One Of My Most Cherished Photos From The Trip

Several years ago, I was planning to spend a week at Tail of the Dragon motorcycle resort in North Carolina. To make a long story short, before the trip I began searching for places to photograph in the area. Not quite sure how I found this abandoned vintage gas station during one of the searches. I figured that with a little creativity it would make an interesting photograph to shoot the one century old gas station next to my modern Kawasaki Ninja.

The old gas station in Luck, North Carolina, is the historic Pink J. Plemmons Groceries & Feeds, located on NC-209 ("The Rattler") in Madison County. Once served as the town's post office. Built around 1902, this now-defunct landmark features iconic, rusting 1950s-era gas pumps and a vintage sign, making it a popular, frozen-in-time spot for photographers and travelers.

From the motorcycle resort to the old gas station is roughly a little over 4 hours roundtrip, covering about 230 miles. So, a couple of days before I had to return to Philly, I decided to visit the location. It was quite an adventure to find the old gas station, out in the middle of nowhere. All in all, it was worth it, and one of my most cherished photos from the trip. 

Donald Trump, the Wannabe Fascist Dictator Invades Iran

During the presidential campaign, Trump promised to keep the United States out of "forever wars". The United States is currently attacking Iran, and your dear leader this morning said, "there could be American casualties, and that that often happens in war". 

There is now a full-fledged war taking place between the United States against Iran. All hell is breaking loose in the Middle East. How easy a draft dodger sends other people to die in a stupid ego war and to distract from the Epstein Files.

Whatever is in the Epstein files must be very damning because now Trump is starting wars to distract. We don't have money for healthcare, but we definitely have money for missiles.

So much for the "NO NEW WARS AND AMERICA FIRST". The economy is bad, and now the "peace president" has brought us into another war. Those of YOU who voted for this wannabe fascist dictator are responsible for this.

To anyone who voted for Trump = AMERICANS BLOOD WILL BE IN YOUR HANDS. 

Cartoonizing Photos Appear To Be More Appealing To The Eye

Turning pictures into cartoons have many advantages.  Not only enhances visual appeal for social media it also helps create personalized content, while removing imperfections from the original image.

I took this image three years ago next to the "I Love PR" sign in San Juan, PR. Is the perfect example why some pictures need to be converted into cartoons. I know that when it comes to pictures of myself, I am my worst critic.

In my humble opinion, I look terrible on this original image and is the reason why it has been hiding in my computer for three years. Turning this hideous unflattering picture into a cartoon has brought the image back to life and to me it is more enjoyable and visually appealing to the eye. 

I Absolutely Love Being Retired

A couple of days ago, after I finished creating this cartoon image of myself sitting in my old health center office, I felt kind of nostalgic. It's been five years since I retired from a career in healthcare that I loved. 

After 26 years in the HIV/AIDS field, I think is normal to feel nostalgic after going through a major life transition like retirement. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being retired and my newfound freedom from work-related stress. 

It's been a blessing to pursue my hobbies, setting my own schedule, and spending more quality time with family and friends. The bottom line is that I absolutely love being retired and living life at my own pace.

Unable to Title This Post Properly

For some reason, I am unable to come up with the proper title for this post. Earlier this week I created several personalized cartoons of myself using photos taken during some of my travels to visit family and friends. 

This picture cartoon in particular, was taken while shooting at one of my favorite tourist locations at Muelle de la Libertad in el Poblado de Boqueron. During the past three years, I have visited this area dozens of times. My favorite picture so far, it's one I took during sunset hours. I will post a copy of it at the end of this post.

I can't understand why a personalized cartoon picture looks so much better than the dozen or more images taken with several digital cameras in a particular location. I just goggled this question, and received this response, "personalized cartoons often look better than photos because they simplify, exaggerate, and idealize reality, removing distracting, imperfect, or mundane details."

Maybe Google is correct, but to me, a personalized cartoon picture allows me to create a unique image that represents my personality. And that is what I am trying to convey on my blog. I am going to continue adding my real pictures, but if I can write a post using cartoons, I'll use them too. 

