2026 New Year's Resolution

 Same as it ever was..     Photo: © Stan B.

Wasn't wanting much anything this Xmas- save for a spatula, which I was gifted, for making omelets in my brand spanking new, forever chemical free, fry pan. What I really wanted in 2025 was a fairly compact, third party 18mm AF for my Fujifilm XT cameras- could really use it NOW that both my GR's are in the shop being cleaned (and hopefully repaired). Been waiting for that 18mm like forever...had there been one years ago, would have never got a Q! Hoping 2026 changes that- third party lenses come in every dang focal length for full and crop sensors, except APS-C 18mm! Fujifilm has a compact, sharp in the center, mud everywhere else offering and an optical perfection model that's too big, too heavy and too expensive. Hope this year doesn't leave me hanging, yet again...

The other thing I got my eye out for is the Godox iT32 TTL MiniFlash; Godox is really hitting it outta the park with its flash offerings. I already have the Godox iA32 which is quite handy, but as versatile as it is, it would be nice to have an accurate TTL flash. The price is quite reasonable for its features and you order it with a separate, camera brand/model specific, magnetic hot shoe- I'm waiting to see if the upcoming Leica dedicated model syncs with the Q.  All first world problems of no great particular importance- 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, ONE AND ALL!!!

Knowing One's Craft

Anyone interested in seeing these photos has already seen them. The reason I'm posting this video is because Yvonne Hanson does a remarkable job breaking the work down and explaining it as far as: intention, aesthetics and production. She does it in plain language, doesn't hyperventilate into art speak or descend into geometric, compositional graphics. Don't know how she'd fare at dissecting and explaining other genres of photography, but at the end of this video, one has a damn good idea as to why, and how, these portraits succeed, and how Christopher Anderson went about attaining their success.

PS- Good thing they didn't hire Gilden to shoot the portraits!
PPS- Interesting hearing how Mean Meister Miller coyly pleaded for (ready for it)... "kindness," suspecting what would be revealed- and having his very words mirrored back so poignantly...

Through The Past / Into The Future...

I don't particularly enjoy viewing images of myself, but I do love viewing images and memories of the places I've been. Curiously all of these images were made stateside- haven't been abroad in twenty years, or on a road trip in over five! Taken and compiled by 'The Wife' (Thank You!), it's curious to see the sad, few vestigial hairs upside my head in '05/'06. Look closely, one can also note the evolution between old school Nikons and Fujifilm (X-T1) in hand- with ever so brief Widelux and GR cameos. And you'll never see me in shorts again- take that to the bank! Anyway, do plan on getting back on the road before checking out...

Plenty to do this new year: edit and organize my old (and damaged) B&W analog negs, and my new digital, color files, re-edit some previous essays, put together some new ones, and try, try, try to get some of it seen... somewhere! Once that's done in a year/year and a half (all estimates guesstimated) I'm then free to ponder where I'm gonna live out the remainder. You can purchase a house somewheres in the Texas Panhandle for $40,000- that's minus the shotgun and other home security hardware you'll most assuredly need. I'm already paying a whopping $1,500 a month for a 'mini-studio' (emphasis on mini) in SF, and being that it's a post 1967 building- it's not rent stabilized (that's the law here)! NYC's every bit as expensive, but a bigger apartment in Spain would be considerably less, with easily accessible train service to the rest of Europe- maybe time to polish up mi Espanol... 

People keep asking, "What's it like being retired?" Can't deny breathing a whole lot easier not having to answer to most anyone, not having to live on a goddang clock, coupled with the feeling that you finally have all the time in the world- just a tad ironic when you're just around the corner from not having any left... permanently! Hey, is what it is- gotta make the most of it like anything else, especially when the little I have is so much more than so many the world over have to call their own.

Happy Holidays!

Photo: © Stan B.

Everyone likes to, wants to think that everyone is having the best possible holiday season imaginable, and I'm sure many good folks are despite whatever circumstances they may find themselves in. But... It's also good to keep in mind, those who can't: Palestinians who have been whack-a-moled across the land being stolen from under their very feet as they're repeatedly sent scurrying hither and yon, purposely targeted, bombed, shot and dismembered sometimes literally for laughs; Ukrainians wondering daily if they'll be obliterated in their very bedrooms before the morning sun shines anew, and the people of Sudan whose stories never even reach us, except to hear that their bodies are being collected to be dumped in mass graves by those who slaughtered them for no sane reason.

