RobMontanez.com

Philadelphia International Flower Show

2012-03-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

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Had a great time at the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. The show's theme in 2012 was "Hawaii: Islands of Aloha" and was a tropical experience that blended next-stage digital technology with the natural beauty and rich culture of the Hawaiian Islands.

The show is the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world. Even better, the show proceeds, including tickets and sponsorship contributions, support the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, including its Plant One Million campaign.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was founded in 1829 and motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture.

The show featured acres of gardens, plants and floral designs, cCulinary demonstrations by local celebrity chefs, shopping with over 140 vendors, free wine and food tastings, hundreds of free how-to demonstrations and lectures, and a member's lounge

Esme's First Birthday

2012-02-18T10:08:00.000-05:00

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Drove up to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to see pretty Esme celebrate her 1st Birthday with Dalquis Montanez.

Can you name these two famous friends?

2012-02-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

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Imagine life without things we take for granted like cameras, photographs, light bulbs, and music recording. An amazing photo of two men that changed history. The man behind the camera is Thomas Alva Edison. He developed the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. He also founded 14 companies including General Electric.

The man on the left is George Eastman, American innovator and entrepreneur, the founder of Eastman Company and Kodak. All the photographs of the last century were processed on film invented by him.

Christmas Holidays

2011-12-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

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Visited Rockefeller Center, New York City for the Holidays.

Thanskgiving at Tito's

2011-11-25T10:44:00.000-05:00

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Spent Thanksgiving 2011 with my brother Tito and the family at his home.

Felix 7th Birthday

2011-10-02T10:57:00.000-04:00

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My good buddy young Felix celebrated his 7th birthday.

Farah and Jovan Get Married

2011-07-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

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My niece Farah Tejeda married her long-time boyfriend Jovan Negovan.

JM and Lisa's 7th Anniversary

2011-06-12T10:39:00.000-04:00

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My long-time friend and colleague Jose Manuel DeJesus and his wife Lisa celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary with a tropical motif.

Social Media vs. Blogging

2011-05-12T08:52:00.000-04:00

Been away from blogging for quite a while. Social media or micro-blogging, in other words Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Google Plus have taken up most of the time I used to devote to blogging. The fact is that I'm a busy guy and blogging takes time. As opposed to writing a long form blog post, it has become so much easier to simply post status updates and exchange small elements of content such as short sentences, individual images, or video links from my mobile devices (iPad and iPhone).

Well anyway, here's how to reach me on the multiple social networks. Keep in mind that you will probably need to have an account on the particular service, and to see my content will also have to request becoming my friend on the social network.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T08:12:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all peace and prosperity in the new year.

Dominican Vacation

2010-10-23T07:57:00.000-04:00

This past August 2010 my family and I visited the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean’s second-largest country, for two weeks on vacation. We spent the first week at a resort relaxing and the second week traveling around the countryside. One of the highlights of the first week was attending a beautiful wedding on the beach at Punta Cana. The second week was spent trekking through the north, south, and eastern regions, including the cities of Bani, Azua, Haina, San Cristobal, Samana, Barahona, Punta Cana, and the capitol, Santo Domingo. We saw valleys, mountains, beaches, cities. It's a beautiful country. Here are the photos from our vacation:

Click To View "Dominican Vacation":

Heterochromia and my Kids

2010-10-05T12:39:00.001-04:00

My kids and I share a rare and unique quality. The three of us have an interesting genetic distinction in the color of our eyes. I altered the photo of my kids to the right to be black and white, except for the eyes, which I left in color. Those are indeed the real colors of their eyes. They each have one blue eye and one eye that is both brown/hazel with small pigments of blue. In my case, I have one dark brown eye and one hazel eye.

The three of us have what is called heterochromia. Heterochromia is a difference in coloration of the iris having to do wth the lack of (or too much) melanin in the eyes. Melanin is a compound found in plants, humans, and animals that creates pigment. Eye color is the result of how much pigment is made in the front part of the eye. Little or no pigment gives blue eyes, some pigment results in green, and lots of pigment gives brown eyes.

