Saturday, September 30, 2023

Kennedy & K2 Watch Rainbow With Me Before 7th Walk On First Hot Now Windy Saturday - IMRAN™


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Kennedy & K2 Often Sit Ready For Their Portraits - IMRAN™ Kennedy and his wing-dog K2 often sit as if they’re asking for their portraits to be captured. I’m happy to oblige. This was after our 5th walk outside in 92F Florida. They at least both waded in Tampa Bay waters, which I didn’t do. © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #TampaLife #GSD #dogs #home #SymphonyIsles #humorKennedy & K2 Often Sit Ready For Their Portraits - IMRAN™ Kennedy and his wing-dog K2 often sit as if they’re asking for their portraits to be captured. I’m happy to oblige. This was after our 5th walk outside in 92F Florida. They at least both waded in Tampa Bay waters, which I didn’t do. © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #TampaLife #GSD #dogs #home #SymphonyIsles #humor


IMRAN

Stunning Dusk Emerges After Dark Clouds Drowned Sunset, While A Dove Watches Atop Dolphin Statue - IMRAN™ Even the dove sitting atop my dolphins statue fountains was chilling to the scene. It did not fly away even when I climbed the wall on the other side to do a livestream. It was one of those, "Bummer, there won't be a visible sunsets tonight!" type cloud-covered day's ends. But, lo and behold, somehow the most light-blocking dark clouds dissipated enough for this mind-blowing explosion of colors and hues to emerge. I managed to do a quick livestream from my iPhone and then took about a dozen photos with the Nikon D850. I used them to capture the details for this stunning panorama, I love the reflections in the water, the pool, and the windows to the right. © 2023 IMRAN™ #ApolloBeach, #Architecture, #bird, #blessed, #Clouds, #D850, #doves, #Dusk, #Florida, #green, #HDR, #IMRAN, #Lifestyle, #Nature, #Nikon, #palmtrees, #Panorama, #reflections, #seaside, #Sunset, #swimmingpool, #Tampa, #TampaBayStunning Dusk Emerges After Dark Clouds Drowned Sunset, While A Dove Watches Atop Dolphin Statue - IMRAN™ Even the dove sitting atop my dolphins statue fountains was chilling to the scene. It did not fly away even when I climbed the wall on the other side to do a livestream. It was one of those, "Bummer, there won't be a visible sunsets tonight!" type cloud-covered day's ends. But, lo and behold, somehow the most light-blocking dark clouds dissipated enough for this mind-blowing explosion of colors and hues to emerge. I managed to do a quick livestream from my iPhone and then took about a dozen photos with the Nikon D850. I used them to capture the details for this stunning panorama, I love the reflections in the water, the pool, and the windows to the right. © 2023 IMRAN™ #ApolloBeach, #Architecture, #bird, #blessed, #Clouds, #D850, #doves, #Dusk, #Florida, #green, #HDR, #IMRAN, #Lifestyle, #Nature, #Nikon, #palmtrees, #Panorama, #reflections, #seaside, #Sunset, #swimmingpool, #Tampa, #TampaBay


IMRAN

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Nonstop Playful K2 Loves Egging Older Chill German Shepherd Dog Kennedy At Home - IMRAN™


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Beautiful Flowers At Long Island New York Home Exactly 13 Years Ago Today - IMRAN™ I took this unedited photo of the beautiful flowers at my blessed Long Island, New York home on exactly today's date in 2010. It was taken with a then still relatively recent Nikon D300 (which I still use). It was a complicated time after a horrendous 2009. Even though 2010 was one of its own ups and downs it was one to still celebrate and be grateful for. As I write these lines in Charlotte, North Carolina, on my way back to Tampa Bay, Florida, more than a dozen years later, these New York images remind me of the journeys of life, and the eternal changing of the seasons. One always has to appreciate the beauty of nature, the blessing of being alive, and to see hopes of spring even in the flowers of autumn. © 2010-2023 IMRAN™Beautiful Flowers At Long Island New York Home Exactly 13 Years Ago Today - IMRAN™ I took this unedited photo of the beautiful flowers at my blessed Long Island, New York home on exactly today's date in 2010. It was taken with a then still relatively recent Nikon D300 (which I still use). It was a complicated time after a horrendous 2009. Even though 2010 was one of its own ups and downs it was one to still celebrate and be grateful for. As I write these lines in Charlotte, North Carolina, on my way back to Tampa Bay, Florida, more than a dozen years later, these New York images remind me of the journeys of life, and the eternal changing of the seasons. One always has to appreciate the beauty of nature, the blessing of being alive, and to see hopes of spring even in the flowers of autumn. © 2010-2023 IMRAN™


