Clouds

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

Clouds

10 minute single-frame timelapse (SFTL) of clouds over Glen Canyon Park in San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Clouds" presents an intriguing interplay of texture and light, where the ethereal forms of clouds are captured through an abstract lens. Delicate strands and streaks of varying shades of gray sweep across the image, like elongated brushstrokes painted across a celestial canvas. The luminous core at the lower portion resembles a diffused sun, attempting to pierce through the layered veil of mist. The subtle gradations of tone evoke a sense of movement, as if the entire sky is slowly unfurling, whispering secrets of the world above to the viewer below.

In terms of composition, the image adopts an abstract style that shifts focus from traditional cloud photography to a more artistic interpretation. The dominant vertical lines provide a rhythm, guiding the viewer's eye across the frame, while the soft focus adds a dreamlike quality to the scene. One of the strengths of this piece is its ability to transcend the literal, inviting viewers into a meditative experience. However, the prominence of vertical lines might feel overpowering to some, leaving less room for exploring other aspects of cloud formations. Overall, the photograph succeeds in breaking conventions, merging nature's beauty with artistic vision.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Clouds #photo #clouds #sftl A single frame time lapse (SFTL) of clouds passing overhead for ten minutes. Each vertical line is shot separately. )

Meeting Defragmenter

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.

Meeting Defragmenter

Screw Holacracy, I have an idea that will revolutionize business and drive the next wave of global productivity gains. It’s a simple question of fixing meetings.

My dream week is one where I have two miserable days with back to back meetings and forget lunch, there isn’t even enough time to grab a coffee. Sound miserable? The upside is three uninterrupted days where I can cruise through a ridiculous amount of work.

My real week - meetings dotted throughout each day with half hour breaks in between. And many of these meetings will involve eighteen people shoehorned into a closet because someone booked the big room for a 1:1.

We need a meeting defragmenter.

Let go of picking a time and a room. Just say who you need to meet with and for how long. The meeting defragmenter will pick the best room and group all meetings as close together as possible with a five minute break in between.

Your company can decide if you prefer to load mornings or afternoons, or maybe Mondays and Thursdays. You can set core hours for each team.

Information workers take around twenty minutes to enter a state of flow which is where you need to be to write great code, conduct awe-inspiring analysis or generally do anything of value to your company. A half hour gap in between meetings is just enough time to get back to your desk, dismiss unwelcome interruptions, start to get into a state of mind to tackle some real work and then realize it’s time for another meeting.

Giving more people more blocks of useful time would be an incalculable benefit to their mental health, their businesses and the global economy. This one simple tool could change the world.

As usual if any of my billionaire investor readers are interested, call me.

(Previously)

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Meeting Defragmenter #etc #meetings #lazyweb Fix meetings by automatically grouping them into chunks leaving free time to actually get some work done without constant interruption. )

Bees

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

Bees and hive at Glen Canyon Park

Bees and their hive in a tree at Glen Canyon Park in San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Bees" presents a close-up view of a weathered tree trunk, its rugged texture captured in exquisite detail. A vivid patch of golden-orange fungus or moss clings to the bark, a burst of color that contrasts sharply against the muted, aged wood. The setting is tranquil, with soft hints of blurred greenery in the background, suggesting a peaceful forested location. Though the title implies the presence of bees, they remain hidden, adding an intriguing mystery to the scene. The intricate patterns of the bark draw the eye, offering a tactile invitation to explore its grooves and ridges.

This photograph utilizes a narrow depth of field, focusing sharply on the textured bark and the vibrant patch of growth while leaving the background beautifully blurred. This compositional choice effectively isolates and emphasizes the main subject. The rule of thirds appears subtly employed, with the colorful growth positioned slightly off-center, adding a dynamic balance to the composition. One highlight is the contrast between the rough, organic texture of the bark and the smoothness of the out-of-focus backdrop. A minor critique is the lack of visible bees, which might leave viewers searching for a connection to the photo's title. Overall, the image captivates with its rich textures and vibrant contrast, creating a serene yet compelling visual experience.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Bees #photo #bees Photo of some bees and their hive in a tree at Glen Canyon Park in San Francisco, California. )

Google I/O 2016

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

An Echo knockoff and rapturous applause for variable font size in a messaging app. Not much innovation so far this year.

The horrific trend in Inbox and now Allo is machine learning auto reply so you can send something canned and inauthentic instead of actually speaking with people. Zombie Robs might approve but I'm far from convinced.

Updated 2016-05-18 14:12:

Android N looks super cool and I can't wait. The #1 productivity enhancement I'd like to see though is copy and paste icons that look like copy and paste. I do not have a clue currently.

