
<div class="iframe-wrapper"><iframe  width="640" height="712" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/df7e506d9e0541338797c80b0e4b3db3" webkitAllowfullScreen mozAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div>

As a web developer who blogs frequently, I often find myself toggling between my localhost environment and my production blog. 

This process can become quite frustrating when you have to frequently rewrite URLs or visit the production site just to retrieve a blog post URL.

I encountered this issue so often that I decided to take matters into my own hands. 

The solution? A nifty [[JavaScript]] bookmarklet that effortlessly transforms your localhost URL to your production URL. 

No manually re-hand crafting a hostname, no extra navigation.

## The Goal

The main objective of this bookmarklet is to make your life as a developer simpler by swiftly providing a production URL, without the need for you to manually visit your live blog.

This is a clear example of how a bit of ingenuity and some lines of JavaScript can automate a repetitive task, freeing up your time and mental space to focus on more complex problems. Try incorporating this bookmarklet into your workflow, and see the difference it can make!

## The Code

Here is the minified version of the JavaScript bookmarklet I created:

```javascript
javascript:(function() { var currentURL = window.location.href; var url = new URL(currentURL); if (url.hostname === 'localhost' && url.port === '4242') { url.protocol = 'https:'; url.hostname = 'curiouslychase.com'; url.port = ''; var modifiedURL = url.toString(); alert('Modified URL: ' + modifiedURL); } else { alert('Hostname is not localhost:4242. No modification needed.'); } })();
```

Here is the unminified version of the JavaScript bookmarklet:

```javascript
javascript:(function() {
  var currentURL = window.location.href;
  var url = new URL(currentURL);
  
  if (url.hostname === 'localhost' && url.port === '4242') {
    url.protocol = 'https:';
    url.hostname = 'curiouslychase.com';
    url.port = ''; // Removes the port
    var modifiedURL = url.toString();
    alert('Modified URL: ' + modifiedURL);
  } else {
    alert('Hostname is not localhost:4242. No modification needed.');
  }
})();
```

## How It Works

When activated, the bookmarklet first captures the current URL of your page, creating a URL object to gain access to its components (protocol, hostname, port, etc.).

It then checks if the hostname of the URL matches 'localhost' and the port is '4242'. If this condition is met, it understands you're in your local development environment. It then modifies the URL protocol to 'https' and the hostname to 'curiouslychase.com', effectively transforming your localhost URL into your production URL.

The transformed URL is then displayed in a browser alert, making it convenient for you to copy and paste elsewhere. If the conditions are not met (i.e., the hostname is not 'localhost' or the port is not '4242'), it lets you know with a simple alert that no modification was necessary.


Uncover the magic of a simple JavaScript bookmarklet that effortlessly transforms your localhost URL into a production URL.

Snippet - JavaScript Bookmarklet to Convert Localhost URL to Production URL


There's something that resonates with me when I think about astronauts exploring something wonderful.

I've been on a [[20 Notion Cover Miniature Space Diorama Images from Midjourney Prompts  (May 2023)| miniature space dioramas kick in MidJourney]] lately, so I decided to stick with the miniature diorama theme.

Here are 26 MidJourney AI generated images of astronauts surrounded by nebulas that are perfect for Notion Cover images.

![[astronaut_notion_05_2023.png]]
# Astronauts & Nebulas Notion Covers

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```
![[Pasted image 20230515093804.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093154.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![Image](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1095510125852237826/1107640968783597578/curiouslychase_miniature_diorama_tilt-shift_astronaut_nebula_9b34ec37-bb58-4660-928e-978d3f4fafc3.png?width=1237&height=493)

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093239.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093303.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093316.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093329.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093342.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```
![[Pasted image 20230515093354.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093401.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093416.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```
![[Pasted image 20230515093427.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093502.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093514.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093532.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093544.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093556.png]]


```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093604.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093615.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093627.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093638.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093652.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093703.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093711.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut tripping nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093724.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature diorama tilt-shift astronaut nebula --ar 5:2 --style raw
```

![[Pasted image 20230515093738.png]]


26 Notion Cover images of astronauts in nebulas

26 Notion Covers of Miniature Nebula Astronauts from MidJourney Prompts

![[space_notion_05_2023.png]]
These space diorama Midjourney generated images make for great Notion covers!

Feel free to use any of them for your Notion covers or use the prompts to generate your own.

In order to get good images for Notion covers from Midjourney, I append the aspect ratio of 5:2 to any prompts I want to use as covers:

```text
--ar 5:2
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090910.png]]
# Observatory

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature midnight astronomy observatory
```

![miniature midnight astronomy observatory](https://cdn.midjourney.com/02373364-5667-478f-82f5-5083681b7446/0_0.png)

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature midnight astronomy observatory tilt-shift diorama
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090640.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature midnight astronomy observatory tilt-shift diorama
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090702.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature midnight astronomy observatory tilt-shift diorama
```
![[Pasted image 20230513085705.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature Mission Control center
```

![miniature Mission Control center](https://cdn.midjourney.com/3e0c685e-b36b-46b0-b5c5-b5dad343126b/0_2.png)

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature Neptune colony
```
![[Pasted image 20230513090727.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature Neptune colony
```
![[Pasted image 20230513090000.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: Miniature mars colony
```
![[Pasted image 20230513090231.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: Miniature mars colony
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090739.png]]
```text
/imagine prompt: Miniature mars colony
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090802.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: Miniature mars colony
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090827.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature cardboard planet with space craft around it
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090259.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature cardboard planet with space craft around it
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090322.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature cardboard planet with space craft around it
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090351.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature cardboard planet with space craft around it
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090411.png]]


```text
/imagine prompt: miniature cardboard planet with space craft around it
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090425.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature cardboard planet with space craft around it
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090440.png]]


```text
/imagine prompt: miniature mars rover
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090124.png]]

```text
/imagine prompt: miniature mars rover
```

![[Pasted image 20230513090208.png]]

I hope you enjoyed these delightful little diorama miniature Notion covers inspired by space themes!

Do you have a theme you'd like to see me explore? [Send me a message on Twitter](https://twitter.com/curiouslychase) or send me an [email](mailto:midjourney@crca.fyi?subject=Midjourney%20Notion%20Cover%20Images%20Idea&body=Hey%20Chase!%0D%0A%0D%0AI'd%20like%20to%20see%20you%20generate%20some%20Notion%20cover%20images%20with%20this%20theme%3A%0D%0A%0D%0A)!


20 space diorama inspired Notion cover images generated by Midjourney

20 Notion Cover Miniature Space Diorama Images from Midjourney Prompts (May 2023)


This is an ultimate guide to learning about AI (GPT) because it's up to date with what I'm learning!

# AutoGPT
AutoGPT is an autonomous GPT-4 experiment, meaning it leverages [[#Autonomous Agents]] along with OpenAI's GPT-4 to handle an AI workload.

It chains together LLM "thoughts" to achieve the goal at hand.

# LLamaIndex
[LlamaIndex](https://gpt-index.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html) is a central interface for you to connect your LLM with external data.

This is a tool that will be useful for knowledge management and reasoning.

The goal of something like LlamaIndex is to provide _in-context_ learning based on the input prompt, where the input prompt can be data that's been ingested and indexed.

# Autonomous Agents
"Autonomous agents can be seen as the future of advanced chatbots. **_While ChatGPT is good at doing simple, text-based tasks, the new chatbots will have more control._** They will be able to act independently with little help from humans."

This means autonomous agents will take a single prompt and start to determine what it should do without your guidance (although you can give it guidance and input).

The main difference between this and a chatbot like ChatGPT is that it can take a simple task and go off on its own and figure out where to go.

## Resources
- [The Rise of Autonomous Agents: Preparing for the AI Revolution](https://autogpt.net/the-rise-of-autonomous-agents-preparing-for-the-ai-revolution/)

# Ethics and the Future

## Resources 
- [# Will A.I. Become the New McKinsey? As it’s currently imagined, the technology promises to concentrate wealth and disempower workers. Is an alternative possible?](https://www.newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/will-ai-become-the-new-mckinsey) (shared by my co-worker [Ariel](https://twitter.com/ariel_n)


# Terms
- What is a Token?
- Context
- GPT
- Machine Learning
- Embedding
- Vector Database


My ultimate, ongoing guide to what I'm learning about AI and GPT.

Ultimate Guide To Learning About AI (GPT)


<div class="iframe-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/bbbc5d2109b34bce99942077ebdc9952" width="560" height="315"  frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen webkitAllowfullScreen mozAllowFullScreen></iframe></div>

If you're a fan of Notion, you probably know how powerful and versatile the platform is for organizing your life, projects, and ideas. 

But sometimes, finding the right tools within the app can be a bit tricky. In this post, we'll cover three ways to find a database template so that you can edit it and make it your own.

## 1. From Global Search

The first method to find a database template is by using the global search feature.

-   Press `Cmd/Ctrl + P` to open the global search bar.
-   Type in "template" or the name of a specific template you're looking for.
-   Notion will display a list of results, and you can browse through the available templates.

## 2. From the "New" Button on a Database

Another way to find a database template is from the "New" button on an existing database.

-   Open an existing database or create a new one.
-   Click on the "New" button at the top of the database.
-   A dropdown menu will appear with an option to choose a template.
-   Click on the template you want to use and start customizing it.

## 3. From the Page Body of a New Page in the Database

The last method to find a database template is from the body of a new page within a database.

-   Create a new page inside an existing database.
-   Click on the body of the new page to bring up the content block menu.
-   Type "/template" and choose "Page Templates" from the list.
-   Browse and select the template you want to use.

**Conclusion**

Finding and using database templates in Notion can greatly enhance your productivity and organization. 

By using global search, the "New" button on a database, or the page body of a new page in a database, you can quickly find and edit templates to fit your needs. How do you use templates in your own Notion workflow? 

Are there any other tips you'd like to share? Let me know on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/curiouslychase)!

![[notion_template.png]]


Discover three simple ways to find and edit database templates in Notion, enhancing your productivity and organization. Learn how to use global search, the "New" button, and the page body to access templates.

3 Ways to Find a Notion Database Template


![[culture_aspects.png]]
In the ever-evolving world of organizations, culture is often seen as the lifeblood that defines their values, attitudes, and behaviors.

But what exactly shapes this culture?

Let's take a deep dive into what I believe are the four key elements - **power, performance, politics, and play** - that contribute to the formation of an organization's culture. 🌟

# Power: More Than Just Formal Authority

Power is often associated with formal authority, but it goes beyond that.

In an organization, different types of power can shape its culture.

A few examples of types of power in organizations:

1.  **Expert power**: Individuals with specialized knowledge or skills can influence decision-making and shape the culture of learning and development.
2.  **Referent power**: People with charisma and strong interpersonal skills can create an environment of trust and teamwork.
3.  **Reward power**: The ability to provide incentives or recognition can drive a culture of motivation and achievement.
4.  **Coercive power**: The use of threats or punishment to enforce compliance can foster a culture of fear and conformity.

By understanding the balance and interplay of these power dynamics, organizations can create an empowering and inclusive culture.

It’s important to recognize that power itself isn’t good or bad.

You can drive good outcomes by being able to recognize and use the types of power you hold.

# Performance: Measuring What Matters

How an organization measures performance is a crucial part of its culture.

Metrics, goals, and evaluation processes shape the way people work, collaborate, and innovate.

Establishing a fair and transparent performance measurement system promotes a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

When crafting performance metrics, consider:

-   Aligning them with organizational values and priorities
-   Encouraging collaboration instead of competition
-   Recognizing effort and learning, not just outcomes

# Politics: The Unavoidable Element

Like it or not, politics play a role in shaping organizational culture.

Office politics can manifest in various ways, such as favoritism, backstabbing, or power struggles.

These can create a toxic culture that stifles growth and collaboration.

To minimize the negative impact of politics, organizations should:

-   Promote open communication and transparency
-   Establish clear policies and procedures
-   Encourage feedback and address concerns promptly

# Play: The Key Indicator of a Healthy Culture

Play might seem like a surprising element, but a group's ability to play with ideas is a strong indicator of a healthy culture.

Organizations that encourage playfulness foster creativity, innovation, and adaptability.

Play can take different forms, such as brainstorming sessions, team-building activities, or simply giving employees the autonomy to experiment.

To cultivate a playful culture:

-   Encourage curiosity and questioning
-   Allow for calculated risks and learning from failure
-   Create a safe space for open dialogue and idea-sharing

I have a series on [embracing constraints for enhanced creativity](https://curiouslychase.substack.com/p/embracing-constraints-for-endless) in my [newsletter](https://curiouslychase.substack.com/) and “how to incorporate play at work” is a common topic that I cover.

# How Is Your Organization’s Culture?

Organizational culture is an intricate tapestry woven from various elements.

By understanding the roles of power, performance, politics, and play, organizations can shape their culture to be more inclusive, innovative, and resilient.

A well-crafted culture not only drives success but also creates a nurturing environment where people can thrive, grow, and achieve their full potential. 🌱💡

# Reflection Exercise

As you reflect on the concepts of power, performance, politics, and play in your organization's culture, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:

1.  Can you share an example of how different types of power have influenced your organization's culture? 💪
2.  How does your organization measure performance, and what impact has it had on the culture? 📊
3.  Have you witnessed the effects of office politics on your organization's culture? What strategies have you seen used to minimize their negative impact? 🏢
4.  How does your organization foster playfulness and creativity? Do you have any fun or inspiring stories about how play has led to innovation in your workplace? 🎨

Feel free to share your insights, and let's learn from one another to create even better organizational cultures! 💬🚀


Culture has four key elements: power, performance, politics and play.

Power, Performance, Politics, and Play - What Makes Culture


I recently discovered that I 1) love writing and 2) need a way to keep me from rambling.

For me to be focused, intentional and get the juice for the squeeze, I needed a plan.

Here's what I'm doing:
- **I pick a topic**.
- **I think of 7 big ideas in that topic.**

For each big idea, they're attached together, similar to a long strand of multiple strings attached by knots. Each idea leads into the next.

For each big idea, I wanted to also constrain my thinking, so I decided to start with something concrete to orient the reader and move towards something actionable that they could use for their life or work.

A big idea has:
- **2 real-world examples.** The goal is to show the reader that there is evidence that this big idea has teeth.
- **3 practical strategies.** The goal is to give the reader a way to implement the big idea.
- **5 related trends or ideas**. The goal is to give the reader something to explore on their own if the big idea was interesting.

I've learned a lot of topics _deeply_ in the past 15 years of being in the professional world and I want to share that with others so that they can explore it on their own.

This structure has helped me leverage my creativity in a massive way. By picking a topic (so far I have 9), find 7 big ideas within the topic (which makes 63 big ideas so far), use 2 real world adventures (126), 3 practical strategies (189) and 5 related trends or topics (315). That's a lot of ideas that have room to breath with each other.

I'm looking forward to leveraging some combinatorial creativity to generate some ideas that _I'm excited about_ and maybe creating some things that other people are excited about.


The model I'm using for writing my newsletter.

The Curiously Chase Newsletter Model

One of the most important lessons I've learned about facilitating meetings at Murmur is that **most meetings should start with a check-in round and end with a check-out round.**

Have you ever been in a meeting where whoever was leading (or hopefully, facilitating) the meeting jumped _right_ into the content of the meeting?

Most of the time a meeting can be effective _just_ because you took time to orient the team towards each other. Being present with each other is one of the most important ingredients to a successful meeting.

The best way to increase the likelihood of everyone being present with each other is to add a **check-in** and a **check-out** to your meeting.

In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of having a check-in and check-out round, what a check-in and check-out round entail, and some questions you can use for a check-in.

# 5 Reasons to Check-In and Check-Out
When I first joined Murmur, I adopted doing a check-in and check-out round (a common practice in facilitation) and noticed immediately how much it brought me into the moment. 

Adding a check-in and check-out round can benefit your meetings in several ways:

## 1. Build Stronger Relationships
The check-in and check-out rounds create a comfortable and safe space for everyone to share a low risk bit about themselves, leading to stronger relationships among team members.

## 2. Increase Engagement
You provide everyone with an opportunity to share their perspectives ensures engagement and participation from everyone present in the meeting.

## 3. Foster Creativity
The check-in and check-out rounds promote creativity by encouraging everyone to think outside of the box and express their unique perspectives. It also "primes the pump" for each person to say something.

## 4. Set the Tone
The check-in and check-out rounds can set the tone for the meeting by creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels included.

## 5. Improve Productivity
By providing structure to your meeting, a check-in and check-out rounds can ensure that everyone is on the same page and aware of the goals and objectives of the meeting.

#  What is a Check-In?
A check-in is a structured way for everyone to share _something_ before the meat of the meeting. This round provides an opportunity for participants to get to know each other better, foster relationships and be present together.

## Check-In Questions

Here are five possible check-in questions to help you get started:
1.  What's something you're looking forward to this week?
2.  What's one word that describes how you're feeling right now?
3.  What's one thing you're grateful for today?
4.  What's a recent challenge you overcame, and what did you learn from it?
5.  What's something you're working on that you're excited to share with the group?

If  you don't like any of these, feel free to pull from my list of [[100 Best Ice Breakers for Remote Team Meetings]] or come up with your own (and share them with me [on Twitter](https://twitter.com/curiouslychase)!).

One of my all-time favorites (thanks to my friend [Kate](https://twitter.com/sirkate) for reminding me) is "What has your attention?". 

I love this question because it helps set the tone in a way that recognizes that we all bring stuff from outside this meeting into it.

# What is a Check-Out?
A check-out round occurs at the end of the meeting and is designed to wrap up the meeting with novel takeaways, insights or noticings. 

This round can be a chance for participants to express their gratitude, acknowledge team members or reflect on the meeting's content. Here are a few ways to structure the check-out round, you can ask:

-  What's one thing you noticed during the meeting?
-  What's one thing you learned from the meeting and how do you plan to use it?

The goal of the check-out is to help everyone leave knowing they could share what came up for them in the meeting and potentially create some new ideas.

## Tips For Successfully Adding Check-ins
Here are a few tips to help make your check-ins more successful:
- Plan 4-5 minutes at the beginning  and 4-5 minutes at the end of the meeting to leave room for intentional and mellow check-in and check-out rounds.
- A check-in starts with a question, feel free to use the ones in this post or borrow from my list of [[100 Best Ice Breakers for Remote Team Meetings]].
- A check-in should be 1 person talking at a time, no cross talk.
- A check-in should be _light_ and delightful. If it gets serious, bring it in.o
- If people seem sapped at the end of the meeting, ask them to share a gif about what they're doing in your team [[Slack]] channel or on their face if you use [[Around]]
 
# Let's Checkout

The check-in and check-out rounds can transform a drab meeting into an effective and enjoyable one. 

By building stronger relationships, increasing engagement, fostering creativity, setting the tone, and improving productivity, check-ins and check-outs can be a valuable addition to any meeting. 

So my question for you is: what stops you from adding a check-in or check-out round to your meetings? I'd love to know, send me a DM on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/curiouslychase)

![[check-in_and_check-out_round.png]]


Every meeting can benefit from a check-in and check-out round. Here is what they are and why they'll supercharge your meetings.

5 Reasons Your Meetings Need A Check-in & Check-out Round


**In the world of remote work, nurturing connections and cultivating a fun environment are more important than ever.** 

One of the best ways to naturally facilitate that connection easily is to incorporate [[5 Reasons Your Meetings Need A Check-in & Check-out Round|check-in and check-out rounds into your existing meetings]].

A lot of people call "check-in" rounds "Ice Breakers". Whatever you call it, the purpose is for connection and facilitating presence.

With a list as robust as this, you could incorporate a **check-in** and **check-out** stage into all of your meetings.

So to help you start facilitating your meetings like a pro, I've prepared 100 check-in (or ice breaker) questions that will bring your team closer together during your next remote meeting. 

The questions are thoughtfully divided into five categories, making it easier for you to find the perfect question for the type of meeting you're holding.

This list of questions is a mix of some of my favorite questions from the past 2 years doing check-ins, some that I've thought of in that time and never used and a few from friends who shared their favorites!

# Category 1: When You Were Younger

1.  What was your favorite childhood toy?
2.  What was the first movie you saw in a theater?
3.  Did you have a favorite childhood cartoon or TV show?
4.  What was your favorite subject in school?
5.  What was your first job?
6.  What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
7.  Who was your best friend growing up, and are you still friends?
8.  What was your favorite game to play as a child?
9.  Did you have any pets growing up?
10.  What did you want to be when you grew up?
11.  What was your favorite childhood snack?
12.  Were you involved in any extracurricular activities or sports?
13.  What was your favorite family vacation?
14.  What was your favorite book growing up?
15.  Who was your childhood celebrity crush?
16.  What was your favorite playground activity?
17.  What was your most memorable birthday party?
18.  Were you afraid of anything as a child?
19.  What was your favorite childhood movie?
20.  Did you ever win an award or trophy in school or sports?

# Category 2: What is the Best Y and Why

21.  What is the best book you've ever read, and why?
22.  What is the best movie of all time, and why?
23.  What is the best vacation destination, and why?
24.  What is the best meal you've ever had, and why?
25.  What is the best concert or live performance you've attended, and why?
26.  What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and why?
27.  What is the best gift you've ever given or received, and why?
28.  What is the best job you've ever had, and why?
29.  What is the best hobby you've taken up, and why?
30.  What is the best TV series you've watched, and why?

# Category 3: Silly "Would You Rather"

31.  Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
32.  Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet unicorn?
33.  Would you rather live without music or without movies?
34.  Would you rather have the ability to time travel or teleport?
35.  Would you rather be a famous actor/actress or a famous musician?
36.  Would you rather be stranded on a desert island or in the middle of the jungle?
37.  Would you rather be able to control the weather or speak to animals?
38.  Would you rather have super strength or super speed?
39.  Would you rather be able to breathe underwater or walk on water?
40.  Would you rather only be able to eat sweet or savory foods for the rest of your life?

# Category 4: Random Facts About You

41.  What is your favorite type of cuisine?
42.  Do you have any hidden talents or skills?
43.  What's the most interesting place you've visited?
44.  What was the last book you read?
45.  What's your favorite way to relax after a long day?
46.  Do you have any unusual phobias or fears?
47.  What's your favorite type of exercise or physical activity?
48.  What's something you've always wanted to learn?
49.  What's your favorite season and why?
50.  How would you describe your style?
51.  What's your favorite type of music or band/artist?
52.  What is one thing you cannot live without?
53.  What was the most recent movie you watched?
54.  What's your favorite holiday and why?
55.  What's something that always makes you laugh?
56.  What's the strangest food combination you enjoy?
57.  What's the most challenging thing you've ever done?
58.  What's a cause or charity that's close to your heart?
59.  What's something you're really good at that might surprise others?
60.  What's your favorite piece of technology you own?

# Category 5: What is Your Favorite X

61.  What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
62.  What is your favorite movie genre?
63.  What is your favorite type of workout or sport?
64.  What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
65.  What is your favorite type of weather?
66.  What is your favorite type of clothing or fashion style?
67.  What is your favorite way to travel (car, train, plane, etc.)?
68.  What is your favorite type of beverage (coffee, tea, soda, etc.)?
69.  What is your favorite time of day (morning, afternoon, evening, night)?
70.  What is your favorite childhood memory?
71.  What is your favorite social media platform?
72.  What is your favorite type of art (painting, sculpture, photography, etc.)?
73.  What is your favorite board game or card game?
74.  What is your favorite type of outdoor activity?
75.  What is your favorite type of indoor activity?
76.  What is your favorite city or country you've visited?
77.  What is your favorite type of plant or flower?
78.  What is your favorite podcast or radio show?
79.  What is your favorite type of pet or animal?
80.  What is your favorite way to celebrate a special occasion?

# Category 6: If you were a [THING], what kind of [THING] would you be?

81.  If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?
82.  If you were a superhero, what kind of superhero would you be?
83.  If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?
84.  If you were a book genre, what kind of book genre would you be?
85.  If you were a musical instrument, what kind of instrument would you be?
86.  If you were a type of cuisine, what kind of cuisine would you be?
87.  If you were a piece of furniture, what kind of furniture would you be?
88.  If you were a color, what kind of color would you be?
89.  If you were a season, what kind of season would you be?
90.  If you were a movie genre, what kind of movie genre would you be?
91.  If you were a plant, what kind of plant would you be?
92.  If you were a piece of technology, what kind of technology would you be?
93.  If you were a historical figure, what kind of historical figure would you be?
94.  If you were a type of weather, what kind of weather would you be?
95.  If you were a type of exercise, what kind of exercise would you be?
96.  If you were a mode of transportation, what kind of transportation would you be?
97.  If you were a type of fabric, what kind of fabric would you be?
98.  If you were a type of architecture, what kind of architecture would you be?
99.  If you were a type of dance, what kind of dance would you be?
100.  If you were a planet, what kind of planet would you be?

# When 100 ice breakers just isn't enough...
I love a good list, especially one that sets expectations, but there are so many good questions that I need to add some because they're too good to leave out.

101. What has your attention? (thanks [kate](https://twitter.com/sirkate))
102. What is something that surprised you recently? (thanks [kate](https://twitter.com/sirkate))
103. What is something you learned recently? (thanks [kate](https://twitter.com/sirkate))
104. What is your internal/mental weather right now? (thanks [kate](https://twitter.com/sirkate))
105. What is your version of the "Super Bowl for Football fanatics"? (thanks [Keya](https://twitter.com/keyavadgama))

When it comes to remote meeting ice breakers, this collection of 100+ questions is just what you need to create meaningful conversations and build strong connections within your team.

These inventive and thought-provoking ice breakers will inspire your remote team members to share their personalities and interests, sparking engaging discussions that deepen connections.

Incorporate these ice breakers into your remote meetings, virtual happy hours, or team-building sessions to foster team unity and cultivate a fun, inclusive atmosphere perfect for remote collaboration.

![[100_ice_breakers.png]]


100 ice breaker questions to ask in the check-in round of your next remote team meeting.

100 Best Ice Breakers for Remote Team Meetings


![[should_we_remote_design_sprint_image 1.png]]

If you've read about [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprints]] and you're wondering 'would a remote design sprint work for my team?' then you're in the right place!

One of the most important things you can do is to determine _if_ a [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprints]] will be right for your team.

> [!WARNING] Before continuing...
> If you _haven't_ read [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?]], then that's the first place to start. You can't make a decision on if something is right for your team without having first understood what it is!


# 3 questions to help you decide if you should hold remote design sprints
I've written a few considerations that are important in helping you decide if your team should have remote design sprints:
1. Are we already a remote team?
2. Is our current process working?
3. How developed is our product?

## 1. Are we already a remote team?
This one may seem obvious but it's worth bringing up: **if your team isn't a remote team**, don't _attempt_ to do the **remote design sprint** in person and instead follow design sprint laid out in the book [[📕 Sprint]].

**Don't attempt to take your team remote using this.** Having a remote team comes with a lot of benefits but you need to focus on the overcoming initial challenges of a remote team becoming effective first.

## 2. What is our current process?
If you have a remote team but you don't have a process, you can consider [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprint]] but you need to be **gentle with yourself**. 

Adding _any_ structured process to a team without process or with loose process is going to come with an initial whiplash that you'll need to overcome as a group. 

You could consider incorporating parts of the [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprint]] one at a time or expanding it into a 2 week period but make sure you hold yourself to _some version of the_ time constraints.

## 3. How developed is what you're making in the product development lifecycle?

If you're in a startup that's pre-product market fit or a team that's building out a new product within your existing line of SaaS products, you're **in the Goldilocks zone for a [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprint]]!**

If you're a remote team with a fairly developed product that does a lot of bug fixes, minor tweaks and some feature development, I'd **also recommend trying a [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprint]]**. 

For teams with fully developed products, a [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprint]] can be a great way to break free of any boredom or ruts your team may be experiencing and find new and creative ways to serve your users!

## Suggestions 
- Plan to have a "cool down week" after your first [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprint]].

# Wrapping Up
Remote design sprints are a great way to focus your team on the features and decisions that really matter for your user, but they're not for every team.

Hopefully you were able to determine if your team should hold a remote design sprint after taking this quick inventory!

> [!IMPORTANT] Still not sure?
> If you need any help figuring out if a remote design sprint is right for you, feel free to [setup a 20 minute meeting to see if it's a good fit](https://crca.fyi/find-time)!



How to determine if a remote design sprint is right for your team.

Should my team hold remote design sprints?

![[remote_design_sprint_image.png]]
[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] recently adopted weekly remote design sprints as a way of working.