IMRAN

Monday, September 25, 2023

Skyway Bridge Tampa Bay Florida 360° Panorama Captured During JetSki Ride - IMRAN™ I had my then brand-new Yamaha WaveRunner SVHO jet ski in summer of 2016, begging to be taken for a longer ride than around the nearby bay waters. September 11, 2016 was a beautiful blue day in both sky and sea so I fired up the powerful vessel and off I went. I have boated on the Atlantic coast in my boats and yacht in past years offshore New York and Florida (both Palm Beach and Miami areas). But this was my first time ever going that far west on the east coast. (Well, technically, it is the west coast of Florida on the east coast of the United States). It was a windy day and the water was very choppy without being dangerously rough. I continued on my adventure. Nearer the bridge I managed to idle the jetski and take about 15-18 photos to later create this 360x360° panorama. I just did not get a chance to post it until 7 years later! © 2016-2023 IMRAN™ #360VR, #360x360, #bridge, #Clouds, #Florida, #GulfOfMexico, #IMRAN, #interactive, #iPhone, #JetSki, #Panorama, #sea, #seaside, #SkywayBridge, #Spherical, #Tampa, #TampaBay, #Water, #equirectangularSkyway Bridge Tampa Bay Florida 360° Panorama Captured During JetSki Ride - IMRAN™ I had my then brand-new Yamaha WaveRunner SVHO jet ski in summer of 2016, begging to be taken for a longer ride than around the nearby bay waters. September 11, 2016 was a beautiful blue day in both sky and sea so I fired up the powerful vessel and off I went. I have boated on the Atlantic coast in my boats and yacht in past years offshore New York and Florida (both Palm Beach and Miami areas). But this was my first time ever going that far west on the east coast. (Well, technically, it is the west coast of Florida on the east coast of the United States). It was a windy day and the water was very choppy without being dangerously rough. I continued on my adventure. Nearer the bridge I managed to idle the jetski and take about 15-18 photos to later create this 360x360° panorama. I just did not get a chance to post it until 7 years later! © 2016-2023 IMRAN™ #360VR, #360x360, #bridge, #Clouds, #Florida, #GulfOfMexico, #IMRAN, #interactive, #iPhone, #JetSki, #Panorama, #sea, #seaside, #SkywayBridge, #Spherical, #Tampa, #TampaBay, #Water, #equirectangular


IMRAN

Stunning Sunset Dramatic Dusk Tampa Bay Florida Home With GSDs (No Edit No Filter) - IMRAN™


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Red, Blue, Gold Morning New York City Over Red, Blue, Gold Aircraft Tails Late Autumn At New LaGuardia Airport - IMRAN™ An unusual scene as I took this high-contrast photo on landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York City around Christmas in December 2022. You can see a Christmas ornament at the top of the photo. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue's Boeing aircraft are visible. The spot is a skyway for walking over airplanes below on the airport tarmac. Finally LaGuardia Airport is beginning to at least look like a 2000s era airport instead of a 1960s third-world travel terminal. © 2022-2023 IMRAN™ #airplanes, #Airport, #arches, #Architecture, #autumn, #Christmas, #Clouds, #holidays, #IMRAN, #LaGuardiaAirport, #Morning, #NewYork, #SouthwestAirlines, #sunrise, #Travel, #walking, #windows,Red, Blue, Gold Morning New York City Over Red, Blue, Gold Aircraft Tails Late Autumn At New LaGuardia Airport - IMRAN™ An unusual scene as I took this high-contrast photo on landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York City around Christmas in December 2022. You can see a Christmas ornament at the top of the photo. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue's Boeing aircraft are visible. The spot is a skyway for walking over airplanes below on the airport tarmac. Finally LaGuardia Airport is beginning to at least look like a 2000s era airport instead of a 1960s third-world travel terminal. © 2022-2023 IMRAN™ #airplanes, #Airport, #arches, #Architecture, #autumn, #Christmas, #Clouds, #holidays, #IMRAN, #LaGuardiaAirport, #Morning, #NewYork, #SouthwestAirlines, #sunrise, #Travel, #walking, #windows,


IMRAN

Stunning Sunset Dramatic Dusk Tampa Bay Florida Home With GSDs (No Edit No Filter) - IMRAN™


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Saturday, September 23, 2023

Sticking My Neck Out, Again: 2 GSD & 1 Man All Brown Colored And All Collared - IMRAN™ It was funny to have a photo in which a brown/tan/black colored man & 2 dogs were also all collared. I was wearing my neck brace and they had their own collars. My beautiful German Shepherd Dogs Kennedy & K2 had been away several weeks. I had to take it easy after serious neck surgery and slow cervical spine healing. So, I had them stay with their loving host family. Even though I was slowly & carefully walking, there was no sense risking tripping or falling in one of the dozen daily walks my dogs and I love. But I also didn’t want to wait for more than a couple of weeks. One, it gets expensive even with the very reasonable arrangement I have with T&D that my dogs stay with. Two, I am lucky that they’re such well-behaved dogs I wasn’t worried about them jumping on me (well, except on their initial return and seeing me lol). Three, I did want to keep moving to return to normalcy as speedily and safely as I could. Instead of my going to pick them up, my sweet friends came by to drop off the doggies. After their initial wild joy and excitement at seeing me and being home, both dogs got back into their great personas. T took this photo last month, as she was getting in her vehicle to drive away and both dogs flanked me. © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #Florida #GSD #dogs #GermanShepherds #humor #ApolloBeachSticking My Neck Out, Again: 2 GSD & 1 Man All Brown Colored And All Collared - IMRAN™ It was funny to have a photo in which a brown/tan/black colored man & 2 dogs were also all collared. I was wearing my neck brace and they had their own collars. My beautiful German Shepherd Dogs Kennedy & K2 had been away several weeks. I had to take it easy after serious neck surgery and slow cervical spine healing. So, I had them stay with their loving host family. Even though I was slowly & carefully walking, there was no sense risking tripping or falling in one of the dozen daily walks my dogs and I love. But I also didn’t want to wait for more than a couple of weeks. One, it gets expensive even with the very reasonable arrangement I have with T&D that my dogs stay with. Two, I am lucky that they’re such well-behaved dogs I wasn’t worried about them jumping on me (well, except on their initial return and seeing me lol). Three, I did want to keep moving to return to normalcy as speedily and safely as I could. Instead of my going to pick them up, my sweet friends came by to drop off the doggies. After their initial wild joy and excitement at seeing me and being home, both dogs got back into their great personas. T took this photo last month, as she was getting in her vehicle to drive away and both dogs flanked me. © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #Florida #GSD #dogs #GermanShepherds #humor #ApolloBeach


