feat: update all CDN URLs (#4)

* feat: update all CDN URLs

* feat: fix URL

* chore: update CHANGELOG.md
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[[plugins]]
package = "netlify-plugin-cache"
[plugins.inputs]
paths = [ ".cache", "dist/assets/images" ]
[build]
publish = "dist"
command = "npm run build"

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@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: The Way of Kings
author: Brandon Sanderson author: Brandon Sanderson
isbn: 9780765326355 isbn: 9780765326355
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-way-of-kings.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-way-of-kings.jpeg
tags: ["fantasy"] tags: ["fantasy"]
year: 2010 year: 2010
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit
author: Seth Godin author: Seth Godin
isbn: 9781591841661 isbn: 9781591841661
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-dip.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-dip.jpeg
tags: ["self help"] tags: ["self help"]
year: 2007 year: 2007
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
author: Mark Manson author: Mark Manson
isbn: 9780062457714 isbn: 9780062457714
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/subtle-art.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/subtle-art.jpeg
tags: ["self help"] tags: ["self help"]
year: 2016 year: 2016
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
author: Dave Ramsey author: Dave Ramsey
isbn: 9780785289081 isbn: 9780785289081
rating: 3 rating: 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/total-money-makeover.webp image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/total-money-makeover.webp
tags: ["finance"] tags: ["finance"]
year: 2003 year: 2003
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: And What To Do About It
author: Gary Taubes author: Gary Taubes
isbn: 9780307272706 isbn: 9780307272706
rating: 3 rating: 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/why-we-get-fat.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/why-we-get-fat.jpeg
tags: ["self help", "diet"] tags: ["self help", "diet"]
year: 2010 year: 2010
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World
author: Cal Newport author: Cal Newport
isbn: 9780525536512 isbn: 9780525536512
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/digital-minimalism.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/digital-minimalism.jpg
tags: ["white guy productivity", "technology"] tags: ["white guy productivity", "technology"]
year: 2019 year: 2019
--- ---

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@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: Dare to Lead
author: Brené Brown author: Brené Brown
isbn: 9781473562523 isbn: 9781473562523
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/dare-to-lead.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/dare-to-lead.jpeg
tags: ["leadership", "self help", "business"] tags: ["leadership", "self help", "business"]
year: 2018 year: 2018
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: How to Leverage Your Efforts In Software Engineering to Make a Disprop
author: Edmond Lau author: Edmond Lau
isbn: 9780996128100 isbn: 9780996128100
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-effective-engineer.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-effective-engineer.jpeg
tags: ["leadership", "software development", "technology"] tags: ["leadership", "software development", "technology"]
year: 2015 year: 2015
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
author: James Clear author: James Clear
isbn: 9780735211292 isbn: 9780735211292
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/atomic-habits.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/atomic-habits.jpeg
tags: ["psychology", "self help"] tags: ["psychology", "self help"]
year: 2018 year: 2018
--- ---

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@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: Ego Is The Enemy
author: Ryan Holiday author: Ryan Holiday
isbn: 9781591847816 isbn: 9781591847816
rating: 3 rating: 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/ego-is-the-enemy.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/ego-is-the-enemy.jpeg
tags: ["stoicism", "self help"] tags: ["stoicism", "self help"]
year: 2016 year: 2016
--- ---

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@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: Meditations
author: Marcus Aurelius author: Marcus Aurelius
isbn: 9780140449334 isbn: 9780140449334
rating: 2 rating: 2
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/meditations.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/meditations.jpeg
tags: ["stoicism"] tags: ["stoicism"]
year: 180 year: 180
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
author: Cal Newport author: Cal Newport
isbn: 9781455586691 isbn: 9781455586691
rating: 2 rating: 2
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/deep-work.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/deep-work.jpeg
tags: ["white guy productivity"] tags: ["white guy productivity"]
year: 2016 year: 2016
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
author: Matthew Walker author: Matthew Walker
isbn: 9781501144318 isbn: 9781501144318
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/why-we-sleep.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/why-we-sleep.jpeg
tags: ["sleep"] tags: ["sleep"]
year: 2017 year: 2017
--- ---

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@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
author: Neil deGrasse Tyson author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
isbn: 9780393609394 isbn: 9780393609394
rating: 2 rating: 2
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/astro-in-hurry.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/astro-in-hurry.jpeg
tags: ["science"] tags: ["science"]
year: 2017 year: 2017
--- ---

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@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: The Hate U Give
author: Angie Thomas author: Angie Thomas
isbn: 9780062498533 isbn: 9780062498533
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-hate-u-give.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-hate-u-give.jpg
tags: ["fiction", "racism"] tags: ["fiction", "racism"]
year: 2017 year: 2017
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: A Year of Black Resistance and Power
author: Desmond Cole author: Desmond Cole
isbn: 9780385686341 isbn: 9780385686341
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-skin-were-in.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-skin-were-in.jpeg
tags: ["politics", "canada", "racism"] tags: ["politics", "canada", "racism"]
year: 2020 year: 2020
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level
author: Gay Hendricks author: Gay Hendricks
isbn: 9780061735363 isbn: 9780061735363
rating: 3 rating: 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-big-leap.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-big-leap.jpg
tags: ["self help"] tags: ["self help"]
year: 2009 year: 2009
--- ---

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@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: Jonny Appleseed
author: Joshua Whitehead author: Joshua Whitehead
isbn: 9781551527253 isbn: 9781551527253
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/jonny-appleseed.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/jonny-appleseed.jpeg
tags: ["fictional", "emotional"] tags: ["fictional", "emotional"]
year: 2018 year: 2018
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: The Invisible Art
author: Scott McCloud author: Scott McCloud
isbn: 9780060976255 isbn: 9780060976255
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/understanding-comics.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/understanding-comics.jpg
tags: ["comics", "art", "history"] tags: ["comics", "art", "history"]
year: 1993 year: 1993
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Life & Work
author: Victoria Ortiz author: Victoria Ortiz
isbn: 978054497364 isbn: 978054497364
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/dissenter-on-the-bench.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/dissenter-on-the-bench.jpeg
tags: ["biography"] tags: ["biography"]
year: 2019 year: 2019
--- ---

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: Peace Talks title: Peace Talks
author: Jim Butcher author: Jim Butcher
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/jim-butcher-peace-talks.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/jim-butcher-peace-talks.jpeg
isbn: 9780393609394 isbn: 9780393609394
rating: 2 rating: 2
tags: ["fiction", "fantasy"] tags: ["fiction", "fantasy"]

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: What We Dont Talk About When We Talk About Fat title: What We Dont Talk About When We Talk About Fat
author: Aubrey Gordon author: Aubrey Gordon
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/9780807041307_p0_v1_s1200x630.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/9780807041307_p0_v1_s1200x630.jpg
url: https://www.yourfatfriend.com/book url: https://www.yourfatfriend.com/book
isbn: 9780807041307 isbn: 9780807041307
rating: 5 rating: 5

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ subtitle: Why You Can't Pay Attention - and How to Think Deeply Again
author: Johann Hari author: Johann Hari
isbn: 9781526620224 isbn: 9781526620224
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/stolen-focus.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/stolen-focus.jpg
tags: ["focus", "adhd", "psychology"] tags: ["focus", "adhd", "psychology"]
year: 2022 year: 2022
--- ---
@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ I found this book mostly interesting and easy to digest. Hari has a writing styl
I was originally frustrated with the author because Hari kept the focus on their experience on their retreat but did not acknowledge the amount of privilege in being able to do so. I see this sort of advice frequently in the self-help sphere and Im tired of it. It was distracting from their points regarding our relationship to our technology and the software that powers them. I was originally frustrated with the author because Hari kept the focus on their experience on their retreat but did not acknowledge the amount of privilege in being able to do so. I see this sort of advice frequently in the self-help sphere and Im tired of it. It was distracting from their points regarding our relationship to our technology and the software that powers them.
Im relieved that they *eventually* acknowledged their privilege but it took at least 1/4 of the book. It was worth sticking with it because the rest of the book stops talking about the retreat and focuses more on where their research on focus and attention lead to. Im relieved that they _eventually_ acknowledged their privilege but it took at least 1/4 of the book. It was worth sticking with it because the rest of the book stops talking about the retreat and focuses more on where their research on focus and attention lead to.
I thought the "voodoo doll" analogy was especially apt. Facebook, Google, et al are creating what are effectively "voodoo dolls" of everyone who uses their services. As they acquire more data on a person, that "voodoo doll" becomes closer to looking and acting like them. Everything they do is in service of improving that doll - until they know you better than you know yourself! I thought the "voodoo doll" analogy was especially apt. Facebook, Google, et al are creating what are effectively "voodoo dolls" of everyone who uses their services. As they acquire more data on a person, that "voodoo doll" becomes closer to looking and acting like them. Everything they do is in service of improving that doll - until they know you better than you know yourself!

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@ -5,6 +5,6 @@ author: "Gareth Gaudin"
year: 2021 year: 2021
isbn: 9781459822290 isbn: 9781459822290
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-monster-sisters-vol-2.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-monster-sisters-vol-2.jpg
tags: ["adventure"] tags: ["adventure"]
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ publisher: Image Comics
author: Majorie Liu, Sana Takeda author: Majorie Liu, Sana Takeda
volume: 1 volume: 1
year: 2017 year: 2017
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/monstress-vol-1.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/monstress-vol-1.jpeg
rating: 3 rating: 3
tags: ["fantasy"] tags: ["fantasy"]
--- ---

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ publisher: Image Comics
author: Majorie Lui, Sana Takeda author: Majorie Lui, Sana Takeda
volume: 2 volume: 2
year: 2017 year: 2017
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/monstress-vol-2-tp_77ea1f170a.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/monstress-vol-2-tp_77ea1f170a.jpg
isbn: 9781534300415 isbn: 9781534300415
rating: 3 rating: 3
tags: ["fantasy"] tags: ["fantasy"]

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--- ---
title: "Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island" title: "Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island"
platform: Super Nintendo platform: Super Nintendo
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Yoshi's_Island_(Super_Mario_World_2)_box_art.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Yoshi's_Island_(Super_Mario_World_2)_box_art.jpg
tags: ["platformer"] tags: ["platformer"]
year: 1995 year: 1995
--- ---
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island was released on the Super Nintendo in 1995. It was actually a prequel to the original Super Mario World, and tells the story of how the Mario twins (Mario is the last name, yes) came to be. The premise is that a stork carrying the twins is assaulted by Kamek, who is a servant to the mighty (then a child) King Bowser. In the fray, the stork loses both babies, and Kamek ends up with only Luigi. Mario plunges to his doom, only to land (somehow safely) on top of one of the Yoshis on Yoshi's Island. It then befalls onto the Yoshi clan to reunite the brothers and restore the balance, or something along those lines. The stories for these games (read: platformers) were not altogether that creative back in the '90s. Not that it mattered much really. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island was released on the Super Nintendo in 1995. It was actually a prequel to the original Super Mario World, and tells the story of how the Mario twins (Mario is the last name, yes) came to be. The premise is that a stork carrying the twins is assaulted by Kamek, who is a servant to the mighty (then a child) King Bowser. In the fray, the stork loses both babies, and Kamek ends up with only Luigi. Mario plunges to his doom, only to land (somehow safely) on top of one of the Yoshis on Yoshi's Island. It then befalls onto the Yoshi clan to reunite the brothers and restore the balance, or something along those lines. The stories for these games (read: platformers) were not altogether that creative back in the '90s. Not that it mattered much really.
What really mattered was that the game was fun. And fun this game certainly was. You can run and jump, and there's powerups just like before. The bigger differences came in the form of eggs, slightly different jumping mechanics and Yoshi himself (herself? itself?). Now you could float in the air a moment and give yourself a slightly higher jump. You could actually float multiple times in a row to overcome large obstacles too. Just like in Super Mario World, Yoshi can use his tongue to eat up enemies and spit them out, but he can also turn them into eggs. You could collect up to eight eggs and fire them at enemies. Back then, there wasn't two D-Pads (let alone two analog sticks), so the aiming was a little weird. The crosshair would move up and down, and it was your timing that guided the egg in the right direction. Nowadays this system is unbelievably clunky, but back then this was crazy. It was a pretty bold move, but leave it to Nintendo to do it right (more or less). My favorite change has to be the removal of the countdown timer. No longer were you restricted to roughly three minutes per level. Now you could romp and roam about as much as you want. This is great not only to experience the game at your own pace, but allows the player to truly explore and enjoy the intricate design that Nintendo incorporated into this game. If Yoshi gets hit, he will lose Baby Mario and will start to float away in a bubble. A countdown timer starts, and if it reaches zero before Yoshi rescues the trapped Baby Mario, he is swept away by Kamek's toadies. You can increase the timer by gathering more Stars (not like Power Stars, more on them in a bit). Essentially, Yoshi's Island took what was good in Super Mario World, and just made it all-around better. What really mattered was that the game was fun. And fun this game certainly was. You can run and jump, and there's powerups just like before. The bigger differences came in the form of eggs, slightly different jumping mechanics and Yoshi himself (herself? itself?). Now you could float in the air a moment and give yourself a slightly higher jump. You could actually float multiple times in a row to overcome large obstacles too. Just like in Super Mario World, Yoshi can use his tongue to eat up enemies and spit them out, but he can also turn them into eggs. You could collect up to eight eggs and fire them at enemies. Back then, there wasn't two D-Pads (let alone two analog sticks), so the aiming was a little weird. The crosshair would move up and down, and it was your timing that guided the egg in the right direction. Nowadays this system is unbelievably clunky, but back then this was crazy. It was a pretty bold move, but leave it to Nintendo to do it right (more or less). My favorite change has to be the removal of the countdown timer. No longer were you restricted to roughly three minutes per level. Now you could romp and roam about as much as you want. This is great not only to experience the game at your own pace, but allows the player to truly explore and enjoy the intricate design that Nintendo incorporated into this game. If Yoshi gets hit, he will lose Baby Mario and will start to float away in a bubble. A countdown timer starts, and if it reaches zero before Yoshi rescues the trapped Baby Mario, he is swept away by Kamek's toadies. You can increase the timer by gathering more Stars (not like Power Stars, more on them in a bit). Essentially, Yoshi's Island took what was good in Super Mario World, and just made it all-around better.
The game spans over six worlds, which house eight stages each. Two of them are "castle stages" which house a formidable boss inside. All in all, every world is unique and each stage is completely different from the one before. Many of the stages introduce a new mechanic or gimmick that is reused later and built upon. The eggs are initially introduced as simply ammo to attack your enemies with, but later it's revealed that different colored eggs have different properties when loosed upon the baddies. The Chomp Rock is first there simply to obliterate your enemies, but later you learn that it can find secrets for you, and can even be used as a sort of booster stool. The main power-ups in this game come in the form of transformations. Yoshi can transform into a helicopter, a car, a train, a mole, and even a submarine. These power-ups were pretty uncommon, so when you finally saw that bubble with a car in it, you knew you were in for some fun times. These power-ups were only temporary, but allowed for some creative level design. The game spans over six worlds, which house eight stages each. Two of them are "castle stages" which house a formidable boss inside. All in all, every world is unique and each stage is completely different from the one before. Many of the stages introduce a new mechanic or gimmick that is reused later and built upon. The eggs are initially introduced as simply ammo to attack your enemies with, but later it's revealed that different colored eggs have different properties when loosed upon the baddies. The Chomp Rock is first there simply to obliterate your enemies, but later you learn that it can find secrets for you, and can even be used as a sort of booster stool. The main power-ups in this game come in the form of transformations. Yoshi can transform into a helicopter, a car, a train, a mole, and even a submarine. These power-ups were pretty uncommon, so when you finally saw that bubble with a car in it, you knew you were in for some fun times. These power-ups were only temporary, but allowed for some creative level design.
The levels themselves were just so inventive for the time. Each level focused on one sort of gimmick or theme and always kept things fresh. The game used several different themes for all the levels, but every one just felt like its own stage. No two felt at all alike. Each level presented a new challenge and new excitement. On each stage are three different collectables. There were Stars, Red Coins and Flowers. The stars are not like the Power Stars from the previous games, and instead increase your countdown timer for rescuing Baby Mario. The Red Coins are hidden amongst the real coins (veteran gamers may notice that Red Coins are just ever so slightly off-color from regular coins). Flowers are usually in plain sight, but are sometimes hidden in "?" clouds, or in a secret location. Sometimes certain events must occur before a Flower appears. Each of these collectables are added up to form a total out of 100 at the end of the stage. They were entirely optional, but clearly Nintendo put a lot of thought into hiding everything. It's basically another game within the game finding them. Collecting all of the Flowers usually meant better chances at getting the Bonus Challenge, which would (sometimes) net you even more rewards. It gave a little incentive to collecting more goodies, basically. Items you got from the Bonus Challenge could be used later, such as giving you more stars, revealing the locations of all the Red Coins, or turning all the enemies into "?" clouds. Sometimes you'd meet up with your buddy Poochy, your lovable dog companion. He'll move you left or right with incredible speed, and can walk over deadly spikes with ease. Careful though, because once he gets going, he doesn't stop. The levels themselves were just so inventive for the time. Each level focused on one sort of gimmick or theme and always kept things fresh. The game used several different themes for all the levels, but every one just felt like its own stage. No two felt at all alike. Each level presented a new challenge and new excitement. On each stage are three different collectables. There were Stars, Red Coins and Flowers. The stars are not like the Power Stars from the previous games, and instead increase your countdown timer for rescuing Baby Mario. The Red Coins are hidden amongst the real coins (veteran gamers may notice that Red Coins are just ever so slightly off-color from regular coins). Flowers are usually in plain sight, but are sometimes hidden in "?" clouds, or in a secret location. Sometimes certain events must occur before a Flower appears. Each of these collectables are added up to form a total out of 100 at the end of the stage. They were entirely optional, but clearly Nintendo put a lot of thought into hiding everything. It's basically another game within the game finding them. Collecting all of the Flowers usually meant better chances at getting the Bonus Challenge, which would (sometimes) net you even more rewards. It gave a little incentive to collecting more goodies, basically. Items you got from the Bonus Challenge could be used later, such as giving you more stars, revealing the locations of all the Red Coins, or turning all the enemies into "?" clouds. Sometimes you'd meet up with your buddy Poochy, your lovable dog companion. He'll move you left or right with incredible speed, and can walk over deadly spikes with ease. Careful though, because once he gets going, he doesn't stop.
Since there was no more countdown timer, this allowed Nintendo to really play with the puzzle aspect in previous games. Yoshi's Island definitely features more puzzle-oriented levels are a result. Nothing too mind-bendingly hard, but nonetheless challenging. A good example is that plenty of levels will eventually fork into multiple paths. Certain doors might be locked, and require you to find the keys. Since there was no more countdown timer, this allowed Nintendo to really play with the puzzle aspect in previous games. Yoshi's Island definitely features more puzzle-oriented levels are a result. Nothing too mind-bendingly hard, but nonetheless challenging. A good example is that plenty of levels will eventually fork into multiple paths. Certain doors might be locked, and require you to find the keys.
The bosses in each world often utilized a mechanic or gimmick that was introduced in stages previously. The first two bosses focus on the egg mechanics, for example. Later bosses start getting more clever. I don't want to spoil all of them, so I'm only going to mention a few. In World 2, you'll be pitted against a ghostly flower pot. Yes, that's right. You'll be competing with two Shy Guys in order to push the flower pot off the edge. Later on you'll be up against a giant Raven, and you'll have to use your ground-pounds to ram things right up his... well, I'll just leave that there. In another battle, you'll be shrunk and swallowed by a frog. That particular battle left such an impression on me. These are just a few of the many bosses you'll face in Yoshi's Island. The bosses in each world often utilized a mechanic or gimmick that was introduced in stages previously. The first two bosses focus on the egg mechanics, for example. Later bosses start getting more clever. I don't want to spoil all of them, so I'm only going to mention a few. In World 2, you'll be pitted against a ghostly flower pot. Yes, that's right. You'll be competing with two Shy Guys in order to push the flower pot off the edge. Later on you'll be up against a giant Raven, and you'll have to use your ground-pounds to ram things right up his... well, I'll just leave that there. In another battle, you'll be shrunk and swallowed by a frog. That particular battle left such an impression on me. These are just a few of the many bosses you'll face in Yoshi's Island.
Reflecting now, I fondly remember various stages from years ago. My favorites would have to be the winter/snow worlds. At one point, a blizzard slowly begins as you move right, and before you know it you're firing down a slope with some skis. Yes, Yoshi goes skiiing! So cool. I remember another stage where you have to pump up a balloon in order to float across. I later found out you can actually ruin the balloon if you jump on too early, thus missing all the coins and other goodies. Not to sound lazy, but I really don't want to spoil too many of the levels for anyone who has yet to play this game. They are just so amazing and I'd like everyone to experience them like I did many years ago. Reflecting now, I fondly remember various stages from years ago. My favorites would have to be the winter/snow worlds. At one point, a blizzard slowly begins as you move right, and before you know it you're firing down a slope with some skis. Yes, Yoshi goes skiiing! So cool. I remember another stage where you have to pump up a balloon in order to float across. I later found out you can actually ruin the balloon if you jump on too early, thus missing all the coins and other goodies. Not to sound lazy, but I really don't want to spoil too many of the levels for anyone who has yet to play this game. They are just so amazing and I'd like everyone to experience them like I did many years ago.
Finally, I have to talk about the graphics. Back then, the defining feature of many games would be the graphics. Today that's no exception I suppose, but here it was almost paramount to success. Yoshi's Island is no slouch in this department. One of the key reasons I enjoy this game so much is the graphical style they chose for it. Everything looks like it was created by hand, and more importantly, by kids. It was almost like playing the game form of the drawings you would make when you're younger. You know what I mean, the crazy game ideas we had and what we thought was fun... it was almost like seeing your own ideas come to life, right in front of you. It has such a charming and fun atmosphere about it, it's almost impossible not to like. This was radically different than what games were moving towards, which was an emphasis on realism and looking "cool." By all accounts, this style should've been rejected since it was nothing like the style that was "in" with the kids, but I think Nintendo saw the promise of something like this. It really paid off. I especially adore the backgrounds in this game. I often stop and just admire the scenery in this game. For a game that was released nearly 20 years ago, that has to mean something. The attention to detail is astounding. Finally, I have to talk about the graphics. Back then, the defining feature of many games would be the graphics. Today that's no exception I suppose, but here it was almost paramount to success. Yoshi's Island is no slouch in this department. One of the key reasons I enjoy this game so much is the graphical style they chose for it. Everything looks like it was created by hand, and more importantly, by kids. It was almost like playing the game form of the drawings you would make when you're younger. You know what I mean, the crazy game ideas we had and what we thought was fun... it was almost like seeing your own ideas come to life, right in front of you. It has such a charming and fun atmosphere about it, it's almost impossible not to like. This was radically different than what games were moving towards, which was an emphasis on realism and looking "cool." By all accounts, this style should've been rejected since it was nothing like the style that was "in" with the kids, but I think Nintendo saw the promise of something like this. It really paid off. I especially adore the backgrounds in this game. I often stop and just admire the scenery in this game. For a game that was released nearly 20 years ago, that has to mean something. The attention to detail is astounding.
The game itself is full of so much detail it's mind-bogging. Everything in the game appears like it was painstakingly designed and created. People say Miyamoto is a genius, and this game is proof of that alone. It's evident by the butterflies in the foreground as you run across the plains, the birds flying in the backgrounds, the bugs that dart around in the swamp, the sauntering animations of the Shy Guys, the dancing and rhythm of the Tribal Shy Guys, the way the frogs bounce and jump in the background in the swamps, Yoshi's idle animations... even Poochy your adorable animal buddy has some nice touches. If you throw him an egg, he'll usually bounce it back gently, and if he manages to get hold of one he'll become distracted and start playing with it. He'll bounce it up and down with his paw and wag his tail with delight. It's such a little addition but it's just so damn charming. Things like these are just littered in the game, and while they serve no practical purpose, they bring you closer into the world of Yoshi's Island. Before games were even looking close to real life, gamers could already feel themselves involved and drawn into a virtual world. The game itself is full of so much detail it's mind-bogging. Everything in the game appears like it was painstakingly designed and created. People say Miyamoto is a genius, and this game is proof of that alone. It's evident by the butterflies in the foreground as you run across the plains, the birds flying in the backgrounds, the bugs that dart around in the swamp, the sauntering animations of the Shy Guys, the dancing and rhythm of the Tribal Shy Guys, the way the frogs bounce and jump in the background in the swamps, Yoshi's idle animations... even Poochy your adorable animal buddy has some nice touches. If you throw him an egg, he'll usually bounce it back gently, and if he manages to get hold of one he'll become distracted and start playing with it. He'll bounce it up and down with his paw and wag his tail with delight. It's such a little addition but it's just so damn charming. Things like these are just littered in the game, and while they serve no practical purpose, they bring you closer into the world of Yoshi's Island. Before games were even looking close to real life, gamers could already feel themselves involved and drawn into a virtual world.
I'll always remember playing Yoshi's Island fondly. The first experience of this game is something I'll never forget. The impact that this game had on me is insurmountable. If for only that reason alone, this game is rightfully regarded by me as the best game ever. But not only that, this game has such a high level of ingenuity, design, thought, polish and charm to warrant such a decision. I implore you to play this game if you haven't already. A game of this calibre has not been made since, in my opinion. No doubt there have been many great games since, and probably some (if not most) would argue that this game isn't all that great. For me though, this is it. This is the peak of perfection. Nothing is better in terms of gaming than Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. I'll always remember playing Yoshi's Island fondly. The first experience of this game is something I'll never forget. The impact that this game had on me is insurmountable. If for only that reason alone, this game is rightfully regarded by me as the best game ever. But not only that, this game has such a high level of ingenuity, design, thought, polish and charm to warrant such a decision. I implore you to play this game if you haven't already. A game of this calibre has not been made since, in my opinion. No doubt there have been many great games since, and probably some (if not most) would argue that this game isn't all that great. For me though, this is it. This is the peak of perfection. Nothing is better in terms of gaming than Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.

