{"author":{"name":"Ross Karchner","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/"},"description":"devops + cybersecurity professional and gamedev amateur","feed_url":"https://ross.karchner.com/","home_page_url":"https://ross.karchner.com/","items":[{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA one-button endless runner where you need to grab electricity to keep going. Submitted to the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-96\"\u003eGodot Wild Jam #96\u003c/a\u003e. Made with Godot 4.7. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/discharge\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nA one-button endless runner where you need to grab electricity to keep going. Submitted to the [Godot Wild Jam #96](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-96). Made with Godot 4.7. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/discharge).\n","date_published":"2026-08-28T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/discharge/","title":"Discharge","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/discharge/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003ePost micro.blog, I\u0026rsquo;m using the \u003ca href=\"https://books.infosec.exchange/user/rossk\"\u003einfosec.exchange BookWyrm instance\u003c/a\u003e to track reading.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nPost micro.blog, I'm using the \u003ca href=\"https://books.infosec.exchange/user/rossk\"\u003einfosec.exchange BookWyrm instance\u003c/a\u003e to track reading.\n","date_published":"2026-08-21T08:29:53-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/08/21/bookwyrm.html","tags":["books"],"title":"Bookwyrm","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/08/21/bookwyrm.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506748580.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506748580\"\u003eThe Stoneshore Register\u003c/a\u003e by G. Willow Wilson 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarts like a quiet, perhaps paranormal mystery in a small town at the edge of the world\u0026ndash; and ends up in a quite different place.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506748580.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Stoneshore Register](https://micro.blog/books/9781506748580) by G. Willow Wilson 📚\n\nStarts like a quiet, perhaps paranormal mystery in a small town at the edge of the world-- and ends up in a quite different place.\n","date_published":"2026-07-19T10:35:40-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/19/finished-reading-the-stoneshore-register.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/19/finished-reading-the-stoneshore-register.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA while back I set a rule for myself\u0026ndash; no more \u003cem\u003eshort\u003c/em\u003e game jams, a weekend just isn\u0026rsquo;t enough for me to make something satisfying while still getting enough sleep and being a functioning member of the household.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026hellip; and then I spent much of today waffling over the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/kenney-jam-2026\"\u003eKenney Jam\u003c/a\u003e (Theme: \u0026ldquo;Scale\u0026rdquo;). I had an idea for a silly mountain climbing (or \u003cem\u003escaling\u003c/em\u003e) game, but doing it the way I wanted would have meant figuring out some Godot features I haven\u0026rsquo;t used before, and I think \u003ca href=\"https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/animation/cutout_animation.html#\"\u003ethe tutorial I tried to follow\u003c/a\u003e was out of date with Godot 4.7.  I briefly considered taking \u003ca href=\"https://www.kenney.nl/assets/sokoban\"\u003ethe Kenney Sokoban\u003c/a\u003e assets and making the obvious game, but struggled to find a way to integrate the theme. I still might do that as a learning project, though. There was also a thing with a UFO and a shrink ray.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not doing this one. There are 15 hours left and I\u0026rsquo;d like to get some sleep tonight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been thinking about the \u003ca href=\"https://medium.com/@bre/the-cult-of-done-manifesto-724ca1c2ff13\"\u003eCult of Done manifesto\u003c/a\u003e lately. I think maybe a better thing to do would be to try to get one of my many started, unfinished things to some version of \u0026ldquo;done\u0026rdquo; this month.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m gonna sleep on it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI do kind of like this mouse-following UFO thing though\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo controls=\"controls\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" preload=\"none\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1802253-0-934022.jpg\" src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-07-18-21-25-14.mp4\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nA while back I set a rule for myself-- no more _short_ game jams, a weekend just isn't enough for me to make something satisfying while still getting enough sleep and being a functioning member of the household.\n\n... and then I spent much of today waffling over the [Kenney Jam](https://itch.io/jam/kenney-jam-2026) (Theme: \"Scale\"). I had an idea for a silly mountain climbing (or _scaling_) game, but doing it the way I wanted would have meant figuring out some Godot features I haven't used before, and I think [the tutorial I tried to follow](https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/animation/cutout_animation.html#) was out of date with Godot 4.7.  I briefly considered taking [the Kenney Sokoban](https://www.kenney.nl/assets/sokoban) assets and making the obvious game, but struggled to find a way to integrate the theme. I still might do that as a learning project, though. There was also a thing with a UFO and a shrink ray.\n\nI'm not doing this one. There are 15 hours left and I'd like to get some sleep tonight.\n\nI've been thinking about the [Cult of Done manifesto](https://medium.com/@bre/the-cult-of-done-manifesto-724ca1c2ff13) lately. I think maybe a better thing to do would be to try to get one of my many started, unfinished things to some version of \"done\" this month.\n\nI'm gonna sleep on it.\n\nI do kind of like this mouse-following UFO thing though...\n\n\n\n\u003cvideo controls=\"controls\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" preload=\"none\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1802253-0-934022.jpg\" src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-07-18-21-25-14.mp4\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-07-18T21:32:46-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/18/or-not.html","title":"Or not","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/18/or-not.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781399423397.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781399423397\"\u003eNext Level Making Games That Make Themselves\u003c/a\u003e by Michael Cook 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781399423397.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Next Level Making Games That Make Themselves](https://micro.blog/books/9781399423397) by Michael Cook 📚\n","date_published":"2026-07-15T22:40:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/15/finished-reading-next-level-making.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/15/finished-reading-next-level-making.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781101871553.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781101871553\"\u003eThe Friendly Orange Glow: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture\u003c/a\u003e by Brian Dear 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really interesting, not well-known slice of tech history.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781101871553.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Friendly Orange Glow: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture](https://micro.blog/books/9781101871553) by Brian Dear 📚\n\nA really interesting, not well-known slice of tech history.\n","date_published":"2026-07-13T19:25:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/13/finished-listening-the-friendly-orange.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/13/finished-listening-the-friendly-orange.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAt my employers suggestion, I studied for and passed the \u003ca href=\"https://www.credly.com/badges/c7196d42-72a5-4af1-91f3-b336684ff309\"\u003eClaude Certified Architect - Foundations\u003c/a\u003e.  It\u0026rsquo;s whetted my appetite to get more hands-on experience with agents, and I need a personal project to learn/practice on. I\u0026rsquo;ve experimented a bit with \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/blob/main/.github/workflows/calendar-qc.md\"\u003ea QA agent for dctech.events\u003c/a\u003e, which fixes janky titles, duplication, and adds categories where they are missing. It\u0026rsquo;s been humming along for a few weeks. I\u0026rsquo;m going to look for further opportunities to use dctech.events as an agent testbed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAt my employers suggestion, I studied for and passed the [Claude Certified Architect - Foundations](https://www.credly.com/badges/c7196d42-72a5-4af1-91f3-b336684ff309).  It's whetted my appetite to get more hands-on experience with agents, and I need a personal project to learn/practice on. I've experimented a bit with [a QA agent for dctech.events](https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/blob/main/.github/workflows/calendar-qc.md), which fixes janky titles, duplication, and adds categories where they are missing. It's been humming along for a few weeks. I'm going to look for further opportunities to use dctech.events as an agent testbed.\n","date_published":"2026-07-12T15:43:28-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/12/agents.html","title":"Agents","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/12/agents.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401241674.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401241674\"\u003eJohn Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 4: The Family Man\u003c/a\u003e by Jamie Delano 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor vacation reading, I brought along \u003cem\u003eDungeon Crawler Carl\u003c/em\u003e and Steven Van Zandt\u0026rsquo;s memoir, \u003cem\u003eUnrequited Infatuations\u003c/em\u003e. I started the latter, but mostly ended up re-reading the first four volumes of \u003cem\u003eHellblazer\u003c/em\u003e from my Kindle library. It\u0026rsquo;s better (and denser) than I remember.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401241674.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 4: The Family Man](https://micro.blog/books/9781401241674) by Jamie Delano 📚\n\nFor vacation reading, I brought along _Dungeon Crawler Carl_ and Steven Van Zandt's memoir, _Unrequited Infatuations_. I started the latter, but mostly ended up re-reading the first four volumes of _Hellblazer_ from my Kindle library. It's better (and denser) than I remember.\n","date_published":"2026-07-11T23:31:49-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/11/finished-reading-john-constantine-hellblazer.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/07/11/finished-reading-john-constantine-hellblazer.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/32ceec5296.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/32ceec5296.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-06-26T10:13:27-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/26/101327.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/26/101327.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe kiddo has given me an assignment to write a \u003ca href=\"https://www.marvel.com/rpg\"\u003eMarvel Multiverse\u003c/a\u003e adventure that fits these parameters, for him and a friend to play:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/fdde2dd989.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe kiddo has given me an assignment to write a [Marvel Multiverse](https://www.marvel.com/rpg) adventure that fits these parameters, for him and a friend to play:\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/fdde2dd989.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-06-13T21:09:23-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/13/the-kiddo-has-given-me.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/13/the-kiddo-has-given-me.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s kind of jarring to be listening to \u003ca href=\"https://aircredits.bandcamp.com/track/percentage-of-survival\"\u003ea song\u003c/a\u003e, and hear some sampled audio from \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/12/florida-students-boo-graduation-speaker-ai\"\u003esomething that just happened a few weeks ago\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's kind of jarring to be listening to [a song](https://aircredits.bandcamp.com/track/percentage-of-survival), and hear some sampled audio from [something that just happened a few weeks ago](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/12/florida-students-boo-graduation-speaker-ai).\n","date_published":"2026-06-10T10:17:30-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/10/its-kind-of-jarring-to.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/10/its-kind-of-jarring-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMission accomplished for now: next steps are recognizing when a certain threshold has been met and advancing to the next level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo controls=\"controls\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" preload=\"none\" width=\"1156\" height=\"652\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1777071-0-aaf64b.jpg\" src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-06-08-23-24-29.mp4\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMission accomplished for now: next steps are recognizing when a certain threshold has been met and advancing to the next level.\n\n\u003cvideo controls=\"controls\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" preload=\"none\" width=\"1156\" height=\"652\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1777071-0-aaf64b.jpg\" src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-06-08-23-24-29.mp4\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-06-08T23:27:23-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/08/mission-accomplished-for-now-next.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/08/mission-accomplished-for-now-next.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI saw this on my walk tonight. I\u0026rsquo;ve decided that it\u0026rsquo;s the \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/\"\u003eGodot\u003c/a\u003e guy, and he wants me to stop slacking on gamedev stuff.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTonight, my goal is to get get my Jezzball-like-game to the point where it identifies and fills in areas that have been closed off.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/94d77bd7cf.jpg\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI saw this on my walk tonight. I've decided that it's the [Godot](https://godotengine.org/) guy, and he wants me to stop slacking on gamedev stuff.\n\nTonight, my goal is to get get my Jezzball-like-game to the point where it identifies and fills in areas that have been closed off.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/94d77bd7cf.jpg\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-06-08T20:40:12-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/08/i-saw-this-on-my.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/08/i-saw-this-on-my.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003ehuh, ross dot karchner dot com is no longer a top result for the search \u0026ldquo;Ross Karchner\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(and I won\u0026rsquo;t comment on the indignity of the sponsored result)\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/ce8e3597c9.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nhuh, ross dot karchner dot com is no longer a top result for the search \"Ross Karchner\".\n\n(and I won't comment on the indignity of the sponsored result) \n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/ce8e3597c9.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-06-05T18:01:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/05/huh-ross-dot-karchner-dot.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/06/05/huh-ross-dot-karchner-dot.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHarsh\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/5fad0380f1.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"131\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nHarsh\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/5fad0380f1.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"131\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-05-22T13:10:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/22/harsh.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/22/harsh.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781101871553.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781101871553\"\u003eThe Friendly Orange Glow The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture\u003c/a\u003e by Brian Dear 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not very far into this, but one detail that makes me smile: the early PLATO keyboards had an \u0026ldquo;aha\u0026rdquo; key. \u0026ldquo;Aha\u0026rdquo; was how you exited the help system, as in \u0026ldquo;aha, I found the information I needed\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a \u003ca href=\"https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0623526.pdf\"\u003e1965 paper on PLATO\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf he had difficulty with a question, he could push the button labelled \u0026ldquo;help\u0026rdquo;. The \u0026ldquo;help\u0026rdquo; button took the student into a help sequence which pertained to the question. The logic in a help sequence was similar to the logic in the main sequence. The student was presented with additional explanatory material and \u0026ldquo;help material\u0026rdquo;. Each question in a help sequence had to be answered correctly before proceeding further through the help sequence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter completing a help sequence the student automatically returned to the question he was trying to answer in the main sequence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, if the student wished to return to the main sequence from any point in the help sequence, he could push the button labelled \u0026ldquo;aha\u0026rdquo;. An additional request for help on the same question would return the student to his previous position in the help sequence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781101871553.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [The Friendly Orange Glow The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture](https://micro.blog/books/9781101871553) by Brian Dear 📚\n\nI'm not very far into this, but one detail that makes me smile: the early PLATO keyboards had an \"aha\" key. \"Aha\" was how you exited the help system, as in \"aha, I found the information I needed\". \n\nFrom a [1965 paper on PLATO](https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0623526.pdf):\n\n\u003e If he had difficulty with a question, he could push the button labelled \"help\". The \"help\" button took the student into a help sequence which pertained to the question. The logic in a help sequence was similar to the logic in the main sequence. The student was presented with additional explanatory material and \"help material\". Each question in a help sequence had to be answered correctly before proceeding further through the help sequence.\n\u003e\n\u003e After completing a help sequence the student automatically returned to the question he was trying to answer in the main sequence.\n\u003e\n\u003e However, if the student wished to return to the main sequence from any point in the help sequence, he could push the button labelled \"aha\". An additional request for help on the same question would return the student to his previous position in the help sequence.\n","date_published":"2026-05-13T21:27:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/13/the-aha-key.html","title":"The \"aha\" key","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/13/the-aha-key.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780761169253.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780761169253\"\u003eSteal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative\u003c/a\u003e by Austin Kleon 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActually: \u003ca href=\"https://austinkleon.com/steal-audiobook-trilogy/\"\u003eThe Steal Like An Artist Audio Trilogy\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780761169253.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative](https://micro.blog/books/9780761169253) by Austin Kleon 📚\n\nActually: [The Steal Like An Artist Audio Trilogy](https://austinkleon.com/steal-audiobook-trilogy/)\n","date_published":"2026-05-04T18:10:56-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/04/finished-listening-steal-like-an.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/04/finished-listening-steal-like-an.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFrom today\u0026rsquo;s trip to NASA Goddard Space Center\u0026rsquo;s open house\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/2aca9fe34f.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/622dab9c77.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/2fed0a0cdb.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/42716e2545.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nFrom today's trip to NASA Goddard Space Center's open house \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/2aca9fe34f.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/622dab9c77.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/2fed0a0cdb.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/42716e2545.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-05-02T20:52:45-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/02/from-todays-trip-to-nasa.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/02/from-todays-trip-to-nasa.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781632159137.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781632159137\"\u003eWicked + The Divine Volume 4: Rising Action\u003c/a\u003e by Kieron Gillen 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(also volume 3. 5-9 are waiting for me at the library)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781632159137.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Wicked + The Divine Volume 4: Rising Action](https://micro.blog/books/9781632159137) by Kieron Gillen 📚\n\n (also volume 3. 5-9 are waiting for me at the library)\n","date_published":"2026-05-02T11:48:48-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/02/finished-reading-wicked-the-divine.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/02/finished-reading-wicked-the-divine.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy current work-in-progress is leaving me a bit uninspired, so I\u0026rsquo;ve been tinkering with something a little different\u0026ndash; a \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JezzBall\"\u003eJezzball\u003c/a\u003e-like:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-05-01-00-22-00.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1738770-0-ade6f7.jpg\" width=\"1154\" height=\"654\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe next challenge is detecting areas that are sealed off and displaying them differently.