"Dreadful, dreadful, DREADFUL."

Words of creative encouragement from the Godfather of Goth

What crushing traffic cones taught me about problem-solving

So one sunny weekend, I drove down to an empty parking lot at the Emerald Downs Racetrack, and did terrible things to many, many traffic cones. It's not that I have anything in particular against traffic cones. I just (literally) ran into a non-intuitive principle for solving problems.

When is a joke more than a joke?

When it's a Dad Joke. Quick note: I just switched newsletter services. There should be no interruption to your service – same great taste, even fewer calories, etc. But if you do have any problems with this issue, please reply to this email and let me know! I will

The joys of "pleasantly baffled"

Does word count count? When I first got the idea to write this newsletter, I was hoping I could write on the main idea for at least 300 words, maybe up to 600. I seem to be averaging well over 1,000-1,300 words. Is that too much? Not enough?

That time I asked ChatGPT to rewrite one of my scripts

Open the pod bay doors, please Once upon a time, I needed to rewrite a short script into three different voices. So, just to see what would happen, I tossed my text and a short prompt for each version at ChatGPT. And it quickly turned out three versions that reminded

Creative Misuse: when the wrong tool becomes the right tool

It's a known principle in designing playgrounds that once kids learn to slide down the slide, then they try to climb back up it like they're scaling the Matterhorn without crampons. It's not exactly how the slide was built to be used, but it

No "buts" about it

So, two friends meet for lunch. Let’s call them Josh and Vera (because their real names are Aloysius and Hortensia, and that’s just too much to type). Anyways, Vera gets to the restaurant first (that’s so Vera), and when Josh arrives, she looks up and says, “Hey,

I was wrong about Ringo

Why "reliable" is a necessity Like many Beatles fans, I used to think the band was three very talented guitarists/songwriters and one mediocre drummer. John was the cheeky one, Paul the earnest one, George the quiet one, and Ringo…was Ringo. Nice enough guy, but not nearly

The "yes" line

Long time no see! New haircut? You look good! I have been inexcusably remiss in sending new updates of (required field) Transmissions to you. But hey, it’s back! I’ve been thinking a lot (A dangerous pastime / I know), making plans, and have returned, rested and ready to commit