Writing
- AI Is Accidentally Winning the Plain Text ArgumentAI
I spent years failing to convince people that plain text workflows were the right approach. AI is now doing the convincing for me, sideways,...
- Setting Up Email in Emacs (and the Gotchas Nobody Warns You About)Emacs
A practical guide to mu4e, mbsync, and GPG credentials - including the Gmail alias case-sensitivity bug that cost me an afternoon.
- The Power of Scheduled PromptsAI
Using scheduled prompts in Perplexity and similar tools to surface relevant information automatically. A simple approach to staying informed...
- initweave: A Tool to lower the energy barrierEmacs
initweave is a web-based Emacs configuration builder that generates a clean, commented init.el - built to solve the friction of day one with...
- Using AI to Generate Practice Exams for the AB-731Personal
How I used AI to generate progressively harder mock exams for the Microsoft AB-731 AI Transformation Leader certification.
- Getting Claude Code to Open Files in Emacs ProperlyEmacs
Why emacsclient -n silently fails when running Emacs as a daemon, and how to configure Claude Code to always open files in a visible frame.
- Building a News Aggregator with Claude Code: Workflow Tips and LearningsAI
Practical lessons from building a complete AI-powered project with Claude Code - workflow tips that transfer to any project.
- Plain Text Should Be the DefaultEmacs
Plain text should be the default for notes, knowledge, and documentation - both personally and in industry. AI tools make this case undeniab...
- 1000 Citations - A Milestone Built on CollaborationScience
Reaching 1000 citations as an industry scientist - why it matters, and why the credit belongs to collaborators and an employer that valued s...
- Christmas Break Learning - AI Everywhere, All AlongAI
What I learned over Christmas 2025: hands-on AI collaboration with Claude Code, and discovering AI's hidden decade-long influence on tech.
- Refactoring My Emacs Configuration with Claude CodeEmacs
Claude Code refactored 1,185 lines of Emacs config in 7 minutes. Learning :defer, modern completion frameworks, and why AI collaboration wor...
- Happy New Year - Reflections on 2025Personal
2025 in review: breaking free from algorithms, building custom tools, and choosing quality over AI-generated slop. Reflections on intentiona...
- Restarting the Emacs Daemon Within emacsEmacs
Restart Emacs daemon without leaving Emacs. Simple Elisp function that saves work, restarts cleanly, and eliminates terminal context-switchi...
- Ollama and Emacs - Ellama for Local LLMs within EmacsEmacs
Run LLMs locally in Emacs with Ollama and Ellama. No API costs, no internet required. Complete setup guide for offline AI assistance.
- Emacs: Open Org Attachments in Your System File ExplorerEmacs
Open Org attachment directories in system file explorer from Emacs. Cross-platform Elisp function for seamless integration with external too...
- AI at the Enterprise Level - a FrameworkAI
Translate WEF's AI governance playbook into enterprise reality. Nine practical plays for responsible AI that actually ships products instead...
- Emacs and Fast DocumentsEmacs
Why Emacs beats office software for quick document creation. Org-download and LaTeX export turned nursery homework into a 5-minute task, not...
- How to Stand Out with AI SlopAI
Quality beats AI-generated slop. Why care and craftsmanship matter more than ever when everyone uses LLMs. Stand out with substance, not sha...
- Emacs Surprises and Painting the Forth BridgeEmacs
After five years with Emacs, discovering yas-expand transforms workflows. Why mastery is never finished and assumptions should always be re-...
- Emacs - Quick Blog FunctionsEmacs
Automate blog post creation in Emacs with custom Elisp functions. Generate front matter, slugs, and markdown files automatically from user i...
- Paid Software and what to do.Productivity
Learn tools once, benefit for decades. Why mastering foundational principles beats chasing corporate software trends. Open-source strategies...
- Emacs - Defining Work SpacesEmacs
Create IDE-like layouts in Emacs with custom window configurations. Neotree file tree, terminal pane, and main editor in one simple Elisp fu...