My Personalized Motorcycle AI Cartoon

I have to confess that creating my first Al (Artificial Intelligence) personalized cartoon of my 2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 and my 1978 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD, has been both a blessing and a curse. I love playing with the app. I am hooked, but who can blame me?

The United States and Iran Are On The Brink of War

Just recently, Trump threatened to attack Iran if they killed protesters. Here is a newsflash for you, Trump's fascist tyrannical regime shot and killed American citizens protesting ICE. In my opinion, one of the most patriotic things anyone can do is protest and hold our government accountable.

During the presidential campaign, Trump called himself the "President of Peace" and campaigned on a platform of ending foreign conflicts. Since then, he invaded Venezuela, threatened Panama, Canada, Cuba and Greenland. Trump is currently moving aircraft carriers and hundreds of aircrafts into position in the Middle East.

The difference this time is that the Iranian leadership appears to be even more deluded than Donald Trump faithful MAGA kool-aid drinkers and their thirst for war. Trump's authoritarian tactics could use the Iran war to deflect the attention from the Supreme Court tariffs debacle, and the Epstein Files cover-up. 

The Supreme Court Strikes Down The "Stable Genius" Tariffs

The decision is a stinging defeat for the Orange Turd. Three conservative justices voted against him in an extraordinary 6-3 decision earlier today.

The Supreme Court basically told the "Stable Genius" that his tariffs are illegal, and that he violated federal law when he unilaterally imposed sweeping tariffs across the world. And while doing so, the Orange Turd alienated all the United States allies for literally nothing.

In my opinion, even though the damage is done, Trump should give a refund to all the small business he hurt. Unfortunately, the prices are not going to go down. More than likely the greedy corporations will still keep the prices higher.

This is what happens when you elect a convicted felon who calls himself a "Stable Genius". Trump is an economic moron. Our tyrannical fascist regime illegally collected billions of dollars from the American people.

Reborn: 1975 Kawasaki Z1-900

In 1984, I was reaching the one-year mark of living and getting used to a new life in Brooklyn, NY. At that point I decided to purchase a used motorcycle in order to get around. In New York cars are not needed since public transportation is very efficient. Besides, my goal was to continue saving enough money to attend Motorcycle Mechanics Institute school.

What initially began as a beat up half-dead 1975 Kawasaki Z1-900 platform, ended up as a KZ-1015cc to be exact.  And I bet you cannot tell the bike was spray-painted in my living room using spray cans paint. Those were the good old days.

My sister visited me in 1987 and took a picture with my pride and joy. 

Saint Peter The Apostle Said ....

Saint Peter The Apostle Said ....

"Trump's mentioned more times in the Epstein files than Jesus is mentioned in the Bible."

Ivonne Acosta Lespier, Sin Mordazas

Ayer me entere que hace unos dias fallecio una persona brillante, sumamente inteligente y una de las mejores escritoras que ha dado Mayaguez y Puerto Rico en los ultimos tiempos. Ivonne Acosta Lespier es la  autora del libro La Mordaza: Puerto Rico 1948-1957. En mi opinion, La Mordaza (The Gag Law - The Attempt to Crush the Independence Movement in Puerto Rico - 1948-1957) deberia ser lectura obligatoria para todos los puertorriqueños.

Acosta Lespier fue catedratica de Humanidades e Historia en la Universidad del Turabo durante dos decadas. Fungio como profesora de Historia de Puerto Rico a nivel de Maestria en el Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe. Despunto como miembro fundador de la Asociacion Puertorriqueña de Historiadores, y ostento la presidencia de la Seccion de Historia del Ateneo Puertorriqueño durante 12 años.

Recuerdo haberla encontrado en la blogosfera en el 2010 cuando me uni a una comunidad de blogs de Puerto Rico llamado "PuertoBlogs". Me fascino de la manera que escribia eventos historicos de politica en Puerto Rico, e immediatamente comenze a seguir su blog titulado "Desahogo Boricua" en Blogspot. Siempre le tiraba el ojo a su blog a ver si habia escrito algo nuevo ya que su ultimo aporte fue en el 2019 cuando el pueblo se levanto y saco a Ricky Rosello de la gobernacion.

