Paul Erstein, 70

One of the joys of being a portrait photog is that as your skills mature, so do your sitters. Here is my friend Paul Erstein, lost in the outskirts of my life for several years, but now back. We reconnected, shared some history and “first aid” info, talked about his beloved Mother who lived a long rich life and talked about family. He has a daughter and son, both in strong, loving relationships, one of whom has served up three grandchildren.

In 2015, he rode his motorcycle, remembering zipping round like a kid. He felt some pain selling his bike, but we all got to grow up. New car for a 70th birthday present will make up for it.

In 2017, he day traded, looking to make a score to carry him into older age. He says he still does a little. But I am not here to look at his checkbook.

 

Take Aim

So, you may not realize that his image was developed from a piece in an art show in 1917. Marcel DuChamp, a French painter, sculptor and art critic, submitted an ordinary piece of plumbing to a show sponsored by the Society of Independent Artists in New York City. The work has been seen by many as the leading piece of avant-guard art of the 20th century.

DuChamp allegedly bought this ordinary piece of equipment and designated it a work of art. He called such items “Readymades.” When the show directors refused to display it, he retracted his exhibit, had it photographed by Steiglitz and quit the organization. The original R. Mutt disappeared, but the issue of what constitutes art continues.

My shot was taken in one of the Men’s bathrooms at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach FL. Governor DeSantis has not gotten around to removing it as an object which could transform men into women or vice versa, in full disregard of its useful significance.

Bathrooms are bathrooms. And you can never be too carful in one, which is why they tell you where to stand and where to shoot. Women, because of anatomical differences do not have this problem. This blog post is therefore offered as a public health advisory, in addition to a note to promote art appreciation.

Lorin Duckman, 76



So, here I am, alive at 76. Complicated year health wise, not all resolved. Travelled extensively. Made a few new friends. Kept old enemies. Still no family on my side. Won’t reconcile with any.

Improved creatively. Read a lot. Saw some movies. Learned a few things, but no new tricks. Overall, a good enough year to make me want more.

Gotta live with the hand dealt with. No reformation or rehabilitation on the horizon. Nothing I can do to help anyone or myself.

Just need to stay fresh and interesting enough for Sharon. We all know what a headache I can be. Then we both will deal with aging and our end game.

 

Argus

So, last night Argus visited me during sleep. He never closes his eyes, looking into the future and remembering the past. Both for me seem pretty scary.

I have never gained control over the remnants of my past trauma or regained any sense I had control over the smashup that stole my career and adulthood. Even my understanding wife has had a tough time living with it. So it goes.

The future remains dim, too, now that I face a multitude of physical problems: blood, skin and spine being the most pressing. But I forage on, trying as I might try to live in the present, always valueing what I have, rather than what I lost which will never again be within my reach. No more dreams or long range plans.

Florida is the kind of place where many leave behind their real lives.

 

Alan Arkin, Dead at 89

Alan Arkin died. He made 100 films, starred in theatre, improv and wrote books. Last seen by me and loved in The Kominsky Method with Michael Douglas. He was Alan Arkin to the end. Watch one of his movies,”Argo”, “The Russians Are Coming”, “In Laws”. He will make you smile.

My favorite Alan Arkin role, Yosarrian, the character in the movie, not the character in the book, Catch-22. There is always a catch 22, always some rule to enable the enterprise to survive. Truth dies. Dilemmas abound. And while you could have made it if you tried (complied), enemies lurking at every turn (uniforms don’t insure friendship) find you, because you didn’t become one of them, and you gotta go because you gonna get got.

May Yosarrian’s raft find an oasis and may he not die rowing to it.

I always wanted the system to offer me a deal like Yossarian was offered: we will give you a medal if you don’t tell the truth and say you love us. These are unforgiving people, no empathy, intolerant, unsympathetic, willing to lie, twist the law and facts, anything to stay in power. To this day, I don’t know if I would have taken it.

Like they said in the movie, “what’s good for M&M Enterprises is good for the country,” and “…, a contract is a contract.” Same for the courts, our systems most dangerous branch. Two tiered and two faced, killers of the innocent, incarcerators of the black, brown, and poor, oppressors of the under represented, rejectors of those who look or act differently, especially the mentally challenged and those discovering/exploring their sexual identities.

Like those who do magic, which we know isn’t real, but we like to be fooled into thinking it is, the jurists are actors, carefully chosen for the roles. They aren’t judges, they just act like judges. Keep an open mind. Leave your life at the courtroom door. Loyalty oaths in return for stipends, trips and in some cases, lifetime appointments.

But more importantly and more on point, the main reason for this rant, this Term, the Country took several steps back in our nation’s effort to secure liberty, justice and happiness for all of US. Women’s rights, civil rights, voting rights, affirmative action meant nothing to these 6 charlatans in black. Back came the Hanger for women exercising power over their bodies and Hanging or silence for those wanting their voices heard as they speak out against injustice by electing public servants who serve the public.

FUCK THEM, Alito, Roberts, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett and my favorite skeeve,  Clarence, along with their ideologue Federalist originalist friends and those who have bought their services with plane rides, hunting trips, and business for their spouses.

F. Lee Sarokin, Judge Died

One of my judicial heroes. I will listen to  the Dylan’s Hurricane, “Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night ….,” and later, raise a glass in his honor as a man of justice. I suggest you read the obit, to the end and listen to the song, too.

Joseph F. Kess – Day 29

Last night lecture on South Pacific, artists, authors, movies. A combination of Brando, Gaugin, RL Stevenson and even Herman Melville. Picasso and Matisse were influenced by the colors and shapes. Michner studied the history. We get to see their art and three versions of Mutiny on the Bounty. Frankly, I liked Brando better than Gable and Gibson. The lecturer liked Gable, sans moustache.

At Sea – Day 28

TToo many at sea days in a row. Hard to find interesting things to shoot. Water all around. Food. Not ready for people. Three more days at.sea before Bora Bora. Lots of lectures on exploring and geology. Like being back in school. Internet is sketchy, but good enough for everything but streaming.

Anyone can make a picture of a sunrise. Making it differently is a challenge.

Eat Latkes

You should light the lights and eat the latkes. Play a little dreidel and sing a few songs. Don’t have to do it every night. Just never forget your history. Hanukah may not be a real holiday, but it’s a good story.