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--- ---
title: "Majora's Mask 3D" title: "Majora's Mask 3D"
platform: Nintendo 3DS platform: Nintendo 3DS
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Majora's_Mask_3D_cover.png image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Majora's_Mask_3D_cover.png
tags: ["adventure", "single player"] tags: ["adventure", "single player"]
year: 2015 year: 2015
--- ---

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--- ---
title: "Mario & Luigi: Dream Team" title: "Mario & Luigi: Dream Team"
platform: Nintendo 3DS platform: Nintendo 3DS
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/MarioLuigiDreamTeam.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/MarioLuigiDreamTeam.jpg
tags: ["rpg", "turn based", "single player"] tags: ["rpg", "turn based", "single player"]
year: 2013 year: 2013
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--- ---
title: "Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze" title: "Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze"
platform: Nintendo Wii U platform: Nintendo Wii U
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/DKC5_box_art.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/DKC5_box_art.jpg
tags: ["platformer", "challenging", "single player", "multiplayer"] tags: ["platformer", "challenging", "single player", "multiplayer"]
year: 2014 year: 2014
--- ---
Another challenging game. DKCTF nails the difficulty perfectly. As mentioned before, every failure feels like it's 100% the fault of the player. The controls are spot on and frankly should be the model for any platformer going forward. There are various control schemes to suit practically any player. My only minor gripe was that the buttons for each scheme were not customizable -- but the default options are fine. Going from the first level to the last is fairly short experience, but in typical DKC fashion the meat of the game comes from replaying levels and grabbing all the collectables. If that's not really your thing then you've still got a solid platformer that should scratch the itch. Visually the game is amazing to look at... I mean just look at this: Another challenging game. DKCTF nails the difficulty perfectly. As mentioned before, every failure feels like it's 100% the fault of the player. The controls are spot on and frankly should be the model for any platformer going forward. There are various control schemes to suit practically any player. My only minor gripe was that the buttons for each scheme were not customizable -- but the default options are fine. Going from the first level to the last is fairly short experience, but in typical DKC fashion the meat of the game comes from replaying levels and grabbing all the collectables. If that's not really your thing then you've still got a solid platformer that should scratch the itch. Visually the game is amazing to look at... I mean just look at this:
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/dkctf.jpg", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/dkctf.jpg", "", "" %}
The soundtrack is all aces as well -- composed by the same guy behind the first games - David Wise. It provides a fitting background - intense enough that it energizes you, but not overbearing that it comes the star of the show. The soundtrack is all aces as well -- composed by the same guy behind the first games - David Wise. It provides a fitting background - intense enough that it energizes you, but not overbearing that it comes the star of the show.

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--- ---
title: "Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney" title: "Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney"
platform: Nintendo 3DS platform: Nintendo 3DS
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Laytonvsaceattorneycover.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Laytonvsaceattorneycover.jpg
tags: ["puzzle", "narrative", "visual novel", "single player"] tags: ["puzzle", "narrative", "visual novel", "single player"]
year: 2014 year: 2014
--- ---

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--- ---
title: "The Wonderful 101" title: "The Wonderful 101"
platform: Nintendo Wii U platform: Nintendo Wii U
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Wonderful_101_box_artwork.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Wonderful_101_box_artwork.jpg
tags: ["action", "beat em up", "single player"] tags: ["action", "beat em up", "single player"]
year: 2013 year: 2013
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Fallout 4 title: Fallout 4
platform: PC platform: PC
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Fallout_4_cover_art.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Fallout_4_cover_art.jpg
tags: ["rpg", "action", "single player"] tags: ["rpg", "action", "single player"]
year: 2015 year: 2015
--- ---

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--- ---
title: "Persona 3 Portable" title: "Persona 3 Portable"
platform: PlayStation Portable platform: PlayStation Portable
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/p3p.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/p3p.jpg
tags: ["rpg", "turn based", "persona", "single player"] tags: ["rpg", "turn based", "persona", "single player"]
youtube: true youtube: true
year: 2009 year: 2009

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--- ---
title: Shovel Knight title: Shovel Knight
platform: Nintendo Wii U platform: Nintendo Wii U
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Shovel_knight_cover.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Shovel_knight_cover.jpg
tags: ["platformer", "retro", "single player"] tags: ["platformer", "retro", "single player"]
year: 2014 year: 2014
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Tomb Raider title: Tomb Raider
platform: PC platform: PC
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/TombRaider2013.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/TombRaider2013.jpg
tags: ["action", "adventure", "puzzle", "reboot", "single player"] tags: ["action", "adventure", "puzzle", "reboot", "single player"]
year: 2013 year: 2013
--- ---

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--- ---
title: "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" title: "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag"
platform: PlayStation 3 platform: PlayStation 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Assassin's_Creed_IV_-_Black_Flag_cover.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Assassin's_Creed_IV_-_Black_Flag_cover.jpg
tags: ["action", "adventure", "single player"] tags: ["action", "adventure", "single player"]
year: 2013 year: 2013
--- ---
@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ It also helps when the protagonist is likable - Connor was just pretty flat over
I'd have to rank the Assassin's Creed games as follows: I'd have to rank the Assassin's Creed games as follows:
1) ACII 1. ACII
2) AC: Brotherhood 2. AC: Brotherhood
3) ACIV: Black Flag 3. ACIV: Black Flag
4) Assassin's Creed 4. Assassin's Creed
5) ACIII 5. ACIII
6) AC: Revelations 6. AC: Revelations

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--- ---
title: DOOM title: DOOM
platform: PC platform: PC
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Doom_Cover.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Doom_Cover.jpg
tags: ["action", "fps", "retro shooter", "single player"] tags: ["action", "fps", "retro shooter", "single player"]
year: 2016 year: 2016
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Hyper Light Drifter title: Hyper Light Drifter
platform: PC platform: PC
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/HyperLightDrifterBoxArt.png image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/HyperLightDrifterBoxArt.png
tags: ["action", "hack and slash", "retro", "indie", "open world", "single player"] tags:
["action", "hack and slash", "retro", "indie", "open world", "single player"]
year: 2016 year: 2016
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--- ---
title: Vanquish title: Vanquish
platform: PlayStation 3 platform: PlayStation 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/PG_Vanquish_box_artwork.png image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/PG_Vanquish_box_artwork.png
tags: ["action", "platinum", "shooter", "single player"] tags: ["action", "platinum", "shooter", "single player"]
year: 2010 year: 2010
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Persona 5 title: Persona 5
platform: PlayStation 4 platform: PlayStation 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Persona_5_cover_art.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Persona_5_cover_art.jpg
tags: ["rpg", "turn based", "single player", "persona"] tags: ["rpg", "turn based", "single player", "persona"]
year: 2016 year: 2016
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Axiom Verge title: Axiom Verge
platform: Nintendo Switch platform: Nintendo Switch
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Axiom_Verge_Title.png image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Axiom_Verge_Title.png
tags: ["action", "metroidvania", "indie", "single player"] tags: ["action", "metroidvania", "indie", "single player"]
year: 2015 year: 2015
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Her Story title: Her Story
platform: PC platform: PC
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Her_Story_store_art.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Her_Story_store_art.jpg
tags: ["pc", "narrative", "simulator", "indie", "single player"] tags: ["pc", "narrative", "simulator", "indie", "single player"]
year: 2015 year: 2015
--- ---

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--- ---
title: "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor" title: "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor"
platform: PC platform: PC
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Shadow_of_Mordor_cover_art.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Shadow_of_Mordor_cover_art.jpg
tags: ["action", "nemesis system", "hack and slash", "single player", "open world"] tags:
["action", "nemesis system", "hack and slash", "single player", "open world"]
year: 2014 year: 2014
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Citizen Sleeper title: Citizen Sleeper
platform: PC platform: PC
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Citizen_Sleeper_cover_art.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Citizen_Sleeper_cover_art.jpg
tags: ["narrative", "visual novel", "indie", "rpg", "single player"] tags: ["narrative", "visual novel", "indie", "rpg", "single player"]
year: 2022 year: 2022
rating: 4 rating: 4

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--- ---
title: History of the 90s title: History of the 90s
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/history-of-the-90s.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/history-of-the-90s.jpeg
url: https://curiouscast.ca/podcast/466/history-of-the-90s/ url: https://curiouscast.ca/podcast/466/history-of-the-90s/
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Hunting Warhead title: Hunting Warhead
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/hunting-warhead.webp image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/hunting-warhead.webp
url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/387-hunting-warhead url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/387-hunting-warhead
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Maintenance Phase title: Maintenance Phase
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/maintenance-phase.webp image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/maintenance-phase.webp
url: https://www.maintenancephase.com/ url: https://www.maintenancephase.com/
--- ---
@ -12,6 +12,4 @@ A phenomenal podcast that challenged everything I knew about fatness, dieting, f
- [Dr. Oz](https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/7857472-dr-oz) - [Dr. Oz](https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/7857472-dr-oz)
- [Halo Top Ice Cream](https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/7127890-halo-top-ice-cream) - [Halo Top Ice Cream](https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/7127890-halo-top-ice-cream)
- [The Biggest Loser](https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/7353850-the-biggest-loser) - [The Biggest Loser](https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/7353850-the-biggest-loser)
I used to watch this show religiously with my parents. I'd look to it at times for inspiration. Realizing the literal hell the cast when through now is horrifying. I used to watch this show religiously with my parents. I'd look to it at times for inspiration. Realizing the literal hell the cast when through now is horrifying.

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title: Reply All title: Reply All
url: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all url: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all
rating: 3 rating: 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/reply-all.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/reply-all.jpeg
--- ---
There are too many episodes to this podcast, but I have been shared a few interesting ones from my partner. I was never a regular listener, and have not listened since it [effectively imploded](https://www.vulture.com/article/gimlet-reply-all-controversy-spotify-test-kitchen.html) There are too many episodes to this podcast, but I have been shared a few interesting ones from my partner. I was never a regular listener, and have not listened since it [effectively imploded](https://www.vulture.com/article/gimlet-reply-all-controversy-spotify-test-kitchen.html)
@ -10,4 +10,4 @@ There are too many episodes to this podcast, but I have been shared a few intere
## Favourite episodes ## Favourite episodes
- [The Case of the Missing Hit](https://pca.st/episode/cc572c51-e2bd-41fe-a138-d4f8ecba3549) - [The Case of the Missing Hit](https://pca.st/episode/cc572c51-e2bd-41fe-a138-d4f8ecba3549)
This is a real journey. There are so many fun twists and turns. This is a real journey. There are so many fun twists and turns.

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--- ---
title: Running from COPS title: Running from COPS
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/running-from-cops.webp image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/running-from-cops.webp
url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/headlong-running-from-cops/id1459118695 url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/headlong-running-from-cops/id1459118695
--- ---

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--- ---
title: Surviving Y2K title: Surviving Y2K
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/surviving-y2k.webp image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/surviving-y2k.webp
url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/headlong-surviving-y2k/id1464251414 url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/headlong-surviving-y2k/id1464251414
--- ---

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title: "You're Wrong About" title: "You're Wrong About"
url: https://yourewrongabout.com/ url: https://yourewrongabout.com/
rating: 3 rating: 3
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/youre-wrong-about.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/youre-wrong-about.jpeg
--- ---
## Favourite episodes ## Favourite episodes

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--- ---
title: If Books Could Kill title: If Books Could Kill
url: https://www.ifbookspod.com/ url: https://www.ifbookspod.com/
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/if-books-could-kill.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/if-books-could-kill.jpeg
--- ---
I will follow Michael Hobbes to the ends of the earth. I will follow Michael Hobbes to the ends of the earth.
@ -11,6 +11,6 @@ I will follow Michael Hobbes to the ends of the earth.
- [The Art of the Deal](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/14286395-the-art-of-the-deal) - [The Art of the Deal](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/14286395-the-art-of-the-deal)
- [Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers"](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/11658428-malcolm-gladwell-s-outliers) - [Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers"](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/11658428-malcolm-gladwell-s-outliers)
- [Rich Dad Poor Dad](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/12593204-rich-dad-poor-dad) - [Rich Dad Poor Dad](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/12593204-rich-dad-poor-dad)
- [The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/14006961-the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck) - [The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F\*ck](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/14006961-the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck)
How is it that I always fall for the light right-wingers? I still respect the book for the impact it had on me, but Mark Manson has completely lost the plot lately. His second book was not worth the money I paid for it. How is it that I always fall for the light right-wingers? I still respect the book for the impact it had on me, but Mark Manson has completely lost the plot lately. His second book was not worth the money I paid for it.
- [The 48 Laws of Power](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/13887364-the-48-laws-of-power) - [The 48 Laws of Power](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040953/13887364-the-48-laws-of-power)

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--- ---
title: 9/12 title: 9/12
rating: 4 rating: 4
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/21dcd7ff8bee7ea7122dd755078befbef85978d7ee34af54840833a606d375da90a4f8a295842e8d2b58f4db5dfa6a69859a209e3c346f5f268546110b2b6d45.jpeg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/21dcd7ff8bee7ea7122dd755078befbef85978d7ee34af54840833a606d375da90a4f8a295842e8d2b58f4db5dfa6a69859a209e3c346f5f268546110b2b6d45.jpeg
url: https://art19.com/shows/9-12 url: https://art19.com/shows/9-12
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title: A Death in Cryptoland title: A Death in Cryptoland
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/adeathincryptoland-podcast-template-lg.avif image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/adeathincryptoland-podcast-template-lg.avif
url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/904-a-death-in-cryptoland url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/904-a-death-in-cryptoland
--- ---

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: Boys Like Me title: Boys Like Me
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/BoysLikeMe-podcast-template.avif image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/BoysLikeMe-podcast-template.avif
url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1035-boys-like-me url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1035-boys-like-me
--- ---
@ -14,4 +14,3 @@ It's so easy to become radicalized because it happens so slowly - it's insidious
I can't remember when I got out of the movement. It happened slowly if I remember right. I'd disagree with a small point, and then I found myself disagreeing more until I recognized it for what it was. Nothing but hateful rhetoric. I can't remember when I got out of the movement. It happened slowly if I remember right. I'd disagree with a small point, and then I found myself disagreeing more until I recognized it for what it was. Nothing but hateful rhetoric.
It can be hard for a lot of men to reach that point, though. They become so entrenched in their beliefs that they can't think rationally anymore. It can be hard for a lot of men to reach that point, though. They become so entrenched in their beliefs that they can't think rationally anymore.

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: Conversations With People Who Hate Me title: Conversations With People Who Hate Me
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Conversations-With-People-Who-Hate-Me-Square-Logo.png image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Conversations-With-People-Who-Hate-Me-Square-Logo.png
url: https://www.dylanmarron.com/podcast url: https://www.dylanmarron.com/podcast
--- ---

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: Project Unabom title: Project Unabom
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/313x0w.webp image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/313x0w.webp
url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/project-unabom/id1627613321 url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/project-unabom/id1627613321
--- ---

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks title: The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Jar_Jar_250x250.jpg image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Jar_Jar_250x250.jpg
url: https://www.ted.com/podcasts/the-redemption-of-jar-jar-binks url: https://www.ted.com/podcasts/the-redemption-of-jar-jar-binks
--- ---

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: The Flamethrowers title: The Flamethrowers
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/theflamethrowers-podcast-template.avif image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/theflamethrowers-podcast-template.avif
url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1026-the-flamethrowers url: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1026-the-flamethrowers
--- ---

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@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: The New Gurus title: The New Gurus
rating: 5 rating: 5
image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/the-new-gurus.webp image: https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/the-new-gurus.webp
url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-new-gurus/id1659385785 url: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-new-gurus/id1659385785
--- ---

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@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Here's a non-exhaustive list of topics you'll find here: web development, music,
I really like frogs, like a lot. So I made myself a mascot. They don't have a name yet, but perhaps you can think of one? I really like frogs, like a lot. So I made myself a mascot. They don't have a name yet, but perhaps you can think of one?
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/logo.svg", "A pixel art version of a frog. They are currently unnamed.", "What should we call them?" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/logo.svg", "A pixel art version of a frog. They are currently unnamed.", "What should we call them?" %}
## Professional ## Professional

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@ -10,6 +10,11 @@ All the changes that are fit to read!
If preferred, the [commit log is available here][commits]. If preferred, the [commit log is available here][commits].
## September 29th 2024
- Switched to [Cloudflare Pages](https://pages.cloudflare.com/) for deployments and hosting.
- Switched to [Backblaze B2](https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-storage) for asset storage. Served through Cloudflare.
## July 7th 2024 ## July 7th 2024
- Update `<published>` tag to `<pubDate>` tag to match [RSS 2.0 spec](https://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification#ltpubdategtSubelementOfLtitemgt) - Update `<published>` tag to `<pubDate>` tag to match [RSS 2.0 spec](https://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification#ltpubdategtSubelementOfLtitemgt)

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@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ tags: [email, protonmail]
I've been an avid Gmail user since its inception sometime in 2004. I remember hunting for a beta invite back when they were highly coveted. I have received 25,467 emails and sent 1,738. The first email I sent was to a local shop to buy my old G3 iMac. I've been an avid Gmail user since its inception sometime in 2004. I remember hunting for a beta invite back when they were highly coveted. I have received 25,467 emails and sent 1,738. The first email I sent was to a local shop to buy my old G3 iMac.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/first_gmail.png", "A screenshot of the 'Welcome to Gmail' email everyone received when they first opened their account", "Gmail was different, alright." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/first_gmail.png", "A screenshot of the 'Welcome to Gmail' email everyone received when they first opened their account", "Gmail was different, alright." %}
In the years since I got my Gmail account I've realized that I've become the product for Google. My information - who I am, my interests, everything - is their endgame. Plain and simple I don't like that they have this information. I doubt there is any way for me to reliably erase myself from their databases, so I've opted to do the next best thing - try to reduce the amount of new information acquired. In the years since I got my Gmail account I've realized that I've become the product for Google. My information - who I am, my interests, everything - is their endgame. Plain and simple I don't like that they have this information. I doubt there is any way for me to reliably erase myself from their databases, so I've opted to do the next best thing - try to reduce the amount of new information acquired.