IMRAN

WWW: Wit Wisdom Wordplay: Sign Of The (NY) Times? Vibrator Reviews! - IMRAN™ Who would have thought that reading the very safe for work national newspaper now covers otherwise NSFW topics. Definitely a Sign Of The (NY) Times, when the New York Times publishes a review of the 5 best clitoral vibrators. Wait, seriously. The article s based on, ahem, 150 hours of (surely hands on?) "research and testing".... I am sure they do not plan to offer "unboxing" and "first use" video clips! Talk about having a finger on the pulse of what's currently moving and shaking. The paper is not dry-reading anymore either. Yes, even the 172 years old Gray Lady has needs, it seems. And technology comes to the rescue, NO pun intended. What's next? NY Times' reviews of inflatable sex dolls for male readers? LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ #comedy, #commentary, #humor, #IMRAN, #ImranAnwar, #news, #newspapers, #puns, #reviews, #sex, #society, #vibrators, #wisdom, #wit, #wordplay, #sextoys, #NYTimesWWW: Wit Wisdom Wordplay: Sign Of The (NY) Times? Vibrator Reviews! - IMRAN™ Who would have thought that reading the very safe for work national newspaper now covers otherwise NSFW topics. Definitely a Sign Of The (NY) Times, when the New York Times publishes a review of the 5 best clitoral vibrators. Wait, seriously. The article s based on, ahem, 150 hours of (surely hands on?) "research and testing".... I am sure they do not plan to offer "unboxing" and "first use" video clips! Talk about having a finger on the pulse of what's currently moving and shaking. The paper is not dry-reading anymore either. Yes, even the 172 years old Gray Lady has needs, it seems. And technology comes to the rescue, NO pun intended. What's next? NY Times' reviews of inflatable sex dolls for male readers? LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ #comedy, #commentary, #humor, #IMRAN, #ImranAnwar, #news, #newspapers, #puns, #reviews, #sex, #society, #vibrators, #wisdom, #wit, #wordplay, #sextoys, #NYTimes


IMRAN

Saturday, September 16, 2023

(Exactly) 10 Years Ago: My First Autumn At Apollo Beach Home With Beautiful Paste Dusk Over Tampa Bay St. Petersburg Florida - IMRAN™ Grateful to have found this private paradise on Tampa Bay nearly 11 years ago. This photo was taken by Kat, someone I was seeing back then. It was taken by the best smartphone camera of that era, the now defunct, Nokia LUmia 1020 WindowsPhone. This portrait was literally 10 years ago today. Time flies, and my gratitude remains growing. © 2023 IMRAN™ #ApolloBeach, #blessed, #Clouds, #Dusk, #grateful, #IMRAN, #ImranAnwar, #Lumia1020, #Nokia, #pastels, #portrait, #SaintPetersburg, #seaside, #skyline, #Sunset, #TampaBay, #WindowsPhone(Exactly) 10 Years Ago: My First Autumn At Apollo Beach Home With Beautiful Paste Dusk Over Tampa Bay St. Petersburg Florida - IMRAN™ Grateful to have found this private paradise on Tampa Bay nearly 11 years ago. This photo was taken by Kat, someone I was seeing back then. It was taken by the best smartphone camera of that era, the now defunct, Nokia LUmia 1020 WindowsPhone. This portrait was literally 10 years ago today. Time flies, and my gratitude remains growing. © 2023 IMRAN™ #ApolloBeach, #blessed, #Clouds, #Dusk, #grateful, #IMRAN, #ImranAnwar, #Lumia1020, #Nokia, #pastels, #portrait, #SaintPetersburg, #seaside, #skyline, #Sunset, #TampaBay, #WindowsPhone


IMRAN

(Exactly) 10 Years Ago: Mind-Blowing Extra-Terrestrial Vision As Sun Emerges From Clouds Over St. Petersburg Florida - IMRAN™ This was a NO-EDIT NO-FILTER SOOC (straight out of camera) Nikon D300 stunning sunset vision I captured from my blessed home on Tampa Bay, exactly 10 years ago last night. With 1/800 second shutter speed at f/14 aperture, the amazing Nikon D300 and Nikkor lens created this almost science fiction movie like scene. A white hot sun, almost like an interstellar bomb about to be released from the blood red clouds on a modern Earth city captured in dark silhouette. © 2013-2023 IMRAN™ #10Years #ApolloBeach, #Beach, #Boating, #D300, #Dusk, #Florida, #IMRAN, #Inspiration, #iPhone, #iPhoto, #iPhoto #Masters, #Landscapes, #Lifestyles, #Marine, #Nature, #Night, #Nikon, #Outdoors, #peaceful, #Red, #sea, #Seasons, #Sky, #Sun, #Sunset, #Tampa, #TampaBay, #tranquility, #Travel, #Water, #winter, #Yachting, #Yellow, #clouds, #silhouette, #skyline(Exactly) 10 Years Ago: Mind-Blowing Extra-Terrestrial Vision As Sun Emerges From Clouds Over St. Petersburg Florida - IMRAN™ This was a NO-EDIT NO-FILTER SOOC (straight out of camera) Nikon D300 stunning sunset vision I captured from my blessed home on Tampa Bay, exactly 10 years ago last night. With 1/800 second shutter speed at f/14 aperture, the amazing Nikon D300 and Nikkor lens created this almost science fiction movie like scene. A white hot sun, almost like an interstellar bomb about to be released from the blood red clouds on a modern Earth city captured in dark silhouette. © 2013-2023 IMRAN™ #10Years #ApolloBeach, #Beach, #Boating, #D300, #Dusk, #Florida, #IMRAN, #Inspiration, #iPhone, #iPhoto, #iPhoto #Masters, #Landscapes, #Lifestyles, #Marine, #Nature, #Night, #Nikon, #Outdoors, #peaceful, #Red, #sea, #Seasons, #Sky, #Sun, #Sunset, #Tampa, #TampaBay, #tranquility, #Travel, #Water, #winter, #Yachting, #Yellow, #clouds, #silhouette, #skyline


