amordazada y baleada para robarle $200,000 de la venta de una casa. Segun la noticia, el policia llevaba una amistad de mas de 10 años con los envejecientes, y de vez en cuando hacia arreglos en la residencia de ellos. Ya lo dice el refran, "la codicia y la amistad no van de la mano".

Ex-Senadora PNP Evelyn Vazquez Se Lanza Para Alcaldia de Mayaguez

Segun Vazquez, el municipio de Mayagüez “se ha quedado atrás en la historia del progreso y pretendemos revivir sus mejores años". Por eso, en su primer proyecto para enfrentar la crisis de Mayaguez, Vazquez va buscar el tesoro del galeon hundido en las costas de Puerto Rico. 

El rescate de “ricos” tesoros sumergidos en costas de Puerto Rico podria convertirse en la solución a los problemas financieros de Mayaguez  y la fuente de dinero para garantizar su campaña politica. 

La verdad que estos politicos de pacotilla de nuestra isla no tienen verguenza. 

In A Bit Of A Conundrum

I am in a bit of a conundrum, now that I am spending more time creating videos and buying new gear for my channel.

I see myself relegating photography to a second place. Last night, I realized that since I purchased the DJI drone last January, I have not taken any pictures with my Nikon D7000 DSLR. Every single new pictures or videos have been taken with my cell phone or my GoPro action camera.

Let me rephrase the previous statement, the only pictures taken with my Nikon camera, are the old pictures scanned at my sister's house this past summer when I began to digitize our family old pictures.

Some changes need to be made, if I want to fall off the wagon back into digital photography.

Throwback Thursday - Childrens Camp

These are some images taken during my time doing volunteer work (15 years) at summer camp.

I have hundreds of summer camp images, these are some of my favorites. This five day camp gives kids ages 5-14, a chance to participate in structured sports and games, arts and crafts, group projects and field trips.

I don't think most people realize how important is for these children to be part of camp, especially for kids who are economically disadvantaged. They learn life skills in a safe and fun environment, that helps them develop important social, emotional and cognitive skills. 

The most rewarding part of camp for me, was seeing some of these kids now as responsible adults, building a future, while raising their own families. As a bonus, it was great to see some of them to come back to camp as grown-ups, as volunteer counselors and give back to the community.

Two Wheel Tuesdays - Biggest Motorcycle Regret

My biggest regret was selling my 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2 triple. It's a long story, but that bike gave me many years of fun memories.

In 1979, I was working as a technician at the Honda motorcycle dealership in my hometown. That same year American Honda had introduced the Honda CBX six-cylinder engine. It was their flagship motorcycle. It was designed to give Honda bragging rights about the fastest production motorcycle in the late 70's.

In my infinite wisdom, I thought I could purchase the Honda CBX with the measly wages I was making at the dealership. I was so naive, that I gave my bike away for measly $650.00 dollars. Like I said, it was my biggest motorcycle regret in life.

Fast Forward One Year

On a day like today last year, Hurricane Fiona landed in Puerto Rico and I was stuck on the island unable to leave until the airport reopened flights.

Fast forward one year. I had planned to attend a motorcycle event called The Modern Classics Ride in my area tomorrow. The event was postponed thanks to Tropical Cyclone Sixteen that is supposed to get here beginning today.

I know this tropical storm does not compare to Hurricane Fiona, but torrential rains, high winds and life threatening storm surge are expected in the east coast, especially in the Philly region this weekend. Let's be careful out there!

GoPro Cleanest Motovlog External Audio Setup

On Sunday, I spent the whole day testing various settings on my new audio recorder (Zoom H1n) that I plan to use to improve the quality of my GoPro action camera audio sound.

I plan to use my old trusty external Lavalier microphone on it. The trick will be to synch my GoPro voice audio sound inside my helmet with the Zoom H1n motorcycle exhaust recording. To record a wind noise free sound, a "dead cat windscreen" or windscreen foam pop filter will be used. This is an ongoing process, stay tuned!