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@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ tags: ["music", "vinyl", "collecting"]
Im here to tell you vinyl collecting isnt all its cracked up to be. Like many hobbies, it takes time and dedication to truly appreciate. Im here to offer a cautionary tale to anyone looking to start the hobby. Its important to make sure you want to do it for the right reasons - something I didnt do when I started. Im here to tell you vinyl collecting isnt all its cracked up to be. Like many hobbies, it takes time and dedication to truly appreciate. Im here to offer a cautionary tale to anyone looking to start the hobby. Its important to make sure you want to do it for the right reasons - something I didnt do when I started.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/mmb.jpg", "Record cover of Mogwai's Mr. Beast", "Mogwai's Mr. Beast" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/mmb.jpg", "Record cover of Mogwai's Mr. Beast", "Mogwai's Mr. Beast" %}
At some point in 2008 I decided to begin my vinyl journey. After hearing about records making a quiet comeback from my friend I thought I might see what this was all about on a whim. After perusing the local music stores then-growing record collection I came out with [Mogwai's Mr. Beast](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/mr-beast/794356427). When I returned home I asked my parents for their old record player. My Mom returned my request with surprise. At some point in 2008 I decided to begin my vinyl journey. After hearing about records making a quiet comeback from my friend I thought I might see what this was all about on a whim. After perusing the local music stores then-growing record collection I came out with [Mogwai's Mr. Beast](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/mr-beast/794356427). When I returned home I asked my parents for their old record player. My Mom returned my request with surprise.
@ -24,11 +24,11 @@ At some point in 2008 I decided to begin my vinyl journey. After hearing about r
Off to the garage we went. Beneath a pile of old DVDs and other relics of another age - there it was. With the player was a giant container of records. I lugged the two with anticipation and enthusiasm upstairs. The record player was Dual's CS 728Q. Off to the garage we went. Beneath a pile of old DVDs and other relics of another age - there it was. With the player was a giant container of records. I lugged the two with anticipation and enthusiasm upstairs. The record player was Dual's CS 728Q.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/dual.png", "Poster for the Dual CS 728Q record player", "The subtle off-white colouring, the tasteful thickness of it..." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/dual.png", "Poster for the Dual CS 728Q record player", "The subtle off-white colouring, the tasteful thickness of it..." %}
I didn't have a sound system at the time - so my setup was a messy daisy-chain of cords that eventually lead to a pair a cheap computer speakers. I excitedly rummaged through my parents collection looking for one album in particular. With a pleased grin I found it. I was looking for [Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/wish-you-were-here/1065973975). I didn't have a sound system at the time - so my setup was a messy daisy-chain of cords that eventually lead to a pair a cheap computer speakers. I excitedly rummaged through my parents collection looking for one album in particular. With a pleased grin I found it. I was looking for [Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/wish-you-were-here/1065973975).
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/wywh.png", "Record cover of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here", "Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/wywh.png", "Record cover of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here", "Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here" %}
I admired the gatefold LP for some time before placing it on the platter. Pressing the start button the record started turning. The tone arm swung over and locked into place, hovering over the record. Gently it lowered itself until it landed with a subtle popping sound. It was at this point I realized what a phono preamp was - and without having one means there is very little sound. Undeterred, I cranked the volume on my tinny little speakers. It wasn't much but I could hear it! David Gilmour's wailing guitar pumping through the needle to my speakers. It was a magical moment for me. I listened to the whole album on those horrible speakers, completely enthralled in the medium. I admired the gatefold LP for some time before placing it on the platter. Pressing the start button the record started turning. The tone arm swung over and locked into place, hovering over the record. Gently it lowered itself until it landed with a subtle popping sound. It was at this point I realized what a phono preamp was - and without having one means there is very little sound. Undeterred, I cranked the volume on my tinny little speakers. It wasn't much but I could hear it! David Gilmour's wailing guitar pumping through the needle to my speakers. It was a magical moment for me. I listened to the whole album on those horrible speakers, completely enthralled in the medium.
@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ As with most things I get interested in, I launched into this new hobby with rec
With my new desire to acquire any and all kinds of vinyl I wandered into shops and would eat up anything that looked remotely interesting. About a year into the hobby I started to notice that more and more of my favourite artists were releasing brand new pressings of their upcoming albums. The writing was on the wall - the record companies were taking notice of the resurgence of vinyl and were preparing to go in swinging. I didnt think much of it at the time of course. With my new desire to acquire any and all kinds of vinyl I wandered into shops and would eat up anything that looked remotely interesting. About a year into the hobby I started to notice that more and more of my favourite artists were releasing brand new pressings of their upcoming albums. The writing was on the wall - the record companies were taking notice of the resurgence of vinyl and were preparing to go in swinging. I didnt think much of it at the time of course.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/djf.png", "Record cover of Dinosaur Jr.'s Farm", "Dinosaur Jr.'s Farm" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/djf.png", "Record cover of Dinosaur Jr.'s Farm", "Dinosaur Jr.'s Farm" %}
It was also around this time I started to notice more of the minor annoyances with vinyl - chiefly the maintenance aspect. By virtue of the way the medium works, anything like dust, dirt, or small particles are the enemy. They cause pops and cracks, or worse skips. My brand new records started showing these symptoms after a few plays. Again though I falsely convinced myself this was all part of the charm and just needed to be accepted; the worrying never stopped though. I would often have to convince myself the record would be fine and to just play it. For the large part I was still enjoying the hobby, but starting to realize some of the downsides that came with it. It was also around this time I started to notice more of the minor annoyances with vinyl - chiefly the maintenance aspect. By virtue of the way the medium works, anything like dust, dirt, or small particles are the enemy. They cause pops and cracks, or worse skips. My brand new records started showing these symptoms after a few plays. Again though I falsely convinced myself this was all part of the charm and just needed to be accepted; the worrying never stopped though. I would often have to convince myself the record would be fine and to just play it. For the large part I was still enjoying the hobby, but starting to realize some of the downsides that came with it.
@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ It was also around this time I started to notice more of the minor annoyances wi
During this time I can recall a particularly vivid memory relating to a record purchase. In 2009 Animal Collective released their breakout album [Merriweather Post Pavilion](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/merriweather-post-pavilion/300683110). I remember picking it up at the store after months of anticipation (and listening to low-quality album leaks). After the usual ritual of gatefold admiration, I put the record on the platter and hit start. With headphones hooked up, I put on my pair of Sony MDRV6s and laid down on the bed. I closed my eyes. Soon the opening notes of In the Flowers began. I lost myself on a sonic odyssey - interrupted only by the necessity to flip the record over. It was one point in my life where I recall listening to an album front to back without _any_ distractions. Despite my slow-growing annoyance with vinyl as a hobby, this is one memory I always look on fondly. During this time I can recall a particularly vivid memory relating to a record purchase. In 2009 Animal Collective released their breakout album [Merriweather Post Pavilion](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/merriweather-post-pavilion/300683110). I remember picking it up at the store after months of anticipation (and listening to low-quality album leaks). After the usual ritual of gatefold admiration, I put the record on the platter and hit start. With headphones hooked up, I put on my pair of Sony MDRV6s and laid down on the bed. I closed my eyes. Soon the opening notes of In the Flowers began. I lost myself on a sonic odyssey - interrupted only by the necessity to flip the record over. It was one point in my life where I recall listening to an album front to back without _any_ distractions. Despite my slow-growing annoyance with vinyl as a hobby, this is one memory I always look on fondly.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/acmpp.jpg", "Record cover of Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion", "Animal Collective's Merriweather Peace Pavilion" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/acmpp.jpg", "Record cover of Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion", "Animal Collective's Merriweather Peace Pavilion" %}
## Annoyance turns to irritation ## Annoyance turns to irritation

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@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ This is an update to my post from a few months ago about a cautionary tale into
I believe this all started because of my ruthless quest for minimalism. I dont mean in the popular sense of owning no furniture like that photo of Steve Jobs, but speaking more in a sense of values. If something isnt providing me any value, why should I continue to own it? That was the conclusion I arrived at when it came to evaluating my vinyl collection. I believe this all started because of my ruthless quest for minimalism. I dont mean in the popular sense of owning no furniture like that photo of Steve Jobs, but speaking more in a sense of values. If something isnt providing me any value, why should I continue to own it? That was the conclusion I arrived at when it came to evaluating my vinyl collection.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/CB867BB6-6F62-44AC-B1F4-B9B8D290D75C.jpeg", "Steve Jobs sitting cross-legged in his living room with sparse furniture", "Not my idea of minimalism" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/CB867BB6-6F62-44AC-B1F4-B9B8D290D75C.jpeg", "Steve Jobs sitting cross-legged in his living room with sparse furniture", "Not my idea of minimalism" %}
After talking with my partner, she said something along the lines of it being okay to collect things. It sounds silly, but that single bit of permission and validation told me that the collection does indeed bring my joy and value. It cemented the fact that the collection is now a part of who I am — it helps define my identity as an avid music listener. Once someone told me its okay, it completed changed my perception. Perhaps all I was looking for to begin with was permission to collect them? After talking with my partner, she said something along the lines of it being okay to collect things. It sounds silly, but that single bit of permission and validation told me that the collection does indeed bring my joy and value. It cemented the fact that the collection is now a part of who I am — it helps define my identity as an avid music listener. Once someone told me its okay, it completed changed my perception. Perhaps all I was looking for to begin with was permission to collect them?

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: A look back at what happened in 2019 - professionally. For me.
tags: ["career", "growth", "personal", "react", "swift"] tags: ["career", "growth", "personal", "react", "swift"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/dude-pretending-to-read.png", "A dude sitting on a chair with legs crossed casually pretending to read but seemingly looking off into the distance with a confident smile, or perhaps to look at a neat dog. From Open Doodles.", "A dude sitting on a chair with legs crossed casually pretending to read but seemingly looking off into the distance with a confident smile, or perhaps to look at a neat dog. From Open Doodles." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/dude-pretending-to-read.png", "A dude sitting on a chair with legs crossed casually pretending to read but seemingly looking off into the distance with a confident smile, or perhaps to look at a neat dog. From Open Doodles.", "A dude sitting on a chair with legs crossed casually pretending to read but seemingly looking off into the distance with a confident smile, or perhaps to look at a neat dog. From Open Doodles." %}
2019 was a slow year for professional development. As things started to stagnate near the end of the year, I sensed it was time to move on and look for a new job. Before we talk about 2019, I wanted to revisit the goals from 2018: 2019 was a slow year for professional development. As things started to stagnate near the end of the year, I sensed it was time to move on and look for a new job. Before we talk about 2019, I wanted to revisit the goals from 2018:

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: June 2020.
tags: ["recently"] tags: ["recently"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/wolfgang.jpg", "Wolfgang reading a book in an idyllic forest paradise", "#lifegoals" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/wolfgang.jpg", "Wolfgang reading a book in an idyllic forest paradise", "#lifegoals" %}
My pet project these last few weeks has been my [CHIP-8 interpreter](https://github.com/devinwl/chip-8). I've been following tutorials around the internet to try and figure things out. I've learned a lot more than I expected and even rekindled a bit of interest in hardware. I took a course in university that used an ARM processor for learning assembly language. My pet project these last few weeks has been my [CHIP-8 interpreter](https://github.com/devinwl/chip-8). I've been following tutorials around the internet to try and figure things out. I've learned a lot more than I expected and even rekindled a bit of interest in hardware. I took a course in university that used an ARM processor for learning assembly language.

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: July 2020.
tags: ["recently"] tags: ["recently"]
--- ---
{% image "https://wonderfulfrog.b-cdn.net/lady-actually-reading.svg", "Lady reading her book in what must be eventually pretty uncomfortable, but at least she has a nice cactus. From Open Doodles.", "Lady reading her book in what must be eventually pretty uncomfortable, but at least she has a nice cactus. From Open Doodles." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/lady-actually-reading.svg", "Lady reading her book in what must be eventually pretty uncomfortable, but at least she has a nice cactus. From Open Doodles.", "Lady reading her book in what must be eventually pretty uncomfortable, but at least she has a nice cactus. From Open Doodles." %}
My [CHIP-8 emulator](https://github.com/devinwl/chip-8) took a back seat last month. I havent made any progress on it since late May. I hope to return to it, but right now my interests have shifted to different projects. My [CHIP-8 emulator](https://github.com/devinwl/chip-8) took a back seat last month. I havent made any progress on it since late May. I hope to return to it, but right now my interests have shifted to different projects.

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@ -84,11 +84,11 @@ Well, turns out iTunes — sorry — Music(.app) — has a handy feature called
- Matched (uploaded and updated using iTunes Match) - Matched (uploaded and updated using iTunes Match)
- Uploaded (uploaded tracks saved using iTunes Match) - Uploaded (uploaded tracks saved using iTunes Match)
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/amm.png" , "Smart Playlist filters", "The various settings to get my 'Apple Music music'" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/amm.png" , "Smart Playlist filters", "The various settings to get my 'Apple Music music'" %}
I also added a filter to show music only from May 18th 2018. This date is important because it was the day I re-subscribed to Apple Music after not using it past the free trial. That cut down my list to 2,221 songs. Thus, I had my Apple Music music. I also added a filter to show music only from May 18th 2018. This date is important because it was the day I re-subscribed to Apple Music after not using it past the free trial. That cut down my list to 2,221 songs. Thus, I had my Apple Music music.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/stats.png" , "2,221 total songs", "2,221 total songs - wow!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/stats.png" , "2,221 total songs", "2,221 total songs - wow!" %}
I also made another Smart Playlist to find all of my Purchased music (1,107 songs), and downloaded those. A grand total of about 3,300 songs from Apple. I also made another Smart Playlist to find all of my Purchased music (1,107 songs), and downloaded those. A grand total of about 3,300 songs from Apple.
@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ One caveat is that any tracks that were Matched (using iTunes Match) were likely
This step I knew I wanted to use as many automated tools as possible. There are likely a ton of databases out there for music, but I ended up liking [MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org) the most. Especially because they have an app — [Picard](https://picard.musicbrainz.org) — that makes re-tagging very seamless. This is especially useful for YouTube rips as they dont have any IDv3 tags, but Picard can scan by audio signature and match that way instead! Really cool. It wasnt always right, but it was generally very close most of the time. This step I knew I wanted to use as many automated tools as possible. There are likely a ton of databases out there for music, but I ended up liking [MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org) the most. Especially because they have an app — [Picard](https://picard.musicbrainz.org) — that makes re-tagging very seamless. This is especially useful for YouTube rips as they dont have any IDv3 tags, but Picard can scan by audio signature and match that way instead! Really cool. It wasnt always right, but it was generally very close most of the time.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/60percent.gif" , "60% of the time, it works every time", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/60percent.gif" , "60% of the time, it works every time", "" %}
This worked pretty well at the start, but it was a fairly manual process. Id have to: This worked pretty well at the start, but it was a fairly manual process. Id have to:

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: November 2020.
tags: ["recently"] tags: ["recently"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/e460bb30-2ef1-4a3c-af6d-f7ff9c696bac.jpeg", "A frog recounting his struggles about trying his hardest, and feeling like its never enough. By Cat's Cafe.", "Mood." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/e460bb30-2ef1-4a3c-af6d-f7ff9c696bac.jpeg", "A frog recounting his struggles about trying his hardest, and feeling like its never enough. By Cat's Cafe.", "Mood." %}
Well, now its November. That happened. Heres some things that caught my interest this month. Well, now its November. That happened. Heres some things that caught my interest this month.

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: December 2020.
tags: ["recently"] tags: ["recently"]
--- ---
{% image "https://wonderfulfrog.b-cdn.net/tumblr_594d8523021106f126390d49d5a0a1a0_1db9a35a_1280.jpg", "Little Big Things by Cat's Cafe", "Sometimes the hardest thing is just getting out of bed" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/tumblr_594d8523021106f126390d49d5a0a1a0_1db9a35a_1280.jpg", "Little Big Things by Cat's Cafe", "Sometimes the hardest thing is just getting out of bed" %}
Not a long one this month. The holidays are upon us, but it doesnt exactly feel like it to me. Its a strange time to be sure. Not a long one this month. The holidays are upon us, but it doesnt exactly feel like it to me. Its a strange time to be sure.

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@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ A lot of good things happened this year too:
- [Google is being sued by the US for antitrust violations.][antitrust] - [Google is being sued by the US for antitrust violations.][antitrust]
- We got Season 2 of The Mandalorian. - We got Season 2 of The Mandalorian.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/8deaca3a-3ad8-4a2b-9068-b6ea1b7f7ec1.jpeg", "A screenshot of my phone with a news heading that says 'BIDEN BEATS TRUMP'", "A cherished screenshot" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/8deaca3a-3ad8-4a2b-9068-b6ea1b7f7ec1.jpeg", "A screenshot of my phone with a news heading that says 'BIDEN BEATS TRUMP'", "A cherished screenshot" %}
I had to search for both positive and negative events because my brain is having enough trouble dealing with the present, let alone reasoning what happened in the past. I had to search for both positive and negative events because my brain is having enough trouble dealing with the present, let alone reasoning what happened in the past.