I like them so much, that I'd like to keep doing them indefinitely, regardless of where I work or what I'm working on.

In this post, I'm going to explain what a Remote Design Sprint is

A remote design sprint creates clarity around a goal, clarity around the times I need to be together with my peers (and what I need to do when I'm alone) and leads to asking "what can I build in a day?" instead of "how long will it take me to build an idea?".

**Overall, remote design sprints are a great way to maintain velocity and focus, while also reducing the likelihood of burnout for teams that work across multiple timezones.**

# What is a Design Sprint?

If you're unfamiliar with what a design sprint is, a **design sprint** is a **five-day process** to answer critical business questions through **exploring the question**, **design**, **prototyping** and **testing the idea** with **customers** or **potential customers**.

> [!IMPORTANT] 
> # Design Sprint Summary
> - Five-day process
> - Find an attainable but challenging goal
> - design, prototype and test an idea with customers

# What A Design Sprint Is Not...
A **design sprint** is not the same as a **agile sprint**, in that it focuses on **exploring the business viability of an idea**, built and tested in a week rather than time boxing **work to be done**. 

# What is a Remote Design Sprint?
Unlike an in-person **design sprint**, a remote design sprint is designed for **remote, distributed teams**.

## Constraints of Remote Work
**Remote teams** have different constraints than in person teams do:
 - Different timezones
 - Lots of screen time
 - Video instead of rooms

As a result of the constraints for remote teams being different, at [[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] we had to do some leg work to figure out how to do **design sprints** without **getting burnt out**.

## How Remote Design Sprint Differs
We modified the normal **design sprint** in the following ways:
- We have intentional, brief **together time** when we are on screens and **async time** for when we can go off on our own
- We have **shared online hours**
- We use **digital tools** for collaboration instead of physical tools

The most important lesson we learned is **don't treat a remote design sprint the way you would treat a design sprint in person**.

If you attempt to spend the amount of time together in a **remote design sprint** the way you would in person, you'll burn out fast, suffer from eye strain because of extended screen focus time and likely feel discouraged because you won't have any energy left on Thursday.

## Benefits of Remote Design Sprint
A **remote design sprint** done well can be _incredibly satisfying_. The team often sees these benefits:
- A significant piece of work is completed by the end of the week **every time**
- We know the goal for the week, giving us clarity of purpose
- Each person can show up together, do their own work alone and have time to do what they'd normally do 
- Our energy is higher by the end of the week than a typical week
- We want to do _more_ at the end of the week instead of feeling overworked
- As a result, we feel less burnt out

# Remote Design Sprint Overview
A **remote design sprint** still has the same objectives and constraints as an in person **design sprint**:
- Five-day process
- Find an attainable but challenging goal
- design, prototype and test an idea with customers

Where the **remote design sprint** deviates from in person, is that it's broken up into **time blocks every day**.

A **remote design sprint** is broken up **not** just into days, but into
**time blocks**, with **sync/together blocks** and **async/alone blocks**.

## Time Blocks
A **time block** is a period of time **dedicated to doing the work**.

Unlike typical **remote work**, where an individual commits to a week's worth of work, the work is done _together_ in sequence.

Unlike a typical **design sprint**, people aren't together in person or even the same timezone, so the work _in sequence_ can't be done from "the start of the day" to "the end of the day". It has to be done in a way that works for **remote teams** that span timezones. 

**Time blocks are critical** for a **remote design sprint**, instead of trying to do _all the work together at once_ every day, **each block sets up the next block by refining the work**.

As an example, if you are on Monday morning's async block, where the goal is to ask questions and define the user map on your own, you can't do any of the work beyond that block because the **follow up sync block determines the next async block's work**.  

### Together Blocks
A **together block** is any time that the team is _together_ in a video call.

Sync blocks **need to happen** in the time your team has overlap. 

Doing work synchronously helps build team rapport but it also allows you to have real conversations in the facilitated sections of the synchronous work that can't happen effectively asynchronously.

If your team doesn't have overlap, you're going to run into issues with people not being able to be present. 

### Async Blocks
An **async block** is any time that a team member can be working alone at their own pace as long as the pace sets everyone else up for success in the next block.

Async blocks are critical to maintaining energy and scheduling them well is critical to movement.

If your team is in multiple time zones, it's important to attempt to give _every_ timezone as much of the same async time as possible. 

As an example, for a team that has Eastern and Pacific team members, after your first sync block on Monday, you want the Pacific team members to have some time in the afternoon to do the _same work_ that the Eastern team members will have.

In order for a [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?|remote design sprint]] to work, everyone needs to be able to be involved in a way that feels comfortable with their working hours.

## How The Remote Design Sprint Week Will Go
This is a high level overview of what to expect a remote design sprint week to look like. It includes setup and what you need to have done by the end of the day to know that you can move forward to the next day.

### Setup (previous Friday)
Setup is the _most important_ part of a **remote design sprint** going well. 

Setup is the responsibility of the remote design sprint facilitator and includes:
- determining and creating the time blocks for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for together time
- setting up the shared remote design sprint channel in them team's communication tool (we use [[Slack]])
- creating the Notion remote design sprint document and the FigJam

### Monday
Monday is all about setting yourself up for success for the week.

By the end of Monday, the team has picked:
- the remote design sprint goal
- a "how might we..." question to answer
- the target user
- a target moment
- decided _what_ you'll build
- picked the facilitator for next sprint
- picked the interviewer for this sprint

### Tuesday
Tuesday is all about coming up with some solutions for the "how might we..." question framed for the target user based on the target moment.

By the end of Tuesday, the team has:
- submitted lightning demos
- reviewed lightning demos
- made sketches for rough ideas
- riffed on the rough ideas
- started reaching out to a target audience

### Wednesday
Wednesday is the day you pull everything you've done so far into **a storyboard**.

By the end of Wednesday, the team has:
- individually made a 3-panel storyboard
- picked panels from the storyboard for the final storyboard
- individually made a 15-panel storyboard
- made a final 15-panel storyboard
- confirmed the 15-panel storyboard is clear
- assigned roles for Thursday

### Thursday
Thursday is build day. Whether you've decided to do a website mockup, an app prototype, or a feature prototype, it's time to make it!

By the end of Thursday, the team should have **made the thing you decided to build**.

The build should reflect clarity of:
- the goal
- the "how might we..." question
- the target audience
- the target moment
- the desired build artifact

### Friday
By the end of Friday, the **interviewer** should be on one of these two paths:
- you've interviewed target audience
- you've started lining up interviews for next week

It's important to remember that because you're a **remote team** you can do remote interviews at any time as long as you've decided when to call your sprint "complete" as a group.

The team should be:
- participating a sprint retro
- resting up for next sprint

The current facilitator and next week's facilitator are:
- completing the **setup** for next week's sprint.

# Wrapping Up 
A **remote design sprint** done right can be one of the most satisfying weeks of work, so much so that you may find you want to make it a _way of working_ rather than a practice you do infrequently.

> [!INFO] 
> # Need help?
> If you need any help figuring out if a remote design sprint is right for you, feel free to [setup a 20 minute meeting to see if it's a good fit](https://crca.fyi/find-time)!


Discover how remote design sprints clarify work for teams. Learn how they work and what's involved.

What Is a Remote Design Sprint?


![[2023_best_collaboration_apps_thumbnail.png]]
We're now years into the age of remote work, many of us pulled into it without the tools or space to be effective at contributing to a remote team. 

A lot of teams are still struggling to figure out how to make remote work _work_ for them.

With so many people working from home, collaborating with colleagues around the world, **it's more important than ever to have collaboration tools that enable us to work together effectively**.

One of the _biggest challenges_ remote teams face is having collaborative, equitable and effective meetings that end with clear decisions about what to do next.

In this blog post, we'll explore what I consider to be the **3 best collaboration apps for any facilitator who wants to facilitate highly effective remote meetings**.

Before we dive into the tools for facilitating highly effective remote meetings, it's critical to frame **what makes a remote meeting highly effective**  and **what benefits the group will experience from participating in a highly effective remote meeting**.

# The Key Ingredients to a Highly Effective Remote Meeting

Unlike in-person meetings, remote meetings are harder to facilitate well. 

With everyone in different locations, different time zones and potentially dealing with different distractions or technical issues, it can be challenging to keep everyone engaged and ensure the meeting stays on track.

A facilitator needs to be mindful and intentional in order to offset the challenges of a remote meeting.

Some of the best ways to do turn a challenging remote meeting into a highly effective remote meeting are:

- start with a check-in round to orient your participants towards a common theme
- include a clear agenda
- use quiet moments and liberating structures to ensure active participation from all participants
- assign all tasks a responsible individual so that future work doesn't get lost

With these tips in hand, a facilitator can super charge their highly effective meeting by using the best collaboration tools to ensure everyone is able to contribute and communicate effectively.

When a facilitator can leverage the right practices and the right tools in a remote meeting, they have the power to foster a sense of community and engagement among participants, even if they are not physically in the same space.

# Successful Teams Have Effective Remote Meetings

The most successful teams who hold remote meetings together experience some extraordinary benefits.

They benefit from increased productivity, clearer communication, and improved collaboration. 

These benefits have _second order_ benefits: They're also more likely to feel a sense of belonging and teamwork despite being physically distant from one another.

Not only that, when a team can hold highly effective meetings, they often find they move fast, efficiently. They're able to turn out products and features quickly. 

If a remote team like that has built good team norms around their ability to ship often, quickly and incrementally, they often find that they have _more_ time to spend on things they care about at work or outside of work.

# The 3 Best Collaboration Tools for Highly Effective Remote Meetings

In almost a decade, I've been both a member of remote teams and a facilitator of remote meetings. 

In that time, I've seen a lot of tools come into existence. We benefit now from better internet bandwidth, the concept of an infinite canvas and seamless real-time collaboration.

In 2023, I think the 3 best collaboration tools for someone to facilitate highly effective remote meetings are **FigJam**, **Miro** and **Mural**.

## FigJam

![[figma_daily_sync_screenshot.png]]

**FigJam** is a collaboration tool from the folks who make Figma.

Unlike Figma, which is a fully featured infinite canvas for designing and creating better software products, **FigJam** is a striped down whiteboarding tool with instruments such as sticky notes, stickers, voting, timers and sections. 

Don't be fooled by how striped down **FigJam** is compared to [[Figma]], it has everything you need to help your remote team show up well together.

## Benefits of FigJam for Highly Effective Remote Meetings
**FigJam** has a number of benefits and can _super charge_ any team that's using **Figma** on a daily basis for doing product design.

Some of my favorite benefits include:
- FigJam has a voting feature that allows you to refine your meeting as your participants needs emerge
- FigJam has an interface that's lightweight, intuitive and easy to use
- FigJam integrates with FIgma
- FigJam has lots of stickers, making it a lot of fun to use

## Potential Downsides of FigJam
One potential downside of FigJam is that it's still a relatively new tool, so it may not have all of the features that some teams are looking for. 

Also, while it does integrate with Figma, some teams may prefer a more robust collaboration tool that offers a wider range of integrations.

 It's also important to know that because it's _not_ **Figma**, it has limited functionality beyond ideation and for those unfamiliar with **Figma**, it could come with a steep learning curve.

## Which Remote Teams Could Benefit from FigJam
Since **FigJam** integrates well with **Figma**, it is great for small startups, design teams, engineering teams and cross-functional pods. 

It's an ideal fit if your team is also using **Figma** as its primary collaborative design tool.

[Get started with FigJam](https://www.figma.com/figjam/)

## Miro

![[Pasted image 20230410130552.png]]

**Miro** is a highly versatile collaboration tool that can handle a wide range of use cases beyond just remote meetings. 

**Miro** offers a range of collaboration and visualization features, including whiteboarding, mind mapping, flowcharting, project management, even customer journey maps. 

This makes it a great option for remote teams looking for a one-stop-shop for all their collaboration needs.

## Benefits of Miro for Highly Effective Remote Meetings
One of the strengths of **Miro** is its large library of customizable templates. 

This makes it easy for teams to quickly get started with different types of projects, including remote meetings. 

Additionally, **Miro** integrates with a wide range of other tools and platforms, making it a great choice for teams that need to collaborate across multiple tools.

Some of the benefits I enjoy about Miro:
- Miro has a _robust_ template library
- Miro has a number of integrates with other SaaS platforms 

## Potential Downsides of Miro
**Miro** can feel overwhelming for first-time users, especially if they've never used an online collaborative white boarding tool before. 

It also has limited functionality and can lead to frustration for anyone who is trying to use it in the free version.

## Which Remote Teams Could Benefit from Miro
Unlike **FigJam**, **Miro** isn't connected to **Figma**.

That means that **Miro** is ideal for non-technical teams at Software as a Service startups. 

Because of the robust template library, it's a great collaboration tool for consultants or agencies who work with non-technical collaborators.

It's also the best option for teams that use other Software as a Service tools that they want to integrate their digital collaboration tool with. 

## Mural

![[Pasted image 20230410130622.png]]

Mural is another great collaboration tool for remote meetings.

Unlike **Miro**, which is a general purpose white boarding tool, **Mural** is more geared towards creative collaboration, design thinking, and visual facilitation.

It has an extensive library of pre-built templates that cover a wide range of use cases, making it easy to get started. 

With its simple interface, Mural makes it easy for teams to collaborate on ideas in real-time.

[Get started with Miro](https://miro.com/signup/)

## Benefits of Mural for Highly Effective Remote Meetings
**Mural** has a finer control over user permissions than FigJam and Miro, allowing you to manage access and editing rights for different users and groups more effectively.

While both **Miro** and **Mural** offer integrations with other tools, Mural has a more extensive list of integrations, including JIRA, Confluence, and Google Drive.

**Mural** has a wider range of templates that are more focused on specific use cases, such as design thinking, lean UX, or agile retrospectives.

Similarly to **FigJam**, **Mural** also has specific facilitation tools built into the platform, such as dot voting, timers, and facilitator tips, that can help to improve remote collaboration and engagement.

## Potential Downsides of Mural
Not everyone needs to have fine grain user permission control, so this can be a hinderance for many facilitators.

Also, like **Miro**, attempting to use the free version can lead to frustration about the lack of features.

## Which Remote Teams Could Benefit from Mural
**Mural** is ideal for teams who are doing design thinking, agile or lean methodologies.

The teams **Mural** is best suited for are small, lean startups, agile cross-functional product teams and design teams that want more remote team facilitation functionality such as timers, dot voting, facilitator tips.

[Get started with Mural](https://app.mural.co/signup)

# Apps Are Only As Good As The Facilitator's Skills

An intentional facilitator can go a long way to conducting highly effective remote meetings if they have the right tools at your disposal. 

FigJam, Miro, and Mural are three of the best collaboration apps for facilitating highly effective remote meetings. 

By using these tools, remote teams can collaborate, brainstorm, organize ideas and create tasks in real-time, leading to increased productivity, better communication, and improved collaboration. 

So what are you waiting for? Give these apps a try and see how they can transform the way you conduct your remote meetings.

**Are you interested in leveling up your remote meeting facilitation game?**

**Need some help deciding if remote design sprints are for you?**

[Setup an initial call with me](https://caio.fyi/find-time) and see if we'd be a good fit for facilitation coaching!


The right collaboration apps can give focus and direction to a remote meeting. Here are the best 3 collaboration apps for facilitating highly effective remote meetings.

3 Best Collaboration Apps for Facilitating Highly Effective Remote Meetings in 2023


A lot of people ask me about my [[Obsidian]] setup and one of the most often asked questions is: "Do you prefer notes or tags for everything?"

My answer has always been "it depends."

I decided that I'd share my "it depends" heuristic to give others insights into how I think about when to use which one _and_ why (In my example).

The single heuristic I use for if something should be a note or a tag is "is this an abstract or concrete term?"

As an example, let's say I am doing a [[What Is a Remote Design Sprint?]] at [[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] and I want to capture an insight for the retrospective, here's how I would go through the process of capturing if both the Sprint and the Retrospective are new concepts in my [[Personal Knowledge Management System]].

Capture the insight as a list item in my daily page. As an example:
   "- The flow of capturing questions asynchronously was awkward."

This is a list item captured for the _concrete_ sprint about its _Retrospective_. 

This one is tricky, because at first blush, it seems like the retrospective _should_ be concrete, but I only need to capture that it's for _a_ retrospective that is specific to _this sprint_.

In this case, I would create a note for the Sprint ("Sprint WK12", for example) and tag it with #retro because I want to connect this specific Sprint with any notes about its Retrospective.

Now when I view the specific Sprint note, I can have a view that finds any items across my notes that references the note "[[Sprint WK12]]" and has a tag of #retro.

# Heuristic

- Is it a concrete object/event? If it is, it should be **a note**. Things that satisfy this would be "My House", "A Meeting on Thursday", "Some Specific Sprint", "The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures (Book)"
- If it's not, it's probably abstract and should be **a tag**. Things that satisfy this would be "retro", "meeting", "book", "task".

# Example of How This Heuristic Helps Me

The reason I find this useful is that I don't usually find myself writing queries for _just_ abstractions of objects/events.

I usually refine a query for a concrete object or event with the abstraction ("Show me all items tagged #retro for this week's sprint.").

An example of the code for this DataView would be:

```js
//```dataviewjs
dv.list(dv.pages().file.lists.where(t => t.text.includes("[[WK13 Sprint]]")).filter(t => t.text.includes("#retro")).map((t ) => t.text))
//```
```

This renders like this:
![[Pasted image 20230327111302.png]]

I could take that even further and use a subtag for #retro, such as #retro/dislike.

This would allow me to organize my #retro notes by "like", "dislike", "change".

If I wanted to see all retro items in some other note, I could use the same [[Dataview (Obsidian)|DataView]] JS query without the initial includes for the sprint, then refine it as necessary.

![[note_or_tag_image.png]]


My simple heuristic for deciding if something is a note or a tag.

My Heuristic For Notes and Tags In Obsidian


My friend Dylan Garcia asked me: "how do you generally approach code reviews? what's your mindset? do you have a checklist?"

I've been doing code reviews for over a decade. 

My process has changed over time.

This is my process as it is currently. 

# My Process for Code Reviews

There are **3 main goals** of a code review.

The goal most people will be familiar with is to make sure the code that lands in production is as safe and correct as possible. 

The second goal is to learn more about the style and decision making process for the person for whom I'm doing the review. 

The third goal is to learn something and teach something. 

I do my reviews in **3** **stages** and **3** **passes**.

## 3 Stages

- **Pause** - This is to orient _me_ towards the person requesting review and towards curiosity.
- **Explore** - Review the code, attempting to be curious and noticing any judgment or suggestions that come up
- **Suggest** - Review the code again, adding comments for noticings and suggestions

# Stage 1: Pause
This stage is about orienting, I don't _look at the Pull Request_. 

Here are the steps I take in this stage:
- I **orient myself towards the person** I’m doing the code review for. What do I know about their style? What do I know about their goals? How do I get into a mindset of energetic collaboration.
- I **place myself**. How am I feeling outside of this code review? What have I experienced today? What are my feelings? I put anything that comes up in a note in [[Obsidian]] as a container and **attempt to detach extrensic experiences and feelings from the review**. This is important so that I don’t bring it with me into the review)
- **I orient myself towards curiosity**. I want this review to start from curiosity. In tech, so much of what we have been _taught_ matters is **defensive** and **judgmental**. It's not to say there isn't a place to _assess the code_ and _make suggestions_, but the goal of this step is to **reduce my ego as much as possible.**

# Stage 2: Explore
This stage is about going on an adventure in the Pull Request!

In this stage, I take these steps:
- **I orient myself towards the goal.** I read the description. I attempt to rephrase it so I understand it. If any questions come up, I first verify they're not "suggestions disguised as questions" and if they're curious questions, I write them down. 
- **I read the code a first time, starting at the top of the PR.** I try to understand what's happening. I don't make notes. I don't add any comments. I just try to understand _what_ is happening. I hold the code lightly. **I notice places where I hit drag in reading**. Usually drag indicates something isn't clearly. If I notice I hit drag, I write questions from curiosity about the drag. I make notes of if something came up as a noticing, judgment or suggestion but I don't add them to the Pull Request. I will make a note of where I think the execution context is at the end of the read for stage 3.
- **I read the code a second time, starting at the top of the PR.** In the second run, I look for what wasn't clear on a first read. I look to my questions I wrote down. If they're related, I make them as comments. Any comments I add as questions to a review, I start with ❓ so they're easier for me to find later. I review the execution context I guessed on the first pass.

At this point I take a 15 minute break and do something else. 

**Taking a break allows my subconscious to sit with my two passes through the code**.

# Stage 3: Suggest
This stage is where I make suggestions based on my noticings of drag.

Here are the steps to my suggestions:
- **I read the code a third time, starting at the _most obvious entrypoint to the execution context_**. At this point, I've seen the code twice and am oriented towards what it's doing. 
- **I make suggestions where the intent is clear.** I make suggestions in three cases: a fairly obvious security issue, a way to make the code more readable without sacrificing performance, performance benefits that don't reduce readability. In these cases I try to be _really clear_ about what I noticed, which of these buckets I'm making a recommendation for and why I think the recommendation could make it a little better.
- **Notice where someone did _great work_!** I try to notice where I appreciate that the requester has done something that crushes for me and tell them I appreciate it and why. **I think this has 3 benefits.** 1. They get a dopamine hit. 2. I get a dopamine hit. 3. I reinforce what I think matters in a codebase. 

# Some Quick Tips
- **Use [[Loom]] for comments.** Add text to your comments, but also if you can, use a loom here and there and in the comment for the review. **Looms help set emotional context for the person you're reviewing for.**
- **Stay curious.** This code is about a thing someone put effort into. Recognize that they put their energy into it, be grateful for that and ask yourself how you help _amplify_ their efforts instead of snuffing out their energy.
- **Use emoji for comment types and share your heuristic.** Emoji at the beginning of a comment (for example: "❔ I noticed I slowed down when reading this bit of code and I think it's because I don't understand what it's supposed to do, can you give me a summary of what you were trying to achieve with it?"). Emoji makes your comments easily scannable for both of you _and_ helps set context for the comment.
- **Set navigation points in comments.** This is hard to do, but it's always been well received when I do it. If you want to create a narrative about your review, use comment hyperlinks and document them in each comment for **back** and **next**. This helps the person you're reviewing for understand the narrative instead of having to go top to bottom.

# Summary

The most important thing to notice here is that **I attempt to do two passes of a code review before making suggestions**. 

This keeps me curious about what's happening and I think _when_ I follow this, the experience is usually really positive for me and the person I'm reviewing the code for.


![[code_review_process_image.png]]


A robust guide to creating great code reviews for you and the person you're reviewing for.

Code Review Process


![[Pasted image 20230321164555.png]]

[Swipies](https://swipi.es) are portable dry erase boards that are the same thickness as paper.

I enjoy using these for prototyping, taking notes and repeats like daily pages/bullet journaling.

I'll take a photo of the board when I'm done with it so that I have the contents and erase them at the end of the day.

I use two wet erase pens (they come in the kit):
- Staedtler lumocolor fine-tip wet erase pen
- Expo Vis-a-vis medium-tip wet erase pen

The Staedtler fine-tip is great on Swipies for...
- taking notes
- daily pages bullet points
- callouts and annotations
- fine tuned writing

The Vis-a-vis medium-tip pen is great on Swipies for...
- wireframes
- boxes and containers
- calling out big ideas
- headings
- fat pencil work


I use Swipies, a reusable dry erase board that's as thin as paper, for all kinds of tasks I'd use paper for. This is an overview of how I use them.

Swipies - Reusable Paper


**Snipd** is an AI driven podcast app that allows you to easily snip highlights while listening to your favorite podcasts. 

You can also use your AirPods to start and stop a snip. 

It's a great idea for note taking podcasts. 


Snipd is an AI driven podcast that allows me to snip my highlights and send them to Readwise.

Snipd


[LaunchList](https://getlaunchlist.com) Is a no code solution for collecting waitlist emails. 

They charge a one-time fee based on estimated waitlist signups. instead of charging a recurring monthly subscription. 

If you have more signups than expected, it continues to collect email addresses and you can upgrade your pricing tier. 


LaunchList is a nocode solution for collecting waitlist emails.

LaunchList


Screentime is a feature of Apple devices that lets a user define how much time they can use on certain apps.

I use Screentime and [[My Settings in Apple Downtime|Downtime]] as a way to create [[Friction - A Secret Tool for Successful Habits|friction]] with my phone so that I am using my phone instead of my phone using me. 

# My Heuristics
- Increase friction and reduce time where I am consuming **and** scrolling. 
- Reduce friction and increase time where I am intentionally learning or writing. 

# My App Limits
- 27 minutes - Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram

# Process
You've gotten this far so you may be wondering, "how do I start?" or at the very least "how did Chase start?"

Here's the process I used for discovering what kind of relationship I want to have with my devices and what needed to shift to make that true. 

## First 2 weeks - Simply enable Screen Time. 
I think this is the part where most people fail. 

They make two critical mistakes: 
1. They aren't clear on "Why am I doing this in the first place?"
2. They start setting extreme limits on apps and websites that they are already hooked on 

This is long lasting behavior change. 

Long lasting behavior change requires an acceptance of how much motivation you have, how able you are to make a change and a prompt to help you do what you need to get what you want. 

So start with just where you are. 

Collect the data. 

Write down your goals for how you want to use your phone (and how you don't want to use it).

There are a few tips I recommend when starting out:

- **Start small. Like, real small.** Don't try and start immediately putting restrictions on your Screen Time or mentally checking yourself whenever you pull out your phone. 
- **Ask "what's surprising?"** Review Screen Time results at the end of the day. Ask yourself "what's surprising?" Were you spending less time on social media than you originally thought? Were you spending more time than you originally thought?
- **Be kind.** Try hard not to judge how it's going. It's easy to beat yourself up for not being perfect. The goal is to kindly bring the relationship you want to have with your screens to a place that you feel good about. 


I use Apple Screentime to help me be conscious of how much time I spend on certain sites and apps on my devices. Here is how I have mine setup.

Apple Screentime Settings


> [!INFO]
> This document is a work in progress. I'm building it for the [[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] team to use as a guide for how we can experiment with ideas with no/low code tooling.

One of the most important things to consider when exploring an idea for a product is **how can I make something fast to validate my idea?**

There are some basic mindsets that you need for this kind of product development:
- keep making your idea as small as possible. This doesn't mean sacrifice the desired outcome, it just means to reduce all the things you want it to be to the most important thing you want to try out. 
- get it out as quickly as possible based on your smallest idea.
- think about as "hacking" and not "building". Hacking has room for tolerance and a willingness to scrap it later. 

# Questions to ask 
- what do I want to learn?
- What is the smallest possible thing I could build to see if I can learn about product market fit?
- Do I need to collect user information (emails for a waitlist for example)?
- Can I ship it without a custom domain?

# The Right Tools For The Job
The first thing to do once you've decided what you're hacking on, is to ask "what category of tool do I need to hack this together?"

There are a few categories to consider:
- Forms
- Landing Pages
- Prototypes
- Chatbots
- Functional Apps

# Forms
Forms are a great way to learn specific things about your target audience.

## Benefits of Forms for MVPs
You can create quizzes, surveys, even single question. The main benefits of using forms are:

- Collect targeted feedback
- Cost-effective
- Quick feedback loop
- Low-risk
- Scalable
- Collect potential user emails

## Downsides of Forms for MVPs
Some of the downsides to using forms for an MVP:

- Limited feedback
- No direct functionality
- Limited customization
- Limited testing
- User engagement

## No Code Form Builders
Here are a few no code form builders that people generally use for MVPs:

- [TypeForm](https://typeform.com/)
- [Google Forms](https://www.google.com/forms/about/)
- [SurveyMonkey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/)
- [JotForm](https://www.jotform.com/products/apps/)
- [Airtable](https://airtable.com/)

# Landing Pages 
Landing pages are a higher fidelity MVP solution than forms, because they usually require more design (even if you're building with no-code).

## Benefits of Landing Pages for MVPs
Some of the benefits of using landing pages for finding product-market fit:

- Easy to create 
- Test messaging and value proposition
- Track engagement
- Cost-effective
- Low-risk
- Collect potential user emails

## Downsides of Prototypes for MVPs
Some downsides to using prototypes for MVPs:
- No functionality
- User experience
- Limited data
- Limited customization
- Time investment

## No Code Landing Page Builders
There are a few well known landing page builders for hacking together MVPs:

- [[Webflow]]
- [Typedream](https://typedream.com/)
- [Carrd](https://carrd.co/)
- [SquareSpace](https://www.squarespace.com/)
- [Bubble](https://bubble.io/)
- [Framer](https://www.framer.com/)
- [[LaunchList]]

# Prototypes
Prototypes are higher fidelity than Landing pages. On top of needing design, you need to also be aware of the user flows.

If you're going to build a prototype, it's good to know that you're on the right track based on insights from forms or landing pages.

## Benefits of Prototypes for MVPs
Some of the benefits of using prototypes as an MVP for finding product-market fit:

- Visual representation
- Interactive testing
- Collaboration
- Low-cost
- Fast feedback loop

## Downsides of Prototypes for MVPs
Prototypes are a great way to see how a user will use your MVP. 

- Limited functionality
- Unrealistic expectations
- Time investment
- Technical skills
- Limited interactivity

## No Code Prototype Builders
There are a few tools that are great for building prototypes for MVPs:
- [[Figma]]
- [Adobe XD](https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/business/teams.html?sdid=B16P3W9X&mv=search&ef_id=Cj0KCQiAx6ugBhCcARIsAGNmMbgZcVBdtz1UWIfL7PNObhp7e2gbpQwyjXIxlw5oR4mZv_FV8N_QFgYaAmnoEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!566814725673!e!!g!!adobe%20xd!15482932269!136265041128)
- [Framer](https://framer.com)
- [InVision](https://www.invisionapp.com/)

# Chatbots
Chatbots are a great way to test an MVP, because they allow you to test an MVP without needing to worry about the visual aesthetics and focus on the workflows and interactivity that the user will experience.

## Benefits to Chatbots for MVPs
Some of the benefits of using chatbots when creating an MVP:

- Interactive testing
- Personalization
- Scalability
- Low-cost
- Fast feedback loop
- Focus on underlying value proposition

## Downsides to Chatbots for MVPs
While a chatbot can be a great way to create an MVP, they also come with some disadvantages:

- Limited conversation
- Dependencies
- User experience
- Limited customization
- Complexity

## No Code Chatbot Builders
There aren't any chatbot builders **that I know of**. Why aren't there no code chatbot builders?!

You could use a few nocode tools to stitch together a chatbot builder (mileage may vary):

- [[Courier]] (messaging platform)
- [[Integromat]]
- [[Zapier]]

# Functional Apps
Functional apps _ideally_ should be what you start to build when you know that people _want_ what you have told them they could have. 

Starting with a functional app reduces the amount of learning you can do for the amount of time you'll invest into making it.

**Make sure you have a good MVP of what you're going to build and know that it's just the starting point to building something better.**

## Benefits to Functional Apps for MVPs
Some of the benefits of using functional apps to create a MVP:

- Customizability
- Functionality
- Integration
- Scalability
- Low-code programming

## Downsides to Functional Apps for MVPs
Some of the downsides to using functional apps to create an MVP:

- Time investment
- Complexity
- Limited functionality
- Maintenance
- Deployment

## No Code Functional App Builders
There are a few functional app builders:

- [Bubble](https://bubble.io)
- [Webflow](https://webflow.com) (mileage may vary)
- [App Sheet (Google)](https://about.appsheet.com/home/)
- [MakerPad](https://www.makerpad.co/)
- [Coda](https://coda.io/)
- [Thunkable](https://thunkable.com/#/)


When you're building an MVP to find product market fit, it's important to know what you want to learn, what category of tool to use and which tool to build with.

No Code Tools for Building MVPs

Daily free writing is a practice where every morning, right after waking up and writing in my dream journal, I write whatever comes to mind. 

# Why I Started Daily Free Writing
The goal is to start the process of thinking intentionally, with attention, about something specific. 

I started this practice so that it would be a replacement for scrolling through social media first thing in the morning. 

Instead of consuming stuff and that framing how I start my day, I decide to let my brain take me where I want to go. 

It's a way for me to choose to be proactive instead of mindlessly scrolling.  

# How It Works
Every day I open [[Obsidian]] and create a daily page. 

My Template has a task with a templated note name:
```markdown
- [ ] Write 100 words [[2023-03-06 Mon Writing]] #habits
```

When the note is created, it appears like this:
```markdown
- [ ] Write 100 words [[2023-03-06 Mon Writing]] #habits
```

Then I can click the note (which appears as a not created before I click on it), it opens the note and I start writing. 

I write at least 100 words. It's not a lot but I'm able to write consistently because it's attainable. 

This practice has become a staple in my morning rituals.


Daily free writing is a practice where every morning, right after waking up and writing in my dream journal, I write whatever comes to mind.

Daily Free Writing

Downtime is a setting in [[Apple Screentime Settings|Screentime]] that enables the user to set specific blocks of time that certain apps are totally unavailable. 

I use Downtime as a point of [[Friction - A Secret Tool for Successful Habits|friction]] for making it hard for me to use my devices unconsciously. 

I have Downtime set to be on between 20:30 (8:30PM) and 07:00. It's scheduled for **Every Day**.

# Always Allowed Apps
Apple Downtime gives you the option of always allowing apps. 

I want to use my devices in a healthy way during Downtime, not ignore it entirely, so I think having allowed apps that help me spend my time consciously towards what I want to do is a good thing. 

Here are the apps that I always allow and why I always allow them:
- **Phone, messages** - In case someone needs to get in touch with me.
- **Maps** - In the rare occasion that I'm driving or in another city past my Downtime start.
- **Obsidian** - I write first thing in the morning (as early as 05:00) and sometimes write in my dream journal if I wake up in the middle of the night. [[Obsidian]] is where I write _everything_.
- **[[Kindle]], [[Audible]], [[Libby]], [[Blinkist]], [[Snipd]]** - I only consume content on these platforms for growth or rest, so I want them to be available. 
- **[[Spotify]]** - I listen to music _all the time_ and access to music during the activities I mentioned above is important. 

The main heuristic I use for allowing an app during downtime is: 

**Is this a tool or platform I will use in an unconscious way?**


I use Apple Downtime to help me be conscious of how I spend the end and beginning of my day. Here is how I have mine setup.

My Settings in Apple Downtime


Let's talk about autonomy at work.

I've noticed the word "autonomy" comes up in conversations about work a lot without a lot of definition of what it is. 

Most people crave some level of autonomy in our jobs. We crave the freedom to make decisions. We crave the ability to work independently. We crave the satisfaction of doing a thing well in a way we chose to do it. 

Even though people often say that they desire autonomy, they don't know how to define it or to find it in the work they're doing.

In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of autonomy at work and I'll provide some tips for increasing how much autonomy you have.

# What Is Autonomy?

So, what's autonomy all about anyway?

It's all about having the power to make decisions and take action on your own, without somebody critiquing your every move. 

It's about being able to shape your own work and take responsibility for your own actions. 

It's having the power to shape your own work and determine how best to achieve your goals. 

In an autonomous work environment done right, employees have a sense of control over their own work and can take responsibility for their actions.

Pretty sweet, right?

# What Isn't Autonomy?

But,  wait – autonomy isn't the same as being completely on your own. 

Autonomy also doesn't mean "do whatever you want".

There are still rules and boundaries (constraints) in place to make sure a business runs smoothly and autonomy has to work within those rules and constraints. 

Autonomy is not the same thing as being able to work alone, either. 

Autonomy is bound by your skills and tools. If you haven't developed mastery in the role you hold, your autonomy is limited to how much you're capable of doing.

You can have all the autonomy in the world, but that doesn't mean you can't ask for help when you need it. In fact, working together increases your ability to autonomous and generally makes the output of your work better.

# Do You Have Autonomy at Work?
So, why might you feel like you don't have autonomy? 

There are a few common reasons people don't feel like they have autonomy at work:
- You feel like your boss doesn't trust you 
- You're being micromanaged 
- You have to ask permission for everything you do
- You don't feel like you have the skills or resources to take on tasks by yourself

# How To Increase Autonomy (Without Permission)
You may feel like you can't have more autonomy at work, but fear not, my friend – there are ways to increase your autonomy. 

It's important that you start to notice where you _want_ autonomy and where you can _get_ autonomy.

Knowing where you want autonomy and where you're not getting it means you can start to create a plan of small steps to move towards the level of autonomy you want.

Once you've figured out the level of autonomy you want, schedule some time with your manager and making sure you're on the same page about what level of autonomy you want, what that looks like and what expectations for success look like for your manager. 

Oftentimes, if you can understand the needs your manager has around communication and commitments, you can become better at self-management. Self-management is a great path to autonomy. 

Once you and your manager have agreed that what you want is what you are able to do, don't be afraid to take on new challenges and show off your skills. 

And hey, if you need to brush up on those skills, there's nothing wrong with seeking out some extra training or growth. 

# Autonomy is Ownership
Remember, autonomy isn't just about doing things your own way – it's about being able to take ownership of your work, feel confident in your abilities and serve the needs of the business. 

So go ahead, take charge and see where a little autonomy takes you!


People talk about autonomy at work, but don't often talk about what it actually is or how to have it.

What Is Autonomy At Work?


**What are some of the most important aspects of creating a home office setup?**

I've found a few things have helped me to make sure my home office is a place where I can be comfortable and effective:

1. Have a dedicated space.
2. Basic understanding of ergonomics.
3. Comfortable chair and desk.
4. Good lighting.
5. Reliable internet connection.
6. Ergonomic peripherals.
7. Storage and organization.
8. Delightful to look at.
9. Boundaries and routines.


What I've learned about setting up a work from home office.

Setting Up Your Work From Home Office


I had a specific border I wanted to use consistently in my web design, so I made a util for [[Stitches (styling)]] that took the position the border needed to be in and did the work of styling the border for light and dark mode.

```js
createStitches({
  utils: {
	  box: (sides: Array<"top" | "left" | "bottom" | "right">) =>
	      (sides.length ? sides : sidesOptions).reduce<{
	        [k: string]: string;
	      }>((prevVal, side) => {
	        prevVal[`border-${side}`] = "1px dashed $gray200";
	        if (!prevVal[`.${darkTheme} &`]) {
	          // @ts-ignore
	          prevVal[`.${darkTheme} &`] = {};
	        }
	        // @ts-ignore
	        prevVal[`.${darkTheme} &`][`border-${side}`] = "1px dashed $gray800";
	        return prevVal;
	      }, {}),
	},
});
```


Box util for Stitches CSS in JS


This is a running collection of my Weekly Reviews.

# 2023
- [[2023 W02 Weekly Review]]


Weekly Review

There are 6 types of power, as defined by French and Raven:
- Formal (legitimate)
- Referent 
- Reward
- Expert
- Coercive
- Informational
- Connection

Coercion has a positive form (reward) and a negative form (shame, guilt or fear)

referent power is difficult because it's based on likeability and trust.

Understanding the types of power helps an individual have better power literacy in the groups they're a part of.

# References

- [MindTools - French and Raven's Five Forms of Power](https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_56.htm)


Types of Power (6 Types)

Styling the [MUI Linear Progress Bar React component](https://mui.com/material-ui/react-progress/) is incredibly confusing when you want to change _both_ the colors of the whole bar and the foreground of the bar, even with the [LinearProgressAPI](https://mui.com/material-ui/api/linear-progress/) handy.

In order to get this working, I ended up styling the root element with the `&.${linearProgressClasses.determinate}` and to style the progress indicator color, I styled the `bar1Determinate` (`&.${linearProgressClasses.determinate} > .${linearProgressClasses.bar1Determinate}`).

In this example I used `styled-components` but this would work with any style library that exports a `styled` function that takes an element or react component.

```javascript
import LinearProgress, {
  linearProgressClasses
} from "@mui/material/LinearProgress";

import styled from "styled-components";

  

const StyledLinearProgressBar = styled(LinearProgress)({
	[`&.${linearProgressClasses.determinate}`]: { backgroundColor: "#f0f" },
	[`&.${linearProgressClasses.determinate} > .${linearProgressClasses.bar1Determinate}`]: { backgroundColor: "#0ff" }
});
```

Preview:
![[Pasted image 20230113140338.png]]

You can see this in action in [this CodeSandbox](https://codesandbox.io/s/styling-linear-progress-bar-6yfdgs)


How to style the MUI Linear Progress Bar.

Styling the MUI Linear Progress Bar


This is a collection I'm building of things I've learned as I've helped build a startup ([[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]]) from scratch.

# Product Learnings
- [[Outsource What's Not Core To Your Product's Value Offering]]
- [[Start with user accounts, workspaces and teams]]


A constantly growing collection of what I'm learning as I work at Startups.

Startup Learnings


Looking back on the past year as [[Startup Learnings|I’ve been building a SaaS (Software as a Service) from scratch]], I think one the most foundational mistake I made was not thinking in terms of workspaces (we started with a single team) in the way I thought about how we would model relationships between individuals and groups of people.

# User
A user is someone who has created an account on the SaaS. They have profile information and the content they create is associated with them.

# Workspace
A workspace is strictly a **billing** and **membership** entity**.**

## Minimum Roles
-   Owner - The role that is able to pay for the workspace. They have all the permissions and privileges of an admin and a member
-   Admin - The role is able to create teams and add members
-   Member - The role is able to do basic actions in a workspace

# Team
A team is able is where all of the action happens for the SaaS. It has **Admin** and **Member** roles.


The entity types to always start with when building a Software as a Service.

Start with user accounts, workspaces and teams


I treated myself to the [LEGO Treehouse Ideas Set](https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/tree-house-21318) this year.

I'm really happy with how neat it is!

![[68912787-E69E-489F-B366-97010BFB005D_1_102_o.jpeg]]
![[0D50D16A-646F-4CAD-A93C-68134344EE12_1_105_c.jpeg]]
![[C665B204-189E-4ABB-BDF5-CDD3E38C46C5_1_105_c.jpeg]]


A summary of the LEGO Treehouse build I did in 2023.

LEGO Treehouse

The biggest update this week: **This weekly review!**

I decided I'm going to try out doing a weekly review...and doing it in public!

# Personal
- **Enchanted Princess Ball.** Friday night of last week (2023 W01) I took Elizabeth to an ["Enchanted Princess Ball"](https://gleneyrie.org/enchanged-princess-ball-header_website/) at the [Glen Eyrie](https://gleneyrie.org/) castle in Colorado Springs, CO. It was a magical time. ![[7CBA0738-5921-4E5E-AE4C-45B09E3C3A68_1_105_c.jpeg]]
- **Climbed 2 days, 20+ routes.** It was a good week for climbing. I onsited (first climb, no tips) my first 5.10b that's _all slopers_ which was exciting. 
- **Completed 100% of my [[Exercise Plan|Calisthentics]]** exercises for the week. I'm leveling up all of my exercises next week. 
- **Lego Treehouse**. I finished my [[LEGO Treehouse]] build. It's a very cool build!
![[C665B204-189E-4ABB-BDF5-CDD3E38C46C5_1_105_c 1.jpeg]]

# Murmur
- **Interviewed design candidates.**
- **Refined Decisionbot in private channels and group DMs.** I've been working on a [[Slack]] integration called [[Decisionbot]] at[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] but we've mostly been handling public channels. Now it handles private channels
- **Implemented PostHog in all of our digital products.** We're using [[PostHog]] at[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] to get better insights into our Marketing site visitors (hosted with Webflow), the [Murmur app](https://app.murmur.com) and Decisionbot.

# Writing
- [[Maybe Don't Just Cancel 75,000 Hours of Meetings]]. I think snapping all meetings out of existence is an approach that leads to worse problems. In this article, I explain why and propose an alternative approach.
- Published [[Startup Learnings]], a collection I started and want to pick back up.
- Published [[Start with user accounts, workspaces and teams]], a [[Startup Learnings]] for how to think about entities when building a digital product.
- Published [[Outsource What's Not Core To Your Product's Value Offering]], a [[Startup Learnings]] about the importance of focusing on the _value proposition_ of your digital product.
- [[List of Destructive and Non-Destructive JavaScript Array Methods]]. This is a very specific technical note about [[JavaScript]].


# Newsletter Update
I struggled to put hands to keyboards on the newsletter I wanted to start writing.

This public weekly review is a less scary, more gentle way for me to ease into thinking about a newsletter.

There were a few things I noticed at play:
- I was afraid of what people would think if my first issue wasn't "perfect".
- I was not _excited_ about the idea (the craft behind how people make things).

I'm going to explore a different topic in the meantime.

### New and Updated Topic Notes
- 🆕 [[PostHog]] 
- 🆕 [[Slack API]]
- [[My Digital Tool Stack]]

# Other Interesting Reading
## [Why aligned autonomy is an ongoing struggle](https://jchyip.medium.com/why-aligned-autonomy-is-an-ongoing-struggle-efa62e272d5d) 
Aaron Dignan shared this with the[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] team. This problem of aligned autonomy is at the root of trying to get a Startup off the ground. 

> Autonomy, in a workplace context, is not about “I can do whatever I feel like” but rather “I feel free to act and fully engage to achieve a greater purpose.”

I think the critical misunderstanding of autonomy isn't just "free to act and fully engage to achieve a greater purpose", it's also that I have to do it within my abilities, skills and decision rights. 

I hold roles within the organization and those roles inform the way I contribute in my "freedom to act". 

When I learned to focus on my role to serve the purpose, it enabled me to move the needle.

# Music Highlights
- Electronic: [Enjoy the Silence (Depeche Mode cover)](https://open.spotify.com/track/4tz6qu4C4uqMksUb3CyNac?si=50a67457bc424d31) by DCCM
- Prog Rock: [Ego Death](https://open.spotify.com/track/0Qj7PB41b6XgkApKPwDy1r?si=6cf83529f4e547c9) by Polyphia (I can't stop listening!)
- Hip Hop: [Shine On](https://open.spotify.com/track/5X6xaHU3SnJgT6nlNGNWhR?si=9e3d0e01ece94a05) by Kristoff Krane (This song makes me want to bop my head)
- Metal/Djent: [Pure Imagination](https://open.spotify.com/track/63v6NOvLxA2VfuysgJnVs2?si=65e421de27574346) by Hearing Shapes (thanks to my friend Andrew Del Prete for sharing it!)


Updates on my newsletter, my personal experiences and my contribution to my work.

2023 W02 Weekly Review


> [!info]
> In this tutorial, you'll learn about the basics of the PostHog Toolbar, how to enable it for your site and how to access it on your site.

[[PostHog|At Murmur, we use PostHog for our data analytics]] and I've been really happy with it. 

I didn't feel the magic until I found the PostHog Toolbar and figured out how to use it (specifically the heatmap feature).

![[Pasted image 20230112062509.png]]

The PostHog Toolbar is a little widget with the PostHog logo on it that shows up on in  the corner of your site.

# Prerequisites
- [PostHog](https://posthog.com/) project with a valid domain setup
- Some data for your site

# Enable PostHog Toolbar
In the top left corner of PostHog, you should see a Project. If you aren't on the project you want to use the Toolbar for, click the drop menu icon to the right of the project you're in and select the one you want. [^2]

Once you're in the project that you want to enable the PostHog Toolbar...
- Under **Configuration**, click **Launch Toolbar**
- On the **Toolbar** configuration page, toggle **Enable the PostHog toolbar** on if it's not already enabled

![[enableposthogtoolbar.gif]]

## Add Authorized URL
For PostHog to display your analytics data on your site, you'll need to add an authorized URL for your domain.

To add an authorized URL...
- Under **Authorized URLs for Toolbar**, click the button that says **Add Authorized URL**
- Inside of the newly display input, add your URL [^1] and click **Save**. 
- Now you'll see that an item has been added for your new URL

![[addauthorizedurls.gif]]

# Access PostHog Toolbar
Now that you've enabled the Toolbar and authorized it, you can click the **Launch** button for the URL you authorized.

When you click **Launch**, PostHog will open a new tab that takes you to your website. You'll know it was successful if you see the PostHog logo. (It will look like the image below)
![[Pasted image 20230112064925.png]]

# Explore The Toolbar
When you click the logo, you'll see a few options fly out:
- Inspect
- Heatmap
- Actions
- Feature Flags

The PostHog Toolbar doesn't start with any of these enabled, so if you want to use one, you have to click the icon to enable it. Enabling it only enables it for the current session, so don't panic if you close the page and re-launch and don't see any Heatmap indicators. 

## Heatmap
The feature I've used the most so far is the heatmap (shown in the first image in this post).

Heatmap shows you an aggregated view of any autocapture events or manually captured events. 

You'll see count indicators anywhere you have clickable elements that have been clicked. 

In order to navigate through your site, you'll have to disable the heatmap, click the link or button you want and then re-enable the heatmap. 

# Summary

In this tutorial you learned how to enable and authorize the PostHog Toolbar for your PostHog Toolbar. 

You also learned how to enable the heatmap and what you'll see when you enable it. 

[^1]:: When adding a domain, make sure it's using the correct subdomain if you use on (ie, I use https://curiouslychase.com but if I used https://www.curiouslychase.com, I'd need to make sure it's exactly that URL)
[^2]:: You can also access the Toolbar through [this URL](https://app.posthog.com/toolbar)


Learn the basics of the PostHog toolbar, how to enable it and how to access it.

Using PostHog Toolbar (Heatmap)


I can never remember which JavaScript Array methods are destructive and which are non-destructive.

A **destructive method** modifies the original array that the method is being run on. An example of this is `pop`:

```javascript
const instruments = ["Guitar", "Drums", "Keyboard"];
instruments.pop();
// instruments = ["Guitar", "Drums"]
```

A **non-destructive method** does not modify the original array and instead returns a shallow copy of the original value. An example of this is map:

```javascript

const instruments = ["Guitar", "Drums", "Keyboard"];
instruments.map(instrument => `${instrument} toot`);
// instruments = ["Guitar", "Drums", "Keyboard"]
```

# Destructive Methods
- [`copyWithin`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/copyWithin)
- [`fill`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/fill)
- [`pop`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/pop)
- [`push`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/push)
- [`reverse`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/reverse)
- [`shift`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/shift)
- [`sort`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/sort)
- [`splice`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/splice)
- [`unshift`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/unshift)

# Non-Destructive Methods
- [`concat`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/concat)
- [`entries`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/entries)
- [`every`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/every)
- [`filter`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/filter)
- [`find`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/find)
- [`findIndex`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/findIndex)
- [`findLast`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/findLast)
- [`findLastIndex`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/findLastIndex)
- [`flat`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/flat)
- [`flatMap`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/flatMap)
- [`forEach`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/forEach)
- [`Array.from()`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/from)
- [`includes`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/includes)
- [`indexOf`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/indexOf)
- [`join`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/join)
- [`keys`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/keys)
- [`lastIndexOf`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/lastIndexOf)
- [`map`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/map)
- [`reduce`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/reduce)
- [`reduceRight`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/reduceRight)
- [`slice`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/slice)
- [`some`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/some)
- [`toLocaleString`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/toLocaleString)
- [`values`](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Array/values)


A list of destructive and non-destructive JavaScript array methods for those of us who can't always remember.

List of Destructive and Non-Destructive JavaScript Array Methods




The Shopify ["cancel all the meetings" article](https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/03/tech/shopify-meetings/index.html) has taken up a lot of room in my brain since I first read it yesterday.

My first thought was "Hey, that's cool, a bunch of people just got time back, maybe they'll be more effective."

My second thought was "Hey, what was missing about how they communicate that they needed 75,000 hours of meetings?"

This change is a classic example of a dramatic swing in a big system from something most people hate (meetings) that will likely end up in a dramatic swing back to something most people hate (more meetings).

"Why do you think it will swing back?" You ask? 

What happens when you remove thousands of hours of meetings that had _some purpose_ and the way the group communicates required synchronous communication.

When you cancel all these meetings, what fills the gap?

They cleared up "76,000" hours but what if some of those meetings were useful?

Cancelling all the meetings doesn't magically make everyone in the company happy with how they communicate with each other. 

Instead there's now a gaping void of communication and everyone is going to have to scramble and figure out "how do I work in this new system?"

Don't get me wrong, I think most meetings could be replaced with asynchronous tools and processes, but the important part here is that they _weren't_. 

It's feels great to blow away an entire organization's planned meetings, dust off your hands and say "hey, I did a good thing"  but **every existing meeting that matters needs a way to replace what was there or it will just end up on the calendar again.**

I had a few takeaways, from an organizational change management perspective:
- **start small, share what you learn along the way.** You'll be more successful, faster by starting small, finding what works and create a process for reducing the need for meetings. 
- **Strive for communication mastery.** Meetings suck, but absent or unclear communication sucks worse. If you and your team can strengthen your asynchronous communication, you can probably get rid of most of your meetings. 

In practice, getting cozy on my arm chair quarter backing chair, here's what I would have done as a C-Suite making this decision:

- Start with the C-Suite deciding what their least favorite meeting together is and use the second to last meeting slot to discuss why it needed to exist, if the content is still important 
- Use the last meeting slot to determine a few ways they think they can successfully communicate the content asynchronously 
- Test it out for the next few weeks and then asynchronously retrospective what's working and what's not 
- Bonus points: do it in a public channel in the organization's communication tool of choice and model the process
- Pick another meeting to cancel and do the same process

The above will take more work than canceling all meetings at once, but it's principled in its approach and it creates an alternative space for the communication to continue. 

# Try Using Murmur

A small plug:

[Murmur](https://murmur.com) is an asynchronous decision making platform and it's _built_ to make the process above delightful. You can use Murmur to propose this idea, get consent from the group asynchronously and once you've all decided you want to do it, it will nudge you in the future about how it's going.

As an alternative to using those two last meetings, cancel them instead and propose a decision to "Cancel Meeting X" in [Murmur](https://murmur.com) and propose an agreement called "How we Communicate". 


Canceling all your meetings sounds great but what fills the communication void it creates?

Maybe Don't Just Cancel 75,000 Hours of Meetings


The Slack API is a way for anyone to build an integration to interface with a Slack workspace.

# How I've Used It
- Sending notifications for when a proposal advances in[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]].
- Creating a[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] app for starting, making and storing decisions.

# Useful Links
- [Slack Event API](https://api.slack.com/apis/connections/events-api)
- [Verifying a Slack request in a Slack Integration](https://api.slack.com/authentication/verifying-requests-from-slack#a_recipe_for_security) 
- [What is a composition object?](https://api.slack.com/reference/block-kit/composition-objects#option)


Slack API


I use [Vercel](https://vercel.com/) for deploying and hosting[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] and [[curiouslychase.com]].

Vercel enables developers to easily preview and deploy their applications to the internet.

Vercel increases developer productivity by allowing a developer to:
- deploy their websites to a preview environment with their preferred [[git]] hosting platform.
- continuously deploy their application to a production environment


Vercel is a hosting platform for web applications. Here's how I use it.

Vercel


[PostHog](https://posthog.com) is a "suite of product and data analytics tools". 

It enables anyone building for the web to track product analytics, roll out features based on feature flags, test ideas with A/B testing and it also acts as an event pipeline.

I enjoy using PostHog for a few reasons:
- PostHog has an autocapture [[JavaScript]] snippet that makes it easy to implement and start getting rich data
- [[Using PostHog Toolbar (Heatmap)|The PostHog Launchbar Heatmap]] helps me learn more about the user from a holistic view.
- They have a rich set of [documentation](https://posthog.com/docs/),
- The platform is open-source (so it can be self-hosted) and has a cloud offering (for people like me who are building products ourselves and shouldn't be fiddling with self-hosting infrastructure)
- Their team is quick to engage with requests in their Slack channel

I've started using [PostHog](https://posthog.com) for analytics for[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] products and for my personal website ([[curiouslychase.com]]).

# Relevant Articles
- Since I use [[NextJS]], I found this article about setting up [Analytics for NextJS](https://posthog.com/docs/integrate/third-party/next-js#squeak-questions)  to be very helpful.


PostHog is a suite of product and data tools built for the modern stack. Here's how I use it.

PostHog


**[Karabiner Elements](https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/)** is software for MacOS that allows a user to customize their keyboard by remapping keys with rules.

# Relevant Notes
- [[Disable the built-in keyboard on my Mac so I can set my external keyboard ontop of it]]


How I use Karabiner Elements for a more effective keyboard.

Karabiner Elements

![[IMG_7618.jpg]]
I use [[Karabiner Elements]] to disable my built-in Mac keyboard when I'm on the go so that I can set my [[KeyboardIO Atreus (Mechanical Keyboard)]] on top of it.

To do this (after installing [[Karabiner Elements]]):

- Make sure your keyboard is plugged in (if physical connection) or enabled (if bluetooth)
- open the Karabiner Elements settings and click **Devices > Advanced**. 
- Under **Disable the built-in keyboard**, select set the toggle to on, so that it is a darker gray.
- Now, whenever your external keyboard is connected, your Mac's built-in keyboard will be disabled and it won't experience any keypresses from the built-in keyboard.


How to disable the built-in Mac keyboard so you can set your external keyboard on top of it.

Disable the built-in keyboard on my Mac so I can set my external keyboard ontop of it



![[291C5DCF-45D0-422F-88C9-22DE4AF9019C.jpeg]]

You may have seen photos floating around of my keyboard that look like this. Your next thought, if you're a discerning touch-typist would either be "hey, the top left keys aren't right." or "hey, he uses Colemak!". 

I prefer Colemak for my keyboard layout over QWERTY (what most people use) or Dvorak (the primary alternative other typists use instead of QWERTY).

I won't dive into the history of Colemak (I've included some links at the bottom), but I will summarize what's different about it:

- **Ergonomic** - The most used keys are on the homerow (better for your fingers if you type a lot)
- **Easy to Learn** - The most used _modifier_ keys are where they are on a QWERTY keyboard (Q, Z,X,C...all the keys I use for keyboard shortcuts)
- 

Pairing Colemak with my [[KeyboardIO Atreus (Mechanical Keyboard)]] (pictured above), I've seen an increase in my typing speed, my ability to type for long periods of time without strain/exhaustion and general use of the keyboard to increase. 

# Other Resources
- [Colemak Homepage](https://colemak.com/)
- [Colemak - The keyboard layout that may help you type faster](https://www.reliancedigital.in/solutionbox/colemak-the-keyboard-layout-that-may-help-you-type-faster/#:~:text=Colemak%20users%20have%20recorded%20typing,up%20and%20down%20the%20keyboard.)


Colemak Keyboard Layout


As someone who uses a keyboard _all day long_ almost every day, I've put a lot of thought into the tools and practices I use so that I can type with mastery.

This is a list of all the tools (physical and digital) I use to be a better typist:

- I use a [[KeyboardIO Atreus (Mechanical Keyboard)]] as my _only_ physical keyboard.
- I use [[Colemak Keyboard Layout]] as my keyboard layout.
- I use [The Typing Cat](https://thetypingcat.com/) to practice touch-typing.
- I use [[Raycast]] as my preferred operating system launcher
- At one point, I used [[Karabiner Elements]] for remapping standard keyboard keys. Now I use it to [[Disable the built-in keyboard on my Mac so I can set my external keyboard ontop of it]]


Interesting tidbits to know about my typing productivity.

Chase Is Typing


GitHub Actions is a tool within [[GitHub]] that allows a user to setup automation workflows based on events for running tests, doing continuous integration and continuous deployment, even run scripts based on time of day.

# Relevant Notes
- [[GitHub CODEOWNERS Directory Pattern Match Cheatsheet]]
- [[Fix Docker Error for GitHub Actions Entrypoint Executable Error]]


GitHub Actions is a tool for doing event based workflows in GitHub.

GitHub Actions


- I started working from in 2015. 
- I left in office work at Zappos 
- I started remote work for Walmart Labs. 
- I was living in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- I was excited about what working from home would enable me to do

I started my **Work From Home** experience in 2015, when I worked for [[Walmart Labs]].

# Relevant Notes
- [[Tips For Being Successful at Working From Home Long-Term]]
- [[My Home Office Setup]]
- [[My Desk Setup]]
- [[Remote is Dead, Long Live Distributed]]
- [[Building effective distributed teams]]


I've been working from home since 2015. I believe it's the best way for me to be effective and keep my home life flourishing.

Working From Home


You can find the tools I use on a daily basis in [[My Digital Tool Stack]] and programming languages and libraries in my [[Software and Programming Languages I Use]].

This is a list of tools that I use here and there and find useful, but don't use often enough that they make it into my tool stack.

# Useful Digital Tools For Startups 
- [Builder.IO](https://www.builder.io/) - visual web app builder
- [Typeform](https://typeform.com)
- [Hex Magic](https://hex.tech/) - AI powered tool for data
- [PenPot](https://penpot.app/features) - Open-source Canvas based Design tool

# Useful Digital Tools For Utility
This is a list of useful digital tools for basic utility. This list includes anything that would be useful for an individual needing to perform basic tasks throughout the day.

## How many seconds in a day?
A nice calculator for converting a unit of time to another unit of time.
![[Screen Shot 2022-12-16 at 10.22.02 AM.png]]

Built with Coda

[How many seconds in a day?](https://coda.io/@hales/simple-online-calculator-for-dates-and-times/how-many-seconds-in-a-day-33)


An ever growing list of tools that I find useful.

Useful Digital Tools


**Bash** (or [Bourne Again SHell](https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/)) is a shell (a computer program that allows a user to interact with the underlying operating system).

# Relevant Notes
- [[Delete Command from Bash History]]


Why (and how) I use Bash, a computer shell.

Bash


![[291C5DCF-45D0-422F-88C9-22DE4AF9019C.jpeg]]

The MIGHTY Atreus!

This keyboard has become one of the few tools that I leave home without. 

There are a few features of this keyboard that make me a true believer...to the point that I haven't used a built-in Apple Keyboard on my MacBook in over 2 years.

What are these undeniable attributes that make the [KeyboardIO Atreus](https://shop.keyboard.io/pages/atreus) my go to keyboard?

- **Form Factor.** The Atreus is a 40% keyboard. That means it doesn't have a keypad, a function row or a number row. In fact, if you look closely, you'll see that the space _key_ is the same size as every other key. 
- **Programmability**. The Atreus is fully programmable. It uses Kaleidoscope, an open source firmware for keyboards. Once the keyboard is plugged in and the GUI for configuring a layout is installed ([Chrysalis](https://github.com/keyboardio/Chrysalis/releases)), it's just a matter of deciding what path you take towards making the Atreus _your_ keyboard.
- **It's Mechanical**. There's something about the "clickity-clack" of a keyboard that is undeniably satisfying to me. Beyond the immediate feedback (this is a USB-C keyboard, no bluetooth) between typing and the screen, the sound of a "click" motivates me to keep typing for fear of the silence it leaves behind.
- **Hot Swappable Mechanical Switches**. Not everyone likes the "clickity-clack", especially people who aren't the ones typing. The Atreus has hot swappable switches, so you can use those "clickity-clack" switches at home and opt for some quieter switches for when you're out and about or on a trip.
- **Thumbs Are The Workhorse**. You may notice that _all_ of the keys that would normally require a reaching pinky (special keys) have been moved to the center of the keyboard. This allows a user to use those big meat bags (your thumbs) to do a lot of what you used to rely on your pinky to do. It will help significantly reduce the strain on the pinky, reduce the amount of movement overall that your hands have to do to type and increase your overall typing satisfaction. It took me a few days to get used to using my thumbs for my special and modifier keys but once I got used to it I decided I can never go back to a standard keyboard.

# Preferences

- **Layout** - [[Colemak Keyboard Layout|Colemak]]
- **Switches** - Kali Box Silent Pink ~~Kali Box White ([Specs on MechanicalKeyboards.com](https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/switches/index.php?switch=Kailh-BOX-White))~~

![[59C7E466-4C66-4526-BFC9-68EF46D806DB.jpeg]]

![[69CA3C75-0589-4A9B-91CB-C5902B63B2AD.jpeg]]


The KeyboardIO Atreus is my sole keyboard for work and typing.

KeyboardIO Atreus (Mechanical Keyboard)


![[8135ACB3-9906-4D03-B48F-C7AA64017FA2.jpeg]]
One of the principles of [[My Desk Setup]] is "Every piece of functional equipment should be mounted to the desk". 

This under desk bracket allows me to do just that.

The **Under Desk or Wall mount for Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station with Mounting Screws** is a bracket from Trella3dPrints (on Etsy) that I use for mounting my [[Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station]].

It came with screws to mount it to my desk. 

I mounted it just behind the cable tray and next to my monitor arm.

Link:: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1186255956/under-desk-or-wall-mount-for-anker-577


How I use this bracket to mount my Anker Docking Station to my desk.

Anker Docking Station Bracket


I use this docking station to keep all of my cables managed with my [[MacBook Pro]] in a way that makes it easy to only have one cable to unplug for my laptop.

Link:: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087219P5J


How I use an Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station for my using my laptop at my desk.

Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station


Any tool should provide these critical concepts for a user to have an effective personal operating system:
- **Quick capture** - a user must be able to easily capture the object with simplicity while also being able to make a capture more complex. As an example, I should be able to capture a simple daily log ("started working on a blog post") or capture a book (by its title) and easily input the author, my status of reading it and automatically capture that it is of a type (a reference to a **Books** object)
- **Objects** - An object is a "document" or "file". The important part is that it is abstract enough that it isn't _required_ to have any special attributes for it to work.
- **Properties** - An object should be able to have properties: extra data that can be attached to the object. This extra data is the key to being able to easily filter and bucket objects. It lets a user see "what is alike, what is different and what is unique". For a book, a property could be **author** (and it's a reference to an **author** object) or topic (and its a reference to a **topic** object). 
- **Contexts** - A context is the _way_ a user thinks about their data. The flexibility of context is largely dependent on the flexibility of properties. As an example: A "book" is a context ("what is this?") and will have similar properties based on the fact that it is a book. Context can also be "what time of day is it?", "where am I?"
- **Views** - A view is a concrete way to _view_ data (rather than organizing it). A view allows a user to say "I want to see all objects with these properties in these contexts". The view is the "focus mode" of a context. As an example,  a view would allow me to say "I want to see all books that I read last year." And give me a list of the books that I read last year. I can add as much context and filter by as many properties as I'd like. The critical part here is that a view is an alternative to the need to organize to see things based on context.

# Thoughts
- **On Properties**: Properties should _reference_ other objects as much as possible, rather than being "plain-text" values. As an example, if I read a book by "Douglas Adams", the property should reference an object with the name of "Douglas Adams" that is its own document or file with its own data _about_ "Douglas Adams". Within "Douglas Adams", because it's a reference, I could create a view that shows me results for every _other object_ that references "Douglas Adams"
- If a tool provides these 4 concepts, it opens the doors for better capture, thinking and pattern recognition


I believe this is the future of tooling for the personal Operating System

Tooling for a Personal Operating System


GitHub is a platform for hosting and reviewing [[git]] version controlled code. It also has the ability to run actions inside of the repository.

# Relevant Notes

- [[GitHub Actions]]


GitHub


If you are working on a file that's version controlled with [[git]] and you realize, "whoops! I want to reset that file back to the way it was in a specific commit" or "I want to reset that file back to its state in my mainline branch", the command you want to use is `checkout`.

Let's say I want to reset a file named `some/changed/file.ts` back to the state it was in on my `main` branch, I would run:

```shell
 git checkout origin/main some/changed/file.ts 
```

This would restore the file back to the state it was originally in. If you've committed changes to it, you'll see that your `git status` shows that the file has changed by adding anything back and removing anything that was added.


How to restore a file to a specific state with git.

Reset specific file to its state on a commit or branch with git


I often find that I want to restore a MongoDB database locally from MongoDB (Preview database) Atlas to determine if I've made any breaking changes.

# Restoring your MongoDB database

1. Download a backup from MongoDB Atlas.
2. Unzip the backup. In this case, I unzipped it to my `Downloads` directory as `dump`.
3. run a [[Docker]] container with the following flags:
	- `-p <TO>:<FROM>` - **To** is the port that you are serving on your local machine and **From** is the container's process port for Mongo (unless specified otherwise, it's `27017`)
	- `-v <LOCAL DB DIRECTORY>:<DOCKER DB PATH>` - **Local DB Directory** is where I unzipped the backup. **Docker DB Path** is the directory Mongo will use to serve a database. Unless specified otherwise, this is `/data/db`
		```shell
		docker container run -p 27018:27017 -v $HOME/Downloads/dump:/data/db mongo:5.0.7
		```

# Accessing your MongoDB database

Now from [[Mongo Compass]] you should be able to connect to your locally running Mongo instance with this connection string:

```
mongodb://@localhost:27018?authSource=admin&readPreference=primary&directConnection=true&ssl=false
```

Notice the `27018`? In this case, because that's the port I designated for Mongo to serve from _on my computer_, this is the port I want to connect to. 


How to restore a MongoDB Database from Compass (the MongoDB database UI tool).

How to Restore a MongoDB Database from Compass


[React](https://reactjs.org/) is a [[JavaScript]] framework for building user interfaces.

I have used it since 2012, starting with my time at [[Zappos]], then writing it for the core framework for [[Walmart Labs]], then at [[Webflow]] and finally at [[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]].

# Relevant Notes

- [[Fix CSS variable keys in style attributes in React and Typescript]]


An overview of React (a JavaScript framework for building user interfaces) from my perspective and experience.

React (JavaScript)


**Interstitial Journaling** is a technique of capturing notes, tasks and journal entries as _individual items in a list_. It's a really neat way to be capturing what matters without having to worry about where to put it while also giving the journaler the ability to scan or filter each list item (with code).

I use **interstitial journaling** in [[Obsidian]] by keeping a daily list under my `# logs` heading.

An example may look like this for one of my daily notes:

![[Pasted image 20230304161344.png]]

I use a [[Dataview (Obsidian)]] query to [[Get all links to the current file with Obsidian and Dataview]], which lets me roll up all of the individual list items to their relevant notes.

This allows me to fine tune what information I see when I want to do reviews or combinatorial creativity.


How I use interstitial journaling in Obsidian

Interstitial Notes


> [!caution]
> I no longer use Emacs. I wanted a better shared developer experience with my teammates, so I switched to [[VS Code]]

**Emacs** is an extensible text editor. I used Emacs for a few years when I was at [[Walmart Labs]].

# Relevant Notes
- [[Getting Started with Emacs]]
- [[Emacs - Highlight $FlowFixMe comments in JavaScript]]


An overview of Emacs (the editor) from my perspective and experience.

Emacs


Link:: https://date-fns.org/

**date-fns** is a [[JavaScript]] date utility library. It has excellent [[TypeScript]] support, it's modular and it can be used in both a browser and with [[NodeJS]].

My team uses **date-fns** heavily in the[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] application.