IMRAN

A Neighbor’s Gorgeous Yacht Glides Past On Spectacular Saturday - IMRAN™


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Thursday, September 14, 2023

German Shepherd Become Golden (Hour Coconut) Retriever At Tampa Bay Sunset - IMRAN™


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Sticking My Neck Out, Again, Quoting/Blaming/Thanking Shakespeare (Part 3) - IMRAN™ In the previous two "scenes" ( https://ift.tt/hJANB57 ) - (and in my countless writings) - you will have been reminded of my weakness for strong word(s)/play! However, it is not just puns and double entendre that I love the bard's words for. There are even serious Shakespeare quotes about the head and neck. There is one about wishing ill on someone's throat. There's another one about throats that only voice lies (like some political cult figures). From my surgeon's perspective there is an apt one: “There is Throats to be cut, and Works to be done.” ― William Shakespeare, Henry V ! I do not quote Shakespeare much in my posts. However, his many inspiring turns of phrase, and verbal tapestries, often come to my mind at different times during the days of my life. With what I had recently been through, and with gratitude to God and all the prayers & love I receive, I repeated this one about "neck" to myself, once again... "Yield not thy neck to fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind still ride in triumph over all mischance.” © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Shakespeare #Cambridge #education #CambridgeUniversity #SainPaulsHighSchool #Karachi #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #autobiography #PakistanSticking My Neck Out, Again, Quoting/Blaming/Thanking Shakespeare (Part 3) - IMRAN™ In the previous two "scenes" ( https://ift.tt/hJANB57 ) - (and in my countless writings) - you will have been reminded of my weakness for strong word(s)/play! However, it is not just puns and double entendre that I love the bard's words for. There are even serious Shakespeare quotes about the head and neck. There is one about wishing ill on someone's throat. There's another one about throats that only voice lies (like some political cult figures). From my surgeon's perspective there is an apt one: “There is Throats to be cut, and Works to be done.” ― William Shakespeare, Henry V ! I do not quote Shakespeare much in my posts. However, his many inspiring turns of phrase, and verbal tapestries, often come to my mind at different times during the days of my life. With what I had recently been through, and with gratitude to God and all the prayers & love I receive, I repeated this one about "neck" to myself, once again... "Yield not thy neck to fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind still ride in triumph over all mischance.” © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Shakespeare #Cambridge #education #CambridgeUniversity #SainPaulsHighSchool #Karachi #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #autobiography #Pakistan


IMRAN

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Sticking My Neck Out, Again, Quoting/Blaming/Thanking Shakespeare (Part 2) - IMRAN™ At the end of the previous scene (well, photo/post at https://ift.tt/uLPrpv3 ) you were asking, "Where does Shakespeare come into play, no pun intended?" From the start of my education. I had fortunately elected a Cambridge University curriculum schooling at age 9, when I moved from co-ed Christ The King School in Karachi, Pakistan to the all-boys St. Paul's High. Besides some incredible teachers, even in a developing nation at the start of the 1970s, getting introduced to an elevated level of English Literature (especially the work of William Shakespeare) was one of the great joys of that education. Late Sister Mary Francis (Language) unleashed my passion for writing. London Shakespearean actor-turned Literature teacher in Pakistan Edward L'Steve opened the gates for a flood of my multi-level bad puns that many of you suffer from! A pain in the neck, you could say! For example, the word "neck" literally appears in the first four lines of Romeo & Juliet, with dozens of interpretations (based on what meanings the different words and pronunciations are used with). The opening of Romeo's famous soliloquy, as he sees Juliet appear on her balcony without knowing Romeo is down below, is interesting. Talking to himself, he starts with, "He jests at scars that never felt a wound." - Romeo & Juliet: William Shakespeare. Ironically, I have a Juliet balcony right above the drawing room this photo was taken in. But there was no Juliet smiling up there. Nor could I have looked up even if she had her act together and was standing there ready for me! With my recently fused neck in a brace it could hardly be turned to look up without doing serious damage. Also, unlike what Romeo said, I jest not at the scars of others but poke fun at my own actual wounds while being grateful to have had this incredible life! (Continued in Part 3.) © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Shakespeare #Cambridge #education #CambridgeUniversity #SainPaulsHighSchool #Karachi #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #autobiography #PakistanSticking My Neck Out, Again, Quoting/Blaming/Thanking Shakespeare (Part 2) - IMRAN™ At the end of the previous scene (well, photo/post at https://ift.tt/uLPrpv3 ) you were asking, "Where does Shakespeare come into play, no pun intended?" From the start of my education. I had fortunately elected a Cambridge University curriculum schooling at age 9, when I moved from co-ed Christ The King School in Karachi, Pakistan to the all-boys St. Paul's High. Besides some incredible teachers, even in a developing nation at the start of the 1970s, getting introduced to an elevated level of English Literature (especially the work of William Shakespeare) was one of the great joys of that education. Late Sister Mary Francis (Language) unleashed my passion for writing. London Shakespearean actor-turned Literature teacher in Pakistan Edward L'Steve opened the gates for a flood of my multi-level bad puns that many of you suffer from! A pain in the neck, you could say! For example, the word "neck" literally appears in the first four lines of Romeo & Juliet, with dozens of interpretations (based on what meanings the different words and pronunciations are used with). The opening of Romeo's famous soliloquy, as he sees Juliet appear on her balcony without knowing Romeo is down below, is interesting. Talking to himself, he starts with, "He jests at scars that never felt a wound." - Romeo & Juliet: William Shakespeare. Ironically, I have a Juliet balcony right above the drawing room this photo was taken in. But there was no Juliet smiling up there. Nor could I have looked up even if she had her act together and was standing there ready for me! With my recently fused neck in a brace it could hardly be turned to look up without doing serious damage. Also, unlike what Romeo said, I jest not at the scars of others but poke fun at my own actual wounds while being grateful to have had this incredible life! (Continued in Part 3.) © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Shakespeare #Cambridge #education #CambridgeUniversity #SainPaulsHighSchool #Karachi #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #autobiography #Pakistan


