Ana Amerki

Flickr Updated!

2010-06-07T22:32:00.003-04:00

I have been investing a lot of time trying to learn the trades of photography. I can say I am somewhat satisfied with the results and it has all been self taught.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/c0nn3ct

You can see some of my better shots there.

My set up has changed a little, I now have:

Canon EOS Rebel XTi (Still The Same)
Canon Battery Grip (Traded For The Targus)
Canon IS 28-135mm (Traded The Sigma 28-200mm [was not working well with my camera body])
Sigma 10-20mm Ultrawide Lens (Great Landscape Lens, I haven't got to use it yet much)
Canon 50mm 1.8 Prime Lens (Great For Fast Indoor & Night Shots)
Sigma 70-300mm (Traded For The Canon 75-300mm)
Promaster 7500EDF Flash

I am almost ready to buy my next lens which is the Canon 70-200mm f4 L Series lens.

Can't Wait!

Later...

For Some Reason..

2009-12-30T13:57:00.003-05:00

For some reason I always write on here before the year ends. And here I am doing it again.

I plan on changing the blog around a little to focus on what I am up to at this moment in my life. I will keep all my old posts as a reference to old and good memories.

I am and have been into photography and video and I will aim at improving that and using this blog as feedback if possible. I just signed up for a flickr account. Found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/c0nn3ct

It does not have anything yet at the time I am writting this, but it will soon.

For the curious on what equipment I have:

Canon EOS Rebel Xti
Targus Battery Grip
Sigma 28-200mm lens
Canon 75-300mm lens
Promaster 7500EDF Flash

This is all still photography for now I am still working on the video part.

-Jay

200...9

2009-01-03T01:08:00.001-05:00

Loving the new year.. just got a 42' LCD HD TV and it looks beautiful with the Xbox 360. Played Halo 3, Gears of War 2 and some other goodies. Loving it! Be bac soon..

30th December

2008-12-30T07:57:00.002-05:00

Getting ready to celebrate the new year.. Don't know where to go..? So many parties which one should I go to? All are trouble, maybe I will stay home as usual. Police are out on the road trying to arrest you for DUI, driving under influence. Dammmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnn It!

Noche Buena..

2008-12-24T04:12:00.007-05:00

I started early celebrating Christmas Eve by myself with Holland's Finest (Heineken). Life is treating me good.. Went to an awesome Christmas party this last weekend called "Hallucination Before Christmas" and it was amazing. You can see a few pictures at the bottom of this post.

Hope everyone is doing well! Shout out to BAGHDADENTIST! Thanks for visiting my sorry excuse for a blog :).

Passing Me By...

2008-12-15T13:05:00.006-05:00

Time passes so fast, I am still surprised how longer the gaps get when I come here to see how it was back then. When I didn't have my special someone I have now. For you that still come by a big hello! I know one day I will pick back up on this blog, that is why I haven't taken it off. This blog also does good to look back on how I was feeling then and now. I leave you with recent pictures from this past weekend when me and my lady went out with friends.

Bye for now...

Now!

2008-05-21T02:41:00.004-04:00

And now it is May 21st! Going to Puerto Rico soon (June 6th) for vacation, with my babe... :)

Oh wow!

2008-05-08T03:10:00.001-04:00

It is May 8th 2008... Oh wow!

Slacking..

2007-09-10T04:37:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I have wrote here.. So many things have happened in my life for the best, I promise to share.

At this moment I am in love with someone very special, I have 3 jobs. (maybe 2 after tonight) Life is very nice right now.

See you soon! iA.

More Features Added to Adobe’s Contribute

2007-04-29T22:15:00.001-04:00

Quoted from http://dirt-cheap-web-design.com/2006/10/20/more-features-added-to-adobes-contribute/:

Dirt-Cheap-Web-Design.com » More Features Added to Adobe’s Contribute

More Features Added to Adobe’s Contribute

I was just catching up on my reading when I came across this article by Jim Dalrymple, which appeared on MacWorld.com, about Adobe’s Contribute adding blogging features.

If your like me, you have a lot of clients with an interest in blogging. Should they do it, they want to do it, how do they do it? From a design and maintenance standpoint, this could present a nightmare for most websites and designers. Allowing full access to a website could lead to disastrous results (even allowing access to a WordPress dashboard could wreak havoc). This latest version of Contribute could alleviate this problem.

The built in logging feature of Contribute would limit access to parts of the website or control panel and allow the client to post a blog. I have had success utilizing Contribute with clients in the past. The logging feature allowed the client to post new articles on webpages, add products, and even freshen page content while remaining clear of the basic code. Fresh content + No damage = Everyone happy! Best of all - it integrates with Dreamweaver seamlessly.

Check out the latest version of Adobe’s Contribute for yourself and see what it has to offer: Contribute.

Adobe Contribute CS3 Test

2007-04-29T22:09:00.001-04:00

Great Picture!

2007-03-17T17:57:00.000-04:00

Wow..Ok

2007-03-02T04:56:00.000-05:00

Time flies right by and you don't even notice.. damn!
Check out this nasheed:

fin de mes

2007-01-31T18:21:00.000-05:00

Ahh.. Soo much for new years resolutions Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

One month down, eleven more to go.

???

2007-01-10T22:07:00.000-05:00

Wondering, what happened with DC? Maybe it didnt go as planned? is what you should ask? Haha maybe you are right. Soon soon.

24

2007-01-10T21:56:00.000-05:00

My mother and a large portion of my family are fans of the FOX hit show "24" and are always drooling over it. I myself have never seen a full episode soo I dont know what I am missing.. But it felt good handing them over a pre-air copy of the 1st 4 episodes of season 6 a week before air time. They were only a lil bit excited - I promise ;)

Post I made on a different blog..

2007-01-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

On the rainy night of january 5th 2007 after a long flight from tampa to washington dc to spend my birthday with my friends. I receive a call from Shaq to wish me happy birthday and bring me some surprising news..

"dogg you said it all the way, as of today BCK is no more!"