Armed Mutiny

With the new addition of the GoPro Hero 12, their fan base is so upset about some of the changes and updates, it sounds like some people are ready for an armed mutiny.

Of course I am exaggerating their reaction, but in my opinion it is too much ado about nothing.

I don't understand what is the big deal. I am still using my GoPro Hero 4, introduced in the market in 2014. (I own two Hero 4 Black and one Hero 4 Silver). The Hero 4 camera does everything I need without any issues. Why buy a new action camera when the old version still produces flawless work?

GoPro Hero 12 - Release Date

The 2023 GoPro Hero 12 action camera is expected to be released Sept 6th. I am not holding my breath expecting new updates.

Besides, for the type of extreme abuse I put through my GoPro Hero 4, taking underwater photos and videos, and recording my motorcycle onboard rides I am very happy with it. My (3) GoPro Hero 4's were released 2014. So far, my action camera had been trouble-free. Knock on wood.

Two Wheel Tuesday - Tales From The Garage

The first story takes place May 2013, ten years ago. I had planned to attend the Philadelphia Susan G Komen "Walk For The Cure" Annual Cancer walk and went to the garage to get my bike.

To my surprise, the night before a fire engulfed more than half of the garage/storage facility causing extensive damage. Luckily, there were no reported injuries, and the area where my motorcycle was stored, was spared from the damage in part thanks to the prompt response by the fire department.

Unfortunately, as you can see in the images below, others were not as lucky. The last two pictures are of a 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R. It melted to the ground. In catastrophic events like this, it pays to have your property fully insured.

Back To The Basics - Scenic Photography

Last night I realized that I have neglected something that I enjoy immensely, taking landscape and scenic pictures.

This morning I revisited my old scenic pictures album from Flickr, and realized that I need to get back in the habit of scouting new locations to add more pics to my portfolio. Stay tuned!

Maui Hawaii Wildfires

As it always happen when there is a natural disaster, apparently the people of Maui, Hawaii, had no warning to the wildfires that devastated the town of Lahaina.

It's now considered the deadliest wildfire disaster in the United States for more than a century. Residents say they received no warning before fire ravaged the island. The wildfires left a trail of death and destruction.

I spent a month in Maui in 2004; two weeks in April, and two weeks in December of 2004, and visited Lahaina a couple of times checking out some of the art galleries. Looking back, I can't even imagine what everyone is going through. Most reports indicate that the warning alarms did not function. I expect residents to file lawsuits against the government officials in Maui as soon as the search, rescue and recovery is complete.

The Cost of Living and the American Dream

Have you seen a viral video in social media about a woman complaining about the cost of living?

She claims that her son is currently living with her, despite having a college degree. Even with higher education, her son is unable to afford his own place. She question, "why does a 1 bedroom apartment cost $2000 dollars? She tells people on her video, how she realized the American Dream is no longer something younger generations can attain.

We live in the richest country in the world, where "we are all closer to being homeless than we are to being a billionaire.”

Kawasaki Electrical Sportbikes

For 2024, Kawasaki is introducing what they call Hybrid and Electrical Sportbikes. I am aware that electrical motorcycles have been in the marked for a couple of years, but I didn't think Kawasaki would go that route so soon.

Why now? I personally don't plan to purchase any electrical vehicles anytime soon. In fact, my Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 should outlive me if I take good care of it.

In my opinion, electrical vehicles wont replace gas vehicles for the time being. At least in my lifetime. Also, if global governments are pushing electrical vehicles trying to solve the climate change issue, maybe they should instead focus their efforts in reducing carbon emissions from the multibillion corporations and global air polluters that are destroying our planet.

Take Me To Your Leader

It is a coincidence, that the same week Navy pilots testified to Congress about UFO sightings, I watched my favorite science fiction/comedy movie, Mars Attacks, directed by Tim Burton.

As you know, there are many people who don't believe there is a possibility of life in other galaxies. People still think we are all alone in the Universe.