- A Practical Framework for Assessing Quantum Computing's Impact on Your IndustryQuantum & HPC
Cut through quantum computing hype with a practical framework. Assess industry impact, evaluate timelines, and develop strategic responses b...
- The Rise of Curated Feeds?Productivity
Social media algorithms exploit human connection, not nurture it. Why intentional content curation beats algorithmic feeds for mindful inter...
- Introducing org-recruit (well, proto-org-recruit)Emacs
Automate recruitment workflows in Emacs with Denote. Custom Elisp functions for candidate tracking, feedback notes, and bi-directional linki...
- Denote for catch-upsEmacs
Streamline 1-to-1 meeting notes with Denote in Emacs. Automated note creation, timestamp linking, and quick retrieval for efficient catch-up...
- gptel set-up fun, games and chatbotsEmacs
Set up gptel in Emacs with OpenAI API keys securely. Step-by-step guide using environment variables and exec-path-from-shell for safe LLM in...
- Custom org-downloadEmacs
Streamline screenshot insertion in Org-mode on Windows. Custom org-download function for hassle-free image capture and filing without drag-a...
- LangtoolsEmacs
Add free, offline grammar checking to Emacs with LanguageTool. Complete setup guide for local spell and grammar checking in your writing wor...
- Blogging and ElfeedEmacs
Break free from social media algorithms with Elfeed and RSS. Set up your own curated content feed in Emacs for mindful, independent blog rea...
- Matt's 60th Birthday BashScience
PhD reflections from my supervisor's 60th symposium. Lessons on perseverance, preparation, and how influential people shape your problem-sol...
- Consistency matters. - Addy OsmaniProductivity
Thoughts on Addy Osmani's "Consistency Matters" - compounding habits, preparation meeting luck, and why sustained effort beats overnight suc...
- How to Feel Bad & Be Wrong - Adam MastroianniProductivity
Thoughts on Adam Mastroianni's "How to Feel Bad & Be Wrong" - attribute substitution, swapping hard questions for easy ones, and not letting...
- So you wanna to de-bog yourself - Adam MastroianniProductivity
Thoughts on Adam Mastroianni's "So you wanna de-bog yourself" - activation energy, getting unstuck, and why naming the feeling of being stuc...
- FinOps Certified Practitioner - a "new to IT" perspective.AI
Master cloud cost management with FinOps Certified Practitioner certification. Training insights, exam tips, and the Inform-Optimize-Operate...
- Time-blocking V2Productivity
Time-blocking lessons learned: why paper beats digital, the importance of persistence, and integrating the Eisenhower matrix for better prio...
- AI Hype and Business ValueAI
Navigate the Gartner hype cycle for AI. Why 80% of AI projects fail and how Applied AI with FinOps delivers real business value over empty p...
- HolidayPersonal
Annual holiday notice. Taking a break to recharge - normal blog service will resume later this month with new content and insights.
- Convert .heic to .jpg via the terminalProductivity
Convert HEIC images to JPG on Linux using terminal commands. Batch conversion script included for processing multiple photos at once.
- AI, Tech Spend, and Budget WhimsAI
UK shelves £1.3bn in tech funding for exascale supercomputer and AI research. Why political instability threatens technological innovation a...
- AI and FinOpsAI
Manage AI infrastructure costs effectively with FinOps principles. Balance cost transparency, cloud optimization, and cross-functional colla...
- Lula James WorkshopPersonal
From quantum computing to hand tools: A weekend woodworking course taught mindfulness and strategy beyond digital workflows. Make physical t...
- Quantum and EthicsQuantum & HPC
Quantum computing demands new governance frameworks. Explore WEF principles for ethical development and why continuous evolution matters for...
- Shadows LingerPersonal
The Black Company sequel weaves dual narratives of mercenaries and a desperate innkeeper. Dark fantasy storytelling that refuses to slow dow...
- The Black CompanyPersonal
Glen Cook's dark fantasy masterpiece challenges heroic tropes with morally complex mercenaries. Are we the bad guys? Explore gritty storytel...
