Johnny Diaz's Blog, page 4

May 16, 2020

Embracing the Beard

For years, my guy friends and boyfriends have sported facial scruff and beards. Some bushier than others like 70s' rockers. Others nice, neat, trim and professional.

Still, the idea of a beard or any type of facial scruff never appealed to me. I am not a beard snob. I always went for the clean cut look, even on my days off or on vacation when you shouldn't have to shave. (The photo below is of
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Published on May 16, 2020 16:03

My first beard

For years, my guy friends and boyfriends have sported facial scruff and beards. Some bushier than others like 70s' rockers. Others nice, neat, trim and professional.

Still, the idea of a beard or any type of facial scruff never appealed to me. I am not a beard snob. I always went for the clean cut look, even on my days off or on vacation when you shouldn't have to shave. (The photo below is of
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Published on May 16, 2020 16:03

April 21, 2020

Lost and Found Shipwreck

Every few years, a nor'easter or rough seas unearths a shipwreck in York Beach, Maine. The sight of the wooden skeletal remains of the ship has become a local oddity and attraction because as soon as it appears, it eventually disappears, thanks to help from Mother Nature and the town.


But no one has really known how old the vessel is or where it came from until now.  Stefan Claesson, a marine
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Published on April 21, 2020 05:35

March 14, 2020

Some Really Old Cars of New York City

Ever since I moved to New York City a few months ago, I've noticed certain cars. Not shiny brand new vehicles and leases that have rolled off the lot. Not the typical classics and collector's cars that are shown on TV auctions. And definitely not the tiny Minis, Fiats and SMART cars that owners amazingly squeeze into the tightest of spaces in Manhattan, although they have a charming toy-like
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Published on March 14, 2020 14:07

February 6, 2020

Catching Up with Jazz Jennings

Jazz Jennings has been in the spotlight ever since she six-years-old when she was interviewed by Barbara Walters on ABC's "20/20" news program.

Jazz is now 19 and a transgender advocate. She is the star of her own reality show"I Am Jazz" on TLC. Since 2015, the show has followed her family and her friends in South Florida.

Cameras have also chronicled her transition. Last season, she underwent
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Published on February 06, 2020 09:33

January 9, 2020

The USNS Harvey Milk

Most people may remember Harvey Milk when he was played by Sean Penn in the 2008 film "Milk."
Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official of a major city (San Francisco) and a gay rights leader who was gunned down in 1978.

What people may not know was that Harvey served in the Navy.  He was discharged after officials learned that he was hanging out in a park known among gay men. He
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Published on January 09, 2020 06:34

November 17, 2019

Eating Up The Big Apple

Greetings from New York City!  I recently traded Miami's towering palm trees and near constant sunshine for fall leaves and chilly weather. I swapped my Volkswagen for the reliable New York City subway system. And I went from running in Coral Gables in tank tops and shorts to running in a hoodie and sweatpants in Central Park in the Upper West Side.

Last month, I left my job at the South Florida
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Published on November 17, 2019 15:51

October 9, 2019

Private Florida Keys island for sale and it's not Kokomo

The story began with a sign. The other weekend, I was down in Islamorada, one of my favorite places in South Florida. I wanted to feel the warm tropical cross breezes of the Atlantic and Gulf. I also wanted to see the aquatic canvas of various blues. I just wanted a quick get away from the hustle and bustle of Miami to relax, read and ride my bike.

As I explored Islamorada on the bike, I came
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Published on October 09, 2019 10:37

September 16, 2019

Another Beantown Cuban: Alex Miranda

Anyone who grew up watching South Florida TV knows Deco Drive,  WSVN Channel 7's entertainment and celebrity gossip show. It's been around for 23 years, dishing on the latest hot spots and happenings in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Over the years, the show has become a launching pad for anchors such as Louis Aguirre, Belkys Nerey and Lynn Martinez.

Now you can add Alex Miranda to the list. The
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Published on September 16, 2019 07:00

August 9, 2019

The juggling jogger of South Florida

During my runs in Coral Gables, I've occasionally spotted a certain fellow runner. The first few times, I did a double-take. It wasn't because he was shirtless, sweaty and shredded although none of that hurt.

This guy isn't just running. He's juggling balls, three to be exact, of various sizes. A football, tennis ball and another round ball.

I don't know how he does it. The talent! I've fallen
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Published on August 09, 2019 11:10