One of the reasons I got into photography was because I learned the impermanence of things at an early age. Being shuttled between Puerto Rico and New York as a child ingrained in me just how transitory time, place... reality itself could be. Photography seemed the one thing, the best thing that could hold on to some semblance of the present, which quickly transpired to your past- it wasn't the perfect tool to stop the involuntary transitions, but it was a way to hold on to at least certain bits and pieces... a trail of crumbs to hold on to through life's travails.
My father lived till ninety seven, his mind had left him some years prior, though his body was still sound. It is the most ironic and cruel existence imaginable. I remember trying to hold a conversation with him, and for a short few seconds he held his head just a tad higher, his eyes seemed to clear and I could see he was actually trying to fight the haze that enveloped his entire being- a clear and precise thought was actually forming, struggling to arise and about to be released... and then, just as quickly, the head lowered, the eyes glazed over and diminished, whatever thought transpired dissipated without mention, or memory.
My mother, also now ninety seven is slowly dying in hospice care. She's suffered a debilitating series of strokes; her mind still active and alert, trapped in an immobile, bed ridden body. Perhaps that's the even greater affliction; I don't know, will never know- just genuinely terrified that I'll most likely experience one of those scenarios quite intimately myself.
My photographs won't matter much then, they won't soothe my aches and my own joyful memories will probably illicit little in those last waning days. Hopefully, others will someday wade through my particular trail of bread crumbs, find a few notes of recognition or disparity relevant to their own existence- It's a short, fleeting existence at that, littered with moments that seem to last an eternity, amidst the countless more that seemingly serve no purpose at all. We try and make sense of all of it, ultimately realizing we're just another life lived, and transpired.
Back if only for the moment, and say that because I will have to return shortly to NYC being that my mother was just placed into hospice care. Is what it is- and at 98, not exactly something unexpected...
Had a coupla hours left for some 'street photography' on my final day there, only problem- it was 97 degrees and people were nowhere to be seen on NY's usually busy, bustling streets. One can just persevere the low nineties (with humidity, which is every bit as much a factor), but when we enter 95+ degree territory- you're talking actual... Pain! In fact, with the heat and humidity, I had no appetite whatsoever first coupla days, great for sweating and losing weight (especially after catching a glimpse of myself in a full view mirror- Yipes!), not so good for gorging on the favorite NY foods you long lust for. Had some great fried Pierogis with the most delicious chocolate egg cream ever at Veselkas, and some delicious potato pizza and gelato at the Chelsea Market. More to say later, but should when this space suddenly goes quiet again- you'll know why...
Even though I have a self imposed no cropping rule- the full frame version of the picture above was driving me bonkers! Loved the subject, and even though he was perfectly centered in the FF image, the open space on the right hand side made it seem completely unbalanced! Really drove me freakin'...bonkers! So, I cropped to a perfect 1:1 (even has a bit of the Diane Arbus Grenade Boy vibe); think it the best solution (short of subject repositioning via AI). I know, I know- standards really going downhill here!
Anyway, still have a few days of vacation left before I return to the grind (or return to the Big City) and will use said time to edit my No Kings Day photos and the coupla things (literally) I got in NY. Oh, and one more thing... think I've called it a day on my annual pilgrimage to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. An hour to get there, an hour to get back via subway for the honor of baking in the grueling sun for a few hours. Don't get me wrong, the event itself is always fun- but diminishing returns (photographically), and the fact that crowd control/police security gets more and more impossible every year (you have to walk a mile in either direction to avoid barricades just to cross the street to get to the subway entrance to go home) is starting to wear thin on these old bones...
It's not just his taxes that he won't show- and apparently for good reason! Seems he wears a catheter and has also suffered a stroke- not to mention the persistent rumors of wearing a (#2) diaper. Normally, I wouldn't... give a shit! But it is a tad disingenuous (ie- blatantly hypocritical) that the man who repeatedly attempts to mock and ridicule others for their physical challenges, does everything to hide and deny his! But then, this is coming from the guy with the world's most intriguingly orange make up foundation coupled with a combover the likes of a rapidly melting soft serve cone.
FWIW- Commenters purporting to be medical professionals confirm both the catheter and stroke allegations, and while I don't like delving in rumor... when you purposely deny any semblance of transparency, you deserve every single one and more!
I'm not great at... predictions, but then, it didn't take a genius to realize that this whirlwind, hotter than hell Bromance would be Fast and Furious! I gave it till the beginning of summer and- WOW!!! This sure is waaay better than any Hollywood Flame Out; Trump threatening to cut off Elon's corporate welfare, and the latter calling for full Trump/Epstein Disclosure- can it possibly get any better?!? I-sure-as-hell... Hope So!!!
