How can a nostalgic, branching-path story-game encourage my 100-level journalism students take risks and learn from their mistakes? Using the ChoiceScript programming language, which features a robust stats system that can remember and respond to player choices, I coded up a “writing your first news story for the student paper” scenario, which unfolds as a…
I was approached on LinkedIn with the opportunity to work to help train an AI, for an hourly wage that’s much higher than I would get for teaching an extra class at my university. I thought about it. I told myself it would help me do my job better if I have a clear sense…
Support the humans who make art in your community. Death of a Salesman. #wirerecorderlife #fountainpenlife #howdotheywhipcheese #nobodydastblamethisman #bernardwormrising Similar:Ugh. Unmarked items waiting for me as I start to recover from an illness.PersonalSame photo, two different interpretations.This is why I spend time teaching my jou…PersonalI wish I could credit the designer. This is brilliant.PersonalIn February 2000,…
Beautiful set. Support the humans who do arts in your community (instead of settling for AI sludge.) Similar:Why do academics dress so badly? (Answer: they are too happy)I used to wear a suit and tie when I tau…AcademiaStar Trek Beyond was an enjoyable nerdy family outing.PersonalFriend I hadn't seen for about 20 years delivers a…
Vibing to a park saxophonist as I code for an upcoming conference presentation, and wait to see The Coffin Maker. A neighbor is sending some distinctly fruity smoke my way. Similar:Those shoggoths hacked from lungs unspeakable1) Last night, I’m fairly certain some …AmusingFor God's sake John, sit down!CultureComputers and Writing 2020 Funding Request: SubmittedMy contributions…
Details for a modular mid-range scoutship, from the #steampunk #neovictorian bedtime stories I used to tell my now-adult children. #blender3d Similar:Cursor*10Great free Flash game, emulated at the I…AestheticsIn November 1999, I was blogging about books, camomile tea and Skylon 4, the death of Star…In November 1999, I was blogging about …CyberculturePop Culture Showdown with My…
Proper commenting is an important part of coding any project, especially in an educational context. #ChoiceScript #journalism Similar:One hundred years ago, Czech writer Karel Čapek introduced the world to the word “Robot”PersonalOn this date in 1999 I first added a date to the list of web links I had been curating. (T…On this date in…
My basement dehumidifier was flashing an error code. YouTube had a tutorial with a possible fix. The thing is running now. Waiting to see whether the error returns. Similar:Refreshing my memory of working with reel-to-reel tape as a radio news intern (c. 1989).HistoryAdded multiple swappable upper storeys. Next I will make slightly fewer variations of…
Joel Lipton, 10 years old at the time, wrote to Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz. Fast-forward to this past February, when Lipton and his wife were cleaning out their closet. […] “Dear Joel,” the letter reads. “I think it is more difficult these days to define what makes a good citizen then it has ever been…
Apple has apologized, but like writer Peter C. Baker, I’m not quite ready to let go of that really horrifying ad depicting a roomful of beautifully displayed musical instruments, sound gear, art supplies, and even toys being slowly squashed by a huge hydraulic press (ostensibly to highlight the creative potential of the latest iPad). Picture…
I’m very amused at this nerdy news story about some tension between a judge who asks for legible documents and a lawyer who files documents with flasher typography. While I recognize that language changes and the distinction between “font” and “typeface” is unimportant to the general public, I teach my journalism students that historically…
This friendly gangster was parked at WalMart in Johnstown yesterday. Similar:Coming of Age (TNG Rewatch: Season 1, Episode 18)Rewatching ST:TNG A character-heavy e…MediaKirk's manly, sensitive advice to young CharlieIn popular culture, Captain Kirk from th…CultureThe Xplor Store: The Forgotten Carnegie Science Center Exhibit? (Guest Post by Leigh Jerz…The other day, my wife suggested a Carne…BooksBlender…
It’s unlikely to be at the forefront of the former president’s mind as he reflects on the verdict, but one immediate consequence is that Trump will probably lose the honorific title of “Mr” in the news pages of the UK’s Daily Telegraph. The Telegraph’s style guide states: “Defendants in criminal court cases … are to be referred…
Frog and Toad at the Mountain Playhouse with the daughter. Similar:I am happy with how this turned out. My mother told me about this story when I was little,…PersonalSpring 2024 Grades: SubmittedSpring 2024 Grades: SubmittedPersonalThe boy tied for second place in Saturday's Monroeville Chess Club tournament.Peter was the lowest-ranked player to en…GamesBusy with Midterm GradesPosted…
She’s wearing a shirt with a frog. We are in town to see the Frog and Toad musical. This seemed logical. Similar:"Godspell" is sure to entertain audiences of all ages and faithsThat’s me in the white shirt, with a tie…CultureMy brother set my parents up for a Mother's Day video call.AmusingEverything is beautiful at the…
At the Johnstown Flood Museum. (May 31 1889 the neglected dam at the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club broke, unleashing devastation on the valley below.) Similar:The girl is the Dew Drop Fairy in @laurelballetperformingco The Nutcracker Saturday evenin…PersonalFor News Outlets Squeezed From the Middle, It’s Bend or BustHundreds of thousands of people on Faceb…BusinessAnother…
Your first #blender3d retractable #steampunk landing wheels will be your worst. But you have to start somewhere. Similar:Man of the People (#StarTrek #TNG Rewatch, Season 6, Episode 3) When a tranquil envoy make…Rewatching ST:TNG Called to the aid o…EmpathyFacebook Announces $300 Million Project, Allegedly to Support Local JournalismOnce upon a time, local newspapers could…BusinessRUN. HIDE.…
My contribution to WAOB Audio Theatre’s plan to record all the proverbs. Similar:And yes, that's her picture in the program (from the PPT Shakespeare contest).At PPT’s The Diary of Anne Frank. …CultureLaying out our anti-socialization defenses & cleaning out the penitence shack for anot…Visiting Fort Ligonier. When the girl…CultureI am slightly ahead of the boy.…
Already facing scandal, the Washington Post‘s new-ish CEO and publisher, Will Lewis, has announced that the newspaper will be pivoting to artificial intelligence to turn around its dismal financial situation. […] The paper’s chief technology officer, meanwhile, announced to staffers that going forward, WaPo is to have “AI everywhere in our newsroom,” according to Tani. It’s unclear,…
Three different sized buildings. Still working on variations for the biggest one. #blender3d #medievalyork #mysteryplay Similar:An unreal Mars skylineThat awesome image showing Earth, Venus …AestheticsI had a blue checked shirt in my hand this morning, but she nailed the khaki pants.PersonalOkay, freshly downloaded app…Okay, freshly downloaded app, If you are…CybercultureMy wife Leigh will direct the small-cast…