IMRAN

Saturday, September 09, 2023

Sticking My Neck Out, Again, Quoting/Blaming Shakespeare - IMRAN™ “Yield not thy neck to fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind still ride in triumph over all mischance.” -- Henry VI, Part 3: William Shakespeare Blessed to have made it through a complicated surgery, I was grateful to be alive, and back home. Soon I decided I was going to (carefully) take my first shower - and without the neck brace. I was sticking my neck out, literally again, but the words of Shakespeare above echoed in my ears. You will have read the story of what happened. You can see the incision was quite wide and still pretty raw (although not pretty LOL). Yes, I cropped the selfie to hide my non-Hollywood star body from scaring you! Where does Shakespeare come into play, no pun intended? I fortunately elected a Cambridge University curriculum schooling at age 9 when I moved from co-ed Christ The King School in Karachi, Pakistan to the all-boys St. Paul's High. I was blessed to receive and benefit from that education - although it was a very new thing in Pakistan at that time. (It is now basically the system every educated family puts its kids through). It was, and still is, also much tougher than the local schooling standard, which the vast majority of students went through. Only about 20% students of the whole batch in a year elected Cambridge back when we started. Nearly 50 of us started in Class 6 in 1971 at St. Paul's, but literally whittled down to just 15 by the time we took the Cambridge exam in 1976. Four of us from that group (who know each other since 1969) are in the USA. We still do annual reunions in Manhattan. May we keep meeting in good health while we have the chance. Besides some incredible teachers, even in a developing nation at the start of the 1970s, getting introduced to an elevated level of English Literature (especially the work of William Shakespeare) was one of the great joys of that education. Late Sister Mary Francis (Language) unleashed my passion for writing. London Shakespearean actor-turned Literature teacher in Pakistan Edward L'Steve opened the gates for a flood of my multi-level bad puns that many of you suffer from! A pain in the neck, you could say! For example, the word "neck" literally appears in the first four lines of Romeo & Juliet, with dozens of interpretations (based on what meanings the different words and pronunciations are used with). However, it is not just puns and double entendre that I love the bard's words for. There are even serious quotes about wishing ill on someone's throat, and throats that only voice lies like some political figures. From my surgeon's perspective there is an apt one: “There is Throats to be cut, and Works to be done.” ― William Shakespeare, Henry V ! I do not quote Shakespeare much in my posts. However, his many inspiring turns of phrase, and verbal tapestries, often come to my mind at different times during the days of my life. With what I had recently been through, and with gratitude to God and all the prayers and love I receive, I repeated this one about "neck" to myself, once again... "Yield not thy neck to fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind still ride in triumph over all mischance.” © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Shakespeare #Cambridge #education #CambridgeUniversity #SainPaulsHighSchool #Karachi #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #autobiography #PakistanSticking My Neck Out, Again, Quoting/Blaming Shakespeare - IMRAN™ “Yield not thy neck to fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind still ride in triumph over all mischance.” -- Henry VI, Part 3: William Shakespeare Blessed to have made it through a complicated surgery, I was grateful to be alive, and back home. Soon I decided I was going to (carefully) take my first shower - and without the neck brace. I was sticking my neck out, literally again, but the words of Shakespeare above echoed in my ears. You will have read the story of what happened. You can see the incision was quite wide and still pretty raw (although not pretty LOL). Yes, I cropped the selfie to hide my non-Hollywood star body from scaring you! Where does Shakespeare come into play, no pun intended? I fortunately elected a Cambridge University curriculum schooling at age 9 when I moved from co-ed Christ The King School in Karachi, Pakistan to the all-boys St. Paul's High. I was blessed to receive and benefit from that education - although it was a very new thing in Pakistan at that time. (It is now basically the system every educated family puts its kids through). It was, and still is, also much tougher than the local schooling standard, which the vast majority of students went through. Only about 20% students of the whole batch in a year elected Cambridge back when we started. Nearly 50 of us started in Class 6 in 1971 at St. Paul's, but literally whittled down to just 15 by the time we took the Cambridge exam in 1976. Four of us from that group (who know each other since 1969) are in the USA. We still do annual reunions in Manhattan. May we keep meeting in good health while we have the chance. Besides some incredible teachers, even in a developing nation at the start of the 1970s, getting introduced to an elevated level of English Literature (especially the work of William Shakespeare) was one of the great joys of that education. Late Sister Mary Francis (Language) unleashed my passion for writing. London Shakespearean actor-turned Literature teacher in Pakistan Edward L'Steve opened the gates for a flood of my multi-level bad puns that many of you suffer from! A pain in the neck, you could say! For example, the word "neck" literally appears in the first four lines of Romeo & Juliet, with dozens of interpretations (based on what meanings the different words and pronunciations are used with). However, it is not just puns and double entendre that I love the bard's words for. There are even serious quotes about wishing ill on someone's throat, and throats that only voice lies like some political figures. From my surgeon's perspective there is an apt one: “There is Throats to be cut, and Works to be done.” ― William Shakespeare, Henry V ! I do not quote Shakespeare much in my posts. However, his many inspiring turns of phrase, and verbal tapestries, often come to my mind at different times during the days of my life. With what I had recently been through, and with gratitude to God and all the prayers and love I receive, I repeated this one about "neck" to myself, once again... "Yield not thy neck to fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind still ride in triumph over all mischance.” © 2023 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Shakespeare #Cambridge #education #CambridgeUniversity #SainPaulsHighSchool #Karachi #literature #language #gratitude #wordplay #puns #inspiration #autobiography #Pakistan