Heterochromia is often inherited, as it is in our case since my great-grandfather had it. It is not dangerous nor does it mean anything is wrong with our eyes or eyesight. Approximately 1 in 10,000 people have heterochromia. Here's a list of celebrities and well-known people with heterochromia:

Having heterochromia has never been an issue. Indeed, having two different color eyes can be an asset. It makes for a great icebreaker when meeting people and can sometimes be a good source for humor (along the lines of "I dropped one of my contacts, help me look for it"). We see it as something beautiful and unique, a blessing.

How Some People Use Facebook and Twitter

2010-09-14T06:42:00.000-04:00

The following thoughts are not meant as a criticism or to be seen as a diatribe. Instead it's several observations that others I'm sure have also arrived at and are either fascinated or annoyed with. Social networking has become the top activity and means of communication on the Internet, exceeding email, pornography, and gaming. According to surveys from nielsen.com, Americans have nearly tripled the amount of time they spend at social networking.

Obviously, the need to communicate, connect, and share is driving the growth. Many believe it has to do with a sense of belonging, friendship, and community. But then there's the other negative side of that coin.

A recent study done in York University in Canada says that "Facebook provides an ideal setting for narcissists to monitor their appearance and how many ‘friends’ they have." The study goes on to say, "it allows them to thrive on ‘shallow’ relationships while avoiding genuine warmth and empathy." Sadly there may be something to it, but is that really all that it is? There's got to be more to it.

What I find most intriguing, is not that more and more people are using these services, but how absorbed and entertained people are by social media like Twitter and Facebook. I find that it's compelling sometimes for me to step back and look closely at how people are using these social media and ask myself why we do it.

Are Facebook and Twitter really a mirror of our society? Or are they mirages or illusions. In other words, we are really hiding and how we portray ourselves online is instead how we want others to believe we are or a reflection of how we would like our lives to be?

Let's look at how some use it based on my own personal experience:

"My denomination or church or cult or political party is better, can't you see the light!"

For some, it's a pulpit to espouse religion or politics. Whether it's daily sermons, or small messages, some use it to promote their faith, beliefs or political leanings. But isn't that what a church, temple, synagogue, mosque or the voting both are for? Do we really need it online as well?

What was that old saying about keeping politics and religion off the dinner table? It seems to be the opposite on social networks. The bully pulpit is the norm, with every religious denomination and every left-wing and right-wing leaning individual getting on their soapbox to advocate their cause and champion their opinion.

"Hey, look at me I'm having fun!"

While others use it as a way to show their excesses, how much they binge drink or go out and dance at clubs. In other words, "I don't have to boast or tell you how much fun I'm having because you can see it in the photo. Can't you see me smiling?"

Facebook users are extremely fond of saying things like “I’ll be seeing this on Facebook tomorrow."

"Sell, sell, sell, Buy, buy, buy!"

Despite the recession, or perhaps because of it, others use it as a marketing or advertising vehicle and a way to promote their business or service.

There is no doubt that social media has had a profound change on businesses and consumers around the world, and corporate marketers are always trying to find ways to use social networking sites to reach potential customers.

But is that a good thing? Don't we already get enough brand infiltration, products thrown at us everywhere else? Do we really need another broadcast medium?

"Can't you see I've aged better and done better than you have"

Others use it to find old friends. Social networks have allowed people to find other people that they've lost contact with over the years.

But do you really want to reconnect with the school classmate you sat next to in the fourth grade who you never spoke to and probably still holds a grudge or the ex-boyfriend that is still stalking you? And do you really relish comparing yourself to your peers after so many years?

"I can see you, but you can't see me."

Others use it to share pictures. People love to look at photos. It's a form of voyeurism. It's a way to look at other's lives without being seen as nosy or a peeping tom. A Harvard Business School study found some interesting statistics, though. It found deep gender differences in how men and women look at photos and profiles.

The biggest usage categories were men looking at women they don't know, followed by men looking at women they do know. Lastly it was women looking at other women they know. Overall, women receive two-thirds of all page views.