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy current work-in-progress is leaving me a bit uninspired, so I've been tinkering with something a little different-- a [Jezzball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JezzBall)-like:\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-05-01-00-22-00.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1738770-0-ade6f7.jpg\" width=\"1154\" height=\"654\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n\nThe next challenge is detecting areas that are sealed off and displaying them differently.\n","date_published":"2026-05-01T00:27:04-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/01/my-current-workinprogress-is-leaving.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/05/01/my-current-workinprogress-is-leaving.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781632153272.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781632153272\"\u003eThe Wicked + the Divine, Volume 2\u003c/a\u003e by Kieron Gillen 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781632153272.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Wicked + the Divine, Volume 2](https://micro.blog/books/9781632153272) by Kieron Gillen 📚\n","date_published":"2026-04-30T09:01:35-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/30/finished-reading-the-wicked-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/30/finished-reading-the-wicked-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://anildash.com/2026/04/30/artemis-photos-flickr/\"\u003eWhy are the Artemis II photos on Flickr?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI jettisoned my Flickr account in either the Yahoo or Verizon era\u0026ndash; but nice to see that SmugMug and the foundation are doing good work to preserve the images and maintain the platform.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[Why are the Artemis II photos on Flickr?](https://anildash.com/2026/04/30/artemis-photos-flickr/)\n\nI jettisoned my Flickr account in either the Yahoo or Verizon era-- but nice to see that SmugMug and the foundation are doing good work to preserve the images and maintain the platform.\n","date_published":"2026-04-30T09:00:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/30/why-are-the-artemis-ii.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/30/why-are-the-artemis-ii.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781632150196.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781632150196\"\u003eThe Wicked + the Divine The Faust act\u003c/a\u003e by Kieron Gillen 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecided to re-read the series.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781632150196.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Wicked + the Divine The Faust act](https://micro.blog/books/9781632150196) by Kieron Gillen 📚\n\nDecided to re-read the series.\n","date_published":"2026-04-29T07:14:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/29/finished-reading-the-wicked-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/29/finished-reading-the-wicked-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780698186446.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780698186446\"\u003eCrusaders\u003c/a\u003e by Dan Jones 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780698186446.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Crusaders](https://micro.blog/books/9780698186446) by Dan Jones 📚\n","date_published":"2026-04-25T16:22:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/25/finished-listening-crusaders-by-dan.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/25/finished-listening-crusaders-by-dan.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.joanwestenberg.com/the-passive-income-trap-ate-a-generation-of-entrepreneurs/\"\u003eThe \u0026ldquo;Passive Income\u0026rdquo; trap ate a generation of entrepreneurs\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ean enormous machine converting human ambition into noise\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[The \"Passive Income\" trap ate a generation of entrepreneurs](https://www.joanwestenberg.com/the-passive-income-trap-ate-a-generation-of-entrepreneurs/):\n\n\u003e an enormous machine converting human ambition into noise\n","date_published":"2026-04-03T15:49:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/03/the-passive-income-trap-ate.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/03/the-passive-income-trap-ate.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMarch was not a productive month for me, gamedev-wise. I spent more time playing Civ VII,  reading, watching \u003cem\u003eMonarch: Legacy of Monsters\u003c/em\u003e and re-watching season 1 of \u003cem\u003eJessica Jones\u003c/em\u003e (each!), than in Godot or other creative tools.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t mourn the time spent or not spent, but the loss of momentum burns. In April, I want to turn that around. I find that if I launch the game, I\u0026rsquo;ll quickly find the thing most annoying or unsatisfying at the moment, and naturally get to work on it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI just need to rebuild the habit of doing that more days than not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMarch was not a productive month for me, gamedev-wise. I spent more time playing Civ VII,  reading, watching *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* and re-watching season 1 of *Jessica Jones* (each!), than in Godot or other creative tools. \n\nI don't mourn the time spent or not spent, but the loss of momentum burns. In April, I want to turn that around. I find that if I launch the game, I'll quickly find the thing most annoying or unsatisfying at the moment, and naturally get to work on it. \n\nI just need to rebuild the habit of doing that more days than not.\n","date_published":"2026-04-02T07:55:51-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/02/lately.html","title":"Lately","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/02/lately.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781685891558.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781685891558\"\u003eThe Absinthe Forger\u003c/a\u003e by Evan Rail 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot quite a \u0026ldquo;whodunit\u0026rdquo;\u0026ndash; the forger in question is known right from the beginning. Rail spends the book exploring Absinthe\u0026rsquo;s history and  present day makers and collectors, trying to understand the how and why the forger did what they did.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781685891558.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Absinthe Forger](https://micro.blog/books/9781685891558) by Evan Rail 📚\n\nNot quite a \"whodunit\"-- the forger in question is known right from the beginning. Rail spends the book exploring Absinthe's history and  present day makers and collectors, trying to understand the how and why the forger did what they did.\n","date_published":"2026-04-01T18:53:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/01/finished-reading-the-absinthe-forger.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/04/01/finished-reading-the-absinthe-forger.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781685891558.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781685891558\"\u003eThe Absinthe Forger\u003c/a\u003e by Evan Rail 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781685891558.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [The Absinthe Forger](https://micro.blog/books/9781685891558) by Evan Rail 📚\n","date_published":"2026-03-23T08:30:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/23/currently-reading-the-absinthe-forger.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/23/currently-reading-the-absinthe-forger.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSomeone reached out a few days ago, trying to sell me \u0026ldquo;dctechevents.com\u0026rdquo;\u0026ndash; which once upon a time was the domain for my \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/\"\u003eDC Tech Events\u003c/a\u003e site.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave I grown to like dctech dot events?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAm I nostalgic for the old domain?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso yes. But not $500 nostalgic.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/76e153c788.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThankfully, my friend S here didn\u0026rsquo;t actually own the domain. When they wrote that email, the domain was in \u003ca href=\"https://www.name.com/support/articles/227849228-how-the-pending-delete-period-works\"\u003ePendingDelete status\u003c/a\u003e, which is final. Whoever \u003cem\u003ehad\u003c/em\u003e owned it, stopped paying the bill. Once a domain has reached PendingDelete, nothing can stop it from eventually hitting the open market. At that moment, S might as well have been trying to sell me the Brooklyn bridge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf I had expressed interest, they probably would have tried to grab it once it hit the market, through a \u003ca href=\"https://www.lexsynergy.com/blog/domain-backorder-explained\"\u003eback-ordering service\u003c/a\u003e, sell it to me, and pocket the difference.  That would be the \u003cem\u003emost\u003c/em\u003e honest way this scheme could work. Would they have taken my money before having the domain in hand? What if the backorder failed? If they have my money, why even try?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t have to find out, though. I didn\u0026rsquo;t respond to their emails, and I was able to back order the domain successfully. It\u0026rsquo;s all (once again) mine!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSomeone reached out a few days ago, trying to sell me \"dctechevents.com\"-- which once upon a time was the domain for my [DC Tech Events](https://dctech.events/) site.  \n\nHave I grown to like dctech dot events? \n\nYes. \n\nAm I nostalgic for the old domain? \n\nAlso yes. But not $500 nostalgic.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/76e153c788.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\nThankfully, my friend S here didn't actually own the domain. When they wrote that email, the domain was in [PendingDelete status](https://www.name.com/support/articles/227849228-how-the-pending-delete-period-works), which is final. Whoever _had_ owned it, stopped paying the bill. Once a domain has reached PendingDelete, nothing can stop it from eventually hitting the open market. At that moment, S might as well have been trying to sell me the Brooklyn bridge.\n\nIf I had expressed interest, they probably would have tried to grab it once it hit the market, through a [back-ordering service](https://www.lexsynergy.com/blog/domain-backorder-explained), sell it to me, and pocket the difference.  That would be the *most* honest way this scheme could work. Would they have taken my money before having the domain in hand? What if the backorder failed? If they have my money, why even try?\n\nI don't have to find out, though. I didn't respond to their emails, and I was able to back order the domain successfully. It's all (once again) mine!\n","date_published":"2026-03-18T17:47:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/18/welcome-home-dctechevents-dot-com.html","title":"welcome home dctechevents dot com","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/18/welcome-home-dctechevents-dot-com.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780143115038.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780143115038\"\u003ePictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood\u003c/a\u003e by Mark Harris 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really enjoyed this combined history of \u003cem\u003eThe Graduate\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBonnie \u0026amp; Clyde\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eIn The Heat of The Night\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGuess Who\u0026rsquo;s Coming to Dinner\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eDr. Doolittle\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRex Harrison, though. What an asshole!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780143115038.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood](https://micro.blog/books/9780143115038) by Mark Harris 📚\n\nI really enjoyed this combined history of _The Graduate_, _Bonnie \u0026 Clyde_, _In The Heat of The Night_, _Guess Who's Coming to Dinner_, and _Dr. Doolittle_.\n\nRex Harrison, though. What an asshole!\n","date_published":"2026-03-16T19:30:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/16/finished-listening-pictures-at-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/16/finished-listening-pictures-at-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy day is always improved by \u003ca href=\"https://aesoprockhomeboysandman.bandcamp.com/album/miami-lice-season-four\"\u003eLice\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy day is always improved by [Lice](https://aesoprockhomeboysandman.bandcamp.com/album/miami-lice-season-four).\n","date_published":"2026-03-10T18:17:54-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/10/my-day-is-always-improved.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/10/my-day-is-always-improved.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.filfre.net/2026/03/the-mystery-of-rennes-le-chateau-part-1-the-priests-treasure/\"\u003eThe Mystery of Rennes-le-Château, Part 1: The Priest’s Treasure\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m a sucker for \u0026ldquo;Holy Blood, Holy Grail\u0026rdquo;-style lore. This makes me think I should check out Gabriel Knight 3.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[The Mystery of Rennes-le-Château, Part 1: The Priest’s Treasure](https://www.filfre.net/2026/03/the-mystery-of-rennes-le-chateau-part-1-the-priests-treasure/)\n\nI'm a sucker for \"Holy Blood, Holy Grail\"-style lore. This makes me think I should check out Gabriel Knight 3.\n","date_published":"2026-03-06T20:15:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/06/the-mystery-of-renneslechteau-part.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/03/06/the-mystery-of-renneslechteau-part.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy first run at Becoming Saint did not go well\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/screenshot-from-2026-02-26-22-49-53.png\" width=\"483\" height=\"390\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy first run at Becoming Saint did not go well...\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/screenshot-from-2026-02-26-22-49-53.png\" width=\"483\" height=\"390\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-02-26T23:50:31-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/26/my-first-run-at-becoming.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/26/my-first-run-at-becoming.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781668204542.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781668204542\"\u003eApple in China: The Capture of the World\u0026rsquo;s Greatest Company\u003c/a\u003e by Patrick McGee 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781668204542.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company](https://micro.blog/books/9781668204542) by Patrick McGee 📚\n","date_published":"2026-02-22T19:00:19-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/22/finished-listening-apple-in-china.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/22/finished-listening-apple-in-china.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eRepairing our microwave by replacing the fuse? \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/07/moderately-satisfying-fixing-a-home.html\"\u003eFailure\u003c/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Lenovo+Thinkpad+X1+Carbon+4th+Gen+Coin+Cell+Replacement/130559\"\u003eReplacing the CMOS battery on my laptop\u003c/a\u003e seems to have gone OK, so I feel a little bit redeemed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nRepairing our microwave by replacing the fuse? [Failure](https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/07/moderately-satisfying-fixing-a-home.html). [Replacing the CMOS battery on my laptop](https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Lenovo+Thinkpad+X1+Carbon+4th+Gen+Coin+Cell+Replacement/130559) seems to have gone OK, so I feel a little bit redeemed.\n","date_published":"2026-02-20T23:10:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/20/repairing-our-microwave-by-replacing.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/20/repairing-our-microwave-by-replacing.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI have a theory about creation with AI.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(wait! please come back)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy gut says this can\u0026rsquo;t be original, but I haven\u0026rsquo;t seen it exactly expressed anywhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe best art (and I\u0026rsquo;ll extend this to products in general) reflects the taste and discernment of just one person, or at least very few people.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLLM\u0026rsquo;s represent the antithesis of that, the voice of the masses, and perhaps worse: the voice of the masses digested by a deflavorizing machine.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe skill in creating with LLM\u0026rsquo;s is then to remain in charge, to make sure YOUR taste and discernment are dominant. If this effort gets in the way of creating, then the LLM is harmful to your endeavor.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCode has the opposite dynamic! You generally \u003cem\u003ewant\u003c/em\u003e the most generic, boring, un-creative implementation of a thing, unless you\u0026rsquo;re trying to break new ground in computer science. The voice of the masses is an asset.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think one way to navigate #3 (at least for digital projects) is tool building, using AI not to necessarily make \u003cem\u003ethe thing\u003c/em\u003e, but make to make peripheral tools that improve your life or make creating more productive or pleasant. For SpinDoc, I don\u0026rsquo;t plan on using AI for graphics, game design, level design, etc\u0026ndash; but the level editor is a place where \u0026ldquo;taste and discernment\u0026rdquo; doesn\u0026rsquo;t matter so much (at least not yet), and letting the LLM do most of the work on that has been helpful to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI have a theory about creation with AI.\n\n(wait! please come back)\n\nMy gut says this can't be original, but I haven't seen it exactly expressed anywhere.\n\n1) The best art (and I'll extend this to products in general) reflects the taste and discernment of just one person, or at least very few people.\n2) LLM's represent the antithesis of that, the voice of the masses, and perhaps worse: the voice of the masses digested by a deflavorizing machine.\n3) The skill in creating with LLM's is then to remain in charge, to make sure YOUR taste and discernment are dominant. If this effort gets in the way of creating, then the LLM is harmful to your endeavor.\n4) Code has the opposite dynamic! You generally *want* the most generic, boring, un-creative implementation of a thing, unless you're trying to break new ground in computer science. The voice of the masses is an asset.\n\nI think one way to navigate #3 (at least for digital projects) is tool building, using AI not to necessarily make *the thing*, but make to make peripheral tools that improve your life or make creating more productive or pleasant. For SpinDoc, I don't plan on using AI for graphics, game design, level design, etc-- but the level editor is a place where \"taste and discernment\" doesn't matter so much (at least not yet), and letting the LLM do most of the work on that has been helpful to me.\n","date_published":"2026-02-19T08:53:57-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/19/quarterly-ai-post.html","tags":["AI, LLM, Agents, etc"],"title":"quarterly AI post","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/19/quarterly-ai-post.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the Smithsonian American History museum\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/1c8918efed.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"414\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nFrom the Smithsonian American History museum \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/1c8918efed.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"414\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-02-15T13:55:46-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/15/from-the-smithsonian-american-history.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/15/from-the-smithsonian-american-history.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534317062.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534317062\"\u003eCriminal: The Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3\u003c/a\u003e by Ed Brubaker 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534317062.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Criminal: The Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3](https://micro.blog/books/9781534317062) by Ed Brubaker 📚\n","date_published":"2026-02-12T23:28:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/12/finished-reading-criminal-the-deluxe.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/12/finished-reading-criminal-the-deluxe.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSo, instead of \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/30/thinking-about-spindoc-since-i.html\"\u003eputting the SpinDoc level editor aside\u003c/a\u003e, I dug in and now the thing generally works. I even got online level sharing to work: it spits out a URL that anyone can use to play your level. That\u0026rsquo;s something I\u0026rsquo;ve been day-dreaming about for over a year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-02-11-22-42-20.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1680039-0-a28fc0.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext, is making the game more presentable and fun, and I\u0026rsquo;ve got some ideas for new puzzle mechanics and a whole new game mode I\u0026rsquo;d like to try.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI \u003cem\u003eam\u003c/em\u003e experimenting with a 3D view (only dots and wands have been implemented so far). No decisions on that yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-02-12-09-26-55.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1680041-0-625b06.jpg\" width=\"750\" height=\"308\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSo, instead of [putting the SpinDoc level editor aside](https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/30/thinking-about-spindoc-since-i.html), I dug in and now the thing generally works. I even got online level sharing to work: it spits out a URL that anyone can use to play your level. That's something I've been day-dreaming about for over a year.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-02-11-22-42-20.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1680039-0-a28fc0.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n\nNext, is making the game more presentable and fun, and I've got some ideas for new puzzle mechanics and a whole new game mode I'd like to try. \n\nI *am* experimenting with a 3D view (only dots and wands have been implemented so far). No decisions on that yet.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2026/screencast-from-2026-02-12-09-26-55.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2026/frames/1680041-0-625b06.jpg\" width=\"750\" height=\"308\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-02-12T20:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/12/some-spindoc-progress.html","title":"Some SpinDoc progress","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/12/some-spindoc-progress.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534305434.