What?! The phone almost dropped of my hands, I couldn't fucking believe it! At 1st I was very happy because of the circumstances that they had let me go a few months back, which I'll explain now as a "no call no show" which is fine if I was just fucking around but this was legit and on top of that I brought proof that I was at the doctors. But no not good for them they wanted to just say not good and just wipe me out forgetting the fact I was there 3 years with no major problems, very loyal to the company. I mean I know I was not the best employee and that happens when you dont like what your job but I was ok, and I did as I was told. Shortly after that I was granted unemployment (thanks!) specially when their stupid handbook says the no call no show was excused! In your own handbook!

Anyways, Now today I feel very sad for all the good people there that lost their jobs to this sorry grim of a place ala BCK. But now they have to feel what I felt when my rug was yanked from under me. People with new cars, new houses, kids, but this place never cared about you as a person just needed you to generate money and when you were despensable you were out! Just like everyone now since their contract was pulled out from under their feet but you move on! Just like I did and will find yourself in a better position being more prosperous and not stuck in a dead-end job.

I look in the mail and notice the flyer and shopwise are "BCK free" it really hits home when you see these small details.

I'll end this input with thanking my colleges there for the good times as I still talk to you and see you around. A Fat FUCK YOU then THANK YOU to all that had to do with my termination and waking from hibernation.

God Be With You / Que Dios Esten Contigo / الله معك

Yesterday.

2007-01-04T00:53:00.000-05:00

The day started of going to one of the spots I frequent called "Taiga" had a blast from what I remember, woke up asking myself "where am I..? Ohh whew at Jess's house" slept in a little more then woke up, took care of business, then ducked out the door to the blistering sun went into my car and I go to start it and it doesnt want to after a half hour of trying to get it going I gave in and called my friend to come get me..

Now this is great more money to spend on this car! AAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGHHH!

Hungover, Barely Slept, Hot Sun, No Working Car = Not Happy!

Anyway I was pretty much paralyzed for today and couldn't get anything done outside the home. :(

I really can't wait till I am on that plane on friday.. almost here.

Hmmm..

2007-01-01T14:28:00.000-05:00

That's two days in a row that I wake up with all my clothes still on & a throbbin headache but its all good cause it was WORTH IT! :D Anyways, same as the night before hanging out with the family acting retarded. FUN FUN! until my mother found out my friend flying with me to D.C. is from Saudiya and started to ask "questions" NOT FUN! I had to put her in her place though (thanks American media).

Looking forward to my trip. We fly out early friday morning and arrive at 8:30am and will be there till monday afternoon.

Last Day.

2006-12-31T14:45:00.000-05:00

Last day of the year, today..

Last nite's party was freaking great. Everyone showed up and we all had a great time. My cousin got alot of gifts from the baby shower. Grandma had a good time celebrating with all of us. We had alot of great food all spanish dishes which were all great. I got trashed with the family too and that is a rarety because most of the times nobody wants to drink in front of someone else but this year everyone just had a good time. One of the highlights was with my uncle talking about doctor & medical stuff (he's a Dr.) soo I learned a bunch of stuff just from picking his brain.

My beautiful cousin Lynnette & Yours Truly

Tonight we are kicking of the new year with another party, should be good times.

See you next year ;)

Almost Here

2006-12-30T10:20:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe this very colorful year is almost coming to a close. As of today we have the Saddam execution in our face thanks to the U.S. media. We are going to celebrate my cousins baby shower & grandma's Birthday here today! Fun Fun! great food and spending time with my WHOLE family. They are all here from Puerto Rico, England, and all over.

My Birthday is a week away (January 6th). This year I am taking a small vacation and going to Washington DC to visit my friend Ahmad and to check out all the cool stuff up there.

I want to wish a Happy Eid Al-Adha to all my muslim friends.

One of my new years resolutions is to write on here more believe it or not. Soo see you soon ;)

Jay

عـيـد مـبــارك

2006-10-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

:)

2006-09-23T05:26:00.001-04:00

Ramadan Mubarak

Happy Ramadan To All Muslims!

Unemployed.

2006-09-02T02:00:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the long gap between entries, alot has been going on..

I am officially unemployed after working at the same place for over 3 years. I was laid off for being sick without calling in, and I even had a doctors excuse! At 1st I was upset about it cause there was alot of good memories there. But its now time to move on and finish with my studies. Being there kept me from persuing my career more agressively because the money was easy and the place was relaxed. But no more, I think this was for the best.

Other than that I am doing good. I still have my clients for multimedia stuff (motion graphics & dvd authoring). So I can pay my bills and still go to school. It's going to be tough but I'll get used to it. Being around my friends has helped alot, I am glad I still have some left. I dont know what I do without them.

For all the techies I just fixed my friends Sony PSP. The genious sat on it and broke the screen. So I went ahead and fixed it for him and now its back in business. Here's a picture of the operating table :)

Anyway I'm out of here..
Peace & Happiness

Messing Around.

2006-09-02T01:53:00.000-04:00

"..How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd.."

- Alexander Pope

:Progress:

2006-07-24T22:59:00.000-04:00

Hello All!

Life has pretty much been going good lately. Work has picked up at my day job, which means my income has doubled recently which is great.

I have been busy studying & working more with Adobe After Effects 7 and Maxon Cinema 4D. Trying to get better and faster at them, so I can make more projects with flexability and to make anything thats thrown at me.

I also got two more accounts with 2 different companies in the adult entertainment industry to design, compile, and author DVD's for mass production. I don't like/agree with the content, but it gives me the chance to make some good money with some of the skills I have developed over the years.

I'm still progressing with my arabic. Of course with the help of my great teacher/tutor Rafraf, she is the best! I can't wait till she comes back to Tampa so we can start more frequent and aggressive lessons. God Willing.

I start this week off with two new goals to stop drinking and work on losing some weight. I plan on doing a low carb diet and running/walking.. until I can get to a gym.

Braces are getting adjusted tommorrow. They have been doing good soo far. Just sucks I can't eat everything I want but thats the sacrafice I have to make to get to where I want.

Overall everything is going in the right direction.. The only thing I'm missing sort of is having a girlfriend. Having someone that loves you and telling them everything but at the same time I'm enjoying the single life too. So for now it's "friends with benefits" until I meet someone special.