In other words men spend a lot of time looking at women on Facebook while women do it much less so. In the words of the study's author "a lot of guys in relationships are looking at women they don't know!"

So I'm finding a recurring theme here. Are people using Facebook and Twitter to hide in plain sight? To look at others and compare, to reassess their lives, to find meaning? And what exactly are they hiding from? Unhappy lives, bad jobs, failing relationships, loss of faith?

I don't have those answers, nor would I presume to speculate, as I'm not a psychologist or psychiatrist. I'm also guilty of some of the same behavior I've listed above, so who am I to scrutinize? Remember, I'm just observing and commenting, but it certainly is engrossing to sit back and watch.

Wedding in Punta Cana

2010-08-24T13:45:00.001-04:00

One of the highlights of my two weeks in the Dominican Republic while on vacation this August was attending a beautiful wedding on the beach at Punta Cana. My nephew Vladimir and his college sweetheart Angie decided to hold their wedding in Punta Cana. The wedding ceremony was held on the beach at a resort and the wedding reception on the resort's rooftop suite. The entire affair was beautiful and we had a wonderful time. Congratulations to Angie and Vlad on their marriage!

Stay tuned for more photos from our Dominican vacation as we spent a week trekking through the countryside. We visited the north, south, and eastern regions of the Dominican Republic, including the cities of Bani, Azua, Haina, San Cristobal, Samana, Barahona, Punta Cana, and the capitol, Santo Domingo. We saw valleys, mountains, beaches, cities. It's a beautiful country. Coming soon.

Click To View Photo Slideshows:

Edgar's Retirement Party

2010-07-18T14:15:00.000-04:00

Spent part of my Saturday visiting with family and friends in Vineland, NJ celebrating Edgar Calderon's surprise retirement party. Edgar has been a school teacher for 27 years and retired from the New Jersey school system but will now be going to the United Arab Emirates on a 2-year teaching assignment. We had a very nice time, and as usual I took quite a few photos to share with everyone. Best wishes and congratulations to Edgar. We will miss you!

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One More Stadium Panorama Photo

2010-07-07T17:08:00.000-04:00

As an update to my previous post, I took another nice set of wide-angle photos during a recent visit to Citi Field and put together yet one more merged panorama image of the stadium. I really like this one. See below:

Click Thumbnail To View:

Baseball Stadium Panoramas

2010-06-06T17:36:00.000-04:00

I've been lucky enough to be able visit several of the baseball stadiums here in the northeast as they are all within reasonable driving distance. When I do I always take along my trusty camera and lenses and take wide angle photos of the entire stadium and then later merge the shots together using software to create one large panoramic photograph. I then use other software to allow zooming and panning through the large final photo. I've done it with New York's Citi Field (home of the NY Mets) Yankee Stadium (home of the NY Yankees), and with Philadelphia's Citizen's Bank Park (home of the Phillies) and Baltimore's' Camden Yards (home of the Orioles).

In the past, because of business travel, I've visited about another 10 or so other stadiums across the country, but I either did not have the camera gear or the inclination to take the photos. My hope is to someday go back to those parks and take panoramas of the stadiums I missed and any new ones I visit as well. But in the meantime here's a link to the four stadiums I've done so far:

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Adrian's Graduation

2010-05-17T13:44:00.000-04:00

My nephew Adrian Tejeda and his girlfriend Kristen Bissonette graduated from State University of NY - Plattsburgh this past Saturday, May 15th. We drove the 6 hours to upstate Plattsburgh, N.Y. on Friday and stayed the weekend. We watched the commencement exercises and spent some time celebrating at a pretty lakeside cabin on the shores of Lake Champlain rented by the Tejedas. Very pretty area and lotsa fun had by all. I put up some photos from the event.

Photos From Weekend at Adrian's Graduation:

My 50th Birthday

2010-05-09T09:35:00.000-04:00

The 50th birthday can be pivotal in a person’s life. It is not just a milestone that means you’re approaching midlife. Something about hitting the 50 mark also makes us feel reflective, appreciative, and more generous. If you have a good family and caring friends it can be joyous. I'm blessed to have all these things, so I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating my 50th birthday.