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@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ tags: ["recently", "valheim"]
youtube: true youtube: true
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/forestsunrise.png", "A screenshot of Valheim with a sunrise coming through a thick, dense forest." , "Look at them god rays" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/forestsunrise.png", "A screenshot of Valheim with a sunrise coming through a thick, dense forest." , "Look at them god rays" %}
Like Christmas, I am always shocked at how fast February goes by, even though its the same length (except Leap Years) every year. Like Christmas, I am always shocked at how fast February goes by, even though its the same length (except Leap Years) every year.
@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ Heres my favorite bit ever:
## Playing ## Playing
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/moonrise.png", "My mighty viking with the moon as a backdrop." , "Look at them... moon rays" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/moonrise.png", "My mighty viking with the moon as a backdrop." , "Look at them... moon rays" %}
Without a doubt (and likely to my partners dismay) the majority of my time the past few weeks has been in [Valheim](https://www.valheimgame.com). I initially felt like the survival aspects of the game werent for me, having had enough of it in Minecraft. What sucked me right in though was the sheer quality of this Early Access title (can you believe its a team of **five people**?). The aesthetic of retro, low-poly models combined with a modern lightning engine creates this nostalgic but fresh vibe that fits in a game of its kind. Without a doubt (and likely to my partners dismay) the majority of my time the past few weeks has been in [Valheim](https://www.valheimgame.com). I initially felt like the survival aspects of the game werent for me, having had enough of it in Minecraft. What sucked me right in though was the sheer quality of this Early Access title (can you believe its a team of **five people**?). The aesthetic of retro, low-poly models combined with a modern lightning engine creates this nostalgic but fresh vibe that fits in a game of its kind.
@ -69,24 +69,24 @@ Progressing in the game is done by destroying one of the five major bosses, with
A group of us (6) decided to get the game on a Friday evening, and before I knew it it was 1AM. Then it was 1AM Saturday. It kept going on like this. I lived and breathed the game. It sucks you in quick if youre not careful. A group of us (6) decided to get the game on a Friday evening, and before I knew it it was 1AM. Then it was 1AM Saturday. It kept going on like this. I lived and breathed the game. It sucks you in quick if youre not careful.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/newheim.png", "My cozy viking home." , "If there exists a survival game, I will build a cottage in it" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/newheim.png", "My cozy viking home." , "If there exists a survival game, I will build a cottage in it" %}
Here are some screenshots of our journey to take down The Elder, the second boss of the game. His summoning location was far away from our little home of “Newheim” (which replaced our old village, now referred to as “Oldheim”), across the great sea. We built our first boat capable of holding more than one or two people and set sail. Here are some screenshots of our journey to take down The Elder, the second boss of the game. His summoning location was far away from our little home of “Newheim” (which replaced our old village, now referred to as “Oldheim”), across the great sea. We built our first boat capable of holding more than one or two people and set sail.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/sailingtoelder.png", "A group of six hapless Vikings sailing their way to slay an unknown evil." , "To boldly go where no Viking has gone before..." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/sailingtoelder.png", "A group of six hapless Vikings sailing their way to slay an unknown evil." , "To boldly go where no Viking has gone before..." %}
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/elderdistance.png", "Our map showing the distance from our main base to The Elder." , "1 day later..." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/elderdistance.png", "Our map showing the distance from our main base to The Elder." , "1 day later..." %}
After a days journey (which is about 30 minutes), we broke shore at what we called “Elderheim” (we have an incredibly clever naming scheme, if you havent noticed). We hastily built a small house and a portal to allow us to return to the island if we died (which we did, multiple times). After a days journey (which is about 30 minutes), we broke shore at what we called “Elderheim” (we have an incredibly clever naming scheme, if you havent noticed). We hastily built a small house and a portal to allow us to return to the island if we died (which we did, multiple times).
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/elderheim.png", "A screenshot of Valheim showing a hastily built shelter in the pouring rain." , "The black forest is aptly named" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/elderheim.png", "A screenshot of Valheim showing a hastily built shelter in the pouring rain." , "The black forest is aptly named" %}
With our base deployed and our bellies full of food, we set out to summon The Elder and take them out. I dont have any shots of us during the fight, but you can rest assured it was a delightful, flailing mess. We all died at least once or twice. We ran out of arrows mid fight and had to speedily drop them on the ground to share. With our base deployed and our bellies full of food, we set out to summon The Elder and take them out. I dont have any shots of us during the fight, but you can rest assured it was a delightful, flailing mess. We all died at least once or twice. We ran out of arrows mid fight and had to speedily drop them on the ground to share.
In the end though, we triumphed! In the end though, we triumphed!
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/elderdown.png", "The corpse of the mighty Elder!" , "Triumph!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/elderdown.png", "The corpse of the mighty Elder!" , "Triumph!" %}
Weve since taken down the third boss and are on our way to number four. The Mountain has proved to be a tough biome to survive, and if our brief excursion into the Plains has been any indication — the fun is only just beginning. Weve since taken down the third boss and are on our way to number four. The Mountain has proved to be a tough biome to survive, and if our brief excursion into the Plains has been any indication — the fun is only just beginning.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/stones.png", "The severed head of The Elder attached to a sacrificial stone altar. With this we gain strange new magical powers." , "And now, the mountain beckons us..." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/stones.png", "The severed head of The Elder attached to a sacrificial stone altar. With this we gain strange new magical powers." , "And now, the mountain beckons us..." %}

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@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ tags: ["recently", "valheim"]
youtube: true youtube: true
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/coolbow.png", "My Valheim character under the moon.", "The lighting in this game is so good!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/coolbow.png", "My Valheim character under the moon.", "The lighting in this game is so good!" %}
Right up until the end of the month things were looking up pandemic-wise, but our province announced that more restrictions are going to be in place for the next few weeks. Cases have been trending upward for the younger age groups (20-30s). It felt like up until this announcement that were was a chance that summer might mean a vaccine for people in my age range. Not to mention that AstraZeneca has been suspended recently in Canada. Back to waiting. Right up until the end of the month things were looking up pandemic-wise, but our province announced that more restrictions are going to be in place for the next few weeks. Cases have been trending upward for the younger age groups (20-30s). It felt like up until this announcement that were was a chance that summer might mean a vaccine for people in my age range. Not to mention that AstraZeneca has been suspended recently in Canada. Back to waiting.
@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Been keeping busy on the games front lately! The Switch is a wonderful console.
Our group finished what I would consider to be the “campaign” of the game: the 5 bosses. We wrapped up about mid-March, slaying the mighty Yalguth after a long, hard battle. It was a lot of fun because it required coordination and resource management. Our group finished what I would consider to be the “campaign” of the game: the 5 bosses. We wrapped up about mid-March, slaying the mighty Yalguth after a long, hard battle. It was a lot of fun because it required coordination and resource management.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/theend.png", "Our heroes stand triumphant and display their grisly trophy!", "Our heroes stand triumphant and display their grisly trophy!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/theend.png", "Our heroes stand triumphant and display their grisly trophy!", "Our heroes stand triumphant and display their grisly trophy!" %}
Since we finished all the bosses, weve fallen off the game. Without the next boss to work toward, the game became resource-gathering and base-building. A fun activity, but does not appeal to everyone. Without my friends playing, I dont find myself all that interested. Since we finished all the bosses, weve fallen off the game. Without the next boss to work toward, the game became resource-gathering and base-building. A fun activity, but does not appeal to everyone. Without my friends playing, I dont find myself all that interested.
@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ For $20 though, some of the best times Ive had with a game in recent memory.
There are updates planned for Valheim that could be pretty exciting (like the Mistlands, Firelands, and Deep North being implemented), which might pull our group back in. There are updates planned for Valheim that could be pretty exciting (like the Mistlands, Firelands, and Deep North being implemented), which might pull our group back in.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/yagluthsummon.png", "The summoning area for Yagluth, the final boss. He wants totems from his Fuling followers.", "The summoning area for Yagluth, the final boss. He wants totems from his Fuling followers." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/yagluthsummon.png", "The summoning area for Yagluth, the final boss. He wants totems from his Fuling followers.", "The summoning area for Yagluth, the final boss. He wants totems from his Fuling followers." %}
### Stardew Valley ### Stardew Valley

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: Everybody does it differently.
tags: ["vim", "development"] tags: ["vim", "development"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/vimsetup.png", "A screenshot of my `vim` setup in action.", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/vimsetup.png", "A screenshot of my `vim` setup in action.", "" %}
I thought it would be fun to talk about my `vim` configuration. Everyone does it differently, and I wanted to toss my hat into the ring. I thought it would be fun to talk about my `vim` configuration. Everyone does it differently, and I wanted to toss my hat into the ring.
@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ let g:coc_global_extensions = [
\ ] \ ]
``` ```
This runs these `coc` plugins all the time. Since Im always mucking about in JavaScript, this isnt a big deal. Its smart enough to know when Im *not* in JavaScript and to not complain, which works for me. This runs these `coc` plugins all the time. Since Im always mucking about in JavaScript, this isnt a big deal. Its smart enough to know when Im _not_ in JavaScript and to not complain, which works for me.
```vim ```vim
if isdirectory('./node_modules') && isdirectory('./node_modules/prettier') if isdirectory('./node_modules') && isdirectory('./node_modules/prettier')
@ -336,14 +336,14 @@ set statusline=%f%=%m%r%h%w%y[%04l,%04v]
This sets up my status line to show me what I need to know: This sets up my status line to show me what I need to know:
* The file Im editing - The file Im editing
* A marker if the file has been modified but not saved - A marker if the file has been modified but not saved
* What language mode Im in - What language mode Im in
* What line Im on - What line Im on
* What column Im on - What column Im on
```vim ```vim
highlight Comment cterm=italic gui=italic highlight Comment cterm=italic gui=italic
``` ```
My font of choice is [Operator Mono](https://www.typography.com/fonts/operator/overview), and it has beautiful cursive italics that I want to see. Anything comments in the file (or certain keywords) are converted into *italics*. My font of choice is [Operator Mono](https://www.typography.com/fonts/operator/overview), and it has beautiful cursive italics that I want to see. Anything comments in the file (or certain keywords) are converted into _italics_.

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@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ tags: ["recently"]
youtube: true youtube: true
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/mistergotcha.png", "The Nib's 'Mister Gotcha' comic", "'Curious!' - the catchphrase of those 'just asking questions'" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/mistergotcha.png", "The Nib's 'Mister Gotcha' comic", "'Curious!' - the catchphrase of those 'just asking questions'" %}
[Mister Gotcha][mistergotcha] is prime material when I complain about Apple and its ecosystem. Theres lots to complain about, but Im a heavy user. Out of the options available, they are (in my opinion) the best choice as a consumer. That doesnt mean they are perfect, though. Apple can (and should) do better. [Mister Gotcha][mistergotcha] is prime material when I complain about Apple and its ecosystem. Theres lots to complain about, but Im a heavy user. Out of the options available, they are (in my opinion) the best choice as a consumer. That doesnt mean they are perfect, though. Apple can (and should) do better.

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: May 2021.
tags: ["recently"] tags: ["recently"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/coffee_time_with_dexter.jpg", "Miitopia: where you end up in cafe enjoying your coffee, with Dexter from Dexter's Lab being your barista.", "Dexter's Cafe" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/coffee_time_with_dexter.jpg", "Miitopia: where you end up in cafe enjoying your coffee, with Dexter from Dexter's Lab being your barista.", "Dexter's Cafe" %}
I got vaccinated this month. Canadas rollout has been slower than say the US, but come vaccine day I was in and out within 20 minutes (thats including my 15 minute waiting period). There are rumours that the 8 week waiting period between doses might be shortened. I got vaccinated this month. Canadas rollout has been slower than say the US, but come vaccine day I was in and out within 20 minutes (thats including my 15 minute waiting period). There are rumours that the 8 week waiting period between doses might be shortened.
@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ My game _du jour_ is undoubtedly Miitopia. The Switch version is a port of the 3
What really grabbed me about it was the ability to plonk your own Miis into the game. Ive taken the opportunity to put my friends in as our main party so far, and inject whatever famous person I feel like making (fictional or otherwise). Thanks to the games fantastic writing, you can end up with some hilarious moments that wouldnt otherwise happen without such creative freedom. What really grabbed me about it was the ability to plonk your own Miis into the game. Ive taken the opportunity to put my friends in as our main party so far, and inject whatever famous person I feel like making (fictional or otherwise). Thanks to the games fantastic writing, you can end up with some hilarious moments that wouldnt otherwise happen without such creative freedom.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/miitopia_newman.jpg", "My character in Miitopia exclaiming 'Newman!' when the Dark Lord suddenly appears.", "Newman's incredible presence is no match for my scrappy attitude!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/miitopia_newman.jpg", "My character in Miitopia exclaiming 'Newman!' when the Dark Lord suddenly appears.", "Newman's incredible presence is no match for my scrappy attitude!" %}
The Dark Lord in my game is none other than Newman himself, eternal enemy to Jerry Seinfeld. My Carefree Guide, the guy you meet at the very start, is Kramer (who is pretty good pals with Newman), and this moment made me laugh out loud: The Dark Lord in my game is none other than Newman himself, eternal enemy to Jerry Seinfeld. My Carefree Guide, the guy you meet at the very start, is Kramer (who is pretty good pals with Newman), and this moment made me laugh out loud:

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@ -17,13 +17,13 @@ That's how we decided to take things anyway. We came up with [“Put er There
There were 5,800 entries for this game jam. For my first, I'm pleased with our ranking. Here's how we stacked up: There were 5,800 entries for this game jam. For my first, I'm pleased with our ranking. Here's how we stacked up:
**Originality**: #587 (3.742 avg) **Originality**: #587 (3.742 avg)
**Presentation**: #1125 (3.452 avg) **Presentation**: #1125 (3.452 avg)
**Fun**: #3181 (2.355 avg) **Fun**: #3181 (2.355 avg)
**Overall**: #1501 (3.183 avg) **Overall**: #1501 (3.183 avg)
From 31 total ratings. [Full results available here](https://itch.io/jam/gmtk-2021/results). From 31 total ratings. [Full results available here](https://itch.io/jam/gmtk-2021/results).
@ -37,21 +37,21 @@ The game idea we eventually landed on was originally a joke we proposed to each
My job was art and in the first few hours I got to my drawing board. Okay, so it isn't a board but a sketchbook. My job was art and in the first few hours I got to my drawing board. Okay, so it isn't a board but a sketchbook.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/FirstGameplayConcept.jpg", "In this concept art a untrustworthy manager is asking the player about 'those quarterly numbers', meanwhile the player has a thought bubble that says 'I'm losing him... tighten up!' referring to their handshake grip.", "Sketch of a gameplay concept" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/FirstGameplayConcept.jpg", "In this concept art a untrustworthy manager is asking the player about 'those quarterly numbers', meanwhile the player has a thought bubble that says 'I'm losing him... tighten up!' referring to their handshake grip.", "Sketch of a gameplay concept" %}
I originally drew this image after started taking our joke concept seriously. I added some nonsensical business speak and we all seemed to enjoy the humour. I originally drew this image after started taking our joke concept seriously. I added some nonsensical business speak and we all seemed to enjoy the humour.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/MinigameConcept.jpg", "Another concept art featuring the untrustworthy manager. This time, they have a noodle-like neck with the manager's head appearing dislodged from their body, to the left. The manager asks 'are you even paying attention?' while the player has a thought bubble that says 'maintain eye contact!'", "Sketch of a character with a very stretchy neck" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/MinigameConcept.jpg", "Another concept art featuring the untrustworthy manager. This time, they have a noodle-like neck with the manager's head appearing dislodged from their body, to the left. The manager asks 'are you even paying attention?' while the player has a thought bubble that says 'maintain eye contact!'", "Sketch of a character with a very stretchy neck" %}
At one point we had toyed with requiring constant eye-contact by using the mouse (something I think that would be fun), and then having ridiculously cartoon-y stretchy necks as they rapidly moved around the screen. At one point we had toyed with requiring constant eye-contact by using the mouse (something I think that would be fun), and then having ridiculously cartoon-y stretchy necks as they rapidly moved around the screen.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/UIConcept.jpg", "A sketch of the game UI. There are 'grip gauges' on the left side of the screen, representing the player's grip strength. In the center of a gauge is a target, where the player was intended to guide their gauge to. On the bottom is a text box, with generic business-like responses which the player could choose.", "Sketch of UI prototype" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/UIConcept.jpg", "A sketch of the game UI. There are 'grip gauges' on the left side of the screen, representing the player's grip strength. In the center of a gauge is a target, where the player was intended to guide their gauge to. On the bottom is a text box, with generic business-like responses which the player could choose.", "Sketch of UI prototype" %}
We wanted to implement dialogue responses into the game as a way to engage with the characters — another added element to the game beyond holding a few buttons. We wanted to bind them to the keys you'd use to maintain your handshake grip, so answering them would require letting up your grip for a moment. We wanted to implement dialogue responses into the game as a way to engage with the characters — another added element to the game beyond holding a few buttons. We wanted to bind them to the keys you'd use to maintain your handshake grip, so answering them would require letting up your grip for a moment.
After I got busy with gameplay concepts and had decided on how we wanted to play the game, I got busy with coming up with our cast of characters. After I got busy with gameplay concepts and had decided on how we wanted to play the game, I got busy with coming up with our cast of characters.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/CharacterDesigns.jpg", "A sketch of various characters. They have exaggerated features like elongated faces or big mouths. One character is intricately detailed and has a sense of false confidence. He is saying 'bro, closers close, bro.'", "A rogue's gallery of various characters" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/CharacterDesigns.jpg", "A sketch of various characters. They have exaggerated features like elongated faces or big mouths. One character is intricately detailed and has a sense of false confidence. He is saying 'bro, closers close, bro.'", "A rogue's gallery of various characters" %}
We came up with the stereotypical origin story of the struggling child who has never met their birth father. A natural progression for the main character we thought was the humble origins of a lowly fry cook turned Regional Franchise Manager. With all that in mind, we came up with some “business people” to interact with. In our original plans we had even greater heights for our character to reach: shaking hands with the President, the Pope, negotiating peace treaties with alien races… there was no bar too high. We came up with the stereotypical origin story of the struggling child who has never met their birth father. A natural progression for the main character we thought was the humble origins of a lowly fry cook turned Regional Franchise Manager. With all that in mind, we came up with some “business people” to interact with. In our original plans we had even greater heights for our character to reach: shaking hands with the President, the Pope, negotiating peace treaties with alien races… there was no bar too high.
@ -59,15 +59,15 @@ The dude in the middle ended up closely resembling our McBurger CEO (“Chief Mc
Afterward we decided we needed the Mom and Dad characters to play a part. The Mom I went super stereotypical, but didn't end up using it at all in the end (you'll see how it diverges later). Afterward we decided we needed the Mom and Dad characters to play a part. The Mom I went super stereotypical, but didn't end up using it at all in the end (you'll see how it diverges later).
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/MomDesign.jpg", "A sketch of 'Mom', with a soft, round face. Her hair is poofy and circular. She is wearing a pearl necklace with over-sized pearls.", "It's Mom." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/MomDesign.jpg", "A sketch of 'Mom', with a soft, round face. Her hair is poofy and circular. She is wearing a pearl necklace with over-sized pearls.", "It's Mom." %}
The Dad I went vaguely European and kinda hipster vibes. Very strong jaw to highlight his traditional masculinity. A chunky moustache that resembles Ron Swanson's push broom. I knew right away that he should be annoyingly buff and he wants to show it off with tight-fitting shirts. The Dad I went vaguely European and kinda hipster vibes. Very strong jaw to highlight his traditional masculinity. A chunky moustache that resembles Ron Swanson's push broom. I knew right away that he should be annoyingly buff and he wants to show it off with tight-fitting shirts.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/DadsonDesign.jpg", "A sketch of 'Dad', with featuring hard lines and dark colors. Dad has sharp eyes and a large nose. His eyebrows are large rectangular shapes. His mustache looks like a large push-broom.", "It's Dad." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/DadsonDesign.jpg", "A sketch of 'Dad', with featuring hard lines and dark colors. Dad has sharp eyes and a large nose. His eyebrows are large rectangular shapes. His mustache looks like a large push-broom.", "It's Dad." %}
I wanted to have a plaid shirt for Dad, but couldn't figure out how to make it work in pixel art. This is the only artifact I have left: it's a blown-up sprite that came from a screenshot of my screen-share over Discord. I wanted to have a plaid shirt for Dad, but couldn't figure out how to make it work in pixel art. This is the only artifact I have left: it's a blown-up sprite that came from a screenshot of my screen-share over Discord.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/DadsonPlaid.png", "An early in-game screenshot of 'Dad'. He looks like the sketch version with red skin. He is wearing a plaid shirt, and his chest muscles are very defined.", "It's Dad -- in plaid." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/DadsonPlaid.png", "An early in-game screenshot of 'Dad'. He looks like the sketch version with red skin. He is wearing a plaid shirt, and his chest muscles are very defined.", "It's Dad -- in plaid." %}
I doodled for most of the first night then went to bed. First thing the following morning was purchasing a copy of [Aseprite](https://www.aseprite.org) and getting into it. I had my work cut out for me: I needed to do a bunch of characters and backgrounds, and fast. I doodled for most of the first night then went to bed. First thing the following morning was purchasing a copy of [Aseprite](https://www.aseprite.org) and getting into it. I had my work cut out for me: I needed to do a bunch of characters and backgrounds, and fast.
@ -75,21 +75,21 @@ I stuck with the default palette in Aseprite. I thought giving myself constraint
It had been a long time since I've made tiny squares into pictures, but I found my footing after a few hours. The first character I made had green skin and kinda looked like [Piccolo from DBZ](https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Piccolo). Naturally I added antennae and the likeness was _impeccable_. It had been a long time since I've made tiny squares into pictures, but I found my footing after a few hours. The first character I made had green skin and kinda looked like [Piccolo from DBZ](https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Piccolo). Naturally I added antennae and the likeness was _impeccable_.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/sheet1.png", "A sprite sheet of various characters early in the design phase. Much like the sketch versions, so far characters feature weird face shapes and alien skin colours. Of note is a character with blue skin and a chubby face, with large jowls.", "It's a bad pixel art drawing of a guy that might or might not be Piccolo." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/sheet1.png", "A sprite sheet of various characters early in the design phase. Much like the sketch versions, so far characters feature weird face shapes and alien skin colours. Of note is a character with blue skin and a chubby face, with large jowls.", "It's a bad pixel art drawing of a guy that might or might not be Piccolo." %}
Then I started to play with this concept. What if all the characters are weird aliens? The blue character turned into the CEO (“Chief”), and as a joke I transformed him into [Dodoria](https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Dodoria) (inevitably DBZ makes it into anything I'm involved with). Dadson is slowly taking shape (although looks kinda like a fish). The character on the left was supposed to be our middle manager, but I ended up scrapping this for something else later. Then I started to play with this concept. What if all the characters are weird aliens? The blue character turned into the CEO (“Chief”), and as a joke I transformed him into [Dodoria](https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Dodoria) (inevitably DBZ makes it into anything I'm involved with). Dadson is slowly taking shape (although looks kinda like a fish). The character on the left was supposed to be our middle manager, but I ended up scrapping this for something else later.
A few more hours later I had a new version of Mom created. I thought the original design was kinda boring, and thought it would be funny if Mom was a punk-y rebel (a mix of the side-cut and spike hair). She never ended up “feeling” like a Mom, but it was a fun character to create. A few more hours later I had a new version of Mom created. I thought the original design was kinda boring, and thought it would be funny if Mom was a punk-y rebel (a mix of the side-cut and spike hair). She never ended up “feeling” like a Mom, but it was a fun character to create.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/sheet4.png", "Another early sprite sheet featuring the previously sketched cast of characters. On the sheet each character has a different facial expression. The blue character has a scared, bored, smiling, and determined expression. 'Mom' has been added as well. She has blue hair, with one half being spiked and the other in a side-part fashion. She has the same array of expressions (scared, bored, smiling), except instead of determined she has a beaming/happy expression, no doubt showing her love of their child (the player)", "Mom is back -- in punk form." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/sheet4.png", "Another early sprite sheet featuring the previously sketched cast of characters. On the sheet each character has a different facial expression. The blue character has a scared, bored, smiling, and determined expression. 'Mom' has been added as well. She has blue hair, with one half being spiked and the other in a side-part fashion. She has the same array of expressions (scared, bored, smiling), except instead of determined she has a beaming/happy expression, no doubt showing her love of their child (the player)", "Mom is back -- in punk form." %}
Then the middle manager (“Francis”) took shape with a new form. I thought a long-faced ([Squidward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squidward_Tentacles)-esque) would be funny, and leaned into it. I wanted to have the slick-back hair from the start because it captures the feeling of a typical grease ball. Then the middle manager (“Francis”) took shape with a new form. I thought a long-faced ([Squidward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squidward_Tentacles)-esque) would be funny, and leaned into it. I wanted to have the slick-back hair from the start because it captures the feeling of a typical grease ball.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/sheet5.png", "The sprite sheet has a new character - Francis - added with green skin and gelled, slick back brown hair. They have a long face and a long nose that goes straight down. They are wearing a basic white dress shirt. There are different expressions like before - scared, bored, neutral, and determined.", "You just know Francis would never give you weekends off." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/sheet5.png", "The sprite sheet has a new character - Francis - added with green skin and gelled, slick back brown hair. They have a long face and a long nose that goes straight down. They are wearing a basic white dress shirt. There are different expressions like before - scared, bored, neutral, and determined.", "You just know Francis would never give you weekends off." %}
At this point we had our cast of characters and various facial expressions! Here's a mini time-lapse of the entire spritesheet taking form: At this point we had our cast of characters and various facial expressions! Here's a mini time-lapse of the entire spritesheet taking form:
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/SpritesheetEvolution.gif", "An animation showing the evolution of the in-game character design. As the animation progresses, more characters are added, and various UI elements like gauges and buttons are added. A rough version of the logo is revealed, which is a cropped version of a handshake, showing just the hands.", "A time-lapse of the game's spritesheet." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/SpritesheetEvolution.gif", "An animation showing the evolution of the in-game character design. As the animation progresses, more characters are added, and various UI elements like gauges and buttons are added. A rough version of the logo is revealed, which is a cropped version of a handshake, showing just the hands.", "A time-lapse of the game's spritesheet." %}
I didn't end up having time for backgrounds and relied on my teammates for that. Photoshop wizardry got us there in the end! I didn't end up having time for backgrounds and relied on my teammates for that. Photoshop wizardry got us there in the end!
@ -119,53 +119,53 @@ I took the time to redraw our characters using what I learned during the jam. Th
My first stop was Dadson. I thought I could come up with better colours that went with the heavy red vibe but with a touch of purple. My first stop was Dadson. I thought I could come up with better colours that went with the heavy red vibe but with a touch of purple.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Dadson1.png", "A single sprite of 'Dad' (Dadson). His design is the same as before, but the color selection has been made deliberate. His red skin looks warmer and the shadows/darker colors are less purple.", "It's Dad -- in (better) colour." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Dadson1.png", "A single sprite of 'Dad' (Dadson). His design is the same as before, but the color selection has been made deliberate. His red skin looks warmer and the shadows/darker colors are less purple.", "It's Dad -- in (better) colour." %}
From there I started to embellish the details like his annoying muscles and stern eyes. I spent a fair amount of time doing anatomy studies to capture those rippling biceps. In between revising Dadson and other characters, I came back and re-applied what I had learned (again). You'll notice the jump is pretty substantial — look at the shading on his face. I wanted to highlight his jaw and defined facial features. From there I started to embellish the details like his annoying muscles and stern eyes. I spent a fair amount of time doing anatomy studies to capture those rippling biceps. In between revising Dadson and other characters, I came back and re-applied what I had learned (again). You'll notice the jump is pretty substantial — look at the shading on his face. I wanted to highlight his jaw and defined facial features.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/DadsonFullEvolution.gif", "A time-lapse animation of the various tweaks applied to Dadson's design. His eyes are slightly softened, and the contours of his muscles become more defined in his shirt. The eyebrows and mustache are rounded to look a bit more cartoon-like. A small tuft of chest hair is visible underneath his tight-fitting shirt.", "It's Dad -- in time-lapse." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/DadsonFullEvolution.gif", "A time-lapse animation of the various tweaks applied to Dadson's design. His eyes are slightly softened, and the contours of his muscles become more defined in his shirt. The eyebrows and mustache are rounded to look a bit more cartoon-like. A small tuft of chest hair is visible underneath his tight-fitting shirt.", "It's Dad -- in time-lapse." %}
I felt like my shading improve substantially as I went on. I feel way more confident when it comes to getting a good shade gradient going. I felt like my shading improve substantially as I went on. I feel way more confident when it comes to getting a good shade gradient going.
I also played with talking and blinking sprites in between revisions. I also played with talking and blinking sprites in between revisions.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Dadson-talk-blink.gif", "An animated version of Dadson's sprite. He can be seen opening and closing his mouth representing speech, and he occasionally blinks.", "It's Dad -- talking and blinking." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Dadson-talk-blink.gif", "An animated version of Dadson's sprite. He can be seen opening and closing his mouth representing speech, and he occasionally blinks.", "It's Dad -- talking and blinking." %}
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/DadsonTalkRage4.gif", "Another animated version of Dadson's sprite. Again he is talking, but his facial expression is different. He is clearly angry. His eyes are narrowed and his mouth is open wide - apparently as he is yelling.", "It's Dad -- talking and blinking. He's also quite pissed." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/DadsonTalkRage4.gif", "Another animated version of Dadson's sprite. Again he is talking, but his facial expression is different. He is clearly angry. His eyes are narrowed and his mouth is open wide - apparently as he is yelling.", "It's Dad -- talking and blinking. He's also quite pissed." %}
### Francis ### Francis
At some point when I was revising Dadson I decided to take a stab at Francis. I wasn't happy with the shading or green colours. I started with a new colour palette for him. I came up with this: At some point when I was revising Dadson I decided to take a stab at Francis. I wasn't happy with the shading or green colours. I started with a new colour palette for him. I came up with this:
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/FrancisNew.png", "A revised version of Francis' head sprite. The colours have been updated - the brown hair looks warmer and shinier (to highlight a combination of hair gel and grease), and his green skin has a tinge of yellow now. His irises are purple.", "Still not giving weekends off." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/FrancisNew.png", "A revised version of Francis' head sprite. The colours have been updated - the brown hair looks warmer and shinier (to highlight a combination of hair gel and grease), and his green skin has a tinge of yellow now. His irises are purple.", "Still not giving weekends off." %}
The shading isn't quite right. I needed to highlight his gaunt features. I thought it would be funny if he had more sassy body language, so I went with an arms folded pose. This was hard to get right and I spent a fair bit of time searching for various references. The shading isn't quite right. I needed to highlight his gaunt features. I thought it would be funny if he had more sassy body language, so I went with an arms folded pose. This was hard to get right and I spent a fair bit of time searching for various references.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/FrancisBodySassy.png", "A sprite of just Francis' body. His arms are crossed and he is slightly leaning to his left. It gives off an air of disinterest.", "Sassafrass bod." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/FrancisBodySassy.png", "A sprite of just Francis' body. His arms are crossed and he is slightly leaning to his left. It gives off an air of disinterest.", "Sassafrass bod." %}
Once I plugged them together I got into it and finally landed on the right shading. Once I plugged them together I got into it and finally landed on the right shading.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/FrancisNew3.png", "A fully assembled version of Francis' new sprite featuring his new head and body together. The shading on his face has been changed to highlight his gaunt cheeks.", "You want time off? You're lucky to even have this job." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/FrancisNew3.png", "A fully assembled version of Francis' new sprite featuring his new head and body together. The shading on his face has been changed to highlight his gaunt cheeks.", "You want time off? You're lucky to even have this job." %}
I had a lot of fun with his facial expressions. I even did talking/blinking animations which I think came out excellent. I had a lot of fun with his facial expressions. I even did talking/blinking animations which I think came out excellent.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/FrancisFaces.png", "Francis with a few facial expressions - snide/confident, bored and looking to his right, and sheer terror. The terror face has exaggerated eyes with shrunken pupils.", "The many faces of Francis." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/FrancisFaces.png", "Francis with a few facial expressions - snide/confident, bored and looking to his right, and sheer terror. The terror face has exaggerated eyes with shrunken pupils.", "The many faces of Francis." %}
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/FrancisTalk.gif", "An animation of Francis talking. His mouth is fairly closed and small, which lends to a sycophant or lackey vibe.", "The way he talks is even sniveling." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/FrancisTalk.gif", "An animation of Francis talking. His mouth is fairly closed and small, which lends to a sycophant or lackey vibe.", "The way he talks is even sniveling." %}
### Chief ### Chief
I had an idea of where I wanted to go here. I was looking for a [pre-world domination Jeff Bezos](https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/07/27/bezos2_wide-d887a33c25f471b95d41e058ef764ac95d72a56b-s1600-c85.webp), something that suggests a kinda disarming, but looks pretty affable kinda guy. I had an idea of where I wanted to go here. I was looking for a [pre-world domination Jeff Bezos](https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2020/07/27/bezos2_wide-d887a33c25f471b95d41e058ef764ac95d72a56b-s1600-c85.webp), something that suggests a kinda disarming, but looks pretty affable kinda guy.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/ChiefNewFace.png", "A revised face for 'Chief', the boss. The blue shade is deeper and more saturated compared to the old sprite. He has horns on both sides of his face, which curl backwards at an angle. He lacks eyebrows but his eyebrow muscles are large and round. His face is pudgy with large jowls.", "A new face won't fool me. This guy wants to take over the world." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/ChiefNewFace.png", "A revised face for 'Chief', the boss. The blue shade is deeper and more saturated compared to the old sprite. He has horns on both sides of his face, which curl backwards at an angle. He lacks eyebrows but his eyebrow muscles are large and round. His face is pudgy with large jowls.", "A new face won't fool me. This guy wants to take over the world." %}
The shading on the sides of his chin look kinda like tiger stripes, which might've been fun to explore. I later claned up the shading which removed the tiger stripe look. Then I came up with fun facial expressions. I thought it would be interesting to not have Chief react in fear with an extreme grip, but more of a curious interest, something that suggests a “I may have underestimated this guy…” feeling. The shading on the sides of his chin look kinda like tiger stripes, which might've been fun to explore. I later claned up the shading which removed the tiger stripe look. Then I came up with fun facial expressions. I thought it would be interesting to not have Chief react in fear with an extreme grip, but more of a curious interest, something that suggests a “I may have underestimated this guy…” feeling.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/ChiefNewFaces2.png", "Different facial expressions for Chief. A neutral/small smile, an evil/confident smile, a bored/disappointed look, and a look of genuine surprise. The latter would be used when the player overwhelmed Chief's grip, as if they never expected the player to be so strong-willed and determined.", "The many moods of Chief. This is morning mist." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/ChiefNewFaces2.png", "Different facial expressions for Chief. A neutral/small smile, an evil/confident smile, a bored/disappointed look, and a look of genuine surprise. The latter would be used when the player overwhelmed Chief's grip, as if they never expected the player to be so strong-willed and determined.", "The many moods of Chief. This is morning mist." %}
Can't forget his new body (which I think sells the whole package). Can't forget his new body (which I think sells the whole package).
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/ChiefNewFull.png", "A full body sprite for the Chief wearing a dark grey business suit with a red tie. The grey has a coolness to it, which matches the cool of his blue colour. The suit is obviously ill-fitted with stretching and creases - to suggest someone who has grown fat from his increasing power. His build is fat and stocky.", "That ain't no Dad bod." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/ChiefNewFull.png", "A full body sprite for the Chief wearing a dark grey business suit with a red tie. The grey has a coolness to it, which matches the cool of his blue colour. The suit is obviously ill-fitted with stretching and creases - to suggest someone who has grown fat from his increasing power. His build is fat and stocky.", "That ain't no Dad bod." %}
### Mom ### Mom
@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ Better yet, how the hell do I make pixel art hair?
I took on the challenge, and started with the face. I took on the challenge, and started with the face.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/MomFaceEvolution.gif", "An animation showing the different revisions of the new 'Mom' sprite. Her eyes go from green to red and back to green. Her hair colour becomes a saturated blue (fun fact: the same blue as Chief). The detail in her hair increases to where individual strands and groups of hair are visible. Her skin colour becomes redder and warmer, and less pale. Her lipstick transforms from a nude brown to a reddish-pink.", "From punk to party girl. Wait. That's not Mom!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/MomFaceEvolution.gif", "An animation showing the different revisions of the new 'Mom' sprite. Her eyes go from green to red and back to green. Her hair colour becomes a saturated blue (fun fact: the same blue as Chief). The detail in her hair increases to where individual strands and groups of hair are visible. Her skin colour becomes redder and warmer, and less pale. Her lipstick transforms from a nude brown to a reddish-pink.", "From punk to party girl. Wait. That's not Mom!" %}
I wanted — for lack of a better word — a more “motherly” face, which eventually meant age her up. It was important to me to keep her fun spirit, but stay within “Mom territory”. I struggled to get the skin colour palette right for a long time. At one point I gave up and made her skin yellow, which was super fun (even though it looked like she had permanent jaundice). That did allow me to see where I was going wrong with my colours though, and I eventually landed on the right look. I wanted — for lack of a better word — a more “motherly” face, which eventually meant age her up. It was important to me to keep her fun spirit, but stay within “Mom territory”. I struggled to get the skin colour palette right for a long time. At one point I gave up and made her skin yellow, which was super fun (even though it looked like she had permanent jaundice). That did allow me to see where I was going wrong with my colours though, and I eventually landed on the right look.
@ -183,16 +183,16 @@ I scrapped the spiked hair because I couldn't get it to look right, and I though
Mom's body sprite challenged me. I had to learn how to shade better to capture the look I wanted (I'll say it — I had no idea how to draw breasts). I initially started with a shoulder-less dress for flair and fun, but I think it looked a little _too fun_, so I brought it back with a nice coral cardigan. Mom's body sprite challenged me. I had to learn how to shade better to capture the look I wanted (I'll say it — I had no idea how to draw breasts). I initially started with a shoulder-less dress for flair and fun, but I think it looked a little _too fun_, so I brought it back with a nice coral cardigan.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/MomFullEvolution.gif", "An animation showing the evolution of Mom's body sprite and clothing. It starts with a red, shoulder-less dress and becomes a grey shirt and an orange cardigan. The cardigan itself goes through several revisions with small details like the trim shading changing. Shading details on her neck and upper chest are changed slightly. The final cardigan is a bright orange with a checkered/woven hem.", "Now, that's the Mom I know." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/MomFullEvolution.gif", "An animation showing the evolution of Mom's body sprite and clothing. It starts with a red, shoulder-less dress and becomes a grey shirt and an orange cardigan. The cardigan itself goes through several revisions with small details like the trim shading changing. Shading details on her neck and upper chest are changed slightly. The final cardigan is a bright orange with a checkered/woven hem.", "Now, that's the Mom I know." %}
I'm proud of how this one came out. It challenged me in many different aspects but came out almost exactly how I wanted it to. I feel like I improved my skills a lot with this one. I'm proud of how this one came out. It challenged me in many different aspects but came out almost exactly how I wanted it to. I feel like I improved my skills a lot with this one.
Finally, here are some before and after versions of the character sprites. Finally, here are some before and after versions of the character sprites.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/DadsonBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Dadson.", "Dadson, before and after." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/DadsonBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Dadson.", "Dadson, before and after." %}
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/ChiefBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Chief.", "Chief, before and after." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/ChiefBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Chief.", "Chief, before and after." %}
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/FrancisBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Francis.", "Francis, before and after." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/FrancisBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Francis.", "Francis, before and after." %}
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/MomBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Mom.", "Mom, before and after." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/MomBeforeAfter.gif", "An animation showing the changes between the old and final designs of Mom.", "Mom, before and after." %}
### The rest ### The rest

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: Bit of a weird week.
tags: ["weaknotes"] tags: ["weaknotes"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/noblewarrior_d2rbeta.png", "Like Link in Zelda, I have NobleWarrior the ever-living Paladin. Never the same character, but I always make a new one every so often.", "For me, this is an image I can hear" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/noblewarrior_d2rbeta.png", "Like Link in Zelda, I have NobleWarrior the ever-living Paladin. Never the same character, but I always make a new one every so often.", "For me, this is an image I can hear" %}
- [More stories from victims at Blizzard]. I'm saddened and disappointed to hear that Morhaime was largely an accessory and protected the harassers. I had him pegged as one of the last few good executives. I guess they don't exist after all. - [More stories from victims at Blizzard]. I'm saddened and disappointed to hear that Morhaime was largely an accessory and protected the harassers. I had him pegged as one of the last few good executives. I guess they don't exist after all.

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: The One Where Apple Sucks A Lot.
tags: ["weaknotes"] tags: ["weaknotes"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/podophobia.png", "", "Nobody likes centipedes, and anybody who says otherwise is a liar!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/podophobia.png", "", "Nobody likes centipedes, and anybody who says otherwise is a liar!" %}
I'm noticing that these weekly posts are turning into a link dump rather than a weekly look at what's going on in my life. I'm not sure if that's what I want to do going forward, and I'll have a think on it. I'm noticing that these weekly posts are turning into a link dump rather than a weekly look at what's going on in my life. I'm not sure if that's what I want to do going forward, and I'll have a think on it.

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: It's the fourth one.
tags: ["weaknotes"] tags: ["weaknotes"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/C0664BF8-4E3C-4285-8F5C-BECD7E0347B1.jpeg", "A sketchbook page of my doodles using my Copic markers. Mostly loose shapes and some human heads using the Loomis Method. There is a block of cheese." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/C0664BF8-4E3C-4285-8F5C-BECD7E0347B1.jpeg", "A sketchbook page of my doodles using my Copic markers. Mostly loose shapes and some human heads using the Loomis Method. There is a block of cheese." %}
Been a while since my last entry. Since then I went to Calgary again. I didnt end up doing much this time. I was by myself for most of the trip. I underestimated how weird it feels not only being alone but in an unfamiliar place. It hit me harder than I ever expected. On the upside I managed to get work done on my site (which should be evident soon). Been a while since my last entry. Since then I went to Calgary again. I didnt end up doing much this time. I was by myself for most of the trip. I underestimated how weird it feels not only being alone but in an unfamiliar place. It hit me harder than I ever expected. On the upside I managed to get work done on my site (which should be evident soon).

