Life

6/23/25 →

A nice evening to catchup on Monocle’s latest issue, with a big section dedicated to the best cities for Quality of Life.

Especially delighted to see a quote from Jordane Giuly — with whom I worked during my Spendesk days— about how Paris has improved as a place for business, and especially for technology companies of all sizes. Even less surprising was seeing Lindsey’s name in a quote about how the city has changed over the years.

It’s something that I’ve noticed over the past decade, and part of the reason why I’ve been back living around Paris for the past 6 years. Great quality of life, great work life balance, and — unlike 10-15 years ago— much more welcoming to foreigners and non-francophone visitors than it’s ever been.

Respect the city and its inhabitants and it’ll pay dividends the next time you visit for pleasure or for business :)

A person holds a Monocle magazine while sitting on a patio with outdoor furniture and potted plants.A person is reading a magazine on a patio with outdoor furniture and plants in the background.A page from Monocle magazine discusses urban development and environmental initiatives in Paris.A magazine page details Paris's development and cultural prominence, featuring a small image of a cityscape with greenery.A black Monocle tote bag on a bed is accompanied by a Monocle magazine and a small round tag.

6/22/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 22: hometown #mbjune

My hometown growing up, and the one I live in now.

Auto-generated description: A narrow, cobblestone alleyway is flanked by rustic buildings with warm-hued walls, leading into the distance under a clear blue sky.A sunny plaza features a historic church, surrounding buildings, and people strolling around.

6/21/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 21: silhouette #mbjune Auto-generated description: A silhouetted statue of an angel holding a wreath is set against a dramatic, cloudy sunset sky.

One of my first ever pics taken and edited through VSCO. This takes me back to when I was living in Brighton, about 15 years ago (!) — which is where this pic is from.

6/20/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 20: gather #mbjune

In our residence, we’ve got these raspberry trees on either side of the path walk, and every evening after school or daycare, kids have been coming around to pick them up. Hunting & Gathering, so to speak.
A small child walks along a path between modern apartment buildings, with plants on either side and a cloudy sky overhead.

6/19/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 19: equal #mbjune
Auto-generated description: A person stands next to a colorful mural on a fence that reads 'Stop Killing For Peace', with a background of a brick wall topped with barbed wire.

6/19/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 17: warmth #mbjune
Like a day in the sun, playing basketball with a friend!

A person is taking a selfie on an outdoor basketball court, with another person standing in the background.

6/18/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 18: texture #mbjune

Loved this texture of the ceiling of this old bank turned coffee house in downtown Montreal when we visited last year. A grand interior features an ornate, coffered ceiling and an elegant chandelier hanging above a large arched window.

Paris Basketball vs Monaco: LNB Betclic Elite Finals | game 2

6/17/25

Absolute madness at the Paris Basketball game tonight!

Game 2 of the 2024-2025 LNB Betclic Elite Finals: 2-0 Win

Total domination against this Monaco team and we went as high as having a +30 point gap.

TJ Shorts proving once again why he’s the best player on the continent and the whole team played its part! Incredible game, incredible atmosphere, and now one win away from our very first League Championship.

A basketball court is illuminated with lights and large screens displaying the phrase ‘C'est vous le basket français!’ during a game in a dimly lit arena.A group of people stands in the spotlight on a basketball court beneath a large digital screen in a dimly lit arena.A basketball game is taking place in a packed arena beneath a prominent digital scoreboard.A basketball game is taking place in a crowded arena with players competing on the court and a scoreboard showing the score as 37 to 21.A basketball game is taking place in a crowded arena with players on the court and a scoreboard displaying the score.A basketball game is taking place in a packed arena with players on the court and an overhead scoreboard showing the scores.

6/17/25 →

Seems like my M3 / 2024 Macbook Air is already feeling the limits of DIA being built on Chrome. Was navigating work with multiple tabs & webapps and… heavy temperature + long freezes. You can improve on Chrome, but if you’re built on it, the machines are gonna flyyyyy!

LNB Betclic Elite finals between my Paris Basketball and AS Monaco

6/15/25

First game of the Finals — a best of five series It’s our second appearance at the finals ever — second in two years. We lost to Monaco 3-1 last year, but we are stronger while Monaco is having some issues with a star player who’s not gonna play again this season and another solid one who’s injured.

Today’s victory puts us up 1-0, so two more wins, needed to win the whole damn thing!