And even in the land where gifts are exchanged that we neither need, nor lack, there are still those amongst us in very real need- Just a Christmas thought...

Scam Anyone?!?

"Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and to prevent the lawful transfer of power." -Jack Smith

PS- And speaking of scams...
PPS- No, not this scam!

All Trump, All The Time- Everywhere... 4Ever!!!

Photo: © Stan B

No-TDS-here... No, sir! Just my humble little tribute to the man himself- thought I'd just save him the effort as he humbly goes about naming everything within sight and earshot after himself (damn the legalities or proprieties). Afterall, that takes up a whole lotta effort that could be much better spent: cheating on the golf course, making up names to mock female reporters, splattering the remains of survivors bobbing up and down in the Caribbean, reducing prescription drugs by 5 to 600%*, or finding someone to fill up that ginormous ditch he made next to what's left of the White House....

I'll leave the blog title up until they release all the Epstein Files.** Did anyone really expect ALL the files to come out- especially any incriminating photos of Trump (or Repubs he likes needs)? All we're gonna get is Democrats and Liberals, all we're gonna see is Democrats and Liberals. It's been just a day, and I'm already sick of seeing nothing but Bill Clinton. And I'm no Dem lover, let the pervs fall where they may- the only question I have is... do the photos, videos and other printed documentation with identifiable Repubs still exist- or have they all been conveniently deleted, erased and burned to oblivion??? Even some of the scant few released- have already been deleted!

* Has anyone risked telling glorious leader that is both mathematically and logically impossible? Or is making it up wholesale w/o ever being questioned just too overwhelmingly intoxicating to the man who never imbibes?
** Or not.

Sometimes...

Sometimes ya wanna say something so damn bad, ya can't wait to put words to page. Ya wanna scream it out loud, let it out from your gut and let the whole world hear you out! Cause it's that important, that immediate, that crucial- and you're laser focused and oh so confident in cause and conviction...

Other times, ya wonder. Yeah, it needs to be said, it has been said- and said by so many others so much more renowned and well versed than you. And so... ya fear repeating it would almost be like lessening the impact, transforming it into mundane everyday chatter. And you opt instead to write about the completely unrelated- hoping to achieve some unachievable universal balance.

Most of the time I'm fairly certain, other times, like now- I don't have a clue. It's not like there's a lack of things to say, or protest or go on about. It's more about obtaining that indefinable balance, in one's own life, as well as in all that goes on about, and above you... 

Or just waiting to get gobsmacked right upside the head so hard- you no longer have to juggle and wonder, but just scream away! 

PS- And I pray Jack Smith gets his day in court public!

And Yet, And Yet...

Photo: © Stan B

Everyday, I feel like some guy is gonna tap me on the shoulder and say, "Hey bub, it's been fun, but ya don't really think this thing is gonna just keep going on like this do ya?" No deadlines to meet, no time constraints to dutifully schedule your whole life around, no superiors to tell ya what to do, when to do it, how to do it... And each month ya get a check in the mail and go happily on your way!

Actually, hasn't even been a month yet of retirement, haven't even gotten my first check as of yet (due later this week)- but I'm liking it just fine! The freedom is intoxicating- set your own schedule, your own priorities, and answer to no one; really, I'm goddamn giddy at times- will look in the mirror and just break into laughter... 

And then I think about the world around me, the very country I live in run by a complete and utter buffoon, an unconscionable, criminal buffoon voted in by people many of my own age- not new to life adults who should have learned and known better many decades previous. And yet, here we are. A cartoon leader put into power by those whose knowledge of world affairs are that of cartoon imaginings. And one soon realizes how fragile and myopic our existence and perception truly are, at whatever level we may find ourselves. 

The clock is ticking, this episodic high I now inhabit will be relatively short lived, and I fear for the planet I will leave behind- poisoned, wounded and left at the mercy of our worst; due in large part to the generation of which I was a part, the generation that was supposed to change everything for the better...

