When it comes to the conservatives, the Republicans, the MAGA cult, the religious right, the Evangelicals, and the Christian Nationalists, logic isn’t their strong suit; greed is. It always has been. The violence, the thievery, the destruction, the oppression, the greed – all of it has been a constant feature of religions and other sources fascism throughout history. Those who support it are complicit with it, even if they’re in denial about the means to their ends.
When I was a child the big thing was a party at McDonalds. They had the playground area, and tables with benches that looked like their mascot characters, or so from what I recall. When I was turning 7 I think, I wanted to have friends over for a party and have my mom record it on the old 8mm video camera so I could see what it looked like from outside of my own perspective. No audio – home technology for the lacking of financial resources wasn’t that good back then. I got to watch that silent, monochrome reel once. I’m sure that reel still exists somewhere although I doubt I have the means to view it again today. Who knows? For me, like so many others of my generation, memories are mostly stored in our brains, and very little physical, or digital memories exist to remind us of how it truly was.
But three years ago my partner blindfolded me, put me in the car, led me into a bowling alley where friends and family awaited. I was surprised. I was a bit overwhelmed. No, I was very overwhelmed, by a lot of it. Mostly because my partner did this for me out of love, and joy. Yes, it was 50. That’s a big milestone. I never truly expect anyone to make a big deal about my birthday, and it’s ok that they don’t. But she did, and that means a lot to me.
Individually you only matter to a couple of generations before and after your life. Your grandparents might love and adore you. Your parents might love and care for you. Your peers might love and respect you. You might give rise to children whom you will love and guide to maturity. They might have children, and if you’re lucky enough, you might be around long enough to see them grow and be a meaningful part of their lives. And that’s about it. Rarely do we know or have significant relations with our great grandparents, and likewise, our great grandchildren. There’s an outside chance those generations might know you as a person. Outside of that, you’re a name. Maybe. You’re someone else’s memories to be relayed, maybe. You’re a grave marker.
Maybe.
Maybe you’re fortunate enough to be a grave marker people visit on purpose. But that too is rare.
Watch the trailer for our latest Buffalo 48-Hour Film Project movie, The Chain.
Fantastic soundtrack written the weekend of the competition by Miranda Wilcox.
If you’re getting on a flight, and you don’t understand that basic fact – YOU ARE SUBJECT TO FAA REGULATIONS THE MINUTE YOU WALK INTO AN AIRPORT AND/OR BOARD A FLIGHT – you absolutely should not be traveling by air. The second you start acting like you are above those regulations or your personal views should be held above FAA regulations, you’re not only being as asshole, but you’re most likely breaking laws, and in the larger picture making it more difficult, and more restrictive for people to fly in the future.
You asshole.
I guess WGRZ doesn’t think much about local professionals, even if they are requesting a favor from them.
Unfortunately, they’re not alone. I’ve been asked by other media groups from the Buffalo News, to the BEE Newspapers for permission to use media, and rarely do they manage to credit it properly, or at all. Hell, it’s often an impressive step if they even bother to ask to use it. Larger media organizations simply don’t care about the work of others apparently. As long as they get what they need in the moment.
I was working with a new engineer at the hospital I was at… she was listening to country music…
D: Is my music bothering you?
P: No, not at all.
D: Do you listen to country music?
P: No, but I can get a better appreciation and understanding for it…
D: Understanding?
We decided to celebrate the Bills capturing the AFC East title by making this. Enjoy!
I’ll vote for Biden – somewhat begrudgingly, but at least I know he has the experience, intelligence, and courage to surround himself with good people, good legislators, good policy writers, and people who will tell him where he might be going wrong. I trust his VP pick, Harris, and look forward to her stepping in when the time comes that she needs to. Honestly, I’d prefer her for President. I don’t think Biden will be in the seat for long.
So often fortunes inside of fortune cookies actually come across as advice, proverbs, or idioms. Not fortunes at all.
This was an actual fortune. And in reflection, it was accurate!
See, it was only 10 days after posting this that I photographed Cortney one-on-one for the first time. New headshots. But from there our relationship grew quickly. Five years later, and she is still the refreshing change I was seeking, and that apparently the fortune cooking sent my way?
Maybe? Whatever – I’m not sure I ever had a fortune cookie that was this accurate, and timely.