Que En Paz Descanse.

Recuerdos de Mi Querida Madre

Comparto este recuerdo en memoria de mi querida madre. Las personas que la conocian le llamaban afectuosamente Doña Tere. Mami era la fotografa en casa; partio en el 1985 a morar a la casa del señor.

Que yo recuerde, esta es la unica foto que tengo con mami y las motoras. Ella y mi hermana vinieron a visitarme a Brooklyn, a compartir unas semanas en el año 1984. En aquel tiempo yo trabajaba en el distribuidor de motoras Honda en Paragon Honda en Northern Boulevard de Queens, Nueva York.

Una Mirada Al Pasado

Con este invierno brutal que tenemos en Filadelfia, me la he pasado editando y tratando de restaurar las pocas fotos del pasado que me quedan. Esta foto es una de las pocas que tengo de cuando vivia en la casa de Brooklyn, NY, en el 1989.

La camara que ven encima de la mesa es la primera camara profesional que compre en mi vida. Es una Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 35mm SLR film camera que compre en el 1988. Algo interesante que note en la foto es que en el 1989 todavia no necesitaba espejuelos, y el pelo de la barba y el bigote todavia mantenian el color negro. En el 1989 apenas tenia 33 años.

Me encanta mirar fotos del pasado, me producen nostalgia y refuerzan mis vinculos emocionales con el presente. Lo cierto es que Bad Bunny esta en lo correcto; con tantas buenas experiencias que vivi en Brooklyn, debi tirar mas fotos.

Being Single On Valentine's Day Isn't That Bad

1983 Throwback - What I Would Give To Be Young Again

This picture is one of the few images I have of the time when I was working in a motorcycle repair shop in Puerto Rico. An era before camera phones were readily available; and only a few of my motorcycle friends owned a real camera. 

I can't remember who took this picture of me working on a 1979 Yamaha XS-1100, but I am glad I've been able to save this image over the years. It was taken in 1983, and I was only 27 years old at the time. As you can see, I still had a full head of voluminous hair, with no significant bald spots or thinning. What I would give to be young again. 

Motorcycles and Photography Has Kept My Sanity Alive

That combination of motorcycles and photography is a powerful, science-backed recipe for mental wellness. Many find that the intense focus required for riding, combined with the creative, observational nature of photography, acts as a "reset" button for the brain, lowering stress and enhancing mental clarity. 

The Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Is Becoming A Circus

Why on earth are members of law enforcement sharing information with Harvey Levin and TMZ? This is becoming a very sad and unfortunate circus! Why would anyone send information about the crime to Harvey Levin from TMZ and not the FBI tip line?

I don't understand why the news media keeps interviewing TMZ every 5 minutes to discuss anything about this case. I have always considered TMZ and Harvey Levin sleazy ambulance chasers.

In fact, TMZ is known for covering tragic events, and exploits celebrity personal tragedies for "clicks and views". TMZ should just give all info to the FBI and not be going on air every 5 minutes to discuss every detail.

TMZ is trying to cash in on Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping. In my opinion, TMZ needs to stay out of it, and let the police work the case.

I Gotta Admit, I Wasn't A Big Bad Bunny Fan

But I must confess that it's extremely entertaining to watch MAGA and extreme radical right-wing heads explode because of Spanish songs during the Super Bowl Halftime Show. MAGA snowflakes are melting at the speed of light. The more unhinged, racist and xenophobic they become, the more I love Bad Bunny. 

El Baul de los Recuerdos - 1985

Acabo de ver un video en la pagina de un amigo en Facebook, que me recordo mi experiencia de ser el unico estudiante de color y de habla hispana en 1985 en Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. Vivi en Phoenix, Arizona por un poco mas de 12 meses.

