Author: Kyle McPheron

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Blog

Help Send KisumuFrisbeeClub to WBUCC 24

Join us in supporting the Kisumu Frisbee Club’s journey to the World Ultimate Beach Club Championships in Portugal!

How You Can Make a Difference:

1. Donate: Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a meaningful impact. Please click the donate button to give what you can.

Donate through the official GoFundMe page.

2. Share Our Story: If you’re unable to contribute financially, you can still help by spreading the word about our GoFundMe campaign on social media and among your network.

3. Sponsorship: Are you a business owner? Consider becoming a team sponsor and see your brand soar alongside us in Portugal!

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Automattic Blog Remote Work Tech

Wishing Matt Mullenweg: A Grateful Birthday Tribute from a Happiness Engineer

It’s been a while since I published anything new, so let’s change that. Today is Matt Mullenweg’s birthday, the visionary co-founder of WordPress and founder of Automattic. Matt has been a driving force in reshaping the digital landscape. His commitment to open-source solutions has not only transformed the way we build websites but has also created a global community where creativity and collaboration thrive. What does he want for his birthday? Well, you’re looking at it: he wants the world to keep the blogs blogging!

As a Happiness Engineer at Automattic, I find myself deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Matt’s vision. His leadership has not only provided a platform for users worldwide but has also created a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. On this special occasion of his birthday, I want to express my gratitude for the meaningful work I get to do every day.

The open-source nature of WordPress, championed by Matt, has democratized publishing, enabling millions to express themselves online effortlessly. It’s more than just a content management system; it’s a testament to the power of shared knowledge and community-driven development. Matt’s dedication to an open web has paved the way for a digital landscape that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity.

As we celebrate Matt’s birthday, it’s a moment to acknowledge not only the past achievements but also to look towards the future. Matt’s innovative spirit has continually pushed boundaries, and there’s a sense of excitement about what lies ahead. The open-source ethos that he embodies suggests a future where digital spaces continue to evolve, becoming more user-friendly, collaborative, and empowering. Here’s to Matt Mullenweg, his remarkable journey, and the endless possibilities his vision unfolds. Happy Birthday, Matt! 🎉

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Blog

Never give up!

In case any of y’all are down, never give up, there’s always a way! Even if that means grabbing life by the horns, or punching life in the balls, don’t give up!

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Automattic Blog Product Review Remote Work Tech

New keyboard – Keychron K2

This just arrived today.

As much time as I spend using one, I’ve been looking to move into the world of mechanical keyboards for a while now. As a mac user with a Spanish ISO keyboard layout, after a fair amount of research, the above option seemed to be the best for me. It’s been here for 15 min and I’m already happy with it. That clickity-clackity sound is back. ❤

I decided to do a quick speed test to see how it went. I’m still not used to all the keys and they didn’t actually have a Spanish ISO layout. Instead, I bought a Nordic ISO layout as it was the closest I could find. I’m going on pure memory for most the character keys until I buy the Spanish key-caps. Here are the initial speed test results:

I’ll have to do this test again in a month or so to see how much I can improve once I get used to it!

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Blog

Coffee every morning in a new place

Wow, just wow. I must say, recently I installed TikTok just to see what all the fuss is about. I’ve come across my new, favorite account. His name is Falke Omdal, and the account is all about drinking coffee every morning from a new, natural place. I mean, does it get any better than that?

This is a routine I could get into! Brings me back to making coffee in the high country of Yosemite. Everything tastes better made on a camp stove, and coffee is no exception. Check out a few of his videos.

Well done, sir, well done. 👏🔝

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Automattic Blog Remote Work

What does it take to be a Happiness Engineer?

Group Photo Automattic 2019
Group Photo from the Automattic GM 2019

It has been officially more than two years since I started my trial to be a Happiness Engineer for Automattic. I can honestly say that it was one of the most challenging, and rewarding journeys I have ever embarked on. I’m very pleased with how everything has turned out, and still, after two years, look forward to going to work and helping our users every day!

The motivation for this post is we’re hiring! If you or anybody you know is interested, my advice is to apply! If you’re curios more about what the job entails, my colleague Sandy wrote a great description on his blog. I would highly recommend checking it out!

So You Want to be a Happiness Engineer, Huh?

D0n’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or doubts!

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Africa Automattic Blog

10 min of Yoga

Yoga Pose

Have you found yourself sitting at home in front of the computer more than usual during this pandemic? I would image for most people, including myself, the answer is unfortunately yes. That being said, I’ve got a nice 10 min yoga session designed for people who’ve been doing too much sitting.

The entire session took just over 10 min, but it’s been time-lapsed to one minute and six seconds for your viewing pleasure. Check it out!

Music credit goes to Ali Farka Touré, with Cinquante Six. Here’s the full track, if you like what you hear.

BIG props to my wonderful partner who has been working with me, our frisbee team, and countless other people keeping us motivated and active during these trying times. You’re the best!

Stay healthy, this will all be over soon. Let’s learn something from this, and develop healthier habits at home, and incorporate them into our lives once we return to normalcy.

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Automattic Remote Work

Ways to Optimize Your Business Website

We all know we are living in trying times currently. My heart goes out to anybody and everybody who, for whatever reason, is unable to work currently. Some of the hardest hit individuals are small businesses. We try to buy local as much as possible, but currently, that isn’t exactly possible.

I don’t know if this can help anyone, but two of my colleagues presented a one-hour online workshop called Optimize Your Business Website: Secrets from Web Design Pros. If you’re looking to create a Business website, I would highly recommend checking it out!

As some of you already know, I have recently switched roles with Automattic, moving from WordPress.com to the WooCommerce division. That means I am working directly with eCommerce sites. If anybody is looking for any help getting their small business site up and running, let me know, and I’ll do what I can! I say that not as an official work capacity, and not looking to sell any services, just trying to help someone in need.