I hope everyone is safe and in good health..
Until the next blabber post_

جاي

White Rabbit

2006-07-17T23:51:00.000-04:00

Jefferson Airplane-
white/rabbit

One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all
Go ask Alice
When she's ten feet tall

And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you're going to fall
Tell'em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call
Call Alice
When she was just small

When men on the chessboard
get up and tell you where to go
And you've just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving low
Go ask Alice
I think she'll know

When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen's off with her head
Remember what the Dormouse said:
"Feed your Head
Feed your Head!"

..All time classic, life feels soo white rabbit right now..

England Trip Info.

2006-07-09T21:59:00.000-04:00

I still know very little of my trip to England. But here is what I know so far:

I will be staying in a US Air Force military base in Cambridge. I was told it is about 25 minutes from Cambridge University. While on base, my cousin said you can see military jet fighters and planes taking off and landing.

I will most likely visit London and check out what all the hype is about. How the people are in the civilian world. I will experience driving on the opposite side of the road, looking forward to that!

We also plan on going to a few other european countries. Like Spain, France, Italy, and hopefully if I get lucky Turkey. But they already warned me its going to be hard for Turkey cause of the military personnel restrictions.

Thats all I know for now. I will update with more details as they come in. This trip is scheduled for mid '08. God Willing of course!

- Jay

Thursday.

2006-06-15T21:50:00.000-04:00

Today started waking up with a wicked cough cause of the cold/sickness, I have been having for the last few days. Today I also had my last appointment with the drill.. I mean dentist. I got done with that, tried to get a haircut but was full.. I went to my sisters business and she reminded me my cousin was back from Colombia and wanted to have dinner with us. I rushed home and got ready and went to dinner.

Dinner was pretty interesting specially when you can't feel the left side of your face. It was pretty funny! Drooling on myself and stuff falling out of my mouth, ahh. It was facinating to hear her stories about living in England & the situation in Colombia. (Her husband is a high ranking official in the US Air Force). She has been traveling all over the world and is exhausted.. But she was pretty happy to be in our company, it brought us all back to childhood, cause we were all raised together in Puerto Rico. We finished dinner and went on our way. I think we will go out this weekend if nothing comes up and have a good time.

Today turned out pretty damn good :)

Out again.. (Friday)

2006-06-11T01:01:00.000-04:00

Ok soo I go out again..

This time I go with my good friend "د" from work. It was pretty interesting hanging out with him and his whole crew (10+) Pretty interesting night everybody except me was Black (African American). We went to Taiga's.. It is pretty interesting to see how people react when they see a crowd of black people around they all go around and out of the way, sad. So we all went in.. (the ones that could) Inside was cool alot of people there just chillin and havin a good time.. I seen alot of faces I havent seen in years.. some I prefered not to see and some that I wanted to see. It was cool though alot of people in that place. Music was deffinately better than other days, this was my 1st time there on a friday, and ladies drink free soo that means alot of ladies which is good.

We got a melon flavored sheesha to pass around, a few round of shots and, plenty a heinekens to go around. Everybody was pretty much lit and dancing to the beats. We closed the place down and went to د's house and fired up some of the earth's finest.

Great night overall just chillin with my friends and having fun..

I need to get out more often.. I miss the nightlife dearly.

Zarqawi Is Dead

2006-06-08T07:48:00.000-04:00

#1 Iraq & US enemy sent to hell by american rocket near Baquba.

CNN Article

Back to Dentist

2006-06-01T07:18:00.000-04:00

Today I go back for two more fillings. I am dreading the needle again, it's the worst part. After that is all gravy. Other than the smell of drilled teeth, yuck!

My braces are doing fine with everyday life. Other than the wires poking on the inside of my mouth and when I sneeze, I will live!

Arrivederci

Braced.

2006-05-23T00:45:00.000-04:00

Today (05.22.06) was my big day.. My day started off by going to the orthodonist and getting the spacers removed. After that I was fitted with the brackets and wires, everything went smoother than I thought.

After that, I went to my regular dentist to have some fillings done and that was not fun. Mainly cause it was my two front teeth. The part that was the worse was the shot to numb it. I was poked 5 times and was very bad.

Other than that I am pretty happy with the outcome, specially with the braces. I know theres a semi-long road ahead for this quest but I am glad that I got it done with. I have been wanting to do this for over 10 years!

Outside.

2006-05-21T02:36:00.000-04:00

Once again I escape into the nightlife.. I miss it soo much..

I started by going to Taiga's all by my damn self. After repeated attempts to 'friends' specially the onces that said they would go and then dissapear into the night.

"..after saying you would go and not picking up the phone after is just weak.."

As soon as I arrive greeted by 2 good people I have known around. I ordered a Heineken & Sheesha w/ strawberry. Very good flavoring.. I am done with the 2nd heineken I go to get another and here comes مرون out of the blue. He stayed around with me hanging out talking s**t about work & whatnot. These ladies approach us asking about the sheesha, mind you.. these are gorgeous females (american). She tried it and loved it at 1st she was like thats it..? Yeah breathe in and out thru nose then she got it. To make story short.. her friends pealed her away from us.. After 15 minutes of just talking to us.. (imagine blode hair & blue eyed pretty face starring at you talking softly about how her man is passed out at home & shes out on her own..??). We take off ..M.. Leaves in his bike.. I stay behind with 'Mike' talking to him about arabic & sheesha stuff. He runs the small liquor store next to Taiga's. I finish there & I'm off to 'ClubFuego'

I get there at 1st.. all alone again, sad. The place was packed, everybody there was spanish I did not see one person not spanish, period. I loved it, everybody was nice & having fun. Either drinking, talking or dancing, It was cool. It was just ridicoulus how many people were trying to get alcohol at the same time, shows latinos for you. Next time I'll snap a picture of the scene so you can experience the ridicoulousness (is this a word?) of the moment. (Note to bar: more bartenders please!) I talk to the girl I was meeting there and we talked for a while, we were catching up on life. We had worked together long ago & had hooked up briefly then never talked again. But it seemed she was interested more on dancing.. So we exchanged a few words.. blah blah.. Then I decided to book out of there right away, after an hour.. She said she would call.. I thought, whatever.

