Author Archives: Neal Mueller
You Are Here
What a time to be alive! [Graph adapted for Project Graph from an original post by @edleonklinger]
Every New Tech Sparks Resistance
Given all the tumult over AI ruining life as we know it, I thought I’d share a few protests and warnings about new technologies from the past:
Mount Everest Basecamp at Sunset
I summited Everest 18 years ago. This photo by Konsta Punkka appears (to me) to be taken from Pumori. It really brings me back. This photo was taken in April/May, when basecamp is fully built-out. Basecamp looks about the same size as when I climbed it. This may surprise those who think the mountain has …
Losing commercial flying privileges
A lot of famous people have been kicked off airplanes or banned altogether. This led me to the thought experiment of what it would mean to travel from SF to Berlin without commercial aviation. Snoop Dogg: British Airways banned him and his entourage after the 2006 Heathrow lounge dispute. CBS/AP reported the airline’s confirmation. Naomi …
Notes on The Greatest Night in Pop
A few notes on The Greatest Night in Pop, the documentary about recording “We Are the World.” More on these moments in Netflix’s account of the documentary.
Ideas for a sabbatical
Below is a slightly edited note I sent to my friend Matt Mullenweg, who’s taking a sabbatical and asked friends for advice on how to spend the time. My suggestions are skill-focused, a framing I find useful. I’m interested in how you’d use the time. Feel free to drop me a note. — Sabbatical Recommendations: …
On aging and having kids
Do please consider how old you let yourself get if you want to see your kids have certain life events before you shuffle off this mortal coil. I made the spreadsheet below to put ages and family milestones next to each other. The results depend on the ages you assume for having children and how …
A seaplane lands on the grass
A seaplane on the green, quite serene,A wheeled plane in the drink, makes you think!
A Splendid Torch
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that …