IMRAN™: In My Humble Opinion

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Thought For Food: Delicious Desserts, Ulele Tampa Florida - IMRAN®

One of the several fabulous desserts my friends and I enjoyed after a great dinner.

#IMRAN #Florida #life #food #foodie #desserts #dining #gratitude #Tampa

Ulele At Water Works Park Tampa Florida - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #Tampa #travel #landmarks #restaurant #outdoor

Monday, May 12, 2025

Shannon Skimpy Swimsuit / Shorts Sizzles At Tampa Bay Sunset Alongside Cute Friend - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #models #Sunset #sky #clouds #boating #lifestyle #modeling #swimsuits

Capturing Tampa Bay Florida Sunset In Timelapse, Panorama, 360° At Apollo Beach Home Exactly 2 Years Ago Today - IMRAN®

Capturing Tampa Bay Florida Sunset In Timelapse, Panorama, 360° At Apollo Beach Home Exactly 2 Years Ago Today - IMRAN®

This is a video clip created from 300+ individual Nikon D300 which did not have that feature built-in back in 2007 when I got it as a great gift. This was the sunset exactly 2 years ago. Enjoy the music video of the unusual lighting and colors as clouds, rain, and sunset did their best to confuse the camera. You can see me working on capturing panorama and still shots with the Nikon D850 and 360°x360° with the Insta360 R2.

© 2023-2025 IMRAN®

#IMRAN #florida #tampabay #apollobeach #sunset #sky #clouds #timelapse #musicvideo

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Ulele Statue & Unique Outdoor Dinner Space – Water Works Park & Armature Works, Tampa - IMRAN®

Tampa offers wonderful places to explore, and my evening at Ulele was exceptional. I enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with colleagues and friends, immersed in the vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Water Works Park is its striking bronze statue—a contemplative depiction of Ulele, the legendary young Native American princess of the area. The artistry beautifully reflects the region's rich indigenous heritage and the spirit of the princess for whom the restaurant is named.

The statue, created by artist Elizabeth Catlett, offers a powerful presence with its detailed features and symbolic elements, surrounded by the park's natural beauty.

#IMRAN #Florida #Tampa #travel #landmarks #restaurant #outdoor #park #riverside #sunset #spring #history #dining #tourism #art #culture

Saturday, May 10, 2025

A Dog’s Life: Kennedy, My Precious Rescued German Shepherd, Loved By All Who Met Him - IMRAN®

I had planned to share this certificate’s photo on April 29, 2025—marking exactly six years since the day it was issued. But I was traveling that day.

Kennedy, my precious German Shepherd, had only been in my life for a brief 10 weeks, yet he left an imprint that would last forever. He was a slender 67 pounds, estimated to be around four to five years old—wise beyond his years but still carrying the exuberance of a puppy.

At the time, before the world changed with the pandemic, I anticipated needing to travel for work. I wanted to make sure that if I ever had to leave, he would have a safe and welcoming place to stay. Back then, I hadn’t yet discovered Rover, nor had I connected with the wonderful families of Emma and later Tressa—who would become Kennedy’s second homes, providing love and care whenever I was away in the years to come.

So I sought out Camp Bow Wow’s Southshore location, where I took Kennedy for a meet-and-greet. The process involved leaving him there for most of the day so that the staff could observe his temperament and interactions. They even provided a link to their live webcams, allowing me to watch Kennedy navigate a large group of dogs, independent and unphased by my absence.

On April 29, 2019, I returned to pick up my bright-eyed companion—his signature smile intact—and received a beautiful note from the sweet camp counselor, Angel. She had written a card about how Kennedy confidently explored his surroundings, played with the other dogs, and exuded an unshakable calmness and confidence among others. And he remained like that for his last heartbreaking breath in my arms last year.

What made it even more special was that these reflections were made without my presence, proving that his gentle and loving nature spoke for itself.

Good boy, my beloved Kennedy. Best Dog Ever!

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #memories #sorrow

Buccaneer Statue & Unique Outdoor Dinner Space – Water Works Park & Armature Works, Tampa - IMRAN®

Tampa offers wonderful places to explore, and my evening at Ulele was exceptional. I enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with colleagues and friends, immersed in the vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Water Works Park is its striking bronze statue—a swashbuckling buccaneer wielding a sword in one hand and a raised mug in the other. The craftsmanship beautifully captures Tampa’s rich maritime and pirate history, paying homage to the legendary Gasparilla festival.