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534305434\"\u003eCriminal Deluxe Edition Volume 2\u003c/a\u003e by Ed Brubaker 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534305434.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Criminal Deluxe Edition Volume 2](https://micro.blog/books/9781534305434) by Ed Brubaker 📚\n","date_published":"2026-02-09T08:26:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/09/finished-reading-criminal-deluxe-edition.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/09/finished-reading-criminal-deluxe-edition.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780369760845.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780369760845\"\u003eBox Office Poison\u003c/a\u003e by Tim Robey 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780369760845.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Box Office Poison](https://micro.blog/books/9780369760845) by Tim Robey 📚\n","date_published":"2026-02-09T08:25:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/09/finished-listening-box-office-poison.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/09/finished-listening-box-office-poison.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eModerately satisfying: fixing a home appliance\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupremely unsatisfying: attempting to fix a home appliance, and failing\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nModerately satisfying: fixing a home appliance\n\nSupremely unsatisfying: attempting to fix a home appliance, and failing\n","date_published":"2026-02-07T13:22:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/07/moderately-satisfying-fixing-a-home.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/02/07/moderately-satisfying-fixing-a-home.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534305410.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534305410\"\u003eCriminal Deluxe Edition Volume 1\u003c/a\u003e by Ed Brubaker 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534305410.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Criminal Deluxe Edition Volume 1](https://micro.blog/books/9781534305410) by Ed Brubaker 📚\n","date_published":"2026-01-30T08:16:07-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/30/finished-reading-criminal-deluxe-edition.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/30/finished-reading-criminal-deluxe-edition.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been working through \u003ca href=\"https://gamedev.tv/courses/complete-blender-creator\"\u003eComplete Blender Creator 3: Learn 3D Modelling for Beginners \u003c/a\u003e, and the first project was this lighthouse scene. I think I pretty much understood what was happening. I\u0026rsquo;m a little fuzzy on sculpting, but I can loop cut and extrude shit all day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/lighthouse.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been working through [Complete Blender Creator 3: Learn 3D Modelling for Beginners ](https://gamedev.tv/courses/complete-blender-creator), and the first project was this lighthouse scene. I think I pretty much understood what was happening. I'm a little fuzzy on sculpting, but I can loop cut and extrude shit all day.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/lighthouse.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2026-01-15T01:22:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/15/ive-been-working-through-complete.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/15/ive-been-working-through-complete.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBird Bonkers \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025/rate/4082931\"\u003eranked\u003c/a\u003e 234 out of 699 (that received ratings) in the GitHub Game-off. That puts it just on the edge of the top and middle third. I\u0026rsquo;m OK with that. I \u003cem\u003edid\u003c/em\u003e basically ignore the theme, and I could have used my time more wisely during that month. \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025/results\"\u003eCongrats to the folks that did well\u003c/a\u003e!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nBird Bonkers [ranked](https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025/rate/4082931) 234 out of 699 (that received ratings) in the GitHub Game-off. That puts it just on the edge of the top and middle third. I'm OK with that. I _did_ basically ignore the theme, and I could have used my time more wisely during that month. [Congrats to the folks that did well](https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025/results)!\n","date_published":"2026-01-09T11:08:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/09/bird-bonkers-ranked-out-of.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/09/bird-bonkers-ranked-out-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAccording to itch.io analytics, on most days, at least one person visits \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape\"\u003eBrakes Escape\u003c/a\u003e. I \u003cem\u003esuspect\u003c/em\u003e it\u0026rsquo;s just one person, who has made it one of their favorite time wasters. I think that\u0026rsquo;s cool! None of my other games exhibit that sort of steady usage pattern. It\u0026rsquo;s a small impact, but\u0026hellip; it\u0026rsquo;s impact.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/d60dd3b02c.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven without that data point, BE is one of my games that I think should be developed further. It definitely wants to be a mobile game\u0026ndash; I just have to get rid of the \u0026ldquo;frame\u0026rdquo; (borrowed from it\u0026rsquo;s most direct inspiration, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nagi-p.com/v1/eng/nstw.html\"\u003eNS Tower\u003c/a\u003e) and make it a full (tall) screen experience. From there, the graphics are pretty raw, and there\u0026rsquo;s room for power-ups and enemies of some sort I think.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat else?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning\"\u003eThe Zummoning\u003c/a\u003e has potential, but the card system is currently pretty half-assed. I could see simplifying it (have cards directly indicate the creatures being created) or leaning in to a more complete and coherent magic system.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/categories/spindoc/\"\u003eSpinDoc\u003c/a\u003e has sort of been my white whale\u0026ndash; one of the earliest things I started working on after getting into Godot. I think there might even be some niche-commercial potential, since \u003ca href=\"https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor\"\u003ethe original game\u003c/a\u003e isn\u0026rsquo;t on the market anymore. (there was an official iOS port, but that hasn\u0026rsquo;t been maintained and is no longer for sale)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAccording to itch.io analytics, on most days, at least one person visits [Brakes Escape](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape). I _suspect_ it's just one person, who has made it one of their favorite time wasters. I think that's cool! None of my other games exhibit that sort of steady usage pattern. It's a small impact, but... it's impact.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2026/d60dd3b02c.png\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\nEven without that data point, BE is one of my games that I think should be developed further. It definitely wants to be a mobile game-- I just have to get rid of the \"frame\" (borrowed from it's most direct inspiration, [NS Tower](https://www.nagi-p.com/v1/eng/nstw.html)) and make it a full (tall) screen experience. From there, the graphics are pretty raw, and there's room for power-ups and enemies of some sort I think.\n\nWhat else?\n\nI think [The Zummoning](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning) has potential, but the card system is currently pretty half-assed. I could see simplifying it (have cards directly indicate the creatures being created) or leaning in to a more complete and coherent magic system.\n\n[SpinDoc](https://ross.karchner.com/categories/spindoc/) has sort of been my white whale-- one of the earliest things I started working on after getting into Godot. I think there might even be some niche-commercial potential, since [the original game](https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor) isn't on the market anymore. (there was an official iOS port, but that hasn't been maintained and is no longer for sale)\n","date_published":"2026-01-07T19:10:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/07/which-games.html","tags":["Game Projects"],"title":"Which games?","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/07/which-games.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDC Tech Events is now on \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/dctechevents.bsky.social\"\u003eBluesky\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://dmv.community/@techevents\"\u003eMastodon\u003c/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https://web.archive.org/web/20090905175919/twitter.com/dctechevents\"\u003eThanks to the internet archive\u003c/a\u003e, I\u0026rsquo;ve brought back the circa-2007 logo I used on Twitter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nDC Tech Events is now on [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/dctechevents.bsky.social) and [Mastodon](https://dmv.community/@techevents). [Thanks to the internet archive](https://web.archive.org/web/20090905175919/twitter.com/dctechevents), I've brought back the circa-2007 logo I used on Twitter.\n","date_published":"2026-01-07T12:24:36-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/07/dc-tech-events-is-now.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/07/dc-tech-events-is-now.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534333055.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534333055\"\u003eFishflies\u003c/a\u003e by Jeff Lemire 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534333055.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Fishflies](https://micro.blog/books/9781534333055) by Jeff Lemire 📚\n","date_published":"2026-01-04T11:54:39-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/04/finished-reading-fishflies-by-jeff.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2026/01/04/finished-reading-fishflies-by-jeff.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781681123394.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781681123394\"\u003eERASED\u003c/a\u003e by Loo Hui Phang 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781681123394.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [ERASED](https://micro.blog/books/9781681123394) by Loo Hui Phang 📚\n","date_published":"2025-12-31T21:55:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/31/finished-reading-erased-by-loo.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/31/finished-reading-erased-by-loo.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThinking about \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/31/not-much-obvious.html\"\u003eSpinDoc\u003c/a\u003e since I mentioned it yesterday. I\u0026rsquo;ve been poking at it this evening and after some tweaking, the movement actually feels pretty good. I think the last time I walked away, I was hung up on the idea of building a level editor. Maybe I\u0026rsquo;ll put that aside for now and just make the dang game.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThinking about [SpinDoc](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/31/not-much-obvious.html) since I mentioned it yesterday. I've been poking at it this evening and after some tweaking, the movement actually feels pretty good. I think the last time I walked away, I was hung up on the idea of building a level editor. Maybe I'll put that aside for now and just make the dang game.\n","date_published":"2025-12-30T01:09:25-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/30/thinking-about-spindoc-since-i.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/30/thinking-about-spindoc-since-i.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eExactly a year ago, I declared that 2025 \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html\"\u003ewould be the year of 3D\u003c/a\u003e.  Not so much\u0026ndash; it became a year of worrying about my job and finding the next one, and games took a back seat for most of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy goal: 2026 is going to be a year where I \u003cem\u003efinish\u003c/em\u003e something, outside of jams. Maybe I\u0026rsquo;ll take a jam entry and try to make it into a complete, polished thing, or one of my other experiments or projects (remember the roguelike? Spindoc?), or it\u0026rsquo;ll be something from my notebook, or maybe a brand new idea.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt \u003cem\u003eprobably\u003c/em\u003e won\u0026rsquo;t be my favorite notebook game idea: \u0026ldquo;Breakout Teaches Typing\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong the way I would like to become productive with tools like \u003ca href=\"https://crocotile3d.com/\"\u003eCrocotile 3D\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://pixelover.io/\"\u003ePixelOver\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.blender.org/\"\u003eBlender\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/f533f52f70.gif\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nExactly a year ago, I declared that 2025 [would be the year of 3D](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html).  Not so much-- it became a year of worrying about my job and finding the next one, and games took a back seat for most of it.\n\nMy goal: 2026 is going to be a year where I *finish* something, outside of jams. Maybe I'll take a jam entry and try to make it into a complete, polished thing, or one of my other experiments or projects (remember the roguelike? Spindoc?), or it'll be something from my notebook, or maybe a brand new idea. \n\nIt *probably* won't be my favorite notebook game idea: \"Breakout Teaches Typing\".\n\nAlong the way I would like to become productive with tools like [Crocotile 3D](https://crocotile3d.com/), [PixelOver](https://pixelover.io/), and [Blender](https://www.blender.org/).\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/f533f52f70.gif\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-12-28T22:12:35-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/28/the-year-of.html","title":"2026: The year of...","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/28/the-year-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593716724.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593716724\"\u003eCo-Intelligence\u003c/a\u003e by Ethan Mollick 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593716724.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Co-Intelligence](https://micro.blog/books/9780593716724) by Ethan Mollick 📚\n","date_published":"2025-12-27T16:59:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/27/finished-listening-cointelligence-by-ethan.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/27/finished-listening-cointelligence-by-ethan.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003erecently on \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/\"\u003eDC Tech Events\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve added \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/virtual/\"\u003ea new page for virtual events\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eimproved the layout on mobile\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI took a little troubleshooting journey into figuring out why \u003ca href=\"https://novalug.org/\"\u003eNovaLUG\u003c/a\u003e events weren\u0026rsquo;t working\u0026ndash; and now DC Tech Events can handle iCal recurrence rules AND calendars can have a \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/blob/main/_groups/northern_virginia_linux_users_group_novalug.yaml#L5\"\u003e\u003ccode\u003eurl_override\u003c/code\u003e\u003c/a\u003e, which in this case is because the NovaLUG iCal feed was sending the URL for the location (and not a correct one), in which case the main \u0026ldquo;meetings\u0026rdquo; page is the most useful place to send people.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout saying the \u0026ldquo;v\u0026rdquo; word, with LLM coding assistance I recently experimented with a couple of more ambitious visions for this site and codebase: for example, expanding into a broader network of similar sites for different cities, and/or making DC Tech Events more of an active community hub and meetup.com alternative. Ultimately, I decided against both. I \u003cem\u003eenjoy\u003c/em\u003e the simplicity of the current site, and I don\u0026rsquo;t want a web project that eats more of my time and attention. My hobby is making games, not websites.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI do intend to keep running it in it\u0026rsquo;s current state. It still helps me find events, either directly, or when I occasionally go looking for events and groups to add.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nrecently on [DC Tech Events](https://dctech.events/):\n\n- I've added [a new page for virtual events](https://dctech.events/virtual/)\n- improved the layout on mobile\n- I took a little troubleshooting journey into figuring out why [NovaLUG](https://novalug.org/) events weren't working-- and now DC Tech Events can handle iCal recurrence rules AND calendars can have a [`url_override`](https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/blob/main/_groups/northern_virginia_linux_users_group_novalug.yaml#L5), which in this case is because the NovaLUG iCal feed was sending the URL for the location (and not a correct one), in which case the main \"meetings\" page is the most useful place to send people.\n\nWithout saying the \"v\" word, with LLM coding assistance I recently experimented with a couple of more ambitious visions for this site and codebase: for example, expanding into a broader network of similar sites for different cities, and/or making DC Tech Events more of an active community hub and meetup.com alternative. Ultimately, I decided against both. I *enjoy* the simplicity of the current site, and I don't want a web project that eats more of my time and attention. My hobby is making games, not websites.\n\nI do intend to keep running it in it's current state. It still helps me find events, either directly, or when I occasionally go looking for events and groups to add.\n","date_published":"2025-12-25T19:24:44-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/25/gifts.html","tags":["DC Tech Events"],"title":"Gifts","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/25/gifts.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eawww\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/efe2840dc7.png\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A user named bartalonmew comments on a jam game, praising its enjoyable gameplay, programmer art, and sound effects.\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nawww\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/efe2840dc7.png\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A user named bartalonmew comments on a jam game, praising its enjoyable gameplay, programmer art, and sound effects.\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-12-02T17:55:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/02/awww.html","tags":["Godot","Bird Bonker"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/12/02/awww.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA Joust-inspired game about birds. Bonk birds, eat fish, fly high! Submitted to the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025\"\u003eGithub Game-off 2025\u003c/a\u003e. Made with Godot 4.5. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/bird-bonkers\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nA Joust-inspired game about birds. Bonk birds, eat fish, fly high! Submitted to the [Github Game-off 2025](https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025). Made with Godot 4.5. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/bird-bonkers).\n","date_published":"2025-12-01T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/bird-bonkers/","title":"Bird Bonkers","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/bird-bonkers/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/bird-bonkers\"\u003eBird Bonkers is live on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e. It\u0026rsquo;s not going to win any awards, but I think it\u0026rsquo;s fun and challenging, and it let\u0026rsquo;s me cap off a weird year with at least one non-embarrassing jam submission.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[Bird Bonkers is live on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/bird-bonkers). It's not going to win any awards, but I think it's fun and challenging, and it let's me cap off a weird year with at least one non-embarrassing jam submission.\n","date_published":"2025-11-30T23:26:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/30/bird-bonkers-is-live-on.html","tags":["Bird Bonker"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/30/bird-bonkers-is-live-on.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eStill needs\u0026hellip; all of the polish, but Bird Bonker basically works. Flapping uses \u0026ldquo;fish power\u0026rdquo;, bonk birds to get them to drop fish, which you need to grab to replenish your fish power. I am not an ornithologist, so I may have made some incorrect assumptions about how birds work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-11-29-23-33-53.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nStill needs... all of the polish, but Bird Bonker basically works. Flapping uses \"fish power\", bonk birds to get them to drop fish, which you need to grab to replenish your fish power. I am not an ornithologist, so I may have made some incorrect assumptions about how birds work.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-11-29-23-33-53.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-11-30T00:43:07-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/30/still-needs-all-of-the.html","tags":["Bird Bonker"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/30/still-needs-all-of-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNot a bird\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/fish2.png\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNot a bird\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/fish2.png\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-11-24T22:39:46-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/24/not-a-bird.html","tags":["Bird Bonker"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/24/not-a-bird.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eCool that \u003ca href=\"https://opensource.microsoft.com/blog/2025/11/20/preserving-code-that-shaped-generations-zork-i-ii-and-iii-go-open-source\"\u003eZork is now open source\u003c/a\u003e, but it\u0026rsquo;s kind of wild that Zork is now a Microsoft property.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nCool that [Zork is now open source](https://opensource.microsoft.com/blog/2025/11/20/preserving-code-that-shaped-generations-zork-i-ii-and-iii-go-open-source), but it's kind of wild that Zork is now a Microsoft property.\n","date_published":"2025-11-21T18:23:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/21/cool-that-zork-is-now.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/21/cool-that-zork-is-now.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003ethis gog.com survey is pretty weird\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-11-19-16-19-37.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"236\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-11-19-16-19-10.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"306\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A survey question asks respondents to rate their agreement with statements about changing game reviews and feelings towards GOG, with options ranging from Not at all to To a very great extent.