Even in our universe, the numbers get really big, really fast (on astronomical timeframes). Given our current science and not that much more technology, just our solar system could support quintillions of humans. Multiply that by billions of solar systems – we don’t really need inhabitable planets – in the galaxy and potential population numbersContinue reading “Time and Population”
Author Archives: Mark
Learning 2 Write
I didn’t give this one a number because it is more of a book review. I wouldn’t be this harsh on Amazon, but the odds of anyone finding it here are low. The book is Induction: A Litrpg Apocalypse (Welcome to the Multiverse Book 1). It’s obviously the first in a series. I’m about halfwayContinue reading “Learning 2 Write”
Learning 2 Write – VI
Pacing I had a miniphany that I want to get down. “Do you have your pack?” I swung it off my back and held it up in answer. I had gotten into the habit of grabbing it whenever things got busy since I’d gotten here. “I” is the latest intrepid hero. This takes place inContinue reading “Learning 2 Write – VI”
Skill or Luck?
In the best of times, I have issues with setting the timers needed to successfully make bread. For various reasons, which probably should be a blog post, I have a new phone. It upgrades and restarts itself every day, so far. Apparently, Android upgrades must be applied one-by-one in sequence rather than just skipping toContinue reading “Skill or Luck?”
Ablative of Means
When did “by” change? In Latin, “by” is known as the ablative of means (because the following noun uses the ablative case; “by” is “ab”, fwiw). In English, it used to be the same thing. “He was rescued by [means of] an ATV.” “The ship was sunk by [means of] an iceberg.” The active voiceContinue reading “Ablative of Means”
When 70 Degrees is Not
Last winter, I complained that 70 degrees inside was not the same as 70 degrees outside because it can be 70 degrees inside and my butter is hard while when it is 70 degrees outside, the butter is soft. I even bought a thermometer to prove it. Well, today is a great day for theContinue reading “When 70 Degrees is Not”
Learning 2 Write – VIII
Repercussions This is a short one. A note to myself more than anything. I just ran across this: [He] knew from his limited reading on the subject that because of their longevity elves had built a society with a massive emphasis on conflict resolution. Something that made sense when he thought about it. For whenContinue reading “Learning 2 Write – VIII”
Speaking of Trust Issues
The Rapid City Post is a new newspaper, of all things. I’m pretty sure the HomeSlice Group owns it. They’re a radio (at least) conglomerate that’s based here. They seem fine. They published an opinion piece with the very long title/headline of Opinion: Choosing Facts Over Fear Ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session. It’s dreadful,Continue reading “Speaking of Trust Issues”
“No” on Trust Issues
Rapid City is having a special election today to vote on Tax Increment Financing district. To drastically oversimplify: A developer wants the TIF as collateral for a loan. The concept is simple: The taxing authority locks in the current assessment. As property values increase, the tax difference between the locked-in assessment and the actual assessmentContinue reading ““No” on Trust Issues”
Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – Retro
Pie Crust I thought I had this down, but if you’ve read about my last several pies, you know I did not. Since we have it again, I read the “how to make pie crust” section of The Joy of Cooking. One of the things that makes that such an excellent resource is that itContinue reading “Learning 2 Bake from Scratch – Retro”
Marked Up 