Here is a look back at some of the behind the scenes moments of the subjects and the team that it took to produce the dramatic portraits for the Heroines & Vixens series. My apologies to any of the women that was photographed for the series but are not represented in the mosaic of these captured moments. I didn’t have the forethought when the series first began to have the sittings documented during production.
It wasn’t until creative director, KVaughn and I realized there was a thirst on social media for followers to gain insight as to the team work required to produce these portraits. As of this writing 22 women have been photographed from a variety of backgrounds and ages ranging from 21 to 75. Each woman cast writes an introductory story about themselves which is requirement to participate in the series. Some of the stories have been tragic others have been celebratory but all so very interesting.
I would like to thank the subjects that have sat for the project thus far. They are; Katie Kerl, Brittany Goldberg, Diana Desiderio, Ade Jay, Milan Burnett, Rita Olivia, Slater, Lisa Hughes, Joy Arnold, Megan Golwitzer, Amanda Stevenson, Shannell Verandez, Kathryn O’Connor, Erica Smitheman, Kitty Hailey, Ellen Tiberino, Shawna Williams, Mikala Mikrut, Savanna Hang, Tara Mordin, Scorpiana and Tracey Olkus.
Special thanks to creative director KVaughn, lighting assistant Anthony Colagreco and photographers: Brian Hunt, Steve Feldman and Al B for producing the photographs for this article.
Those of us who keep up on the news about UFOs, called AAP (Anomalous Aerial Phenomena) by the US government, are always disappointed when we’re promised revelations by the government. This was once again true of the two recent Congressional hearings on the subject.
There were no revelations in those hearings. The witnesses who were questioned by some incredibly stupid representatives and senators told is nothing we hadn’t heard before, multiple times.
Too often we heard, “I cannot answer that in an open session.” Why the hell not? Oh, they’ve signed nondisclosure agreements with the government. Doesn’t Congress have the power to lift those restrictions? Why is the subject always hidden behind closed doors? Don’t we the people have the right to know what our government knows? This is democracy?
Time after time, presidential candidates have promised disclosure if elected, and time after time they have reneged on that promise once elected.
The answer may lie in what a retired Airforce ‘bird colonel’ told me in 1996 while I was researching ‘Beyond Roswell,’ the 1997 book I coauthored. When I asked him about debris from the Roswell crash, he said, “We’ve had that goddam stuff for over fifty years and we still don’t know what the f*** it is or where it came from!” Now that might be a good reason for secrecy.
We know that the first government to have a UFO research program was Mussolini’s, instituted in 1933 after a UFO crash in northern Italy. Documents pertaining to that crash and subsequent research have recently come to light. We don’t know what became of the wreckage from that craft, but Italian researchers believe Mussolini gave it to the Germans. Some of the Nazi’s more unusual projects may have sprung from that, notably the Glock (German for bell). Much has been written about the Nazi Bell, so I won’t go into it here. I’m sure Google will bring up many stories.
My own speculation as to why the US government won’t tell us what they know is that they don’t know much. What government wants to admit that there are things using its airspace which that government does not know the origins of, and to which it has absolutely no defense.
The questions asked at those hearings showed that the congressmen and congresswomen didn’t do their homework. If they had, they’d have known that UFOs are not technology from China, Russia, Iran, or any other country. One man actually asked, “What country do they come from?” with a straight face. These things have been around for thousands of years! They are not the technology of any human country. The hearings should have interviewed someone like Jacques Vallee, someone who has researched the phenomenon for many years and knows the historical background. Instead of saying that the phenomenon has been around for decades, as they did, they need to realize it has been around for centuries, millennia.
Will our world governments ever come clean to their citizens? I wouldn’t bet money on it.
My father, Jim Shell, was a TV news reporter who took UFOs seriously and did stories about incidents. He always hoped to find out the truth. He went to his grave in 2001 without getting answers from the government he fought for in World War II. He deserved better, we all deserve better.
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About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models. He is serving the 17th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia.
On September 16, 2024 Shell’s release date got moved up six years due to new “mixed charges” law to February 2, 2030. It was 2036.
