Mark E. Griffin
@marvelousmarks.bsky.social
Writer for hire of science, music, food, culture, and kids. Podcaster of those things, too.
Audio producer, writer, storyteller, McSweeney's, Cap Times, Wisconsin Life, etc.
MarvelousMarks.com
Audio producer, writer, storyteller, McSweeney's, Cap Times, Wisconsin Life, etc.
MarvelousMarks.com
Pinned
I Assume All Responsibility If My Child Jams a Bic Pen into Her School-Issued Chromebook
I understand I am responsible if my child renders her Chromebook a paper weight by mercilessly and giddily jamming a Bic pen into the power jack, c...
www.mcsweeneys.net
My newest for @mcsweeneys.net, I detail the ways in which your child should definitely, absolutely, positively not destroy their school issued Chromebook: www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/i-a...
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Poodle planter
McGregor, MN
McGregor, MN
December 1, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Poodle planter
McGregor, MN
McGregor, MN
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
One of my fundamental beliefs is that I should not have to talk to people who have been cruel to me. You might be surprised to learn how often -- and vociferously -- people disagree with me about that.
December 1, 2025 at 4:23 PM
One of my fundamental beliefs is that I should not have to talk to people who have been cruel to me. You might be surprised to learn how often -- and vociferously -- people disagree with me about that.
I routinely fail these, and it really bugs me because I can spot AI writing in most cases without even reading the words (I guess this makes sense, because I'm a writer, not a videographer)
There's no one way to be absolutely sure about a video's authenticity, but experts say there are some simple clues that can help.
AI video slop is everywhere, take our quiz to try and spot it
There's no one way to be absolutely sure about a video's authenticity, but experts say there are some simple clues that can help.
n.pr
December 1, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I routinely fail these, and it really bugs me because I can spot AI writing in most cases without even reading the words (I guess this makes sense, because I'm a writer, not a videographer)
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Probably an unpopular opinion but: As a big-time Talking Heads fan, I find late-period David Byrne really cringy. I couldn't finish AMERICAN UTOPIA, and the aesthetic of this video is not my thing even though (like AU) it's heavily STOP MAKING SENSE coded
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNmc...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNmc...
David Byrne: Tiny Desk Concert
YouTube video by NPR Music
www.youtube.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Probably an unpopular opinion but: As a big-time Talking Heads fan, I find late-period David Byrne really cringy. I couldn't finish AMERICAN UTOPIA, and the aesthetic of this video is not my thing even though (like AU) it's heavily STOP MAKING SENSE coded
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNmc...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNmc...
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
(RACHEL walks past children playing. Her biological clock ticks. She’s thirty, almost dead.)
LITTLE GIRL: Are you excited for the County Hanukkah Fair?
RACHEL: Not really. I’m not super into Hanukkah.
LITTLE GIRL: Are you excited for the County Hanukkah Fair?
RACHEL: Not really. I’m not super into Hanukkah.
Scenes from a Hallmark Hanukkah Movie Written by Someone Who Has Definitely Met a Jew
EXT. SMALL TOWN BUS STOP – DAY (A beautiful woman with slightly wavy brown hair steps off a bus. She’s RACHEL, a corporate lawyer from The Big Cit...
buff.ly
December 1, 2025 at 2:30 AM
(RACHEL walks past children playing. Her biological clock ticks. She’s thirty, almost dead.)
LITTLE GIRL: Are you excited for the County Hanukkah Fair?
RACHEL: Not really. I’m not super into Hanukkah.
LITTLE GIRL: Are you excited for the County Hanukkah Fair?
RACHEL: Not really. I’m not super into Hanukkah.
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Cyber Monday is here. 33% off all books today, 50% off back issues all week, enjoy.
Store.mcsweeneys.net
Store.mcsweeneys.net
December 1, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Cyber Monday is here. 33% off all books today, 50% off back issues all week, enjoy.