But- relax y'all! We got something to keep yer mind off alluh that! It's tried, and true, and never fails, not ever- fun starts at 4:12...

Chip Off The O' Block

Yes sir, by golly- fine figure of a man, he is!

Just Look Up!

Whether you believe in chemtrails- or not, Just Look Up is well worth viewing! And what cannot be denied is that the US government has been 'studying' and experimenting with weather and climate manipulation since WW2- its desire and aim to control it is a matter of public record. Whether it's the weaponization of our climate and skies, or the aerial bombardment of bacterial contamination sprayed on the populace of San Francisco- bombs, missiles and drones are not the only thing we need fear from our skies. 

While there's a minimum of woo-woo in the above doc, it definitely addressed my concerns for direct and measurable scientific evidence to their claims of said manipulation- basically, the measuring of significantly elevated levels of aluminum (and other reflective metal) nano particles after periods of alleged spraying. I've also seen previous documentaries where biologists, geologists and chemists have also recorded similar findings. It would not surprise me in the absolute least (in fact, it makes perfect sense) that our government would be trying to solve a very real problem (global warming) on the sly and cheap (w/o so much as having to admit to it); and in so doing, not only, not solve the initial problem (those same particles that might reflect heat during the day, also trap it at night), but create and exacerbate an even larger one by a) contaminating large swaths of forests, public lands, farms and drinking water with heavy metals, and b) artificially disrupting natural weather cycles as they have exited for centuries without considering the consequences of said changes... 

That'll Show "Em!"

 And would ya believe it- people continue to say that Trump is racist!

The Retiring Life

Photo: © Stan B.

Perhaps unconsciously it had to do with seeing Great Leader dozing off recently, repeatedly, seemingly incessantly- and FOX news desperately trying to nonchalantly sell us it's because our noon to five POTUS just works so much harder than any man in the office before him (when not cheating at golf). 

But I doubt it. Actually, it was a lovely day of many steps but with little to show but two tired feet- as these things so often go... And then, there he was! And no, I'm not belittling old folk- Hell, I am one! Just a photo of a fellow human, being human (in a cute car)... My first decent photo marking retirement.

Mea Culpa...

Actually, I'd written this in anticipation of my retirement, addressing something I'm very not proud of, to say the very least- so here goes...

The following is to once again apologize and attempt to explain the motivation (woefully misdirected as it was) for a most regrettable action. It's something I will forever regret, something I knew was wrong, soon as I did it... It resulted from a poison deep within me, a toxic stew I well acknowledge and usually control 99.XX% of the time. I'd probably be wrong to claim this the only time it ever manifested, but this was the event that that caused the most harm- and I can only hope the brunt of that harm manifested on myself alone.

About ten years ago I accused a photographer of "passive racism" in a certain photo essay of his. And while the term itself is neither invalid nor unwarranted (when used responsibly and accordingly) it was Most DEFINITELY NOT, by any means or manner- valid, true or appropriate in this particular instance! It was totally, completely, 100% in my head- and in my head only! I was 'seeing' and injecting my personal frustration and vitriol directly into a fabricated (mis)interpretation of his work, something completely not native to his work, and certainly undeserving of such criticism. And I was not only accusing someone of something not of their doing, I was simultaneously cheapening and bringing doubt upon real life situations and occurrences of prejudice. Both are deplorable, and I knew I was dead wrong the minute I pressed Send- but the poison I let manifest from mind to keyboard was now out in public. 

I remember reading how a jumper/survivor of the Golden Gate Bridge recalled that the very second he leaped, he immediately realized just how wrong his decision had been. Such was the feeling, and I quickly issued a hasty, if much needed, much warranted apology- both publicly on the platform where I made the comment, and to the photographer in question, privately. I didn't attempt to explain why I had made the comment, I thought it too self serving at the time, and people would have seen it as an excuse- and most rightfully so! And although, I damn well recognized why I had uttered such stupidity and outright negativity, I also realized it demanded further analysis, understanding and self reflection... And that my own humiliation and embarrassment, although very much warranted at the time, would not immediately allow it. Some in the photographic community ghosted me- understood, although I've always hoped that discussion better serves such an offense, not so much for my 'rehabilitation,' but more importantly, to reach a further understanding of how prejudice can linger, manifest and metastasize. And I can only hope that my totally misdirected 'criticism' of said photographer did not in any way negatively impact him- anyone looking at the work and reading said 'criticism,' would have had an exceedingly hard time seeing any justification for it (as commenters accurately reflected).

