What if as well as Term Limits we had Party Limits - the same political party cannot win more than three or four times in a row?
Representative Alan Lowenthal has introduced the Let the People Draw the Lines Act which would seek to prevent gerrymandering by taking redistricting out of the hands of the politicians for the states that haven't done this already (California, Arizona, Washington and Idaho have independent commissions).
This is a good idea, but I'd go further. Let's introduce Term Limits where we don't already have them and then add Party Limits. The same politician can only hold on to their seat for two to three terms and additionally the same party can't hold the seat for more than three to four terms. We break up any kind of political monopoly and reduce the incentive to rig the system to keep the same incumbent in power.
We'd probably get more political diversity as well as fewer career politicians. It's a better solution to daisyworld.
(Published to the Fediverse as:
Party Limits #politics#politicalreform#partylimits What if as well as limiting the number of consecutive terms for a politician we also did the same for each political party?)
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.
The Quarry by Iain Banks
4/5
This was a hard book to start because it's so sad to know that there will never be another Iain [M] Banks novel. I fell in love with his work after picking up The Wasp Factory with some birthday money in Guildford. I had (and loaned and lost) one signed book, Feersum Endjinn, which was the only really awful one. The Quarry was short, better than I thought it would be, not as good as his best. He'll be missed.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
San Francisco at night shot from Alta Plaza Park.
This photograph, entitled "From Alta Plaza Park," captures the serene and mesmerizing expanse of a city at night. The foreground is dominated by classic, elegant houses lined with trees, their silhouettes softly illuminated by the warm glow of streetlamps. The view extends into the glittering cityscape, where countless lights twinkle like stars scattered across a dense, urban sky. Above this luminous spread rises a dark hill, accentuating the contrast between nature and city life. A tall, thin structure punctuates the skyline, its form echoed by the soft, rolling hills in the distance. The night sky hangs low, its deep indigo punctuated with subtle celestial pinpricks, drawing the eye upwards and imparting a sense of calm beneath the bustling city.
The composition of the photograph embraces a well-structured balance between foreground and background, effectively utilizing the rule of thirds to guide the viewer’s gaze through the scene. The inclusion of the nearby rooftops grounds the subject, inviting viewers into the intimate setting before broadening into the vast cityscape. The photographer has skillfully managed exposure to capture the dynamic range of lights without them overpowering the scene, maintaining clarity without washing out details. However, the darkened lower edge of the image might feel somewhat heavy, potentially drawing attention away from the lighter areas. Overall, the photograph's compelling linear perspective and profound depth convey a narrative of peaceful coexistence between the tranquility of home and the perpetual motion of the city beyond.
Another Presidio Coyote, this time on the main post.
Updated 2020-01-01 18:19:
Two pups playing in Glen Canyon Park.
Updated 2020-10-10 10:28:
In the Marin Headlands.
Updated 2020-12-28 09:26:
In Glen Canyon Park again.
The photograph titled "Coyote" captures the serene yet wild essence of nature. In the foreground, a coyote is subtly camouflaged among the tall, lush grasses of a sun-dappled meadow. Its alert gaze is directed toward the viewer, exuding an aura of both curiosity and caution, embodying the spirit of a creature that is at once hunter and hunted. The backdrop is a dense tapestry of sunlit trees, their foliage a vibrant tapestry of greens and yellows, casting dappled shadows that dance across the meadow. The gentle curve of the landscape draws the eye naturally towards the coyote, accentuating its presence within this tranquil setting.
The photographic composition skillfully employs the rule of thirds, placing the coyote off-center to create a dynamic balance within the frame. This placement invites the viewer to explore the interplay of light and shadow across the meadow, adding depth to the image. The use of natural light is both a strength and a limitation here; while it lends warmth and life to the photograph, some areas appear slightly overexposed. This could detract from the details in the highlighted sections of the foliage. Despite this, the photo succeeds in capturing a moment of quiet wilderness, a testament to the photographer's ability to blend instinct with artistry. The subtle presence of the coyote amidst the expansive greenery speaks volumes, making this a compelling study of nature’s quiet vibrancy.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Sun Painting, an installation at the Exploratorium in San Francisco by Bob Miller.
In this mesmerizing photograph titled "Sun," the viewer is invited into a vibrant tapestry of light and color, where prismatic hues dance across the canvas like a cosmic ballet. Waves of iridescence ripple through the darkness, creating an impression of luminescent auroras caught in motion. The interplay of electric blues, radiant yellows, fiery oranges, and vibrant greens forms an abstract masterpiece reminiscent of a stained glass window illuminated from within. This dazzling array of light reveals a dynamic composition that feels both ethereal and fluid, suggesting a world where light takes on a tangible, expressive form, transcending its usual boundaries to tell a story of energy and motion.
The composition of this photo showcases a masterful use of contrast and texture, where the stark black backdrop allows the vivid colors to shine with remarkable clarity and impact. The artist effectively uses the principles of abstraction, bending and blending hues to form a cohesive yet fragmented imagery that evokes emotion and curiosity. The fluid lines and shapes suggest movement and depth, pulling the audience deeper into the mysterious narrative of light. However, the absence of a central focal point may cause the viewer to wander, searching for a definitive anchor within the composition. While this feature enhances the abstract nature of the piece, it may also challenge those seeking a more structured visual journey. Despite this, the photograph's spectacular display of color and form is undeniably engaging, offering a contemplative exploration of light's limitless potential.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
5/5
Took a while to start because The Secret History is one of my favorite books and I was pretty disappointed by The Little Friend - I can't really even remember it. The Goldfinch on the other hand will stick with me for a long time. It's a book where you inhabit someone else's life so deeply that it's disorienting to finish. Outstanding.
If you only buy one house in Bernal Heights this month it should be 94 Elsie Street on the west slope of the hill (I'm not biased, just happened to have lived there for nearly ten years!)
The photograph titled "Elsie Street, west slope of Bernal Heights" captures the quiet charm of a residential neighborhood. The scene features a modest, yet elegant house with a muted gray facade, punctuated by crisp white window frames and shutters. Large windows allow a glimpse of the tidy interior, softened by the shadow of leafy trees on the pavement. The front yard is a serene space, defined by lush vegetation in clean, rectangular planters, flanking the entrance and the garage. Under the bright midday sun, the subtle colors of the house contrast beautifully against the deep blue sky. A hint of neighboring houses suggests a harmonious community, adding depth to the composition.
The photograph employs a straightforward, eye-level perspective that lends an honest depiction of suburban life. The composition follows a balanced rule of thirds, with the central tree and door positioned thoughtfully. The diagonal line created by the sloping street guides the viewer’s eye deeper into the frame, creating a sense of movement within a static image. The color palette is soft yet effective, harmonizing natural and architectural elements effortlessly. What stands out is the peaceful ambiance and clarity in showcasing everyday beauty. However, the image could benefit from slightly richer contrasts to add depth, particularly in the shadows, which are somewhat washed out in the bright light. The overall composition captures a moment of calm and the essence of residential charm flawlessly.