Back in 2010, I’ve read an interview granted to British scientist Stephen Hawking, where he was warning us to please stop trying to make contact with aliens. He argued that they may want to destroy human civilization.

Hawking stated that Aliens arriving to planet Earth may become our conquerors by colonizing our planet just like Christopher Columbus did when he arrived in America. As per Hawking, our civilization could easily be exterminated. I hate to say it, but he has a point.

Social Media Apps Could Be So Much Fun

Life could be so simple if Instagram and many other social media apps would clamp down on bots. Fake accounts promoting services and self promoting spam are ruining the experience. After posting three images the other morning, I spent 20 minutes deleting comments about self promoters from different countries who are not interested in Instagram.

I wish a more strict moderating method was implemented, but just like most sites on the internet, the site administrators are not interested in removing the riff-raff. They care more about clicks and numbers than keeping the site from the usual trolls. Social media apps could be so much fun. Now, not so much. 

Aniversario De 40 Años - (1983 -2023)

Un dia como hoy, 27 de julio de 2023, se cumplen 40 años del dia que yo llegue a Estados Unidos desde Puerto Rico en busca de una mejor educacion.

Ha llovido mucho y han ocurrido muchas experiencias, buenas y malas. A pesar de todos los obstaculos, he logrado muchas metas y conocido tremendos seres humanos que me han ayudado a crecer como persona. 

Le doy gracias a Dios, a mi familia y amigos por todo su apoyo. Veremos a ver que me depara el destino en el futuro. 

La foto fue tomada en el 1983, en la sala de mi primer apartamento en Brooklyn, NY. 

Barbie Takes Box Office Crown – Republicans Are Throwing Temper Tantrums Over A Silly Movie

Barbie earned $155 million at the box office during its opening weekend. Movie-goers made up of mostly women, dressed in all pink to celebrate the occasion.

In the meantime, conservatives are complaining about the “woke” and “trans” movie using their typical grievances about culture wars. This time they are taking the opportunity to lit Barbies and Ken on fire to protest, and throw tantrums over the movie. 

You have to wonder, why grown conservative men are so bent out of shape over a movie about toys? What a bunch of childish snowflakes. 

Nursing Diplomas And Transcripts Scandal

Earlier this year, the Justice Department announced it had uncovered a scheme involving the sale of more than 7,600 fake diplomas and transcripts from several now shuttered nursing schools in Florida.

State Boards of Nursing (SBONs) from Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida, have launched their investigations into individuals tied to the scheme. 

It appears that a Florida-based school sold fake nursing diplomas. The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing is taking steps to revoke the licenses of 18 individuals in connection with the nationwide nursing license scam.

For $17,000, nursing students bought diplomas with no classes or training. Last year, the executive director of Delaware’s board annulled the licenses of 26 nurses who had bought degrees for about $17,000 each.

If this faked diplomas and transcripts scandal is true, it is going to put in jeopardy the licenses of those real nurses who work hard, and legal, to help their patients. Now they will have to prove that their credentials are legit, or face discipline. What a shame.

The top picture was taken at the Health Center where I was working, during the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

Foto Fridays - Freezing My Butt Off

This is one of the first pictures I took back in 2015 when I purchased my Nikon DSLR. Geno’s Steaks in Philadelphia have the reputation of having the best steaks in the city, for that reason the restaurant is always crowded. Some people have called the place a tourist trap, and I tend to agree. This was my first and only time to this place, and I only went to take this picture.

To avoid the crowds, I visited the restaurant on a December cold chilly night. Temperature at 3:00am was around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. I walked to the restaurant from the subway station; the street was deserted and quiet. Traffic was essentially nonexistent. Despite the cold weather, I noticed one customer sitting on a bench outside the restaurant eating his steak.

I took my time to setup the composition, and took about a dozen pictures from different angles. This image was the best of the bunch. I froze my butt off taking this picture that morning, but I was really happy with the final result. Enjoy! 

