Thursday, May 29, 2025

I-Don't-Know.

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:


Photo: © Stan B.

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 morgues post 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 definitely not 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.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

RIP Santo Salgado?


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...

Which is why I have such trouble balancing that legacy with his acceptance of financial support for his Genesis project from the Vale mining conglomerate- a megalithic, much feared destroyer of everything he stood for! Pitiful little humans that we are, we uhhh... sometimes make mistakes, and even Santo Salgado was capable of- A Whopper! I would hope such a green washing debacle no longer possible in today's art world thanks to Nan Goldin and her tackling of the Sackler family

The problem is not the oil companies or mining companies, but the system of life we’ve created.  
-SebastiĆ£o Salgado 

Wow! That's one helluva endless loop set in a circular continuum of non-committal eternity...

Approved by the Salgado's (read it and weep):

For Vale, a mining company committed to sustainable development, the Genesis Project is an exceptional artistic illustration of our company’s mission, vision and values, as well as our commitment to the integrated development of the communities where we operate around the world. The project shows that harmonious coexistence between man and nature is fundamental to the planet’s equilibrium, and plays an informative and educational function, encouraging the preservation of nature.

Not only does VALE provide financial support to “Genesis” but also generously donated seedlings from its own reforestation program to Instituto Terra and assisted in the recovery of hundreds of water sources across the watershed of the River Doce.

Friday, May 23, 2025

My Year In Photography (thus far)...

Onwards to NYC...               Photo: © Stan Banos

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- assuming Social 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...

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

So Maybe We Don't Care About...

Photo: © Stan Banos

The hundreds of African babies who are now condemned with AIDS because DOGE cut the funding for the drugs that would have prevented their infection- aid money that (in total) was well below ONE (1) Fucking Percent of the total US budget.

Do we even care about the American deaths that DOGE has caused?!? Or should I even question that American lives are always Paramount in the eyes of the Christian God? How'd that go about... "doing for the least of these?"

With a Hem And A Haw And @#*!!!...

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...

Friday, May 16, 2025

Jacques Sonck

Jacques Sonck

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...

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

San Francisco Mystery Photos!?



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....

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Social Media

Photo: © Stan Banos

Welcome to the dating scene, 2025:

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

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Coulda Swore He Swore An Oath!

Photo: © Stan Banos

Can one possibly imagine the trials and tribulations, the gnashing of teeth, the utter rending of garments if Obama:

hadn't placed his hand on the Bible during the swearing in; said he was gonna take over (forcibly if necessary) not one but two sovereign nations, said he was running for a third term, posted a picture of himself as the goddamn Pope!?! Jesus H. Christ Almighty, humanity- neigh, reality itself would have been torn asunder!!!

All that said- just do what the lady above states!!! It's what you swore to do...

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

"And it’s long been a symbol, Alcatraz, of... whatever it is." -DJT

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?!?

Thursday, May 1, 2025

FWIW...

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...