CONGRATS!!!

After all the: LIES, INSULTS and THREATS... from all manner of enemies, local and federal alike. The tepid or complete lack of support from Democrats; NO, he's Not: a Billionaire, Corporate Financier or Tech Tycoon (deal with it)- Zohran Mamdani's Mayor Fuckin' (Elect) of New York Fuckin' City!!!

"PR Failure"

Really, seriously!?! We in this country desperately need someone as brave and responsible as a Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalm- right here, in the US of A! Someone with a conscience willing to make the sacrifice to do the right thing and expose the blatant disregard of law, especially those leaders (convicted and or indicted) who purport to stand for it, while casually and purposely perverting it to their own end.

During WW2, individuals at risk to their own lives, often without special standing or power, stood up to Nazis to protect Jews from certain death or needless persecution- today, we need like individuals to stand up to a lawless Israeli regime brutally persecuting Palestinians- god bless and protect her...

What EVERY American Needs To See...

American Entrepreneurship!

 

Landscape 101                                          Photo: © Stan B.

Halloweenerama!

Photo: © Stan B.

Quite the motley crew of diabolical ghouls and goblins, but the expression that captivates me most is that of the sign maker himself- well, maybe with the exception of the woman on the far left...

Subjectively, Objectively Fine!

Andy Adams recently recommended Subjectively, Objective and while it opened up a whole new world of beautiful (somewhat minimalist) landscape photography, it also seemed vaguely familiar. The reason became apparent as I attempted to add it to the blog under my listing of: Magazines, Galleries, Resources, Etc- it was already listed! While Subjectively, Objective is a host of varied, vibrant projects (book and magazine publishing, online galleries, real life gallery, printing service, You Tube channel, etc) all under the capable auspices of Noah Waldeck, it seemed that the blogging endeavor linked to on my blog (since fixed) pretty much ceased circa 2020, and foolishly not looking beyond it, I assumed the whole enterprise dead in the water. I believe Mr. Waldeck does indeed write and update on Substack, Reddit, IG or some such app, social media, dark web medium (all of which I do not frequent)- only a handful of certain fools continue to publish an actual blog these days. Anyway, he most certainly has his hands full with all I've already mentioned, which is most definitely very much active under any definition...

I recently ordered one of the many available magazine/monographs on site (Richard Fraser, Vol 123) for... $8 (+$2 SH) and received a lovely little 5 1/4 x 8 1/4in zine of eleven photos that were finely printed and a pleasure to hold and view- already ordered two more... I mean what can ya buy for eight dollars anywhere today, except for a microbrew- and ya piss that out in a coupla minutes, ya get to keep the zine! The hardbound books also look absolutely fab- wanted to order Observations In The Ordinary, but sold out. Fortunately, Investigations In Infrastructure and Everything Is Narrative also look pretty damn tasty!

Called Off!

Photo: © Stan B.

ICE was supposed to be deployed here in San Francisco as of yesterday morning (in addition to the National Guard at a later date), but called off at the final hour! Supposedly, Mayor Dan Lurie and POTUS Trump managed to make nice-nice with each other so that ICE Barbie and The Cavalry would not be stopping by...

San Francisco has a shitload of problems, no doubt; but they're socio-economic- they ain't gonna get fixed by armed Feds. Things in SF have gotten ever so microscopically better recently, but there is one long, long haul to go. The Dems have a habit of looking the other way (when not arguing among themselves), while Repubs excel at making a grand show of everything that has to do with nothing- so that, in the long run, little, if anything, gets done by either side...

Been Pondering..

Photo: © Stan B.

And after considerable consideration, think a good part of why I got such few photographic keepers at the No Kings II march was the actual tenor of the crowd itself. The whole attitude of this particular version (and it seems it wasn't just a San Francisco thing) was more upbeat and satirical, complete with an absolute plethora of costumes... particularly- The Inflatables! Satire and weird get ups are always part of the overall festivities, but this had an almost predominantly exuberant, playful Halloween costume parade feel to it! 