\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nthis gog.com survey is pretty weird\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-11-19-16-19-37.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"236\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-11-19-16-19-10.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"306\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A survey question asks respondents to rate their agreement with statements about changing game reviews and feelings towards GOG, with options ranging from Not at all to To a very great extent.\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-11-19T17:21:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/19/this-gogcom-survey-is-pretty.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/19/this-gogcom-survey-is-pretty.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eStill making birds\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/gull-flying.gif\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nStill making birds\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/gull-flying.gif\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-11-17T01:31:19-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/17/still-making-birds.html","tags":["Bird Bonker"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/17/still-making-birds.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781668053393.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781668053393\"\u003eApple in China\u003c/a\u003e by Patrick McGee 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781668053393.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Apple in China](https://micro.blog/books/9781668053393) by Patrick McGee 📚\n","date_published":"2025-11-14T20:30:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/14/currently-listening-apple-in-china.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/14/currently-listening-apple-in-china.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know why I was thinking about this just now, but almost exactly 15 years ago there was a mini-scandal involving \u003ca href=\"https://www.welovedc.com/2010/11/11/a-dc-cooks-source-over-at-awesome-dc/\"\u003eDC Tech Events\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI don't know why I was thinking about this just now, but almost exactly 15 years ago there was a mini-scandal involving [DC Tech Events](https://www.welovedc.com/2010/11/11/a-dc-cooks-source-over-at-awesome-dc/).\n","date_published":"2025-11-12T18:22:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/12/i-dont-know-why-i.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/12/i-dont-know-why-i.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNew on DC Tech Events: Per-week pages, like \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/week/2025-W46/\"\u003ethis week\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNew on DC Tech Events: Per-week pages, like [this week](https://dctech.events/week/2025-W46/).\n","date_published":"2025-11-11T11:04:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/11/new-on-dc-tech-events.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/11/new-on-dc-tech-events.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWife: Whatcha doing?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMe: Making a bird\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWife: For a game?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMe: Yeah\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWife: What\u0026rsquo;s the bird going do?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMe: \u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026hellip; bonk other birds?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWife: you should call the game Bird Bonkers\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/player-walking.gif\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWife: Whatcha doing?\n\nMe: Making a bird\n\nWife: For a game?\n\nMe: Yeah\n\nWife: What's the bird going do?\n\nMe: ...\n\n... bonk other birds?\n\nWife: you should call the game Bird Bonkers\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/player-walking.gif\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-11-09T00:48:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/09/wife-whatcha-doing-me-making.html","tags":["Bird Bonker"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/09/wife-whatcha-doing-me-making.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062444271.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780062444271\"\u003eAltamont\u003c/a\u003e by Joel Selvin 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062444271.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Altamont](https://micro.blog/books/9780062444271) by Joel Selvin 📚\n","date_published":"2025-11-04T23:56:08-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/04/finished-listening-altamont-by-joel.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/11/04/finished-listening-altamont-by-joel.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI was playing \u003ca href=\"https://store.steampowered.com/app/2318420/Glypha_Vintage/\"\u003eGlypha\u003c/a\u003e the other day, and wondered if an  \u0026ldquo;endless Joust\u0026rdquo; game would be fun\u0026ndash; instead of discrete levels, you keep proceeding upward.  It turns out, \u003ca href=\"https://dlgcreations.itch.io/joust-revival\"\u003eJoust Revival\u003c/a\u003e is exactly that. I can\u0026rsquo;t get it to work with Wine, though, and if a game isn\u0026rsquo;t playable on Linux, does it \u003cem\u003ereally\u003c/em\u003e exist?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEither way, \u003cem\u003eRevival\u003c/em\u003e is otherwise a re-creation of the classic arcade Joust game. I have something different in mind, but definitely with the DNA of Joust. Or Glypha. I\u0026rsquo;m pretty sure I played Glypha first. I think I\u0026rsquo;m going to give it a try in the upcoming \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025\"\u003eGitHub Game Off\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025 hasn\u0026rsquo;t been a productive year for making games. The job hunt and related Government uncertainty basically ate up the first seven months, and I haven\u0026rsquo;t really recovered the lost momentum. I \u003cem\u003eam\u003c/em\u003e going to try to end strong with three simple jam games before the end of the year, the one described above, and two jams I\u0026rsquo;ve enjoyed participating with in the past: the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/1-button-jam-2025\"\u003e1-Button Jam\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2025\"\u003e20 Second Game Jam\u003c/a\u003e. Embrace constraints!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pinball-putt\"\u003ePinball Putt\u003c/a\u003e was my entry in the 2024 1 Button Jam, and \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/twenty-thousand-milliseconds\"\u003etwenty thousand milliseconds\u003c/a\u003e my entry in the 2023 20 Second Game Jam.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI was playing [Glypha](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2318420/Glypha_Vintage/) the other day, and wondered if an  \"endless Joust\" game would be fun-- instead of discrete levels, you keep proceeding upward.  It turns out, [Joust Revival](https://dlgcreations.itch.io/joust-revival) is exactly that. I can't get it to work with Wine, though, and if a game isn't playable on Linux, does it *really* exist?\n\nEither way, *Revival* is otherwise a re-creation of the classic arcade Joust game. I have something different in mind, but definitely with the DNA of Joust. Or Glypha. I'm pretty sure I played Glypha first. I think I'm going to give it a try in the upcoming [GitHub Game Off](https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025).\n\n2025 hasn't been a productive year for making games. The job hunt and related Government uncertainty basically ate up the first seven months, and I haven't really recovered the lost momentum. I _am_ going to try to end strong with three simple jam games before the end of the year, the one described above, and two jams I've enjoyed participating with in the past: the [1-Button Jam](https://itch.io/jam/1-button-jam-2025) and the [20 Second Game Jam](https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2025). Embrace constraints!\n\n[Pinball Putt](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pinball-putt) was my entry in the 2024 1 Button Jam, and [twenty thousand milliseconds](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/twenty-thousand-milliseconds) my entry in the 2023 20 Second Game Jam.\n","date_published":"2025-10-30T22:54:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/30/like-a-room-without-a.html","tags":["GitHub Game Off 2025","1 Button Jam 2025","20 Second Game Jam 2025","Bird Bonker"],"title":"like a room without a roof","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/30/like-a-room-without-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/1966280025.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/1966280025\"\u003eVibe Coding: Building Production-Grade Software With GenAI, Chat, Agents, and Beyond\u003c/a\u003e by Gene Kim and Steve Yegge 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/1966280025.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Vibe Coding: Building Production-Grade Software With GenAI, Chat, Agents, and Beyond](https://micro.blog/books/1966280025) by Gene Kim and Steve Yegge 📚\n","date_published":"2025-10-30T21:53:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/30/finished-listening-vibe-coding-building.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/30/finished-listening-vibe-coding-building.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis is apparently \u003ca href=\"https://www.centerforvoterinformation.org/\"\u003ea legit organization\u003c/a\u003e\u0026ndash; but something seems off about this letter. I found the tone a little\u0026hellip; menacing? Maybe it\u0026rsquo;s my imagination.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20251029-135838.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis is apparently [a legit organization](https://www.centerforvoterinformation.org/)-- but something seems off about this letter. I found the tone a little... menacing? Maybe it's my imagination. \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20251029-135838.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-10-29T23:40:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/29/this-is-apparently-a-legit.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/29/this-is-apparently-a-legit.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062444271.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780062444271\"\u003eAltamont\u003c/a\u003e by Joel Selvin 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062444271.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Altamont](https://micro.blog/books/9780062444271) by Joel Selvin 📚\n","date_published":"2025-10-26T11:50:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/26/currently-listening-altamont-by-joel.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/26/currently-listening-altamont-by-joel.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eback on my bullshit: I know I change my mind about this every 9 months or so, but I once again have a mastodon account, and have forwarded my fediverse followers over there: \u003ca href=\"https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@16DBatteries\"\u003e@16DBatteries\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nback on my bullshit: I know I change my mind about this every 9 months or so, but I once again have a mastodon account, and have forwarded my fediverse followers over there: [@16DBatteries](https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@16DBatteries)\n","date_published":"2025-10-25T21:55:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/25/back-on-my-bullshit-i.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/25/back-on-my-bullshit-i.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSix years ago, I was in Vegas for Splunk .Conf, and took the opportunity to see a Willie Nelson show\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/72738574-10157205592661117-6594685982497308672-n.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSix years ago, I was in Vegas for Splunk .Conf, and took the opportunity to see a Willie Nelson show\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/72738574-10157205592661117-6594685982497308672-n.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-10-20T12:24:57-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/20/six-years-ago-i-was.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/20/six-years-ago-i-was.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOverrated\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/69076a6b52.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nOverrated \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/69076a6b52.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-10-19T10:01:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/19/overrated.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/19/overrated.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003ePicked this up at a library sale. Getting the enhanced CD stuff working on Linux, in 2025, feels like a challenge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/d6486bb555.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nPicked this up at a library sale. Getting the enhanced CD stuff working on Linux, in 2025, feels like a challenge. \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/d6486bb555.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-10-18T21:48:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/18/picked-this-up-at-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/18/picked-this-up-at-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m happy with lighting system and movement, and exploring the map actually\u0026hellip; feels fun?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s still far from a \u0026ldquo;real game\u0026rdquo;, but I\u0026rsquo;ve got some ideas on how to handle equipment, combat. effects, mob movement, and character building/stats, etc, and I think I\u0026rsquo;ve got a good platform for that now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-10-17-18-08-30.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/4683be011c.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm happy with lighting system and movement, and exploring the map actually... feels fun?\n\nIt's still far from a \"real game\", but I've got some ideas on how to handle equipment, combat. effects, mob movement, and character building/stats, etc, and I think I've got a good platform for that now.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-10-17-18-08-30.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/4683be011c.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-10-17T18:13:52-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/17/im-happy-with-lighting-system.html","tags":["WIP"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/17/im-happy-with-lighting-system.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAt work, I\u0026rsquo;ve been diving into AI/LLM stuff, and I\u0026rsquo;m still pretty much always using coding assistants when I work on DC Tech Events. I hadn\u0026rsquo;t really attempted to bring that into game development, though. Last week, I decided to try it on my current roguelike project.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis game began life as part of a 10-day game jam, and I was beginning to regret some of the architectural compromises I made under the time pressure. In particular, the lines of responsibility were pretty murky between the class that generated maps, and the one that displayed the map and tracked positions.  I gave Github Copilot some direction on what functionality belonged where, and it did a credible job cleaning things up, which made it easier for me to move on. Neat.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis led to some excitement and further experimentation, which resulted in \u003cem\u003etwo\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://modelcontextprotocol.io/\"\u003eMCP\u003c/a\u003e servers, which allow a coding assistant more visibility and control of a a running Godot project. \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/godot-mcp/\"\u003eThis one\u003c/a\u003e runs outside of Godot, and connects to the debugging port and language server, while \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/godot-mcp-plugin\"\u003ethe other\u003c/a\u003e is a Godot Plugin, and provides an HTTP server that allows for an agent to manipulate the node tree, and even send input. It\u0026rsquo;s cool when it\u0026rsquo;s all working.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a \u0026ldquo;big swing\u0026rdquo; experiment, I created an empty project with \u003ca href=\"https://kenney.nl/assets/puzzle-pack\"\u003ea single spritesheet\u003c/a\u003e, and asked copilot to make a match 3 game. The game itself turned out OK, but across many attempts it completely failed to identify which parts of the sheet should be used as game pieces. Score one for humanity!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve started a lot of projects and finish basically none of them\u0026ndash; I think the promising thing for me is that I can use coding agents to get past the annoying/tedious tasks that cause me to lose interest and move on, and finish more games. For example, at one point I started \u0026ldquo;CISO Clicker\u0026rdquo;, meant to be an idle/clicker game that hopefully imparts some wisdom about the asymmetric nature of cybersecurity. I never really got past \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/15/im-working-on.html\"\u003egenerating some company names\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a few prompts, I\u0026rsquo;ve got a start on exactly the sort of simulation I\u0026rsquo;ve been thinking about:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-10-13-00-15-29.png\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A retro-style computer game interface shows a cybersecurity simulation from 1995, featuring active threats and security measures with respective severities and costs.\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAt work, I've been diving into AI/LLM stuff, and I'm still pretty much always using coding assistants when I work on DC Tech Events. I hadn't really attempted to bring that into game development, though. Last week, I decided to try it on my current roguelike project. \n\nThis game began life as part of a 10-day game jam, and I was beginning to regret some of the architectural compromises I made under the time pressure. In particular, the lines of responsibility were pretty murky between the class that generated maps, and the one that displayed the map and tracked positions.  I gave Github Copilot some direction on what functionality belonged where, and it did a credible job cleaning things up, which made it easier for me to move on. Neat.\n\nThis led to some excitement and further experimentation, which resulted in *two* [MCP](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/) servers, which allow a coding assistant more visibility and control of a a running Godot project. [This one](https://github.com/rosskarchner/godot-mcp/) runs outside of Godot, and connects to the debugging port and language server, while [the other](https://github.com/rosskarchner/godot-mcp-plugin) is a Godot Plugin, and provides an HTTP server that allows for an agent to manipulate the node tree, and even send input. It's cool when it's all working.\n\nAs a \"big swing\" experiment, I created an empty project with [a single spritesheet](https://kenney.nl/assets/puzzle-pack), and asked copilot to make a match 3 game. The game itself turned out OK, but across many attempts it completely failed to identify which parts of the sheet should be used as game pieces. Score one for humanity!\n\nI've started a lot of projects and finish basically none of them-- I think the promising thing for me is that I can use coding agents to get past the annoying/tedious tasks that cause me to lose interest and move on, and finish more games. For example, at one point I started \"CISO Clicker\", meant to be an idle/clicker game that hopefully imparts some wisdom about the asymmetric nature of cybersecurity. I never really got past [generating some company names](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/15/im-working-on.html).\n\nWith a few prompts, I've got a start on exactly the sort of simulation I've been thinking about:\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-10-13-00-15-29.png\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A retro-style computer game interface shows a cybersecurity simulation from 1995, featuring active threats and security measures with respective severities and costs.\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-10-13T07:56:30-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/13/crossing-the-streams.html","tags":["AI, LLM, Agents, etc"],"title":"Crossing the streams","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/13/crossing-the-streams.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWatched: \u003ca href=\"https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/132\"\u003eGimme Shelter\u003c/a\u003e 🍿\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(this was over the weekend\u0026ndash; I\u0026rsquo;m mostly just trying out the new Movies feature on micro right now)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWatched: [Gimme Shelter](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/132) 🍿\n\n(this was over the weekend-- I'm mostly just trying out the new Movies feature on micro right now)\n","date_published":"2025-10-06T19:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/06/watched-gimme-shelter-this-was.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/06/watched-gimme-shelter-this-was.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798341634725.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9798341634725\"\u003eBeyond Vibe Coding\u003c/a\u003e by Addy Osmani 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798341634725.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Beyond Vibe Coding](https://micro.blog/books/9798341634725) by Addy Osmani 📚\n","date_published":"2025-10-01T20:15:03-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/01/finished-reading-beyond-vibe-coding.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/10/01/finished-reading-beyond-vibe-coding.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDune: Part II should have included a five-minute \u0026ldquo;Previously on Dune!\u0026rdquo; recap.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nDune: Part II should have included a five-minute \"Previously on Dune!\" recap.\n","date_published":"2025-09-28T20:07:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/28/dune-part-ii-should-have.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/28/dune-part-ii-should-have.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593657515.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593657515\"\u003eEmpire of AI\u003c/a\u003e by Karen Hao 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFascinating and eye-opening. Parts of it also work as a primer on data center politics.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593657515.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Empire of AI](https://micro.blog/books/9780593657515) by Karen Hao 📚\n\nFascinating and eye-opening. Parts of it also work as a primer on data center politics.\n","date_published":"2025-09-26T09:02:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/26/finished-listening-empire-of-ai.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/26/finished-listening-empire-of-ai.