May 31, 2023

The Systems Within Us

A quick look at the physics engine behind the new The Legend of Zelda game — and how difficult it is to perfect our own emotional systems.

April 28, 2023

It’s the Anticipation that Kills You

I’m giving a talk next week and I’m endlessly nervous. So here are some thoughts on anxiety and relief during the presentation process.

March 31, 2023

The Things I Don’t Remember

It’s a common podcast question: “When was the first time you … “ and then on and on. But, for the life of me, I can’t remember details like that — and I often wonder if that matters or not.

February 28, 2023

Seeing the Past (Through Two New Lenses)

In which the author wrings his hands over being old, when in fact he’s not old at all, really. Also, in which the author writes about how the passage of time shows its head in chunks and touchpoints, rather than in a straight line.

January 31, 2023

An Approximation of Art

A personal frustration with the concept of AI-created art and writing, with a short interlude about high school show choir.

December 31, 2022

About That Time I Got Stuck in the Snow

I got stuck in the snow this month, becuase I didn’t know how my car worked. You can use this as whatever kind of metaphor you need at this moment.

November 29, 2022

It Snowed, and I’m Trying to Write a Book

A week of opposites — from a sunny cruise to a weekday snowstorm — leads to some deep consideration of what “waiting for inspiration” really means.

October 31, 2022

Returning Over and Over Again

An old small engine shop, the difficulty of trying to recapture the past, and the peace that comes from routine.

September 30, 2022

The Expectations We Create

A quick story about seeing Wilco for the third time gives way to thoughts on the expectations we place on our kids.

August 30, 2022

On Demystifying Our Lives

A few thoughts on demystifying things in our everyday lives, from our jobs to the music we listen to, and how that removes our own internal barriers.