RANDOM WEDNESDAY: "Stellar Evolutions" Book Cover by MD Jackson

by MD Jackson (2020)

 

Alexei Navalny

A few months ago, I read a compelling memoir in The New Yorker about Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and anticorruption activist who was poisoned and later jailed upon his return to Russia on January 17, 2021.

Navalny’s Prison Diaries chronicles his final years in captivity, offering a deeply personal and political reflection on his fight against Vladimir Putin’s regime. He recounts his near-fatal poisoning in 2020, his decision to return despite the certainty of arrest, and the fabricated charges that led to his imprisonment. Despite brutal conditions—solitary confinement, staged trials, and psychological torture—he remains defiant, seeing prison as the cost of his commitment to truth and democracy. His writings capture the mental toll of confinement, his resilience, and his belief that Russia will one day reclaim its freedom.

More than just a memoir, Navalny’s diaries serve as a call to action. He warns against complacency, stressing that authoritarian regimes don’t collapse on their own and that truth is the most powerful weapon against tyranny. Aware he may never be freed, he urges continued resistance, reaffirming his love for his family and country. 

Tragically, he died in prison on February 16, 2024, but his words endure as a testament to his courage and unwavering fight for justice.

by Owen Smith (@owensmithartist)

Source: 

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/10/21/alexei-navalny-patriot-memoir

Album Cover: Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days

Album Cover

Album: Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days

Released: April 7, 1998

Cover Art Work: Dave McKean

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.discogs.com/release/2765211-Stabbing-Westward-Darkest-Days
 

Alfredo Protti

Art Appreciation

Born on April 26, 1882, in Bologna, Italy, Alfredo Protti emerged from modest beginnings—his father managed a small staging workshop. Despite finding formal education unfruitful, Protti's passion for art led him to frequent local galleries, nurturing his self-taught talent. He later attended the Institute of Fine Arts in Bologna, studying under Domenico Ferri, which honed his artistic skills.

Protti's artistic journey was marked by his participation in numerous exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and the Roman Secession. His technique evolved over time, reflecting influences from various art movements and his personal experiences. Protti's works often depicted intimate scenes of domestic life, capturing the elegance and melancholy of his subjects. His brushwork and composition demonstrated a keen understanding of light and form, contributing to the development of Bologna's modern artistic identity. 

Among Protti's notable artworks is "The Treasure Chest (Allo scrigno)," an oil on canvas that exemplifies his focus on domestic intimacy and the nuanced portrayal of women in middle-class settings. This piece has been exhibited in several retrospectives, including those held at Bologna's Museo Civico. 

The Treasure Chest

Study of Cats

At Her Toilet

Resting Between the Lace

The Flapper Girl

Sources:

https://conchigliadivenere.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/alfredo-protti-1882-1949-italian/
http://www.storiaememoriadibologna.it/protti-alfredo-515238-persona
https://www.berardiarte.com/artists/alfredo-protti/

https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8995898/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Cosplay is an Art: Magfest 2025

via Justin Pineda Media 

Jules Bond

Modeling Appreciation

Jules Bond, a Ukrainian native born on April 4, 1994, has made a name for herself as an OnlyFans model and travel vlogger. At 5'4" with a slim, petite frame, her blue eyes and blonde hair complement her natural beauty. 

Jules is known for her adventurous spirit and love for exploring the world, documenting her experiences and offering unique insights into various cultures and traditions. Her engaging personality shines through her content, where she invites viewers to join her on her exciting journeys to far-flung destinations.

With a passion for both travel and connecting with her audience, Jules has garnered attention across multiple platforms, including TikTok. While she may be more widely known for her work as an adult model, her travel vlogs allow her to showcase her curiosity and love for adventure. 

Whether she's uncovering hidden gems or immersing herself in the local culture, Jules' dedication to sharing her experiences makes her an inspiring figure for those who seek to explore the world.

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/wm_jules_

https://twitter.com/sheisbond

https://onlyfans.com/sheis_bond

https://www.youtube.com/@sheisbond

https://www.youtube.com/@sheisbond_tv/videos

Tariffied

Pardon the Interruption

I admit, I’m feeling uneasy about President Trump’s recent announcement on sweeping tariffs, especially those aimed at long-standing trade partners. As someone who grew up on the Thomas L. Friedman school of thought, I was taught that globalization fuels prosperity—by encouraging trade, accelerating technology, and connecting economies. For the past 30 to 40 years, that seemed to hold true.

Take the computer chip, for example. I started out on DOS back in the '80s, all text and no flair. Then came Windows 95, and suddenly, I could play video games with actual graphics -- remember DOOM. Now? We carry more computing power in our pockets than NASA had for the moon landing. That kind of innovation wasn’t born in a vacuum—it was built through decades of global collaboration.

So when tariffs are introduced with little warning, I can’t help but feel concerned. We’ve seen what happens when prices spike. Groceries became a major campaign issue during the last election. One could argue that those high prices helped Trump secure a strong showing.

Now, his supporters are calling this “short-term pain” for “long-term gain.” But I can’t help but wonder—gain for whom? As someone solidly in the middle class, I’m skeptical this will end with me having more in my wallet. The markets aren’t exactly inspired either, reacting sharply to talk of “Liberation Day.”

What’s the long game here? Will innovation slow? Will small businesses get priced out? These are the kinds of questions that keep me—and many others—up at night. And while I’m not panicking, I am paying close attention. 

Monte Wolverton, April 3, 2025