Racism in any form is such an ugly thing, no matter it's manifestation. Verbal, physical or contemplative- it always leaves its mark (on both victim and perpetrator), often more than we know, sometimes in ways we hardly realize or recognize. Life is hard enough as is, prejudice and racism just add another perpetual level of unnecessary and unwarranted anxiety and difficulty anyone could well do without. As a Hispanic living in a predominantly White neighborhood for a good part of my developing life, I was fortunate not to experience any direct physical brutality due to racism, but there were the everyday slights- intentional and not. One could ignore, or address and confront directly, I did both- whichever felt the most appropriate, or expedient at the time. And then there are the instances where ya-just-don't-know. Hhhmmm... that was a dig wasn't it? But was it racially motivated? Did they flip me off for being an everyday jerk wad (real or imagined), or was the motivation/purpose an actual (if disguised or unconscious) racial dig? Those are the ones you keep tossing in mind, wondering, pondering and wasting waaay too much time and energy on (whether one wants to, or not); and the suspicion never leaves- it lingers, poisons, and sometimes metastasizes, producing some rather nasty after effects. 

Point is... all the aforementioned leaves scars, far from visible- and far from superficial. And if one hasn't directly experienced it over a good portion of their lifetime, it will likely remain foreign to their realm of knowledge, and reality. Most of the time, people of color learn to adapt, deal with it and get on with life. But it can rear its (very) ugly head and pervert someone's personality in a very negative direction, or unconsciously color certain perceptions, attitudes and reactions in a less than positive, clear headed direction. I once thought I had it very much under control in my waking life- and for the most part I did (and still do). But I most certainly dropped the ball on that day. Big time. I got cocky, self assured in my self-actualization and criticism of what I (thought I) knew, and in how I dealt with things both personal and social... Big Mistake! Upon doing so, I also came to realize- that said photographer had been one of the very (very) few who had actually been so very kind to send me a free, personal monograph- yeah, when I F-up... I F-up!!!

So, why now, why dredge this up yet again? Good question. As I enter the next stage of life, one becomes more introspective. And despite my overwhelming shame and embarrassment due to my blatant 'aberration' on a topic I prided myself in understanding, I had hoped that someone would initiate a conversation that would address it directly, and hopefully go beyond it. I didn't feel it was my place to initiate that conversation, my mouth had already spewed enough, too much- and I was properly shunned. Now, I just want to address and explain that incident as best I can, to myself, the person I wrongfully accused (whose photography BTW is incredibly inclusive), and anyone else who may possibly remember- or not.

Again, some might still see this as self serving- understood. I'm just trying to add a measure of understanding for the motivation behind an injustice I voluntarily committed, regret to this day and fully accept responsibility for. It's an ugliness that, once injected, stays within one- a virus you can acknowledge or deny, suppress or unleash, but hopefully learn to transform. I thought I had, but it's a cunning motherfucker, and that's part of its MO- the second you think you've dealt with it and put it to bed is exactly when you expose yourself anew.

I still call out racism as I see and experience it- hopefully, with greater clarity, discrimination and responsibility. And it especially does my heart good to see in the recent years since, the actual presence, involvement and active participation of more photographers of color throughout the industry and artworld- instead of just in front of the lens. It is well overdue; diversity (now vehemently under attack, yet again) can only enrich our experience, and help rid us of the ugly scars and practices of the past, personal and otherwise...

C'est La Vie!

Finally, edited this right (at least exposure wise)- I too am now this chill!     Photo: © Stan B.

I-am-retired. Say it again- at seventy fuckin' years! It's real. It's official. And I couldn't be more... relieved! It's not like I'm walking around with a million dollar, shit eating grin on my face (like most other events of note in life, I always expected it to be anticlimactic), but yeah, things do kinda feel different: lighter, better- how could they not? I can sleep and get up any time I want, any day I want. I have no deadlines- and no superiors! Dear Lord, we're talking a near responsibility free life- is that even possible?!? Either way it's a substantial escalation of freedom so long equated with wishful thinking- one I often thought would remain just that. I had seen too many friends pass between sixty and sixty five- their own retirement dreams (so sadly) pulled from beneath them, like the proverbial rug from their feet. A five year kill zone of the best of life long dreams... But for the grace of god, I survived that and the following five for every precious penny via that most Social of Securities...