Si me conoces hace un tiempo, sabes que la unica razon por la que vine a vivir a Estados Unidos fue porque deseaba estudiar y recibir el diploma de (MMI) Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. En el 1985, MMI en Phoenix, Arizona era la mejor escuela en Estados Unidos para uno lograr ser un tecnico graduado de motocicletas.

Recuerdo que muchos de los estudiantes en aquel tiempo pensaban que yo era Mexicano. Varias veces trate de explicar que no era Mexicano, que era de Puerto Rico. Decian que no sabian donde era Puerto Rico. Trate de ubicarlos explicando que P.R. forma parte del archipielago de las Antillas Mayores del Mar Caribe. Tampoco sabian donde era el Mar Caribe.

Llego el momento que desisti de explicar y preferi dejarlos por ignorantes. El racismo se expresaba tan abiertamente que me di cuenta que era una perdida de tiempo el tratar de educar a algunas de estas personas.

Despues de terminar de escribir esta experiencia, acabo de darme cuenta que en el 2026 se cumplen 40 años de mi graduacion de (MMI) Motorcycle Mechanics Institute en Phoenix, AZ.

Subzero Wind Chills (minus 20 degrees) For the Next 48 Hours In Philly

Another nightmare weekend, extreme cold and freezing temperatures the next two days. We are expecting minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Subzero wind chills and a possibility of more snow for the Philadelphia area.

I need the snow from the last snowstorm a few weeks ago to melt down soon. Hopefully, after next Tuesday, temperatures are expected to become milder with rainy conditions. Can't wait to take my motorcycle out for a spin.

Trump Shared Video That Was Blatantly Racist

I've been trying not to pay too close attention to it because it's no surprise to me that Donald Trump is a racist. We knew that, but everyone in Capitol Hill is feigning shock and surprise. It's what people in New York have been saying about Trump and his family since the 1970's.

Hate groups are attracted to him for his blatant racism. White Supremacists, the Aryan Nation, Neo-Nazis, Skinheads, The Proud Boys, and the Ku Klux Klan all have publicly expressed support for Trump. These hate groups view his rhetoric and policies as an extension of their own ideologies and goals.

Some Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott, a black Republican from South Carolina, are upset about a racist video Trump shared on his account that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.

It is a mystery to me, the fact that there are people out there shocked that the President of the United States is a proud racist. From the moment I've set foot in New York City 43 years ago, I've known that Trump is a racist.

His entire life Trump has encouraged racism and benefitted politically from it. Of the hundreds of racially offensive things he had said or done, I'll give you three examples that helped shaped/bolster his public and political image.

- 1973 Racial Housing Discrimination.

- 1989 Central Park 5 (advocated for the death penalty against five Black and Latino teenagers).

- 2011 Obama "birther" conspiracy theory.

So, Donald Trump is a racist. Tell me something I don't know.

Time Doesn't Stop For Any of Us

Last night while having a conversation with a childhood friend, I mentioned returning from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia at the end of February of last year. As soon as those words came out of my mouth, it hit me. It is already February of 2026, and I've been back in Philly for one full year after my trip to P.R. 

It is a reminder that time does not stop for anyone. Every day you either get closer to who you want to be or further away from it. Sometimes we waste our days waiting for the "right" moment; it may never come. Live now, breathe now, laugh now. This is your life, and the steering wheel belongs only to you.

I Am Addicted Using Bitmoji

I have a confession to make. I am addicted to Bitmoji, the comic character creator app. This application lets you personalize you own comic strip or avatar. In my opinion, Bitmojis are a Bitstrip alternative. 

In the early 2010's I used Facebook Bitstrips all the time, especially to create cartoon strips for my online blog. Bitstrips was an avatar generator connected to Facebook. Bitsprips are no longer available, but recently I jumped on the Bitmoji bandwagon and despite the panel scenarios limitations, they are a lot of fun to create comic strips using my avatar.

With Bitmoji, the sky is the limit. I can customize/personalize my avatar appearance according to my moods or current activity, and dress my avatar in fashionable, branded clothing using various scenarios. I am hooked; I am enjoying Bitmojis so much that I can't stop using this app.