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: Electric boogaloo.
tags: ["mdx", "development", "netlify", "eslint"] tags: ["mdx", "development", "netlify", "eslint"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/v2lines.png", "A screenshot of GitHub showing the number of files changed. 7,664 lines added, 1,668 lines removed.", "That's a lot of lines!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/v2lines.png", "A screenshot of GitHub showing the number of files changed. 7,664 lines added, 1,668 lines removed.", "That's a lot of lines!" %}
Welcome to version 2.0! I've been working away at the site for a few weeks now. There have been plenty of changes under the hood, and the front-facing side of things look similar. Welcome to version 2.0! I've been working away at the site for a few weeks now. There have been plenty of changes under the hood, and the front-facing side of things look similar.
@ -68,10 +68,10 @@ I spent a lot of time making sure the developer experience (read: me) was enjoya
Some favourite packages of mine in no particular order: Some favourite packages of mine in no particular order:
* [eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y](https://github.com/jsx-eslint/eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y) Accessibility is important, and this will catch the easiest errors before it leaves the editor! - [eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y](https://github.com/jsx-eslint/eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y) Accessibility is important, and this will catch the easiest errors before it leaves the editor!
* [eslint-plugin-simple-sort](https://github.com/lydell/eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort) I like things being in alphabetical order. This took some extra configuration to get it *just right*. I'll share my config below. - [eslint-plugin-simple-sort](https://github.com/lydell/eslint-plugin-simple-import-sort) I like things being in alphabetical order. This took some extra configuration to get it _just right_. I'll share my config below.
* [rehype-img-size](https://github.com/ksoichiro/rehype-img-size) Adds the width and height of any (local) image that is processed by `rehype`. - [rehype-img-size](https://github.com/ksoichiro/rehype-img-size) Adds the width and height of any (local) image that is processed by `rehype`.
* [rehype-slug](https://github.com/rehypejs/rehype-slug) Adds `id` tags to all Markdown headers. - [rehype-slug](https://github.com/rehypejs/rehype-slug) Adds `id` tags to all Markdown headers.
Simple sort `eslintrc` config: Simple sort `eslintrc` config:

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: I can't decide what to call my weekly posts anymore.
tags: ["stray thoughts"] tags: ["stray thoughts"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/collage.jpeg", "My popular last.fm scrobbles from the last week. From the top left: David Bowie - The Next Day, Turnstile - GLOW ON, Sleigh Bells - Texis, Angels & Airwaves - Lifeforms, Thrice - Horizons/East, Deafheaven - Infinite Granite, Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee, The Slang - Divide, Tyler, The Creator - IGOR", "From last.fm" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/collage.jpeg", "My popular last.fm scrobbles from the last week. From the top left: David Bowie - The Next Day, Turnstile - GLOW ON, Sleigh Bells - Texis, Angels & Airwaves - Lifeforms, Thrice - Horizons/East, Deafheaven - Infinite Granite, Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee, The Slang - Divide, Tyler, The Creator - IGOR", "From last.fm" %}
Been fiending [Diablo 2: Resurrected][d2r] since it came out. Ive been playing the original on and off for years. It was the first game I can recall that I saved up my own money for. I went to the (now defunct) game store downtown and bought their copy in the display window outside. Before I knew it I made my Necromancer and slaying the demons of Hell! My Mom surely must've bought it for me since I wasn't even close to 17 yet. Been fiending [Diablo 2: Resurrected][d2r] since it came out. Ive been playing the original on and off for years. It was the first game I can recall that I saved up my own money for. I went to the (now defunct) game store downtown and bought their copy in the display window outside. Before I knew it I made my Necromancer and slaying the demons of Hell! My Mom surely must've bought it for me since I wasn't even close to 17 yet.
@ -12,20 +12,19 @@ The game has relit the fire when it comes to gaming. Lately I purchase new games
All that being said, I feel conflicted buying this game. On the one hand, Blizzard has been on a downward trend lately (to put it mildly), capping with a lawsuit over mistreatment and sexual harassment (“a culture of harassment”). Their response was tone deaf to say the least. The fallout has been staggering[^1]. It does not feel good buying a game from a studio that treats their employees like this, and is seeking profit over compelling games. It should be no surprise that a company wants profit, but I feel like the "old Blizzard" at least tried to make incredible games while making money. All that being said, I feel conflicted buying this game. On the one hand, Blizzard has been on a downward trend lately (to put it mildly), capping with a lawsuit over mistreatment and sexual harassment (“a culture of harassment”). Their response was tone deaf to say the least. The fallout has been staggering[^1]. It does not feel good buying a game from a studio that treats their employees like this, and is seeking profit over compelling games. It should be no surprise that a company wants profit, but I feel like the "old Blizzard" at least tried to make incredible games while making money.
On the other hand Blizzard had little to do with D2R. They own the IP and oversaw development, but Vicarious Visions were the masterminds behind this remaster. They did a fantastic job. They did such a good job that Blizzard merged with them (in hindsight, probably wasn't the best move). The artists, developers, everyone on the team crushed it. They deserve to be praised. I want Blizzard to know *this* is how you do a remaster, not that god awful mess that was Warcraft 3: Reforged. Im opting to vote with my wallet as a way to say “more of this”. On the other hand Blizzard had little to do with D2R. They own the IP and oversaw development, but Vicarious Visions were the masterminds behind this remaster. They did a fantastic job. They did such a good job that Blizzard merged with them (in hindsight, probably wasn't the best move). The artists, developers, everyone on the team crushed it. They deserve to be praised. I want Blizzard to know _this_ is how you do a remaster, not that god awful mess that was Warcraft 3: Reforged. Im opting to vote with my wallet as a way to say “more of this”.
I dont support the way the company treats their employees. I think its possible to engage with problematic entertainment. I don't think boycotting is the answer. I know I said as much a few posts ago, but I'm changing my mind. Boycotting is much more likely to tell the executives that they should continue to treat their employees poorly for poor sales or some other stupid reason. I've seen others try to offset the carbon footprint[^2] when purchasing from Amazon, and I'm doing something similar by donating to causes that support the affected employees inside Blizzard. I'm raising awareness of the issues going on at the studio to everyone I know that engages with Blizzard games. All that being said, if you personally feel like boycotting Blizzard by-and-large, then go for it. I dont support the way the company treats their employees. I think its possible to engage with problematic entertainment. I don't think boycotting is the answer. I know I said as much a few posts ago, but I'm changing my mind. Boycotting is much more likely to tell the executives that they should continue to treat their employees poorly for poor sales or some other stupid reason. I've seen others try to offset the carbon footprint[^2] when purchasing from Amazon, and I'm doing something similar by donating to causes that support the affected employees inside Blizzard. I'm raising awareness of the issues going on at the studio to everyone I know that engages with Blizzard games. All that being said, if you personally feel like boycotting Blizzard by-and-large, then go for it.
I recently started [scrobbling again on Last.fm]({{ meta.social.lastfm }}). There is a conspicuous omission of about 6 years where I stopped worrying about it. I wish I had opted to continue using the service. I like flipping through this data. What was I into on March 2012? I recently started [scrobbling again on Last.fm]({{ meta.social.lastfm }}). There is a conspicuous omission of about 6 years where I stopped worrying about it. I wish I had opted to continue using the service. I like flipping through this data. What was I into on March 2012?
Im reading Aubrey Gordons book *[What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat](https://www.yourfatfriend.com/book)*. Its making me reevaluate my relationship with my weight. To be more specific, this book and the podcast [Maintenance Phase](https://www.yourfatfriend.com/podcast) are doing that. Im reading Aubrey Gordons book _[What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat](https://www.yourfatfriend.com/book)_. Its making me reevaluate my relationship with my weight. To be more specific, this book and the podcast [Maintenance Phase](https://www.yourfatfriend.com/podcast) are doing that.
I used to believe that losing weight was a willpower thing. That if I tried hard enough I could do it. At one point I did it — I got ridiculously thin using a severe caloric deficit diet. It worked but at what cost? My friends worried about me. But I was thin! Look at how easy it was! I maintained the weight and tweaked my plan for a few months. Then as all unsustainable diets go, I slowly dropped the plan and gained all the weight back (and then some). The diet in hindsight was not maintainable, even though I had managed to convince myself it was. It was horribly boring. I was hungry almost all the time. I used to believe that losing weight was a willpower thing. That if I tried hard enough I could do it. At one point I did it — I got ridiculously thin using a severe caloric deficit diet. It worked but at what cost? My friends worried about me. But I was thin! Look at how easy it was! I maintained the weight and tweaked my plan for a few months. Then as all unsustainable diets go, I slowly dropped the plan and gained all the weight back (and then some). The diet in hindsight was not maintainable, even though I had managed to convince myself it was. It was horribly boring. I was hungry almost all the time.
This is all to say: maybe I dont need to lose weight. Maybe Im fine as I am? I can just be me. Get clothes that fit me properly. Make sure I eat balanced meals. My body could be predisposed to stay at this weight. I feel healthy (as one can be in the middle of a pandemic). My head is full of old, preconceived notions when it comes to fatness. I'm on a new journey to relearn and reevaluate my relationship with being fat. In my case fat is not an accurate descriptor — following the book I would be described as "small fat", and I can fit into straight-sized clothing. What I am learning is that it's not the death sentence that the 90s would tell us. There are people that are bigger. It *can* come from genetics, as much as my old self would disagree. To quote Maintenance Phase: "it's a little more complicated!" This is all to say: maybe I dont need to lose weight. Maybe Im fine as I am? I can just be me. Get clothes that fit me properly. Make sure I eat balanced meals. My body could be predisposed to stay at this weight. I feel healthy (as one can be in the middle of a pandemic). My head is full of old, preconceived notions when it comes to fatness. I'm on a new journey to relearn and reevaluate my relationship with being fat. In my case fat is not an accurate descriptor — following the book I would be described as "small fat", and I can fit into straight-sized clothing. What I am learning is that it's not the death sentence that the 90s would tell us. There are people that are bigger. It _can_ come from genetics, as much as my old self would disagree. To quote Maintenance Phase: "it's a little more complicated!"
[^1]: Google "blizzard lawsuit" and you'll see plenty of results of high-ranking staff leaving the company. [^1]: Google "blizzard lawsuit" and you'll see plenty of results of high-ranking staff leaving the company.
[^2]: I recently learned that the term "carbon footprint" was coined by none other than BP, as in the big oil company. I lack a better term to describe what I'm trying to illustrate, so I'm going to use it here. To my chagrin. [^2]: I recently learned that the term "carbon footprint" was coined by none other than BP, as in the big oil company. I lack a better term to describe what I'm trying to illustrate, so I'm going to use it here. To my chagrin.
[d2r]: https://diablo2.blizzard.com/en-us/ [d2r]: https://diablo2.blizzard.com/en-us/

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: Are collected thoughts really stray?
tags: ["stray thoughts"] tags: ["stray thoughts"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/collage2.jpg", "My popular albums from last.fm this week. Turnstile - Step to Rhythm, Turnstile - Nonstop Feeling, Beirut - Gallipoli, Bknapp - PS1 Beats, Japanese Breakfast- Jubilee, Chip Tanaka - Domingo, Deafheaven - Infinite Granite, Angels & Airwaves - Lifeforms, and Bknapp - Crossing Animals" , "From last.fm" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/collage2.jpg", "My popular albums from last.fm this week. Turnstile - Step to Rhythm, Turnstile - Nonstop Feeling, Beirut - Gallipoli, Bknapp - PS1 Beats, Japanese Breakfast- Jubilee, Chip Tanaka - Domingo, Deafheaven - Infinite Granite, Angels & Airwaves - Lifeforms, and Bknapp - Crossing Animals" , "From last.fm" %}
Going strong on Diablo 2. Ive reached the point where I have Hell Mephisto on farm now and Im grinding for new gear. Its a relaxing game to play with its rote paths. I like to get into the groove and kinda zone out. Its meditative for me, in a sense. Going strong on Diablo 2. Ive reached the point where I have Hell Mephisto on farm now and Im grinding for new gear. Its a relaxing game to play with its rote paths. I like to get into the groove and kinda zone out. Its meditative for me, in a sense.

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@ -6,23 +6,23 @@ tags: ["rankings"]
As we move onto the year ahead that will be 2022 (please dont be the sequel everyone expects it to be), I always like to look at the past year and see what caught my attention. Lets look at all the games I played in 2021. Keep in mind these didnt all come out that year. Meanwhile Ill rank them all. As we move onto the year ahead that will be 2022 (please dont be the sequel everyone expects it to be), I always like to look at the past year and see what caught my attention. Lets look at all the games I played in 2021. Keep in mind these didnt all come out that year. Meanwhile Ill rank them all.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/spiritfarer.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/spiritfarer.png", "", "" %}
## \#16 — Spiritfarer ## \#16 — Spiritfarer
I dig the universe for this game. I think theres a lot to like. That being said, I found the game far too grindy. The combination of excessive travelling and backtracking killed it for me. Im going to keep an eye on the studio though and see what else they make. I dig the universe for this game. I think theres a lot to like. That being said, I found the game far too grindy. The combination of excessive travelling and backtracking killed it for me. Im going to keep an eye on the studio though and see what else they make.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/spvtwce.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/spvtwce.png", "", "" %}
## \#15 — Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ## \#15 — Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Its the Scott Pilgrim game that everyone loved. Not much else to say. Im glad its getting a port for modern consoles. Personally I think its fine, not my cup of tea. Its the Scott Pilgrim game that everyone loved. Not much else to say. Im glad its getting a port for modern consoles. Personally I think its fine, not my cup of tea.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/sm3dwbf.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/sm3dwbf.png", "", "" %}
## \#14 — Super Mario 3D World & Bowsers Fury ## \#14 — Super Mario 3D World & Bowsers Fury
@ -30,49 +30,49 @@ A fun Mario game, fine enough. This game came out before Odyssey though, and it
I dont like how in order to 100% the game, you need to play every single level 4 times (or play with 4 friends once). I had a hell of a time making a dent in the final level (World Crown), and couldnt do it. Knowing that Id have to do it another 3 times just knocked the wind out of my sails. I like to 100% my Mario games, theyre usually a lot of fun to do. Not this time. I dont like how in order to 100% the game, you need to play every single level 4 times (or play with 4 friends once). I had a hell of a time making a dent in the final level (World Crown), and couldnt do it. Knowing that Id have to do it another 3 times just knocked the wind out of my sails. I like to 100% my Mario games, theyre usually a lot of fun to do. Not this time.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/paradisekiller.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/paradisekiller.png", "", "" %}
## \#13 — Paradise Killer ## \#13 — Paradise Killer
Even though this game has elements of my favourite games, it didnt grab me in the way I thought it would. I gave up on it pretty quickly, but want to go back and try it again. Maybe something didnt click right away… Even though this game has elements of my favourite games, it didnt grab me in the way I thought it would. I gave up on it pretty quickly, but want to go back and try it again. Maybe something didnt click right away…
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/gunpoint.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/gunpoint.png", "", "" %}
## \#12 — Gunpoint ## \#12 — Gunpoint
Im an avid follower of [Tom Francis](https://www.pentadact.com) (the developer of the game). It took me a long time to finally sit down and play through the entirety of it (which is about 2-3 hours). I absolutely loved the rewiring mechanic. It allows for a ton of flexibility while fitting within a set of rules. Its got just the right about of spy flick and film noir mixed together. A perfect amount of camp. For $10, you could do worse. Im an avid follower of [Tom Francis](https://www.pentadact.com) (the developer of the game). It took me a long time to finally sit down and play through the entirety of it (which is about 2-3 hours). I absolutely loved the rewiring mechanic. It allows for a ton of flexibility while fitting within a set of rules. Its got just the right about of spy flick and film noir mixed together. A perfect amount of camp. For $10, you could do worse.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/cfb.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/cfb.png", "", "" %}
## \#11 — Catherine: Full Body ## \#11 — Catherine: Full Body
The game piqued my interest but didnt grab me all that strongly. I do want to go back and give it an honest shot though. I didnt get too far in my first playthrough. The puzzle mechanics were brain teaser fuel. The game piqued my interest but didnt grab me all that strongly. I do want to go back and give it an honest shot though. I didnt get too far in my first playthrough. The puzzle mechanics were brain teaser fuel.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/godofwar.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/godofwar.png", "", "" %}
## \#10 — God of War ## \#10 — God of War
One of the reasons I bought a PS5 was so I could play games like this at 60 FPS. I will complete this game. Its a lot of fun. I keep getting distracted right as Im in the middle of it though, so I keep restarting from the beginning months later. But I will do it! One of the reasons I bought a PS5 was so I could play games like this at 60 FPS. I will complete this game. Its a lot of fun. I keep getting distracted right as Im in the middle of it though, so I keep restarting from the beginning months later. But I will do it!
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/miitopia.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/miitopia.png", "", "" %}
## \#9 — Miitopia ## \#9 — Miitopia
A surprisingly fun and humorous RPG. I had no idea it was a 3DS port. I spent a surprising amount of time [crafting Miis from Star Trek to Seinfeld](/posts/recently-06-2021) to fit into my whacky universe. And my friends too of course. A surprisingly fun and humorous RPG. I had no idea it was a 3DS port. I spent a surprising amount of time [crafting Miis from Star Trek to Seinfeld](/posts/recently-06-2021) to fit into my whacky universe. And my friends too of course.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/nmh3.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/nmh3.png", "", "" %}
## \#8 — No More Heroes III ## \#8 — No More Heroes III
@ -80,9 +80,9 @@ I first played this at a friends board game get-together. Everybody could not
Im not entirely sure why they brought the open-world stuff back though. I think the 2nd game made the right call ditching it. Im not entirely sure why they brought the open-world stuff back though. I think the 2nd game made the right call ditching it.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/sv.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/sv.png", "", "" %}
## \#7 — Stardew Valley ## \#7 — Stardew Valley
@ -90,9 +90,9 @@ The coziest of couch games. One of my favourite games on the SNES is Harvest Moo
I had a lot of fun playing this and lost many hours tending to my farm. Something else caught my attention which drew me away, but Im eager to get back and finish the story. I had a lot of fun playing this and lost many hours tending to my farm. Something else caught my attention which drew me away, but Im eager to get back and finish the story.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/hades.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/hades.png", "", "" %}
## \#6 — Hades ## \#6 — Hades
@ -100,9 +100,9 @@ What else can I say that hasnt been already? The game is fantastic and has ev
I decided to revisit the game after my initial playthrough and get all of the extra content. I shared my original thoughts in [this post](/posts/recently-11-2020), and [mentioned it again later in 2021](/posts/recently-05-2021). I decided to revisit the game after my initial playthrough and get all of the extra content. I shared my original thoughts in [this post](/posts/recently-11-2020), and [mentioned it again later in 2021](/posts/recently-05-2021).
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/d2r.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/d2r.png", "", "" %}
## \#5 — Diablo II: Resurrected ## \#5 — Diablo II: Resurrected
@ -114,17 +114,17 @@ Once I take my rose-tinted glasses though, I can see that even a passionate rema
In summary: best remaster Ive seen. But a remaster cant solve a games underlying problems (unless it changes things, which tends to go against the spirit of a remaster). That being said, Blizzard have expressed their intentions of adding new runewords and quality-of-life features. I plan to check those out eventually. In summary: best remaster Ive seen. But a remaster cant solve a games underlying problems (unless it changes things, which tends to go against the spirit of a remaster). That being said, Blizzard have expressed their intentions of adding new runewords and quality-of-life features. I plan to check those out eventually.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/ypee.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/ypee.png", "", "" %}
## \#4 — Yuppie Psycho ## \#4 — Yuppie Psycho
I never expected a 2D, topdown game to frighten me so much. I was unsettled in almost every moment playing this game. Its balanced well with genuine moments of humour. The levity takes the edge off between horrifying encounters. There are plenty of delightful jabs at office culture while navigating the heights and depths of Sintracorp. I never expected a 2D, topdown game to frighten me so much. I was unsettled in almost every moment playing this game. Its balanced well with genuine moments of humour. The levity takes the edge off between horrifying encounters. There are plenty of delightful jabs at office culture while navigating the heights and depths of Sintracorp.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/metroiddread.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/metroiddread.png", "", "" %}
## \#3 — Metroid Dread ## \#3 — Metroid Dread
@ -134,9 +134,9 @@ This game wins my totally-not-made-up-category of “Best Game That I Didnt F
I like the game and gameplay. The Dread part of the title fits in well as I do dread going up against the EMMIs (a stupid name though). The game is plenty hard without being punishing. It rewards skillful play without requiring it. I like the game and gameplay. The Dread part of the title fits in well as I do dread going up against the EMMIs (a stupid name though). The game is plenty hard without being punishing. It rewards skillful play without requiring it.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/valheim.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/valheim.png", "", "" %}
## \#2 - Valheim ## \#2 - Valheim
@ -144,9 +144,9 @@ This game got its hooks in me fast and deep. I was sucked in for a month straigh
The game was in early-access at the time (and is still as of this writing), but as far as an early-access game goes it felt full-featured. Rough around the edges and clunky in spots, but the core experience was enthralling. So much so that [I wrote about it](/posts/recently-03-2021) — [twice](/posts/recently-04-2021)! I look forward to going back once there have been more updates. The game was in early-access at the time (and is still as of this writing), but as far as an early-access game goes it felt full-featured. Rough around the edges and clunky in spots, but the core experience was enthralling. So much so that [I wrote about it](/posts/recently-03-2021) — [twice](/posts/recently-04-2021)! I look forward to going back once there have been more updates.
___ ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/tgaac.png", "", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/tgaac.png", "", "" %}
## \#1 - The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles ## \#1 - The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

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@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ excerpt: Is it the Apple of kettles?
tags: ["tea", "reviews"] tags: ["tea", "reviews"]
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/stagg-kettle.jpg", "My drawing of a Fellow Stagg kettle shaded with Copic markers" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/stagg-kettle.jpg", "My drawing of a Fellow Stagg kettle shaded with Copic markers" %}
The Fellow Stagg is without a doubt the most money I will ever spend on a kettle. Its been lauded in coffee circles, but how does it stack up on the small things? Lets sweat over those details. The Fellow Stagg is without a doubt the most money I will ever spend on a kettle. Its been lauded in coffee circles, but how does it stack up on the small things? Lets sweat over those details.

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@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ tags: ["recently"]
youtube: true youtube: true
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/lastfm-feb-2022.jpeg", "My popular albums from last.fm this month. Failure - Wild Type Droid, The Weeknd - Dawn FM, Ladyhawke - Time Flies, Magdelena Bay - Mercurial World, Drop Nineteens - National Coma, Ramones - Ramones, Daft Punk - Random Access Memories, David Bowie - Toy, and Drop Nineteens - Delaware", "From last.fm" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/lastfm-feb-2022.jpeg", "My popular albums from last.fm this month. Failure - Wild Type Droid, The Weeknd - Dawn FM, Ladyhawke - Time Flies, Magdelena Bay - Mercurial World, Drop Nineteens - National Coma, Ramones - Ramones, Daft Punk - Random Access Memories, David Bowie - Toy, and Drop Nineteens - Delaware", "From last.fm" %}
I'd like to get back into the habit of writing these. I'll start one month late for some reason, though. I'd like to get back into the habit of writing these. I'll start one month late for some reason, though.