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

On Sunday the 21st of May 2023, we are teaming up to ride in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health. Classic and vintage style motorcycles, dressing dapper and riding to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

We are asking you to join us in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause.

Es Hora De Tomar Unas Vacaciones

La playa me llama, el cuerpo me pide unas vacaciones. No creo que voy a esperar que me llegue el pasaporte para disfrutar unos dias de sol y playa. Hay tantos destinos a donde ir, que lo unico que necesito es seleccionar los dias, comprar el pasaje e irme a viajar.

En estos dias he estado pensando en cuatro lugares en especifico, Puerto Rico, Belize, Monument Valley o Toronto. Eso no incluye los deseos que tengo de ir en la motora hasta Phoenix, California o quizas Mexico. Veremos a ver que finalmente decido, en un par de dias tomare la decision.

Trump Finalmente Fue Acusado Por Cargos Criminales 4/4/2023

Celebrando Mi Cumpleaños Hoy (4/4/2023) Con Donald Trump En La Corte de Manhattan.

NEWSPAPER INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS: Protests Roil Outside Trump Arraignment In Manhattan Court

Angel Perez: Culpable De Corrupcion Por Decision Unanime

El jurado lo encontro culpable tras 4 horas de deliberacion. A cada lechon le llega su Navidad. Ahora a esperar el juicio de los alcaldes corruptos de Mayaguez y Ponce. Cada pueblo tiene el gobierno que se merece.

Puerto Rico: Donde Hasta Los Alcaldes Son Parte De La Mafia

Leyendo las declaraciones del ex-alcalde de Cataño, Félix “El Cano” Delgado, en el juicio que se lleva a cabo hoy en contra de el ex-alcalde de Guaynabo, Angel Perez, yo me quedo asombrado como a esta hora el pueblo de Puerto Rico todavia confia en estos corruptos mafiosos politicos. 

Un año arrestan una masa de corruptos, y cuatro años despues arrestan a los proximos politicos que suben al poder. La avaricia y el poder corrompe nuesta isla. Segun el testimonio del ex-alcalde de Cataño, Félix “El Cano” Delgado, hasta a la esposa de Angel Perez, la ex-jueza Liza Fernandez pusieron a guisar en el municipio como parte del esquema de corrupcion. 

No cabe duda que Puerto Rico es la isla del chanchullo. El que menos uno se imagina le esta robando el dinero al pueblo de Puerto Rico. 

Juez en Puerto Rico Le Tira La Toalla a Ex-Alcalde de Yauco, Abel Nazario

El flamante ex-alcalde de Yauco, Abel Nazario, se declaro culpable por robo/soborno relacionados a programas de fondos federales en Puerto Rico. Fue sentenciado a cumplir 18 meses de carcel.

"Esta pena se unirá a otra de 18 meses que le resta por cumplir por otro caso de corrupción pública por el cual Nazario fue hallado culpable por un jurado. Se le imputó ofrecer declaraciones falsas sobre el uso de fondos federales del Departamento del Trabajo."

Como en Puerto Rico todo funciona en base a quien es tu padrino, el juez accedio a que el corrupto y ladron ex-alcalde de Yauco pueda estar en la libre comunidad en lo que termina un tratamiento medico en su boca, asi como unos estudios en la Universidad de Europa, con sede en España.

En Puerto Rico, los politicos corruptos tienen privilegios. Este es el mismo corrupto que no tenia dinero para pagar su defensa en el juicio, pero para trabajos medicos para arreglarse la boca e irse a estudiar en Europa aparece el dinero rapido. 

Estos politicos ladrones todos se tiran la toalla. Si fuera Chencho el Matapuerco o cualquier hijo del vecino, va preso sin fianza. Si soy yo el que salgo culpable por esos mismos cargos, voy preso el mismo dia. 

No dudo que despues que cumpla su sentencia, vuelve a postularse para un puesto politico en Puerto Rico, y el pueblo vuelve a darle el voto. 

