Dance: BRUNO MARS & LADY GAGA - Die With a Smile

Choreography: Kyle Hanagami

via Kyle Hanagami

Cosplay is an Art: Anime Weekend Atlanta 2024

via Justin Cosplay

Justice Undermined

Pardon the Interruption

A few years ago, I wrote a blog post reflecting on the events of January 6, 2021, highlighting the distinction between lawful protest and violent insurrection. While protesting election outcomes is a constitutional right, the attack on the Capitol was a riot instigated by President Trump’s rhetoric following the 2020 election.

Now, on his first day back in office, President Trump has pardoned over 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 riots, including key figures like Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys and Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers, both found guilty of seditious conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 2384. This sweeping clemency raises profound concerns about accountability and justice. Pardoning those who sought to disrupt democracy undermines the rule of law and emboldens future political violence, sending a dangerous message that such actions can be repeated without consequence.

History offers troubling parallels, where leaders have pardoned criminals and integrated them into state-backed militias to serve their interests. While the U.S. has not followed this trajectory, assuming it cannot happen would be naive. The release of extremist leaders like Tarrio and Rhodes poses a real risk of renewed violence and radicalization.

It is crucial for conservative leaders and citizens to take a stand against these pardons. Accountability should transcend political affiliation, and defending the rule of law is vital to safeguarding democratic values. Failing to challenge these actions could accelerate the erosion of democratic institutions and lead to further political unrest.

Pardoning the January 6 rioters not only compromises justice but also normalizes political violence. One can only hope that conservatives will recognize the long-term implications and push back against the President’s actions before further harm is done.

 

Matt Davies, Newsday, January 21, 2025

Michael de Adder, January 22, 2025

 Sources:

https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/jan-6-riot-trump-pardons-lawmakers-split-reactions

https://apnews.com/article/vance-trump-pardons-capitol-riot-31308a54ebac4ef6783662f595262dec

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5092481-trumps-jan-6-pardons/

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/01/trump-january-6-pardons-capitol-riot-insurrection/681395/

https://time.com/7208978/trump-pardons-jan-6/

https://people.com/proud-boys-and-oath-keepers-leaders-released-from-prison-following-trump-pardons-8777929

David Douglas Duncan

Photography Appreciation

David Douglas Duncan, born on January 23, 1916, in Kansas City, Missouri, embarked on a journey that would lead him to become one of the most influential photojournalists of the 20th century. He initially pursued archaeology at the University of Arizona, but a serendipitous encounter with a hotel fire in Tucson shifted his trajectory. 

Armed with a simple Bakelite camera, Duncan captured images of a man desperately retrieving a suitcase from the blaze—a man later identified as the notorious bank robber John Dillinger. Although the photographs were unfortunately lost, this experience ignited Duncan's passion for photography, prompting him to change his academic focus.

Duncan's career as a photojournalist was marked by his profound ability to capture the human condition amidst conflict. During World War II, he served as a combat photographer with the U.S. Marine Corps, documenting pivotal moments such as the Battle of Okinawa and the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. His compelling images from the Korean War, many of which were published in his book This Is War!, provided an unflinching portrayal of the realities faced by soldiers, earning him recognition as one of the most prominent combat photographers of that era.

Beyond the battlefield, Duncan developed a close friendship with artist Pablo Picasso, capturing intimate and candid photographs of the artist and his wife, Jacqueline Roque. These images offered a rare glimpse into Picasso's private life and creative process.

American Marines raced past a dead enemy 

soldier in Korea, September 1950.

Marine Capt. Francis “Ike” Fenton pondered his fate and the fate 

of his men after being told that his company was nearly out of 

ammunition, Korea, 1950

The fight for Seoul, Korea, 1950

The Holy Land Jewish refugees and survivors 

of Holocaust. Haifa, Palestine, July 1946

Pablo Picasso taking a bath at his Riviera villa, 1956

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Douglas-Duncan

https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-44412575

https://www.life.com/history/david-douglas-duncan-korean-war-classic-photo/

https://www.moma.org/artists/1651

https://www.wral.com/story/david-douglas-duncan-who-photographed-the-reality-of-war-dies-at-102/17612658/

https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/david-douglas-duncan

https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/findingAid.cfm?eadid=00485

https://vva.org/arts-of-war/david-douglas-duncan-1916-2018/

https://www.life.com/photographer/david-douglas-duncan/

https://sites.utexas.edu/ransomcentermagazine/2018/06/07/ddd1916-2018/

https://www.life.com/history/korean-war-photos-david-douglas-duncan/

https://www.life.com/history/korean-war-photos-david-douglas-duncan/

https://time.com/3735936/david-douglas-duncan/

https://time.com/4189160/photographer-david-douglas-duncan-100/

https://photofocus.com/inspiration/on-photography-david-douglas-duncan-1916-2018/

https://aboutphotography.blog/photographer/david-douglas-duncan#google_vignette 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Krull (1983)

Supposedly, JJ Abrams is working on a reboot of this cult classic. 