IMRAN

Non-Bronx Bombers / Home / Run / Way - IMRAN™


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Friday, September 08, 2023

Pink Flame Thrower In The Blue On Blue Sky Over Tampa Bay At Labor Day Weekend Dusk - IMRAN™ It is hard to describe in simple words the magical effect when these pink flame like striations of clouds across the sky not only move right to left, but also the striped seem to rotate like a Japanese paper fan unfolding. I will post a timelapse video too. Grateful to be blessed to see these sights and give prayers of thanks to the Almighty for everything. © 2023 IMRAN™Pink Flame Thrower In The Blue On Blue Sky Over Tampa Bay At Labor Day Weekend Dusk - IMRAN™ It is hard to describe in simple words the magical effect when these pink flame like striations of clouds across the sky not only move right to left, but also the striped seem to rotate like a Japanese paper fan unfolding. I will post a timelapse video too. Grateful to be blessed to see these sights and give prayers of thanks to the Almighty for everything. © 2023 IMRAN™


IMRAN

Always Possible To Insert John Wick References Into Chats - IMRAN™ I can sometimes throw in 'Top Gun' references into chats and comments. However, after my brutal (but thankfully positive) throat-slashing neck-vertebrae-breaking surgery, 'John Wick' references were more relevant when someone I used to know asked how I was feeling. 'John Wick' was also more relevant because I had not shaved in several days, and since my dogs were not with me. Plus, I would not be driving around Paris or racing a motorcycle in New York for some time. I do prefer blue-eyed beautiful blond girls to the Halle Berry look, as long as they are smart, stable, and reliable! Otherwise, why bother? Life is too short and precious to waste time. Most importantly, it is great to be alive, no matter who is in your life or what life throws at you. All you need is love... with gratitude and a sense of humor... and, of course, good movie references. LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ PS Clearly, I do not even type Halle Berry's name correctly! #humor #life #love #movies #surgery #chat #moviereferences #JohnWick #IMRAN #gratitudeAlways Possible To Insert John Wick References Into Chats - IMRAN™ I can sometimes throw in 'Top Gun' references into chats and comments. However, after my brutal (but thankfully positive) throat-slashing neck-vertebrae-breaking surgery, 'John Wick' references were more relevant when someone I used to know asked how I was feeling. 'John Wick' was also more relevant because I had not shaved in several days, and since my dogs were not with me. Plus, I would not be driving around Paris or racing a motorcycle in New York for some time. I do prefer blue-eyed beautiful blond girls to the Halle Berry look, as long as they are smart, stable, and reliable! Otherwise, why bother? Life is too short and precious to waste time. Most importantly, it is great to be alive, no matter who is in your life or what life throws at you. All you need is love... with gratitude and a sense of humor... and, of course, good movie references. LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ PS Clearly, I do not even type Halle Berry's name correctly! #humor #life #love #movies #surgery #chat #moviereferences #JohnWick #IMRAN #gratitude


IMRAN

Thursday, September 07, 2023

Always Possible To Insert John Wick References Into Chats - IMRAN™ I can sometimes throw in 'Top Gun' references into chats and comments. However, after my brutal (but thankfully positive) throat-slashing neck-vertebrae-breaking surgery, 'John Wick' references were more relevant when someone asked how I was feeling. 'John Wick' was also more relevant because I had not shaved in several days, and since my dogs were not with me. Plus, I would not be driving around Paris or racing a motorcycle in New York for some time. I do prefer blue-eyed beautiful blond girls to the Halle Barry look, as long as they are smart, stable, and reliable! Otherwise, why bother? Life is too short and precious to waste time. Most importantly, it is great to be alive, no matter who is in your life or what life throws at you. All you need is love... with gratitude and a sense of humor... and, of course, good movie references. LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ #humor #life #love #movies #surgery #chat #moviereferences #JohnWick #IMRAN #gratitudeAlways Possible To Insert John Wick References Into Chats - IMRAN™ I can sometimes throw in 'Top Gun' references into chats and comments. However, after my brutal (but thankfully positive) throat-slashing neck-vertebrae-breaking surgery, 'John Wick' references were more relevant when someone asked how I was feeling. 'John Wick' was also more relevant because I had not shaved in several days, and since my dogs were not with me. Plus, I would not be driving around Paris or racing a motorcycle in New York for some time. I do prefer blue-eyed beautiful blond girls to the Halle Barry look, as long as they are smart, stable, and reliable! Otherwise, why bother? Life is too short and precious to waste time. Most importantly, it is great to be alive, no matter who is in your life or what life throws at you. All you need is love... with gratitude and a sense of humor... and, of course, good movie references. LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ #humor #life #love #movies #surgery #chat #moviereferences #JohnWick #IMRAN #gratitude


