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!

Work, Life, Serendipity...

Photo taken after spotting subject across the street immediately upon leaving work. Photo: © Stan Banos

I've owned my fair share of cameras in my life: Spotmatics, Nikons, Fujifilm X-T's and even a Leica Q (also played with a Widelux and a Mamiya medium format). All fine cameras each! But if I had to pick the camera that served me most and best, it would be the Ricoh GR- I own two of the first iteration (both in various states of disrepair). And the reasons for being my most used and reliable are basically two fold: a) it's ridiculously portable, unintrusive and ergonomic- it can slip in your goddamn (shirt/pants) pocket for Chrissakes, and b) it punches well beyond its weight for IQ! You're paying for its minuscule go anywhere size and the quality of the goods it ultimately delivers!

One can go weekend after weekend (hour after hour) with nothing to show for your effort(s), no matter how earnest, no matter how sincere. You can't will an image to occur, but ya best be ready when it comes. And that's where the GR excels, it allows you to easily transition from everyday, workaday to photo capture mode- waiting on a bus, walking to a grocery store or coming back from work. Completely operable with one hand and the latest (4th) iteration once again comes with a very handy (although now separate) fill flash. You're instantly ready for that 'layered' shot, portrait or cityscape- whatever the subject demands. The 28mm equivalent lens is both ideal for story telling purposes, as well as ridiculously sharp. The viewfinder is sometimes not ideal (granted), but you'd be surprised how well you adjust with continued use. An EVF would increase the size and defeat one of the camera's major attributes- it's extreme portability.

I love taking pictures, with people or without. People pictures have that extra special something when done right, and yet photos without have to have an extra something special just to compete- which is why I enjoy the challenge of each, whenever, wherever they occur! 

Now That Ya Mention It...

Photo: © Stan Banos

Like/Unlike

At least the Dems got rid of their old man with dementia- Republicans elected theirs to another four years. Unlike the United States, Brazil (often considered "a third world" country) convicted their authoritarian leader who tried to lead an insurrection that emulated the one that failed in the US... where the insurrectionist not only went unpunished, but was then allowed to regain control of the country!

As Charlie Kirk Said...

"I think it's worth it. I think it's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our God given rights."

Thoughts and Prayers...

$58 Gold Karat Deluxe!!!

I remember reading how completely disillusioned a young Cassius Clay was when he discovered that after wearing his Olympic Gold Medal for days, the gold plating started to wear down to reveal... nothing more than common metal.

Well, no such disappointment will be had here! That is, Donald Trump will suffer no such buyer's remorse, because he damn well knows that all those gaudy gold decorations he has been festooning the White House with and telling every visitor and their mama who'll listen that they're all The Real Deal is nothing more than: plastic decorations from... Home Depot, spray painted gold (gold paint, that is, not gold leaf)! Can't - make - it - up. 

Well, at least he still has his full head of hair!

Summertime // Love

Photo: Mark Steinmetz

Went to the Leica Gallery in San Francisco for the opening of Summertime // Love by Mark Steinmetz, who is probably the world's greatest B&W photographer currently alive and regularly working (gladly consider options). Frankly, he's not the greatest speaker, and I really don't give two shits- when your photos do the talking, you can be as low energy as ya want. Some of his prints were definitely on the soft side,* something that I hadn't particularly noticed in his books, of which there was also a nice collection of at the gallery. Each is a master class in how to do justice to whatever subject covered: from Chicago to airports to... the one I was particularly impressed with- Summer Camp. I would have to be forcibly assigned to cover such a topic, and then only after rolling my eyes, throwing up my hands and being threatened with the death of my loved ones- BORING!!! And yet, there they were, page after page, photo after photo of incredible, revelatory images... Remarkable! So really, who cares if the guy is low key! 

Finally, while the staff at the Leica Gallery here in SF are refreshingly non-stuck up, it's still so near absolute ludicrous just how many people attending the opening were sporting their brand new Leicas (look-a-me, look-a-me!)- and then actually pointing them at fellow attendees as if they're gonna get the Leica portrait award of the year for their dedication to brand loyalty right there and then... and it's always guys! Give-it-up!!!

*One of the reasons I always found B&W printing so hard was because I like a certain amount of contrast, printing is waaay easier when you print towards the soft side. It's when the contrast finally kicks in that everything begins to border on unmanageable (highlights and shadows with little to no detail that one has to compensate for)- that's when the real problems start. I remember seeing B&W drug store prints as a child and thinking B&W is so cheap looking- because they were so grey and mushy. Wasn't until I saw actual blacks in B&W did I realize it's inherent power, potential and beauty. Grey and white just don't cut it...

After a decade of shooting exclusively in color, B&W almost seems abstract to me now- not that I don't love it any less so. Just still having too much fun shooting color after decades of B&W... 

This Woman Is A 100% Gonzo, Batshit, Crazy Mama!!!

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 An Honest, Modest Assessment.

To Be Young Again...

I used to go the cinema about every other weekend pre-Covid. I still get a charge watching a good movie on the Big Screen at a theater- being able to escape my humdrum life in this darkened expanse where I'm allowed to enter another world not of my making. Unfortunately, this experience has been severely curtailed post-Covid- local movie theaters, big and small have permanently closed their doors; and since the amount of movies shown are less, the ones of note are even less so...

Caught Stealing was a nice aberration to that formula- it was fun, exciting, well written, funny, and not when it had to be. Didn't hurt to look at Zoe Kravitz either. Not exactly the greatest review, admittedly- I was just happy to see something that was, in fact, so full of life (good and bad), well paced and capable of holding my interest throughout for all the reasons above... The end.