The statue, sculpted by Vala Ola and unveiled in January 2020, stands proudly atop a base adorned with a skull and crossbones, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, adding to the park’s charm.

#IMRAN #Florida #Tampa #travel #landmarks #restaurant #outdoor #park #riverside #sunset #spring #history #dining #tourism #art #culture

Friday, May 09, 2025

Thought For Food: Delicious Filet Mignon, Ulele Tampa Florida - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #life #food #foodie #steak #dining #gratitude #Tampa

Thursday, May 08, 2025

Unique Outdoor Sunset Dinner Space – Water Works Park & Armature Works, Tampa - IMRAN®

Tampa offers some truly wonderful spaces to explore, and my evening at Ulele was no exception. I enjoyed a fabulous dinner with great colleagues and friends, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved waterfront destination.

Before we were seated in the area behind me, I captured this stunning HDR (high dynamic range) image, showcasing the warm hues of the setting sun and the inviting ambiance of the space. The signature orange chairs complement the restored Cinderella horse-drawn pumpkin carriage sculpture, visible to the far right.

This sculpture, originally part of Tampa’s historic Fairyland at Lowry Park, has been lovingly restored and now stands as a nostalgic tribute to the city’s past. The whimsical piece, featuring Cinderella’s iconic carriage, evokes childhood memories for many Tampa natives who once marveled at these fairy-tale displays.

Though I grew up in Pakistan, fairy tales like Cinderella were a cherished part of my childhood. My siblings and I knew these timeless stories well, dreaming of enchanted castles, magical transformations, and happily-ever-afters.

Seeing this sculpture here in Tampa was a reminder of how fairy tales transcend borders, weaving magic into childhoods across the world. Thanks to restoration efforts, it continues to enchant visitors at Ulele, blending history with the modern charm of the Riverwalk.

#IMRAN #Florida #Tampa #travel #landmarks #restaurant #outdoor #furniture #park #water #riverside #sunset #spring #Cinderella #FairyTales #history #autobiography #dining #tourism #art #culture

Wednesday, May 07, 2025

Vintage Gramophone Showpiece & Giant Keys Wall Decor Hotel Duval Tallahassee Florida - IMRAN®

Beautiful showpiece replica of a vintage gramophone and large keys placed in the lobby of Hotel Duvall in Tallahassee.

Does it make them “Florida Keys”? 😊 Also,just ignore the USB connector on the gramophone. It’s a showpiece. 😀

#IMRAN #Florida #Tallahassee #travel #hotel #vintage #gramophone #music #nostalgia #decor #style #wordplay #humor #travelogue Marriott Hotels Hotel Duval, Autograph Collection

Monday, May 05, 2025

K2 Loves To Leap & Fetch Heavy Coconuts From Tampa Bay Water - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #beach #spring #seaside

Sunday, May 04, 2025

Stunning Sunset, Showers & Stars Sliding Seaside - IMRAN®

Prepare to be spellbound! This 30-second time-lapse music video is more than just a sunset—it’s a breathtaking dance of light, clouds, and the cosmos.

Watch as swirling clouds paint the Tampa Bay sky while Florida’s signature sunset ignites the horizon in fiery hues. But don’t blink—rain shower silhouettes glide across the waters, drifting from Clearwater toward St. Petersburg, fleeting yet mesmerizing.

Look closer. The shift in wind, the falling humidity—the sky is in motion, whispering its secrets. Then comes the moon, first just a sliver. But as evening deepens, its full body emerges, revealing even its shadowed half. And then—Orion’s Belt, with hundreds of stars appearing to revolve around this little corner of the universe.

This isn’t just a video—it’s a moment suspended in time. Play it once, then again—you’ll always find something new. What did you notice?

Like, love, comment, and share the magic!

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #Sunset #Timelapse #MusicVideo #Stars #Moon #OrionsBelt #Flying #Boats #Storms #Nature

Thought for Food: Successful First-Time Marinated Lamb for Sunday Dinner – IMRAN®

For someone who hates regular cooking, I’ve become pretty good at experimenting with my own unique, ever-changing marinades for air-fried meals.

