Patrick's Place
@patricksplace.bsky.social
I'm Patrick, a Gen X INFJ content creator who posts about grammar, blogging, journalism, & faith. Knows a little about a lot of things. Accused of being "too nice." https://linktr.ee/patricksplace
If I follow you, that is NOT an invitation for chat. 🚫💬
If I follow you, that is NOT an invitation for chat. 🚫💬
YouTube Plans Crackdown on ‘AI Slop’
YouTube Plans Crackdown on 'AI Slop'
The CEO of YouTube announced plans to use artificial intelligence against one of AI's worst accomplishments: AI slop.
www.patrickkphillips.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:55 AM
YouTube Plans Crackdown on ‘AI Slop’
10 February Causes Worth Remembering This Month
10 February Causes Worth Remembering This Month
There are plenty of February causes competing for your attention this month, so I compiled a list of them worth pondering this month.
www.patrickkphillips.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:30 AM
10 February Causes Worth Remembering This Month
Soar or Sore? Which One Do Eagles Do?
Soar or Sore? Which One Do Eagles Do?
When deciding between soar or sore, you have to keep in mind that they're homophones, one of English's little evil tricks.
www.patrickkphillips.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:07 AM
Soar or Sore? Which One Do Eagles Do?
Substack Streaming TV Service Launch Concerns Creators
Substack Streaming TV Service Launch Concerns Creators
Some creators who rely on Substack aren't apparently thrilled by the new Substack streaming TV app, it would appear.
www.patrickkphillips.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Substack Streaming TV Service Launch Concerns Creators
Why Do Winter Storms Get Names All of a Sudden?
Why Do Winter Storms Get Names All of a Sudden?
You may have noticed mentions of a "Winter Storm Fern" recently. But since when do we name winter storms? Blame one network for that!
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Why Do Winter Storms Get Names All of a Sudden?
Why Open Primaries are Better for Democracy
Why Open Primaries are Better for Democracy
My home state of South Carolina is considering two different bills that would end the practice of open primaries in the Palmetto State.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Why Open Primaries are Better for Democracy
Let’s Talk Winter Olympics, AP Style
Let’s Talk Winter Olympics, AP Style
The Associated Press recently posted a reminder about AP Style for newsrooms covering the Winter Olympics, which are on the horizon.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Let’s Talk Winter Olympics, AP Style
But If I Stop the WordPress Heartbeat, Wouldn’t That Kill My Site?
But If I Stop the WordPress Heartbeat, Wouldn't That Kill My Site?
I recently received reports of problems with my website from the hosting company. This time, they suggested I stop the WordPress heartbeat.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:15 AM
But If I Stop the WordPress Heartbeat, Wouldn’t That Kill My Site?
‘Heated Rivalry’ Reveals Double Standard for LGBTQ Roles
‘Heated Rivalry’ Reveals Double Standard for LGBTQ Roles
A streaming TV gay romance series is drawing a lot of attention and exposing a double standard for actors taking on LGBTQ+ roles.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:02 AM
‘Heated Rivalry’ Reveals Double Standard for LGBTQ Roles
What’s the Panic Prompting Transgender Student Bathroom Bills?
What's the Panic Prompting Transgender Student Bathroom Bills?
Several states, including mine, are pondering bathroom bills that would dictate which school restrooms transgender students may use.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:40 AM
What’s the Panic Prompting Transgender Student Bathroom Bills?
Ever Heard of a Pangram? There's One You Probably Know! #grammar
Ever Heard of a Pangram? There's One You Probably Know!
I suspect there are a great many people who have never heard the term 'pangram.' But despite that, most people do know an example of one.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Ever Heard of a Pangram? There's One You Probably Know! #grammar
Did You Suspect a Missing Comma in MLK Day Coverage?
Did You Suspect a Missing Comma in MLK Day Coverage?
Every January, the nation pauses to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Some may notice a missing comma.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Did You Suspect a Missing Comma in MLK Day Coverage?
Paid or Payed? The One Time the 2nd One is Correct #grammar
Paid or Payed? The One Time the 2nd One is Correct
Ok, grammar enthusiasts: It's time to pay attention so you're sure to know the difference between the words paid and payed.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Paid or Payed? The One Time the 2nd One is Correct #grammar
How Much Did the Big X Outage Affect Your Life?
How Much Did the Big X Outage Affect Your Life?
Depending on how much you use it, you might have known about Friday's massive X outage that interrupted service for hours.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:13 AM
How Much Did the Big X Outage Affect Your Life?
Is Queer an Acceptable Term for the LGBTQ+ Community? #grammar
Is Queer an Acceptable Term for the LGBTQ+ Community?
Since June is Pride Month, you're going to see a lot of LGBTQ+ stories. You're going to see an increasing use of the word 'queer' as well.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Is Queer an Acceptable Term for the LGBTQ+ Community? #grammar
Happy Belated Birthday? That's Not the Way to Say It! #grammar
Happy Belated Birthday? That's Not the Way to Say It!
I freely admit that I've been doing it the wrong way. For years, I'd wish someone a 'happy belated birthday' if I was a day or two late.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 18, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Happy Belated Birthday? That's Not the Way to Say It! #grammar
Areal or Aerial? Yes, They're Both Valid Words #grammar
Areal or Aerial? Yes, They're Both Valid Words
A weather alert about possible flooding prompted a debate among viewers over whether a TV station meant areal or aerial.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 17, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Areal or Aerial? Yes, They're Both Valid Words #grammar
Ever Heard of a Mondegreen? You Definitely Have! #grammar
Ever Heard of a Mondegreen? You Definitely Have!
A joke about the national anthem is a good example of a mondegreen. It's something you may have experienced without knowing the term.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Ever Heard of a Mondegreen? You Definitely Have! #grammar
Is AI Writing Killing Our Writing Skills?
Is AI Writing Killing Our Writing Skills?
I saw a post on social media the other day lamenting the dependence on AI writing and how it'll only make everyone's writing worse.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Is AI Writing Killing Our Writing Skills?
Beast or Breast? What Can Music's Charms Soothe? #grammar
Beast or Breast? What Can Music's Charms Soothe?
There's a well-known saying about music having charms that can soothe a savage something. But is it a savage beast or breast?
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Beast or Breast? What Can Music's Charms Soothe? #grammar
Why AP Style Doesn’t Like Brackets in Quotes
Why AP Style Doesn't Like Brackets in Quotes
You can find valid reasons to use brackets in quotes when you're writing about what someone said. But AP Style argues against their use.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Why AP Style Doesn’t Like Brackets in Quotes
Acronyms or Initialisms? Here's the Very Simple Difference #grammar
Acronyms or Initialisms? Here's the Very Simple Difference
Can you spot whether abbreviations are acronyms or initialisms? Many can't, even though we all encounter plenty of both regularly.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Acronyms or Initialisms? Here's the Very Simple Difference #grammar
Sorry, Diet Coke, but it's time for a break. You're my favorite soft drink and have been for a long time. But if you think almost $9 is reasonable for a six-count, you've priced yourself of my budget. Until you get your prices back to something reasonable... #inflation #dietcoke
January 14, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Sorry, Diet Coke, but it's time for a break. You're my favorite soft drink and have been for a long time. But if you think almost $9 is reasonable for a six-count, you've priced yourself of my budget. Until you get your prices back to something reasonable... #inflation #dietcoke
Now’s the Time to Check My 2025 Blog Stats
Now's the Time to Check My 2025 Blog Stats
I normally check in with my website's numbers throughout the year. But with a new year comes a full look at my 2025 blog stats.
www.patrickkphillips.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:03 AM
Now’s the Time to Check My 2025 Blog Stats