Enjoying Long Walks On The Beach

The Trump White House Is A Raging Dumpster Fire

Trump is on track to be a total success [insert sarcasm here]. He promised to make himself a dictator. He promised mass deportations. He promised deregulation and the allowance of billionaires to r&pe our natural resources. He promised to conquer Venezuela, Panama and Greenland. He promised to make it so no one would ever need to vote again. He promised to punish people who disagreed with him. He has done or is in process to successfully deliver on all of these promises to systematically destroy our country. And not surprisingly, his supporters cheer.

Now he wants to nationalize the vote, Trump wants to control voting. This is against the Constitution. But since when did Trump or the Republican Congress ever let the Constitution get in the way of anything they wanted to do? 

Now it appears that the Trump administration is openly talking about taking your guns away. 

Yesterday on FoxNews, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Ferris Pirro, threatened to arrest law-abiding gun owners. “You bring a gun into this district, count on going to jail." “I don’t care if you have a license in another district and I don’t care if you’re a law-abiding gun owner somewhere else.” 

Asked about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, President Donald Trump told reporters last week: “You can’t have guns, you can’t walk in with guns. You just can’t.”

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s threat to jail law-abiding gun owners who travel to Washington, D.C., with firearms has sparked anger from Republicans, including some of President Trump’s MAGA staunchest supporters.

History shows that authoritarian leaders remove the individual's right to keep arms. Folks on one side of the political spectrum think it won't affect them, until it does. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

I remember just a few years back, "the Obama, Biden and Harris are going to grab your guns" hysteria. It turns out that the Trump White House is the one now openly talking about taking your guns away. Thanks to the 2nd Amendment, MAGA's next civil war may be brewing against the White House.

Mr. Kofla Goes To Washington

I think it is time to plan a trip to Washington DC, which is one of my favorite east coast cities to visit. This image was taken on November 7, 2020. Just a couple of days after the 2020 presidential election.

I recall having a conversation with my sister earlier that day. My sister lives in Puerto Rico and she was a little worried about all the "Stop The Steal" rallies planned for Washington DC during that weekend. 

Maybe I should plan the visit to DC the same weekend that I want to visit the B&O Railroad Museum in Maryland. That way I could kill two birds with one stone. Stay tuned! 

Anyone Can Buy A New Motorcycle, Real Men Keep The Old One's Running

One of these days, I am going to put in writing and share how I got involved into the motorcycle industry many moons ago. As a former Motorcycle Mechanics Institute alumni, it is all I did for a big chunk of my life. Until then, enjoy this motorcycle shop Bitmoji. 

When The Laundry Keeps Piling Up But You've Lost The Sanity To Care

I Was Offered $50 and Free Movie Tickets To See Melania Documentary. Who Wants To Go?

Imagine Hating Immigrants More Than Pedophiles

Release the Epstein Files

Movie Date = The 40 Year Old Virgin

Resist the Tyranny of a Fascist Wannabe King!

Journalists and activists have been arrested, including Don Lemon for filming a protest in a church in the aftermath of the killing of Renee Good. Ice can come in churches now and terrorize people but that is not unconstitutional, but covering protests as a member of the media is unconstitutional if its in a church?

This is a classic authoritarian tactic, to silence dissent and to use the legal system to do it. Where is Congress on this matter? All we hear from the Republican Congress is crickets.

These journalists are in Minneapolis to cover the murder of American citizens in the hands of ICE and our fascist government. The ICE murderers are free; the journalists are arrested. 

I'm starting to feel like the question "How did the German people let it happen?" is very much being answered, before our very eyes. Without freedom of the press there can be no democracy. 

This is what happens when you elect an Authoritarian Dictator.  He will lie, hide the truth and take away free speech. This is a total outrage! Resist the tyranny of a fascist wannabe King!

The Temperature Isn't Too Bad At 12 Degrees Fahrenheit

This morning I woke up at 4:00 am. I looked at my thermostat, it read 12 degrees Fahrenheit. With the wind chill factor it feels colder. How cold was it? As per the thermostat, the wind chill feels like 0 degree Fahrenheit.

