PHX SAF

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

PHX SAF

Google Pixel 6 Pro 19mm f3.5 1/464s ISO30

AA3770

The photograph titled "PHX SAF" captures a dynamic scene on the tarmac of an airport, possibly in Phoenix, as suggested by the title. The image centers around a regional jet connected to a jet bridge, ready for boarding or disembarking. The aircraft sports a distinctive striped tail design, typical of a major American airline, set against the backdrop of a large hangar bearing the airline's logo. The ground crew, clad in lime green safety vests, are meticulously attending to luggage, perhaps preparing for the flight. The sky is a clear azure, suggesting a bright, sunny day, and the reddish rock formations in the distance hint at the characteristic landscape of the Arizona area.

The style of the photograph leans towards documentary or reportage photography, capturing a moment in the everyday operations of an airport. The composition employs a slightly diagonal line that leads the eye from the left of the frame, up the jet bridge, and along the aircraft toward the busy ground staff, creating a sense of movement and activity. The image is well-balanced, with elements of interest distributed evenly across the frame. However, the focus on the various elements can be a bit distracting, as there is no singular focal point; the eye flits between the plane, the workers, and the distant landscape. What I appreciate about the photograph is its authentic depiction of the bustling life of airport ground operations, rich with color and detail. Conversely, it may benefit from a more focused depth of field to draw attention to a particular aspect, enhancing the narrative quality of the scene.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: PHX SAF #photo #plane #phx #saf PHX SAF )

SFO PHX

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

SFO PHX

Google Pixel 6 Pro 19mm f3.5 1/546s ISO30

AA2016

The photograph titled "SFO PHX" captures a poignant moment at an airport, showcasing a large passenger airplane docked at a jet bridge. The plane, painted in a muted white with sleek lines, stands patiently beside the terminal. Its graceful nose and the powerful engine are at rest, offering an aura of stillness just before the bustling takeoff. The background reveals a blur of hills and trees, hinting at a wider world beyond the tarmac. A towing vehicle is nestled nearby, adding to the scene of orchestrated functionality, while luggage carts sit quietly, waiting to fulfill their purpose. The atmosphere is suffused with the muted light of a hazy day, giving it a serene and methodical quality.

The composition is methodically centered around the plane, showcasing its presence as the focal point. The photographer cleverly uses the vertical lines of the jet bridge and the central pole to frame the plane, guiding the viewer’s eyes directly to its nose, creating a sense of balance and symmetry. The soft lighting evokes a soothing, almost meditative mood, though it lacks a bit of vibrancy, which may have added dynamism. While the focus on industrial elements might lack the warmth of human interaction, the overall composition effectively conveys a sense of anticipation and readiness, qualities central to air travel. The photograph succeeds in capturing a moment of quiet between the storms of departure and arrival, although a touch of contrast and color saturation could enhance its visual appeal.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: SFO PHX #photo #plane #sfo #phx SFO PHX )

Autumnal Equinox 2023

Autumnal Equinox 2023

Fall starts at 06:60 on September 23 UTC. Autumn if you're British. Spring if you're Australian. Rendered in Catfood Earth.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Autumnal Equinox 2023 #code #catfood #earth #equinox #autumnal Render of Autumnal Equinox 2023 at 06:60 on September 2023 UTC in Catfood Earth. )

Bubbles

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Photo of bubbles drifting over the Great Highway in San Francisco

Google Pixel 6 Pro 19mm f3.5 1/250s ISO33

Somebody was blowing huge bubbles at Ocean Beach. This photo shows them drifting over the Great Highway near Sutro Heights.

The photograph titled "Bubbles" captures a lively street scene filled with an enchanting, almost surreal display of bubbles floating through the air. A winding road leads the viewer's eye into the image, flanked by charming houses on one side and lush, densely forested hills on the other. The bubbles, varying in size and transparency, hover mid-air, casting ephemeral reflections and iridescent hues as they catch the light. Vehicles and a lone cyclist share the road, moving toward an unknown destination, while pedestrians can be faintly observed in the bustle of daily life. Overhead, the cloudy sky casts a muted light, softening the overall scene and creating a serene, dream-like ambiance.