*or as one commenter put it: summer's new Alien vs. Predator
That said, there are always the miscreants who will slyly insinuate that the statue does not look like her- I would wholeheartedly disagree. While the first version might have been a bit exaggerated in depicting her warm, endearing, over the top, larger than life personality- I think the second succeeded in capturing her more reserved and stoic side, someone who consistently waves on cue (whenever present) with an affect as flat as the bronzed face adorning her equally lifeless human body.
I hope she is found soon, it's always great to see our First Lady in whatever part of the world, especially this more true to life representation; that's the thing about great art and great artists, whatever the medium- they can dig down deep, capture and accentuate the inner soul and essence of the person they seek to forever immortalize!
The children of Israel, abused, terrorized, genocided for generations- now the abusers and killers of children en masse.
A madman ghost from the world of czars now amassing troops on bordering countries, and openly attacking and indiscriminately killing the populace of another- while thoughtlessly threatening nuclear Armagedón.
Global climate catastrophe threatens our very existence well into our children's children's future, while we idly stand by no longer even daring mention of its existence, let alone attempting the prevention of its inevitable cataclysmic and generational consequences.
And a gayly painted clown, the most powerful man in our earthly realm, recklessly stumbles about ridding anyone of what he doesn't understand, claiming whatever left for himself while endangering everyone, everywhere with his deceit, treachery and ever metastasizing avarice unbound. Wrapped in a flag, cloaked in the laws of his own choosing, he will not yield to reason, fairness or the morals of god or mankind.
Gone are the leaders and voices of hope and transcendence; language no longer soothes nor inspires, pictures no longer verify- everything seemingly threatens and confuses, before finally deadening us all to the dangers we can no longer accept, confront, or even understand.
I used to think Joe Rogan was kinda your Joe Everyman with an extra dollop of curiosity who was just trying to figure things out like any dumb SOB (ie- the rest of us). Lately, particularly with his enthusiastic Trump support (after emphatically proclaiming he wouldn't), I just gave up on the guy- he's just a forever one step forward, two steps back kinda guy!
However, this woman (this doctor) seems to make sense (least to me), but truth is- I don't know. When it comes to the whole vaccine debacle, I have my doubts either way, so that in the end... I-don't-know!!! I just don't have the scientific chops to say which side is (in part or in whole) right, or wrong! And I don't think most people do; they just pick the side their politics or friends are on- and go with it! Pretty much what I first did- but I always had the lingering doubts, sometimes louder, other times... not so much. And after considerable pondering (they're right- no, they're right; well, they're wrong about that, but they're right about...) and bouncing about from one end of the paddle to the other (and finding temporary homes in each camp without feeling totally comfortable in either)- I've finally reached a solution. That is, I'm absolutely comfortable in saying...I-don't-know! And I'm perfectly fine with saying that- I've even grown to like the sound of it!
How did I reach this unenviable non-conclusion? Basically, I just don't trust either side for the life of me! I've always loved science, but science actually has a rather long history of not always getting things right; well, Stan- you can't compare faux science like Phrenology to real, modern day, 21st century science. Agreed. But I've read enough "science" from nutrition to cosmology to realize that the science on either and everything is constantly changing, sometimes reversing and always evolving. Science is as good as our: experiments, measurements, current technologies and final conclusions and interpretations of data... based on the questions we ask. That said, science usually gets it right... Just don't get me started on Big Pharma, their history (despite whatever legitimate achievements they can, in fact, claim) is one of purposeful deceit and subterfuge whenever in conflict with the pursuit of The Almighty Dollar- and unfortunately, science makes its bed with Big Pharma. So here are some questions, statements, points of contention and legitimacy on either side when it comes to Covid, and vaccines in general:
Anti-vaxxers claim that more people died/are currently dying from the consequences of the Covid vaccine than people who died from the virus at the peak of the pandemic- they're just being listed as dying from other diseases. My counter is- during the peak of the pandemic we had temporary morgues sprouting all over major cities world wide, if more deaths are resulting from the vaccine itself, then we should be seeing even more of those temp morguespost pandemic, no matter what they labelled cause of death- a dead body is a dead body, and I just ain't seeing it.
I remember Dr./Sen. Rand Paul (who I can't tolerate) arguing with Dr. Fauci- Paul argued he didn't have to get the vaccine since he had already contracted and survived the disease, and was therefore naturally immune. Fauci insisted he should still get vaccinated, which doesn't make sense, he already had the best immunity possible (if memory serves, this was before it had... mutated)!
A good, healthy immune system is the best defense against disease- undoubtedly! But American Indians exercised and ate organically each and every single day- we all know what happened when they met European bacterium and viruses...
No vaccine is completely safe- there are always those who will react badly and suffer complications, sometimes serious, sometimes deadly. The Covid vaccine received much less testing time, using a smaller sampling of the population than most other approved vaccines (using a technology which, while not untested, was not traditionally used for vaccines). That alone should demand even more stringent testing and follow up examination!