I made it home in one piece.. It's funny cause I came really close to not doing anything at all. I decided too and ended up being alot of fun even by myself, but not really. Whatever I'm going to bed..

مع السلامة
(Thanks Sweetheart)

This week, same as last.. before last.

2006-05-18T00:52:00.000-04:00

Like the popular american saying "same s**t, different day" Lately I have been scheduling my doctor appointments in the way of work so I can be excused.. So I don't have to go to work and work a full day.

My mouth is doing ok, of course with the help of Ibuprofen 800mg every 6 hours I dont even know the "spacers" are there. Thanks to God for medicine, I was in soo much pain. Monday this scenerio will be over. Monday I will have a full mouth of braces and my teeth will be relaxed, God willing.

It's pretty interesting with online social gathering websites. I have found many people on there that I havent talked too in years. Also many people I wished to be social with but was prevented cause of certain circumstances. I am talking about MySpace.

Other than that I am looking forward to saturday: international night at one of my favorite places.. It's international night so its pretty much Lebanese night alot of beautiful women hanging out and about.

Monday cause of the dentristy..

Feels soo good to be alive even when life is soo unpredictable.

Pain

2006-05-13T02:54:00.000-04:00

I'm in pain right now.. I'm in the opening stages of getting teeth braces put on, to correct my teeth and I have some rubber things in between my mollars. My teeth & jaw are killing me!

2 weeks of this.. pray for me.

Out

2006-05-11T03:53:00.000-04:00

Tonite I finally got out and spent some time with my friends from work.. it was alot of fun to get out of the house.. Beautiful persian women rock! all I can disclose. ;-)

Decent Meaningless Days

2006-05-10T01:55:00.000-04:00

Today was a good day.. to start, I check the mail and come to find my tax return check, YES! That one caught me by surprise but a good one. The picture was taken while driving, yes I am skilled.

Off to work I go, today was ok it was steady flow of business which is good. Everybody around me seems to be ok.. With the exception of a few people that take the smallest dubest things and blow it up into a major ordeal. Which I dont have a clue why they do that knowing how miserable they make themselves. I see this in some people they love all this drama crap. cannot go a day by without a little drama.. ahh who knows..?

My good friend Shaq is missing from work.. I miss having him around and clowning/joking around on life and work stuff.. He was put in jail for failing to abide by the rules, he was caught driving with a suspended drivers license a few times and the law finally had his way with him. He will be in there for a few weeks maybe months.. he was on probation for something previous that was serious, soo he will be in there for sometime. God be with my dogg Shaq, peace & patience for him.

7:59pm..

Finish work, go to gas station to fuel up on $3.00 a galon gas.. "..thlath'een ala arb3a.." or thirty on four in english. The gas store is owned by a lebanese family, Very good people they are always happy to help me with new words. They still wonder why some average american bloke would want to learn their language, but they think its cool.. I grab some Heineken Beera for the night and head home. I drink myself to sleep..

Wake up the next day to heavy rain showers. How perfect could it not be, I love the rain.. it is soo peaceful. The power goes out! now I have to rely on my mother or someone to call me to wake me up to go to work, I think. But luckly the power came back after an hour or two.

and the day goes on and on and on..

album of the week:
Massive Attack - Mezzanine

peace to all!

Oscar Wins!

2006-05-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

After all the s**t talking, Mayorgas gets knocked out by De La Hoya in the 6th round. Making Oscar De La Hoya the new WBC super welterweight champion.

We all gathered tonite to watch this boxing event on TV with all of our friends here at our home. Brief information on tonites bout:

Oscar De La Hoya (38-4, 30 KOs) destroyed Ricardo Mayorga (28-6-1, 23 KOs) to claim the WBC super welterweight title on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. De La Hoya dropped Mayorga with a left hook in round one and staggered him later in the round. Oscar continued to batter Mayorga in round two. Mayorga landed a good uppercut in round three, although it was still Oscar's round. "The Golden Boy" continued to school Mayorga in rounds four and five then dropped Mayorga in the sixth. Referee Jay Nady halted the bout during Oscar's follow up barrage. Time of the stoppage was 1:25.

Good Times!

My Lovely Nephew, Julian

2006-05-04T19:51:00.001-04:00

I took this today (May 4th '06) His mama loved it :-)

Going back

2006-05-03T03:18:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I blew off the whole day without a immigrant rally.. too busy getting some much needed rest. I give God thanks everyday for being born to a Puerto Rican family. Puerto Ricans don't have the challenges of the whole immigration issue. We have instant citizenship for being a US protectorate. So I don't really have much to voice or any say so about the immigration issue.

Going back..

Recently, I have been taking advantage of my great medical benefits I have cause of my day job.
Going to the general doctors office for physical. Dentist, cause I haven't been to one in over 3 years, for routine and cleanup. Optometrist for my glasses & contacts which burns a hole in my pocket. I have special eyes that need special everything so I always have to pay over $300 for contacts etc..

By doing all of these appointments and what not. It has been taking me back to when I was really young when my mom used to ride me & my sister around to doctor appointments. Nothing special about all this but its just a sign of a person getting older, time passing by, and missing those little moments that brush us by so quickly.

Work..

Thankfully work has been picking up and everything has gone pretty much back to normal. There were a few weeks when I was very tight on my budget, I am not used to that and I don't like it! I am used to having money and being able to do what I want when I want. Specially now that I'm not in a relationship and I can go out with friends more often.

School..

hello world!

I am displaying a self portrait of myself I had to do for class, this assigment had to include one or more of my biggest interests at the moment and the use of photoshop to define. If you like it or hate it please leave a comment.

I wish everyone around the world a good week, hope all of you are in good health and find yourself happy.. this day today is a gift from God, make the best of it!

Peace!

Day w/o a immigrant day tommorrow

2006-04-30T16:41:00.000-04:00

I don't know what is going to happen with this big protest planned tommorrow nationwide. I know I will be impacted half of the town I live is a large migrant community of mexican decent mostly. We shall see..

I'll have a photo journal on here depending on the outcome.

Stay Tuned

04.23.06 Traffic & Accident

2006-04-25T23:23:00.000-04:00

Sunday drive home from work, Honda Accord gets into a pretzel like situation with a guard rail. Pretty weird looking..

Az-Zarqawi in the flesh..

2006-04-25T22:25:00.000-04:00

Today the "Mujahideen Shura Council in Iraq" released a 34 minute video titled “A Message to the People” from Abu Musab Az-Zarqawi, finally revealing his most recent identity other than the various pictures shown throughout the media.

Analysing this video: It is the man in question indeed, his voice cannot be mistaken from the countless videos I have seen that have come out of Iraq.. From Jam'mat At-tawhid wal Jihad (2003-2004) to Tanzeem al-Qaeda't fi bilad Ar-Rafidayn (Al-Qaeda in Iraq) (2004-2005) to present day umbrella group now know as "Mujahideen Shura Council in Iraq" (2006)

Alot of people I have talk to in Iraq always believed Zarqawi was some made up US boogieman..
Look again.. The tape doesnt have much effect basically shows a demoted Zarqawi as a field commander more involved in operations against Coalition and Iraqi government.

If you are interested in seeing the video for yourself I have provided a few links below.

38mb
http://www.mytempdir.com/619950
http://www.sendspace.com/file/d150ir
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WPP44YXA

Disclaimer: I have been following all aspects of the ongoing situation in Iraq and this was pretty damn interesting to me to finally see the face of true evil.

Free

2006-04-25T22:13:00.000-04:00

Today at approximately 9:42pm marked the end of my long time relationship with my then current girlfriend. We spoke tonight and I decided to inform her how I felt and we ended our long term relationship (4 1/2 years) It was only fair for both of us thats just how I feel..

On another note I feel like a bird that got let out of the cage! This blog should get very interesting in the coming months, as I dive into the dating scene once again.

!الجنة الآن- Paradise Now!

2006-04-10T00:23:00.000-04:00

I have had this film for a few weeks now, but still hadn't watched it.. Last nite the power went out due to a very bad thunderstorm crossing thru central Florida. I broke out the portable DVD player and watched it in the dark.

This movie is great, from the start you are captivated by the story & events. I am not going to spoil it for anyone but please if you have the chance to see it don't pass it off. It will shed some light on the palestinian/israeli issue. This movie left me covering my mouth at the end, it will hit you in a soft spot. The movie was very well made, it is spoken in arabic with english subtitles. If you have seen it already please comment about it, whatever you want.

Brief description: Two best friends are choosen to carry out a martyrdom operation in Tel Aviv, but things don't go as planned..

Movie Website Here

Martes

2006-03-28T00:37:00.000-05:00

El tiempo, viene y se va.. El trabajo esta tan y tan lento.. No estan anunciando promociones, que quierre decir no hay ventas, que tambien dice que el dinero baja de cantidad! En estos tiempos es que le doy gracias a Dios que tengo diferentes talentos, porque si dependiere de mi trabajo unico estubiera jodido!

Estoy por recibir mi pantalla nueva para el estudio de video.. no puedo esperar estoy como un niño en una tienda de jugetes :) Cada vez que pasa el camion de UPS, corro sobre la ventana a ver que no es UPS, jaja! Este monitor nuevo me va a dar la oportunidad de editar video en alta deffinicion o como los gringos dicen "High Deffinition" voy a poder aprovechar de la claridad que ofrece alta deffinicion, para que todo se vea mas bonito.

vamos a ver que pasa....

Nightline segment on special forces in Algeria (03.22.06)

2006-03-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

Interesting segment of special forces throughout the Sahara Desert, they are in Algeria training Algerian government special forces.

This segment also shows some details and use of the UAV we see commonly in the videos coming out of Iraq.

File information: WMV (Windows Media) - Size: 18mb - Runtime: 5m/35s

http://www.oxyshare.com/d/W...pecial.forces.wmv.html

From now on I will be posting interesting segments, commercials, reports on here to make it more interesting and fun while you visit this blog.

Phone Caps

2006-03-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

\-_-/

2006-03-18T03:33:00.000-05:00

Friday came and went, I called the place and no camera still. Soo much for trying to be patient for a bargain. I am going to hold off for a while and do some research. I always believe when things happen this way they are not meant to be.

On the other hand, everything else went well this week; work, studies, etc.

The new phone rocks it, big time.

..paz en este mundo tan frio, Dios mandame calor..

يوم الإثنين

2006-03-13T22:17:00.001-05:00

Another week starts, what it will bring..? only God knows.

Today started very calmly.. I got to work and decided to call the place I tried to purchase the camera from and they still haven't received it. I decided to be patient and give them till Friday.

I decided to treat myself to a new mobile phone and I went out and got the new T-Mobile MDA:

On another note, I finally got a hold of a copy of Paradise Now on DVD. I have been waiting to see this film for some time and I finally have it! I peeked through it a little bit and the Arabic conversations I heard I could understand them! so this is going to be really cool to watch.

Official Film Site

Work has been slow for the past week and its still slow starting this one. I hope that changes soon. Speaking of work I received change to get a drink from the vending machine and ran into this dollar bill with this on it:

It had a web address on it www.wheresgeorge.com, when I came home I decided to check it out and found a website full of people with nothing else better to do than track money all accross the country. Pretty interesting.. I went ahead and logged my bill, check it out here.

Till the next post.. Adios!

Crooked Cops in Cali

2006-03-08T01:38:00.000-05:00

This is the story of Elio Carrion in San Bernandino, California just back from serving in Iraq being shot by police after being pulled over:

A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy who shot a suspect three times while being videotaped was charged today with attempted voluntary manslaughter and faces 18½ years in prison.

San Bernardino County Dist. Atty. Michael A. Ramos announced that charges have been filed against Deputy Ivory Webb Jr. It is the first time that Ramos' office has filed a criminal charge against a law enforcement officer involved in an on-duty shooting.

Webb shot Elio Carrion, an Air Force police officer who had served in Iraq, after a high-speed chase that ended in Chino. Carrion was a passenger in the vehicle.

Full Story Here

I have a better version of the video available HERE
**Warning Video is Graphic**

What's Next..?

