Me, to Alexa tech support: "I'm trying to configure (FEATURE) as described on your web page, but there's an error. The link you reference isn't on the page as stated."   I then go about my business, subsequently finding the link two pages further in. I get the feature configured and tested.   Then I… Continue reading

Is it just me?   I find video learning to be exponentially more difficult when the presenter has an accent or a poor presentation style. I'm trying to learn a new concept. The need to also place many brain cells on the problem of understanding their _words_ plus get past the hems and haws and… Continue reading

A long time ago in a university far, far away (Maryland, USA)…   I was a Microbiology grad student who wanted to do a thesis project that used computer applications to biology. I was told that computer applications to biology weren't "here yet". To this I replied, "They are in California… and England." I was… Continue reading

I have been looking for work. Specifically, I have been applying for various technical writing or editing positions, primarily contract or long-term remote. The process tends to go like this: I see a job posting that looks interesting (or, alternatively), I get email from a recruiter / sourcing agency. I respond with a cover letter… Continue reading

I have decided that I no longer believe in calories. I believe in the definition, of course, thats indisputable. But what does it have to do with food? A calorie, scientifically speaking, is a unit that is used to measure energy. One calorie is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1… Continue reading

"Have you ever woken up from one of your dreams and thought “WTF was that?” Well, yeah. Most mornings… I read an article a couple of days ago: What You Should Know About Your Dreams. There were several points about it that I took issue with, starting with the first item: "You don’t walk in… Continue reading

"Ask", advises the wise old sage. "'No', you've already got!" Unfortunately, the 'No' you've got is a softer, gentler 'no'. If you don't ask, there's still the possibility that perhaps, just maybe, a 'no' could become 'yes'. Once you've asked… once you've received a firm, real-world 'No', that avenue is closed. "Fear causes hesitation and… Continue reading