Some of my salmon dishes—starting from my very first attempt—surprised me by turning out even better than restaurant-quality. The same goes for most of my filet mignon plates, made with meat from the fantastic local butcher in Apollo Beach.

Although I generally ‘steer’ toward steak, find myself ‘hooked’ on salmon, and occasionally ‘peck’ at poultry—I wasn’t too chicken to experiment with lamb this time. 😀

Sure, Mary had a little lamb. My marinade had a lotta lamb. I let it soak for 24 hours before air-frying the pieces in the Philips AirFryer XXL. Since I’m not a big fan of rice, I paired it with curly fries, complemented by a glass of V8 strawberry-banana juice.

Thankfully, my wasabi-lemon-pepper lamb was a successful experiment. So far, by the grace of God, every meal I’ve made has been delicious. And, most importantly, I’ve survived eating each one!

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #Food #Foodie #Lamb #HomeCooking #AirFryer #Philips #V8 #Vegetables #Bokeh #Gratitude

Saturday, May 03, 2025

(Single Worst) Film Of The Year Award! The Surfer - IMRAN®

I believe you’ll enjoy this review more than the single worst movie of the year, The Surfer. 😊

The long haul after meetings in Tallahassee driving to my home in Apollo Beach, Florida was bad enough—a 5 to 6-hour drive stretched longer by Friday rush hour, heavy rain, and a mysterious accident on I-75. But nothing could prepare me for the real wreck ahead.

After two agonizing hours, I had barely crawled two miles through what was shaping up to be a 15-mile traffic disaster. Staring down the prospect of creeping forward at a soul-crushing 1 mph for who knows how much longer, I spotted an AMC theater near the next exit. An escape. Or so I thought.

In hindsight, I should have stayed in my car, because I was about to make a worse choice than all the drivers stuck in lane roulette.

With a Stubs membership to justify and nothing but time to kill, I decided to see whichever movie was starting next.

Bad luck. Terrible timing. The only thing playing? The Surfer.

I hesitated. Nicolas Cage’s “acting” and “massive talent” have never convinced me, especially in his recent era of terrible script choices and unhinged performances. Still, the 6.5 IMDb rating—while suspicious—gave me just enough false hope.

(And to the people who rated this movie that high: Really?!)

I barely settled into my seat before the film began.

Ten minutes in, I checked my watch. Surely, this was going to get better?

Nope.

What followed was a drivel-filled disaster—a massive (no talent) jumble of contrived characters, recycled clichés, predictable "twists," melodramatic music in overdrive, and a total lack of logic.

Sitting in that theater, I realized something awful: Even the traffic jam I had abandoned had more intrigue, suspense, and adventure than this movie. The drivers trapped around me had more depth and development than any character on screen. The maneuvering to edge forward in gridlock was more captivating than any supposed tension The Surfer tried—and failed—to create.

Finally, mercifully, it ended.

An easy 1-star out of 10.

Frankly, even sitting motionless on I-75 would’ve been a better experience, featuring better drama, a more immersive soundscape, and fewer crimes against storytelling.

And if you only skim the surface while surfing online, my review is more engaging than the script of The Surfer.

I promise, I’m not bragging—the bad puns practically wrote themselves.

Unlike the movie, which should have never been written at all.

Pass on this film. You’re welcome.

#IMRAN #movies #reviews #film #humor #puns #wordplay #Surfer #prose #travelogue

Thursday, May 01, 2025

Do You See Two Pairs Of Big Ears? K2 & Bunny At Sunset - IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #animals #rabbit #CoExist #sunset

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Security System Shows Serene Seaside Spring Sunday Scene - IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #boating #seaside #Sunday #weekend #spring #March #weekend

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Reflections On Past Reflecting The Present, And Majesty of Reflections As MetLife Building, Reflects In Grand Hyatt At Start Of 2010 – IMRAN®

As 2009 drew to a close and 2010 began, I faced one of the darkest chapters of my life. It wasn't just me; many shared the anguish brought on by the fallout of George W. Bush-era Republican policies—tax cuts that transformed a surplus economy into a near-depression.

Reflecting on this photo now, amid the wreckage of another promising economy undone by short-sighted governance, I see history repeating itself.

Tariffs shifted onto consumers, draconian budget cuts targeting vital services for the middle class and underprivileged—all to funnel yet another trillion dollars into the coffers of the ultra-wealthy.

