Tag: Galaxy S25 Ultra

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Adventures in Anthropomorphism

We the people crave relationships, including inanimate objects that are given human characteristics (e.g. anthropomorphizing) so that there is something shared in common—something familiar, relatable.

Take the Featured Image as example. One of my neighbors ever-so-slightly adorned a cactus with eyes, making meaning in the process. The taller cacti suddenly is an adult—let’s say single parent—standing alongside a shy youngster. Maybe someone else sees a shaggy little dog instead. Regardless, some story suddenly emerges where before there was nothing more than two cacti.

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The Cats of University Heights: KitKat

I may not have the spelling right—two words or perhaps “C” instead of “K”—but the name is correct. This forlorn little thing came to her current owner quite unexpectedly about three years ago. A young man and woman came by looking for the, ah, pet parent after witnessing some beastly human kicking the cat in the face, injuring her jaw and breaking considerable number of teeth.

They were going to drive the wounded cat to San Diego Humane Society but instead left her behind. The couple had come to the home of an animal lover. She puts out food for stray cats, possums, skunks, squirrels, crows, and other birds. She once rescued a snake whose tail got crushed by a car. She nursed it back to health and had it released six months later. She likewise cared for KitKat (and had help from a relative who is a veterinarian).

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Better Off Dead

I am a big fan of repurposing. Take that thing and use it another way. Even when buying something new, I look first for multi-purpose uses. What else can this thang be used for?

But I don’t know about this! I see the rationale, though, and can’t argue with it. One of my neighbors repurposed his Halloween decorations for Christmas. The Featured Image and companion tell the story.

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Well, Hello, Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

FedEx delivered quite the prize yesterday afternoon: a phone I have long contemplated trying out. As you can see from the Featured Image: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Testing starts tomorrow; I dedicated today to setup.

By the way, manufacturers and retailers are offering some surprising enticing deals on the device, for the holidays—and most expire soon. Full selling price is $1,199 for the 256GB variant. Best Buy and Google currently discount to $899 and Amazon to $849. AT&T and Verizon claim $0 per month, based on bill credits spread out over three years. But there are conditions, like trade-in device, new line of service, or correct rate plan. What’s that saying? If it’s too good to be true…

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When Size Doesn’t Matter

This morning, I delivered food and packages to our daughter, then took her out for some Better Buzz. Just as I was about to drive off, she insisted on giving me an apple—the tastiest she had ever eaten—purchased from Ocean Beach People’s Food Co-op. She promised big taste, so I was shocked by the small size.

The Featured Image gives perspective. I don’t know the variety of the fruit but placed alongside a Gala you can see just how diminutive the apple is. We’re talking bite size and not really big enough to share. My wife did the honors, and she confirmed the remarkably big flavor.

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The Cats of University Heights: Peppers

Meet the last remaining member of a small community cat colony. The oldest two, an abandoned bonded pair living in the alley for at least six years, are absent. Floyd found his way to foster care about a year ago for health reasons. He was adopted earlier this month.

Jingle was left behind with Pops, who was also recently adopted, a sadly emotional debonding. Turns out that Floyd’s new owner would like a second cat, which could be Jingle. Problem: He hasn’t been seen since November 8. One possible reason: The property that the cats claimed as territory is in the early stages of a disruptive renovation, following the death of the homeowner.

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Makeshift Food Bank

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history means millions of people are not receiving federal funds for basics—you know, things like food. People employed by Uncle Sam are either furloughed or working without pay (and delayed only, hopefully). Don’t get me going about families who count on SNAP benefits and won’t receive them for November.

To the Congress, I say this: Do your job! Pass a damn budget. Stop pissing away days whining over line items like expiring subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. Agree to punt! Fund the damn government for X number of days and fight among yourselves meantime about a final budget. Don’t punish people while you bicker like kids in the schoolyard or, worse, an angry soon-to-be-divorced couple gouging one another in spiteful rages over splitting assets (or assigning child custody).

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The Cats of University Heights: Brim

We briefly step back from the backlog and present the one-hundred-fortieth feline found behind door or window. Nickname Brim, this handsome kitty lives somewhere along Panorama Drive. Date: Oct. 19, 2025.

The Featured Image comes from Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Vitals: f/3.4, ISO 80, 1/2000, (synthetic) 230mm (digital and optical zoom); 10:08 a.m. PDT.

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This Use to Be Grass

The homeless are increasingly pariahs, across San Diego County. The public policy is discourage and displace, rather than meaningfully address fundamental causes. The Featured Image and companion reveal one tactic: Piling jagged rocks where until recently there was grass, punctuated by shrub-like trees.

But the homeless would somewhat frequently hangout or campout on the grass. Honestly, the rocks are more unsightly than the homeless tents. Grass is great! We need more. The city destroys a lovely green space to deter the so-called unhoused? Solve the problem! Don’t create one as band-aid for another. The rocks look weird, and they are weapons. Lots of damage can be done with rocks like these.

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Larger Than Life

Halloween may be over—and Day of the Dead with it—but I have one seasonal yard decoration to share, as you can see from the Featured Image and companion. There is no optical illusion here. The skeleton really is giant size.

Both photos come from Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on Oct. 30, 2025. Vitals, first: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/1600 sec. 70mm (film equivalent); 10 a.m. PDT. Vitals, other: f/1.7, ISO 50, 1/500 sec, 115mm (film equivalent); 10:01 a.m.

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The Cats of University Heights: Batman

This fine feline doesn’t dress up for Halloween. His black coat and witchy allure are already perfect—and his name is appropriate for the day of cosplaying: Batman. Well, it’s on his collar tag.

I first encountered Batman at 8:52 p.m. PDT on Sept. 23, 2025. But he was so engaging and seeking of pats that I couldn’t get a full-face view; night shot required him to be still, too. I encountered him once more around two days later in late afternoon.