2006-03-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

So what's next.. Life lately has been pretty much the same everyday, with exception on the weekends and even that is being the same. Usually that means time for a vacation, my last vacation was September '05 in Chicago, IL (*sigh* I <3 Chi-town).

For those that care, I am still working hard on my new language skills, especially Arabic. It has been a very interesting and fun journey. New friends and also understanding a culture very similar to my Spanish heritage but different at the same time. I dedicate about 1 hour a day to it (1/2 hour spoken - 1/2 hour written) Italian is very similar to Spanish and I have put that on hold until I am deeper into Arabic.

My day job is starting to get old, I have been doing that for 2 1/2 years and its time for something different. Easier said than done specially when you get along with everybody and the money is very good and easy. But we will see what happens.

Yes, I wanted to vent about my camera buying experience soo far. I still don't have it! to be short the camera I want retails for $1000 big ones @ the store.. so I shopped around online for a better bargain I found a few stores for $800 so I decided to go with one of them. It's based out of New York (red flag #1) I usually don't like to shop New York cause most horror stories come from there but the price was to good to pass, plus I have shopped myself there with no issues.. yet.

Placed order, received call from a sales rep. trying to sell me extras "..no thanks.." x3 then I ask I can be expecting my new camera sometime around tuesday or wednesday hence 2-day shipping..? Oh no sorry he says the camera is not in stock at the moment and they wont have any till tuesday-wednesday for shipping.. I said the website said in-stock? he said sorry we over sold them (right! - red flag #2) then persued to try and sell me a external battery charger and I said no thanks.. he asked hey how are you planning to charge it..? I stopped and thought hmm he has a point and then I asked you are telling me Sony sells this camera w/o a charger? he says no they do but they dont recomend you charge the battery in the blah blah blah.. I said no thanks and is that it..? he said yes and thank you..

I hope I don't get f**ked over and have to wait weeks for a $200 savings :-( Hopefully my next post will be about how fast it got here and how nice it is, but dont hold your breath!

/end vent

I am out, I need to relax.. hope all is well!

Rafraf from farfaR away..

2006-03-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

We have a new comer to the blogsphere..!

It's Rafraf, the cool Iraqi chick studying here in Tampa FL USA

I wrote about her here and she responded. Now she has her own blog and wants to be heard, stop by and say hello:

http://rafrafrbarrak.blogspot.com/

Another Goal..

2006-02-28T02:34:00.000-05:00

This friday I am bringing this home with me and begin my new journey:

I am buying this for a photography class I will be taking soon. It's the Sony DSC-R1.
I have been saving some loot for this beautiful camera it becomes mine this friday march 3rd 2006. Can't wait!!

Camera Specs:

Sony DSC-R1, 10.3 Megapixel, 5x Optical Zoom

»	10.3-megapixel recording
	»	large APS-C class CMOS image sensor for greater sensitivity, low noise, and high resolution
	»	Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with wide-angle capability
	»	35mm equivalent lens focal length: 24-120mm
	»	5X optical/2X digital/10X total zoom (also, 3X Smart Zoom/15X total Smart Zoom, when shooting at 1296 x 864 resolution)
	»	mechanically linked zoom ring for fast, accurate zooming
	»	manual focus ring
	»	2" color LCD with Free-angle Rotation
	»	high-resolution electronic viewfinder with diopter adjustment
	»	live preview of exposure and depth-of-field with 100% full-frame accuracy in viewfinder and LCD screen
	»	Real Imaging Processor™
	»	top JPEG resolution: 3888 x 2592
	»	five-area multi-point, center, and spot autofocus modes
	»	autofocus assist lamp
	»	film speed eqivalent (ISO) settings: Auto, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
	»	shutter speed: 1/2000 - 30 seconds (shutter priority mode); 1/2000 second - 3 minutes (manual mode)
	»	shutter priority mode
		»	aperture priority mode
	»	full-manual mode
	»	white balance settings
	»	built-in flash
	»	hot shoe for external flash
	»	dual memory card slots accept Memory Stick®, Memory Stick PRO™, Microdrive and CompactFlash® (type I/II)
	»	high-speed USB interface
	»	RAW photo capture mode
	»	PictBridge compatibility
	»	Exif Print 2.2-compliant (JPEG)
	»	NTSC/PAL video output
	»	5-1/2"W x 3-7/8"H x 6-1/8"D
	»	weight (without battery and media): 2.2 lbs.
	»	warranty: 1 year

Album of the moment:

Portishead - Portishead

Salam to all

Phone Pictures Dump

2006-02-23T21:33:00.000-05:00

Random pictures from my Motorola Razr phone

Oscar's beautiful Mac with my iPod

Chicago, Illinois on vacation.. Famous fountain featured on the hit show "Married With Children"

My good friend Paco, saying hello to the world.

hiyya jamila - look at those eyes.

@ work

Good times

Bad times

Sheesha w/ milk, good combo!

Kicking ass & taking names

Alphonso the clown..

Thats all for now.. hope everyone is good.

arrivedercci

New Banner

2006-02-13T01:05:00.000-05:00

My new banner is up, let me know what you think.

I want to say hello to Mansour in Saudi Arabia. Thanks for saying hello, I was beggining to think this blog was not being looked at and almost took it down.

If theres anyone else out there that looks at this say hello.

peace to all

giving money to parents

2006-02-12T14:12:00.001-05:00

This morning was the 1st time i had to give my mother $20 dollars.. it felt good considering she has gave me the world while I was young. I havent got no sleep.. I am up its 2:18pm.. Need sleep!

!ألهمدوليلّه لاليوم

Hello February..

2006-02-08T05:27:00.000-05:00

My favorite month came & went.. :( Been busy as always.. working and doing my projects.
Haven't really had time to sit down and write more on here lately.

Work has picked up majorly which means more money, which is GOOD.

My lovelife is still on hold for the moment. I need to get out more and be social and take a break from all this madness..

I made a banner (from one of my favorite pictures) for this site. But until I figure out how to put it up w/o messing everything up, its on hold for now.. Check it out:

I was always wondering if this blog was even being looked at. So I have put a counter to see and now I feel better that someone is at least taking a look at this blog (even though is not much).