This poignant, unedited (SOOC) image was taken with the Nikon D300 during the first week of 2010, on a bitterly cold yet strikingly beautiful day in Manhattan. The MetLife Building, forever etched in my mind as the PanAm Building, rose steadfastly behind the timeless facade of Grand Central Terminal. Its towering majesty reached into the urban sky, while its reflective counterpart shimmered across the pristine windows of the Grand Hyatt—an architectural poetry frozen in time.

This photograph isn’t just a memory; it’s a reminder of resilience and perspective amid personal and collective trials. But this time around, our very survival as a constitutional democratic republic hangs on the precipice of erasure.

#Architecture, #Blue, #commentary, #democracy, #economics, #Economy, #History, #IMHO, #IMRAN, #landmarks, #Manhattan, #NewYork, #NewYorkCity, #Nikon, #opinion, #Outdoors, #prose, #Republicans, #Travel Nikon Times Square, New York City Grand Hyatt Hyatt MetLife

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Thought For Food: Kudos Delta Air For Restaurant Quality Inflight Meal 35,000’ Up In The Air En Route To JFK New York - IMRAN®

How have your air travel experiences changed over time? Here’s my story.

When I started flying as an unaccompanied 7-year old child in Pakistan, PIA, the national airline was a world class operation. Even 1.5 hour domestic economy flights included sumptuous meal service.

Meanwhile meals have turned into so-called snacks — like crappy pretzels would not even give my dog.

I do have to give kudos to Delta for the fabulous quality of their in-flight meals. Mind you, this type of offering is in First Class, but even their economy snacks are far better than many others.

This particular tender beef offering on a recent flight to JFK was literally Manhattan restaurant quality. Ironically, that’s where I was flying to for the weekend.

#IMRAN #NewYork #food #foodie #travel #flying #airlines #CustomerService #CustomerExperience #DeltaAirlines #IMHO

Friday, April 25, 2025

Breathtaking Beyond Words Weekend Stunning Sunset - IMRAN®

No words can do justice or describe this beyond breathtaking sunset I captured at my blessed home on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

#ApolloBeach, #Boating, #contrails, #D300, #Florida, #IMRAN, #Lifestyle, #Maghreb, #Nature, #night, #Nikon, #prose, #seaside, #StPetersburg, #Sunset, #Tampa, #TampaBay, #Water, #gratitude

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

K2 Clearly Excited Trying To Control The Joystick... The One To Fly My Drone - IMRAN®

I hadn't flown any of my drones in quite some time, so I decided to take one for a spin on a stunning spring afternoon at home on Tampa Bay. The shimmering sea and clear skies promised breathtaking footage, but it seems K2—my now 5+ year-old German Shepherd—was far more excited than I was. With his joystick seemingly in overdrive, K2 couldn’t wait to get his paws on the drone's joystick too!

Between me trying to capture cinematic shots and him keen on viewing the controller screen & piloting, it was hard to tell who was truly in control.

#aerial, #ApolloBeach, #badpuns, #DJI, #dog, #drone, #Florida, #Flying, #GermanShepherdDog, #GSD, #IMRAN, #puns, #spring, #TampaBay, #wordplay, #pilots,

Thought for Food: Sating a River Ravi Lahore Pakistani Appetite in Riverview, Florida - IMRAN®

After a hectic, nonstop day of meetings, I’m deeply grateful everything went so well. But by 5 pm, having only had a soup all day, I was famished.

As I found myself in Riverview, Florida—ironically with hardly any view of a river—my Pakistani appetite, nurtured in the vibrant city of Lahore on the historic River Ravi, guided me to Roti’s restaurant.

Their menu is simple, and I hope it expands soon—and faster than my waistline! While Chicken Tikka Masala is among my personal favorites, this nearby spot offers Butter Chicken, known to be a go-to for many non-desi American diners. I decided to indulge in it as a late lunch and early dinner, and packed two other dishes to go.

Once the beast of Pakistani tastebuds is awakened, it craves a spicy feast for several days—and I’m more than happy to oblige!

#IMRAN #food #foodie #dining #gratitude #nutrition #health #lifestyle #Pakistan #Pakistani #Indian #wordplay #humor #prose

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Beautiful Boat Crossing Spectacular Sunset – 3 Years Ago at Apollo Beach Home on Tampa Bay - IMRAN®

Three years ago, on April 28, 2022, my iPhone 13 Pro Max captured this incredible scene right here at Apollo Beach. Despite the advancements in camera technology since then, the way this moment was perfectly rendered—even back then—makes it truly extraordinary.