Now, I'm all for laughs, non-violence and positive vibes- but I hope this was a one off; not just because of my own selfish photographic needs and desires, but because I think the opposition really needs to be focused, determined and sufficiently motivated to fight back this outright Fascist onslaught. MAGA is playing down and dirty, and while comic relief is often necessary to keep the temperature down, we're certainly not going to humor our way back to all we've lost, and will continue to lose in the three plus years to follow... 

Sic Semper Tyrannis

Photo: © Stan B

There were an estimated 2,600 Anti-Trump, Anti-Fascist protests throughout big cities and small towns alike in the USA on 10/18/2025. This was The Biggest protest I ever attended in San Francisco by far, even bigger than the No Kings of June 14; could have split it in two and still had a massive protest. 

Not surprisingly, took the most pictures at any one time in my life (approx 300), first time I actually used a second battery, and ironically... got one keeper I can swear to. Why such decrepitly poor photographic outcome- not sure, perhaps because this was the only somber faced fellow to be found. But ya know what they say, as long as ya get one...

More importantly- as long as the message gets across!

Before?

Photo: © Stan B.

Cry Freedom!

Photo: © Stan B.

As we all know, the Demonrat Radical Left Socialist Terrorists purposely shut down the US government to all our detriment; therefore, the US Navy F-18's couldn't perform their annual death defying, aerial acrobatics at the annual Fleet Week in San Francisco this weekend. Our neighbors to the North, the Hard Left, Radical Socialist Terrorists known as Canadians (the supposed "friendlier Americans-" yeah, right) offered to substitute their Canadian Snowbirds as our main attraction. And although the young man above doesn't seem very enthused, I can personally verify that they did, in fact, put on quite a show that was very much appreciated by all present, even though crowds were admittedly half the usual attendance. 

I hope our country shows its appreciation for saving the day, by tariffing the ever loving daylights outta those treacherous, Antifa loving opportunists!

I Remember...

Informing people of this simple fact... 60 years ago! Don't think it woulda made much difference then (or now), but it sure woulda felt better had I simply added... "dear."

It's Good To Learn...

Something (not exactly) new every day! Whether it's about Israel, or America, or its health care:

R-U "Hyper-Masculine?"

Regret not bookmarking the actual video short, but when I first saw/heard it, I was just so dismayed and dismissive (for obvious reasons) that I just scrolled away ASAP, shaking my head while laughing. But it went pretty much along these lines...

Manly Man: What is the definition of "hyper-masculinity?"

Young & Clueless guy: Uhm-uh...

Manly Man: Exactly! 

Manly Man: Name me one bad thing that has ever happened because of hyper-masculinity!

Young & Clueless Guy: I don't know. 

Manly Man: That's right- because nothing bad has ever happened because of it!

Hmmm... Now, I got nothing against guys being masculine, mind ya- but.... "hyper-masculine?" Yeah, I can see that going nowhere but south, real, real quick; in fact, I don't have to imagine it- we're surrounded by it every day: endless WAR(S), road rage, domestic abuse, domestic terrorism, countless gun deaths, etc. We're drowning in the shit morning, noon and night- but uh-uh, those two (and the millions they actually represent) don't have a freakin' clue, they just-can't-see-it... Or, just don't want to- which, no doubt, is its number one problem which sets off everything else...

Draining The Swamp!

 One... Small... Drop- atta time!!!

The man's a Bloody Saint, he is!

End Of An Era!

The Last Photo- © Stan Banos

And just what era might that be? Well, for the last dozen years or so, I've been attending the annual leather fairs in San Francisco (the Folsom St. Fair and the Dore St. Fair). And although I'm not gay, and don't even have an interest in S&M (I'm sure some have their doubts, whatever)- they sure have proved to be fertile ground for photo ops, around 120 keepers to date! 

And although I'm quite thankful to all that allowed me to photograph them, and all that didn't object, the writing's clearly on the wall, the law of diminishing returns have come into play. Hey, that might be... nah, got one similar, only better. Everything has its expiration date, and what was once fun and challenging has now become almost chore-like and routine. 

