The Mark of the Beast

Wearing baseball caps since my Little League days, has become an everyday thing for me. I even used baseball caps for business. I have a photo collage where the first pic was taken in 1996 during my second year working in the HIV/AIDS field. These days baseball caps are acceptable gear for casual, and also business attire. 

Have you noticed? Since the Orange Turd decided to enter politics, wearing a MAGA red baseball cap is the "mark of the beast". It is viewed as a symbol of divisiveness, or a "cult-like" and blind loyalty to their "really smart - a very stable genius" leader. 

Now I can't wear a red baseball cap in public (which happen to be my favorite baseball cap color), to prevent being mistaken of supporting the MAGA movement. The Phillies team uses a red baseball cap, and my favorite Yankees hats are also red. It has become politicized due to the popularity of the MAGA hats. To avoid confrontations during my daily commute, I stopped using my Yankees red hats as the MAGA red hats became popular. 

I just spent a couple of hours editing some of my earlier photos from past years, turning my red baseball caps into dark blue or black. What a conundrum.

Venezuela Es El Nuevo Campeon del Clasico Mundial de Beisbol

Venezuela vence a Estados Unidos 3-2 en el Clasico Mundial de Beisbol. 

Venezuela beat United States 3-2 at the World Baseball Classic.

Dominican Mangu

After confessing that I never tasted this particular breakfast dish before, I was challenged to order a dish of Mangu at my favorite Latin restaurant yesterday morning. After admitting to never having tried Mangu, I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. 

Ayer por la mañana en un restaurante de comida Latina que frecuento, acepte que nunca habia probado el desayuno de Mangu. El empleado del establecimiento me reto a probarlo y me sirvio un plato. Me sorprendio gratamente la experiencia. Todavia no puedo creer que es la primera vez en mi vida que he probado Mangu.

Let The Good Times Roll

Finally got the paperwork out of the way and renewed my motorcycle registration and insurance documents. I am officially ready for the riding season.

Not sure how other states handle their vehicle paperwork, but when it comes to vehicle and insurance renewal here in Pennsylvania, everything can be handled online. At the end of the transaction, you simply print your credentials, and you are done. 

I am looking forward to this year riding season. Let the good times roll !!!!

Amanecer en Mayaguez

Llevo un tiempo tratando de acostumbrarme a salir temprano en la mañana a tomar fotos. No voy a negar que mi preferencia es tomar fotos durante la puesta del sol en el horizonte. No hay nada mas deslumbrante que los colores de la puesta del sol, principalmente los rojos, naranjas y amarillos.

Dicen que al capturar amaneceres, las fotos pueden ser impactantes. Muchos fotografos dicen que el mejor momento del dia para tomar fotos es media hora antes o despues del amanecer o el atardecer.

El problema de la fotografia es que uno como fotografo tiene que estar preparado a que el tiempo coopere. En ocasiones he viajado a un lugar en especifico a tomar fotos y de repente llueve o ocurren otros percances.

Anoche hize esta foto imaginaria AI de un amanecer en la plaza de mi pueblo. Es la plaza donde se encuentra la catedral de la Iglesia y las oficinas del ayuntamiento del alcalde. Quizas esta foto creada en AI me inspire a salir mas temprano en la mañana a tomar fotos. Veremos a ver, solo el tiempo lo dira. 

Hope Springs Eternal

Yesterday I was reading about a young man who inherited a 1982 Kawasaki KZ 550 from his grandfather. The young man is in the process of restoring the bike to its former glory. 

Reading this, reminded me that life has an expiration date, and in a couple of weeks I am turning 70. Even though I still feel young and 1982 looks like just the other day, truth of the matter is that it was a long time ago. Heck, 1982 was 44 years ago and I was only 26 years old. 

Ideally, I would love if my grandnephews took care of my bikes and other collectibles when I am no longer around. These things have monetary value but most importantly, to me they also have a lot of sentimental value. Hope springs eternal. 

Maybe I am overthinking things too much. The way things are going in this chaotic unstable world, we could all die in a nuclear explosion tomorrow, so all my stuff will be vaporized with me. Hahaha.

A Nostalgic Reminder Of Great Times

It is being said that acknowledging the need for honesty with yourself is a courageous first step toward clarity and personal growth. For that reason, I have to be honest and confess that for reasons I won't get into it here, initially I wasn't open about using AI in photography, until now. 

First, let's go back 40 years. In 1986, a few months after graduating from MMI, I purchased a SuperFlow 110 flowbench. For my own selfish reasons and to save money in the process, my initial interest was to build my own Kawasaki drag racing cylinder head for a Kawasaki dragbike I was putting together at that time. The SuperFlow 110 flowbench was the best motorcycle tool to optimize performance I've ever owned. 

Unfortunately, taking selfie or casual photos was not a common trend back then. Throughout the years, I recall having maybe three images of my SuperFlow 110 flowbench. The selfie pic sitting next to the flowbench disappeared years ago during one of my many moves; only the two images shown here have endured the test of time. 

That is where AI comes in. For the past two weeks, I've been using AI to create motorcycle scenarios using old photos taken years ago during motorcycle events and gatherings I've attended. 