IMRAN

Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Sticking My Neck Out, Home Again! - (20 Minutes After SLOWLY Walking Back Into My Blessed Home) - IMRAN™ By the grace of God, I was alive, and eventually able to (very slowly) walk back into my blessed home. This was literally twenty minutes after I got home, subsequent to being discharged from hospital. I loved how much love and tender care several beautiful nurses gave me. One beautiful young lady even started crying on saying goodbye when I was leaving. For getting home I did not want to make a fuss nor bother anyone. I also did not want to feel dependent on anyone to be brought home, for example by a case worker or someone like that. Like everything else in my life, I wanted to do it independently. I wanted to get on my own feet as soon as safely possible. That is why I found a way to be dropped off at home on my own around midnight. The late hour was to minimize being jerked around from traffic risks and sudden braking which could happen en-route during busy traffic hours. No, I did not ride my Yamaha jet ski (even though Tampa General Hospital is right on the water) -- nor my Yamaha motorcycle! Plus, taking the helmet off would have been tough without losing my head. LOL. You can see how long the incision was, although all of it is not even completely visible. Even then, .... alive, standing, home, smiling, with love and prayers of so many. All of it is more than I can ever express gratitude to the Almighty for. Thank you, all for always keeping me in your prayers. © 2023 IMRAN™Sticking My Neck Out, Home Again! - (20 Minutes After SLOWLY Walking Back Into My Blessed Home) - IMRAN™ By the grace of God, I was alive, and eventually able to (very slowly) walk back into my blessed home. This was literally twenty minutes after I got home, subsequent to being discharged from hospital. I loved how much love and tender care several beautiful nurses gave me. One beautiful young lady even started crying on saying goodbye when I was leaving. For getting home I did not want to make a fuss nor bother anyone. I also did not want to feel dependent on anyone to be brought home, for example by a case worker or someone like that. Like everything else in my life, I wanted to do it independently. I wanted to get on my own feet as soon as safely possible. That is why I found a way to be dropped off at home on my own around midnight. The late hour was to minimize being jerked around from traffic risks and sudden braking which could happen en-route during busy traffic hours. No, I did not ride my Yamaha jet ski (even though Tampa General Hospital is right on the water) -- nor my Yamaha motorcycle! Plus, taking the helmet off would have been tough without losing my head. LOL. You can see how long the incision was, although all of it is not even completely visible. Even then, .... alive, standing, home, smiling, with love and prayers of so many. All of it is more than I can ever express gratitude to the Almighty for. Thank you, all for always keeping me in your prayers. © 2023 IMRAN™


IMRAN

Tuesday, September 05, 2023

K2 & Kennedy Being Horny SOBs At Host Family Home In My Absence - IMRAN™ I’ve been very blessed to have found a great loving dog host family near me, especially after Kennedy & K2’s previous host family moved out of town 2 years ago. T and her husband D have several absolutely beautiful and sweet kids whom the dogs also love. I had dropped the dogs off with them the day before I went for surgery. They would stay a couple of weeks as initially I wouldn’t be able to move outdoors actively to keep the dogs happy & active. I also could risk them playfully jumping on me or my accidentally tripping on them in our walks. Apparently my German Shepherds loved watching and trying to get in the shower when T was taking a bath, but not when D, her husband, was in the shower. 😃😃 Smart dogs. LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ #GSD #dogs #Florida #GermanShepherds #humor #males #IMRAN #3DK2 & Kennedy Being Horny SOBs At Host Family Home In My Absence - IMRAN™ I’ve been very blessed to have found a great loving dog host family near me, especially after Kennedy & K2’s previous host family moved out of town 2 years ago. T and her husband D have several absolutely beautiful and sweet kids whom the dogs also love. I had dropped the dogs off with them the day before I went for surgery. They would stay a couple of weeks as initially I wouldn’t be able to move outdoors actively to keep the dogs happy & active. I also could risk them playfully jumping on me or my accidentally tripping on them in our walks. Apparently my German Shepherds loved watching and trying to get in the shower when T was taking a bath, but not when D, her husband, was in the shower. 😃😃 Smart dogs. LOL © 2023 IMRAN™ #GSD #dogs #Florida #GermanShepherds #humor #males #IMRAN #3D


IMRAN

Monday, September 04, 2023

Sticking My Neck Out, I Remain Humble... Despite A Stiff Neck, Literally! - (20 cm Below The Skull, Inside View) - IMRAN™ I am so humbled by all the love and care you all show me. Although, now I can literally be called a Stiff-Neck. LOL How bone-shattering and rebuilding a project was it inside me? These two X-rays post-surgery show how neck vertebra C6 was literally broken out of its improper melding with C5 and C7 on either side. Basically a metal cage was then screwed in to the two vertebrae above and below to replace where C6 was. My leftover bone fragments from C6 and other materials were then filled in to that cage. Next, the idea is to heal and recover. Over the coming 3-6 months, nature and the body would eventually fill in that space, with the natural processes of bone self-repair. Now imagine that all that was done by the surgeon going in through the cut in my throat and through the neck to reach deep inside to do all that. He and the team had to do that without damaging the esophagus, carotid artery, and especially the spinal cord. I am so blessed that we live in this time when medical science lets these procedures be done fairly routinely. If you look at the front view of the two X-rays I am sharing, it almost looks like I have a mini Terminator skull installed in my neck. Maybe that is why saying "I will be back!" worked. By the grace of God, I am still with you all! I have been wearing a neck brace to support the healing process, and to avoid any accidental twists, turns, or bends that would undo the surgical work. The long term benefits, especially seeing which of the pains goes away, will take some time. Of course, the three vertebrae fused together mean I cannot have the normal neck flexing, but I had already been losing that from the bones fusing themselves. That is why I am not bothered. I am just so grateful to be around, in no pain, with no infection, and always hopeful for more love filled adventures ahead, God willing. Thank you all! © 2023 IMRAN™Sticking My Neck Out, I Remain Humble... Despite A Stiff Neck, Literally! - (20 cm Below The Skull, Inside View) - IMRAN™ I am so humbled by all the love and care you all show me. Although, now I can literally be called a Stiff-Neck. LOL How bone-shattering and rebuilding a project was it inside me? These two X-rays post-surgery show how neck vertebra C6 was literally broken out of its improper melding with C5 and C7 on either side. Basically a metal cage was then screwed in to the two vertebrae above and below to replace where C6 was. My leftover bone fragments from C6 and other materials were then filled in to that cage. Next, the idea is to heal and recover. Over the coming 3-6 months, nature and the body would eventually fill in that space, with the natural processes of bone self-repair. Now imagine that all that was done by the surgeon going in through the cut in my throat and through the neck to reach deep inside to do all that. He and the team had to do that without damaging the esophagus, carotid artery, and especially the spinal cord. I am so blessed that we live in this time when medical science lets these procedures be done fairly routinely. If you look at the front view of the two X-rays I am sharing, it almost looks like I have a mini Terminator skull installed in my neck. Maybe that is why saying "I will be back!" worked. By the grace of God, I am still with you all! I have been wearing a neck brace to support the healing process, and to avoid any accidental twists, turns, or bends that would undo the surgical work. The long term benefits, especially seeing which of the pains goes away, will take some time. Of course, the three vertebrae fused together mean I cannot have the normal neck flexing, but I had already been losing that from the bones fusing themselves. That is why I am not bothered. I am just so grateful to be around, in no pain, with no infection, and always hopeful for more love filled adventures ahead, God willing. Thank you all! © 2023 IMRAN™