The image features a neighbor's stunning boat gliding in front of and beneath the fiery golden-yellow Florida sunset. The glowing clouds set the sky ablaze while reflecting beautifully on the water visible just behind the cockpit.

Adding to the magic, the boat's radar antenna aligns flawlessly with the horizon—a detail so precise it feels almost too perfect to be accidental.

It was the perfect time to pause for Maghreb prayers and express heartfelt gratitude for all of my life's blessings.

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #gratitude #boating #sunset #seaside #photooftheday #marine #seaside #Thursday #spring #reflections #photography #iPhonePhotography

Monday, April 21, 2025

GSDs K2 & Laila Beach Sunset Date Tonight On Tampa Bay - IMRAN®

My 5-year old GSD K2 loves swimming and can’t get enough of playing fetch with coconuts thrown as balls into the water. He leaps into the water, swims to retrieve the “ball”, and leap back up over the seawall.

Laila, my nearby neighbors’ beautiful GSD female is approaching age 10. She’s more like the age my precious German Shepherd Kennedy was when he crossed the rainbow bridge one year ago. But she clearly got excited each time K2 would swim in the bay and return with the object. K2 played cool.

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #Sunset #sky #clouds #seaside #spring #Monday

Sunday, April 20, 2025

“It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s SuperSunset!” - IMRAN®

When nature flexes its cinematic superpowers, it delivers an Oscar-worthy spectacle right here at my blessed Apollo Beach home on Tampa Bay.

The sky ignites in fiery red and white brilliance, as if its vivid colors were lifted straight from a comic book, casting a golden glow over tranquil waters.

A lone bird and a distant plane make a cameo in this blockbuster moment. No CGI, no filters—just reality at its finest, a breathtaking display of nature’s own cinematic universe.

A moment later, like an unexpected bogey, a second bird swoops into the scene, simulating aerial dogfight maneuvers. Meanwhile, my bold yet disciplined German Shepherd dog K2 remains grounded at my feet, calmly observing the spectacle above.

When I posted the original video I had managed to take a few screenshots during, I added the Danger Zone song from the Top Gun movie soundtrack. By pure coincidence the shaking of the camera from my trying to zoom in and out added the same kind of urgency as in the opening sequence of the movies Top Gun and later of Maverick as well. I will share a link in the comments as I am sure you will love it.

As the evening sky puts on a show, it doesn’t hold back. Tonight’s sunset isn’t just stunning—it’s super!

(Captured & written on April 17, 2024)

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #Sunset #Sky #Nature #Flying #Aircraft #Seaside #Beach #Birds #Movies #Comics #Superman #Wordplay

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Phoebe’s “HOME” Terminal Dive - IMRAN®

Most of you’ve probably seen pictures of Phoebe, the 21-foot flamingo turning Tampa International Airport into an immersive art experience.

Officially titled HOME, this sculpture by Matthew Mazzotta gives travelers a surreal welcome as the flamingo appears to wade through the terminal. It’s not just a statue—it’s a selfie magnet and a reminder that even airports can have a splash of whimsy.

It’s great to see Tampa International AirPort continuing to improve in the nearly 25-years I’ve flown through it and the dozen years of my living on Tampa Bay.

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #TPA #airport #sculpture #statue #art #flamingo #architecture #travel

Friday, April 18, 2025

A Dog's Life: In The End We Walk Alone - IMRAN®

As April 1, 2024, was coming to an end, I was still reeling from the news that my precious and beloved German Shepherd, Kennedy, had an inoperable tumor. I wish it had been a cruel April Fool's joke, but this was devastating, heartbreaking reality.

With Kennedy's organs starting to fail, it was simply a matter of days before one of them would rupture. Despite the excruciating pain he must have been enduring, this brave dog—forever smiling, eternally loyal—had not whimpered or moaned even once.

As we walked home from one of the many walks he still cherished, Kennedy began doing something that brings me to tears even a year later as I write these words.