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@ -6,24 +6,24 @@ tags: ["gba", "updates", "burnout"]
Whats happened since my last post? Whats happened since my last post?
* I got engaged! - I got engaged!
* We bought a condo! - We bought a condo!
* I finished several projects at work! One of them even launched in the App Store and Play Store! - I finished several projects at work! One of them even launched in the App Store and Play Store!
* I found out I love home projects (I love DIY)! - I found out I love home projects (I love DIY)!
* I learned a lot about home electrical. - I learned a lot about home electrical.
* We painted a lot! Almost the whole place. - We painted a lot! Almost the whole place.
* I got a Steam Deck and I love it! - I got a Steam Deck and I love it!
* I got into custom keyboards for a bit. Im kinda off the hobby now. Id still like to make one, but stop there. - I got into custom keyboards for a bit. Im kinda off the hobby now. Id still like to make one, but stop there.
* I put together a BBQ all by myself! - I put together a BBQ all by myself!
* I dyed my hair for the first time. - I dyed my hair for the first time.
* I learned how to solder. - I learned how to solder.
* We took a trip to Calgary. - We took a trip to Calgary.
* I got to be a beekeeper for about 15 minutes! - I got to be a beekeeper for about 15 minutes!
* I cut and re-soldered Hue light strips. That was time-consuming but worth it! They are flexible now. - I cut and re-soldered Hue light strips. That was time-consuming but worth it! They are flexible now.
* I got my Playdate (finally)! - I got my Playdate (finally)!
* I got into modding GameBoys. - I got into modding GameBoys.
* I burned out (oops) - I burned out (oops)
* I learned how to install a faucet and drain. - I learned how to install a faucet and drain.
## Engaged ## Engaged
@ -31,17 +31,17 @@ I proposed to my girlfriend after we got the keys to our new place. I tried my b
## Home Projects ## Home Projects
I *love* home projects. The place we bought needs refreshing. I took it upon myself to update all the light fixtures and light switches by myself (just kidding I had help), and I managed to it without us being electrocuted! I did manage to arc electricity once but that's no big deal, right? I _love_ home projects. The place we bought needs refreshing. I took it upon myself to update all the light fixtures and light switches by myself (just kidding I had help), and I managed to it without us being electrocuted! I did manage to arc electricity once but that's no big deal, right?
I had a minor panic attack after that, but I'm alive and still have a healthy respect for electricity! I had a minor panic attack after that, but I'm alive and still have a healthy respect for electricity!
I've since: I've since:
* Built a shelf from scratch - Built a shelf from scratch
* Replaced a bathroom faucet - Replaced a bathroom faucet
* Fixed a leaky drain trap - Fixed a leaky drain trap
* Installed curtains and rods - Installed curtains and rods
* Painted nearly every room - Painted nearly every room
I'm certain I'm forgetting something. I'm certain I'm forgetting something.
@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ I went with Funnyplayings IPS screen, a dehum/dehiss kit, a new shell/buttons
The installation process for a new screen couldn't be easier, even for a newbie like me. There are a few solder points and running wire. Getting the dehum/dehiss kit aligned properly was tricky. Im not sure I detect any difference using it either. The rest was re-assembly. Behold! The installation process for a new screen couldn't be easier, even for a newbie like me. There are a few solder points and running wire. Getting the dehum/dehiss kit aligned properly was tricky. Im not sure I detect any difference using it either. The rest was re-assembly. Behold!
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/q5f6yoq.jpg", "A modified Game Boy Advance with a clear shell, teal buttons/trim, and an IPS screen.", "" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/q5f6yoq.jpg", "A modified Game Boy Advance with a clear shell, teal buttons/trim, and an IPS screen.", "" %}
I decided to try my hand at modding an original Game Boy which was a lot of fun, but 30 year old parts make it challenging. Ill make a separate post someday about my trials and tribulations. I decided to try my hand at modding an original Game Boy which was a lot of fun, but 30 year old parts make it challenging. Ill make a separate post someday about my trials and tribulations.

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@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ Apple produced a short called [The Lost Voice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r
## Playing ## Playing
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/2023-11-27-21_41_16-greenshot.png", "A screenshot of the game Valheim. In it, the player crouches in the middle of the frame. He is on the castle ramparts, with a courtyard below. Directly ahead of the courtyard is a forge area and warehouse. The castle grows in height in the center. Windmills on the castle rooftop are visible.", "Our mighty castle after many hours of work. I'm quite fond of the ramparts / courtyard area." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/2023-11-27-21_41_16-greenshot.png", "A screenshot of the game Valheim. In it, the player crouches in the middle of the frame. He is on the castle ramparts, with a courtyard below. Directly ahead of the courtyard is a forge area and warehouse. The castle grows in height in the center. Windmills on the castle rooftop are visible.", "Our mighty castle after many hours of work. I'm quite fond of the ramparts / courtyard area." %}
Like clockwork, my friends and I started up another Valheim server. It's a lot like that meme where people get into Minecraft for 2 weeks. Once a year at least, we will likely start up a new Valheim server. Like clockwork, my friends and I started up another Valheim server. It's a lot like that meme where people get into Minecraft for 2 weeks. Once a year at least, we will likely start up a new Valheim server.

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@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ I've always had a fascination with space and astronomy. I hope that one day I ca
The photo in question is [this one here](https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/apollo-8-earthrise/), taken during the Apollo 8 mission by Bill Anders. The photo in question is [this one here](https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/apollo-8-earthrise/), taken during the Apollo 8 mission by Bill Anders.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/earthrise.jpg", "A photo of Earth peeking from behind the moon, from the perspective of the Apollo 8 spacecraft. The Earth is vibrant blue, with sweeping white clouds across the surface. The moon contrasts the setting with a craggy, gray surface.", "Earthrise" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/earthrise.jpg", "A photo of Earth peeking from behind the moon, from the perspective of the Apollo 8 spacecraft. The Earth is vibrant blue, with sweeping white clouds across the surface. The moon contrasts the setting with a craggy, gray surface.", "Earthrise" %}
This video by [Phil Edwards](https://www.youtube.com/@PhilEdwardsInc) goes into the weeds of how a simple photograph was achieved. I figured the story was pretty simple: an astronaut picked up the camera and snapped a pic and that was that - not so! This video by [Phil Edwards](https://www.youtube.com/@PhilEdwardsInc) goes into the weeds of how a simple photograph was achieved. I figured the story was pretty simple: an astronaut picked up the camera and snapped a pic and that was that - not so!
@ -20,4 +20,3 @@ For instance, did you know that the cameras they used had no viewfinders (or in
Or how about how the photo was originally taken at a different angle - it was rotated after the fact! Or how about how the photo was originally taken at a different angle - it was rotated after the fact!
There's so much more to the story and worth your time. Especially for anyone interested in space or photography! There's so much more to the story and worth your time. Especially for anyone interested in space or photography!

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@ -7,15 +7,16 @@ tags:
- rebuild - rebuild
youtube: true youtube: true
--- ---
Welcome to version 3.0! This has been my pet project for the better part of a year, with plenty of false starts and scrapped ideas. Welcome to version 3.0! This has been my pet project for the better part of a year, with plenty of false starts and scrapped ideas.
First off, if what you're after is the source code - [here it is](https://github.com/wonderfulfrog/wonderfulfrog.com). If you'd like to learn more, read on dear reader! First off, if what you're after is the source code - [here it is](https://github.com/wonderfulfrog/wonderfulfrog.com). If you'd like to learn more, read on dear reader!
Ive had a Figma file ready for months now that outlined my basic design - all I needed to do was build it. The problem was I could not settle on how I wanted to do it. Ive had a Figma file ready for months now that outlined my basic design - all I needed to do was build it. The problem was I could not settle on how I wanted to do it.
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/figma-v3.png", "A screenshot from Figma showing my blog prototype. There are various elements visible like buttons and widgets. A colour scheme using teal.", "Figma screenshot" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/figma-v3.png", "A screenshot from Figma showing my blog prototype. There are various elements visible like buttons and widgets. A colour scheme using teal.", "Figma screenshot" %}
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/figma-v3-lightmode.png", "Another screenshot from Figma showing my blog prototype. This is showing the 'light theme' with a serif title font, monospaced body font, and teal accent colours.", "Astute observers will notice the site you're looking at doesn't look a whole lot like the design!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/figma-v3-lightmode.png", "Another screenshot from Figma showing my blog prototype. This is showing the 'light theme' with a serif title font, monospaced body font, and teal accent colours.", "Astute observers will notice the site you're looking at doesn't look a whole lot like the design!" %}
Something that always frustrated me was having my content along the code. I sought out a solution for this for months. I tried a whole bunch of headless CMS options like [Sanity](https://www.sanity.io/), [Hygraph](https://hygraph.com/), [Ghost](https://ghost.org/), and even hosting my own [WordPress](https://wordpress.com) (that was an exciting prospect until I discovered their mobile app does not support plugins). Something that always frustrated me was having my content along the code. I sought out a solution for this for months. I tried a whole bunch of headless CMS options like [Sanity](https://www.sanity.io/), [Hygraph](https://hygraph.com/), [Ghost](https://ghost.org/), and even hosting my own [WordPress](https://wordpress.com) (that was an exciting prospect until I discovered their mobile app does not support plugins).
@ -41,9 +42,9 @@ As an alternative, I was thinking of using [Astro](https://astro.build/), but it
</aside> </aside>
Simply put modern React confuses the hell out of me. Im not all in for [“server vs client components”](https://nextjs.org/learn/react-foundations/server-and-client-components). Im certainly not the only one[^4]. I don't want this post to digress into my thoughts on modern React so I'm going to sidestep that for now. I am forced to learn its newest architecture for work, but for my personal site I'd rather things be <mark>easy</mark>. I'm tired of having to deal with breaking changes all the time. I longed for the days of PHP where stuff just worked forever. It was time to embrace an old foe: boring technology. Simply put modern React confuses the hell out of me. Im not all in for [“server vs client components”](https://nextjs.org/learn/react-foundations/server-and-client-components). Im certainly not the only one[^4]. I don't want this post to digress into my thoughts on modern React so I'm going to sidestep that for now. I am forced to learn its newest architecture for work, but for my personal site I'd rather things be <mark>easy</mark>. I'm tired of having to deal with breaking changes all the time. I longed for the days of PHP where stuff just worked forever. It was time to embrace an old foe: boring technology.
Boring technology - to me, anyway - is something thats been around for a while, probably a few years. Its stable. Its been around long enough that someone has asked the basic questions on how to do XYZ on StackOverflow. And something important to me is that its also *averse to breaking changes*. It tries its best to avoid them, and if they must then there is a clear migration path and plenty of warning. Boring technology - to me, anyway - is something thats been around for a while, probably a few years. Its stable. Its been around long enough that someone has asked the basic questions on how to do XYZ on StackOverflow. And something important to me is that its also _averse to breaking changes_. It tries its best to avoid them, and if they must then there is a clear migration path and plenty of warning.
My first thought was WordPress. Thats nice boring technology. Battle tested. There are even some web dev folks out there using it as a headless CMS. I ended up not using it because the mobile publishing experience was no good. It didnt support plugins on the mobile app. I knew Id want something like [ACF](https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/) at least. My first thought was WordPress. Thats nice boring technology. Battle tested. There are even some web dev folks out there using it as a headless CMS. I ended up not using it because the mobile publishing experience was no good. It didnt support plugins on the mobile app. I knew Id want something like [ACF](https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/) at least.
@ -57,23 +58,23 @@ So I decided to do what every web dev with a blog does: rebuild their blog from
Eleventy is a static site generator. It does what probably other popular options like Next.js or Astro do. I chose it because: Eleventy is a static site generator. It does what probably other popular options like Next.js or Astro do. I chose it because:
* Its stable - Its stable
* Its reliable - Its reliable
* Its fast - Its fast
* It outputs pure HTML and CSS with no JS - It outputs pure HTML and CSS with no JS
* But you can add client-side JS if you want - But you can add client-side JS if you want
* It uses Markdown files for content - It uses Markdown files for content
* Has great documentation - Has great documentation
* Minimal tooling required - its all plain JS - Minimal tooling required - its all plain JS
* The developer seems like a cool person - The developer seems like a cool person
Those are my biggest reasons for choosing it. But it also does some cool stuff like: Those are my biggest reasons for choosing it. But it also does some cool stuff like:
* Grouping content into collections for easy parsing - Grouping content into collections for easy parsing
* Converts JavaScript data stores into collections - Converts JavaScript data stores into collections
* Has plugins for optimizing images - Has plugins for optimizing images
* Is fine with organizing things however you want - Is fine with organizing things however you want
* Did I mention its fast? - Did I mention its fast?
A whole site build from scratch takes 30 seconds, and most of the time is fetching images (for optimization, more on that later). A whole site build from scratch takes 30 seconds, and most of the time is fetching images (for optimization, more on that later).
@ -89,10 +90,10 @@ I wanted to focus on vanilla CSS as much as possible, and use a little post-proc
A methodology that resonated with me was [CUBE CSS](https://cube.fyi/). CUBE standing for <mark>Composition, Utility, Block, and Exception</mark>. The site has a great explanation of how that breaks down, but for my own purposes, I interpreted it as: A methodology that resonated with me was [CUBE CSS](https://cube.fyi/). CUBE standing for <mark>Composition, Utility, Block, and Exception</mark>. The site has a great explanation of how that breaks down, but for my own purposes, I interpreted it as:
* Composition: utility classes that do one thing and one thing well, e.g. a wrapper class for centering a layout and giving it a `max-width`. - Composition: utility classes that do one thing and one thing well, e.g. a wrapper class for centering a layout and giving it a `max-width`.
* Utility: Design tokens and extremely simple utility classes. Very similar to the utility classes that [Tailwind](https://tailwindcss.com/) provides, albeit fewer. - Utility: Design tokens and extremely simple utility classes. Very similar to the utility classes that [Tailwind](https://tailwindcss.com/) provides, albeit fewer.
* Blocks: Like components in React. It's a wild west here, anything goes. What I found those was that my composition and utility classes did 90% of the work for me. - Blocks: Like components in React. It's a wild west here, anything goes. What I found those was that my composition and utility classes did 90% of the work for me.
* Exception: Your odd one-offs (like arbitrary values in Tailwind). Uses `data` attributes as the selector because exceptions are represented by state changes (or React props, perhaps?). - Exception: Your odd one-offs (like arbitrary values in Tailwind). Uses `data` attributes as the selector because exceptions are represented by state changes (or React props, perhaps?).
I organized everything following this methodolgy, and added a `global.css` file that ties everything together with `@import`and `@import-glob` statements. I used PostCSS to process the CSS into a single file. I organized everything following this methodolgy, and added a `global.css` file that ties everything together with `@import`and `@import-glob` statements. I used PostCSS to process the CSS into a single file.
@ -102,10 +103,10 @@ I used a JavaScript [Template Data File](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/data-template
What PostCSS plugins am I using? The following: What PostCSS plugins am I using? The following:
* [`postcss-import`](https://github.com/postcss/postcss-import) - Any `@import` statements are replaced with the file being imported. - [`postcss-import`](https://github.com/postcss/postcss-import) - Any `@import` statements are replaced with the file being imported.
* [`postcss-import-ext-glob`](https://github.com/dimitrinicolas/postcss-import-ext-glob) - Like using `@import` but with glob file paths. More of a developer convenience. - [`postcss-import-ext-glob`](https://github.com/dimitrinicolas/postcss-import-ext-glob) - Like using `@import` but with glob file paths. More of a developer convenience.
* [`autoprefixer`](https://github.com/postcss/autoprefixer) - Not as essential these days, but there are still some vendor-prefixed CSS rules. - [`autoprefixer`](https://github.com/postcss/autoprefixer) - Not as essential these days, but there are still some vendor-prefixed CSS rules.
* [`cssnano`](https://github.com/cssnano/cssnano) - Minifies my CSS, and fast. - [`cssnano`](https://github.com/cssnano/cssnano) - Minifies my CSS, and fast.
Combining two CSS strings is perhaps not the most efficient way of doing things, but it makes sense to me and seems fast enough. Combining two CSS strings is perhaps not the most efficient way of doing things, but it makes sense to me and seems fast enough.
@ -205,8 +206,8 @@ Finally, `helperClassesToCss` ties everything together to make adding new classe
```js ```js
const helperClasses = [ const helperClasses = [
["mx", ["margin-left", "margin-right"]], ["mx", ["margin-left", "margin-right"]],
["my", ["margin-top", "margin-bottom"]] ["my", ["margin-top", "margin-bottom"]],
]; ];
const variant = "1"; const variant = "1";
const value = "16px"; const value = "16px";
@ -282,7 +283,7 @@ For example, my catalogue content is inside `/catalogue`. Inside that folder are
Just one property but it achieves a lot. It applies the `catalogue` tag to every file inside this directory. Just one property but it achieves a lot. It applies the `catalogue` tag to every file inside this directory.
Because I'm using the `tags` feature, 11ty will automatically group everything inside this directory into a new collection called `catalogue`, which I can access from the global collections using `collections.catalogue`. With just a few lines of code I have *my entire catalogue* in an array! No fetching or setup required. Done and done! Because I'm using the `tags` feature, 11ty will automatically group everything inside this directory into a new collection called `catalogue`, which I can access from the global collections using `collections.catalogue`. With just a few lines of code I have _my entire catalogue_ in an array! No fetching or setup required. Done and done!
But wait... I can keep going... take for example my `/catalogue/books` folder. This one also has a template data file in here called `books.11tydata.js` which lets me use JS in here: But wait... I can keep going... take for example my `/catalogue/books` folder. This one also has a template data file in here called `books.11tydata.js` which lets me use JS in here:
@ -290,7 +291,8 @@ But wait... I can keep going... take for example my `/catalogue/books` folder. T
module.exports = { module.exports = {
layout: "layouts/catalogue-item", layout: "layouts/catalogue-item",
tags: "book", tags: "book",
permalink: "catalogue/books/{% raw %}{{ page.fileSlug }}{% endraw %}/index.html", permalink:
"catalogue/books/{% raw %}{{ page.fileSlug }}{% endraw %}/index.html",
linkTitle: "View book details", linkTitle: "View book details",
eleventyComputed: { eleventyComputed: {
tertiary: (data) => tertiary: (data) =>
@ -301,11 +303,11 @@ module.exports = {
Lets go through this one: Lets go through this one:
* Every file inside uses the `layouts/catalogue-item` layout - Every file inside uses the `layouts/catalogue-item` layout
* Applies the `book` tag (and therefore generates a new collection, automatically) - Applies the `book` tag (and therefore generates a new collection, automatically)
* Creates a permalink using the `fileSlug` variable per page - Creates a permalink using the `fileSlug` variable per page
* Changes the `linkTitle` frontmatter - Changes the `linkTitle` frontmatter
* Uses `eleventyComputed` (which is a special field) to inject frontmatter into the template's frontmatter - Uses `eleventyComputed` (which is a special field) to inject frontmatter into the template's frontmatter
Highly suggest reading the docs on [Computed Data](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/data-computed/). Highly suggest reading the docs on [Computed Data](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/data-computed/).
@ -352,8 +354,8 @@ module.exports = async function () {
This allows for my Last.fm data to be accessible via the global `data` field! The only catch is that this data is generated at build time and not live. This can be solved different ways, such as: This allows for my Last.fm data to be accessible via the global `data` field! The only catch is that this data is generated at build time and not live. This can be solved different ways, such as:
* Rebuild the site periodically - Rebuild the site periodically
* Make a web component that fetches the data live - Make a web component that fetches the data live
For now I'm content to trigger a build every so often in order for the data to be "live-ish". In the future it would be fun to build a web component (or perhaps someone out there has done that already)! 11ty is very compatible with web components. For now I'm content to trigger a build every so often in order for the data to be "live-ish". In the future it would be fun to build a web component (or perhaps someone out there has done that already)! 11ty is very compatible with web components.
@ -361,7 +363,7 @@ For now I'm content to trigger a build every so often in order for the data to b
Media storage was still a thorny issue. I couldn't decide on how I wanted to manage it for a while. All I knew for certain was that I was tired of keeping it in my repo - it needed to be elsewhere. Media storage was still a thorny issue. I couldn't decide on how I wanted to manage it for a while. All I knew for certain was that I was tired of keeping it in my repo - it needed to be elsewhere.
As I dug into 11ty, I discovered a truly magical plugin called [`eleventy-img`](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/plugins/image/). It takes an image (either locally or remote), optimizes it, and stores it in the *output* directory. The image can therefore be put anywhere you like, and with a small bit of shortcode it works like magic. For example: As I dug into 11ty, I discovered a truly magical plugin called [`eleventy-img`](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/plugins/image/). It takes an image (either locally or remote), optimizes it, and stores it in the _output_ directory. The image can therefore be put anywhere you like, and with a small bit of shortcode it works like magic. For example:
``` ```
{% raw %}{% image "https://path.to.image.jpg" %}{% endraw %} {% raw %}{% image "https://path.to.image.jpg" %}{% endraw %}
@ -377,13 +379,13 @@ I decided to do the painstaking process of manually updating all of my content b
The [Eleventy Excellent](https://eleventy-excellent.netlify.app/) starter was a huge inspiration for this site. I used its organization structure a lot. My `config` folder holds a lot of stuff: The [Eleventy Excellent](https://eleventy-excellent.netlify.app/) starter was a huge inspiration for this site. I used its organization structure a lot. My `config` folder holds a lot of stuff:
* Custom collections, `config/collections` - Custom collections, `config/collections`
* My design tokens, `config/design-tokens` - My design tokens, `config/design-tokens`
* Filters, `config/filters` - Filters, `config/filters`
* Plugins, `config/plugins` - Plugins, `config/plugins`
* Shortcodes, `config/shortcodes` - Shortcodes, `config/shortcodes`
* Transforms, `config/transforms` - Transforms, `config/transforms`
* Constants, `config/constants.js` - Constants, `config/constants.js`
### Custom collections ### Custom collections
@ -401,10 +403,10 @@ As mentioned, a bunch of `.json` files that have my design tokens in here. That'
11ty has a lot of [built-in plugins](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/plugins/), but also makes it easy to define your own. In my case I've defined a customized Markdown processor using [`markdown-it`](https://github.com/markdown-it/markdown-it). I added some neat features: 11ty has a lot of [built-in plugins](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/plugins/), but also makes it easy to define your own. In my case I've defined a customized Markdown processor using [`markdown-it`](https://github.com/markdown-it/markdown-it). I added some neat features:
* [Footnotes](https://github.com/markdown-it/markdown-it-footnote) - [Footnotes](https://github.com/markdown-it/markdown-it-footnote)
* [Abbreviations](https://github.com/markdown-it/markdown-it-abbr) - [Abbreviations](https://github.com/markdown-it/markdown-it-abbr)
* [Heading anchors](https://github.com/valeriangalliat/markdown-it-anchor) - [Heading anchors](https://github.com/valeriangalliat/markdown-it-anchor)
* [Code highlighting using Prism](https://github.com/jGleitz/markdown-it-prism) - [Code highlighting using Prism](https://github.com/jGleitz/markdown-it-prism)
I'm also using the [`@11ty/eleventy-plugin-rss`](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/plugins/rss/) plugin to generate my RSS feed. I'm glad to see that 11ty supports RSS feeds out-of-the-box. I always hated that setting up an RSS feed in Next.js felt rather hacky. I'm also using the [`@11ty/eleventy-plugin-rss`](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/plugins/rss/) plugin to generate my RSS feed. I'm glad to see that 11ty supports RSS feeds out-of-the-box. I always hated that setting up an RSS feed in Next.js felt rather hacky.
@ -430,12 +432,12 @@ A couple of properties that are passed to my `.eleventy.config.js` file.
To create and manage my content I use [Decap CMS](https://decapcms.org/) (formerly Netlify CMS). As far as I can tell it's the only game in town that does what I want: To create and manage my content I use [Decap CMS](https://decapcms.org/) (formerly Netlify CMS). As far as I can tell it's the only game in town that does what I want:
* Git-backed file system that works with flat file structures - Git-backed file system that works with flat file structures
* Works on desktop and mobile - Works on desktop and mobile
* Has preview deploys using pull requests - Has preview deploys using pull requests
* Configurable schema for content - Configurable schema for content
It's honestly not my favourite, but it works well enough that I want to continue using it. I've toyed with making my own solution for years, but I think that's something best left to someone who has time to not only build it but *maintain* it. It's honestly not my favourite, but it works well enough that I want to continue using it. I've toyed with making my own solution for years, but I think that's something best left to someone who has time to not only build it but _maintain_ it.
The only thing I can't seem to figure out is a custom media library. As previously mentioned I use Bunny.net for all my media storage, and they don't offer a plugin for it. From what I can tell it's not possible to roll your own either. The only thing I can't seem to figure out is a custom media library. As previously mentioned I use Bunny.net for all my media storage, and they don't offer a plugin for it. From what I can tell it's not possible to roll your own either.
@ -457,57 +459,59 @@ I drew big inspiration from a recent favourite game of mine: [Super Mario Wonder
I borrowed heavily from the triangle pattern on this screen, as well as the slightly angled text which I used for my headers: I borrowed heavily from the triangle pattern on this screen, as well as the slightly angled text which I used for my headers:
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Super-Mario-Bros-Wonder10212023-084101-75299.jpg", "A screenshot of the game Super Mario Bros. Wonder. In this screenshot a level transition screen is visible, displaying a heading saying 'Badge Challenge' and 'Wall-Climb Jump II'. Both headings have a slanted or tilted effect that makes the text look like it is angled upwards. Near the bottom of the screen is a transition from a purple background to a white background, with a zig-zag pattern between the two colours, which looks like a perforated edge.", "Screenshot of game UI from Super Mario Bros. Wonder." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Super-Mario-Bros-Wonder10212023-084101-75299.jpg", "A screenshot of the game Super Mario Bros. Wonder. In this screenshot a level transition screen is visible, displaying a heading saying 'Badge Challenge' and 'Wall-Climb Jump II'. Both headings have a slanted or tilted effect that makes the text look like it is angled upwards. Near the bottom of the screen is a transition from a purple background to a white background, with a zig-zag pattern between the two colours, which looks like a perforated edge.", "Screenshot of game UI from Super Mario Bros. Wonder." %}
And for the buttons I pretty much copied it straight from the game! And for the buttons I pretty much copied it straight from the game!
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/Super-Mario-Bros-Wonder10212023-084101-96390.jpg", "A screenshot of Super Mario Bros. Wonder showing the style of buttons used in the game. The buttons have a 3D bevel effect, with the button colour changing to yellow when active or highlighted. The buttons have a white outline surrounding them.", "Screenshot of game UI from Super Mario Bros. Wonder." %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/Super-Mario-Bros-Wonder10212023-084101-96390.jpg", "A screenshot of Super Mario Bros. Wonder showing the style of buttons used in the game. The buttons have a 3D bevel effect, with the button colour changing to yellow when active or highlighted. The buttons have a white outline surrounding them.", "Screenshot of game UI from Super Mario Bros. Wonder." %}
I'm very pleased with how that came out. For reference, here is the CSS I used to achieve the effect: I'm very pleased with how that came out. For reference, here is the CSS I used to achieve the effect:
```css ```css
background-color: var(--color-white); background-color: var(--color-white);
color: var(--color-shadow); color: var(--color-shadow);
/* This gives the button its 3d effect */ /* This gives the button its 3d effect */
box-shadow: box-shadow:
1px 1px 0px var(--color-shadow), 1px 1px 0px var(--color-shadow),
2px 2px 0 var(--color-shadow); 2px 2px 0 var(--color-shadow);
border-radius: var(--spacing-0\.25); border-radius: var(--spacing-0\.25);
border: 1px solid var(--color-shadow); border: 1px solid var(--color-shadow);
transition: transition:
box-shadow var(--transition-duration), box-shadow var(--transition-duration),
transform var(--transition-duration), transform var(--transition-duration),
background-color var(--transition-duration), background-color var(--transition-duration),
color var(--transition-duration); color var(--transition-duration);
/* /*
* I applied this to a wrapping element, and gives it the * I applied this to a wrapping element, and gives it the
* white outline. * white outline.
*/ */
filter: drop-shadow(1px 0 0 var(--color-white)) filter: drop-shadow(1px 0 0 var(--color-white)) drop-shadow(
drop-shadow(-1px 0 0 var(--color-white)) -1px 0 0 var(--color-white)
drop-shadow(0 -1px 0 var(--color-white)) )
drop-shadow(0 1px 0 var(--color-white)); drop-shadow(0 -1px 0 var(--color-white)) drop-shadow(
0 1px 0 var(--color-white)
);
``` ```
The colour scheme was tricky to figure out. I knew that I wanted a teal colour as my primary one, but where to go from there stumped me. I was originally going to use Tailwind's colours to make it easier for me, but I wanted to challenge myself to come up with one on my own. So I stewed on it for a week... The colour scheme was tricky to figure out. I knew that I wanted a teal colour as my primary one, but where to go from there stumped me. I was originally going to use Tailwind's colours to make it easier for me, but I wanted to challenge myself to come up with one on my own. So I stewed on it for a week...
I stumbled upon [Themescura](https://www.xypnox.com/blag/posts/themescura/introducing-themescura/) and found the philosophy resonated with me. The basis for a colour scheme has 5 elements: I stumbled upon [Themescura](https://www.xypnox.com/blag/posts/themescura/introducing-themescura/) and found the philosophy resonated with me. The basis for a colour scheme has 5 elements:
* Primary - Also known as the "brand colour" - Primary - Also known as the "brand colour"
* Secondary - A... second colour. - Secondary - A... second colour.
* Background - The colour of the site's background - Background - The colour of the site's background
* Surface - A colour that is sort of a mix between Primary and Background - Surface - A colour that is sort of a mix between Primary and Background
* Text - The colour of the site's overall text - Text - The colour of the site's overall text
I also extrapolated a few extra colours that are based on these five: I also extrapolated a few extra colours that are based on these five:
* Border - The colour of borders! Like a darkened version of the Primary colour. Works well when paired with Surface. - Border - The colour of borders! Like a darkened version of the Primary colour. Works well when paired with Surface.
* Shadow - A very dark version of the Primary colour. - Shadow - A very dark version of the Primary colour.
* Fade Text - A mix of the Text colour and Background colour. - Fade Text - A mix of the Text colour and Background colour.
The [source code for Themescura](https://github.com/xypnox/xypnox.github.io/blob/v2/src/theme.ts) provides a "developer way" to create the colours from the base five. I used this way as a starting point, then tweaked the values using HSL until I was happy. The [source code for Themescura](https://github.com/xypnox/xypnox.github.io/blob/v2/src/theme.ts) provides a "developer way" to create the colours from the base five. I used this way as a starting point, then tweaked the values using HSL until I was happy.
@ -568,28 +572,28 @@ Here are some resources I used (likely heavily) while building the site.
### Inspiration ### Inspiration
* [Eleventy Excellent](https://eleventy-excellent.netlify.app/) ([view source](https://github.com/madrilene/eleventy-excellent)) - [Eleventy Excellent](https://eleventy-excellent.netlify.app/) ([view source](https://github.com/madrilene/eleventy-excellent))
* [Aleksandr Hovhannisyan](https://www.aleksandrhovhannisyan.com/) ([view source](https://github.com/AleksandrHovhannisyan/aleksandrhovhannisyan.com)) - [Aleksandr Hovhannisyan](https://www.aleksandrhovhannisyan.com/) ([view source](https://github.com/AleksandrHovhannisyan/aleksandrhovhannisyan.com))
* [Andy Bell](https://andy-bell.co.uk/) ([view source](https://github.com/Andy-set-studio/personal-site-eleventy)) - [Andy Bell](https://andy-bell.co.uk/) ([view source](https://github.com/Andy-set-studio/personal-site-eleventy))
* [Cory Dransfeldt](https://coryd.dev/) ([view source](https://github.com/cdransf/coryd.dev)) - [Cory Dransfeldt](https://coryd.dev/) ([view source](https://github.com/cdransf/coryd.dev))
* [Lea Verou](https://lea.verou.me/) ([view source](https://github.com/LeaVerou/lea.verou.me)) - [Lea Verou](https://lea.verou.me/) ([view source](https://github.com/LeaVerou/lea.verou.me))
### Data Cascade ### Data Cascade
* [The Data Cascade](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/data-cascade/) - [The Data Cascade](https://www.11ty.dev/docs/data-cascade/)
* [I Finally Understand Eleventy's Data Cascade.](https://benmyers.dev/blog/eleventy-data-cascade/) - [I Finally Understand Eleventy's Data Cascade.](https://benmyers.dev/blog/eleventy-data-cascade/)
### 11ty setup and configuration ### 11ty setup and configuration
* [Build a Blogroll with Eleventy](https://benmyers.dev/blog/eleventy-blogroll/) - [Build a Blogroll with Eleventy](https://benmyers.dev/blog/eleventy-blogroll/)
* [From Wordpress To Eleventy With Ease](https://heydonworks.com/article/wordpress-to-eleventy/) - [From Wordpress To Eleventy With Ease](https://heydonworks.com/article/wordpress-to-eleventy/)
* [Optimizing Images with the 11ty Image Plugin](https://www.aleksandrhovhannisyan.com/blog/eleventy-image-plugin/) - [Optimizing Images with the 11ty Image Plugin](https://www.aleksandrhovhannisyan.com/blog/eleventy-image-plugin/)
### 11ty and design ### 11ty and design
* [What Are Design Tokens?](https://css-tricks.com/what-are-design-tokens/) - [What Are Design Tokens?](https://css-tricks.com/what-are-design-tokens/)
* [Configuring Web Fonts in 11ty with Global Data](https://www.aleksandrhovhannisyan.com/blog/configuring-web-fonts-in-11ty-with-global-data/) - [Configuring Web Fonts in 11ty with Global Data](https://www.aleksandrhovhannisyan.com/blog/configuring-web-fonts-in-11ty-with-global-data/)
* [Easily Use Design Tokens In Eleventy](https://heydonworks.com/article/design-tokens-in-eleventy/) - [Easily Use Design Tokens In Eleventy](https://heydonworks.com/article/design-tokens-in-eleventy/)
[^1]: Search for "nextjs react hydration error" to see what I mean. [^1]: Search for "nextjs react hydration error" to see what I mean.
[^2]: Here is [a post on 11ty.dev](https://www.11ty.dev/blog/stability/) with additional information, if you're curious. [^2]: Here is [a post on 11ty.dev](https://www.11ty.dev/blog/stability/) with additional information, if you're curious.
@ -597,4 +601,4 @@ Here are some resources I used (likely heavily) while building the site.
[^4]: People smarter than me have created posts outlining their problems with modern React. Here is a small sample: [Annoyed at React](https://blog.cassidoo.co/post/annoyed-at-react/) [React, where are you going?](https://dev.to/matfrana/react-where-are-you-going-5284) [Switching Costs](https://adactio.com/journal/20837) [Removing React is just weakness leaving your codebase](https://begin.com/blog/posts/2024-01-26-removing-react-is-just-weakness-leaving-your-codebase) [^4]: People smarter than me have created posts outlining their problems with modern React. Here is a small sample: [Annoyed at React](https://blog.cassidoo.co/post/annoyed-at-react/) [React, where are you going?](https://dev.to/matfrana/react-where-are-you-going-5284) [Switching Costs](https://adactio.com/journal/20837) [Removing React is just weakness leaving your codebase](https://begin.com/blog/posts/2024-01-26-removing-react-is-just-weakness-leaving-your-codebase)
[^5]: Thank you to xypnox for the insight! [View Mastodon post](https://fosstodon.org/@xypnox/112082656802343799) [^5]: Thank you to xypnox for the insight! [View Mastodon post](https://fosstodon.org/@xypnox/112082656802343799)
*[HSL]: Hue, Saturation, and Lightness \*[HSL]: Hue, Saturation, and Lightness

