Fall 2021 Writing Setup

Last year, I wrote about my writing setup. It involved a few different apps, and while I had a comprehensive process laid out, I just didn’t get myself to follow it consistently. I stopped using Ulysses, and went back to writing on whatever text editor happened to be available, or typing a quick post directly into my blog CMS. It was rather chaotic, so I’m looking to compromise this year. ...

October 11, 2021 · 5 min · 885 words · Mark Richard

Creative Powerhouse Device

With my Season of Creativity in full-swing, and some potential projects for next year circulating in my brain, I’m thinking more carefully about how I set up my devices. For example, I’ve been working on creating a “work phone” for myself, which I eventually managed by activating separate users on my Android phone. I like this separation of devices, so I’m considering how to setup a creative projects device. Thanks to an older MacBook holding its value surprisingly well, I have enough trade-in value for the newest 11" iPad Pro to take on this new role in my life. ...

October 4, 2021 · 2 min · 385 words · Mark Richard

I Love Limericks

Something so pure and so true As a limerick spun out of the blue, Will always leave me Feeling ever so free That I can’t help but share it with you. ...

September 27, 2021 · 1 min · 140 words · Mark Richard

2021 Road Trip in Three Pictures

In what is now dangerously close to becoming an annual occurrence, I drove back to Minnesota a couple weeks ago. That trip, while exciting because I got to see some friends, did not generate particularly interesting stories. However, the first day driving back to California is vying for the largest rollercoaster of a day I’ve had during a road trip. Let’s explore. ...

September 20, 2021 · 4 min · 643 words · Mark Richard

Dangers of Mathematical Rules

Do you remember when you first learned how to round numbers? For example, to round 687 to the nearest hundred, we notice it’s between 600 and 700. Since 687 is closer to 700 than it is to 600, we round up to 700. Maybe you even learned a rule: Look at the digit to the right of the one you’re rounding. If it’s 5 or greater, round up. If it’s 4 or less, round down. Rules can be good, but they can also be dangerous. ...

September 13, 2021 · 3 min · 541 words · Mark Richard

Season of Creativity

As I discussed in my yearly theme check-in a couple of weeks ago, I’ve essentially wrapped up my Year of Transition, and am looking at starting a seasonal theme. I’ve decided to go with the one mentioned in that post: Season of Creativity. ...

September 3, 2021 · 2 min · 248 words · Mark Richard

Organization At Work

Follow me through a brief journey of how I kept track of projects at work over the last year or so. It’s been a doozy. ...

August 30, 2021 · 3 min · 503 words · Mark Richard

Year of Transition Check-in

I denoted this year as the Year of Transition. The overall goal was to look forward to, and make the most of, moving to a new city. Along with that came a change in my position at work, and continued adjustments to my lifestyle as the pandemic took its course. But it might be time to transition to a new theme. ...

August 23, 2021 · 2 min · 342 words · Mark Richard

Tin Can Bros

I recently discovered the Tin Can Bros, which I would consider an offshoot from StarKid Productions, the makers of, among other things, A Very Potter Musical. It’s exciting to come across more genuinely hilarious musical theater. I’m no musical buff, but I enjoy comedy with a modern twist. Anything by either group is worth a watch. They remind me very much of what my friend Tim Radermacher’s style, and I love having more of that in my life. And if you’re not a fan of musicals, check out their Wayward Guide video series.

August 17, 2021 · 1 min · 93 words · Mark Richard

Goals of Tutoring

As I mentioned last month, I started work with Step Up Tutoring {{LINK}}. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know my student, and it’s been a rewarding experience already. I really believe in this group that I’m working with, so I’ve volunteered my time to help them work on pedagogy and curriculum, with the goal of creating an easy way for their tutors to put together the best sessions possible for their students. ...

August 10, 2021 · 2 min · 345 words · Mark Richard