He would walk alongside K2 and me as we approached home. But on those final nights, Kennedy would stop and sit down in the middle of the cul-de-sac—not in pain, not due to disability, but with a quiet grace. Upright and alert, he gazed at me and his forever home, as if imprinting the vision into his soul. Beneath the serene night sky, with palm trees standing like silent witnesses, the hauntingly beautiful backdrop seemed to echo Kennedy's profound journey. All the while, his actions, his looks, his love were engraving themselves even deeper into mine.

Kennedy would then rise and walk toward home, toward me, casting a long shadow—a lasting imprint across my memories. And in his reassuring gaze, in his gentle smile, it was as though he were saying, "In the end, we all walk alone."

Kennedy, Best Dog Ever!

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #Kennedy #memories #BestDogEver

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Serene Seaside Spring Sunday Scene - IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #boating #seaside #Sunday #weekend #spring #March #weekend

Monday, April 14, 2025

GSD Tug Of War With Palm Fronds On Tampa Bay - IMRAN®

The longest day of the year flew by too quickly—just like the precious five years I had with Kennedy.

K2, my forever rambunctious pup, was just over a year old at the time. On June 21, 2021, I captured a series of moments between him and Kennedy, my beloved rescued German Shepherd Dog.

By then, Kennedy had been with me for two years, always eager to join the fun—especially to keep K2 entertained and bring joy to us both. Best Dog Ever!

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #Kennedy #K2 #memories

Tuesday, April 08, 2025

See Sea Dog GSD K2 & White Swan Set Sights At Sunset At New York Home Beach Last Year - IMRAN®

This was the gorgeous sunset on the Great South Bay last year. Friday had been truly hectic but positive.

I was at the beach of my blessed New York home of nearly thirty years. The water was tranquil like Swan Lake, despite a chilly 40F breeze coming towards me.

See the beautiful swan and the sea dog German Shepherd K2 calmly eyeing each other. They were seeing the seaside scene as intently as I was.

The bay water held each at bay. The very playful K2 loves jumping in the water, just like Kennedy. But, also just like Kennedy, in this moment, K2 seemed to be admiring the swan and not disturbing its peaceful evening.

Curiosity. Coexistence. Tolerance. Discipline. The stunning sunset and dramatic dusk at Maghreb prayer time completed the mesmerizing scene.

Pure GSD. Pure nature. Pure magic. Pure gratitude.

#IMRAN #GSD #GSB #GermanShepherdDog #GreatSouthBay #NewYork #LongIsland #Suffolk #Patchogue #EastPatchogue #sunset #animals #nature #beach #seaside #dusk #gratitude #TGIF #autumn #November #lifestyle #SwanLake

Monday, April 07, 2025

Tokyo, We Have An Addiction - IMRAN®

#food #Japanese #IMRAN #photography #bokeh #sushi #sashimi #fish #cooking #puns #humor #wordplay #home #dining #style #foodie #LongIsland #NewYork

Sunday, April 06, 2025

Blue Hour Manhattan Plaza 33 Ping Pong Tables Across From Macy's Herald Square - IMRAN®

Manhattan, New York City, has been my "first and forever" hometown since my first visit in 1987 and living there since January 1989l. I have always loved driving (and even keeping a car) in the city.

But I also love European cities' open spaces for pedestrians. It is interesting to see how much of Times Square, and now also Herald Square, where Macy's flagship store is, are being given more space for people to do city living. I loved seeing these table tennis "tables" (appropriately fully locked into the concrete."

I will have to play with a friend there one day. Enjoy this view of blue hour in the city at the center of the universe. This was captured at a rare moment of no one walking by on June 23, 2022.

A Dog’s Life: Watchful K2 & Kennedy's Love of Dolphins, Even Through Pain - IMRAN®

A Dog’s Life: Watchful K2 & Kennedy's Love of Dolphins, Even Through Pain - IMRAN®
As I grappled with the devastating reality that my time with Kennedy was shorter than I had hoped, fate had its own plans. The news of his inoperable tumor and his struggle with basic functions left me heartbroken. I knew it was only a matter of time before his internal organs would reach a breaking point.
Yet, even in the midst of this pain, Kennedy’s spirit remained unbroken. One evening, as we stood on the dock, a heron gracefully landed atop my home. Kennedy observed it briefly but soon grew bored, leaving K2 to keep a vigilant eye on the bird—a true bird’s-eye view guardian.
But what truly brought Kennedy to life were the dolphins. The moment K2 and Kennedy heard the unmistakable sounds of a nearby dolphin, it was as if Kennedy had found his second wind. Watching him eagerly rush to see his beloved marine companions brought me a bittersweet joy. Best Dog Ever.