The composition of this photograph masterfully balances movement with tranquility. The use of leading lines from the road draws the viewer's focus deep into the frame, while the bubbles add a playful element of spontaneity and whimsy. The juxtaposition of the static natural background against the dynamic movement of the bubbles and traffic enhances the narrative of chaos and calm coexisting. Technically, the image benefits from great depth of field and a well-considered exposure that highlights details in both shadow and light. One possible critique might be the slightly busy composition; the bubbles, while charming, could potentially distract from other elements within the frame. Nonetheless, the photograph's unique subject matter and harmonious execution make it an engaging and delightful visual experience.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Bubbles #photo #bubbles #sanfrancisco Photo of some large bubbles over the Great Highway in San Francisco, California. )

Murphy Windmill

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Murphy Windmill in Golden Gate Park

Google Pixel 6 Pro 7mm f1.9 1/2,500s ISO44

One of two windmills in the Golden Gate Park near Ocean Beach. This was the largest in the world when it was built in 1908, but it was obsolete five years later in 1913 and replaced by electric pumps. The windmills were installed to irrigate the park. The Murphy Windmill pumped 40,000 gallons a day.

The photograph titled "Murphy Windmill" captures a serene and historic landscape dominated by an imposing structure. Standing tall amidst lush greenery, the windmill rises with a timeless grace, its blades stretching out against the soft gray sky. Surrounding it, trees cradle the windmill in a natural embrace, their dark foliage contrasting with the structure’s stone body. Below, a pathway meanders gently, inviting onlookers to explore the rustic charm of the environment. The sky is overcast, creating a moody atmosphere that lends an air of nostalgia to the scene.

The composition of the photograph is balanced, centering the windmill to draw immediate focus and create a symmetrical aesthetic. The photographer employs leading lines through the windmill blades, guiding the viewer’s gaze upwards and enhancing the verticality of the image. The use of natural framing by the trees adds depth and context, while the muted color palette complements the historical subject, evoking a sense of tranquility. However, the lighting is somewhat flat due to the overcast weather, which diminishes the texture and detail of the windmill. A touch of contrast could elevate the dynamic range, highlighting the intricacies of the structure and giving more definition to its surroundings.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Murphy Windmill #photo #sanfrancisco #goldengatepark #windmill Photo of the Murphy Windmill in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. )

Sunset #12

Sunset #12

4K Time Lapse of sunset over the Pacific shot from San Francisco.

I made this with a Sony A7C, 40mm F2.5 G and a GR-120QD slider. It's taken a while to work with this combo as Sony decided to omit a wired shutter trigger from the A7C. It took a long time to come to terms with this - surely I just had the wrong cable or settings, but no, it doesn't support this super basic function. In case you're struggling with this Hypoxic sells a bluetooth to 2.5mm adapter, although it's actually the other way round - the 2.5mm port causes the bluetooth shutter to activate. It's a little baroque as you're working with a camera (and battery), a slider (and battery) and an adapter (tiny coin battery and no idea how much power is left...). It works though.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Sunset #12 #timelapse #video #sunset #pacific #4k #slider Sunset #12 )

Does America Need A Third Party (Again)

Andrew Yang and Daniel DiSalvo, pro and anti the motion Does America Need A Third Party.

Open to Debate just released a podcast about the need (or not) for more parties in American politics: Does America Need A Third Party.

Andrew Yang argued in favor. In fact he thinks the right number is probably five - break the democrats in half, break the republicans in half and throw in his Forward party. There is a great case for the first four of these - see this WaPo article from last year. I've suggested forcibly breaking them up, antitrust style. Another approach would be term limits for parties. Yang is growing on me. Reforming the electoral system is a much better platform than universal basic income.

Daniel DiSalvo argued against the motion. Actually he mostly just said that even if everything is broken nothing is going to change so why bother. I think that's 99% right, but not really in the spirit of a debate.

Open to Debate is a rebrand of Intelligence Squared US, which debated the same issue in 2021. In that case the status quo won the day, probably as it was defended by PJ O'Rourke, however the actual vote was 50% more parties and 40% keeping two. Unfortunately I don't know who won this time because Open to Debate has given up on the competitive format and even spirited questioning. You have some back and forth, and some carefully chosen and curated questions like a Biden presser. The original (UK) Intelligence Squared seems to have given up on the big issues and puts out Burgundy vs Bordeaux and people with a book release to plug. Canada is the only real hope right now with the Munk Debates.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Does America Need A Third Party (Again) #politics #political reform Discussion of the debate between Andrew Yang and Daniel DiSalvo on the need for more political parties in the US. )

Reviews for September 2023

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Spoilers!

Movies

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Review:Movies:Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Very nearly skipped this as the Crystal Skull installment was atrocious. The dial is the Antikythera mechanism which is cool, although it's a toddler proofed version with a very different function than the original. The film's heart is in the right place and it's much closer to the originals, but the CGI young Indie kind of sinks it. Harrison Ford is showing his age but better than any plausible replacement (definite Joe Biden vibes) and I wish they'd stuck with that. Instead there is a lot of flashback to fake young Indie which would make for an impressive demo but doesn't work in a major movie. Maybe the technology will get there one day, or maybe we should hand the baton on to a new generation of heros (again with Joe Biden parallels).

