By Robert Ellison. Updated on Thursday, December 26, 2019.
My favorite proposition would be one to do away with propositions altogether. We need Legislative Service instead. But there is an election on Tuesday and a fresh slate of propositions for California and San Francisco that need to be decided. My thoughts on the statewide propositions are:
30: TEMPORARY TAXES TO FUND EDUCATION. GUARANTEED LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY FUNDING. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Yes, grudgingly. I hate that Governor Brown has a knife to our throats on this one. If it passes then we get $6 billion of extra annual revenue, largely for education. If it fails then because the revenue is already in the budget we’re looking at further evisceration. The sales tax component is regressive, I prefer proposition 38’s more balanced income tax increases across the board. I actually like that the proposition 30 money hits the general fund – I hate measures that earmark money so specifically that there is no room for maneuver. So yes on 30 and no on 38.
The arguments against proposition 30 seem to be that it isn’t specifically earmarked (which I see as a plus) and that we shouldn’t be raising more money for education and public safety while also building out high speed rail. But as the 8th largest economy in the world California should be able to mange to improve public transport and education at the same time. Both are critical to long term growth and prosperity. There is also the argument that you can’t trust government with any money or decisions and that any problem can be handled by just reducing ‘waste’. I don’t really buy that and if you do you might be better off somewhere like Nevada.
31: STATE BUDGET. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTION AMENDENT AND STATUTE.
No. ‘Local Action Plans’ would allow local government to circumvent state laws and this doesn’t seem like a great idea. Allowing the Governor to make budget cuts without the state legislature smells bad as well. Publishing bills in advance of a vote to help prevent pet projects and pork from being stuffed in sounds good, I wish it had been included as a separate proposition rather than lumped in here (in general Proposition 30 suffers from being too broad).
32: POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY PAYROLL DEDUCTION. CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
No. It’s just a naked attempt to stiff unions and further increase the corporate money stranglehold on US politics.
33: AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES. PRICES BASED ON DRIVER’S HISTORY OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
No. This allows insurance companies to offer a discount based on how long you’ve been insured with another company but also allows them to punish you for a lapse in coverage. If you choose to be without a car for more than a few months you can get a large increase in coverage. It doesn’t seem that the pros outweigh the cons here and the fact that the proposition is funded by the chairman of Mercury further tips me towards a no vote.
34: DEATH PENALTY. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Yes. I don’t care about the cost of the death penalty, or particularly in it’s effectiveness. I’m fundamentally opposed to the death penalty because I don’t think the state has any business taking life in cold blood. I also don’t think you can guarantee that you’re not executing someone who is innocent.
35: HUMAN TRAFFICKING. PENALTIES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
No. Punishment for specific offenses shouldn’t be dictated by ballot initiative. Most of these crimes are Federal anyway and so any changes in CA law would have a minor impact (KQED reports 18 offenders in CA prison for trafficking). There is a provision expanding the definition of human trafficking to include copying child pornography… sounds great but you’ll probably end up doing 15 years hard time for backing up your teenager’s phone after they’ve been sexting.
36: THREE STRIKES LAW. REPEAT FELONY OFFENDERS. PENALTIES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Yes. As the law currently stands you can get life in prison for drug possession. The US really needs to stop throwing everyone in jail. Judges should have the latitude to make the sentence fit the crime and not be automatically forced to throw away the key. This proposition makes three strikes a little more humane – I’d rather see it done away with altogether but it’s a step in the right direction.
Yes. Personally I don’t really care about eating GM food, but a lot of people care very deeply and it seems reasonable to provide this information. The main argument against is sinister special exemptions but these boil down to alcohol (not labeled the same way as food to start with) and animals that have been fed GM food but are not GM themselves.
38: TAX TO FUND EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
No. See 30, above.
39: TAX TREATMENT FOR MULTISTATE BUSINESSES. CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUNDING. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
No. I’m not really sure which way of determining how to tax multi-state businesses is best. Allowing businesses to choose which method they use doesn’t seem the right way to go. If this proposition was just about changing the tax calculation I might be in favor, but unfortunately it also funnels around half of the additional revenue to a new outfit to spend on clean energy projects over five years. As the proposition is sponsored by one hedge fund manager you’ve got to believe that there is a hedge fund posed to benefit from the extra spending.
40: REDISTRICTING. STATE SENATE DISTRICTS. REFERENDUM.
Yes. Approves the outcome of the Citizens Redistricting Commission. The backers of the proposition have withdrawn support for it (Republicans trying to throw out the new districts), it’s only on the ballot because it can’t be removed – a yes vote in this case keeps things the same.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.
Skios by Michael Frayn
4/5
Perfectly well oiled comedy of errors.
The Hydrogen Sonata (Culture, #10) by Iain M. Banks
3/5
Solid but somewhat routine Culture installment.
A Wanted Man (Jack Reacher, #17) by Lee Child
3/5
Solid Reacher installment.
Some Remarks: Essays and Other Writing by Neal Stephenson
4/5
Excellent collection of articles and a couple of short stories. Worth reading just for the Wired article on the technology and politics of submarine cables.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Thursday, November 12, 2015.