The team was serious from beginning to end, so that was really great.

A digital event ticket shows a basketball game with a final score of 94-82 on June 15, 2025, in Paris, France, featuring Paris Basketball and AS Monaco.A large crowd of people are gathered outside the Adidas Arena under a partly cloudy sky.A lively basketball arena is filled with spectators, featuring a prominent central scoreboard displaying a player and surrounded by vibrant lights and activity.A basketball game is taking place in a dimly lit arena with a large scoreboard and numerous spectators.A basketball arena is filled with spectators holding up lights, creating a starry effect, as players stand on the court.A basketball team stands in a huddle on the court, surrounded by fans and banners, during a game at the ‘Finals Betclic Elite 2025’ held in the Adidas Arena.Basketball teams are on the court at the Paris Basketball arena, surrounded by cheering fans and large team banners.A basketball arena features a large screen displaying a message of appreciation for Mathias Lessort, with players on the court below.A crowded basketball arena features a game in progress with a large scoreboard hanging above the court.A basketball game is in progress with one player successfully dunking while others defend under a scoreboard showing the shooting clock at 12 seconds.

Back from Viva Tech 2025

6/13/25

Just got back from a day at Viva Tech 2025 for Work.

The event was huge, with 165,000 attendees over four days, making it the biggest conference I’ve ever been to.

AI was obviously the star of the show, popping up everywhere and driving discussions on its ethical implications and practical applications. It was interesting to see how governments (national and regional) and companies are leveraging AI to innovate in their core businesses.

I attended 2 really cool keynotes :

Overall, a great opportunity to see how the industry is evolving. It was a solid experience, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.

People are walking through a bustling event hall with colorful, large inflatable structures and various booths.A speaker addresses an audience on a large stage with a high-tech backdrop displaying ‘VIVA TECHNOLOGY’.A panel of five people is engaged in a discussion on stage at a conference with a vibrant red and purple background and two large screens displaying the scene.A bustling convention center features numerous booths, attendees, and colorful displays under a large metal ceiling.A Louis Vuitton trunk showcases a silver Formula 1 trophy inside a glass display case.A large crowd is gathered indoors, watching a presentation on a screen displaying the words ‘Yes Ma’am!’A bustling indoor exhibition venue filled with booths, attendees, and colorful displays.A crowded event features an AWS display with a monitor showing the Formula 1 logo and several attendees gathered around booths and exhibits.A group of people sits and stands around a stage at a visually impaired event, with a speaker addressing the audience.A bustling convention hall features numerous attendees exploring various tech exhibits under vibrant signage.A bustling trade show or exhibition features numerous booths, digital displays, and crowds of people engaging with various exhibitors.

Some recent food highlights…

6/13/25

Recent food highlights from the past few weeks, mostly at home for these ones:

A table is set with a blue and white patterned bowl containing a dish of chicken, cherry tomatoes, and crispy toppings, accompanied by glasses of red wine and sliced bread.A round green table set with two plates of pasta and a salad, surrounded by outdoor seating.A table is set with a meal featuring salmon and egg open-faced bagels, a green salad, various sauces, and drinks.A round table on a balcony holds two plates of grilled chicken salad, a glass pitcher, a tumbler, and cutlery on napkins.Slices of gourmet pizza topped with cheese sit on a decorative blue and white plate with glasses of dark beverages beside them on a teal, perforated table.A person is holding a cup of coffee from ‘The Hood’ and a partially eaten piece of green cake on a street with people walking by.A stack of pancakes topped with blueberry compote and dusted with powdered sugar.Two plates of pasta with sauce are served on a blue table, accompanied by glasses, a carafe of water, orange napkins, and cutlery.A table set with a blue and white plate containing skewered food drizzled with sauce, a pink plate with a sliced flatbread, and a dark glass.A dining table is set with plates of food, glasses of orange juice, a small pitcher, and a person using a phone.A person wearing a cap and sunglasses stands on a balcony next to a table set with plates of food, drinks, and condiments, under a sunny sky.A decorative, patterned ceramic bowl with a lid sits on a wooden table, flanked by two glasses and surrounded by other household items.Two servings of couscous with vegetables are on a wooden table, accompanied by a person's arm, a glass, and napkins.

6/13/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 13: pathway #mbjune

A little pathway in the newest park in our neighborhood…

A pathway curves past a bench and trash can, surrounded by grass and red flowers, with a building in the background.