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNew on dctech.events: new pages showing just the events for \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/locations/md/\"\u003eMaryland\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/locations/va/\"\u003eVirginia\u003c/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/locations/dc/\"\u003ethe District\u003c/a\u003e, as well as per-city pages, like \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/locations/va/arlington/\"\u003ethis one for Arlington\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-09-23-18-45-28.png\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNew on dctech.events: new pages showing just the events for [Maryland](https://dctech.events/locations/md/), [Virginia](https://dctech.events/locations/va/), or [the District](https://dctech.events/locations/dc/), as well as per-city pages, like [this one for Arlington](https://dctech.events/locations/va/arlington/).\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-09-23-18-45-28.png\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-09-23T18:52:16-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/23/new-on-dctechevents-new-pages.html","tags":["DC Tech Events"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/23/new-on-dctechevents-new-pages.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/1302910760.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/1302910760\"\u003eTHE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL VOL. 8: MY BEST FRIEND\u0026rsquo;S SQUIRREL\u003c/a\u003e by Ryan North 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Also 6 and 7)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/1302910760.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL VOL. 8: MY BEST FRIEND'S SQUIRREL](https://micro.blog/books/1302910760) by Ryan North 📚\n\n(Also 6 and 7)\n","date_published":"2025-09-21T14:25:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/21/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/21/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302496661.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781302496661\"\u003eThe Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 5\u003c/a\u003e by Ryan North 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(also volume 4)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302496661.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 5](https://micro.blog/books/9781302496661) by Ryan North 📚\n\n(also volume 4)\n","date_published":"2025-09-18T08:38:12-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/18/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/18/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI decided after \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/12/progress.html\"\u003ethe last post\u003c/a\u003e that I\u0026rsquo;m not going to sweat the deadline. I\u0026rsquo;m not going to submit the game to \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/roguetemples-fortnight\"\u003ethe jam\u003c/a\u003e, which ends in 15 hours.  This weekend, I decided I\u0026rsquo;d rather relax. Instead of staying up late working on the game, I watched \u003cem\u003eLower Decks\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI haven\u0026rsquo;t given up on the game, though\u0026ndash;  in fact I\u0026rsquo;m quite enjoying the process. I just didn\u0026rsquo;t feel like scrambling to complete it by the deadline, or submitting a version I\u0026rsquo;m not proud of.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI decided after [the last post](https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/12/progress.html) that I'm not going to sweat the deadline. I'm not going to submit the game to [the jam](https://itch.io/jam/roguetemples-fortnight), which ends in 15 hours.  This weekend, I decided I'd rather relax. Instead of staying up late working on the game, I watched *Lower Decks*.\n\nI haven't given up on the game, though--  in fact I'm quite enjoying the process. I just didn't feel like scrambling to complete it by the deadline, or submitting a version I'm not proud of.\n","date_published":"2025-09-14T21:56:22-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/14/i-decided-after-the-last.html","tags":["Roguetemple's Fortnight 2025"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/14/i-decided-after-the-last.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302514051.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781302514051\"\u003eThe Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 3\u003c/a\u003e by Ryan North 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302514051.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 3](https://micro.blog/books/9781302514051) by Ryan North 📚\n","date_published":"2025-09-12T21:17:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/12/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/12/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe deadline is fast approaching, and I haven\u0026rsquo;t made a \u003cem\u003eton\u003c/em\u003e of progress\u0026ndash; but now there are mobs that actually chase you. There\u0026rsquo;s no combat or death yet. That\u0026rsquo;s next.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe graphics and colors here were meant to be placeholders, but it\u0026rsquo;s honestly growing on me. With the black shadows and bright light, I find it kind of pleasing in a brutalist way. Perhaps I\u0026rsquo;m rationalizing laziness, but I think I\u0026rsquo;ll lean into abstraction here. Colors and shapes, without any traditional genre references.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-09-12-21-04-34.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/fcc0a8b409.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe deadline is fast approaching, and I haven't made a *ton* of progress-- but now there are mobs that actually chase you. There's no combat or death yet. That's next.\n\nThe graphics and colors here were meant to be placeholders, but it's honestly growing on me. With the black shadows and bright light, I find it kind of pleasing in a brutalist way. Perhaps I'm rationalizing laziness, but I think I'll lean into abstraction here. Colors and shapes, without any traditional genre references.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-09-12-21-04-34.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/fcc0a8b409.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-09-12T21:14:55-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/12/progress.html","tags":["Roguetemple's Fortnight 2025"],"title":"progress","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/12/progress.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s not a game yet, but I can move a blue dude through a procedurally generated map. The brown square would be the exit, if such functionality existed yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-09-07-16-00-12.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/93e5693f9c.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's not a game yet, but I can move a blue dude through a procedurally generated map. The brown square would be the exit, if such functionality existed yet.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-09-07-16-00-12.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/93e5693f9c.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-09-07T16:02:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/07/its-not-a-game-yet.html","tags":["Roguetemple's Fortnight 2025"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/07/its-not-a-game-yet.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI started working on some ideas yesterday for \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/roguetemples-fortnight\"\u003eRoguetemple\u0026rsquo;s Fortnight game jam\u003c/a\u003e.  I\u0026rsquo;m not sure if my current concept will survive, but I am pleased with the map generation script so far.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-09-02-08-27-27.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/46ff437f56.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI started working on some ideas yesterday for [Roguetemple's Fortnight game jam](https://itch.io/jam/roguetemples-fortnight).  I'm not sure if my current concept will survive, but I am pleased with the map generation script so far.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-09-02-08-27-27.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/46ff437f56.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-09-02T08:31:04-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/02/i-started-working-on-some.html","tags":["Roguetemple's Fortnight 2025"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/09/02/i-started-working-on-some.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve got my 11th bullet journal set up for September.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven when I fall out of using it as a sort of daily productivity/mindfulness practice, I\u0026rsquo;ve benefited from simply having one notebook active at a time, with dated entries. Pre-BuJo I would jot things down wherever, including digital tools like OneNote, etc, and often those notes were never to be seen again.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20250831-101108.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've got my 11th bullet journal set up for September.\n\nEven when I fall out of using it as a sort of daily productivity/mindfulness practice, I've benefited from simply having one notebook active at a time, with dated entries. Pre-BuJo I would jot things down wherever, including digital tools like OneNote, etc, and often those notes were never to be seen again.\n\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20250831-101108.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-08-31T12:03:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/31/volume.html","title":"Volume 11","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/31/volume.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593657515.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593657515\"\u003eEmpire of AI\u003c/a\u003e by Karen Hao 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593657515.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Empire of AI](https://micro.blog/books/9780593657515) by Karen Hao 📚\n","date_published":"2025-08-31T08:19:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/31/currently-listening-empire-of-ai.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/31/currently-listening-empire-of-ai.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302483012.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781302483012\"\u003eThe Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 2\u003c/a\u003e by Ryan North 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302483012.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 2](https://micro.blog/books/9781302483012) by Ryan North 📚\n","date_published":"2025-08-29T08:02:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/29/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/29/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003emakes sense\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-08-21-19-00-58.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nmakes sense\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-08-21-19-00-58.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-08-21T19:01:19-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/21/makes-sense.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/21/makes-sense.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t love it yet, but I added a simple search widget to \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/\"\u003eDC Tech Events\u003c/a\u003e. There\u0026rsquo;s no backend, it just filters the list on the page.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-08-21-14-26-08.png\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI don't love it yet, but I added a simple search widget to [DC Tech Events](https://dctech.events/). There's no backend, it just filters the list on the page.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-08-21-14-26-08.png\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-08-21T14:27:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/21/i-dont-love-it-yet.html","tags":["DC Tech Events"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/21/i-dont-love-it-yet.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302481865.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781302481865\"\u003eThe Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 1\u003c/a\u003e by Ryan North 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302481865.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 1](https://micro.blog/books/9781302481865) by Ryan North 📚\n","date_published":"2025-08-20T07:27:59-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/20/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/20/finished-reading-the-unbeatable-squirrel.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI know, \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/15/musings-of-an-llm-using.html\"\u003ea few weeks ago\u003c/a\u003e I wrote \u0026ldquo;the internet doesn’t need more words about AI\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince then, I started working at a company that \u003ca href=\"https://adhoc.team/services/ai/\"\u003econsiders AI as part of it\u0026rsquo;s toolkit\u003c/a\u003e for helping customers, contributed some code to an internal project that uses the Google Gemini API, and my first client project?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelping write LLM policy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccode\u003e¯\\_(ツ)_/¯\u003c/code\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve tried and failed a couple of times to write some sort of position statement in this space, that would capture a mix of hope and fear, while giving myself permission to keep learning and experimenting. I could probably have ChatGPT write it, but I\u0026rsquo;m not so far gone as to subject readers to machine-written prose.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI \u003cem\u003eam\u003c/em\u003e giving myself that permission to learn and experiment, though. \u003ca href=\"https://rushkoff.com/books/program-or-be-programmed/\"\u003eProgram or Be Programmed\u003c/a\u003e seems newly relevant, and I think the closing words of \u003ca href=\"https://www.phillipcarter.dev/posts/llms-computers\"\u003eLLMs Are Weird Computers\u003c/a\u003e captures the moment pretty well:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut I will say that if you don\u0026rsquo;t want to be caught with your pants down when your workplace does expect you to do more and different things with this technology, there\u0026rsquo;s no better time than now to start learning how to use it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI know, [a few weeks ago](https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/15/musings-of-an-llm-using.html) I wrote \"the internet doesn’t need more words about AI\".\n\nSince then, I started working at a company that [considers AI as part of it's toolkit](https://adhoc.team/services/ai/) for helping customers, contributed some code to an internal project that uses the Google Gemini API, and my first client project?\n\nHelping write LLM policy.\n\n`¯\\_(ツ)_/¯`\n\nI've tried and failed a couple of times to write some sort of position statement in this space, that would capture a mix of hope and fear, while giving myself permission to keep learning and experimenting. I could probably have ChatGPT write it, but I'm not so far gone as to subject readers to machine-written prose.\n\nI _am_ giving myself that permission to learn and experiment, though. [Program or Be Programmed](https://rushkoff.com/books/program-or-be-programmed/) seems newly relevant, and I think the closing words of [LLMs Are Weird Computers](https://www.phillipcarter.dev/posts/llms-computers) captures the moment pretty well:\n\n\u003e But I will say that if you don't want to be caught with your pants down when your workplace does expect you to do more and different things with this technology, there's no better time than now to start learning how to use it.\n","date_published":"2025-08-19T18:30:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/19/soaking-in-it.html","tags":["AI, LLM, Agents, etc"],"title":"soaking in it","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/19/soaking-in-it.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401287481.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401287481\"\u003ePowers Book Two\u003c/a\u003e by Brian Michael Bendis 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401287481.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Powers Book Two](https://micro.blog/books/9781401287481) by Brian Michael Bendis 📚\n","date_published":"2025-08-13T06:58:55-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/13/finished-reading-powers-book-two.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/13/finished-reading-powers-book-two.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506730172.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506730172\"\u003ePowers Volume 1\u003c/a\u003e by Brian Michael Bendis 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506730172.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Powers Volume 1](https://micro.blog/books/9781506730172) by Brian Michael Bendis 📚\n","date_published":"2025-08-09T13:47:20-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/09/finished-reading-powers-volume-by.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/09/finished-reading-powers-volume-by.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s hard to read \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2025/08/06/nx-s1-5479882/teen-forums-violent-extremist-grooming\"\u003estuff like this\u003c/a\u003e and not think, maybe the internet was a bad idea after all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's hard to read [stuff like this](https://www.npr.org/2025/08/06/nx-s1-5479882/teen-forums-violent-extremist-grooming) and not think, maybe the internet was a bad idea after all.\n","date_published":"2025-08-06T18:30:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/06/its-hard-to-read-stuff.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/06/its-hard-to-read-stuff.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735222182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve finished listening to \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780735222182\"\u003eAll of the Marvels\u003c/a\u003e by Douglas Wolk.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the premise, \u0026ldquo;man reads 27,000 comic books\u0026rdquo;, I expected an \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._J._Jacobs#Books\"\u003eA.J. Jacobs\u003c/a\u003e-style story about how attempting a ridiculous project impacts the author\u0026rsquo;s life and relationships, with some tidbits about the comics thrown in.  That would have been OK with me!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not that sort of book, though. Wolk spends each chapter pulling on a thread of the Marvel story, either for a character or team (Spiderman, Thor, The X-Men), or a theme (film, music, Presidents), highlighting specific issues that are notable. It\u0026rsquo;s one man\u0026rsquo;s highlight reel of the Marvel universe, and I enjoyed the journey.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf I had been reading this book on paper or device, I would have dog-eared a lot of pages, or taken notes. I listened to the audiobook, mostly while driving or walking, so I couldn\u0026rsquo;t note as much. I was still able to remember or jot down a few things. Here are the comics \u0026lsquo;All the Marvels\u0026rsquo; has added to my reading list:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHickman\u0026rsquo;s Fantastic Four\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePriests Black Panther\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimonson\u0026rsquo;s Thor\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRyan North\u0026rsquo;s The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarren Ellis Thunderbolts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome amount of the Dark Reign saga\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735222182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nI've finished listening to [All of the Marvels](https://micro.blog/books/9780735222182) by Douglas Wolk.\n\nFrom the premise, \"man reads 27,000 comic books\", I expected an [A.J. Jacobs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._J._Jacobs#Books)-style story about how attempting a ridiculous project impacts the author's life and relationships, with some tidbits about the comics thrown in.  That would have been OK with me!\n\nThis is not that sort of book, though. Wolk spends each chapter pulling on a thread of the Marvel story, either for a character or team (Spiderman, Thor, The X-Men), or a theme (film, music, Presidents), highlighting specific issues that are notable. It's one man's highlight reel of the Marvel universe, and I enjoyed the journey.\n\nIf I had been reading this book on paper or device, I would have dog-eared a lot of pages, or taken notes. I listened to the audiobook, mostly while driving or walking, so I couldn't note as much. I was still able to remember or jot down a few things. Here are the comics 'All the Marvels' has added to my reading list:\n\n- Hickman's Fantastic Four\n- Priests Black Panther\n- Simonson's Thor\n- Ryan North's The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl\n- Warren Ellis Thunderbolts\n- Some amount of the Dark Reign saga\n","date_published":"2025-08-04T19:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/04/all-of-the-marvels.html","title":"All of the Marvels 📚","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/08/04/all-of-the-marvels.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eActivate yr Windows, Dave \u0026amp; Busters\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20250727-112015.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"1000\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A screen prompts users to tap their power card below, with a visible Activate Windows watermark.\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20250727-112019.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"372\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nActivate yr Windows, Dave \u0026 Busters\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20250727-112015.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"1000\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A screen prompts users to tap their power card below, with a visible Activate Windows watermark.\"\u003e\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/20250727-112019.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"372\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-07-27T12:10:43-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/27/activate-yr-windows-dave-busters.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/27/activate-yr-windows-dave-busters.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s nice top see that \u003ca href=\"https://store.steampowered.com/app/3431440/Sound_Blocks/\"\u003eSound Blocks\u003c/a\u003e shipped! I spent a few minutes playing with it this morning, and it seems to be what I hoped for: \u003ca href=\"https://midinous.com/\"\u003emidinous\u003c/a\u003e for someone who doesn\u0026rsquo;t want to have to figure out all the MIDI stuff.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy first song was\u0026hellip; nothing worth sharing. But maybe I\u0026rsquo;ll be able to make some game music with it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's nice top see that [Sound Blocks](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3431440/Sound_Blocks/) shipped! I spent a few minutes playing with it this morning, and it seems to be what I hoped for: [midinous](https://midinous.com/) for someone who doesn't want to have to figure out all the MIDI stuff.