Autumnal Equinox 2015

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Thursday, November 12, 2015.

Autumnal Equinox 2015

Autumn begins right now in the northern hemisphere, Spring for the hemispherically challenged. Rendered in Catfood Earth (Windows, Android).

(previously, previously)

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Catfood Weather 2.20

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

Catfood Weather 2.20

Catfood Weather 2.20 fixes a problem with the forecast failing to update (the National Weather Service changed the URL of the web service that Catfood Weather uses and while they were kind enough to put a redirect in place it was a form of redirect that didn't play nicely with WebClient so a patch is needed).

In addition this release should fix the ignore alerts feature. It's one of those cases that after not having looked at the code for a couple of years I suddenly realized that the implementation was fatally flawed (bordering on idiotic) and could never have worked. Should be better now.

Download Catfood Weather 2.20.

(previously)

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Catfood Weather 2.20 #code #weather Catfood Weather 2.20 is a critical update that fixes the forecast and also corrects the ignore alerts feature. )

Sunset sunset 4k

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

Sunset sunset 4k

An update to my previous sunset sunset timelapse, this time with better colors and in 4K. It's sunset over the Sunset District in San Francisco.

(previously)

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Sunset sunset 4k #timelapse #sunset #sanfrancisco #4k #video Timelapse of sunset over the Sunset District in San Francisco shot in 4K )

Path

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

Path

Photo of one of the many hiking trails on Mount Davidson in San Francisco.

The photograph titled "Path" captures a serene woodland trail, inviting the viewer into a tranquil nature scene. The path meanders gently from the bottom right, leading the eye deeper into the forest, lined by towering trees that sway gracefully against a soft blue sky. On the left, rugged rock formations, partially draped with lush green foliage, create a natural contrast to the earthy trail underfoot, while sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns across the ground. The combination of light, shadow, and texture conveys a sense of peaceful seclusion, as if whispering the secrets of the woods to those who dare wander through.

The composition skillfully uses leading lines, drawing the viewer into the heart of the scene with the winding path. The rule of thirds is subtly applied, with the path positioned slightly to the right, allowing the landscape to breathe and expand around it. The interplay between the textures of rock, foliage, and light creates depth and interest, while the soft, natural color palette enhances the photograph's calming atmosphere. One might critique that the light in certain spots appears slightly harsh, washing out some of the finer details, but overall, the photograph elegantly balances its elements. The choice of framing gives a sense of journey and adventure, capturing the essence of nature's quiet allure.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Path #photo #sanfrancisco #mountdavidson Photo of a hiking trail on Mount Davidson in San Francisco, California. )

West Portal 360

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

West Portal 360

A 360 degree (skipping night) 24 hour time lapse from the roof of my house in West Portal, San Francisco.​

Updated 2023-06-25 21:22:

A 2,160 version using an Insta360 X3. That's six rotations over 25 hours, on Summer Solstice 2023.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: West Portal 360 #timelapse #360 #westportal​ #video 360 degree, 24 hour time lapse video from West Portal, San Francisco )

New Normal

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

New Normal

Photo of a fresh planter of succulents as we adapt to the lack of water in San Francisco (and the western United States in general).

The photograph titled "New Normal" captures a lush tapestry of succulents, their leaves vibrant against a soft, blurred background. At the forefront, a variety of plants, ranging in hues from deep burgundy to vivid greens, fills the frame, their overlapping shapes creating a rich texture. The blurred backdrop suggests the outline of a building with a staircase, its geometric form contrasting with the organic lines of the plants. The interplay of light and shadow across the leaves adds depth, enhancing the succulent’s glossy surfaces. The focus is razor-sharp on the central green succulent, drawing the eye to its intricate patterns and vibrant life amid the muted setting.

The photo employs a shallow depth of field, capturing the viewer’s attention on the sharp details of the foreground while blurring the building in the background. This choice of focus reinforces the title, alluding perhaps to the ever-present nature within an altered world context. The composition is balanced, with a strong foreground presence that boldly dominates the frame. The color contrast between the plants adds visual interest and depth. What I particularly appreciate is the warmth and life breathed into the scene through the brilliant use of light and color. However, the disparity between the vivid foreground and blurred background might feel too stark for some, which could detract from the overall cohesion of the composition. Nevertheless, the imaginative focus provides a vibrant exploration of ordinary beauty in a complex environment.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: New Normal #photo #drought Photo of changes brought by the drought impacting San Francisco, California and the whole of the western United States. Get used to succulents. )

Book reviews for July 2015

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.

The Atrocity Archives (Laundry Files, #1) by Charles Stross

4/5

 

Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

4/5

I really enjoyed it but the timescale is so long and so much happens that it feels a bit rushed until the last section of the book. I wish this had been teased out into a trilogy.

 

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A vacation based proof of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

A vacation based proof of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics

It's a well known fact that whenever you go on holiday your home town experiences once-in-a-generation levels of good weather while you sit inside with increasingly insane children watching unseasonably torrential rain.

As this is a universal experience it has to be more than bad luck.

Every time anyone takes a vacation a parallel universe must be created where the traveler inflicts stormy weather on one branch and summer continues as normal on the other.

​Tags: random, quantum, weather​

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(Published to the Fediverse as: A vacation based proof of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics #etc #quantum Is it possible to prove the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics just by going on vacation? )

Hope for Hulu?

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

Hope for Hulu?

Probably not.

I tore into Hulu last year for the miserable user experience, dreary ads and vanishing content.

Back then I estimated that Hulu could ditch the ads for another $6 a month. TechCrunch is reporting today (via the Wall Street Journal) that Hulu is considering an ad free tier for $12-$14 a month. $14 would be a $6 bump over current pricing. If they can fix the UX as well I'll be back in. And I still want my OTT TiVo.

(Previously)

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Hope for Hulu? #etc #hulu #tivo #ott I nailed the cost of an ad-free Hulu experience, but it's still the one streaming service I'll never pay for. )

Doyle Drive: Before and After

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

Doyle Drive: Before and After

Doyle Drive: Before and After

Highway 101 is moved from a bypass to the new Doyle Drive tunnel overnight.

The photograph titled "Doyle Drive: Before and After" showcases a sweeping view of a roadway under reconstruction, framed by the soft embrace of an overcast sky. The image captures a dual highway stretch, with lanes diverging on either side of a central barrier, signifying a transition between old and new. To the left, an incomplete road symbolizes past infrastructure, while the right lane, active and bustling with vehicles, embodies progress and modernity. In the distance, the iconic silhouette of an island sits shrouded in mist, adding a touch of mystery and grandeur. Trees and red-roofed buildings line the horizon, creating a bridge between nature and urban development. The muted colors convey a serene ambiance, juxtaposing the perpetual motion of city life against a backdrop of tranquil waters and muted skies.

The composition of the photograph adheres to a linear perspective, drawing the viewer's eye along the curved horizon to the vanishing point in the distance, effectively illustrating the journey between past and future. The use of leading lines in the highway's diverging paths invites a sense of depth and movement. The framing is balanced, with the trees and buildings offsetting the hard lines of the road, allowing for contrast between nature and human design. While this offers a strong narrative, the overcast lighting may dull the vibrancy and diminish some detail. The choice of a high vantage point provides a comprehensive view, yet a closer focus on specific elements could enhance the storytelling. Overall, the photograph successfully captures a moment of transformation, though the flat lighting leaves room for a more dynamic interplay of shadows and highlights.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Doyle Drive: Before and After #photo #presidio Doyle Drive: Before and After in the Presidio of San Francisco, California - photos. )