 

Harriet Backer

Art Appreciation

Harriet Backer, born on January 21, 1845, in Holmestrand, Norway, was raised in a culturally rich environment that nurtured her artistic inclinations. Her family's move to Christiania (now Oslo) in 1857 provided her with greater exposure to the arts. 

Accompanying her musically gifted sister, Agathe Backer Grøndahl, on study trips abroad, Harriet visited numerous art museums, deepening her appreciation for painting. Despite her early interest, she embarked on formal art studies relatively late, moving to Munich in 1874 at the age of 29 to receive private tuition, as art academies were then reserved for men. In 1878, she continued her studies in Paris, immersing herself in the vibrant art scene. 

Backer's career flourished as she became a prominent figure in Norwegian art, renowned for her detailed interior scenes that captured the interplay of light and shadow. Her painting "Blue Interior" (1883) exemplifies her ability to convey the tranquil atmosphere of domestic life through rich colors and meticulous attention to light. Similarly, "By Lamplight" (1890) showcases her skill in depicting intimate indoor settings, with a focus on the subtle effects of lamplight illuminating a solitary figure. 

Throughout her 50-year career, Backer not only created a significant body of work but also inspired a new generation of artists. She became a mentor to many younger painters, both men and women, emphasizing the importance of independence and creative integrity. Her dedication to capturing the nuances of everyday life and her role in advancing women's rights in the arts have solidified her legacy as a pioneer among female artists in the Nordic countries and Europe. 

Blue Interior, 1883

Chez Moi, 1887

By Lamp Light, 1890

Italian Woman, 1864

The Farewell, 1878

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Harriet-Backer/DE7F3BBBA18FD116

https://www.kalligone.com/harriet-backer-biography-and-paintings/

https://www.nationalmuseum.se/en/harriet-backer 

https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/collection/object/nmk.dep.2018.0032.012

https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/stories/explore-the-collection/harriet-backer-at-175/

https://www.wikiart.org/en/harriet-backer/all-works#!#filterName:all-paintings-chronologically,resultType:masonry

https://theartbog.com/biography-harriet-backer/#google_vignette 

https://mydailyartdisplay.uk/2019/04/07/harriet-backer-part-1-the-early-years/

https://www.artnet.com/artists/harriet-backer/

https://awarewomenartists.com/en/series_animees/lhistoire-de-harriet-backer/

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/harriet-backer-1845-1932-music-colors

https://www.artchive.com/artists-by-art-movement/female-impressionist-painters/

Caitlin McSwain

Modeling Appreciation

Born on January 19, 1995 in Dallas, Texas, Caitlin McSwain made quite an impression with her slim 5'4" frame, stunning auburn hair, and striking green eyes. 

The captivating model is known for her natural beauty and confidence. She first made waves in the modeling world when she posed for Playboy Plus at the age of 19. By January 2015, her irresistible charm earned her the prestigious title of Playboy CyberGirl of the Month. Caitlin's ability to bring authenticity and fun to her photoshoots helped her stand out, and she embraced the opportunity to pose for one of the most iconic brands with high standards she truly admired.

Raised in Texarkana, Caitlin is a proud Southern girl who enjoys bar hopping and a wide variety of music—Lil' Wayne being her celebrity crush. She’s a firm believer in showing off her body and takes pride in her natural figure, especially her "small, round, natural, and perky" 34C breasts. A true Texan at heart, Caitlin isn’t afraid to speak her mind and knows what she wants, both in life and love. 

Although she retired from modeling in 2021, her playful personality and photogenic talent continue to leave a lasting impression on fans worldwide.

Sources:

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Caitlin_McSwain

https://www.babeimpact.com/galleries/caitin-mcswain/

https://www.sexy-models.net/c/caitlin-mcswain/amateur-%D1%81utie-caitlin-mcswain.html

https://www.pornhoard.com/models/caitlin-mcswain

https://www.eroticbeauties.net/

https://www.erocurves.com/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8564742/bio/