So what of this new found freedom? Yeah, I can see how some could go kinda loopy, especially without an ample social life- of which I most definitely do not have. But enough to do, there is! Arrange all photographic files and images from a semi feral existence into an actual organized state of being; edit as many damaged and undamaged B&W images as possible- that will be an all too time consuming feat in and of itself (esp. anxious to see the finished results of a small essay I did with ye ole Widelux of years past). Will also burn both B&W and color images unto 'permanent' gold discs for preservation- love to see the looks on the faces of those that discover them in 2130 under some radioactive pile of debris. And I'll even have the needed time to try and disseminate some work right now, while the heart still beats.

Of course, if money wasn't an issue, I'd be writing this all from the road right now- with no set date of return, no set destination to return to! Alas, when all the dust from the above settles, I'll have to decide exactly where I'll spend those remaining years. Will San Francisco return to some modicum of its pre-Covid years so that its ridiculously high cost of living is once again tolerable? Or what other city or town, foreign or domestic will draw me to its flame? That is the largest of questions- plans must be made!

In addition to my aforementioned list of priorities, I plan to 'retourist' the city anew camera in tow. I've made note of small bars, cafes and restaurants I've longed to visit in various neighborhoods throughout town and somehow never have. Places like Sam's Pizza and Burgers, a proud hole in the wall where one can get the Anthony Bourdain Special (double patty burger w/fries and a beer for $20) and La Taqueria in The Mission, where they serve burritos... without rice! Along with a host of other similar small joints and dives in quieter parts of town when I'll need a welcomed break from sitting mesmerized at my monitor.

Which brings me to my final goal in retirement- achieving the... "Asian Squat." Think of a catcher in baseball behind the plate, but feet flat to the ground instead of arched. The first time I attempted it, when transitioning from arched to flattened feet, I violently rolled over backward like some errant turtle crashing into the little furniture I have. Anyway, it's a goal I've set for myself, and the funny thing is, I have no idea if I'll be able to achieve it (I've never been able to touch my toes either). But I'm gonna try, it's actually supposed to be super healthy. May even take a yoga class eventually; even though I still walk a lot, that has a limited range of motion, and I really don't want to slowly calcify in front of my monitor- so I really need to organize some kinda exercise/stretching routine... or gain 200lbs, don some spandex, and turn into a real Amerikan!!!

I Am Them

Make of it what you will, but there are many similar reports, throughout the world...

Why Was Jamal Khashoggi Murdered?

Because he was about to expose how Jared Kushner was feeding classified info to MBS for his $2B-B-BILLION!!!!

Ever Wonder...

 Why Trump's first wife is buried in- one of his golf courses? Yeah, me too! Till now...

Enjoy!!

Can't Believe The Wind...

Sorry to go all Dylanesque on everyone, but one of my most recent posts entitled It's Not Polite To Gloat turned out to be... dare I say it- Fake News! Yup- all out, full frontal AI!!!

Now, it wasn't exactly a breaking news story- shit, I thought it fairly innocuous. But it is, what it is- Fake as Hell AI Bullshit. Why fake such trivial BS- I don't get it!?!? I want to blame my insipid Millennial interns who take no interest or responsibility whatsoever in their alleged research and writing- if only they existed. But lesson learned, and I'd like to say it'll never happen again- but hey, Caveat Emptor, myself (very much) included! 

Perhaps, it has something to do with my not having Tik-Tok, or Substack, or FB, IG, X, or much of any other goddamn app (esp- SORA the supposed AI app used here)- and yes, I leave my freaking phone at home most days, where they've lived for most of their history while I walked this planet! Or should I just chalk it up to karma for... gloating!?!  

Anyway, mucho thanks to the anonymous tipster who alerted me... 

