That moment when you're logging into a table read of #RUR (Rossum's Universal Robots), the 1920s Czech play that invented the "robot rebellion" SF trope, and and you see this…

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How’s newsgathering during COVID-19 at the state level? Depends on the governor.

Journalists covering state responses to the coronavirus pandemic are hampered as officials reduce seating in briefing rooms, introduce unreliable technology and, in some cases, refuse real-time questions. Governors have also seemingly used the crisis to retaliate for critical coverage, blocking access or reducing press pools to friendlier outlets. But some state governments have pivoted with more…

In April 2000, I was blogging about HTML frames, the future of reading, grammar, Kairos, and Hypercard

In April 2000, I was blogging about… HTML frames (who remembers how much they sucked?) The sorry state of web design (AskTog) The future of reading “Rules grammar change: English traditional replace to be new syntax with” (The Onion) Journalism students who don’t read or watch journalism A design critique I published in the innovative…

Wide-angle view of a villain’s secret lair. #blender3d

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The Coronavirus Is Rewriting Our Imaginations

Possibly, in a few months, we’ll return to some version of the old normal. But this spring won’t be forgotten. When later shocks strike global civilization, we’ll remember how we behaved this time, and how it worked. It’s not that the coronavirus is a dress rehearsal—it’s too deadly for that. But it is the first of many calamities that will likely unfold throughout this century. Now, when they come, we’ll be familiar with how they feel.

World Press Freedom Day. (Don’t take the free press for granted. Journalists are not the enemy. Unless you are tyrant whose rule depends upon feeding misinformation to the public. In which case, yes, a free press is your enemy.)

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Intagrate Lite Plugin Problems

I’ve been using the Intagrate Lite WordPress plugin, which creates a new WordPress blog entry out of every photo I post to Instagram. A few months ago the plugin stopped working, but recently the developer updated it. I’ve noticed that I frequently have to refresh my connection between Instagram and WordPress, by logging in to…

Loved part 2 of Romeo and Juliet @thepublicpgh #pptplaytime (Next week: Tartuffe)

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My current Zoom backdrop. #blender3d #partylikeaprof

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“Oh, that I were a glove upon that hand. That I might touch that cheek!” #pptplaytime Romeo and Juliet @thepublicpgh

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Look at the adorable little tape casette. Adventure International / Scott Adams Inc. spoke at a University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire English Festival event, may 2001.

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Lounge area of a steampunk villain’s lair. Still needs a light fixture or two. #blender3d

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Here’s some good writing from The New Yorker: “Seattle’s Leaders Let Scientists Take the Lead. New York’s Did Not”

If you think of science like the multiple-choice quizzes in a high school science class, where there’s exactly one correct answer that your teacher knows in advance, then watching science happen in real time can be confusing. Especially when it mixes up with politics, business, and human stubbornness. If socially disruptive anti-virus actions work, they…

Fight choreography via teleconference. As You Like It @steelcityshakespeare

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Fake News Can Be Deadly. Here’s How To Spot It

We are all vectors by which fake news can spread. That means you and I can make things better for everyone if we practice information hygiene. Don’t share the meme that has a screenshot of a headline until you’ve Googled for that headline and read the story for yourself. If you won’t listen to me,…

It’s reckless and dangerous for a leader with a habit of doubling down in the face of criticism to brainstorm that wildly on coronavirus treaments

Today my Facebook feed featured memes that mocked Trump for telling people to drink bleach, pour it into their bodily orifices, etc. He did say some reckless things, but Donald Trump did *not* suggest that people inject bleach, drink disinfectant, or expose their bodily orifices to sunlight. An opinion on the president is more valuable if…

Part II of the Mon Valley Medium was a powerful experience. Funny and painful. @thepublicpgh #pptplaytime Looking forward to Romeo and Juliet next week.

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Loved part 1 of Alec Silverblatt's Mon Valley Medium. Part 2 tomorrow at 7. #pptplaytime

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What’s My Cue? Let’s Talk Shakesepare with Andy Kirtland Virtural #Britsburgh

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What Each Side of the COVID-19 Debate Should Understand About the Other

I’m very conscious that my lockdown experience has been fairly smooth. I’m teaching two classes right now, versions of which I have already taught online. At home, my nuclear family is getting restless and bored, but we’re busy and productive. Yesterday afternoon I went for a walk with my son in our quiet little suburb.…