A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 65% of Americans support the National Popular Vote. Even the old ones:
"Younger adults are somewhat more supportive of changing the system than older adults. About seven-in-ten Americans under 50 (69%) support this. That share drops to about six-in-ten (58%) among those 65 and older."
It's not just a desire to have a president of the country who represents the will of the country that is currently thwarted. Last year Pew found that:
"Today, a 61% majority of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 37% think abortion should be illegal in all or most cases."
58% of Americans favor stricter gun laws. 57% want the Federal Government to take on health care. 63% support free college.
Why can't we have nice things? Apparently because the founding fathers thought we needed protection from the 'tyranny of the majority'. So you'd expect minorities to be well protected by this system.
Same sex marriage was legalized by the Supreme Court's Obergefell decision in 2015. Public support for same sex marriage was at 27% in 1996 (when Clinton passed The Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA). It's now at 70%. We crossed the 50% line around 2010, when Obama said:
"I have been to this point unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage primarily because of my understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage."
Our majority tyranny protection system failed, Obama failed, Clinton failed. What carried the day was campaigning that convinced the majority that they were wrong on this issue, and arguably the AIDS crisis humanizing a minority for many people.
I wasn't around for the civil rights movement but I think it followed a very similar pattern. The system didn't inherently recognize the rights of the minority. Support was slowly built in public opinion until the Supreme Court eventually stepped in like someone in 2023 who thinks they just discovered Taylor Swift.
While the founding fathers may not have contemplated gay marriage or that black people might be just people they were clever enough to understand that the constitution was a living document and would need to be amended. We just need to get back into the habit.
(Published to the Fediverse as:
Pew: Two Thirds of Americans Support National Popular Vote #politics#politicalreform#national popularvote 65% support a national popular vote, 61% support abortion, 58% better gun laws and 63% free college. Why don't we have these things?)
In the photograph titled "PHX SFO," the night envelops an airport scene with an air of quiet anticipation. The focal point is a commercial airplane docked at gate B11, its sleek silver body reflecting the dim terminal lights. The jet bridge extends purposefully towards the aircraft, like a modern arm reaching out to unite diverse lands. To the right, a catering truck from Sky Chefs stands ready to service the plane, adding a hint of industrious motion. The faint, distant city lights on the horizon hint at a sprawling urban landscape, painting a serene backdrop. On the tarmac, bright yellow and blue ground equipment stands out against the somber expanse, providing pops of color that punctuate the scene.
The composition adheres to a rule of thirds, artfully balancing the weight of the aircraft with the structured terminal on the left. This strategic framing leads the eye naturally across the image, inviting a sense of imminent departure. The lighting, while low, is well-executed, capturing details with clarity despite the night setting. The perspective gives a candid, yet intimate feel, as if the viewer is a traveler waiting for their next adventure. However, the photograph might benefit from a slightly higher viewpoint to incorporate more of the aircraft's upper body, which could enhance the sense of scale. Additionally, while the city lights provide context, a touch more brightness could elevate the depth, adding to the overall ambiance. Despite these minor critiques, the photo effectively captures the stillness and latent energy of night travel.
Catfood WebCamSaver 3.22 released with the latest web cam list. Catfood Earth for Android now supports random locations.
New tool - this page is updated every hour with a video of the last 48 hours of global IR cloud cover. Useful for tracking hurricanes and atmospheric rivers.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Google Pixel 6 Pro 7mm f1.9 1/8,696s ISO46
AA3270
Updated 2023-09-30 20:04:
Time lapse of AA 3270, a Canadair CRJ-700 flying from Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) at sunset.
The photograph titled "SAF PHX" captures a moment at an airport, with an aircraft prominently displayed on the tarmac. The plane is positioned on the ground, its sleek metallic body reflecting the subtle hues of the sky as the sun hovers directly above, casting a radiant glow that silhouettes the jet. The scene is expansive, with a clear sky stretching out to meet the distant horizon and hints of distant landscapes visible. The ground is a convergence of concrete and light, punctuated by airport equipment and railings leading to the aircraft. The sun lends an ethereal quality, creating a sense of timeless pause before the inevitable journey.
In terms of composition, the photograph employs a backlit style, with the sun positioned directly behind the aircraft, creating a dramatic silhouette and adding a strong visual focus in the form of the sunburst effect. The use of natural light enhances the atmosphere but poses a challenge with potential overexposure. The image follows a linear perspective, with the plane leading the viewer's eye across the tarmac toward the horizon. While the backlighting is striking and enhances the mood, it also obscures some details of the aircraft, which might be a drawback for those seeking clarity. The overall composition is balanced, but the focus on a single plane might feel static to some, lacking dynamic elements. Despite this, the serene beauty and contemplative air make this composition compelling in its simplicity and luminous charm.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
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.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
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.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
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.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
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.
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.