BBC News has a report today on a conference held by CERN to bring science and religion together around the origins of the universe. It has some choice quotes including:
"Science in isolation is great for producing stuff, but not so good for producing ideas"
From Andrew Pinsent, and from Canon Dr Gary Wilton that the likely discovery of the Higgs boson:
"raised lots of questions [about the origins of the Universe] that scientists alone can't answer ... They need to explore them with theologians and philosophers"
Let me get this straight.
The concept of atoms is first proposed by Demokritos in around 500 BC and realized by Dalton in 1808.
Subatomic particles are discovered in the late 19th century, followed by Rutherford's gold foil experiment in 1907 demonstrating that an atom is mostly empty space.
The Standard Model is built over decades including the proposal by Peter Higgs (and others) of the existence of the field and boson by which particles acquire mass.
An expensive and extensive search by Fermilab and CERN eventually seems to have discovered the Higgs Boson.
A few highlights.
And after hundreds of years of theoretical and experimental physics it's somehow time to turn this one over to the pros?
Another quote from the conference, this time from Prof John Lennox:
"When Hawking argues, in support of his theory of spontaneous creation, that it was only necessary for 'the blue touch paper' to be lit to 'set the universe going', the question must be: where did this blue touch paper come from? And who lit it, if not God?"
Science may never have all the answers. It may not even be possible. But it's the only way to keep pushing back the boundaries. All the theologians have to offer is that they've discovered God, just outside the current resolution of our understanding. Ad nauseam. Bugger off.
(Published to the Fediverse as:
Religion's Kayne West Tendencies #etc#science#religion#higgs Should we bring science and religion together to probe our understanding of physics or should religion just bugger off?)
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Looking down the barrel of the Ordoñez Gun at the Presidio of San Francisco.
The photograph titled "Ordoñez Gun" offers an intriguing perspective of looking down the barrel of a massive gun. The image guides the viewer's eye through the concentric rings of the barrel, drawing focus to a circular window of light at the end, which glows with an ethereal brightness. The ridged textures of the metal interior, marked by the passage of time, lead inward with a mesmerizing spiral effect, evoking both mystery and history. Light dances within the cylindrical confines, creating a subtle play of shadows and flares that accentuates the barrel’s aged, rugged surface. The overall ambiance is one of introspection, as though one is peering into the past through a tangible artifact.
This photograph employs a strong use of leading lines, with the barrel's shape naturally guiding the viewer’s gaze toward the center. The composition follows a tunnel vision effect, creating depth and engagement in its simplicity. The symmetry of the barrel enhances the focal point, making the bright light at the center more compelling. The use of natural light, causing lens flares, adds an artistic embellishment that breaks the monotony of the metal. However, while the strong light at the end serves as an effective focal point, it borders on overwhelming, potentially distracting from the intricate textures within the barrel. Nonetheless, the photograph skillfully balances technical prowess with artistic expression, delivering an aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking piece.
Photo of Bernal Heights Park as seen from Mount Davidson in San Francisco.
The photograph titled "Bernal from Davidson" captures a serene view of Bernal Hill, nestled amidst the urban sprawl and lush greenery. The hill emerges prominently, wrapped in earthy tones and topped with a modest cluster of trees, which crown its rounded peak. In the background, the expansive, shimmering waters of a bay stretch towards the horizon, reflecting a pale, atmospheric blue under the vast sky. The foreground is dominated by a canopy of pine trees, their dark foliage offering a striking contrast to the lighter hues of the hill and water. Distant cranes and ships docked along the bay hint at a port, adding an industrial touch to the landscape, while the scattered buildings speak of a vibrant city life interwoven with nature.
The photograph employs a classic landscape composition, utilizing layers to create depth and lead the viewer's eye from the foreground to the horizon. The placement of Bernal Hill centrally draws immediate attention, serving as a natural focal point. The choice of a high vantage point allows for a sweeping perspective that captures the harmonious interaction between urban and natural elements. The tonal contrast between the deep greens in the foreground and the gentle blues of the bay adds visual interest and balance. One critique might be the slight haziness in the distance, which softens the crispness of the far-off elements and could be interpreted as either a technical limitation or an artistic decision to evoke an ethereal mood. Overall, the image succeeds in presenting a tranquil yet dynamic vista, inviting viewers to ponder the coexistence of nature and urbanity.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, February 24, 2017.
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
5/5
Epic Murakami, set in a maybe-alternate-universe version of 1984. There is a definite change in tone in the third book, hard to tell if this is the story of the change in translator but the story sags slightly before picking up the pace again at the end. Even without this it's a long and sprawling book which you'll love if you like Murakami's tone and unique characterization. I'm in the love camp.
Links
Check out Field Trip on Google Play! https://t.co/EVGELuBe -- looks cool, automatically tells you when something interesting is near
Many crows form a gyre in the sky over the Presidio of San Francisco.