Ex-Alcalde Angel Perez Ahora Pide Oracion, Mientras Robaba se Olvido de la Religion

Hoy, en el inicio de su juicio por soborno y corrupcion, el ex-alcalde Angel Perez pidio que "oren por todas las personas que van a estar participando en este proceso”. Ahora el ex-alcalde de Guaynabo Angel Perez es cristiano, invocando a Dios, pero mientras estaba robando en su posicion de alcalde y recibiendo dinero por debajo de la mesa no se recordo del cristianismo. 

Los políticos se acuerdan de la fe y la religión cuando están acusados por robarse el dinero del pueblo. Mientras estaba robando, su religion era el dinero. Mas culpable es el pueblo que vota por estos corruptos. Yo voy a orar porque salga culpable. 

El Puertorriqueño Que Aporte Dinero Para la Defensa de Wanda Vazquez Es Complice de la Corrupcion

Solo en la isla de Puerto Rico, una corrupta exgobernadora le ruega al pueblo que aporte dinero para su defensa, para enfrentar un caso de corrupcion durante su campaña primarista para la gobernacion por el partido PNP.

La verdad que hay que ser bien descarado. El puertorriqueño que coopere para la defensa de Wanda Vazquez esta defendiendo y es complice de la corrupcion. 

A Walking Skeleton

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend about some pictures that were taken in 2012, when I attended several motorcycle and work related events.

I purchased my current motorcycle, a Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 in 2012. I told my friend that I don't like to look at pictures from that year because at that time I had lost so much weight, that I literally look like a walking skeleton. 

To  make a long story short, around 11 years ago, unintentionally I lost a lot of weigh due to some esophagus health issues I was having. The problem was so bad I had two endoscopies done in the same month. 

I looked terrible, especially around my face area, sunken cheeks and gaunt face. Apparently it was all related to my acid reflux problems, and once the gastroenterologist learned it wasn't anything more serious all I had to do was to get into treatment. 

The top picture is at the office in the health center. It was taken in 2013, when  I was six months into the treatment and had begun to gain my weight back. 

CPAC Biggest Applause: Far-Right Obsession With Eradicating Trans and Gay People

Would you believe that this weekend CPAC most discussed topic so far is how to remove Trans and Gay people from society?

Listening to these people grievances about gays, it sounds to me like the beginning of an insurgent fascist campaign to erase trans people from public life altogether.

A prominent conservative said that the estimated 1.6 million Trans people in the United States should not have a right to exist. "Transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely,” he said. He received one of the night biggest applause. Far-right anti-Trans rhetoric and attacks sounds like straight out of a fascist handbook.

The irony of this whole thing is that Matt Schlapp, a married man, and Chairman of CPAC, one of the nation's most prominent conservative leaders, is currently being sued and accused of allegedly groping the crotch of a male staffer for Herschel Walker's campaign. What a bunch of hypocrites.

Don't Say Blogger In Florida

In 2014, Vladimir Putin signed a law forcing bloggers to register with Russian media office. Right now, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants to pass a bill that will require bloggers who write about the governor and other state government officials to register with the state, and disclose who's paying them and how much. 

What is it with Republican politicians obsession with having Russian repressive dictatorial laws implemented here in the United States?

It sounds like Ron DeSantis have a crusade against free speech and the press, just like Putin did in Russia. I may be wrong, but I believe it violates First Amendment rights. DeSantis sounds worse than the so called stable genius.

Platypod - Tales From The Garage

Went to the garage yesterday, it was warmer enough to work outside. I noticed my tools getting rusted, I am sure is due to the garage humidity. 

To save them from getting ruined, I am going to have to bring them inside my apartment, and only take out the tools necessary to do the job at hand. I started taking some of the tools home today. 

In the meantime, I took a couple of pictures of my Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 using a Platypod compact camera tripod. This little gadget has been sitting in my home for almost two years without being used. I knew I was going to the garage, so I decided to put the Platypod to good use. 

Enjoy the pictures, they were taken yesterday afternoon.