This Sunday, I just knew it was the end- the thrill, the novelty just wasn't there... Will I be tempted to go back next year- you bet, precisely because it remains such a wealth of possible photo ops to this day. But it's a bit more complex than that, and it's precisely because I'm not of that scene, that I feel somewhat uncomfortable with the changes that I personally perceive, and my right to objectively and justifiably criticize. I've always considered myself a guest at the event, one who enjoyed and appreciated the event for the photographic results in what was often not unlike a collaborative undertaking. I also enjoyed a lot of the energy that celebrated the power and energy of the individual, that which was original and different- Viva La Difference! 

Admittedly, much most of what I feel is simply the blues at project's end- it was fun, exciting, a proven photo mine, and now... the thrill is gone! The other, smaller part is that I also feel it's changed, even though it's always been a celebration of sex, a certain kind of sex, and particularly a certain kind of gay sex (although not exclusively)- it now seems less focused on the individual, originality part, and more on the hard core sex part. Put on a Furry costume, and you're not really that original, just part of a team, same with the diaper guys. And seeing both of those groups, along with more and more others, openly humping each other in the middle of intersections is not my thing, aesthetically, photographically, any which way- yeah, even if it was heterosexual! But hey, I'm just an old straight guy, so who am I to complain about whatever they wanna make it; and no one forced me to be there anyway- got it... 

On the positive note, I do see more women attending, and people with disabilities! It was a long productive stretch (photographically)- and it's their party and I wish them well... Having already made a book called (appropriately enough) At The Fair, this winter I'll edit a larger, more extensive version in zine format, and try and drum up some interest- most likely, with same sa(i)d results. Granted the photos ain't for everyone, they don't break any grand artistic boundaries, they don't ride any current wave- some are pretty interesting, a bunch fairly humorous, a few even kinda poignant...

Our Press Has... FAILED Us!

Donald Trump lied 30,573 times during his first four years as POTUS- that's approx 21 lies per day, each lie and untruth documented by the Washington Post. How many times did we all hear him respond with the thoroughly, utterly nonsensical, "That's what I hear, that's what they say;" it was a constant refrain! And the press would then hurriedly go on to the next question, consumed by the next lie or obvious deflection. How many times has he denied knowing, meeting, doing business with people he has demonstrably known, met and done business with? Had the press done their job properly, Trump would have never been allowed to run- the first time! Period. His long career of criminal activity in NYC alone was an open secret. I mean there are some excellent investigative journos out there- and they were either out to lunch or maybe working on something, uhhh... more important?  Point is, the Press didn't do their job then, and they've failed to do it since. 

Unlike some European journalists who simply won't tolerate evasiveness and demand direct answers to direct questions, American journalists (those that don't automatically cave and/or immediately change subject) will play a little song and dance where they feign perseverance and determination before ultimately giving their subject a pass. People like 'tough interviewer' Sam Donaldson were really good at this- pressing onward, advancing ever forward and making a good show of it until the line was reached... and never breached, allowing the inevitable politico saving of face and safeguarding future access to that next high ratings interview!

And so, Trump is allowed to make up the craziest, most inane and nonsensical whoppers of all time- over, and over, and over again... He'll end the war in Ukraine before he's in office, he'll reduce prescription drugs by... 1,500%, he'll most certainly release The Epstein Files, of which he now refuses and knows nothing about! Just three of the tens of thousands, have we reached hundreds of thousands- is anyone still counting?!?

Trump once cried out- "Where's my Roy Cohn?" Now, they surround him. Question is, "Where's our Woodward-Bernstein?" Minus a relevant press, we're down to praying for a Hail Mary pass- perhaps a whistleblower, a series of them brave enough to deliver the goods on either the Epstein Files or anything else that will finally land our already convicted felon in the prison that he has for so long evaded and so justly deserved...

And we keep asking ourselves how he gets away with it- because-we've-let-him!

Goddamn DEI!!!