I've come to the realization that my body is going through the process of acclimatization. As much as I hate winter, it seems that my body is adjusting to cold weather. This is what happens when you spend the last four weeks dealing with freezing temperatures. 

I don't want to begin feeling comfortable in colder temperatures. As God is my witness, if all goes as planned, this is my last winter in the United States. 

Did You Work Out Today?

¿Quien es el Moron Que Sugirio Prohibir Conducir A Personas de 70 años en Puerto Rico?

Entre ayer y hoy, he leido dos personas en Facebook escribir sobre una ley que han sugerido en Pe-Erre, que prohibiria conducir a personas de 70 años. 

En abril yo cumplire mis 70 primaveras. Ahora que estoy deseando finalmente volver a la isla, y estoy en el proceso de regresar despues de 43 años viviendo en Estados Unidos, ¿como rayos personas de mi edad vamos a movernos de un lado a otro si en Pe-Erre no hay transportacion publica tan eficiente como en Estados Unidos? 

¿Estos morones no saben que hay personas de 70 años que todavia trabajan y necesitan su propia transportacion? ¿Quien es el anormal que quiere proponer esa ley? ¿Y porque el pueblo no se esta mobilizando para protestar esa estupida ley? Solo a un imbecil se le ocurre semejante disparate.

She Helped Elect Trump. Now She’s Speaking Out

Latinas for Trump co-founder, Cuban-American Senator Ileana Garcia of Florida, is speaking out against Trump immigration policies.

She took to X to say: “I'm afraid of someone stopping my son. This is not what we voted for.” She also warns that Trump immigration policies will cost the GOP the midterms. - Senator Ileana Garcia told The New York Times in an interview published today.

The Responses Are Coming Fast and Furious:

- Who did you think he'd be rounding up, Pendeja? You just thought it would be other people’s sons!

- Cupcake, you voted for this! You only regret it now because the racism and hate affecting you! Sit in your own racism and bigotry and roll around in the bed of hate you made.

- People are being brutalized, kidnapped, and murdered and her biggest concern is the midterms? GTFOH.

- She wanted Trump to deport Mexicans, Venezuelans and Haitians, not Cubans. Tough shit. No te hagas la pendeja, si no te diste cuenta eres una idiota. It is exactly what you voted for.

Republican Chris Madel Ends Bid For Minnesota Governor

Minnesota Republican candidate Chris Madel drops out of gubernatorial race, saying he can't support "retribution" by Republicans. "I cannot support the national Republicans stated retribution on the citizens of our state", Madel said. "Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so." 

Madel calls ICE effort a 'disaster'. "United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear," he added. "United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That's wrong."

“I can’t look my daughters in the eye and say I’m running as a Republican, when they’re pulling over Hispanics and Asians because of the color of their skin and what they look like,” he told The Wall Street Journal. “I did not sign up for that.”

The Right To Bear Arms

The right to bear arms has been a big Republican Party issue for decades. Minneapolis shooting victim Alex Pretti was legally carrying a firearm. But top Trump administration officials now say he did not have a right to do so.

After the killing of nurse Alex Pretti by a federal agent in Minneapolis this past Saturday, FBI Director Kash Patel claimed on FoxNews, that protesters cannot bring loaded firearms to demonstrations. It appears that the Director of the FBI is incorrect. In addition, some Republican government officials are now saying that nurse Alex Pretti deserved to be shot because he was LEGALLY carrying a gun.

Under the Second Amendment and MN Stat. 624.714, gun permit holders may legally carry firearms in public, including during protests. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that public carry is a constitutional right. Carrying a firearm does not legally constitute "inciting violence". 

During the January 6, 2021 attack to the Capitol, the police identified supporters of Donald Trump who were carrying firearms including AR-15s, rifles and Glock pistols on the National Mall on the morning of the insurrection. These same people now claiming that nurse Alex Pretti shouldn’t have been carry a weapon defended the January 6 Capitol protesters who were armed.

