nedelja, 1. februar 2026

The most photographed American of the 1800s

Frederick Douglass was once the most photographed American.

Famous Figures

F rederick Douglass once said, "It is evident that the great cheapness and universality of pictures must exert a powerful, though silent, inﬂuence upon the ideas and sentiment of present and future generations."

He would know: The abolitionist, author, and civil rights leader was the most photographed American of the 19th century, having sat for more portraits than the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, and Thomas Edison. There are more than 160 pictures of Douglass taken during his lifetime, reflecting his unique stature in America's cultural fabric.

Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass escaped at age 20 and later wrote that in freedom he "lived more in one day than in a year of my slave life." He saw photography as a great leveler, a means of presenting himself in a dignified manner that undercut any preconceived notions his critics and peers might have of him. He illustrated this idea in his 1861 speech "Lecture on Picture," saying, "The humbled servant girl whose income is but a few shillings per week may now possess a more perfect likeness of herself than noble ladies and court royalty."

Why Getting Up From Your Chair Becomes More Difficult as You Age

Some people in their 70s, 80s, even 90s are active and mobile. Others their same age struggle just to get out of a chair. Research from Harvard University found out why: it's "Joint Drought," an underlying condition that dries out your joints from within. When you address the "drought," your joints feel younger and you become more mobile than you've been in years.

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By the Numbers

Vote Douglass received for U.S. president at the 1888 Republican National Convention

Autobiographies written by Douglass

Did you know?

John Quincy Adams was the first president to be photographed.

In March 1843, John Quincy Adams did something historic: had his picture taken. He did so at artist Philip Haas' studio in Washington, D.C., sitting for a portrait captured via daguerreotype, the first successful photography format. Adams' single term as president had ended in 1829, and at the time he was photographed he was representing Massachusetts in the House of Representatives. Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said upon acquiring the daguerreotype that Adams having his portrait taken "confirms that in many ways America was born modern; embracing not only new government ideals but also the latest technologies that helped its leaders to become accessible to the public."

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sobota, 31. januar 2026

The Super Bowl of Responsible ℙ𝕖𝕥 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 💖🐾

February Is Basically the Super Bowl of Responsible Pet Love

February may be known for hearts, chocolates, and dramatic Valentine's Day expectations… but in the animal kingdom, it's also a big month for doing right by our furry friends.

All month long, animal advocates celebrate awareness campaigns that focus on health, training, and compassionate care. Consider this your gentle reminder that loving animals isn't just about cuddles (though those are important). It's also about making thoughtful choices that help them live longer, healthier, happier lives. Let's talk about them. Gently. Lovingly. With snacks nearby.

One decision. Thousands of lives changed.
Spaying and neutering may seem like a small act, but its impact ripples far beyond one household. It helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces overcrowding in shelters, and gives animals already waiting for homes a better chance at being chosen.

It also supports long-term health by lowering the risk of certain cancers and reducing stress-related behaviors. Fewer animals suffering. Fewer impossible choices. More stability across the board. This is love that plans ahead – not flashy, but powerful.

Love is what you do on the boring days
Being a responsible pet parent isn't about perfection. It's about consistency.

It's remembering vet appointments. Keeping up with exercise. Making time for training. Showing patience when life is hectic and your dog still needs a walk or your cat still needs care. Animals don't measure love in grand gestures – they measure it in reliability
To them, you are home.Every single day.

And that's not nothing.

Training is kindness with structure
Dog training isn't about control – it's about clarity.

Training helps dogs understand what's expected of them in a human-centric world full of confusing rules, loud noises, and mixed signals. Positive reinforcement builds confidence, strengthens communication, and creates trust that lasts far longer than fear ever could. A trained dog isn't "better."
They're calmer. Safer. More at ease. Also, yes – they do get invited to more places. And yes – they know it.

Cats are excellent at hiding things (including pain)
Cats have an impressive ability to mask discomfort. Which means when something does become obvious, it's often been there for a while. Regular vet visits and preventative care help catch issues early, manage chronic conditions, and keep cats healthy long into their senior years – even when they strongly object to the concept of a carrier.

Taking a cat to the vet isn't betrayal.
It's devotion.

Even if they refuse to speak to you for 48 hours afterward.

Love sometimes looks like a toothbrush

Dental health is one of the most overlooked parts of pet care – and one of the most important.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to infections, chronic pain, and serious health complications affecting the heart and organs. Regular brushing, dental treats, and professional cleanings don't just improve breath – they can extend your pet's life.

If kisses have recently come with a warning label… this might be your sign.

Wow! What a month you humans have ahead of you!

And listen. I don't usually hand out praise freely, but this? This is what I call excellent long-term planning.

Spaying and neutering prevents future chaos, reduces suffering, and keeps shelters from overflowing – which, as a squirrel, I deeply respect. I plan everything. I bury snacks months in advance. I do not improvise acorns. So seeing humans think ahead for once? Very impressive.

Nutasha has reviewed this decision and would like it known that she finds foresight extremely attractive. Five acorns. No notes. Possibly a sixth acorn, but she's still deliberating.

The point is: love isn't always dramatic. Sometimes it's quiet. Sometimes it's preventative. Sometimes it's making a choice today that protects someone you'll never meet tomorrow.

So… carry on, humans.
Plan ahead. Be kind.
And please remember – we're all watching from the trees. That means you Chad. We are especially watching you.

Your friend,

The "planner" squirrel

Wait… Really? You're already looking for the Unsubscribe. button? Well, just know we have a pigeon army, and they WILL find you. But go ahead… Hit that button and see what happens.

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