6/12/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 12: hidden #mbjune

We’ve been improving our balcony by making it more private, using plants, trellises and it’s been great + helping with the upcoming summer heat!

A balcony features potted plants with city rooftops and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

6/11/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 11: brick #mbjune

Little brick lanes in Lille

A narrow, cobblestone street lined with historic brick buildings is illuminated by sunlight, creating distinct shadows.

6/10/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 10: rail #mbjune

Highlighting the Chương Dương Bridge in Hanoi from a trip in 2016!

Two people sit on the railway tracks of an old, rusted bridge while motorcycles pass by and colorful buildings are visible in the background.

6/9/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 9: wood #mbjune

A lush garden landscape with vibrant trees and a small water feature is seen through a canopy of leaves.

6/8/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 8: travel #mbjune

A colorful sign reading "Visit Baltimore" is set in a grassy area with surrounding buildings and trees.

Paris Basketball v JL Bourg:

6/6/25

Game 2 of the Semifinals

(In a best-of-5 series - meaning the first team to 3 wins goes through.)

Another solid win: started with a 7-0 run, then tied and went as far as being 10 points behind in the first half. Very poor refereeing in Q2, seemed that refs were losing the plot.

Back to business in Q3, and we really went ahead in Q4.

Onwards now: one more win to get to the finals!

A basketball game ticket shows a score of 117-103 with details of a match between Paris Basketball and JL Bourg Basket at the Adidas Arena on June 6, 2025.A basketball game is taking place in a large, indoor arena with a lively crowd and players warming up on the court.A professional basketball game is in progress at a crowded indoor arena, with players on the court and spectators watching.A crowded indoor basketball game is underway at the Adidas Arena, with fans watching and a large scoreboard displaying the score.A crowded indoor basketball arena features a game in progress, with a large scoreboard and audience surrounding the court.A large crowd in an indoor arena watches a basketball game with a scoreboard displaying ‘WIN.’

6/6/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 6: contrast #mbjune

Red industrial vs Blue of the night

A modern building with red lighting is adjacent to a tree-lined area against a clear dusk sky.

6/5/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 5: Reflection #mbjune

Double offering today:

Angkor Wat is reflected in a tranquil pond under a vibrant blue sky.The Baltimore waterfront cityscape features modern buildings and a boat with a Maryland state flag in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

6/4/25 →

Paris Basketball v JL Bourg

LNB Betclic Elite - Semi Finals, game 1

Went to this game with my cousin, who now works for PSG. Earlier this year he had invited me to attend a game at the Parc des Princes so it was only natural to get him to join me for a game in my second home, Adidas Arena.

Final Score: 100-89 — game 2 in 2 days

A curved metallic wall leads to an open terrace adorned with string lights and trees, under a cloud-streaked sky.A basketball game is taking place in a large indoor arena with a player attempting a jump shot and spectators watching.A basketball game is taking place in a packed indoor arena with a large scoreboard and video screen overhead.A basketball game is being played in a packed arena with the scoreboard showing a score of 69-68.A crowded indoor basketball arena features an ongoing game, with a digital scoreboard hanging overhead.A crowded basketball arena is filled with spectators watching a game in progress on a well-lit court with digital displays overhead.A basketball game is taking place in a packed indoor arena with an active scoreboard displaying the score and time.

6/4/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 4: Nostalgia #mbjune

A lifetime ago in Seoul, during my year traveling around the world while working remotely as a digital nomad. South Korea was my favorite country to visit that year

A smiling couple wearing sunglasses stands in front of a colorful love lock wall on a sunny day.

5/31/25 →

Game 3 Victory: On to the Semifinals! @ACMomento #ParisBasketball

A man takes a selfie in a basketball arena showing a scoreboard with Paris Basketball leading JDA Dijon Basket 114-88.A group of five people take a selfie inside a sports arena with a basketball court in the background.A basketball game is being played in a crowded indoor arena with a large screen displaying the action.A basketball game is taking place in an indoor arena with spectators watching from the stands.A basketball game is taking place in an indoor arena with spectators watching from the stands.A basketball game is taking place in an indoor arena with spectators watching from the stands.A crowd watches a basketball game in a large arena, with players and coaches gathered on the court.