It appears that many members of the Republican party want only MAGAs to own and carry guns.  According to their logic, the Second amendment only applies to conservatives. In my opinion, what happened to nurse Alex Pretti was an execution carried out by our government in broad daylight.

It Doesn't Hurt To Dream

It doesn't hurt to dream, or like they say in my hometown, "soñar no cuesta nada." Last night I had a dream I was relaxing on the beach in Cabo Rojo. We've been buried under snow, rain and miserable weather this entire week in Philadelphia. 

I guess my subconscious mind is sending subliminal messages telling me that this snowstorm, at this point in my life is only temporary, to stop stressing out. Can't wait to be relaxing on the beach, definitively.

This Is Why I Cannot Leave Philly

An arctic blast is bringing wind chills that will make it feel below zero as the Philadelphia region braces for heavy snow and freezing rain. 

When I woke up this morning, temps were in the 0 digits. Snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected beginning this evening into Monday.

Americans Should Not Have To Carry A Passport To "Prove" They're A Citizen

My First Attempt At A Food Photography Selfie

Right now, there are almost 300 million food photos on Instagram. Someone asked, "why would anyone be interested in sharing photos of their food?" 

This is my first attempt at a food photography selfie. Who would have thunk it.

Throwback Thursday : 2003

Cementerio San Jose de Villa Palmeras, visitando el panteon de Ismael Rivera (el Sonero Mayor) en Santurce. Ese dia tuve el honor de ser invitado por Afrika Clivilles y Norma Salazar (QEPD) (Folklorista, Teatrera, Declamadora, Pintora, Escritora y Profesora) a participar en un homenaje con musica en el cementerio de Villa Palmeras para celebrar la vida de Ismael Rivera. 

Entre algunos de los presentes con Norma Salazar (QEPD) se encontraban, la vedette Lourdes Chacon, algunos musicos del grupo de Bomba y Plena de Norma llamado Plenibom, Afrika Clivilles, y este servidor.

The Real Zombieland Photo Request

The corner of Kensington Avenue and Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia is literally the city's "ground zero" for the fentanyl-opioid crisis. As someone wrote in his own words, "if you look up videos of the worst of the opioid epidemic, you will see Kensington's "zombies." "People seem to fall asleep standing up, lingering under bridges and near subway stations". 

In 2016, my first year into photography, I took a couple of pictures of SEPTA's Metro L train station building of Kensington and Allegheny Avenues. I've always liked the architecture of this building, in addition of being the train station I took to work to the Health Center every day.

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from the editor-in-chief of a magazine called Novellum Magazine. He said they came across one of the images I took of the corner of Kensington and Allegheny in Philadelphia (Ground Zero of Philly's Opioid Crisis) and asked for permission to use my image as a cover picture for their magazine. 

After reviewing the magazine, I agreed to their request. The top picture is a copy of the corner of Kensington and Allegheny Avenues train station building; the bottom image is a sample of their magazine cover.

Real Women Fart

They say that everyone farts between 10 and 20 times a day. Sometimes it may be loud and odorless, or smelly. Sometimes it's really smelly, sometimes it's silent but deadly.

One of the great inconveniences of riding public transportation is that you are at the mercy of people. Sometimes you take the bus or the train, and its so crowded that it feels like you are inside a pack of sardines.

On this particular day, I was running late for a health center staff meeting. I hopped on the crowded Market Frankford Line, politely made my way toward the middle of the train and grabbed the overhead grab rail to keep myself from bumping into people. There was no room to move.

And then it hit me ....

A well-dressed elegant woman standing in front of me farted. The foul smell resembling the smell of rotten eggs was so intense that the stench burned my nostrils and made my eyes water. I looked the other way to try to get away from her, and to prevent myself from fainting. I could barely breathe. 

The train was so packed with commuters that there was no room to move anywhere. I thought her silent deadly fart was peeling the paint off the walls. Interestingly, people around us totally ignored the rotten smell and no one seemed to notice.

It was the longest most uncomfortable train ride of my life. Just another day riding the infamous Philadelphia Market Frankford Line.