If you visit this blog please say hello in the comments.

Weekend In Pictures Jan. 13th - 15th

2006-01-17T04:49:00.000-05:00

I just got a camera so I am a lil photo happy..

@ work.. working very hard! (P.I.C: Ivette)

Drive Home, Drive Slow Homey.. watch the 'rigs..

Julian says hello to all in a new way..

Friday The 13th, Full Moon..

One of my favorite spots, Taiga's its a Restaurant/Bar/Sheesha Lounge in Brandon Area

Eddie & Riley, loungin'

Tasty.. Hollands finest..

Sheesha lit, watching Steelers vs Colts game.. then Bears vs Carolina game..

Sleepy Riley..

Sunday, sunset drive home.. Good weekend, reeeelaxing..

Hope everyone is good.

MLK Day

2006-01-16T23:43:00.000-05:00

" I have a dream...
I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers
I have a dream today"
..One of America's greatest he fought hard for equality in a very divided America at the time. Thanks to this man.. we are all as one: Americans.
____
Thank you for your service and contribution to this great country Mr. King you will never be forgotten. RIP

Google as always, representing.

Miercoles..

2006-01-12T00:43:00.000-05:00

Wednesday.. January 11th 2006..

What a messed up day.. I wake up at crazy hours .. check my email, search for new videos and see the news headlines.. then head to the shower.. get dressed quick and I mean quick.. head out right on time to go to work and arrive right on time.. parking where I am not supposed to and risk of getting my car towed, but I don't care cause I am late! "tow my s**t, f**k it!

Work really sucks right now.. it seems this way in the beginning of the new year.. the owners do not advertise so you receive all these b/s calls for information (which means "no sale" button press).. To top the icing on the cake I have to sell this new TV system out of Dallas, Texas called "U**TV" ohh man, not going to even get into that. But hopefully it wont be that bad.

The only good part of the training class was listening at my cuban friend "K"... "K" used to be my partner in crime before she was promoted to supervisor, "K" is 32 - 5"9' about 130lb and gorgeous, but this is one strong woman she does not take any, from nobody. Pure latino woman.. I love her to death. If she wasnt married with 2 kids already, she would be wearing my ring.

Back to reality, sorry I drift off often.. the day ended good. we "Me, Jenn, Shaq, and "K"" ordered chinese from the local joint, sat around and ate and joked around and had a great time then I departed and that was it! :)

..end of day..

Album of the day:
Kanye West - Late Registration

Martes..

2006-01-10T06:25:00.000-05:00

Es martes ya, son las 6:30 de la mañana y todavia estoy despierto. :-|

¿..Que rapido se va el tiempo cuando lo estas disfrutando..?

Hoy va hacer como otro dia estupido ir a trabajar, hablar con personas que no tienen ni medio celebro a tratar de venderle DirecTV.. despues pienso a visitar al amigo mio de Morocco, Nabil. Para muestrarle los libros nuevo que compre para aprender mejor el idioma favorito mio ahora, arabe.

bueno me voy a ir a dormir porque son las y :36 y me tengo que levantar a las 12:00pm

Oscar, si leyes esto espero que lo aigas pasado bien en Puerto Rico, espero que te fue "bacano".
Bueno amigo te veo en el trabajo y me esplicas.

Ciao a todos y que dios bendiga..

(making sure my spanish is still somewhat good ;-))

Came and Went

2006-01-07T01:24:00.000-05:00

My 27th Birthday came and went fast I stayed up way too late and went to bed at around 8am to wake up at 7pm.. insane times to be sleeping.. I awake and its dark outside feels really odd.

For my new year, 1st I want to terminate my long time relationship with my current girlfriend.. I don't see anything going anywhere. so I am finally going to do that.. 2nd move to a different place and 3rd hopefully go work in the field where I belong and love which is multimedia (either tv or films) I have a talent for most of the technical stuff and computers so I can do it.. just a little intimidated, but I will be fine..

I finally found a decent copy of the movie "Jarhead" which is about a US marine that goes off to war in the 1st gulf war in '91, it is also a true story. Many people saw this movie and didnt like it but I actually liked it. I recomend it to anybody that likes the military its not an action flick more of a drama but has some scenes with action. The acting and directing is solid and enjoyable.

a quote from the late Tupac Shakur regarding my birthday:

"..time goes by, puffin' on live, hoping that it gets me high.. got a nigga going crazy.. I feel crazy.." RIP

I am happy in my life right now and thats whats important to me, hope everyone is feeling happy and doing good..

- Jay

eid meelad sa'eed lel 'ana amerki'

2006-01-06T03:56:00.000-05:00

It's here I am 27 and I am wasted :)

My weekend began tonight I started by going out for a few drinks with my lovely Ecuadorian co-worker for a friendly chat on life over margaritas and long island iced teas...

Now I am sippin' on some Heinekens watching tv and browsing the internet..

I love this picture, shows our true intentions.

I am getting OoOold, scary..

salaaaaaaaaam

google

2006-01-04T03:19:00.000-05:00

Google has some of the coolest logos when it comes to holiday's and birthday's here are my favorite three so far:

Louis Braille Birthday - January 04, 2006

Anniversary of Lunar Landing - July 20, 2005

National Teacher Day - May 3, 2005

______________________

My Birthday is friday and I cannot think of what to do...
so many things to do here...

I have 4 days off from work, paid.. maybe I'll go to Clearwater and stay @ the Hilton Oceanside and watch the sunset, like when I did back in the day with my friend from Macedonia (God, I miss her.) in memory of our "friendship". That's the sunset there spent with her. (timestamp removed purposely)

...now back to reality :|

a BRIGHT star from mosul..

2006-01-01T03:01:00.000-05:00

Check out aunt najma's blog she is very opionated..

I have been visiting her blog for a while...I think more americans should be reading her blog..

She is only 17 but very intelligent.

link: http://astarfrommosul.blogspot.com/

Last Day of The Year

2005-12-31T15:48:00.000-05:00

It's the last day of the year for me. What a colorful year it has been, whew!