Photo: Jacquelyn Martin

This is what a fully qualified lawyer looks like in the Trump Admin! A former Florida insurance lawyer (and beauty queen) with no prosecutorial experience, Lindsey Halligan was nominated as the US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and will hold “one of the most sensitive posts in the Justice Department, leading around 300 lawyers and staff, overseeing complex national security investigations and representing federal agencies such as the Defense Department and CIA in court.” As if further proof of qualification is necessary, she was also instrumental in removing "offensive ideology" (ie- documented, historical references to slavery) from Smithsonian exhibits- Bravo! 

This is the level of utmost competency one can expect (and demand) when the corrupting influence of DEI is removed from government!

The Triumph of Eternal Friendship!

TRUMP & EPSTEIN!     ©Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images

This is the most moving monument to the top two Titans of Friendship ever created! A masterful, artistic representation of all that is good and decent amongst friends and the secrets they shared, and still keep. Fifteen (15) years of not letting the minor details that occupied their everyday lives get in the way of their morals and dedication to each other. Secrets that come and go- like children passing in the night...

ADDENDUM: This most beautiful of loving statues was purposely defaced and removed in the cover of night- even though it had permission to remain for the week! I ask you... Who, Oh, Who Lord, would possibly commit such a violent, heinous (not to mention cowardly) act?!? Who would have the power and audacity to do such a thing!?! Trump was right- DC is running rampant with crime, and I'm confident our Law And Order President will track down this vicious lawbreaker and punish them like the dirty dog they are under the full weight of the law (soon as they find and punish the evil mastermind who sabotaged the UN escalator)!!! 

It's back up!

God Bless This Woman!

 

 

I think of all the insanity in US politics: convicted sex molester and probable pedophile POTUS pardoning a child molester and other various sex offenders, a 'news show' host calling for the murder of all homeless people, the US "Border Czar" given a heads up on his eager acceptance of a $50,000 bribe, and the Presidential silencing of... comedians! And that, of course, is just the wee, wee tip of yonder iceberg!

So, it it's just such a refreshing (and desperate) breath of fresh air to hear someone: sane, resolute, enlightened...

At The Crossroads!

Photos: © Stan Banos

No exaggeration, no hyperbole. History is rhyming. Once again, an authoritarian lurks, extending his reach beyond his power(s), bending our laws to the point of fracture. He is threatening to imprison protestors solely for peacefully protesting, he has required oaths of loyalty from public servants whose loyalty is to serve their citizenry, he has ordered our public airways to silence those he doesn't want heard simply for their opinion. Step by step, textbook authoritarian playbook 101, tried, tested and proven a hundred years ago. 

The courts, legislative bodies and justice dept; the titans of industry and technology, the press, institutes of higher learning, the arts and even goddamn comedians- jokes must not be made! And All must bend the knee...

Where are the patriots of liberty on The Right and Left who will defend our inherent right to speak, protest and disagree... 
while-we-still-can!?

What are the Top 10 Elements of the Authoritarian Playbook?

1. Divide and rule: Foment mistrust and fear in the population.
2. Spread lies and conspiracies: Undermine the public’s belief in truth.
3. Destroy checks and balances: Quietly use legal or pseudo-legal rationales to gut institutions, weaken opposition, and/or declare national emergencies to seize unconstitutional powers.
4. Demonize opponents and independent media: Undermine the public’s trust in those actors and institutions that hold the state accountable.
5. Undermine civil and political rights for the unaligned: Actively suppress free speech, the right to assembly and protest and the rights of women and minority groups.
6. Blame minorities, immigrants, and “outsiders” for a country’s problems: Exploit national humiliation while promising to restore national glory.
7. Reward loyalists and punish defectors: Make in-group members fearful to voice dissension.
8. Encourage or condone violence to advance political goals: Dehumanize opposition and/or out-groups to justify violence against them.
9. Organize mass rallies to keep supporters mobilized against made-up threats: Use fearmongering and hate speech to consolidate in-group identity and solidarity.
10. Make people feel like they are powerless to change things: Solutions will only come from the top.

Check, Check and Check!