IMRAN

Sunday, September 03, 2023

Sticking My Neck Out, I'm Still Standing! - (20 Hours After LITERALLY Cut-Throat Neck-Breaking Surgery) - IMRAN™ By the grace of God, and as Billy Joel sings, "I'm still standing!" It was 20 hours after a literally cut-throat neck-breaking surgery, with many John Wick twists and turns. Blessed and grateful, I had to stand up and walk a few steps around the area to celebrate being alive. Why? Read what happened and how I almost did not make it! How did it go? After I was anesthetized, the surgeon basically cut open my throat. He moved the esophagus, the neck muscles, and carotid artery aside, and got to work. He and his team had to then scrape out three crushed disks. Then came the next challenge, literally breaking apart C6 from C5 and C7 which it had improperly fused with over time. Next he had to try to pull off the calcification that had stuck itself to the spinal cord. He had to do it without too much damage to the dura (the spinal cord's covering) or paralyzing me. Cue the dural tear and spinal fluid leakage which had to be stopped. Then he had to screw in a metal cage between C5 and C7 and to replace the now gone C6. Then they filled it in with my own leftover bone pieces and more, and then finished by stitching me up. Of course, three out of the 5 most dangerous complications I had been warned about did happen during my 7+ hours long surgery. There is that little thing called "risk of stroke" with it having struck every generation in my known family tree. Plus the added twist I threw in of not waking up from anesthesia. Of course yours truly gave the medical team plenty of scares. Kidding aside, it is true. I almost did not make it out -- even though I had a great medical team, and an amazing surgeon. That is why I am always so grateful. What may be a fairly routine surgery can include things which are nothing short of divine intervention and miracles, fused right in with the bone graft! Yes, that is why my gratitude -- for every day and every smile that I lived, and all the love I received -- is infinite. That is why I literally feel like I have been given a new life by the Almighty - yet again. May the new life opportunities keep coming my way with all your love and prayers. Thank You and Amen. © 2023 IMRAN™Sticking My Neck Out, I'm Still Standing! - (20 Hours After LITERALLY Cut-Throat Neck-Breaking Surgery) - IMRAN™ By the grace of God, and as Billy Joel sings, "I'm still standing!" It was 20 hours after a literally cut-throat neck-breaking surgery, with many John Wick twists and turns. Blessed and grateful, I had to stand up and walk a few steps around the area to celebrate being alive. Why? Read what happened and how I almost did not make it! How did it go? After I was anesthetized, the surgeon basically cut open my throat. He moved the esophagus, the neck muscles, and carotid artery aside, and got to work. He and his team had to then scrape out three crushed disks. Then came the next challenge, literally breaking apart C6 from C5 and C7 which it had improperly fused with over time. Next he had to try to pull off the calcification that had stuck itself to the spinal cord. He had to do it without too much damage to the dura (the spinal cord's covering) or paralyzing me. Cue the dural tear and spinal fluid leakage which had to be stopped. Then he had to screw in a metal cage between C5 and C7 and to replace the now gone C6. Then they filled it in with my own leftover bone pieces and more, and then finished by stitching me up. Of course, three out of the 5 most dangerous complications I had been warned about did happen during my 7+ hours long surgery. There is that little thing called "risk of stroke" with it having struck every generation in my known family tree. Plus the added twist I threw in of not waking up from anesthesia. Of course yours truly gave the medical team plenty of scares. Kidding aside, it is true. I almost did not make it out -- even though I had a great medical team, and an amazing surgeon. That is why I am always so grateful. What may be a fairly routine surgery can include things which are nothing short of divine intervention and miracles, fused right in with the bone graft! Yes, that is why my gratitude -- for every day and every smile that I lived, and all the love I received -- is infinite. That is why I literally feel like I have been given a new life by the Almighty - yet again. May the new life opportunities keep coming my way with all your love and prayers. Thank You and Amen. © 2023 IMRAN™


IMRAN

Saturday, September 02, 2023

Drone View Looking Towards My Home On Stunning Serenity Over Tampa Bay Florida Day After Hurricane (360°x360°) - IMRAN™



Just 24 hours after the hurricane had battered my blessed home, destroying my dock and boardwalk, Tampa Bay was a picture of absolutely perfect tranquility. I flew my DJI drone north west to capture this full 360°x360° spherical panorama of my Symphony Isles neighborhood as well as Andalucia, and a few others, that make Apollo Beach such a magical place to live. 

© 2023 IMRAN™

Friday, September 01, 2023

(CAUTION) Sticking My Neck Out - (20 Hours After I Survived In A Cut-Throat World!) - IMRAN™


Caution, scary image of my face - fine, and a cleaned up 20-hours later view of the incision. That is the maybe 8-inches throat slit where the surgery was done through. I am only sharing it as people asked how it went. I did not post the one from soon after waking up because the cut looks fresh as if I got treated like John Wick. 
Honestly, I almost did not make it out alive. But God is kind, and the medical team was great. So, I am still here and you will have to continue to read my stories!
Life is clearly a cut-throat game. I am so grateful for the great medical professionals and technology, the employer provided great medical insurance, and the prayers of each and everyone who cares and loves me. Thank you.

© 2023 IMRAN™

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