Photography by Ian L. Sitren

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National Bagel Day

Happy National Bagel Day! I chose to photograph the simple plain deli bagel—a classic that carries the most historic significance. Originating in 17th-century Poland, bagels were brought to America by Eastern European Jewish immigrants and gained popularity in New York City’s Jewish delis. This humble bread became a cultural staple, deeply rooted in tradition and history.

Today, bagels are a global favorite, with U.S. sales reaching $1.54 billion in 2021. Grupo Bimbo, a multinational baking company founded in Mexico, leads the market with its Thomas’ Bagels brand, generating over $952 million in revenue in 2023. While countless varieties like everything, asiago cheese, and cinnamon raisin have emerged, the plain deli bagel remains the most iconic and historic choice.

Explore my food photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!

National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

Today is **National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day**, and here is my photograph of New York-style hot pastrami sandwiches to commemorate the day. Stacked with smoky, tender pastrami on fresh rye bread and topped with vibrant yellow mustard, the essence of a true deli classic.

Pastrami sandwiches have been a favorite since their origins with Eastern European Jewish immigrants who brought this tradition to New York in the late 19th century.

Delis across North America have elevated the pastrami sandwich to iconic status. Katz’s Delicatessen in New York (established 1888) is renowned for its hand-carved pastrami sandwiches. Langer’s in Los Angeles (established 1947) is famous for its #19 sandwich, combining pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Manny’s in Chicago (established 1942) serves oversized pastrami sandwiches, perfectly paired with matzo ball soup. Schwartz’s in Montreal (established 1928) offers its legendary smoked meat sandwiches, a Canadian twist on the pastrami tradition.

To see more of my food photography and evocative imagery, please visit my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!

3 Billion Pizzas Every Year

National Pizza Week is here! Did you know that pizza, which started as a simple flatbread in ancient times, has become a cultural icon in the United States, with 3 billion pizzas sold every year? And pepperoni pizza reigns supreme as America’s #1 favorite. Here’s my photograph of this classic, featuring a golden crust, bubbling cheese, and perfectly crisp pepperoni against a dramatic black background. Hungry for more? Dive into my world of bold food photography and much more at SecondFocus.com —you don’t want to miss it!

Waxing Gibbous Moon: Clarity After the Winds

Last night, the Waxing Gibbous Moon, captured three days before it reached its full phase. The heavy winds that previously shrouded the sky with dust cleared, revealing the moon’s surface in sharp detail. Its craters and lunar features are illuminated against the inky blackness of the night.
January 10, 2025 Palm Springs California

1987 Original Kodachrome Slide – Lynn Lowton

An original 1987 35mm Kodachrome slide from my collection, featuring Lynn Lowton, also known as Lynx. Lynn went on to become Europe’s “Most Glamorous Magician” and “Britain’s Only Naked Magician.” Beyond her magic career, she worked as an exotic dancer and appeared in the adult film industry under various names. This transparency captures the bold and unapologetic allure of her multifaceted career, preserved in the vibrant detail unique to Kodachrome film.

This slide is part of my growing collection of vintage photography, showcased on my website at https://www.secondfocus.com/index/G0000h1LWkCCepcc The collection is relatively new and expanding—keep coming back to see more additions!

Air Force One Departure

Just minutes ago, Air Force One departed Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as seen here on ForeFlight. The aircraft is visible in the upper-right center of the screen, departing from runway 6 right. January 8, 2025

#AirForceOne#Aviation#LAX#FlightTracking#ForeFlight#AviationGeeks#PlaneSpotting#AviationPhotography

Standing Next to Fine Art: A Life-Sized Naked Woman

My life-sized photograph of a six-foot-tall nude model critiques the often subjective and pretentious concept of “Fine Art Photography.” Displayed in the museum-standard setting of the Artists Center at the Galen, it’s my largest work to date and has been stopping visitors in their tracks. Stand beside her, snap a selfie, and experience the full impact of this striking piece in person!

This photograph is part of an exhibit featuring 128 diverse and compelling works of art. I would be genuinely excited if you took the time to go see it. The final days of the show are here—don’t miss it! Open tomorrow, Wednesday, through Sunday morning, January 12th. Artists Center at the Galen, Palm Desert, Galen.

#ArtistsCenterAtTheGalen #FineArtPhotography #PhotographyExhibit #PalmDesertArt #NudeArt #ArtistsCouncilExhibit #MuseumQualityExhibit #CaliforniaArtScene

National Bacon Day: A Tribute to Bacon Classics

“Happy National Bacon Day! Every year on December 30, we honor one of the world’s most beloved foods: bacon. This photograph features a BLT sandwich, a classic favorite with layers of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato on toasted bread. The BLT is joined by other iconic bacon dishes like the indulgent bacon cheeseburger and the timeless pairing of bacon and eggs—true staples of comfort food. With a history spanning centuries, bacon continues to have a fan base unlike any other. See more of my food photography—along with much more—on my website at http://SecondFocus.com

#NationalBaconDay #BaconLovers #BLT #BaconCheeseburger #BaconAndEggs #FoodPhotography #ComfortFood #ClassicFavorites #Foodie #BaconForever”

The First $300 Million And You Own It!

Do you have any Christmas money leftover? I found this as we toured the harbor the other day. And it is available! The superyacht *Amadea* docked in San Diego, showcasing its sleek design and opulent multi-deck structure against the industrial waterfront. Measuring an impressive 348 feet (106 meters) in length, this $300 million vessel features a helipad, a swimming pool, lavish interiors, and accommodations for up to 16 guests and 36 crew members. Seized by the U.S. government due to its ties to Russian sanctions enforcement, the yacht has been at the center of controversy, with reports highlighting the significant maintenance costs—running into millions annually—required to manage the ship while its ownership remains under dispute.

The Shell Colors For Christmas

The Christmas light display on the Rady Shell at the Marriott Hotel Marina in the San Diego Harbor.