Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”In years of covering product announcements and trends for Fstoppers, I’ve observed a camera industry caught between reverence for its storied past and the gravitational pull of an ever-shifting technological landscape. The last decade has introduced mirrorless revolutions, ever-higher resolutions, astonishing autofocus gains, and previously unthinkable low-light capabilities. Yet it’s clear that technical specs alone no longer guarantee relevance. The world’s visual appetite grows daily, fueled by platforms and users hungry for instant, shareable media, while the cameras in our phones leverage computational magic to produce images that once required skill, patience, and dedicated equipment. Traditional camera makers risk drifting into niche territory unless they adapt to evolving user expectations. The conversation now must extend beyond incremental improvements. These shifts are not about short-term gimmicks. They’re about ensuring that dedicated cameras remain vital companions in a world where creativity, responsibility, and accessibility define value. The push for deeper computational imaging integration addresses a fundamental issue: consumer expectations have already been recalibrated by smartphones that combine multiple frames, analyze scenes at the pixel level, and apply subtle adjustments before the user even presses the virtual shutter. There’s a difference, of course, between smartphone convenience and the purposeful craft associated with professional-grade cameras. Yet ignoring the efficiency and flexibility of computational methods risks relegating advanced camera systems to the sidelines. Integration means blending the raw image quality of large sensors and high-quality optics with in-body processing that can handle noise reduction, HDR merges, focus stacking, or dynamic tone mapping on the spot. A camera that can intelligently combine frames to reveal richer detail or broader dynamic range would elevate the baseline from which photographers operate. As visual content proliferates and deadlines tighten, fewer creators want to spend hours doing things like combing through bracketing sequences in post. By making complex image assembly seamless, camera companies can preserve the medium’s integrity while letting photographers focus on vision rather than workflows. AI-assisted shooting modes present a similar opportunity. Autofocus systems capable of recognizing faces, eyes, or animals have already reshaped how photographers approach challenging scenes. Building upon this, next-generation AI could learn from shooting habits, lighting conditions, and subject patterns, offering subtle suggestions that improve hit rates. Without dictating style, it could guide a sports photographer toward a faster shutter, or assist a portrait shooter with depth-of-field choices when time is short. Many professionals and enthusiasts operate under constraints—time, unpredictability, limited opportunities to reshoot—and a camera that anticipates these challenges helps maintain relevance in markets where speed and consistency are prized. If cameras remain simple sensor-boxes requiring manual tinkering for every scenario, they risk losing ground to computationally advanced devices that instantly adapt. AI doesn’t need to replace technique; it can complement it, raising the baseline so that skillful users move faster and novices ascend the learning curve with more confidence. There’s a legitimate concern that AI might homogenize style or push photographers toward default aesthetics. This is precisely why careful design is critical. Well-implemented AI features would allow users to toggle suggestions, refine preferences, and retain ultimate control. The point isn’t to turn the camera into an infallible oracle that dictates settings, but to have it offer actionable insights based on pattern recognition and context. By doing this, cameras stay valuable tools in a creative ecosystem full of deadlines, diverse assignments, and rapidly evolving genres. As more creators reach for devices that guarantee a certain baseline of quality and adaptability, cameras that lag behind in AI-driven support will seem archaic. Adopting these features communicates that manufacturers understand the pressures photographers face today, pressures that demand solutions more elegant than just adding another megapixel or another frame per second. The camera industry, historically focused on mechanical precision and optical excellence, has not always placed environmental responsibility front and center. Today, consumers are more conscious of the environmental impact of electronics manufacturing, distribution, and disposal. The photography community includes environmentally aware professionals documenting fragile ecosystems and enthusiasts who see creativity as part of a holistic lifestyle. Cameras that incorporate recycled materials, prioritize long-lasting components, and come with transparent guidelines for end-of-life disposal or refurbishment could stand apart. This move would not be a mere gesture; it could resonate with photographers who value authenticity and integrity not only in their images but also in the tools they wield. Sustainability can become a differentiator that bolsters brand identity in a world increasingly skeptical of disposability and waste. The photographic ecosystem now exists within a dense web of platforms, clients, collaborators, and archives. Photographers must deliver images swiftly, back them up securely, and edit them efficiently. Traditional cameras often feel isolated, requiring card readers, clunky app connections, or manual cable transfers. Meanwhile, phones upload images