© 2024-2025 IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #memories #life #loss #greatness #philosophy #LifeLessons

Treasonous Trump Tried This Tariffs Turbulence Tactic Throughout Time - IMRAN®

People forget that Trump had tried to destroy the US economy with tariffs 7 years ago as well. But then his deliberate mismanagement of the pandemic did the job for him. This time around he’s got Musk like a chainsaw and other minions like termites destroying the economy and democracy together.

I happened to be going through old piles of subscribed magazines in my NY home when I found these July and August 2018 issues of Fortune and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Putin took over Washington DC without firing a shot.

#IMRAN #IMHO #commentary #facts #news #history #Trump #tariffs #Musk #traitors #democracy #magazines #journalism #economy

Thursday, April 03, 2025

Stunning Late Winter Sunset at Tampa Bay, Florida Home - IMRAN®

On Friday evening, February 21, 2025, a late winter sunset illuminated the skies over Tampa Bay, across from my blessed home in Apollo Beach. Stunning hues of red, yellow, orange, and gold splashed out from the intersecting bands of clouds, creating a breathtaking scene. I captured this moment using the iPhone 16 Pro Max—straight out of the camera (SOOC), with no edits or filters. A moment to say Maghreb prayers in gratitude.

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #Sunset #Sky #Clouds #Nature #TGIF #Winter NoEdit NoFilter #Blessed #Gratitude #Maghreb

Wednesday, April 02, 2025

A Dog’s Life: K2 Turned 4 As Kennedy Bravely Faced The Sunset Of Life - IMRAN®

We all must face the sunset of life, whether man or beast. How we live our life, and how we face our end, are what differentiate the ordinary from the great. There is so much poignancy in this photo I took one year ago; emotions well up in me as I write these lines.

Kennedy showed his grace, sitting in the background of this photo at his forever home. Nothing could stop him from showing his beautiful smile and glowing love, regardless of what he was going through. The setting sun on Tampa Bay washed him and K2 in a golden light.

When my beloved Kennedy came into my life as a rescued German Shepherd, he was estimated to be between 4 and 5 years old. He had survived life on the streets of Texas, where he was abandoned despite someone spending thousands on some amazing training he’d had.

He had hip dysplasia. He also survived the brutal treatment for heartworm and other diseases he had before I got him. On paper, he would’ve been the last dog I’d want.

Who knew how long he would live or what other issues he would have? But in reality, there is no dog in the world I would have chosen to be mine forever, whatever time I would have him. Best Dog Ever!

Monday, March 31, 2025

A Dog's Life: Hot (Spicy Pakistani Food Loving German Shepherd) Dogs - One Year Ago Today - IMRAN®

A Dog's Life: Hot (Spicy Pakistani Food Loving German Shepherd) Dogs - One Year Ago Today - IMRAN®
About one year ago I started telling the story of Kennedy in a series of ongoing posts.... "A Dog's Life" was the recurring title phrase. Exactly one year ago today, I captured a moment that carries immense meaning in my heart.
My beloved German Shepherd Dog Kennedy (on the left) and his playful puppy companion K2 shared their love for spicy food—a joyful scene. I had made slow-cooked Pakistani beef (Nihari) with marrow-filled bones, a treat too tempting to keep to myself.
Despite knowing their doggie beds would bear the consequences, I brought the bones to them in my cluttered home office. It was worth every bit of mess to see them savor the flavors and stay close to me.
Kennedy had been facing some struggles those past few days, and in his gaze, you might notice a trace of that. Yet, his indomitable spirit—an eternal part of my soul—shines through in the way he acknowledges the spicy treat with a heartfelt smile.
That moment is a cherished reminder of his incredible strength and love for life. Best Dog Ever!

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Saturday, March 29, 2025

Thought For Food: Easy Choice! Why Choose Just One? - IMRAN®

Start with a sumptuous Japanese buffet in the Tampa area. Then, indulge in the desserts (not counting the ice-cream sandwich I had after these - and not even touching the half a dozen other sweet options). Finally, ponder why losing weight is so challenging.

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