Ask Microsoft Paint CoCreator to draw a "human male reproductive organ" and you'll get something like this.

A group watches the surfers in the heavy surf south of Bird Rock. Photo looks south toward Point Loma/Ocean Beach. I asked a surfer returning to the shore how it was out there. He said "exhausting."

Flying out from San Diego to DAL for the total eclipse with family living in Little Elm. Southwest sees us coming... . Airfares around the event are seriously jacked. It's almost like they're in it for the money.

Near the lifeguard station, 17 December 2023.

Sculpted and painted iguana carving, cut into a tree stump, at Del Mar secret spot.

The "Star of India," the oldest active sailing ship, sails into San Diego Harbor on the occasion of its 160th birthday. After a five-year activity pause, the ship set sail on a small ocean-going expedition, celebrated by the San Diego Maritime Museum.

Saw this at Vons today. The corporate beancounters at the Union-Tribune's new corporate overlords did the math and decided a fractional percent of expenses could be saved with a new, smaller print edition. Looks like the "Weekly Reader" from my childhood memories. Not sure whether to be amused, embarrassed or horrified. They should just take it out behind the barn and shoot it in the head.

They call her the little girl on a big journey. Little Amal is the 12 foot puppet of a 10 year old Syrian refugee child. She is a global symbol of human rights, especially those of child refugees. For the last few weeks, she has traveled more than 9,000 miles: 40 cities from coast to coast in the US, and 7 cities in Mexico at over 100 public events. Wherever she goes, she draws a crowd, and San Diego was no exception. Since July 2021, Amal has visited 14 countries and been welcomed by more than a million people on the street, including hundreds of artists and civil society and faith leaders, as well as by tens of millions online. Her journeys are festivals of art, music and hope that draw attention to the huge numbers of children fleeing war, violence and persecution. More at walkwithamal.org

The guys next door are driving an all-electric fun car: the Moke. This thing maxes out at about 25 mph. I don't think you'll see it on the freeway, but these guys will be patrolling Mission Beach in what they hope will be a chick magnet, or so they tell me...

Well, if I ever need to find a place to shower Boomers with derision, this must be the place. Actually, I am 3 months shy of being 66, live in California and love it, retired from an IT-ish job, own my home free and clear, not a friend of FB or Reddit, etc., and was looking for some kindred older (or younger) spirits. This ain't the place...

...in front of the Otto Center, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park.

Enormous 8' x 18' tile mural on the facade of the Automotive museum in Balboa Park. Artists Richard Keit and Mary Kennedy of RTK Studios in Ojai. Nice work.

We can argue for hours about the quality of the local news organization of record, the San Diego Union-Tribune. Especially after its recent purchase by a news conglomerate. But put that aside: today the U-T offers its annual Community Almanac. The site is paywalled, so you're not reading it for free online. It's not worth viewing on a mobile screen as it's formatted for print-first. Works pretty well on a big desktop screen, but I'd advise you to pay for the print edition. Get a paper copy today while they're still on the rack. :: The special edition is a stand-alone broadside, featuring detailed info on local Hiking, Camping & Outdoors, Dining, Local Murals, Theaters, Museums, Balboa Park, Beaches, and Birding. What's especially interesting is the inclusion of soft and hard data/photos on 91 local communities. Worth picking up a copy.

SeaWorld is facing two major lawsuits over unpaid bills, including a $12 million suit from the city of San Diego for unpaid rent and a $10 million suit from Sesame Workshop for unpaid licensing fees related to Sesame Street characters at its parks. SeaWorld has struggled financially since the pandemic shut down its parks in 2020. The company argues it shouldn't have to pay full price due to the unprecedented situation. However, the city and Sesame Workshop seem unwilling to cut SeaWorld slack. Considering SeaWorld recently tried to acquire Cedar Fair, it likely has the cash but doesn't want to pay. The outcome of the lawsuits will determine if courts agree the pandemic warrants reduced payments. With over $20 million at stake, the results could significantly impact SeaWorld's finances going forward.

https://www.cinemablend.com/theme-parks/seaworld-financial-trouble-second-lawsuit-unpaid-bills-sesame-street

Took the bike out to circumnavigate west Mission Bay. Rounding the bend at South Mission Beach there was a riot of volleyball nets and players. Made my way past Belmont Park on the Boardwalk heading north. Caught a super-clear sunset at Lido Ct., with a green flash coda. Life is good.

I have undying love for this commercial bit.

The Surfliner heading south past Del Mar just before sunset.

Nope. San Diego Zoo. Early each morning, just after the park opens, a dive team goes into the big tank at the bottom of Africa Rocks and cleans the glass from the inside. The zoo is a big place, and the upkeep is daunting.