\n\nMy first song was... nothing worth sharing. But maybe I'll be able to make some game music with it.\n","date_published":"2025-07-26T09:23:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/26/its-nice-top-see-that.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/26/its-nice-top-see-that.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735222182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780735222182\"\u003eAll of the Marvels\u003c/a\u003e by Douglas Wolk 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735222182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [All of the Marvels](https://micro.blog/books/9780735222182) by Douglas Wolk 📚\n","date_published":"2025-07-19T20:56:35-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/19/currently-listening-all-of-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/19/currently-listening-all-of-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eToday is my first day as an \u003ca href=\"https://adhoc.team/\"\u003eAd Hoc\u003c/a\u003e employee. I\u0026rsquo;ve watched from the sidelines over the years as they\u0026rsquo;ve hired a number of my favorite people, both former CFPB colleagues and \u0026ldquo;internet friends\u0026rdquo; whose work and careers I\u0026rsquo;ve taken an interest in. I\u0026rsquo;m looking forward to being part of the team!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actual client I\u0026rsquo;ll be working for is\u0026hellip; a \u003cem\u003edifferent\u003c/em\u003e civilian federal agency with a financial focus. You might be thinking \u0026ldquo;out of the frying pan and into the fire\u0026rdquo;, and aren\u0026rsquo;t completely wrong about that. My discussions with folks from Ad Hoc, the \u0026ldquo;prime\u0026rdquo; contractor subcontracting to Ad Hoc, and the client agency have convinced me that the work is necessary and should be funded for some years to come. I think it will be stable at least through the length of the contract, so long as I do good work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nToday is my first day as an [Ad Hoc](https://adhoc.team/) employee. I've watched from the sidelines over the years as they've hired a number of my favorite people, both former CFPB colleagues and \"internet friends\" whose work and careers I've taken an interest in. I'm looking forward to being part of the team!\n\nThe actual client I'll be working for is... a *different* civilian federal agency with a financial focus. You might be thinking \"out of the frying pan and into the fire\", and aren't completely wrong about that. My discussions with folks from Ad Hoc, the \"prime\" contractor subcontracting to Ad Hoc, and the client agency have convinced me that the work is necessary and should be funded for some years to come. I think it will be stable at least through the length of the contract, so long as I do good work.\n","date_published":"2025-07-14T08:13:45-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/14/ad-hoc.html","title":"Ad Hoc","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/14/ad-hoc.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062978462.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780062978462\"\u003eWar for Eternity\u003c/a\u003e by Benjamin R. Teitelbaum 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062978462.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [War for Eternity](https://micro.blog/books/9780062978462) by Benjamin R. Teitelbaum 📚\n","date_published":"2025-07-12T15:11:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/12/finished-listening-war-for-eternity.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/12/finished-listening-war-for-eternity.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHello from \u003ca href=\"https://bradysaunders.net/\"\u003eCamp T. Brady Saunders\u003c/a\u003e. It\u0026rsquo;s the last day of summer camp. The kiddo mostly had a good time, but we\u0026rsquo;re both ready to go home.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday is technically also the last day that I am a CFPB employee(last day actually working was 7/3). I wasn\u0026rsquo;t laid off this time, I\u0026rsquo;ve got a new job that starts Monday. I\u0026rsquo;m pretty excited about it, but I\u0026rsquo;ll save writing about that for next week.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nHello from [Camp T. Brady Saunders](https://bradysaunders.net/). It's the last day of summer camp. The kiddo mostly had a good time, but we're both ready to go home.\n\nToday is technically also the last day that I am a CFPB employee(last day actually working was 7/3). I wasn't laid off this time, I've got a new job that starts Monday. I'm pretty excited about it, but I'll save writing about that for next week.\n","date_published":"2025-07-11T09:13:15-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/11/endings.html","title":"Endings","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/11/endings.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781984896063.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781984896063\"\u003eHidden Systems\u003c/a\u003e by Dan Nott 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781984896063.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Hidden Systems](https://micro.blog/books/9781984896063) by Dan Nott 📚\n","date_published":"2025-07-07T19:05:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/07/finished-reading-hidden-systems-by.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/07/07/finished-reading-hidden-systems-by.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781638991236.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781638991236\"\u003eFailure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures\u003c/a\u003e by Kel Mcdonald 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn \u003cem\u003eexcellent\u003c/em\u003e graphic journey through all sorts of could\u0026rsquo;ve-beens: including Y2K hysteria, decentralized wind power, robot dogs, virtual pop stars, a mechanical duck that poops (maybe), and Louisiana hippos.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781638991236.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures](https://micro.blog/books/9781638991236) by Kel Mcdonald 📚\r\n\r\nAn *excellent* graphic journey through all sorts of could've-beens: including Y2K hysteria, decentralized wind power, robot dogs, virtual pop stars, a mechanical duck that poops (maybe), and Louisiana hippos.\n","date_published":"2025-06-29T18:00:19-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/29/finished-reading-failure-to-launch.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/29/finished-reading-failure-to-launch.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062978462.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780062978462\"\u003eWar for Eternity\u003c/a\u003e by Benjamin R. Teitelbaum 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062978462.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [War for Eternity](https://micro.blog/books/9780062978462) by Benjamin R. Teitelbaum 📚\n","date_published":"2025-06-27T21:40:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/27/currently-listening-war-for-eternity.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/27/currently-listening-war-for-eternity.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781638991236.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781638991236\"\u003eFailure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures\u003c/a\u003e by Kel Mcdonald 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781638991236.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures](https://micro.blog/books/9781638991236) by Kel Mcdonald 📚\n","date_published":"2025-06-24T20:07:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/24/currently-reading-failure-to-launch.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/24/currently-reading-failure-to-launch.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been mucking around with my operating system setup for reasons too tedious to describe here. \u003cem\u003eOne\u003c/em\u003e hilarious bit of hijinx involved trying to use \u003ca href=\"https://copr.fedorainfracloud.org/coprs/gloriouseggroll/nobara-42/\"\u003ethe Nobara repository\u003c/a\u003e exactly in the way it says \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c/strong\u003e to\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is NOT recommended to try to upgrade your Fedora installation to Nobara and support for doing so will not be provided.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurns out, there are \u003cem\u003ereasons\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, the point of this post is actually a nice thing I discovered:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen you install fedora, by default your \u003ccode\u003e/home/\u003c/code\u003e directory is placed on a \u003ca href=\"https://btrfs.readthedocs.io/en/latest/Subvolumes.html\"\u003eBTRFS subvolume\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you ever need to install again, the Fedora installer recognizes the subvolume and can preserve it.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the past, if you wanted to re-install a distro and preserve all of your files, you either needed the foresight to put \u003ccode\u003e/home'\u003c/code\u003e on it\u0026rsquo;s own partition or device, or have backups. Now, it\u0026rsquo;s no big deal.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been mucking around with my operating system setup for reasons too tedious to describe here. _One_ hilarious bit of hijinx involved trying to use [the Nobara repository](https://copr.fedorainfracloud.org/coprs/gloriouseggroll/nobara-42/) exactly in the way it says **not** to...\n\n\u003e It is NOT recommended to try to upgrade your Fedora installation to Nobara and support for doing so will not be provided.\n\nTurns out, there are _reasons_.\n\nBut, the point of this post is actually a nice thing I discovered:\n\n- When you install fedora, by default your `/home/` directory is placed on a [BTRFS subvolume](https://btrfs.readthedocs.io/en/latest/Subvolumes.html)\n- If you ever need to install again, the Fedora installer recognizes the subvolume and can preserve it.\n\nIn the past, if you wanted to re-install a distro and preserve all of your files, you either needed the foresight to put `/home'` on it's own partition or device, or have backups. Now, it's no big deal.\n","date_published":"2025-06-24T17:30:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/24/i-btrfs-subvolumes.html","title":"I ♥️ BTRFS Subvolumes","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/24/i-btrfs-subvolumes.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eLike I said, I don\u0026rsquo;t love my latest game, but it feels good to add something to the \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/games/\"\u003e /games\u003c/a\u003e page after six months.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nLike I said, I don't love my latest game, but it feels good to add something to the [ /games](https://ross.karchner.com/games/) page after six months.\n","date_published":"2025-06-24T14:09:16-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/24/like-i-said-i-dont.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/24/like-i-said-i-dont.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not that proud of \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-invisible-alligator\"\u003eThe Invisible Alligator\u003c/a\u003e in its current form, but the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-82\"\u003eGodot Wild Jam 82\u003c/a\u003e deadline is here, and it\u0026rsquo;s nice to ship a game after almost 6 months of not doing much gamedev.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt could use more levels, sound and music, animation, more NPC variety, and more effort spent on graphics. The core gameplay isn\u0026rsquo;t that \u003cem\u003efun\u003c/em\u003e yet, but Benjamin calls it \u0026ldquo;satisfying\u0026rdquo;, so that\u0026rsquo;s something.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI started out thinking about it as a 2D version of Hitman Go, with animals. It ended up in a place that (if built out more) would feel a bit like \u003ca href=\"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoplite_(video_game)\"\u003eHoplite\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe I\u0026rsquo;ll keep tinkering, towards a more polished post-jam version.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm not that proud of [The Invisible Alligator](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-invisible-alligator) in its current form, but the [Godot Wild Jam 82](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-82) deadline is here, and it's nice to ship a game after almost 6 months of not doing much gamedev.\n\nIt could use more levels, sound and music, animation, more NPC variety, and more effort spent on graphics. The core gameplay isn't that _fun_ yet, but Benjamin calls it \"satisfying\", so that's something.\n\nI started out thinking about it as a 2D version of Hitman Go, with animals. It ended up in a place that (if built out more) would feel a bit like [Hoplite](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoplite_(video_game)). \n\nMaybe I'll keep tinkering, towards a more polished post-jam version.\n","date_published":"2025-06-22T16:38:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/22/the-invisible-alligator.html","tags":["Game Projects","Godot Wild Jam 82","Godot","The Invisible Alligator"],"title":"The Invisible Alligator","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/22/the-invisible-alligator.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534371675.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534371675\"\u003eDrawing Blood\u003c/a\u003e by Kevin Eastman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfession: I picked this up thinking it was non-fiction and that Shane Bookman was a real author.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534371675.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Drawing Blood](https://micro.blog/books/9781534371675) by Kevin Eastman 📚\n\nConfession: I picked this up thinking it was non-fiction and that Shane Bookman was a real author.\n","date_published":"2025-06-19T13:53:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/19/finished-reading-drawing-blood-by.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/19/finished-reading-drawing-blood-by.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the nice things about going to events again is seeing the fancy offices people work in.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(brought to you by the seltzer dispenser at The College Board)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nOne of the nice things about going to events again is seeing the fancy offices people work in.\n\n(brought to you by the seltzer dispenser at The College Board)\n","date_published":"2025-06-17T18:46:38-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/17/one-of-the-nice-things.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/17/one-of-the-nice-things.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534371675.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534371675\"\u003eDrawing Blood\u003c/a\u003e by Kevin Eastman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534371675.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Drawing Blood](https://micro.blog/books/9781534371675) by Kevin Eastman 📚\n","date_published":"2025-06-16T07:17:50-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/16/currently-reading-drawing-blood-by.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/16/currently-reading-drawing-blood-by.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI know, the internet doesn\u0026rsquo;t need more words about AI, but not addressing my own usage here feels like an omission.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA good deal of the DC Tech Events code was written with \u003ca href=\"https://aws.amazon.com/q/developer/\"\u003eAmazon Q\u003c/a\u003e. A few things led to this:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeing on the job market, I felt like I needed get a handle on this stuff, to at least have opinions formed by experience and not just what I read on the internet.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI managed to get my hands on $50 of AWS credit that could only be spent on Q.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, I decided that DC Tech Events would be an experiment in working with an LLM coding assistant. I naturally tend to be a bit of an \u003ca href=\"https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2001/04/21/dont-let-architecture-astronauts-scare-you/\"\u003earchitecture astronaut\u003c/a\u003e. You could say Q exacerbated that, or at least didn\u0026rsquo;t \u003cem\u003etemper\u003c/em\u003e that tendency at all. From another angle, it took me to the logical conclusion of my sketchiest ideas faster than I would have otherwise. To abuse the \u0026ldquo;astronaut\u0026rdquo; metaphor: Q got me to the moon (and the realization that life on the moon isn\u0026rsquo;t that pleasant) much sooner than I would have without it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI had a CDK project deploying a defensible cloud architecture for the site, using S3, Cloudfront, Lambda, API Gateway, Cognito, and DynamoDB. The first \u0026ldquo;maybe this sucks\u0026rdquo; moment came when I started working on tweaking the HTML and CSS, and I didn\u0026rsquo;t have a good way to preview changes without doing the whole \u003ccode\u003ecdk deploy\u003c/code\u003e routine, which could take a couple of minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat led to a container-centric refactor, that was able to run locally using \u003ccode\u003edocker compose\u003c/code\u003e. This is when I decided to \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/05/years-ago-i-shut-down.html\"\u003eshare an early screenshot\u003c/a\u003e. It worked, but the complexity was starting to make me feel nauseous.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis prompt was my hail mary:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReimagine this whole project as a static site generator. There is a directory called _groups, with a yaml file describing each group. There is a directory called _single_events for events that don\u0026rsquo;t come from groups(also yaml). All \u0026ldquo;suggestions\u0026rdquo; and the review process will all happen via Github pull requests, so there is no need to provide UI or API\u0026rsquo;s enabling that. There is no longer a need for API\u0026rsquo;s or login or databases. Restructure the project to accomplish this as simply as possible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aggregator should work in two phases: one fetches ical files, and updates a local copy of the file only if it has updated (and supports conditional HTTP get via etag or last modified date). The other converts downloaded iCals and single event YAML into new YAML files:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eupcoming.yaml : the remainder of the current month, and all events for the following month\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eper-month files (like july.yaml)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flask app should be reconfigured to pull from these YAML files instead of dynamoDB.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove the current GithHub actions. Instead, when a change is made to \u003ccode\u003emain\u003c/code\u003e, the aggregator should run, freeze.py should run, and the built site should be deployed via github page\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t recall whether it worked on the first try, and it certainly wasn\u0026rsquo;t the end of the road (I eventually abandoned the per-month organization, for example), but \u003cstrong\u003eit did the thing\u003c/strong\u003e. I was impressed enough to save that prompt because it felt like a noteworthy moment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;d liken the whole experience to: banging software into shape by criticizing it. I like criticizing stuff! (I came into blogging during the \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/zSP8xm_gaK4?si=yVcQBOJYFvR4WBbc\"\u003enew media douchebag era\u003c/a\u003e, after all). In the future, I think I prefer working this way, over not.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf I personally continue using this (and similar tech), am I contributing to making the world worse? The energy and environmental cost might be \u003ca href=\"https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/carbon-footprint-chatgpt\"\u003eoverstated\u003c/a\u003e, but it isn\u0026rsquo;t nothing. Is it akin to the other compromises I might make in a day, like driving my gasoline-powered car, grilling over charcoal, or zoning out in the shower? Much worse? Much less? I don\u0026rsquo;t know yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat isn\u0026rsquo;t the only lens where things look bleak, either: it\u0026rsquo;s the same tools and infrastructure that make the whiz-bang coding assistants work that lets search engines spit out fact-shaped, information-like blurbs that are only correct by coincidence. It\u0026rsquo;s shitty that with the right prompts, you can replicate an artists work, or apply their style to new subject matter, especially if that artist is still alive and working. I wonder if content generated by models trained on other model-generated work will be the \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_goo\"\u003egrey goo\u003c/a\u003e fate of the web.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title of this post was meant to be \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musings_of_a_Cigarette_Smoking_Man\"\u003ean X-Files reference\u003c/a\u003e, but I wonder if cigarettes are in fact an apt metaphor: bad for you and the people around you, enjoyable (for some), and hard to quit.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI know, the internet doesn't need more words about AI, but not addressing my own usage here feels like an omission. \n\nA good deal of the DC Tech Events code was written with [Amazon Q](https://aws.amazon.com/q/developer/). A few things led to this:\n\n- Being on the job market, I felt like I needed get a handle on this stuff, to at least have opinions formed by experience and not just what I read on the internet.\n- I managed to get my hands on $50 of AWS credit that could only be spent on Q.\n\nSo, I decided that DC Tech Events would be an experiment in working with an LLM coding assistant. I naturally tend to be a bit of an [architecture astronaut](https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2001/04/21/dont-let-architecture-astronauts-scare-you/). You could say Q exacerbated that, or at least didn't *temper* that tendency at all. From another angle, it took me to the logical conclusion of my sketchiest ideas faster than I would have otherwise. To abuse the \"astronaut\" metaphor: Q got me to the moon (and the realization that life on the moon isn't that pleasant) much sooner than I would have without it.\n\nI had a CDK project deploying a defensible cloud architecture for the site, using S3, Cloudfront, Lambda, API Gateway, Cognito, and DynamoDB. The first \"maybe this sucks\" moment came when I started working on tweaking the HTML and CSS, and I didn't have a good way to preview changes without doing the whole `cdk deploy` routine, which could take a couple of minutes.\n\nThat led to a container-centric refactor, that was able to run locally using `docker compose`. This is when I decided to [share an early screenshot](https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/05/years-ago-i-shut-down.html). It worked, but the complexity was starting to make me feel nauseous. \n\nThis prompt was my hail mary:\n\n\u003e Reimagine this whole project as a static site generator. There is a directory called _groups, with a yaml file describing each group. There is a directory called _single_events for events that don't come from groups(also yaml). All \"suggestions\" and the review process will all happen via Github pull requests, so there is no need to provide UI or API's enabling that. There is no longer a need for API's or login or databases. Restructure the project to accomplish this as simply as possible.