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@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ tags:
- disco elysium - disco elysium
--- ---
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/ramonadithered.jpg", "test", "Our cat Ramona but she's been dithered!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/ramonadithered.jpg", "test", "Our cat Ramona but she's been dithered!" %}
I don't write enough anymore, and this felt low effort enough that I could at least write _something_. And then the ball started rolling and I wrote even more! I don't write enough anymore, and this felt low effort enough that I could at least write _something_. And then the ball started rolling and I wrote even more!
@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ Since playing around with Supabase I'd like to utilize it somehow for a feature
### Disco Elysium ### Disco Elysium
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/6039889e2f27c47416b8eb4434f07dcfb9c1a42575577c53eeaddfab6dd17809.jpg", "A screenshot of the game Disco Elysium with the partner Kim Kitsuragi shooting at another character in the shot. The bullet has just been fired and everybody is mid-surprise and shock.", "Disco Elysium" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/6039889e2f27c47416b8eb4434f07dcfb9c1a42575577c53eeaddfab6dd17809.jpg", "A screenshot of the game Disco Elysium with the partner Kim Kitsuragi shooting at another character in the shot. The bullet has just been fired and everybody is mid-surprise and shock.", "Disco Elysium" %}
What an incredible game. This is a genre-defining game, for sure. I've finished it and I immediately went in for another run. The first game I structured my character around Empathy, Inland Empire (or in other words, associating thoughts with inanimate objects), and Authority. It was interesting having a sensitive character who is able to read the subtle changes in someone's facial expression or body language. My Inland Empire would come up with ridiculous hunches, and a staggering number turned out to be correct. Sometimes the different skills (your various forms of inner thoughts) would fight with each other, or get things wrong. They are often right, but can't always be trusted. What an incredible game. This is a genre-defining game, for sure. I've finished it and I immediately went in for another run. The first game I structured my character around Empathy, Inland Empire (or in other words, associating thoughts with inanimate objects), and Authority. It was interesting having a sensitive character who is able to read the subtle changes in someone's facial expression or body language. My Inland Empire would come up with ridiculous hunches, and a staggering number turned out to be correct. Sometimes the different skills (your various forms of inner thoughts) would fight with each other, or get things wrong. They are often right, but can't always be trusted.
@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ I want to keep writing about this game but I'll reserve it for a dedicated post.
### Pentiment ### Pentiment
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/pentiment.jpeg", "A screenshot of the game Pentiment, which is shown inside a storybook with Latin writing. The protagonist is overlaid a piece of artwork matching the pose of the artwork. He is opposite of another character saying 'Like Dido, we ordinary women are merely tools in the tales of men. We can never be the protagonists of our own stories.'", "Pentiment" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/pentiment.jpeg", "A screenshot of the game Pentiment, which is shown inside a storybook with Latin writing. The protagonist is overlaid a piece of artwork matching the pose of the artwork. He is opposite of another character saying 'Like Dido, we ordinary women are merely tools in the tales of men. We can never be the protagonists of our own stories.'", "Pentiment" %}
We just started playing Pentiment the other night. It's a painterly game that takes place in 16th century Europe. The typography in this game is stunning. Each character seems to have a different style of writing. Sometimes mistakes are made and the text is erased and written in correctly. It's always beautifully revealed with the flair of someone actually writing. We just started playing Pentiment the other night. It's a painterly game that takes place in 16th century Europe. The typography in this game is stunning. Each character seems to have a different style of writing. Sometimes mistakes are made and the text is erased and written in correctly. It's always beautifully revealed with the flair of someone actually writing.

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@ -19,8 +19,7 @@ I won't lie, it's been hard to keep my spirits up lately. But this small amount
I've been working on my [Three.js Journey](https://threejs-journey.com/) course as well, which has been a welcome educational distraction. My crowning achievement may be the RAMONA CUBE. I've been working on my [Three.js Journey](https://threejs-journey.com/) course as well, which has been a welcome educational distraction. My crowning achievement may be the RAMONA CUBE.
<video src="https://wonderfulfrog.b-cdn.net/ramonacube.mp4" controls <video src="https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/videos/ramonacube.mp4" controls width="100%"></video>
width="100%"></video>
## Links ## Links
@ -107,4 +106,4 @@ I spent about a week trialing switching over to the [Catppuccin](https://github.
If you're looking for resources on nerding out in your terminal, I have two that I've been particularly enjoying: [typecraft](https://www.youtube.com/@typecraft_dev) and [Dreams of Code](https://www.youtube.com/@dreamsofcode)/[Dreams of Autonomy](https://www.youtube.com/@dreamsofautonomy) If you're looking for resources on nerding out in your terminal, I have two that I've been particularly enjoying: [typecraft](https://www.youtube.com/@typecraft_dev) and [Dreams of Code](https://www.youtube.com/@dreamsofcode)/[Dreams of Autonomy](https://www.youtube.com/@dreamsofautonomy)
{% image "https://wonderfulfrog.b-cdn.net/tmux.png", "A screenshot of a terminal window. On the left is a file tree, and in the center is a code editor. On the right side are two tmux panes split horizontally, with a terminal in the top and a running 11ty server on the bottom.", "A `tmux` session open while editing this site!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/tmux.png", "A screenshot of a terminal window. On the left is a file tree, and in the center is a code editor. On the right side are two tmux panes split horizontally, with a terminal in the top and a running 11ty server on the bottom.", "A `tmux` session open while editing this site!" %}

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@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ I'm going to suggest using Bandcamp because it's my favourite service, but that
[Bandcamp][bandcamp] has wonderful tools for finding music that fits into practically any genre you like. You can be as broad as "alternative", or get into the weeds with something like "industrial shoegaze" (and I hope something like that exists, even though I just made it up). Being able to mix and match like this is so powerful! [Bandcamp][bandcamp] has wonderful tools for finding music that fits into practically any genre you like. You can be as broad as "alternative", or get into the weeds with something like "industrial shoegaze" (and I hope something like that exists, even though I just made it up). Being able to mix and match like this is so powerful!
{% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/bandcamp-screenshot.jpg", "Screenshot of bandcamp.com showing a list of artists that match the genres 'shoegaze' and 'industrial'. There is a grid of album art on the left, with a panel on the right showing the currently playing song or album.", "I'm so happy to see that 'industrial shoegaze' is indeed a thing!" %} {% image "https://cdn.wonderfulfrog.com/images/bandcamp-screenshot.jpg", "Screenshot of bandcamp.com showing a list of artists that match the genres 'shoegaze' and 'industrial'. There is a grid of album art on the left, with a panel on the right showing the currently playing song or album.", "I'm so happy to see that 'industrial shoegaze' is indeed a thing!" %}
All you need to do is start typing your favourite genre into the search bar and search by "Music tagged with 'your genre'". That's it! You now have a feed of music to try and sample, it's just that easy. New music is being added all the time, so you can keep coming back for more. If you're feeling extra spicy, you can use the "surprise me" sort option and see what you get. All you need to do is start typing your favourite genre into the search bar and search by "Music tagged with 'your genre'". That's it! You now have a feed of music to try and sample, it's just that easy. New music is being added all the time, so you can keep coming back for more. If you're feeling extra spicy, you can use the "surprise me" sort option and see what you get.