Operation Napoleon

Review:Movies:Operation Napoleon

Fun Icelandic thriller about a Nazi plane that crashed with a mysterious cargo.

Music

America

Haunting music and video by London Grammar. Keeps growing on me.

Podcasts

FiveThirtyEight Politics

Review:Podcasts:FiveThirtyEight Politics

In the run up to Trump's first election I started listening to the NPR Politics Podcast. It was hard to keep up, and the opening with the hour and minute where the content would still be relevant was on the nose. It's since got tired, and they unfortunately switched to a daily update which doesn't have much depth. Safe to say if I'm listening to a politics podcast I know the headlines already. Luckily I also started listening to FiveThirtyEight Politics. Nate Silver might be gone, but it's still great, diving into nerdy detail on the tiniest little thing. This goes to the top of my queue each time it's published, mostly twice a week at the moment.

Intrigue Burning Sun

Review:Podcasts:Intrigue Burning Sun

Disturbing reporting on K-Pop, rape and the Koran legal system.

Intrigue Mayday

Review:Podcasts:Intrigue Mayday

A dead British soldier, the White Helmets and fake chemical attacks in Syria.

Intrigue Tunnel 29

Review:Podcasts:Intrigue Tunnel 29

Yes I will be listening to the entire back catalogue of Intrigue this month. Tunnel 29 is the story of a tunnel under the Berlin wall. It's the best from Intrigue so far.

TV

Good Omens Season 2

Review:TV:Good Omens Season 2

The archangel Gabriel shows up naked at Aziraphale's bookshop, hijinks ensue. Great sequel.

Kaleidoscope

Review:TV:Kaleidoscope

In principle Kaleidoscope is very clever because you can watch most of the episodes in any order, and Netflix says that everyone gets a random shuffle. In practice though it's a heist and so you already know every detail, only the specific macguffins and flourishes need to be added. I enjoyed it.

Special Ops Lioness Season 1

Review:TV:Special Ops Lioness Season 1

A little soapy. I'd rather watch Jack Ryan and Grey's Anatomy separately rather than mashed up together like an experimental ice cream flavor. Has its moments though.

(All images included with ITHCWY reviews are the property of their respective owners and are used to illustrate reviews only.)

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Wave

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Beautifully lit wave at Fort Funston

SONY DSC-RX10M4 220mm f4.0 1/2,000s ISO100

A nicely lit wave at Fort Funston (GGNRA) in San Francisco.

Wave Photograph Description

The photograph titled "Wave" captures a moment of serene tension at the cusp where the ocean prepares to crash down with a powerful embrace. The wave curls majestically, its translucent green hue vividly illuminated by the interplay of sunlight and water, resembling a piece of fluid glass. In the forefront, delicate white foam dances at the crest, while the undercurrent reveals streaks of darker green, suggestive of the ocean's depths. The background displays the gentle shimmer of light on the water surface, adding a sense of vastness and endless horizon, hinting at a peaceful ocean beyond the immediate drama of the wave.

This image employs a minimalist style, focusing narrowly on the wave to evoke a sense of immediacy and presence. The composition adheres to the principles of symmetry, with the wave extending horizontally across the frame, effectively guiding the viewer’s eye through the image. The use of natural lighting enhances the texture and color of the water, bringing life to the wave’s form. What is compelling about this image is its simplicity and focus—it evokes the raw power and beauty of nature without distraction. However, this may also be its limitation; the lack of a dynamic element or a contrasting feature could render it static for some viewers. Overall, its artistic merit lies in its pure and undisturbed capture of a singular, natural moment.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Wave #photo #wave #fortfunston #sanfrancisco #pacific Photo of a beautifully lit wave at Fort Funston, San Francisco, California. )

Global Cloud Cover 48 Hour Video Updated Hourly

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Global IR Cloud Cover

The video below shows the past 48 hours of global cloud cover, 6 frames per second. It's HD so view full screen to get the most detail. The video is updated hourly.

 

The source is the Global IR product from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center. I process their image to be equirectangular instead of spherical mercator (full details here) and then generate a video.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Global Cloud Cover 48 Hour Video Updated Hourly #etc #clouds #satellite #earth #h5v Video showing 48 hours of global infrared cloud cover in HD, updated hourly. )