\n\u003e\n\u003e The aggregator should work in two phases: one fetches ical files, and updates a local copy of the file only if it has updated (and supports conditional HTTP get via etag or last modified date). The other converts downloaded iCals and single event YAML into new YAML files:\n\u003e\n\u003e - upcoming.yaml : the remainder of the current month, and all events for the following month\n\u003e - per-month files (like july.yaml)\n\u003e\n\u003e The flask app should be reconfigured to pull from these YAML files instead of dynamoDB.\n\u003e\n\u003e Remove the current GithHub actions. Instead, when a change is made to `main`, the aggregator should run, freeze.py should run, and the built site should be deployed via github page\n\nI don't recall whether it worked on the first try, and it certainly wasn't the end of the road (I eventually abandoned the per-month organization, for example), but **it did the thing**. I was impressed enough to save that prompt because it felt like a noteworthy moment.\n\nI'd liken the whole experience to: banging software into shape by criticizing it. I like criticizing stuff! (I came into blogging during the [new media douchebag era](https://youtu.be/zSP8xm_gaK4?si=yVcQBOJYFvR4WBbc), after all). In the future, I think I prefer working this way, over not.\n\nIf I personally continue using this (and similar tech), am I contributing to making the world worse? The energy and environmental cost might be [overstated](https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/carbon-footprint-chatgpt), but it isn't nothing. Is it akin to the other compromises I might make in a day, like driving my gasoline-powered car, grilling over charcoal, or zoning out in the shower? Much worse? Much less? I don't know yet.\n\nThat isn't the only lens where things look bleak, either: it's the same tools and infrastructure that make the whiz-bang coding assistants work that lets search engines spit out fact-shaped, information-like blurbs that are only correct by coincidence. It's shitty that with the right prompts, you can replicate an artists work, or apply their style to new subject matter, especially if that artist is still alive and working. I wonder if content generated by models trained on other model-generated work will be the [grey goo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_goo) fate of the web. \n\nThe title of this post was meant to be [an X-Files reference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musings_of_a_Cigarette_Smoking_Man), but I wonder if cigarettes are in fact an apt metaphor: bad for you and the people around you, enjoyable (for some), and hard to quit.\n","date_published":"2025-06-15T16:01:04-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/15/musings-of-an-llm-using.html","tags":["AI, LLM, Agents, etc"],"title":"Musings of an LLM Using Man","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/15/musings-of-an-llm-using.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt turns out that \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/search?q=Echolocation\"\u003eecholocation has definitely been done before\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt turns out that [echolocation has definitely been done before](https://itch.io/search?q=Echolocation).\n","date_published":"2025-06-13T20:27:49-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/13/it-turns-out-that-echolocation.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/13/it-turns-out-that-echolocation.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt wasn\u0026rsquo;t that difficult to adapt my little loop programming system to 3D. Maybe \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html\"\u003ethe year of 3D\u003c/a\u003e is back on?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-06-13-17-39-24.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/e57e94ef57.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the moment though, I think I will switch my focus to \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-82\"\u003eGodot Wild Jam 82\u003c/a\u003e. The theme is \u0026ldquo;unseen\u0026rdquo;. This is probably a terrible idea, but right now I\u0026rsquo;m thinking: echolocation?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt wasn't that difficult to adapt my little loop programming system to 3D. Maybe [the year of 3D](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html) is back on?\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-06-13-17-39-24.mp4\" poster=\"/uploads/2025/e57e94ef57.png\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n\nFor the moment though, I think I will switch my focus to [Godot Wild Jam 82](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-82). The theme is \"unseen\". This is probably a terrible idea, but right now I'm thinking: echolocation?\n","date_published":"2025-06-13T17:49:15-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/13/it-turns-out-it-wasnt.html","tags":["Game Projects","Loopnik","Godot Wild Jam 82","Godot"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/13/it-turns-out-it-wasnt.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTIL \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5974609/\"\u003eI have an IMDB page\u003c/a\u003e, from supporting \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170524/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_cdt_t_1\"\u003eAdult Rappers\u003c/a\u003e on kickstarter 10 years ago.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nTIL [I have an IMDB page](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5974609/), from supporting [Adult Rappers](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3170524/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_cdt_t_1) on kickstarter 10 years ago.\n","date_published":"2025-06-12T12:17:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/12/til-i-have-an-imdb.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/12/til-i-have-an-imdb.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe main \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/\"\u003eDC Tech Events\u003c/a\u003e site is generated by a custom static generator, in three phases:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoop through the \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/tree/main/_groups\"\u003egroups\u003c/a\u003e directory and download a local copy of every calendar. Groups must have an iCal or RSS feed. For RSS feeds, each item is further scanned for an embedded JSON-LD Event description. I\u0026rsquo;ll extend that to support other metadata formats, like microformats (and RSS feeds that directly include event data) as I encounter them.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine that data with any future \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/tree/main/_single_events\"\u003esingle events\u003c/a\u003e into a single structured file (YAML).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerate the website, which is built from a Flask application with \u003ca href=\"https://frozen-flask.readthedocs.io/en/stable/index.html\"\u003eFrozen-Flask\u003c/a\u003e. This includes two semi-secret URL\u0026rsquo;s that are used for the newsletter:  a simplified version of the calendar, in HTML and plaintext.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce a day, and anytime a change is merged into the main branch, those three steps are run by Github Actions, and the resulting site is pushed to Github Pages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RSS + JSON-LD  thing might seem arbitrary, but it exists for a mission critical reason:  emojis! For meetup.com groups, the iCal feed garbles emojis. It took me some time to realize that \u003cem\u003emy\u003c/em\u003e code wasn\u0026rsquo;t the problem. While digging into it, I discovered that meetup.com event pages include JSON-LD, which preserves emojis. I should probably update the iCal parser to also augment feeds with JSON-LD, but the current system works fine right now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-06-11-12-21-13.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"99\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who wants to submit a new group or event \u003cem\u003ecould\u003c/em\u003e submit a Pull Request on the \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events\"\u003egithub repo\u003c/a\u003e, but most will probably use \u003ca href=\"https://add.dctech.events\"\u003eadd.dctech.events\u003c/a\u003e. When an event or group is submitted that way, a pull request is created for them (\u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/pull/28\"\u003eexample\u003c/a\u003e). The \u0026ldquo;add\u0026rdquo; site is an \u003ca href=\"https://aws.github.io/chalice/\"\u003eAWS Chalice\u003c/a\u003e app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe newsletter system is also built with Chalice. When someone confirms their email address, it gets saved to a contact list in Amazon\u0026rsquo;s Simple Email Service(SES). A scheduled task runs every Monday morning that fetches the \u0026ldquo;secret\u0026rdquo; URL\u0026rsquo;s and sends every subscriber their copy of the newsletter. SES also handles generating a unique \u0026ldquo;unsubscribe\u0026rdquo; link for each subscriber.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(but, why would anyone unsubscribe?)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe main [DC Tech Events](https://dctech.events/) site is generated by a custom static generator, in three phases:\n\n1. Loop through the [groups](https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/tree/main/_groups) directory and download a local copy of every calendar. Groups must have an iCal or RSS feed. For RSS feeds, each item is further scanned for an embedded JSON-LD Event description. I'll extend that to support other metadata formats, like microformats (and RSS feeds that directly include event data) as I encounter them.\n2. Combine that data with any future [single events](https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/tree/main/_single_events) into a single structured file (YAML).\n3. Generate the website, which is built from a Flask application with [Frozen-Flask](https://frozen-flask.readthedocs.io/en/stable/index.html). This includes two semi-secret URL's that are used for the newsletter:  a simplified version of the calendar, in HTML and plaintext.\n\nOnce a day, and anytime a change is merged into the main branch, those three steps are run by Github Actions, and the resulting site is pushed to Github Pages.\n\nThe RSS + JSON-LD  thing might seem arbitrary, but it exists for a mission critical reason:  emojis! For meetup.com groups, the iCal feed garbles emojis. It took me some time to realize that *my* code wasn't the problem. While digging into it, I discovered that meetup.com event pages include JSON-LD, which preserves emojis. I should probably update the iCal parser to also augment feeds with JSON-LD, but the current system works fine right now.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-06-11-12-21-13.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"99\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\nAnyone who wants to submit a new group or event *could* submit a Pull Request on the [github repo](https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events), but most will probably use [add.dctech.events](https://add.dctech.events). When an event or group is submitted that way, a pull request is created for them ([example](https://github.com/rosskarchner/dctech.events/pull/28)). The \"add\" site is an [AWS Chalice](https://aws.github.io/chalice/) app.\n\nThe newsletter system is also built with Chalice. When someone confirms their email address, it gets saved to a contact list in Amazon's Simple Email Service(SES). A scheduled task runs every Monday morning that fetches the \"secret\" URL's and sends every subscriber their copy of the newsletter. SES also handles generating a unique \"unsubscribe\" link for each subscriber.\n\n(but, why would anyone unsubscribe?)\n","date_published":"2025-06-12T07:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/12/how-dc-tech-events-works.html","tags":["DC Tech Events","Web Projects"],"title":"How DC Tech Events works","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/12/how-dc-tech-events-works.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m at the AWS DC summit today and tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeems like people are really excited about this AI stuff?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm at the AWS DC summit today and tomorrow.\n\nSeems like people are really excited about this AI stuff?\n","date_published":"2025-06-10T09:21:15-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/10/im-at-the-aws-dc.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/10/im-at-the-aws-dc.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eRest in peace \u003ca href=\"https://www.wired.com/story/bill-atkinson-apple-engineer-dies/\"\u003eBill Atkinson\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHypercard was the thing that really hooked me on computers as a creative tool.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nRest in peace [Bill Atkinson](https://www.wired.com/story/bill-atkinson-apple-engineer-dies/).\n\nHypercard was the thing that really hooked me on computers as a creative tool.\n","date_published":"2025-06-08T08:54:35-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/08/rest-in-peace-bill-atkinson.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/08/rest-in-peace-bill-atkinson.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI want to apply for a job, not join your \u0026ldquo;talent community\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI want to apply for a job, not join your \"talent community\"\n","date_published":"2025-06-07T18:46:12-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/07/i-want-to-apply-for.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/07/i-want-to-apply-for.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSome progress on the \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/04/from-so-bad-its-good.html\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;beat game\u0026rdquo; remake\u003c/a\u003e (for the moment, called \u0026ldquo;Loopnik\u0026rdquo;). It\u0026rsquo;s much easier now that I have a better idea of what I\u0026rsquo;m doing and how to structure things. Aside from level advancement, this does everything the original does, with half the lines of code.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u0026ldquo;graphics\u0026rdquo; are kind of charmless and generic right now, but they\u0026rsquo;re placeholders. The donut is from Kenney.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-06-06-21-30-31.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSome progress on the [\"beat game\" remake](https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/04/from-so-bad-its-good.html) (for the moment, called \"Loopnik\"). It's much easier now that I have a better idea of what I'm doing and how to structure things. Aside from level advancement, this does everything the original does, with half the lines of code.\n\nThe \"graphics\" are kind of charmless and generic right now, but they're placeholders. The donut is from Kenney.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-06-06-21-30-31.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-06-06T21:42:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/06/loopnik-begins.html","tags":["Game Projects","Loopnik","Godot"],"title":"Loopnik Begins","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/06/loopnik-begins.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy first game jam entry was \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/beat-game\"\u003ebeat game\u003c/a\u003e, submitted to the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/the-its-so-bad-its-good-game-jam\"\u003eSo Bad It\u0026rsquo;s Good Game Jam\u003c/a\u003e in July 2023. Until then, I\u0026rsquo;d worked on tutorials, toy projects, and had done some tinkering on a recreation of \u003ca href=\"https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor\"\u003eSpin Doctor\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe game ranked 4th overall and won the \u0026ldquo;uniqueness\u0026rdquo; category. I\u0026rsquo;m proud of that, but clearly the \u0026ldquo;so bad\u0026rdquo; theme worked in my favor.  I periodically wonder what a \u003cem\u003egood\u003c/em\u003e version of that game would look like, and I\u0026rsquo;m looking for a way to get back into game dev after a couple of months out of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, that\u0026rsquo;s my summer project, I think. I\u0026rsquo;m eyeing a few upcoming game jams, but if I get some momentum on this, I\u0026rsquo;ll probably just keep plugging away on it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-06-04-12-26-19.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy first game jam entry was [beat game](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/beat-game), submitted to the [So Bad It's Good Game Jam](https://itch.io/jam/the-its-so-bad-its-good-game-jam) in July 2023. Until then, I'd worked on tutorials, toy projects, and had done some tinkering on a recreation of [Spin Doctor](https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor).\n\nThe game ranked 4th overall and won the \"uniqueness\" category. I'm proud of that, but clearly the \"so bad\" theme worked in my favor.  I periodically wonder what a *good* version of that game would look like, and I'm looking for a way to get back into game dev after a couple of months out of it.\n\nSo, that's my summer project, I think. I'm eyeing a few upcoming game jams, but if I get some momentum on this, I'll probably just keep plugging away on it.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-06-04-12-26-19.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-06-04T12:26:46-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/04/from-so-bad-its-good.html","tags":["Game Projects","Loopnik","Godot"],"title":"From so bad it's good to so good it's good","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/04/from-so-bad-its-good.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781788169325.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781788169325\"\u003eThe Notebook\u003c/a\u003e by Roland Allen 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781788169325.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Notebook](https://micro.blog/books/9781788169325) by Roland Allen 📚\n","date_published":"2025-06-02T19:32:31-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/02/finished-reading-the-notebook-by.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/06/02/finished-reading-the-notebook-by.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAn unpolished but challenging turn-based puzzle, about an alligator sneaking around and eating ducks. Made for \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-82\"\u003eGodot Wild Jam 82\u003c/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-invisible-alligator\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAn unpolished but challenging turn-based puzzle, about an alligator sneaking around and eating ducks. Made for [Godot Wild Jam 82](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-82). [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-invisible-alligator).\n","date_published":"2025-06-01T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/the-invisible-alligator/","title":"The Invisible Alligator","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/the-invisible-alligator/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOK\u0026ndash; I feel pretty good about the state of \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/\"\u003eDC Tech Events\u003c/a\u003e. The newsletter system seems to work, users can submit new iCal feeds in addition to single events, and it looks\u0026hellip; well\u0026hellip; not fancy, but presentable (like me?).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn June, I want to \u003cem\u003eoperate\u003c/em\u003e the site, instead of build it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-05-30-13-42-01.png\" width=\"526\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nOK-- I feel pretty good about the state of [DC Tech Events](https://dctech.events/). The newsletter system seems to work, users can submit new iCal feeds in addition to single events, and it looks... well... not fancy, but presentable (like me?).\n\nIn June, I want to _operate_ the site, instead of build it.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-05-30-13-42-01.png\" width=\"526\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-05-30T18:48:20-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/30/ok-i-feel-pretty-good.html","tags":["DC Tech Events","Web Projects"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/30/ok-i-feel-pretty-good.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy Dr\u0026rsquo;s office has a small claim to fame. I think there\u0026rsquo;s a display about the Lorton Meteorite at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/fdb87f2ad8.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy Dr's office has a small claim to fame. I think there's a display about the Lorton Meteorite at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/fdb87f2ad8.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-05-22T12:54:22-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/22/my-drs-office-has-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/22/my-drs-office-has-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBecause you, as a person who reads blogs, are dear to me\u0026ndash; you get to be among the first to know that the \u003ca href=\"https://dctech.events/\"\u003enew DC Tech Events\u003c/a\u003e site is live.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m still tweaking, but I\u0026rsquo;m pleased with how it works right now\u0026ndash; it\u0026rsquo;s a static site deployed on Github Pages. There\u0026rsquo;s a form for submitting events, but behind the scenes that just opens a pull request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext up: getting the newsletter piece up and running.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nBecause you, as a person who reads blogs, are dear to me-- you get to be among the first to know that the [new DC Tech Events](https://dctech.events/) site is live.\n\nI'm still tweaking, but I'm pleased with how it works right now-- it's a static site deployed on Github Pages. There's a form for submitting events, but behind the scenes that just opens a pull request.\n\nNext up: getting the newsletter piece up and running.\n","date_published":"2025-05-20T22:35:36-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/20/dc-tech-events-is-live.html","tags":["DC Tech Events","Web Projects"],"title":"DC Tech Events is Live","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/20/dc-tech-events-is-live.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781788169325.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781788169325\"\u003eThe Notebook\u003c/a\u003e by Roland Allen 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781788169325.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [The Notebook](https://micro.blog/books/9781788169325) by Roland Allen 📚\n","date_published":"2025-05-15T19:35:04-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/15/currently-reading-the-notebook-by.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/15/currently-reading-the-notebook-by.