Updated 2016-05-18 14:24:

No headset.

Updated 2016-05-18 14:40:

Android Studio is very nice. Eclipse was painful. I actually like Android Studio more than Xamarin which is saying a lot for a C# leaning person.

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Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

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

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

Pair of humpback whales just off the Golden Gate Bridge.

(Previously)

Updated 2017-08-09 17:14:

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

More whales and some porpoises.

Humpback Whales in Golden Gate

This photograph presents a serene view of the Golden Gate area. The expansive sky is a calming shade of blue, dotted with soft, whimsical clouds stretching above an inviting expanse of water. The horizon is lined with the rugged contours of coastal hills, their earthy tones capturing the gentle play of sunlight. A sliver of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge peeks from the right edge of the frame, hinting at human presence amid the natural grandeur. The waters, a deep azure, stretch beautifully across the foreground, providing a sense of tranquility and vastness. However, despite the photograph's title, the presence of humpback whales is not visibly apparent in this particular capture.

The photographer utilizes a wide-angle composition to emphasize the vastness of the seascape and the impressive landscape of the area. The rule of thirds is subtly employed: the sky, land, and sea each occupy distinct horizontal thirds, creating a harmonious balance. While the integration of the bridge adds an interesting touch of human architecture, its minimal inclusion could either be a deliberate choice for subtlety or may feel incomplete to the viewer. The clarity and lighting of the photograph effectively capture the natural beauty of the setting. However, the lack of visible whales, as suggested by the title, may leave an expectation unfulfilled. Despite this, the photograph's tranquil atmosphere and scenic composition make for a soothing visual experience.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Humpback Whales in Golden Gate #photo #whales #ggb Photo of Humpback Whales in the Golden Gate near San Francisco, California. )

Book reviews for April 2016

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.
The Phoenix Descent by Chuck Grossart

The Phoenix Descent by Chuck Grossart

3/5

It's billed as a bit of a scifi time travel adventure but really it's more of a zombie apocalypse variant. Not really my thing so I initially hated it but that hatred turned to respect and finally, love. Well maybe not quite love but it's a decent read.

 

Farthest Field: An Indian Story of the Second World War by Raghu Karnad

Farthest Field: An Indian Story of the Second World War by Raghu Karnad

4/5

Very personal and sometimes florid but deeply fascinating story of the Indian Army in World War 2.

 

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Catfood Earth 3.42

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Catfood Earth 3.42

Catfood Earth 3.42 is a small update to the latest (2016d) timezone database and the latest timezone world and countries maps from Eric Muller. If you use the political borders, places or time zones layers in Catfood Earth then you'll want to install this version.

Download the latest Catfood Earth.

(Previously)

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Goodreads Feature Request

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.

Goodreads Feature Request

Goodreads needs a shelf called "currently-reading-but-if-i'm-honest-will-never-finish". On this shelf I will put Infinite Jest.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Goodreads Feature Request #etc #goodreads A modest suggestion for a dedicated shelf in Goodreads for Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. )

San Bruno Mountain 360 4K

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

San Bruno Mountain 360 4K

360 degree 4K timelapse of San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo County, California.

(Previously, Previously)

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(Published to the Fediverse as: San Bruno Mountain 360 4K #timelapse #360 #4k #video 360 degree 4K resolution timelapse from San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo County, California )

Great Blue Heron at Crissy Field

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

Great Blue Heron at Crissy Field

The photograph captures a serene landscape at Crissy Field, where a Great Blue Heron stands gracefully amidst the wild grasses and brush. The heron, poised and contemplative, is nestled in the foreground, almost camouflaged by the earth tones of the foliage. In the horizon, the iconic red expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge proudly spans across the azure waters of the bay. The bridge serves as a stark contrast to the natural elements, with the undulating hills forming a gentle backdrop against a clear, expansive sky. The scene conveys a harmonious blend of the natural and the man-made, inviting the viewer into a tranquil moment in the midst of an urban marvel.

The composition employs a balanced use of foreground and background, creating depth and intrigue. The placement of the heron in the right foreground draws the eye initially, while leading lines formed by the bridge and its reflection guide the gaze across the expanse. The rule of thirds is effectively applied, with the bridge and horizon line sitting near the upper third, and the heron attracting interest in the lower right third. The vibrant colors of the bridge and the calm blues of the water and sky establish a soothing yet dynamic color palette. While the photograph beautifully captures the coexistence of nature and architecture, the busy foreground foliage could distract slightly from the focal point, making the heron’s presence more understated than it might be. Overall, the image succeeds in evoking a peaceful coexistence and invites contemplation on the interplay between natural and urban environments.

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