In the photograph titled "Crow Gyre," the viewer is greeted by a vast expanse of sky in a soft, cerulean blue that dominates the frame. Against this backdrop, a flock of crows spirals in loose formation, scattered like ink dots on a painter's canvas. The birds, rendered almost as silhouettes, convey a subtle sense of motion as they wheel and dance through the air. Their scattered arrangement suggests a natural choreography, lending the image a sense of poetic freedom. The spacing between each bird invites contemplation, drawing the eye across the canvas of sky, encouraging thoughts of open spaces and the boundless possibilities they represent.
The photograph adopts a minimalist style, embracing the simplicity of a single element set against an uncluttered background. The composition is centered yet dynamic, with the crows distributed across the frame, creating a natural balance that avoids rigidity. This open composition works well to evoke a sense of tranquility. However, while the minimalist approach is compelling, the lack of a focal point might leave some viewers searching for an anchor within the frame. The color palette is limited yet effective, accentuating the textures and shapes of the crows. Overall, the image is evocative, though enhancing contrast might deepen the details and accentuate the birds’ forms against the sky, adding further drama to this ethereal scene.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Updated September 22, 2012 to add a few more photos:
Endeavor (OV105) flying over San Francisco with her escort:
Endeavor over Alcatraz:
Endeavor making the second of two passes over the Golden Gate Bridge:
Crowd watching Endeavor at Crissy Field:
The photograph captures a majestic scene where the Space Shuttle Endeavor makes a striking passage over San Francisco, dwarfed against the iconic silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bright sky acts as a vast, serene canvas, dotted only by the small escort aircraft ensuring safe passage. The shuttle, proudly carried atop a Boeing 747, glides with a quiet dignity that contrasts beautifully with the hardy, muscular presence of the bridge’s towering pillar. The cables of the bridge create a delicate web, lending a sense of intricate artistry to this moment in time. The low-lying fog creeping in the background hints at San Francisco's famous weather, adding an ethereal layer to the composition.
The photograph utilizes a balanced composition, with the bridge pillar on the right creating a strong vertical line that anchors the dynamic movement of the shuttle. The rule of thirds is deftly applied, with the main action occurring in the upper left third, attracting the eye naturally across the image. The contrast between the shuttle’s white against the azure sky intensifies its visibility and importance, creating a sense of awe and reverence. My appreciation lies in the harmonious interplay between human engineering and natural beauty, though I feel that a slightly wider frame might have enriched the context by showing more of the bridge or the surrounding cityscape, providing a greater sense of place. Nonetheless, the photograph succeeds in capturing a moment both historic and visually captivating.
(Published to the Fediverse as:
Photos of Space Shuttle Endeavor visiting San Francisco #photo#endeavor Photos of OV105 (Space Shuttle Endeavor) visiting the San Francisco Bay Area in September 2012 before heading down to Los Angeles.)
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Get $1 off two Bounty Paper Towels, seen while watching the September 17, 2012 episode of The Daily Show on TiVo. Hard to imagine how expensive a full roll must have been.
The photograph captures a moment frozen in time on a television screen, featuring a vintage digital interface from a TiVo device. Dominating the screen is the date "September 17, 2012," set against a backdrop that appears to be an artistic rendering of the Earth, with swirling blues and blacks suggesting the planet seen from space. Below this celestial canvas, a promotion pops awkwardly to the forefront: "Get $1 off two Bounty Paper Towels." This notification is encased in a modern digital announcement bar that conceals part of the screen, humorously juxtaposing an everyday commercial offer with the grandiosity of the cosmic scene above. Below the offer, the iconic TiVo progress bar and basic controls sit quietly, confirming that this is indeed a brief glimpse back into how home media was consumed during this time.
The composition speaks to the playful clash between the mundane and the monumental. The decorative background embraces an ethereal quality, while the advertisement, encased within standard digital interface elements, asserts itself with bright, utilitarian clarity. From a compositional perspective, the photograph captures this contrast beautifully. However, what notably restricts the artistic appeal is the lack of focus and clarity in the image, with pixelation apparent and colors somewhat muted, diminishing the visual impact. Moreover, the humor and charm lie in the incongruity, as the grand backdrop is humorously undercut by a mundane paper towel offer. While the setting might not have significant artistic value, the image succeeds as a snapshot of digital nostalgia and a commentary on the commercial nature of modern media consumption.
By Robert Ellison. Updated on Thursday, November 12, 2015.
The last time we refreshed our earthquake supply kit was because of a smell. It turned out a water container had burst. This rusted most of the cans, and then the became a domestic Superfund Site.
Given the current subscription commerce trend - get a new belt shipped by FedEx every four hours - I think there's a small business or a very interesting nonprofit here.
Deliver a 10-day disaster survival kit every couple of years. Pick up the old one a few months before the food expires and donate it to a homeless shelter. Repeat until the next big one strikes and the kit is actually needed. Different levels for different family sizes, pets, special needs, etc.
As usual any of my billionaire readers who are interested in funding this should drop me a line.
(Published to the Fediverse as:
Earthquake Supply Co. #etc#lazyweb#earthquake A startup idea to deliver earthquake supply kits, refreshing regularly and donating supplies to the homeless before everything expires.)
