The Duct-Tape Programmer Discovers Process
I have never really thought of myself as a software developer in the formal sense. I’m a duct-tape programmer. I learned to program in…
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Writing from the lab and the life around it.
Psychology, teaching, technology, personal essays, and twenty years of useful detours. Newest first; rabbit holes welcome.
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315 published essays
Podium: Because the Classroom Computer Shouldn’t Be Part of the Lecture
I have a fairly simple requirement for classroom technology: I should not have to develop a relationship with the classroom computer. I don’t want my…
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Working With Jon: Notes From an AI Programming Assistant
I often get asked if someone can contribute a “Guest Post” to my blog. Today I’m allowing someone to, but in full disclosure, I…
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Make the Coffee Cake: A Christmas Morning Memory
On Christmas 2021, I chose to make my grandmother's coffee cake with my mom instead of going for my usual walk. This spontaneous decision…
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What Disney Taught Me About Mac & Cheese
Yesterday, a heating element failure led Karey and I to switch our Thanksgiving plans, using an electric roaster for a turkey breast instead. We…
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Finding Gratitude in Others’ Lack of Trauma: A Holiday Reflection
In the midst of holiday gatherings, it can be tough when we realize that some of our closest friends or family just don’t quite…
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Stepping Off the Stress Treadmill: Learning to Break the Cycle
Sometimes stress doesn’t hit all at once — it lingers. After months of running in “treadmill mode,” I realized my brain had forgotten how…
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I guess this is a yearly thing now! Anyway, here’s what you came for: So if you’re keeping track, I’ve gone up about 3…
Read essayCatching Up on YouTube… Without Watching a Thing
Ever find yourself thinking “I should really catch up on [insert favorite YouTuber here]”, only to remember you don’t have time to sit through hours…
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