5/28/25 →

First game of the playoffs and it started with an exclusive Season-ticket holders event hosted by the club, where we were able to go shoot on the court, visit the entire arena, discover the hospitality section, talk with a few players and the president, and get our Playoffs started! | @acmomento

A person in glasses takes a selfie at a basketball game, with a scoreboard showing a 100-87 score between Paris Basketball and JDA Dijon Basket on May 27, 2025, at Adidas Arena.A person with wet hair is taking a selfie inside a basketball arena with an empty court and seats in the background.A group of people is standing on a basketball court, posed for a photo with an empty stadium in the background.A group of people poses together, some wearing sports apparel and holding a Paris Basketball scarf, indoors.A large building features the bold sign "Adidas Arena" on its reflective exterior, with trees in the foreground.A person holds a Nadir Hifi bobblehead box in a basketball arena where players are practicing on the court.A basketball court with a cart holding basketballs is positioned near the sideline in an empty arena.Two people take a selfie in a crowded arena with a basketball court in the background.A crowded basketball arena is illuminated by audience members holding up their phones as they watch the game.A basketball game is being played in an arena with a large tifo and people watching from the stands.A distant view of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is framed by modern high-rise buildings and urban landscape.

5/26/25 →

French food / French lunch in a Bistro is truly undefeated, if I do say so myself…

A meal is served on a red table, featuring a plate of fries, a steak with pepper sauce, and drinks.

5/25/25 →

A great time at the #ParisBeerFestival yesterday! Will definitely plan to be back next year :) 🍻

A raised glass of beer is held up in a lively festival setting with colorful decorations and a crowd in the background.A hand holds a craft beer glass at a lively beer festival with people and colorful stalls in the background.A person holds a glass of beer in front of a Sudden Death brewery stand, featuring a T-shirt with a horror-themed design, at the Paris Beer Festival.A hand holding a glass filled with dark beer marked with "Paris Beer Festival" while people sit in the background.A glass filled with dark beer rests on a table, displaying the text "Beer Festival" on its surface.A hand is holding a glass of beer with "Paris Beer Festival" written on it, surrounded by people and colorful lights in a festive setting.A hand is holding a blue wristband labeled "PARIS BEER FESTIVAL SAMEDI" on a dark surface next to some clothing.A person wearing a Spurs basketball jersey, cap, and dark pants takes a selfie in a full-length mirror.

5/19/25 →

The end to a lovely weekend

A bottle of Uivo Renegado wine is on a table next to two filled wine glasses and some coasters in a cozy room.A red building with a sign announcing a performance by Soccer Mommy and Bored at My Grandma's House at Le Trabendo.A person is walking on a tree-lined path with a stroller under a canopy of lush green trees.A cozy cafe features wooden tables and chairs, wall art, and a few patrons enjoying their time.A musician (Soccer Mommy) is performing on stage with purple lights illuminating the scene in front of an audience.A tray displays a round loaf of brioche, a pistachio or nut-topped cake, and a stack of glazed pastries.A street scene shows a bike rack with parked bicycles and a sign in French advertising café, magazines, and more.A wall-mounted wooden bookshelf displays a variety of magazines and newspapers in a neatly arranged manner.A cozy bookshop entrance with a glass door, leading into a warmly lit interior lined with shelves full of books.Customers are standing at the counter of a cozy cafe with a variety of drinks and pastries on display, surrounded by framed art on the walls.People are sitting at an outdoor café on a sunny street with a classic European-style building in the background.A taqueria with outdoor red tables and chairs is situated on a city street, featuring a menu above the entrance.A picturesque building with a brick facade stands beside a canal, surrounded by a few trees and people walking nearby.People are relaxing by a canal on a sunny day, with buildings and a blue sky in the background.

5/11/25 →

Very happy to be home 🏡 🛬

A New Yorker magazine cover features an abstract design with a silhouette of a person holding a baseball bat against a patterned background.A stylized illustration on a magazine cover features an art deco design with geometric shapes, displaying the title "The New Yorker" and the date May 15, 2023.

5/10/25 →

Planning to use today’s travel day back home to catchup on new music releases and the Baltimore Hardcore/Punk scene I’ve been reading about lately!

A collage of four music album covers featuring "Young & Dumb" by Avril Lavigne and three EPs by Turnstile.A collection of album covers showcasing various styles and themes, including hardcore and artistic designs.A screenshot displays six album covers from artists including Turnstile, André 3000, Sleep Token, Kali Uchis, F1, and The Kooks.A music player interface displays the album "Even In Arcadia" by Sleep Token, with a background of lush, pink foliage.