Then there's China, Fauci and the Wuhan lab- all notoriously tight lipped about the dangerous gain of function research being funded and conducted there. The only time they did speak was to deny (ie- outright lie about) the existence of said research (and it's possible consequence of leaking deadly viruses into the environment)- that research has now been confirmed, and the possibility of Covid originating from said lab has gone from impossible to probable, if not downright indisputable... It's that level of self inflicted denial, obfuscation and outright falsehoods that science willingly imposes upon itself that causes such massive, public doubt! Admit mistakes- it may cause embarrassment short term, but it actually serves to enhance public trust in the long run!
Do vaccines cause autism (at least in some cases)? Doubt it, but I honestly don't know- and I'm definitelynot comfortable with a program that injects multiple vaccines into our youngest of children in just one shot! But Stan, we're subjected to hundreds of potential pathogens every day- exactly, so why add multiple disruptors intravenously injected at such a tender age when our immune systems are just developing for Chrissakes? Space - them - out; let the body develop and recuperate!
Unfortunately, the medical field, like politics, is filthy with well connected financial donations (ie- corruption). Big Pharma and our pitifully anemic, massively overpriced and mediocre (at best) health plans and coverage in the US are testament to this. Dr. Humphries is well worth a listen- and I'm a three time Covid vaccine recipient.* Is she correct? I-don't-know, but I wish another doctor/scientist (several actually), not in any way connected with Big Pharma (is that even possible?) would explain in laymen's terms why she is wrong, right or anywhere in between... Capisce?
*I really didn't want to get that third shot (mandatory for work)- each time it made my arm sore as hell, along with a headache and fever- don't ever recall experiencing that with other vaccines.
Like anyone else, I too was blown away by Salgado's work- almost impossible not to be. He took B&W 35mm photography to near Biblical heights and proportions- both in terms of subject matter and artistry. An advocate and champion of nature, the environment, the little man and the forgotten...
2025 is almost half over, and so far it's been a mixed bag... Some of the usual photo ops I attend annually have borne no fruit (always disappointing not to nab at least one small something-something), but I have gotten a handful of small but significant surprises during every day, working day encounters- and lord knows one good thing, the only 'good' thing about Trump being POTUS is the increased photo ops via the increased protests.
Meanwhile, my second GR (that I've already sent in for repair about a half year back- warranty lasts 90 days) has once again developed a serious recurring malady. The screen is once again completely dark upon turning on, the diaphragm completely closed; but then I press the shutter, the camera takes a completely underexposed frame, and Voila- the screen recombobulates and the camera is working normally again... What the? Long and short, turning on the camera is now a lengthier two step process, and I delete the 'preliminary exposure' at a later time! Better than paying yet another coupla hundred for yet another repair- for however long it lasts...
On another front, I'd be getting along with my relatively new cloud subscription PS just fine- if it didn't freeze and/or crash so damn much... FRUSTRATING AS HELL to lose a full hour's work, or more, repeatedly! Sometimes (sometimes) you get your file returned "RECOVERED," but even then, you get it back with the last coupla edits missing! Sometimes, most of the times, you're just flat out... Fucked! Then there are the useless pop up notices instructing to describe the problem so that someone can get back to you to address said situation- and no one ever has, or ever will... Lying PS FUCKS! And my desktop is new, so...
I try to remember to just save, close and restart after no more than 1/2hr so I don't lose as much as I might otherwise- not exactly the ideal work around! I researched some software modification suggestions on what to do to try and fix; will attempt at some point- if Boomer can manage! You'd think they would answer one of the notices they themselves solicit, regarding a service you pay for... Perhaps it has something to do with the Plethora of F Bombs I liberally deploy when describing said problem in the immediacy of the situation. That said, I've also written several thoroughly G Rated descriptions that received an equivalent (non) response. Looks like another fun project to pursue at year's end when I retire- assumingSocial Security still exists and hasn't been obliterated by "Big Balls," Trump and Friends...
Speaking of PS, I've noticed a distinctive pattern now in my files (should one pixel peep) that was absent when I used PS Elements. Actually, it's a rather pleasing grain-like structure that I first thought might be the infamous Fujifilm "worms," but it's also present in my bayer based GR and Q files. Whatever it is, or causes it- I rather like it!
Don't know what took me so long, but I've finally started to use the tiny flash unit included with Fujifilm cameras for fill in strong sunlight- about time, Stan! Perhaps because one can only go to 1/180 on the X-T1, and 1/250 on the X-T2 which severely restricts usage in sunlight where needed most. I then purchased the ridiculously small Godox iM20 flash for my Q. This ridiculously miniscule min-mite puts out a considerable amount of light for its size. Problem is, it's completely manual, and it's impossible to see the LED power settings in direct sunlight, plus- it can still overexpose even on its lowest setting if you get somewhat close for a portrait. Good for more relaxed studio type settings where one can test and (re)set at leisure, not so good at hectic public events where you don't control the action. Fortunately, there's now a slightly larger TTL version coming out- unfortunately, it will not be available for Leica! Will just opt to use fill on original GR (long as it lasts) for the 28mm perspective...