We are going to be gathered with family and friends to celebrate.
There's going to be alot of great Puerto Rican spanish dishes on hand, I am geting hungry just thinking about it. I had the day off today, so I was able to go out last night and hang out with some friends. I havent been able to since I am busy most times.

I am soo excited Rafraf wrote to me (In the coments). I hope she writes me again I was very happy when I read her story the first time and look forward to chatting with her more.

My little nephew Julian keeps getting bigger. He is 2 y/o and his vocabulary is growing both in spanish and english. He is a handful and wants things his way, just like his mother. May God bless him.

Okay out with '05 in with '06.. I hope this year will bring me happiness and fruitfulness fullfilments in my life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Out Of Harm's Way

2005-12-15T18:33:00.000-05:00

This is the story of the iraqi woman Rafraf Barrak, she is currently in Tampa FL USA studying.

very interesting story:

Out of Harm's Way

Historic Day in Iraq

2005-12-15T02:38:00.000-05:00

The day is here our friends the Iraqis are voting today for their new government for the next four years!

We are celebrating here in the USA with sheesha and beer watching the news. :)

GO IRAQ!

ah ah ih ih tookie tookie

2005-12-13T12:37:00.000-05:00

Last night at 12:35am pacific/3:35am eastern Stanley "Tookie" Williams was sent to hell by american justice system for his henious crimes in 1979:

The killing of a convenience store clerk 23 years of age, fresh out of the military was working overnite was robbed by tookie and thugs for $132 dollars then laid face down shot in back twice with shotgun and then makes fun of the sounds his victim makes while dying.

The killing of a taiwanese motel owner/manager and family, once again execution style first the owner and wife then their daughter in the face!

Keeping in mind too that this is the founder or co-founder of american youth cancer also known as the "crips" gang that has spread throughout the whole country.

Popular lawyers, activists, artists, and rappers tried to reverse his sentence to life in prison but failed. They tried to use the distortion that he wrote nine childrens books and was changed man with disregard for the victims families. But thank god the whole justice system saw thru this and carried on the sentence.

Put yourself in the shoes of the families involved, then feel my blog post that nobody will probably read :)

.:....::...:...:....:...::....:..

2005-12-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

Richard Pryor (1940-2005) R.I.P

Today was Richard's judgement day. One of histories greatest black comedians has left us.

The 1st time I saw Richard Pryor was in the movie "The Toy" back in '83. Even though I don't remember what it was about, since I was only 4. his success story and name has stuck with me thru time. He has inspired alot of famous comedians that are very active today.

Richard may you rest in peace, thank you for your time with us. God Bless.

Any purpose for this blog..?

2005-11-28T12:14:00.000-05:00

Hello
Hola
Bonjorno
Marhaba

I keep forgeting I have this blog,
I think I am going to shut it down.

Someone convince me otherwise.

check my new love:

Hope everyone is well!

Goodbye
Adios
Arivederci
Ma'salama

I <3 Halo 2

2005-11-10T17:13:00.000-05:00

On my short time when not busy connected to work, or the computer.
I love nothing more than to blast away on one of the coolest games ever created, Halo 2

The game itself is one thing but when you add multiplayer online capability it opens up a whole new world of fun. In my experience I have played with people within the US to Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan list goes on.

I have created and edited a video in hopes of
showing the online experience.

Lo-Res
Hi-Res

Enjoy!

Time Flies By

2005-11-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

Like a new toy, when its new you use it everyday.
Then it gets old and you don't use it as much.

If anybody reads this:

I'm doing good been working and studying.
same khara different youm, hon bil-amerka
here in america. :)

I hope everyone is well, I'll try to post regularly.

In Loving Memory...

2005-10-26T02:09:00.000-04:00

"He was my husband, my babies' father, my lifetime partner, lover,
confidant, and my best friend. He is MY HERO for all eternity!!!
His legacy will live on for generations to come. May he rest in peace.
Forever Love, BR"

Daphanie L. Kinlow of Thomson, Georgia

I want to dedicate this spot to a fallen star also known as:
Staff Sgt. James O. Kinlow of Georgia-based 48th Infantry Brigade
he passed away on July 24th 2005 when his humvee was hit by
an IED while on patrol.

Full CNN Story Here

May god bless his soul and comfort his family in times of need.

LOST BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!

iTrip for iPod Nano revealed

2005-10-24T01:58:00.000-04:00

Great news for all of us iPod Nano owners.

Griffin Technologies have revealed an iTrip for the Nanos.
I had the chance of using an iTrip when I had the iPod Mini,
and it worked great.

Looking forward to it, it starts shipping in November.

For all the details go here:
http://www.griffintechnolog...nano/index.php

Wilma.

2005-10-23T11:31:00.000-04:00

Progress on Wilma:

Looks like southern half of Florida is going to get it this
time. I hope everyone is prepared.

Latinos

2005-10-22T02:44:00.000-04:00

¡Saludos a todos los latinos en el blogosphere!

Si ven esto por favor dejen un saludo en la secion de
comentarios.

Estoy buscando a conocer mas personas
latinas que esten haciendo lo mismo que yo.

White Sony PSP's

2005-10-22T02:04:00.000-04:00

Although black is my favorite color,
I have to say it looks very classy in white.

¡Dios Mio!

1st Post & Hurricane Wilma

2005-10-20T23:24:00.000-04:00

Seems this one is aimed at Florida, I hope everyone is safe.

..Introduction..

My name is Jay, I was born in Panama,
raised in Puerto Rico and now in Tampa,
FL USA.

I speak/write spanish & english fluent.
and currently learning arabic (msa)
& italian (general).

By day I am in sales for a large DirecTV dealer
by night I repair computers, design websites, and develop
broadcast graphics for smaller companies &
firms.

Currently I am in a relationship which is 4 years old
and very happy.

I am currently happy with all my achivements,
I still have a long road ahead and god willing I will
make it.

I have a very big interest in the developing situation in Iraq
and I am for whats best for the iraqi people. I hope and pray
everyday that my country's sacrafice will bring the iraqi people
what they trully deserve. I understand it wont be the same as
it is here but freedom on their terms.

I look forward to writing in this blog.
If you run into this blog please say hello and write opinions.