Store.mcsweeneys.net
Store.mcsweeneys.net
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Since moving to FBS in 2012, UMass has had the worst football team in the country... by a lot
Tonight, the 0-11 Minutemen have their last chance to avoid a winless season
Tonight, the 0-11 Minutemen have their last chance to avoid a winless season
November 24, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Since moving to FBS in 2012, UMass has had the worst football team in the country... by a lot
Tonight, the 0-11 Minutemen have their last chance to avoid a winless season
Tonight, the 0-11 Minutemen have their last chance to avoid a winless season
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Wahoo Bakery
Wahoo, NE
Wahoo, NE
November 21, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Wahoo Bakery
Wahoo, NE
Wahoo, NE
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
a movie so sharp and funny that it basically killed the musical biopic for a decade
Coming soon to 4K UHD
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) 4K UHD
MORE INFO TBA
#WalkHard #walkhardthedeweycoxstory #JohnCReilly #JakeKasdan #Bluray #physicalmedia
#FilmCommunity #Bluray #4K #4KBluray #4KUltraHD
#DVD #VHS #physicalmedia #physicalmediaforever #bluraycollector #FilmSky
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) 4K UHD
MORE INFO TBA
#WalkHard #walkhardthedeweycoxstory #JohnCReilly #JakeKasdan #Bluray #physicalmedia
#FilmCommunity #Bluray #4K #4KBluray #4KUltraHD
#DVD #VHS #physicalmedia #physicalmediaforever #bluraycollector #FilmSky
November 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
a movie so sharp and funny that it basically killed the musical biopic for a decade
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
The Decoy Bar
Webster, SD
Webster, SD
November 18, 2025 at 3:30 AM
The Decoy Bar
Webster, SD
Webster, SD
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Todd honored his elders so beautifully. This is one of the greatest videos on YouTube and I probably watch it monthly:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QdW...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QdW...
Todd Snider w/ Jerry Jeff Walker, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires - "Mr. Bojangles"
YouTube video by schoenular
www.youtube.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Todd honored his elders so beautifully. This is one of the greatest videos on YouTube and I probably watch it monthly:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QdW...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QdW...
One of the best storytellers of his generation, or maybe any.
RIP to a true original. Go read his book I Never Met a Story I Didn’t Like. www.opb.org/article/2025...
Portland-born songwriter Todd Snider dead at 59
Snider was born in Portland and became well known in the roots music scene of the early 2000s, particularly for his album “East Nashville Sky,” which helped shape the modern alternative country genre.
www.opb.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:56 PM
One of the best storytellers of his generation, or maybe any.
RIP to a true original. Go read his book I Never Met a Story I Didn’t Like. www.opb.org/article/2025...
Portland-born songwriter Todd Snider dead at 59
Snider was born in Portland and became well known in the roots music scene of the early 2000s, particularly for his album “East Nashville Sky,” which helped shape the modern alternative country genre.
www.opb.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:49 PM
RIP to a true original. Go read his book I Never Met a Story I Didn’t Like. www.opb.org/article/2025...
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Northern Lights
Cleveland, ND
Cleveland, ND
November 13, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Northern Lights
Cleveland, ND
Cleveland, ND
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
The wonderful writers @sn-media-guild.bsky.social have been waiting on a fair contract almost long enough to gestate a baby elephant (620 days).
They have neither a contract NOR a baby elephant.
All they want is a contract, to be paid for their amazing expertise.
They have neither a contract NOR a baby elephant.
All they want is a contract, to be paid for their amazing expertise.
🚨 STRIKE ALERT: Journalists at Science News are on strike and holding a 12-hour picket outside of the office!
After 560 days of bargaining, the Science News Media Guild (@sn-media-guild.bsky.social) is demanding and fair contract NOW!
After 560 days of bargaining, the Science News Media Guild (@sn-media-guild.bsky.social) is demanding and fair contract NOW!
November 6, 2025 at 4:56 PM
The wonderful writers @sn-media-guild.bsky.social have been waiting on a fair contract almost long enough to gestate a baby elephant (620 days).
They have neither a contract NOR a baby elephant.
All they want is a contract, to be paid for their amazing expertise.
They have neither a contract NOR a baby elephant.
All they want is a contract, to be paid for their amazing expertise.
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Looking to support our cause? Be sure to sign our petition calling for a fair contract!
actionnetwork.org/petitions/fo...
actionnetwork.org/petitions/fo...
For a Fair Contract at Science News!
Workers at Science News and Science News Explores have been bargaining their first union contract for over a year now. Despite the entire staff's proven ability to work effectively from home, manageme...
actionnetwork.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Looking to support our cause? Be sure to sign our petition calling for a fair contract!
actionnetwork.org/petitions/fo...
actionnetwork.org/petitions/fo...
@sn-media-guild.bsky.social represents Science News and Science News Explores magazine writers and editors. Coming up on the 2 year anniversary of working without a contract, they're asking supporters to sign this petition: #scicomm
Looking to support our cause? Be sure to sign our petition calling for a fair contract!
actionnetwork.org/petitions/fo...
actionnetwork.org/petitions/fo...
For a Fair Contract at Science News!
