For the past couple of years in October, I’ve gone up to Brigham Young University Idaho to talk to students at their professional writing conference. I’m going up there again this year. In preparation, I asked my colleague who teaches there whether students still think of technical writing as a sellout/fallback career, or whether they’re more seriously preparing for an actual career in technical writing. … more »

Usually working from home — telecommuting — is one of the perks of any company job. You usually wake up later, because you don’t have to commute, and you may skip taking a shower, or even getting dressed. In your pajamas, you kick your feet up on the desk, keyboard in your lap, and start fiddling around with whatever projects you’re working on. For me, … more »

The other night Jane and I saw Twilight. It wasn’t my first choice, but it’s not bad, especially for a vampire movie. Actually, Edward Cullen’s phrase, “You’re like my own personal brand of heroin,” which he uses to describe Bella (who isn’t a vampire), stuck in my mind. Here’s the scene: