Other Things That Interest Me

Programming

I taught computer science for many years at the high school level (AP Computer Science, 3D Graphics and Video Game Design) and now write code almost daily. My initial languages were Pascal, C, C++, and Java. These days, most of my time is spent in R and Python. I enjoy programming challenges that force you to find efficient algorithms. The problems on Project Euler are especially good in this regard. As of summer 2023, I have solved over 200 problems, spanning 18 of the 20 difficulty levels.

Crossword Puzzle Construction

A summary of my 40+ crosswords published in the New York Times can be found here. This is a list of the answers I debuted in the New York Times crossword.

I have written the championship puzzle for the Boston Crossword Puzzle Tournament, BosWords, for several years.

If you buy access to ESOPUS magazine, you can read my article on the art and science of crossword construction here.

Gaming/Streaming

I am an active member of the Super Mario Maker and SMM2 communities. I play mostly expert and super-expert one-screen puzzles and glitch/tech/uno-mas levels. I follow several SMM streamers on Twitch, including CarlSagan42, GrandPOOBear, ThaBeast721, and DGR.

• In September 2018, I reached 100% completion for Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (including all 900 Korok seeds).
• In August 2019, I reached level 99 for all characters in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, defeated all superbosses in under 2 minutes, and completed all Expansion Pass missions on Bringer of Chaos difficulty.
• In July 2022, I reached 100% completion for Hades (on Switch), taking all weapons to level 20 heat.
• In September 2022, I reached 100% completion for Xenoblade Chronicles 3, defeating all superbosses and maxing all characters and classes.
• In May 2023, I completed all main quests and shrine quests in Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Classical Music

I've played violin, viola, and cello for over 30 years and continue to practice and play in chamber ensembles. Some of my favorite artists include violinists Gil Shaham and Hilary Hahn, pianists Daniil Trifonov and Lang Lang, and composer Max Richter. I appreciate classical music because learning an instrument is a long-term endeavor; you don't get good after a few weeks or years. It is the antithesis of instant-gratification culture and trains attention to detail, develops emotional maturity, and connects players to each other and audiences.