Lady Liberty has long been a symbol of what America aspires to be. The statue was a gift from France to celebrate democracy, representing the mutual commitment of both nations to liberty and freedom. Her torch signifies enlightenment, while her crown, with seven rays, represents the seven continents, signaling an invitation to people worldwide. At her feet, a broken shackle symbolizes the breaking free from oppression and tyranny, a core principle of American ideals.
The statue has inspired Americans and immigrants alike, serving as a testament to a land built by people from all walks of life. The words inscribed on her pedestal, taken from Emma Lazarus’s poem The New Colossus, famously declare, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Her message has been one of compassion, inclusivity, and unity—a reminder of the strength that diversity brings.
As the nation approaches the upcoming election, Trump continues to spew lies, physical threats and hate speech while Lady Liberty’s ideals feel shaken. Increasing political polarization has created deep divisions on key issues like immigration, racial justice, and freedom of the press. The rise of nationalist rhetoric has challenged America’s longstanding commitment to diversity and openness, casting doubt on the country’s willingness to be a haven for those “yearning to breathe free.” Policies that restrict immigration, rhetoric that fosters division, and attacks on democratic institutions strike at the very foundation of the values she represents.
At the same time, disinformation and attacks on the integrity of elections make Lady Liberty’s torch seem dimmer. The trust in democratic processes is essential to her symbolism as a guide to freedom and justice. When voting rights are restricted or when public trust in elections is eroded, the country moves further from the democratic ideals she was built to uphold.
In this crucial moment, Lady Liberty’s symbolism serves as a call to action for Americans. Protecting her ideals means renewing commitments to fairness, inclusivity, and democracy itself. This election offers an opportunity for Americans to stand for a vision that honors diversity, reinforces freedom of expression, and reestablishes respect for human rights. It’s a chance to ensure her torch continues to shine for future generations.
Lady Liberty reminds us that freedom requires vigilance and courage. To honor her, Americans must resist apathy and remain engaged, whether through voting, standing against injustice, or promoting unity over division. She stands as a guidepost not only for a free society but for a compassionate one, welcoming those in need and providing opportunity for all.
As America stands at this crossroads, the Statue of Liberty’s message is as relevant as ever. Will the nation rise to defend the ideals she symbolizes, or will her torch flicker in the face of division and distrust? The answer lies in the hands of every American voter, each with the power to keep the light of liberty alive.
Tesla, the electric vehicle company, was founded in 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, who aimed to build a practical and desirable electric car. They envisioned creating electric vehicles (EVs) that would challenge the fossil fuel-driven automobile industry by offering cleaner, more efficient alternatives. Their focus on high-performance EVs, starting with the Tesla Roadster, laid the foundation for Tesla’s future success.
Elon Musk joined Tesla in 2004, leading a Series A investment round, which gave him significant influence in the company. Although Musk was not a founder or the original inventor of Tesla, he quickly became the face of the company, primarily due to his larger-than-life public persona and financial backing. Musk became the CEO in 2008 after a leadership dispute, and his vision for Tesla’s expansion into mass-market EVs, energy storage, and autonomous driving technologies helped catapult the company into global recognition.
Musk gets much of the credit for Tesla’s invention because of his pivotal role in scaling the company, his visionary leadership, and his ability to attract media attention. His relentless pursuit of innovation and bold public presence have overshadowed Tesla’s early founders, often leading to the misconception that Musk invented the company.
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), is widely known for his groundbreaking contributions to technology and space exploration. In recent years, however, his growing political involvement has raised concerns about the potential implications for U.S. democracy. Musk’s public endorsements of political figures, controversial commentary, and apparent desire to influence policy have led some to speculate about his deeper political ambitions. While it is natural for any individual to express political opinions, Musk’s influence as a tech magnate poses several risks to the democratic process.
One of the most glaring concerns is Musk’s access to vast financial resources and media influence. With his net worth fluctuating between hundreds of billions, Musk holds immense sway over markets, technology, and now, political discourse. His purchase of X has granted him a direct line to millions of users, amplifying his voice in the public sphere. As the platform’s owner, Musk controls the content that gets promoted, silenced, or even manipulated, potentially skewing political narratives. This raises questions about the role of billionaire-owned media in shaping elections and policy, as well as the dangers of unchecked influence on the digital town square.