- Free Hosting with Azure is not ClickbaitAI
Deploy Hugo sites for free with Azure Static Web Apps. Complete tutorial from GitHub setup to custom domains, eliminating monthly hosting co...
- FinOps - a PrimerAI
FinOps explained: a cultural practice uniting finance and engineering to maximize cloud value. Learn core principles for financial accountab...
- Weekly Reviews - Powerful Reflection.Productivity
Master the GTD weekly review: Get Clear, Get Current, Get Creative. Transform busyness into purposeful action with this productivity compass...
- ... But Why Though? - Split KeyboardsProductivity
Why split keyboards transform typing comfort. Explore ergonomic benefits, shoulder alignment, and the ZSA Moonlander's customization capabil...
- Time Blocking - Getting back control, one hour at a time.Productivity
Reclaim your day with time blocking. Eliminate decision paralysis, defeat context-switching, and balance work with family life intentionally...
- The Paradox of Experience - a lofi Mind Fudge.Personal
You don't know what you've got until it's gone. Reflections on parenthood, impermanence, and learning to appreciate the present moment fully...
- AI and Integration - A Fabric First ApproachAI
Discover Fabric: a curated prompt repository that bridges AI capabilities and practical value creation. Transform how you integrate AI into ...
- ParkrunPersonal
Discover how slow running in heart rate zone 2 prevents injuries and builds consistent fitness. First Parkrun experience and goals for sub-3...
- The Phone IssueProductivity
Reclaim time lost to smartphone distractions without sacrificing camera quality. Compare Digital Wellbeing, Nova Launcher, and Minimalist Ph...
- Taking the AI-102 - a "new to IT" perspective.AI
Navigate Microsoft AI-102 certification with a new parent's schedule. Study resources, open-book exam strategies, and time management tips f...
- Taking the AZ-900 - a "new to IT" perspective.Productivity
First-timer's guide to passing Microsoft AZ-900 Azure certification. Study tips, exam format insights, and honest assessment of its value fo...
- Fake Text and Scientific WritingAI
Exploring ChatGPT's impact on scientific writing in industry. When is AI-generated text acceptable? Navigate ethics, transparency, and IP co...
- Emacs as a serverEmacs
Configure Emacs daemon on Linux for instant startup. Step-by-step guide to systemd service setup, emacsclient aliases, and automatic file as...
- Covid - huh?Personal
Personal account of finally catching COVID-19 after two years. Lessons learned about illness, recovery, and the importance of rest and track...
- Emacs as a Tool for Modern ScienceEmacs
Reflections on publishing research about Emacs in chemical R&D. Why this paper matters for scientists seeking workflow flexibility and appro...
- Start-up Scripts, Screens and JekyllProductivity
Automate multiple Jekyll sites on server restart using Bash scripts and GNU Screen. Scalable solution for managing static website deployment...
- Free your Garmin DataProductivity
Export Garmin fitness data to CSV format using Python and FitParse. Break free from proprietary formats and analyze your workout data freely...
- Learning by doing - emacs and fastrefEmacs
Learn Elisp by building fastref, an Emacs mode for capturing academic references quickly. Complete walkthrough with code explanations includ...
- The Use of YASnippet to Super Charge Science WorkflowsEmacs
Automate scientific writing with YASnippet in Emacs. Create templates for meeting notes, Python code blocks, and LaTeX documents effortlessl...
- Finding Tidal API Token on LinuxProductivity
Stream Tidal HiFi music on Linux using Strawberry player. Extract API tokens from Android, configure OAuth, and enjoy high-quality audio.
- Fixing Sound for Steam LinuxProductivity
Fix crackling audio issues in Steam games on Linux by configuring PulseAudio. Complete guide with daemon.conf settings and backup instructio...
- Bootable Drive Creation on LinuxProductivity
Learn how to create a bootable USB drive on Linux using the terminal. Step-by-step guide with dd command and troubleshooting tips.
- Blogging with EmacsEmacs
Discover how to create a distraction-free writing workflow using Emacs, org-mode, and Jekyll for blogging and content creation.