My birthday was a special time. We decided to have a catered affair at a local senior center with a DJ. I was concerned as I tend to not like having larger parties and also don't like being the center of attention. But it all turned out well. The party was fun and we danced up a storm. Here are some photos from the event.

50th Birthday Photos

Just got the iPad

2010-04-30T13:59:00.001-04:00

The great thing about an iPad is the ability to type on a much larger screen or with a bluetooth keyboard. It really does make a difference for writing longer form like a blog.

-- Posted using an iPad

Location:New Jersey, United States

Yankees Roster for Opening Day

2010-04-03T19:15:00.000-04:00

C - Jorge Posada
C - Francisco Cervelli
1B - Mark Teixeira
1B - Nick Johnson
2B - Robinson Cano
3B - Alex Rodriguez
SS - Derek Jeter
IF - Ramiro Pena
OF - Nick Swisher
OF - Curtis Granderson
OF - Brett Gardner
OF - Randy Winn
OF - Marcus Thames

LHP - CC Sabathia
RHP - A.J. Burnett
LHP - Andy Pettitte
RHP - Javier Vazquez
RHP - Phil Hughes
RHP - Sergio Mitre
RHP - Chan Ho Park
RHP - Alfredo Aceves
RHP - David Robertson
LHP - Damaso Marte
RHP - Joba Chamberlain
RHP - Mariano Rivera

-- Posted From My iPhone

Opening Day 2010 Coming Soon

2010-03-26T08:22:00.000-04:00

The beginning of the 2010 Major League Baseball season will finally be upon us in about 10 days and this season promises to be an exciting one.

For those of us that live in the northeastern Unites States, there are some amazing rivalries that will resume their fervor. I plan on attending a few live games in New York and Philadelphia, and will be watching quite a few on television. The New York Yankees are coming off a championship season in their new stadium while the New York Mets are trying to recover from an injury-riddled, disastrous year at their new stadium.

As usual, the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies are both recent World Series champions that hope to obliterate the two New York teams and return to the Fall Classic. In addition, strong southeastern teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Marlins, and Atlanta Braves hope to spoil the northerners' party plans. It all makes for exciting, dramatic baseball throughout the summer. So hold on to your hats! Baseball's Opening Day is almost here!

Baby Showers and Valentines

2010-02-14T13:33:00.000-05:00

Spent part of my Saturday visiting with family and friends in Moorestown, NJ participating in a baby shower for Jessica and Manny Noguera who are expecting their first child, a baby girl in March. You may recall that I attended their wedding back in June of 2007. We had a very nice time, and as usual I took quite a few photos to share with everyone. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. It will be 23 years for Dalquis and I in October.

Jess and Manny's Baby Shower

Update: Jessica and Manny had a beautiful baby girl. Rose Emma Noguera arrived into the world on the first day of spring and came in at a healthy 8 pounds, 9 ounces, and 20.5 inches long. Congratulations!

Click Photo To Zoom

May The Best Quarterback Win

2010-02-07T16:13:00.000-05:00

More than in any year that I can remember, this year's Super Bowl will be decided by the play of the two respective quarterbacks. Although both teams have great offensive and defensive lines and special teams, we are talking about two very special play callers leading very high-powered offenses.

On the one side you have Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning, who is is not just the N.F.L.’s most valuable player for the fourth time, but perhaps the dominant player of his generation. In his 12th season, he's passed for more than 50,000 yards and ranks among the top five all-time in that category, as well as for career touchdown passes and wins.

On the other side you have New Orleans' Drew Brees, who has been an elite regular-season passer that makes the Saints a legitimate threat to win any game they play. But guess who's had better numbers than Manning the past four years? Brees, who has an NFL-best 18,298 yards and 30 300-yard games the last 4 seasons. His numbers compare well to those of Peyton Manning, and he will finally get a chance to win a championship.

I'm not sure who will win this battle, but I do have one prediction, one of these two great quarterbacks, if not both, will throw for 400 yards. May the best QB win!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00