I made a decision last night, to try to recreate a SuperFlow 110 flowbench using one of the remaining flowbench old photos taken in my Brooklyn apartment. I gave AI a few prompts, and in less than 5 seconds the application created the amazing photo featured on this post. 

It even shows a Mitutoyo Micrometer, the Neway Valve Seat Cutters and a Mitutoyo Dial Indicator with a Magnetic Base Kit.  I know is not the real thing, but to me this AI caricature is better than nothing. It is also a nostalgic reminder of great times during the first part of my life as a motorcycle technician. 

The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

While browsing through a flash drive for old images, I found a picture from 2020 shown at the end of this post. This is the copy of a picture taken when I was helping a friend cleaning and synchronizing the carburetors, and replacing the battery of his daughter Kawasaki EX-250. And troubleshooting his Honda VTX-1800 starter relay electrical issue.

Looking at the image I realized I don't have many recent pictures of myself working on motorcycles as I did when I was a lot younger. Right there and then, I decided to try to create an AI image of it. All it took was one try, and the picture was completed as envisioned. Amazing!

No One Likes Bullies. The Orange Turd Thinks He Can Bully The Entire World Into Submission

Cuba is next. Our murderous fascist government is saying that in the next two weeks we will attack, invade and incur wrath upon Cuba. Death and destruction against a nation that we have imposed a stupid and unnecessary economic embargo for more than 66 years. 

The Castro's are dead, yet because the United States had their feelings hurt when the Cuban people chose to be independent, and the Orange Turd has certainly gotten his panties in a twist, we are still starving the Cuban people to death with a 66-year-old economic embargo.

Earlier this month we conducted an alleged drug trafficking operation and bombed Ecuador, just like we did in Venezuela. Just like we did Nigeria. Just like we've done to Iran and Siria. Like we've threatened in Panama, like we're threatening against Greenland and Denmark. We've not even taken military action off the table relative to Canada, our peaceful and one of our longest allies. The Orange Turd is a sociopath, a murderous dictator wannabe.  

No one likes bullies. The United States is a bully. The Orange Turd thinks he can bully the entire world into submission. Often uses its superior economic, military, and diplomatic power to coerce other nations, enforce compliance, and dictate global norms to suit its own interests. 

It is a mystery to me why the United States get their panties in a twist, when other nations choose to be independent? If we follow that logic, does that means that the United States should've preferred to be still part of England, instead of entering the American Revolutionary War and fighting for their own independence?

Just as a reminder, on July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Honoring the birth of the United States of America.

Every nation has an inherent right to independence and self-determination, just like the United States did 250 years ago. 

Making My Motorcycle Look Good and Run Well

Warmer weather is here. Time to change oil, filter, check air tire pressure, chain lubrication and install the battery on my bike to get it ready for the season. Routine maintenance is also crucial for performance. Afterwards, I plan to take my bike to the car wash to make it look good.   

Suck It Up, Buttercup

I am getting a little tired of hearing MAGA's complaining about the war with Iran. Not even a week into this war and these MAGA are already grumbling. Last time I checked, your dear leader said, "It's not a war, we don't have boots on the ground." MAGA's keep complaining, "I can't pay my bills, I don't have any food in the refrigerator, my child is starving, my medical insurance premium went up." Suck it up, buttercup.

The labor market lost 92,000 jobs in February. Count your blessings you still have a job, others are not that lucky. Besides, your dear leader reassured you that Americans have to sacrifice, that this is just a temporary hiccup. 

Gas is too expensive for you? Buy a Tesla. Your dear leader told you last year from the White House lawn to buy a Tesla from Elon Musk. If I am not mistaken, your dear leader make believe that he purchased a red Tesla from Elon Musk. Buying a Tesla will save you all the high gas prices you are complaining about now. If you are a true MAGA, you will follow your dear leader advice and buy a Tesla. Or as he said yesterday concerning rising gas prices, "... if they rise, they rise ...."

It's really sad to see all these MAGA supporters crying about not being able to pay bills, not being able to put gas in their cars. Your dear leader told you we are going to experience a little temporary pain, so pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Your family is starving .... for peace in the Middle East. 

Remember, your peace president is asking you to suck it up, buttercup. And boots on the ground, has not been rule out. The body bags are compliments of the Orange Turd and the drunk Pentagon Secretary of War.

Let's Go For A Bike Ride

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, Spring 2026 is here. It's time to get the bike ready for the season, change oil and filter, and take a test ride. Let's go!

My Dream Motorcycle Repair and Garage Shop

Last night I was finally able to combine multiple images together to create a unique picture of my dream motorcycle repair and garage shop. Using AI I was able to add my favorite cylinder head tool from the 1980's designed to measure volumetric air-flow rate primarily for cylinder heads, a SuperFlow Flowbench 110. 

The Flowbench enables engine builders to analyze and improve airflow, crucial for increasing engine performance and horsepower. The Superflow 110 was my favorite tool in my toolbox. From that time, all I have left are a couple of pictures of the Flowbench.

If money was no object, I will build the ultimate, no-expense-spared motorcycle repair shop with my own factory trained technicians ideal for a high-performance pit crew. It cost absolutely nothing to dream big. 

Those were the good old days. 

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.