Book reviews for December 2014

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.
The Peripheral by William Gibson

The Peripheral by William Gibson

5/5

William Gibson does time travel with a twist. Gripping and weird and wonderful.

 

JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford

JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford

4/5

A very quick (and helpful) read....

 

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ISS

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

ISS

ISS

Two long exposure photographs of the International Space Station passing over San Francisco.

The photograph titled "ISS" captures a serene, cosmic scene where the vast, star-speckled sky dominates the composition. A long-exposure shot leaves a thin, bright streak diagonally across the canvas, signifying the swift passage of the International Space Station. To the right, a luminous orb—the moon or possibly a planet—radiates softly, blurring into the surrounding darkness. The gentle gradation of light and shadow creates a dreamlike atmosphere, with faint wisps of clouds visible, adding texture to the otherwise smooth expanse. The arrangement of stars scattered across the sky provides a sense of depth and infinite space, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the vastness above.

This image employs a minimalist style, focusing on the essential elements of space and light. The long-exposure technique effectively captures the ISS’s path, adding a dynamic element that contrasts the stillness of the celestial backdrop. The composition adheres to a diagonal line strategy, drawing the eye naturally from one corner of the frame to the other. The major strength lies in its ability to convey motion and tranquility simultaneously. However, the brightness of the celestial body on the right slightly overpowers the subtlety of the stars, which could be seen as a distraction from the primary subject. Despite this, the balance between the blurred and the sharp elements is artfully maintained, offering a harmonious visual experience that speaks to the awe of cosmic exploration.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: ISS #photo #iss Photos of the International Space Station over San Francisco, California. )

Winter Solstice 2014

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

Winter Solstice 2014

Winter starts now in the northern hemisphere, Summer south of the equator. Rendered in Catfood Earth (Windows, Android).​ Now read why mornings will continue to get darker for the next couple of weeks.

(Previously)

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Four Parties

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Sunday, November 6, 2022.

The Washington Post fantasizes about a four party system:

"If we assign members of Congress to political parties based on the spending votes, we end up with four parties. The Liberals bucked the Democratic president to oppose the spending package. The Democrats voted for it. The Republicans followed Boehner and McConnell's lead. The Conservatives didn't."

It's time.

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News: The War Nerd: More proof the US defense industry has nothing to do with defending America

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

News: Prototype Companion Cube, 1980

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Prototype Companion Cube, 1980

And I ordered my 80s outfit right before reading this... (posting mainly to test my spanking new Feedly integration)

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Armstrong Redwoods

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

Armstrong Redwoods

Armstrong Redwoods

Armstrong Redwoods

Coastal redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Parson Jones is over 310 feet high, Colonel Armstrong over 1,400 years old.

Hike starts at 38.532406, -123.002853 (Google Earth, Google Maps).

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Armstrong Redwoods #hike #armstrong #redwoods Hike through coastal redwoods at the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. )

Salt Point State Park

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

Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park

Salt Point State Park on the Sonoma coast. Stunning views, plentiful seals and some cool tide pools (although the rocks on the way down are like greased butter). Apparently the sandstone from Salt Point was used to pave San Francisco which goes a long way to explain the state of the streets...

Hike starts at 38.566568, -123.331860 (Google Earth, Google Maps).

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Salt Point State Park #hike #saltpoint #seal #hermitcrab A short hike and some photos at Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County, California. )

Book reviews for November 2014

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.
You're Not Much Use to Anyone by David Shapiro

You're Not Much Use to Anyone by David Shapiro

2/5

Maybe I missed something but a character I didn't particularly care for got a blog which got fairly popular and then ran out of steam. If it wasn't short I don't think I'd have finished it.

 

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

4/5

A World War Two yarn of intersecting French and German lives - bit players dragged into the war. Affecting and very well written.

 

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Night sky from Marin Headlands

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

Night sky from Marin Headlands

15 second exposure from a NatureBridge night hike last night. Then s'mores!

The photograph captures a serene expanse of the night sky viewed from the Marin Headlands, a tranquil tapestry stretched across the heavens. Countless stars dot the dark canvas in a mesmerizing array, each one a bright pinprick whispering tales of galaxies far beyond our reach. The absence of light pollution enhances the visibility of this cosmic panorama, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves in the profound silence and endless wonder that the night sky offers. There is a subtle variation in the density of stars across the frame, this variation adding a natural texture and depth that draws the eye deeper into the photograph.

The style of the photograph embodies minimalism, focusing solely on the celestial expanse without any foreground distractions. The composition, primarily centered on vastness and simplicity, effectively evokes a sense of calm and infinitude. The long exposure technique beautifully highlights the stars, although the absence of a balanced element in the foreground or horizon might leave some viewers yearning for more context or perspective. While this minimalistic approach underscores the allure of the night sky, adding a silhouette or a hint of the landscape might have enriched the narrative dimension. Despite this, the photograph successfully transports the viewer to a quiet moment of stargazing wonder.

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(Published to the Fediverse as: Night sky from Marin Headlands #photo #stars #naturebridge Photo of the night sky from the Marin Headlands in California. )