An overview of date-fns (a date utility for JavaScript) from my perspective and experience.

date-fns


These are my top 10 strengths, in order, based on my StrengthsFinder Survey:

1. [[Relator Theme]] (Relationship Building) 
2. [[Learner Theme]] (Strategic Thinking) 
3. [[Maximizer Theme]] (Influencing) 
4. [[Intellection Theme]] (Strategic Thinking) 
5. [[Achiever Theme]] (Executing) 
6. [[Belief Theme]] (Executing) 
7. [[Connectedness Theme]] (Relationship Building) 
8. [[Strategic Theme]] (Strategic Thinking) 
9. [[Responsibility Theme]] (Executing) 
10. [[Woo Theme]] (Influencing) 

[[StrengthsFinder Exercise]]


A list of the strengths I have based on the StrengthsFinder exercise.

Strengths


Link:: https://momentjs.com/

**MomentJS** is a [[JavaScript]] date/time library. 

I use it _solely_ for working with [[Dataview (Obsidian)]] in [[Obsidian]]. My preferred alternative [[JavaScript]] library is [[date-fns]]. 
# Relevant Notes
- [[Checking if two dates match with MomentJS]]


An overview of MomentJS (the JavaScript library) from my perspective and experience.

MomentJS


Someone once asked me: "If you could have any super powers, what would they be?" 

There were two that came to mind right away:

1. **Wonder**
2. **Amplification**

# **Wonder**

Wonder was inspired by a character from the [[📚 Renegades Series]] named Callum. I wish I could claim it as an original idea, but I can't. Marissa Meyer beat me to it.

> "My point is that Ace Anarchy, whatever his motives might have been, was ultimately a destructive force. He destroyed things. But we are so much stronger and better when we put our energy into creating things, not destroying them." - Callum in Archenemies, page 265

Wonder is one of those delightful words that can have multiple meanings:

- a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unfamiliar or inexplicable
- to be curious about something

I want to feel that "surprise mingled with admiration". The beauty of the super power, however, would be that by being around me, my sense of wonder would lead to _others_ feeling a sense of wonder. If being around me inspired others to feel wonder, _that_ would be the most amazing super power.

# Amplification

Keeping in theme, **amplification** is the idea that the super power itself _is_ to enhance the super powers of others. 

I think it's a neat idea, because by myself, it doesn't make me that powerful. The power is in the fact that I'm in a space with others. My super power is only powerful _because_ it's making other people's powers stronger.

# Closing Thoughts (Maybe they're not super?)

I think the best thing about **wonder** and **amplification** is that even though real super powers don't exist, in a way these are something I could strive for and still be pretty close to doing in real life. All it takes to inspire wonder is a willingness to stay curious and present and whole. All it takes to amplify others is to recognize their gifts and figure out how I can contribute to them cultivating their gifts.

It's beautiful to think about it.


In which I answer what super powers I would want if I could choose some (and how some super powers are attainable).

If I could have any super powers...

With [[MomentJS]] ([[JavaScript]]), you can check if two times are the same with the `isSame` method.

First, instantiate `moment` with the date you want to check:

```js
const someDate = "2021-07-14";
const currMoment = moment(someDate);
```

Then use the `isSame` method: 

```js
const someDate = "2021-07-14";
const currMoment = moment(someDate);

const anotherDate = "2021-07-13";

const isSameDay = currMoment.isSame(anotherDate, "day") // false
const isSameMonth = currMoment.isSame(anotherDate, "month") // true
```

I use this heavily in my [[Dataview (Obsidian)]] queries for [[Obsidian]].

[reference](https://momentjscom.readthedocs.io/en/latest/moment/05-query/02-is-same/)

#javascript #programming #obsidian/programming

Created:: 2021-07-14 12:42:36


How to check if two dates are the same with the JavaScript libray MomentJS

Checking if two dates match with MomentJS


Travel back from [[Aaron Dignan]]: put your noise canceling headphones on in the terminal since you have room and can get situated without juggling getting set and  having to get up for passengers in your row. 


Put headphones on in terminal before boarding


The first time I saw this error in [[Sentry]], my heart dropped to my feet. It wasn't clear that this was a client error and my initial thought was: how is someone attempting to delete a database?!

```
Database deleted by request of the user
```

As I looked through the stack trace, I realized it was an error for [[IndexedDB]], which is the storage mechanism we use for[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] to store proposal edits in the client before sending them to the server. 



What to do when you see a database deleted by request of the user in your errors.

Database deleted by request of the user (indexeddb)


To install `pip` with a Homebrew installed version of `python3`, run:

```shell
python3 -m pip install --upgrade setuptools
```

In order to use the binaries that `pip` installed, I also added this to my `PATH` in my `.zshrc`:

```shell
PATH=$USER/Library/Python/3.8/bin:$PATH
export PATH
```


how to install pip with Homebrew on MacOS.

installing pip with Homebrew


The internet is a big place.

What's more: there are a lot of pieces, standards and concepts that make it work.

This is a collection I'm starting of all the things I think can be valuable for anyone to know about how the internet works. It will be especially valuable for anyone who's dabbling with web development who wants a good resource for all things internet.

One of the most common things everyone will experience in someway or another is [[HTTP Status Codes]]. If you've ever seen a "not found" page (404 status code) or visited a website when it was down (5xx status codes), you've probably seen numbers on the page that meant nothing to you. Those are [[HTTP Status Codes]].


My growing collection of stuff that's interesting to know about the internet.

The Internet

I want to experiment with tangling my Markdown files into code and configuration files.

# Dependencies

I'm experimenting with the [md-tangle](https://pypi.org/project/md-tangle/) Python project.

## Setup `md-tangle`

First, I made sure I had `pip` installed, by [[installing pip with Homebrew]].

Next, I installed `md-tangle` with `pip`:

```shell
 python3 -m pip install md-tangle
```

Next, I verified that `md-tangle` is in my `PATH` by running `which md-tangle` in the Terminal. If this was successful, it will show me a path to `md-tangle`.

# Usage

Now that I have `md-tangle` installed, I can create a new Markdown file in Obsidian. 

I'll create a directory in my vault called `42 - Dotfiles`, where all of my dotfile Markdown source will live. In that directory, I'll create my first file for my custom Obsidian CSS snippets, called [[Obsidian Styles]].

Once I've done that, I start writing out my documentation for my styles. I write the documentation and then I write a code snippet in a code fence.



How to tangle markdown in literate programming with a Python executable.

Tangling Markdown (Literate Programming)


"Speed, quality and cost. You can pick two at the sacrifice of one. Which do you choose?"

I've now seen this called [The Iron Triangle of Customer Service](https://digitalgenius.com/the-iron-triangle-of-customer-service-speed-quality-and-cost/) or the [Project Management Triangle](https://fractory.com/project-management-triangle-cost/).

This has come up a few times in my career when teams were overwhelmed and stressed because the people who had expectations about how the team worked together expected all 3 things in a binary way.

I think using this heuristic should primarily be used when _thinking about how people work together_ when considering these three things.


Understanding the 'speed, quality and cost' paradox. Why you can only pick two and the value of having to pick.

Speed, Quality and Cost


This Markdown file uses [[Literate Programming]] as a way to generate a shell script that will generate _all_ of my [[Dotfiles]].

# Install Homebrew
[[Homebrew]] is a critical part of my dotfiles: its the tool I use to fetch all of the applications and executables I use on a day to day basis.

I have to install Homebrew before I can do anything else:

```shell
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
```

I run this script manually and keeping it in this document is for the sake of copy/pasta convenience. I used to do an md5 hash of the file and install it automatically. Now I visit the URL for the install on the [Rawe GitHub User Content](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)

# Tangling Dotfiles

Run the following to tangle this file:

```shell
md-tangle~/vault/42\ -\ Dotfiles/One\ File\ to\ Generate\ Them\ All.md
```

## Obsidian Styles

```shell tangle:~/dotfiles/tangle-main.sh
md-tangle ~/vault/42\ -\ Dotfiles/Obsidian\ Styles.md
```

## TODO


The file that I use to generate configuration files from Markdown files (literate programming).

One File to Generate Them All


My [[Obsidian]] styles are [[Literate Programming|tangled]] from this note by using `md-tangle`. I tangle this file by running the following in my [[iTerm2|terminal]]:

```shell
md-tangle ~/vault/42\ -\ Dotfiles/Obsidian\ Styles.md
```

I use `Archivo` for my system font:

```css tangle:~/vault/.obsidian/snippets/minimal-plus.css
@import url("https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=archivo:ital,wght@0,100;0,200;0,300;0,400;0,500;0,600;0,700;0,800;0,900;1,100;1,200;1,300;1,400;1,500;1,600;1,700;1,800;1,900&display=swap");

* {
  font-family: "Archivo";
}
```

These are the root colors for my custom styling:

```css tangle:~/vault/.obsidian/snippets/minimal-plus.css
:root {
  --colors-curiousGrayscale50: #f9f8f2;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale100: #e0dfd9;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale200: #c7c6c1;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale300: #adada8;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale400: #94938f;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale500: #7a7a76;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale600: #61615e;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale700: #474745;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale800: #2e2e2c;
  --colors-curiousGrayscale900: #141414;
  --colors-curiousYellow50: #f9f8f2;
  --colors-curiousYellow100: #f9f6e5;
  --colors-curiousYellow150: #f9f4d4;
  --colors-curiousYellow200: #f9f1bb;
  --colors-curiousYellow250: #f9e770;
  --colors-curiousYellow300: #f9e24b;
  --colors-curiousYellow400: #f9dd25;
  --colors-curiousYellow500: #f9d802;
  --colors-curiousYellow600: #e0c302;
  --colors-curiousYellow650: #c7ad02;
  --colors-curiousYellow700: #ad9601;
  --colors-curiousYellow750: #948001;
  --colors-curiousYellow800: #615401;
  --colors-curiousYellow850: #473e01;
  --colors-curiousYellow900: #141200;
}
```

I style my Loom and YouTube `iframe`s so that they filled the width of my Obsidian Note:

```css tangle:~/vault/.obsidian/snippets/minimal-plus.css
.iframe-wrapper {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  padding-bottom: 56.25%;
  margin: 2rem 0;
  height: 0;
}

iframe {
  border: none;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
}
```

I use yellow for my link text decoration in both dark and light mode and I use a gray for link color in light mode and yellow for link color in dark mode:

```css tangle:~/vault/.obsidian/snippets/minimal-plus.css
.cm-s-obsidian span.cm-link {
  color: var(--colors-curiousGrayscale900);
  font-weight: 600;
  text-decoration: underline 3px;
  text-decoration-color: var(--colors-curiousYellow500);
}

.theme-dark .cm-s-obsidian span.cm-link {
  color: var(--colors-curiousYellow500);
  font-weight: 600;
  text-decoration: underline 3px;
  text-decoration-color: var(--colors-curiousYellow500);
}
```


A literate programming version of the stylesheet I use for my Obsidian setup.

Obsidian Styles


I use [NextJS](https://nextjs.org/docs/getting-started) for the React application framework for[[30 - Collections/Organizations/Murmur]] and for [[curiouslychase.com]].

It allows me to build server-rendered applications quickly and deploy to [[Vercel]].


NextJS is a React framework that handles server-side routing. Here's how I use it.

NextJS


A concept coined by Donald Knuth.

**Literate Programming** combines programming language with documentation language by embedding code blocks _in_ the documentation. The embedded code blocks as _tangled_, or compiled, into a file the target programming language understands.

Most developers write the documentation as comments (usually _after_ the code has been written) in the source code. Literate Programming flips the paradigm so that the documentation informs the code. The documentation becomes the source of truth that leads to the code.

As a trivial example, I write my `css` for my [[Obsidian Styles]] in a Markdown file (it's the [[Obsidian Styles]] source file!) and use a Python executable called `md-tangle` to generate a `css` file.

Here's an example gif of how that looks in practice.

In this gif, I demonstrate...
- There's no file called "minimal-plus.css" in my Obsidian dotfiles directory
- I show my Obsidian Styles [[Markdown]] note
- I then run a command with `md-tangle` to generate `minimal-plus.css` from the [[Obsidian Styles]] note
- I then show the "minimal-plus.css" file has been generated and that the styles have applied to Obsidian
![[tanglingobsidianstyles.gif]]


A brief overview of literate programming: the combination of a programming language where the code is embedded in the documentation.

What I'm Writing

Snippet - JavaScript Bookmarklet to Convert Localhost URL to Production URL

26 Notion Covers of Miniature Nebula Astronauts from MidJourney Prompts

20 Notion Cover Miniature Space Diorama Images from Midjourney Prompts (May 2023)

Ultimate Guide To Learning About AI (GPT)

3 Ways to Find a Notion Database Template

Power, Performance, Politics, and Play - What Makes Culture

Newsletters

Reinterpreting Constraints as Opportunities

Embracing Constraints for Endless Creativity & Focus
Embracing limitations can enhance creativity by providing focus and inspiring innovative solutions.

Creative Freedom Through Constrained Structure
The beauty of boundaries lies in how constraints can enhance creative expression by providing structure, focus, and inspiration, leading to new and innovative ways of thinking and creating.

Reflections of Curiosity
How "I wonder..." questions can lead to discoveries of delight.

What I'm Writing

Snippet - JavaScript Bookmarklet to Convert Localhost URL to Production URL

26 Notion Covers of Miniature Nebula Astronauts from MidJourney Prompts

20 Notion Cover Miniature Space Diorama Images from Midjourney Prompts (May 2023)

Ultimate Guide To Learning About AI (GPT)

3 Ways to Find a Notion Database Template

Power, Performance, Politics, and Play - What Makes Culture

Newsletters

Reinterpreting Constraints as Opportunities

Embracing Constraints for Endless Creativity & FocusEmbracing limitations can enhance creativity by providing focus and inspiring innovative solutions.

Creative Freedom Through Constrained StructureThe beauty of boundaries lies in how constraints can enhance creative expression by providing structure, focus, and inspiration, leading to new and innovative ways of thinking and creating.

Reflections of CuriosityHow "I wonder..." questions can lead to discoveries of delight.

Embracing Constraints for Endless Creativity & Focus
Embracing limitations can enhance creativity by providing focus and inspiring innovative solutions.

Creative Freedom Through Constrained Structure
The beauty of boundaries lies in how constraints can enhance creative expression by providing structure, focus, and inspiration, leading to new and innovative ways of thinking and creating.

Reflections of Curiosity
How "I wonder..." questions can lead to discoveries of delight.