Additionally, Musk’s political ideologies appear to shift based on personal interests, leading to fears of opportunism rather than a genuine commitment to any particular cause. While he has presented himself as a free speech advocate, many critics argue that his approach prioritizes personal benefit over democratic principles. Musk has been accused of using his wealth and influence to resist regulatory frameworks, as seen in his clashes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and environmental agencies. His disregard for rules that apply to others may set a dangerous precedent, encouraging an anti-democratic ethos where the wealthy elite can operate above the law.
Furthermore, Musk’s frequent, often erratic social media outbursts could destabilize public trust in democratic institutions. His ability to sway markets with a single tweet is already well-documented, and this influence could be equally dangerous in the political sphere. Should Musk actively seek political office or further his influence through lobbying and endorsements, there is a risk of undermining the democratic process by concentrating too much power in the hands of one individual.
In sum, while Elon Musk’s entrepreneurial successes are commendable, his growing political influence and ambitions pose real risks to U.S. democracy. By wielding outsized economic power and media control, he could distort the political landscape, threatening the foundational principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Artwork by Alexandra Rouvet Duvernoy. Copyright 2024
Text by Arthur Beckman, Copyright 2024
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You May Not Be Interested in Politics
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You may have already seen numerous articles and heard numerous pronouncements in the media about the importance of the upcoming election. About how democracy itself is at stake and about how one of the candidates, a convicted felon, is said to be completely unfit for public office – even by many members of his own party and his former associates.
So what?
Does any of this really affect your life directly? Is it worth your time to leave your home or workplace for an hour or two and wait in line to vote?
It has been said in some places that “choosing the lesser of two evils is still evil,” and this statement has been taken quite seriously at times. The third-party presidential candidate Ralph Nader is reported to have said, “There’s not a dime’s worth of difference” between the two major political parties. Really? Tell that to the person who needs an abortion in a place like Oklahoma or Texas. Tell that to the person who would lose health insurance if the Republicans had their way and overturned the Affordable Care Act. Tell that to the schoolteacher prevented from assigning books that tell the truth about American history and culture. Tell that to the perfectly legal immigrant from Latin America who Trump would deport simply because of his hateful xenophobia and that of his followers.
Guess what? One of these parties is not “the lesser of two evils.” One of these parties is demonstrably evil. It wants to deny the vote to people of color and is actively putting rules in place to do just that. It wants to deny reproductive rights to women. It spews hate towards immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and anyone who isn’t a white Christian nationalist. It is indifferent to the problem of climate change and will even deny that it is a problem. It doesn’t care about democracy. And it turns a blind eye to the unfitness of its presidential candidate: someone who provoked a violent mob to try and overturn the 2020 election. Someone who has vowed to prosecute political opponents, deport immigrants, and heavily tax imports (with consumers paying the extra cost). Someone who has every intention of functioning like an absolutist dictator if elected. This is no exaggeration. It is well documented.
The other party, the Democrats, isn’t perfect by a longshot. It may be a lot of things, but it isn’t evil. It has no plans to do the despicable things the “grand old party” wants.
This election may be a dramatic and devastating turning point in American history. And here’s the choice: We can soundly reject the movement that wants to “make America great again,” by which it means to roll back the social and economic progress of the past half century and hand more power to billionaires and purveyors of intolerance. Or, we can sit by idly and let that movement have its way with policies and laws that reach right into our bedrooms, schools, and pockets.
Should you care? I had a wonderful teacher in graduate school whose name was Marshall Berman. One of my favorite quotes of his was this: “You may not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you.”
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80 million voting-eligible citizens did not turn out in 2020. In 2022, 131 million voting-eligible citizens didn’t turn out. If every Democrat got one non-voter to turn out, it would be a wipeout for the GOP. So please help to assure that we have overwhelming Democratic turnout in November.
• Do you know someone who is not registered to vote? Then please visit this site: https://vote.gov/ and help get them ready to vote in 2024.
Voter registration can be done online in 38 states, plus DC. It’s quick and easy.
And, if you think you are already registered to vote, please check that your registration is current and active. Here’s where you can do that: https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration
Arthur Beckman is a political scientist and advertising copywriter whose research explores the intersection of marketing and politics. This is Arthur Beckman’s first contribution to this blog.