Anyway, June's here soon, which means the annual trip back home to NYC to visit moms, the Mermaid parade and hopefully, a street shot or two...
Well, here we are on 5/20/2025, merrily coasting along on a sea of disturbingly adolescent: fantasies, proclamations and narratives- most of them false and purposely malicious or blatantly misleading at best. Designed to overwhelm our meager, fleeting senses to the point of resignation, I must admit the nonstop torrent frequently achieves the desired effect- especially with a complacent press that never challenges to the point of ownership and responsibility. At least, "That's what I hear, that's what they say!" How many times has our press allowed Great Leader to get away with that exact refrain, and so many countless others? "The election was stolen," I hear ya! "Ukraine started the war," absolutely! Running for a third term? Your 'interpretation' of the US Constitution is as good as any other!
How many times have they pinned his ass to the wall and responded, "No, I haven't heard that at all. Not one single time- Not Ever! Who the fuck is saying such absolute Fucking Bullshit? We'd really like to know, because what many do say is that you make up all this 'people are saying' Bullshit yourself, just like you made up the fantasy publicists called 'John Barron' or 'David Dennison' back in the day- that's what people are really saying. So give us some names, give us some facts, or do everyone a favor and... Shut The Fuck Up for once in your sorry ass lie of a life!!!"
I remember watching the news a while back in London, the interviewer would not let up until she got a definitive answer from the politician she was interviewing. He hemmed and hawed a bit, but she wasn't about to give up with an evasive non answer. Seems the politicians there knew they'd eventually have to give up the goods, unlike here, where they know journos will ask just long enough to appear they're doing their jobs, before obligingly shutting down. Apparently, the press had their politicians much better trained there; that was over twenty years ago- wonder if still the same today...
I recently ran upon this photographer again somehow, someway- after once posting about him on my previous blog, Reciprocity Failure (where most of the accompanying photographs and illustrations were inadvertently removed). And just like the first time, the sheer directness and unpretentiousness of his portraiture stopped me cold in its simplicity and appeal- the kind of simplicity fraught with mystery. The kind of visual poetry one can return to repeatedly and continue to mine both for insight and pure enjoyment...
This shouldn't be a mystery forever, I mean, should be someone left around town who can identify who took these. Hey, I should be so lucky- the most important thing is that the work lives on....
Ladies, if you feel trapped, unwanted, untouched, unappreciated, find me and tell me what you are missing or how you're feeling. Secret or.... I'll give you everything you need to feel fully satisfied, happy and... as you deserve. No judgement/All women welcome. Whether it's a cuddle a cook, an orgasm, or a master to make you my filthy whore. Also... Believe in me. You are not below men. -Buster
Yeah, exactly! Sometimes, sometimes I'm in just absolute awe of the clarity of mind, the precision of language and attention to detail with which some of our elected officials (one in particular) can so clearly convey the complexity and totality of the subject at hand... whatever it is.
But wait, there's more: "Well, I guess I was supposed to be a movie maker. We're talking—we started with the movie making and will end. I mean, it—it represents something very strong, very powerful in terms of law and order." Is there an interpreter in the house?!?
Many important points are raised here, many of which have been said and heard before- just like the manner of photographs discussed, also equally seen, scorned and praised... for decades. Not to say that this periodic review, or warning, or admonishment is without merit, or that it will attain anything but the usual effect- little if anything. Unfortunately, for all the above to actually evolve, vast economic, social and economic change (for the better) will have to occur... something highly unlikely to occur anytime soon. And that is exactly the reason many continue to take such photos, in a vain, if sincere attempt to alert and hopefully change those injustices that persist- in a manner that persistently proves overwhelmingly futile...
Upon first seeing the trailer for Wim Wenders'Perfect Days, can't say I was exactly excited to dash out and see it, but I definitely put it on my rainy/quiet day list of possibilities when in the mood for such 'low key' fare. And since I currently lead a pretty low key life these days, I was soon rewarded with this small gem of a film about a very unassuming and zen like public facility cleaner and sometime philosopher, photographer and music aficionado. Not surprisingly, life happens all around him as he quietly goes about his.
Of course, one can't help but be... 'inspired' by the style and ingenuity of some of the public lavatories he professionally frequents, and I was soon thinking what a great typography they would make- they would look great in B&W! And my second thought was, gee Stan, do you think no one else had that thought- particularly in the land of cameras. Well, that project does indeed exist! Perhaps in color...
