Nix 'n' flakes
Makes keeping track of personal software (and rolling back when needed) a breeze. Here are the steps I stick to now: Step 1: edit flake $ nvim flake.nix Add whatever packages I want Step 2: upd…
Monthly Recap: August 2024
Major update Trip to Kauai with parents * Wai Ka Loa trail * Kadavul temple * Poipu beach * Waimea Canyon drive and hikes Minor update(s) * Lots of eating in Kauai * Tiki An…
2015: A(nother) great year for movies
I've talked about a year when loads of awesome movies (or at least that's how I remember it) came out: 2006. Another year that sticks out is 2014. For me, that year was packed with unforgetta…
On the ease of use for niche new languages
A programming language's ease of use has always been crucial. Rust and Elm used to stand out with their clear warnings and tips. I believe large language models (LLMs) like Claude and Llama3 are c…
The Enid Blyton Reboot
I recently started reading "Five on Treasure Island" with my daughter, which kick-started the whole series. However, I was puzzled by the absence of Enid Blyton's works from the local li…
Hogwarts Math
I created the following for my daughter (all generated, courtesy of Claude Opus and Venice.AI). Hogwarts MathDownload Feel free to use it as you like, in case you too have a young Harry Potter fan a…
Sharing snippets
Was recently inspired by Dylan who has an "open notebook" account on X. I do have a blog -- but I don't want to start dumping a massive pile of micro-posts there. Instead, my Readwise…
Scribing Along
I've gone through a few phases with my Kindle Scribe I started using it several months ago, but it didn't stick at first, and I even stopped using it for a while, thinking "my paperwhite…
Monthly Recap: July 2024
Major Update Short but memorable trip to San Diego * Really the best place (city + beach + lots of things nearby) * Torrey Pines beach * La Jolla beach park * Lots of family fun Minor update (…
Wesley Yang's story
(clearing out old posts, this one is from three years ago ...) I'm enjoying Wesley Yang's Substack these days -- it's well-written, comprehensive, and inspiring. How did this come about?…
Clouds and trees
A guide to the sky
Apps on our smartphones get a bad rap for wasting our time, and deservedly so. Most apps are either harmful, neutral, distracting, or just offer minor conveniences. But there's a special categor…