Truth To Power

I wrote on the failure of the American press, the failure to make Trump's wide assortment of illegalities and criminal enterprises known far and wide throughout the land- even before he first ran. That's not to say that some did not try, and even succeed... if only in vain. There were those, such as Prof. David Cay Johnston, as well as Sarah Kendzior, who both performed magnificently (even if few took heed)...

It's Not Polite To Gloat

But sometimes... 

Ya really have to spell it out for people before it even starts to sink in!

ADDENDUM: Turns out the video at the above link is AI Bullshit! See comment below, and further bloviation on 11/20 posting...

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is the well crafted and riveting recounting of the initial Nuremberg trials, particularly the one dealing with Hermann Goring. Unfortunately, as is the case with many a based on a true story retelling, essential characters, incidents and portrayals are altered... significantly- not by changing actual historical results, but by the misrepresentation of the details, players and actual events that led to those results! And yeah, those (anything but) minor alterations made specifically for a film adaptation can have a significant impact in the motivation, accuracy and understanding of those consequences as they played out in real life... Crowe is a convincing Goring and Rami Malek, an equally convincing, but significantly fictionalized, version of the real Dr. Douglas Kelly. I can understand why multiple characters are fused into one, or actual historical occurrences edited or omitted for the sake of a film's brevity, but when you alter the very nature and actions of the facts as they occurred, one does tend to significantly distort reality- even as revealing it... 

That said, perhaps the most redeeming part of the movie is how it noticeably foreshadows future histories... much closer to home.

Bogonia

I suppose one could describe it as a black comedy. And it certainly reverberated from challenging (to watch), to bizarrely amusing. But I found the ending (which I was fully expecting to be predictably disappointing) both original, and poignant- an ingenious touch that made the whole endeavor curiously worthwhile...

2025 X 70 X 20

  Photos: © Stan B.

What's with the cryptic numerology? Well, 2025 marks a coupla personal milestones, if ya will (and hopefully- the beginning of the end for the felonious/pedophile/fascist named Donald J. Trump). 

Hard to believe I've done seven decades this lifetime, and looking back, there are things: I'm relatively pleased about, things I look upon with shame and regret, and most of all- a whole lotta time letting life play itself out, most of it just day to day existence, interspersed with those fleeting moments that: teach, resound, challenge or reinforce. It's almost as if we're different people at different times, in different situations with the various people we encounter along the way. Each person gets a different peek, depending on age, mood, amount of sleep, on that particular day of that particular year.

In two weeks, I retire; been running on fumes of late, and am literally counting the days- all the while knowing full well, it will be anticlimactic at best, as are most things in life. I will live frugally, as I always have, and hopefully manage to stretch my modest savings for my remaining years without necessitating a return to the work force. But as we all know, life can be cruel. In the next year and a half, I will rest, regroup, reorganize and plan what and where to do my remaining years- here in San Francisco, the Southwest, East Coast... abroad?

Been blogging a good twenty years now on various platforms, plan to continue and continue photographing- the latter of which I've been doing since a teen. Unfortunately, most of my previous B&W work was destroyed to one extent or the other, and I will be restoring, filing and organizing what I can. But as I've mentioned before, it wasn't until I was sixty and abandoned my beloved analog B&W and picked up digital color that I (quite ironically) began to feel as if starting to actually know what I was doing. At least that's what I tell myself- and also have the results to prove. Hopefully, I can muster some small amount of exposure for it. 

I'm betting on a productive dozen years ahead as my (dare I say it) journey continues... Looking forward to some travel, photos, time with friends, some volunteer work and whatever good times remain- the rest will unfold and be revealed as destined... Thanks for tuning in.

Mermaid Parade- NYC, 6/25

Man's Got Your Back, America!

    Andrew Harnik © Getty Images

He may not have won a Nobel Peace Prize- but this photo should definitely win a Pulitzer!

“An example of the Deep State we have been up against.”

 Photo: © Franziska Wild

Exactly!!! Bondi absolutely nailed it! The agent testified that the sandwich "kind of exploded" upon impact, and that he felt it through his ballistic vest!

Prof. David Cay Johnston- National Treasure

In addition to being a wealth of detailed and insightful political, historical and legal information, this Pulitzer Prize winning author has also written several books on the rise and current reign of Donnie J...

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!