to cloud storage with negligible friction. If dedicated cameras cannot match or surpass that convenience, they risk feeling cumbersome. Seamless connectivity would mean the camera can upload raw files directly to cloud services, communicate wirelessly with tablets or laptops, or sync metadata in real-time. It would mean cutting down on the mechanical rituals that sap time and energy from creative processes. In an environment where clients expect rapid turnarounds and social media thrives on immediate visuals, cameras that cooperate with modern infrastructures preserve their standing as professional and enthusiast tools of choice. Achieving meaningful connectivity goes beyond slapping a Wi-Fi chip into a camera and calling it a day. It could mean integrating user-friendly interfaces that make connecting to known devices effortless, offering open protocols so that third-party developers can build powerful companion apps, and enabling intelligent file handling that prioritizes, sorts, or compresses images depending on their intended destination. The camera might learn which projects a photographer wants to back up automatically, or which clients receive instant proofs. By embracing connectivity as part of the camera’s core identity, manufacturers acknowledge that photography is rarely an isolated act. This approach would serve everyone from wedding photographers juggling extensive catalogs to photojournalists who must transmit images before the story cools, reinforcing cameras as vital instruments rather than decorative relics. Inclusive ergonomics and accessibility enhancements matter because cameras are creative tools meant for a wide range of people. Historically, design decisions have catered to a somewhat narrow demographic, assuming a particular set of physical abilities and preferences (I mean, even guitars can be left-handed). There’s growing recognition that creativity thrives when everyone can participate. This includes people with varying hand sizes, grips, visual acuity, or motor capabilities. By introducing modular grips, customizable controls, adjustable text sizes, haptic feedback, or voice commands, cameras can empower more users. A photographer with limited mobility should not find the device’s interface a barrier to expression. More inclusive design ensures that dedicated cameras don’t remain niche products for physically unencumbered enthusiasts only, but open up to broader communities. Doing so fosters goodwill, sets brands apart as empathetic innovators, and ensures that future generations see these devices as considerate companions rather than exclusionary tools. These five directions—computational imaging, AI assistance, sustainability, connectivity, and inclusive ergonomics—intersect in ways that could reshape the camera industry’s value proposition. For instance, computational imaging paired with robust connectivity might allow on-the-fly creation and transmission of stacked HDR images directly to a collaborator’s editing station. AI guidance integrated with accessible menus can help a new user, who might have once been deterred by complexity, gain confidence swiftly. Sustainable materials combined with long-term firmware support ensure a camera that remains functional and relevant for years, reducing turnover and building brand loyalty. Each of these aspects strengthens the others, crafting a holistic identity for modern cameras that transcends simplistic spec wars. This is critical for maintaining and increasing relevance at a time when consumers increasingly care about usability, ethics, adaptability, and, in particular, personal resonance. The camera industry has a history of innovation, but it has sometimes lagged in embracing broader cultural shifts. Smartphones have accustomed everyone to immediate optimization, making it harder for dedicated cameras to justify their existence without matching or exceeding that adaptability. AI-assisted modes align with a desire for efficiency in a competitive marketplace, where professionals can’t afford to miss crucial moments. Sustainability addresses growing public awareness that technology should not be disposable, and that products should reflect the values of conservation and long-term responsibility. Connectivity responds directly to the logistical headaches that too many photographers face, bridging the gap between capture and delivery, and letting them focus on storytelling rather than file management. Inclusive ergonomics recognizes that no tool should exclude voices that might offer fresh perspectives. Each of these steps meets a real-world need, ensuring cameras remain tools that serve rather than hinder. This shift also means camera manufacturers must invest in research, partnerships, and new types of expertise. Computational imaging requires skilled image scientists and software engineers working alongside optical experts. AI integration demands reliable machine learning pipelines, data sets that respect privacy and diversity, and careful interface design. Sustainability calls for transparent supply chains, modular engineering, and life-cycle planning. Connectivity might involve adopting standards from the broader tech world, collaborating with software and cloud service providers, and building robust APIs. Inclusive ergonomics means engaging with accessibility consultants, user feedback loops, and iterative design processes. Each of these investments pays off by building resilience, adaptability, and credibility. The camera brands that embrace such complexity will appear forward-thinking, dynamic, and prepared for whatever cultural or technological shifts lie ahead—and they will be. Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.
Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”
An Ole Miss student exchanged messages with the man now on trial in his killing, police sayLast week my online feed and group chats were largely dominated by discourse about a single topic. No, it wasn’t updates about the nonexistent Mary Grace Piattos nor the sudden declaration of martial law in South Korea. Instead, I found myself catching up with hundreds of messages about a local young actress allegedly ensnaring her love team partner away from his scorned ex-girlfriend, who had posted screenshots of their private conversations to prove the affair’s existence. The actress’ name immediately went viral on X and other platforms, as she quickly became the target of memes, crass remarks, and contemptuous statements—branding her a cheater, promiscuous, and other far worse derogatory terms. In stark contrast, the young actor involved in the controversy faced significantly less backlash. While netizens excitedly dissected her sexually suggestive messages, even creating pop quizzes about them, the most prominent criticism of him was his claim of doing “method acting” to justify his actions. The unequal condemnation of the actress highlighted how women are often vilified for behaviors that society condones—or even celebrates—when exhibited by men. And such double standards—as we see in the case above—are most glaring in the context of sexual behavior. From adolescence, young men are often encouraged to explore sexual relationships as a rite of passage while young women are taught to protect their “purity.” As adults, women continue to face harsher judgment for expressing sexual agency, while men with active sex lives are often glorified. Terms like “stud” or “player” elevate men, while labels like “slut” and “easy” degrade women. This phenomenon, known as “slut-shaming,” reflects society’s tendency to criticize and punish women for perceived sexual assertiveness. What is even more disturbing is that women are not only recipients of slut-shaming, we are also perpetrators of it. Psychologists believe that slut-shaming could partially be attributed to an evolutionary bias where women who are perceived to be too sexually assertive are seen as threats to social order. Apart from being perceived by other women as unfair competition as in romantic situations, they are also seen as potential disruptors of loyalty and stability within a group. By slut-shaming, these women are socially penalized and compelled to get in line. The researchers concluded that the outrage it triggers is often justified by people under the guise of upholding moral values. In truth, the only thing it accomplishes is effectively controlling a woman’s behavior through condemnation. Women who experience slut-shaming are found to have increased levels of anxiety, depression, and diminished self-esteem. On the other hand, research shows that men with multiple sexual partners are often perceived as virile and, therefore, ideal mates. As a result, society also tends to excuse men for what is supposedly a socially unacceptable behavior. For instance, despite laws against it, many men manage to maintain having “two families” simultaneously without facing significant repercussions. Men who fathered multiple kids are seen as matinik. Women in similar situations are often shunned and stigmatized. This unfair bias becomes quite problematic in rape cases, wherein the blame often falls upon female victims (with questions on what they were wearing, whether they were dancing in a sexually suggestive manner, or whether they did something that might have “tempted” the perpetrator. The abusers on the other hand are easily given empathy by the public, often citing that “boys will be boys.” In contrast, very few will stop to ask how the victims will forever carry the pain, trauma, and most likely shame from that experience. Five days after the scandal broke, the actress issued a public apology, explaining that she was unaware her partner was still in a relationship. Yet, the jokes, memes, and hateful comments about her show no signs of letting up, illustrating just how much more enduring and amplified the nature of shaming could be due to digital platforms, compounding the emotional and professional harm it can inflict on a person. Infidelity is wrong, and actions do have consequences, but should one mistake define a person forever? The relentlessness of online vitriol shows how quick we are to dehumanize others in the name of fleeting entertainment. What is even more telling is society’s selective outrage. Why is the public more eager and vigilant to condemn a young woman in her late 20s for a personal mistake than demand accountability from an FBI most-wanted cult leader accused of using religion to sexually traffic and abuse girls and women? This inconsistency exposes a society that claims to champion gender equality yet continues to uphold double standards that disproportionately punish women. If there is any silver lining to this issue, it is the growing number of voices challenging the unfair treatment the actress is enduring. While these may not yet silence all the mockery and hateful posts, they offer hope that more people will begin to question the biases ingrained in our culture and recognize our own role in perpetuating them. Perhaps next time, there will be more who will choose to pause, reflect, and resist the urge to take part in shaming women. —————- [email protected] Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. 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