OB Rag

 Only one thing can save us from predatory AIs: our own data

by John Robb and Jacob Siegel / Tablet / Sept. 25, 2023

As Hollywood recycles comic book remakes with funding from China, the once-great cultural capital appears to be in a state of steep decline. But in one area, at least, the movie industry is offering a bold and inspiring vision for the future. The writers and actors who went on strike to prevent studio owners from using artificial intelligence (AI) to exploit and expropriate their work are on the front lines of a new data war triggered by the explosive growth of AI. This past July, Fran Drescher, former star of the popular sitcom The Nanny, and now president of the SAG-AFTRA union,

This awe inspiring video, Our Beautiful and Dangerous Sunset Cliffs, by Charles Landon is a must see.

Original music by Phil Rockhold.

Beginning today, Friday, September 29, OB Rag administrators will enforce the Comment Policy that has been on the books since 2010. We hope this will keep out the trolls. Commenters who’ve been making comments here for weeks, months or longer will not be affected.

Hundreds of ocean lovers and beach enthusiasts from throughout San Diego County are invited to make a statement in support of clean water at Surfrider Foundation San Diego County’s 31st Annual Paddle for Clean Water.

This year, the Paddle will focus on the border pollution crisis and Surfrider’s ongoing advocacy through the Clean Border Water Now program.

Now that the racist, hate-fueled attack against 3 African-American young men by a mob of local Hells Angels in OB back in early June has made national news (MSN, The Hill), several questions continue to linger.

Mainly, why weren’t the racist and hate crime elements of this vicious incident disclosed by law enforcement, the police or the press?

During the Monday, Sept 25 news conference splash announcing the indictments against 17 Hells Angels members and supporters, District Attorney Summer Stephan made this statement:

“In San Diego County, we cannot and will not tolerate violence and racism of any nature, “

When local NBC reporter Omar Fleming asked Rev. Trudy Robinson, lead pastor at First United Methodist Church, about their closing of Water’s Edge in OB, she had some very interesting things to say.

First United is the parent church to Water’s Edge and has decided to shut down the Ocean Beach sanctuary and sell off the building complex ostensibly for affordable housing. There’s also a duplex next door to Water’s Edge that will also be sold.

Fleming brought up the closure of the site, which includes the large chapel, an attached annex and a 2-story building. But Rev. Robinson downplayed the shuttering of the complex and stated:

by Ernie McCray

When I think of one thing
that one thing,
especially if it’s something
that makes me cringe,
leads me to think
of something a bit more promising.
I mean,
for example,
when I think about
climate change,
my mind sets in motion
dreams of gentle rains
or if the thought is about
the armed conflict in Ukraine
I wish war,
like old soldiers,
would just slowly fadeaway

By William Suphan / Only In Your State / September 22, 2023

San Diego is often ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in America, with good reason. Lush hills, sprawling canyons, and lovely beaches make it a gorgeous tapestry of nature and culture, especially with old Spanish-style architecture dotted throughout and many old neighborhoods where the houses have a whimsical, funky character.

If you want the essence of this city Ocean Beach in San Diego is where to find it.

By Charis Johnston / LomaBeat.com / Sept. 20, 2023

Warning: The following contains spoilers for “Barbie”

Among the millions of moviegoers who attended a screening of director Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” were Point Loma Nazarene University political science professors Lindsey Lupo, Amy Nantkes and Linda Beail. The three viewed the record-breaking film together on July 25.

“The fact that Greta Gerwig is now the first woman director to have a billion dollar movie is so huge; it’s just incredibly important,” said Linda Beail, professor of political science

By Geoff Page

While driving through the Sports Arena area in late February of this year, this writer noticed that a large stand of very big trees that once graced the east side of the Dixieline lumber building were gone. It has taken until now to drag the story of what happened out of the city and its property manager.

This stand of trees was removed because the Midway homeless were camping out under them. The tree canopy was extensive providing shade and probably protection from the rain. The misguided solution to the homeless camp was to kill this big stand of trees that were benefiting us all, without asking any of us.