Workers at Science News and Science News Explores have been bargaining their first union contract for over a year now. Despite the entire staff's proven ability to work effectively from home, manageme...
actionnetwork.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:51 PM
@sn-media-guild.bsky.social represents Science News and Science News Explores magazine writers and editors. Coming up on the 2 year anniversary of working without a contract, they're asking supporters to sign this petition: #scicomm
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
146 awesome blossoms to go, please.
November 13, 2025 at 3:31 AM
146 awesome blossoms to go, please.
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Mavs doing an in game promo for a $1,000 gift card to Chili’s!!! I would love to attempt to spend $1,000 at a Chili’s.
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Mavs doing an in game promo for a $1,000 gift card to Chili’s!!! I would love to attempt to spend $1,000 at a Chili’s.
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Massive deployment of renewables are reducing emissions in China. Carbon emissions in China have been flat or falling for 18 months now from a peak in early 2024. 🧪🔌💡☀️💨💧🔋 www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
Analysis: China’s CO2 emissions have now been flat or falling for 18 months - Carbon Brief
China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were unchanged from a year earlier in the third quarter of 2025, extending a flat or falling trend that started in March 2024.
www.carbonbrief.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Massive deployment of renewables are reducing emissions in China. Carbon emissions in China have been flat or falling for 18 months now from a peak in early 2024. 🧪🔌💡☀️💨💧🔋 www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
Bumping this - I've used Otter forever (it's also pretty inexpensive, but the AI and project management add-ons are pretty useless.) What do you all use for transcription? #journalism #interviews
Journalists, what are the best recording/transcription tools/apps you're using?
November 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Bumping this - I've used Otter forever (it's also pretty inexpensive, but the AI and project management add-ons are pretty useless.) What do you all use for transcription? #journalism #interviews
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
Still processing all I took in at #SciWri25, but I know one thing: Science writers are crazy inspiring and determined people who will never stop seeking and sharing the facts. So grateful to learn from them, thanks to the huge efforts of @sciencewriters.org and @sciencewriting.bsky.social.
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Still processing all I took in at #SciWri25, but I know one thing: Science writers are crazy inspiring and determined people who will never stop seeking and sharing the facts. So grateful to learn from them, thanks to the huge efforts of @sciencewriters.org and @sciencewriting.bsky.social.
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
I still think it's neat that I can wake up in snowy Chicago, and be home in autumnal North Carolina at lunch time. Cool.
It was real, #SciWri25! Thanks to all who made the trip.
Just for kicks, have a free coloring book of arthropods.
It's fun. You deserve it.🧪
news.ncsu.edu/2021/01/arth...
It was real, #SciWri25! Thanks to all who made the trip.
Just for kicks, have a free coloring book of arthropods.
It's fun. You deserve it.🧪
news.ncsu.edu/2021/01/arth...
If You Love Insects and Other Arthropods, We Have the Coloring Book for You
Check out the free coloring book with the best name ever: "Arthropods!"
news.ncsu.edu
November 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
I still think it's neat that I can wake up in snowy Chicago, and be home in autumnal North Carolina at lunch time. Cool.
It was real, #SciWri25! Thanks to all who made the trip.
Just for kicks, have a free coloring book of arthropods.
It's fun. You deserve it.🧪
news.ncsu.edu/2021/01/arth...
It was real, #SciWri25! Thanks to all who made the trip.
Just for kicks, have a free coloring book of arthropods.
It's fun. You deserve it.🧪
news.ncsu.edu/2021/01/arth...
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
New Note from a Hired Pen: I listened to The Wedding Scammer from The Ringer. I wasn't surprised the conman started by stiffing freelancers, nor that he used the same excuse I've heard a dozen times before jenamiller.com/notes-from-a...
Notes from a Hired Pen: Listen to the words of a man who scams freelancers - Jen A. Miller
Readers! Last week, I took a few days off to frolic in the woods of western Pennsylvania. On my drive back, I started listening to The Wedding Scammer, a 2023 podcast from the Ringer. The title is a...
jenamiller.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:58 PM
New Note from a Hired Pen: I listened to The Wedding Scammer from The Ringer. I wasn't surprised the conman started by stiffing freelancers, nor that he used the same excuse I've heard a dozen times before jenamiller.com/notes-from-a...
Reposted by Mark E. Griffin
River Front Opry House
Cave-In-Rock, IL
Cave-In-Rock, IL
November 10, 2025 at 2:35 AM
River Front Opry House
Cave-In-Rock, IL
Cave-In-Rock, IL