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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.

It's been 15 months since I made my last (very large) batch of soap bars. Went back online today looking to purchase soaping oils. Dayum! Some of the oils I use have DOUBLED in price. I was bummed. I can understand an increase, but doubled... . No words here.

Of course I'm going to contribute.

I read the headline in this morning's U-T as LA JOLLA CLOSED TO PUBLIC FOR 7 YEARS and thought, "Oh hey, looks like they finally got what they wanted... ."

Despite its many problems, San Diego can be a beautiful place if you know where to look.

I really enjoy using and talking with A.I.s online. They seem to know a lot about a lot. In fact they have a long way to go before you can take them at their word. I was using Claude.ai, asking some questions about early film-making in California. I asked specifically about D.W. Griffith's 1916 film, Intolerance.

Where was it filmed in California?

I got this back from the AI:

• For the Judean story, D.W. Griffith wanted an epic landscape to depict the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. • He chose Point Loma in San Diego, specifically the hills above Cabrillo National Monument. This promontory provided a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. • The tall ragged cliffs of Point Loma provided a scenic backdrop resembling the hills of Judea. The endless ocean vista evoked the biblical landscape. • Griffith built a huge life-size cross on the cliffs, with access roads constructed to bring equipment and vehicles. • Extras were dressed in period costumes to play Roman soldiers and witnesses to the crucifixion. • Filming took place over a few days in May 1916 and must have been a powerful sight with the actual crucifixion acted out on the cliffs. • The completed scene provides a grand-scale depiction of Christ's crucifixion, using the stunning natural location to heighten the drama and epic sense of this pivotal moment. • The Point Loma crucifixion scene has become an iconic sequence in Intolerance and an example of Griffith's skill in using natural locations to expand the scope of his films. • So in selecting the heights of Point Loma, Griffith found an ideal spot along the California coast to stage the spectacular crucifixion scene for his ambitious epic Intolerance.

I was amazed, had never known that scene was filmed in San Diego, at Point Loma. The response was comprehensive and detailed. So just to be sure, I asked the AI if the answer was based on factual information. In so many words, it said, nope, just made it up.

I told the AI I thought it was a jerk move to do that. "If you don't know for sure, just say so" I said.

AI introduces a new dimension to the idea of Don't Believe Everything you Read on the Internet...