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e10 years ago, I shut down the most popular thing I\u0026rsquo;d ever made (on my own). I\u0026rsquo;m now back in a place life/career-wise where I\u0026rsquo;m once again going to events, and, well, damnit, there\u0026rsquo;s nothing out there doing what DC Tech Events did back in the day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, it\u0026rsquo;s coming back. Pardon me while I relearn CSS.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-05-05-14-10-25.png\" width=\"483\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\n10 years ago, I shut down the most popular thing I'd ever made (on my own). I'm now back in a place life/career-wise where I'm once again going to events, and, well, damnit, there's nothing out there doing what DC Tech Events did back in the day.\n\nSo, it's coming back. Pardon me while I relearn CSS.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-05-05-14-10-25.png\" width=\"483\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-05-05T14:20:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/05/years-ago-i-shut-down.html","tags":["DC Tech Events","Web Projects"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/05/years-ago-i-shut-down.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThere\u0026rsquo;s no escaping Microsoft Copilot\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/093720da1b.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"371\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThere's no escaping Microsoft Copilot\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/093720da1b.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"371\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-05-02T12:41:08-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/02/theres-no-escaping-microsoft-copilot.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/05/02/theres-no-escaping-microsoft-copilot.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI passed the AWS test today, so I can continue to be \u0026ldquo;AWS Certified Security – Specialty\u0026rdquo; until 2028.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI passed the AWS test today, so I can continue to be \"AWS Certified Security – Specialty\" until 2028.\n","date_published":"2025-04-30T18:59:04-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/30/i-passed-the-aws-test.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/30/i-passed-the-aws-test.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506704685.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbandoned for now: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506704685\"\u003eMister X: The Archives\u003c/a\u003e by Dean Motter 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core concept is really cool, but after a few chapters I found myself not really caring about any of the characters or where the story was going.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506704685.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nAbandoned for now: [Mister X: The Archives](https://micro.blog/books/9781506704685) by Dean Motter 📚\r\n\r\nThe core concept is really cool, but after a few chapters I found myself not really caring about any of the characters or where the story was going.\n","date_published":"2025-04-22T07:49:12-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/22/abandoned-for-now-mister-x.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/22/abandoned-for-now-mister-x.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI think I\u0026rsquo;m just not going to write about what\u0026rsquo;s happening at my job again until there\u0026rsquo;s some definitive resolution. It\u0026rsquo;s too fluid, and that isn\u0026rsquo;t what I want the blog to really be about. I definitely appreciate everyone\u0026rsquo;s kind thoughts, though.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis week is about:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epreparing for the AWS Security Specialty exam, which I take on 4/30. I passed this three years ago, and it\u0026rsquo;s time to renew.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003egetting ready for the kiddo\u0026rsquo;s first campout as a BSA Scout, (as opposed to a cub scout) this weekend.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext month, I really want to get back to some game stuff. So far \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html\"\u003ethe year of 3D\u003c/a\u003e has been the year of nothing. Maybe I\u0026rsquo;ll do the Godot Wild Jam again.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have made some progress on the \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/20/lately.html\"\u003emysterious non-game personal project\u003c/a\u003e. I hope to unveil that next month too.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI think I'm just not going to write about what's happening at my job again until there's some definitive resolution. It's too fluid, and that isn't what I want the blog to really be about. I definitely appreciate everyone's kind thoughts, though.\r\n\r\nThis week is about:\r\n- preparing for the AWS Security Specialty exam, which I take on 4/30. I passed this three years ago, and it's time to renew.\r\n- getting ready for the kiddo's first campout as a BSA Scout, (as opposed to a cub scout) this weekend.\r\n\r\nNext month, I really want to get back to some game stuff. So far [the year of 3D](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html) has been the year of nothing. Maybe I'll do the Godot Wild Jam again.\r\n\r\nI have made some progress on the [mysterious non-game personal project](https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/20/lately.html). I hope to unveil that next month too.\n","date_published":"2025-04-22T07:43:44-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/22/april-into-may.html","title":"April into May","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/22/april-into-may.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI added an update to this morning\u0026rsquo;s post: \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/trump-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-65c7953b6d79043fc2ac58b660c3847d\"\u003ethe RIF is once again on hold\u003c/a\u003e. Or at least, access to systems isn\u0026rsquo;t being turned off and we won\u0026rsquo;t be placed on administrative leave, for now.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI added an update to this morning's post: [the RIF is once again on hold](https://apnews.com/article/trump-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-65c7953b6d79043fc2ac58b660c3847d). Or at least, access to systems isn't being turned off and we won't be placed on administrative leave, for now.\n","date_published":"2025-04-18T18:13:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/18/i-added-an-update-to.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/18/i-added-an-update-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eupdate\u003c/strong\u003e: things are \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/trump-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-65c7953b6d79043fc2ac58b660c3847d\"\u003eon hold again\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with \u003ca href=\"https://www.theverge.com/news/651570/cfpb-layoffs-notices-doge\"\u003e1,400 of my closest friends\u003c/a\u003e, I received a \u0026ldquo;Reduction in Force\u0026rdquo; notice yesterday. At 6pm today, I\u0026rsquo;ll no longer have access to work systems, and in 60 days I\u0026rsquo;ll no longer be a CFPB employee.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m sure I\u0026rsquo;ll find more to say later, but I\u0026rsquo;m heartbroken that I don\u0026rsquo;t get to keep working with my amazing team, supporting an important mission for all Americans.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n**update**: things are [on hold again](https://apnews.com/article/trump-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-65c7953b6d79043fc2ac58b660c3847d).\n\nAlong with [1,400 of my closest friends](https://www.theverge.com/news/651570/cfpb-layoffs-notices-doge), I received a \"Reduction in Force\" notice yesterday. At 6pm today, I'll no longer have access to work systems, and in 60 days I'll no longer be a CFPB employee.\n\nI'm sure I'll find more to say later, but I'm heartbroken that I don't get to keep working with my amazing team, supporting an important mission for all Americans.\n","date_published":"2025-04-18T09:14:28-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/18/rifed.html","title":"RIF'ed","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/18/rifed.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506704685.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506704685\"\u003eMister X: The Archives\u003c/a\u003e by Dean Motter 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506704685.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Mister X: The Archives](https://micro.blog/books/9781506704685) by Dean Motter 📚\n","date_published":"2025-04-12T18:23:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/12/currently-reading-mister-x-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/12/currently-reading-mister-x-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781779501035.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781779501035\"\u003eFrank Miller\u0026rsquo;s Ronin (2019 Edition)\u003c/a\u003e by Frank Miller 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781779501035.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Frank Miller's Ronin (2019 Edition)](https://micro.blog/books/9781779501035) by Frank Miller 📚\n","date_published":"2025-04-12T11:47:05-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/12/finished-reading-frank-millers-ronin.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/12/finished-reading-frank-millers-ronin.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI passed the Security+ exam yesterday:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-iframe-width=\"150\" data-iframe-height=\"270\" data-share-badge-id=\"a348af84-fe31-4471-b83f-981e0154c90a\" data-share-badge-host=\"https://www.credly.com\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text/javascript\" async src=\"//cdn.credly.com/assets/utilities/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTip: if one of the options is \u0026ldquo;risk register\u0026rdquo;, the answer is probably \u0026ldquo;risk register\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI passed the Security+ exam yesterday:\r\n\r\n\u003cdiv data-iframe-width=\"150\" data-iframe-height=\"270\" data-share-badge-id=\"a348af84-fe31-4471-b83f-981e0154c90a\" data-share-badge-host=\"https://www.credly.com\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text/javascript\" async src=\"//cdn.credly.com/assets/utilities/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e\r\n\r\nTip: if one of the options is \"risk register\", the answer is probably \"risk register\".\n","date_published":"2025-04-04T07:28:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/04/i-passed-the-security-exam.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/04/i-passed-the-security-exam.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781779501035.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781779501035\"\u003eFrank Miller\u0026rsquo;s Ronin (2019 Edition)\u003c/a\u003e by Frank Miller 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781779501035.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Frank Miller's Ronin (2019 Edition)](https://micro.blog/books/9781779501035) by Frank Miller 📚\n","date_published":"2025-04-03T20:45:48-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/03/currently-reading-frank-millers-ronin.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/04/03/currently-reading-frank-millers-ronin.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223295.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780735223295\"\u003eFrostbite\u003c/a\u003e by Nicola Twilley 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223295.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Frostbite](https://micro.blog/books/9780735223295) by Nicola Twilley 📚\n","date_published":"2025-03-28T23:40:35-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/28/finished-listening-frostbite-by-nicola.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/28/finished-listening-frostbite-by-nicola.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781770463820.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781770463820\"\u003eBerlin\u003c/a\u003e by Jason Lutes 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781770463820.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Berlin](https://micro.blog/books/9781770463820) by Jason Lutes 📚\n","date_published":"2025-03-28T21:22:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/28/finished-reading-berlin-by-jason.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/28/finished-reading-berlin-by-jason.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m still employed (and even doing some work, given that \u003ca href=\"https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-113publ283/\"\u003eFISMA\u003c/a\u003e-related work counts as \u0026ldquo;statutory duties\u0026rdquo;). The next milestone there seems to be Monday, when the judge will rule on what happens next.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI haven\u0026rsquo;t been doing much game-related stuff, with the exception that the kiddo has challenged me to make another, more difficult level for \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/22/robo-rampage.html\"\u003eRobo Rampage\u003c/a\u003e, featuring a new enemy. I\u0026rsquo;ve made a \u003cem\u003elittle\u003c/em\u003e progress on this.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been working on a non-game personal project, which will be familiar to anyone who knew me 10-15 years ago\u0026hellip;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\n- I'm still employed (and even doing some work, given that [FISMA](https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-113publ283/)-related work counts as \"statutory duties\"). The next milestone there seems to be Monday, when the judge will rule on what happens next.\r\n- I haven't been doing much game-related stuff, with the exception that the kiddo has challenged me to make another, more difficult level for [Robo Rampage](https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/22/robo-rampage.html), featuring a new enemy. I've made a *little* progress on this.\r\n- I've been working on a non-game personal project, which will be familiar to anyone who knew me 10-15 years ago...\n","date_published":"2025-03-20T08:19:54-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/20/lately.html","title":"Lately","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/20/lately.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eToday, with my family, I watched the first episode of \u003ca href=\"https://www.pbs.org/show/human-footprint/\"\u003eHuman Footprint\u003c/a\u003e, which is about invasive species. It\u0026rsquo;s full of US government employees (I noticed USGS, BLM, and Army Corps of Engineers) doing important science and engineering: keeping asian carp out of the great lakes, studying pythons in the everglades, and managing the wild horse population in the west.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI had to wonder, after these last few weeks\u0026hellip; do these people still have jobs? What will happen without them?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nToday, with my family, I watched the first episode of [Human Footprint](https://www.pbs.org/show/human-footprint/), which is about invasive species. It's full of US government employees (I noticed USGS, BLM, and Army Corps of Engineers) doing important science and engineering: keeping asian carp out of the great lakes, studying pythons in the everglades, and managing the wild horse population in the west.\r\n\r\nI had to wonder, after these last few weeks... do these people still have jobs? What will happen without them?\n","date_published":"2025-03-09T19:05:05-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/09/who-will-do-this-work.html","title":"Who will do this work?","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/09/who-will-do-this-work.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe kiddo and I worked through this \u003ca href=\"https://huggingface.co/learn/deep-rl-course/en/unitbonus3/godotrl\"\u003eGodot Reinforcement Learning tutorial\u003c/a\u003e, and (after some troubleshooting to get \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/onnx/onnx\"\u003eonnx\u003c/a\u003e to install) it worked! We trained a model to be able to play a circular pong game.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t necessarily understand most of what I did there, for example why I would pick \u0026ldquo;Stable Baselines\u0026rdquo; vs \u0026quot; Clean RL\u0026quot;, but it definitely seems like something worth experimenting with some more. It might be fun to use to use RL to improve the the opponent in \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning\"\u003eThe Zummoning\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s a shame that in order to use a model in-game, you need to use the .NET version of Godot, which (apparently) \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/article/platform-state-in-csharp-for-godot-4-2/#web\"\u003ecan\u0026rsquo;t yet export to the web\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe kiddo and I worked through this [Godot Reinforcement Learning tutorial](https://huggingface.co/learn/deep-rl-course/en/unitbonus3/godotrl), and (after some troubleshooting to get [onnx](https://github.com/onnx/onnx) to install) it worked! We trained a model to be able to play a circular pong game. \r\n\r\nI don't necessarily understand most of what I did there, for example why I would pick \"Stable Baselines\" vs \" Clean RL\", but it definitely seems like something worth experimenting with some more. It might be fun to use to use RL to improve the the opponent in [The Zummoning](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning).\r\n\r\nIt's a shame that in order to use a model in-game, you need to use the .NET version of Godot, which (apparently) [can't yet export to the web](https://godotengine.org/article/platform-state-in-csharp-for-godot-4-2/#web).\n","date_published":"2025-03-01T20:03:46-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/01/rl.html","title":"RL","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/03/01/rl.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223295.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780735223295\"\u003eFrostbite\u003c/a\u003e by Nicola Twilley 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRespect and fear the cold chain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223295.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Frostbite](https://micro.blog/books/9780735223295) by Nicola Twilley 📚\n\nRespect and fear the cold chain.\n","date_published":"2025-02-26T19:59:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/26/currently-listening-frostbite-by-nicola.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/26/currently-listening-frostbite-by-nicola.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDoes that mean there are \u003cstrong\u003emore\u003c/strong\u003e marshmallow butt games?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/0642ef43b1.jpg\" width=\"392\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nDoes that mean there are __more__ marshmallow butt games? \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/0642ef43b1.jpg\" width=\"392\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-02-23T21:43:23-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/23/does-that-mean-there-are.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/23/does-that-mean-there-are.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781770463820.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781770463820\"\u003eBerlin\u003c/a\u003e by Jason Lutes 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781770463820.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Berlin](https://micro.blog/books/9781770463820) by Jason Lutes 📚\n","date_published":"2025-02-23T00:01:43-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/23/currently-reading-berlin-by-jason.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/23/currently-reading-berlin-by-jason.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve finished \u0026ldquo;Robo Rampage\u0026rdquo;, and thus I\u0026rsquo;m done with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-complete-3d\"\u003eComplete Godot 3D\u003c/a\u003e course.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTowards the end, I kind of wanted to just get it over with, so I didn\u0026rsquo;t put \u003cem\u003emuch\u003c/em\u003e effort into decorating the level (in fact, most of the decoration you \u003cem\u003edo\u003c/em\u003e see was added by Benjamin). Still, I like that it\u0026rsquo;s got enemies that chase you,  some interesting lighting effects, and two different guns that recoil and spawn little sparky-effects where the bullets impact.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-02-22-22-40-54.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat\u0026rsquo;s next? I want to get out of the tutorial headspace and work on my own projects for a while. I did start \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/HjZFfimuEkY?si=IW_2wf931nZX7Ji-\"\u003ethis Blender tutorial \u003c/a\u003e a few weeks ago, and plan to pick it up again. In the meantime, revel in this sweet-ass trash can I made all by myself!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-02-22-22-55-08.png\" width=\"516\" height=\"407\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've finished \"Robo Rampage\", and thus I'm done with the [Complete Godot 3D](https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-complete-3d) course.\r\n\r\nTowards the end, I kind of wanted to just get it over with, so I didn't put *much* effort into decorating the level (in fact, most of the decoration you *do* see was added by Benjamin). Still, I like that it's got enemies that chase you,  some interesting lighting effects, and two different guns that recoil and spawn little sparky-effects where the bullets impact. \r\n\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-02-22-22-40-54.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\r\n\r\nWhat's next? I want to get out of the tutorial headspace and work on my own projects for a while. I did start [this Blender tutorial ](https://youtu.be/HjZFfimuEkY?si=IW_2wf931nZX7Ji-) a few weeks ago, and plan to pick it up again. In the meantime, revel in this sweet-ass trash can I made all by myself!\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/screenshot-from-2025-02-22-22-55-08.png\" width=\"516\" height=\"407\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-02-22T23:55:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/22/robo-rampage.html","title":"Robo Rampage","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/22/robo-rampage.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy day today\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/71576ddf26.jpg\" width=\"431\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy day today... \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2025/71576ddf26.jpg\" width=\"431\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-02-22T08:44:59-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/22/my-day-today.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/22/my-day-today.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis week, \u003ca href=\"https://www.pymnts.com/news/cfpb/2025/cfpb-firings-on-hold-amid-lawsuit-against-trump-layoffs/\"\u003ework is still in a holding pattern\u003c/a\u003e. I applied to a good number of jobs, talked to people, and un-mothballed one of my earliest Godot projects (a digital version the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cisowise.com/bam-card-game\"\u003eBalanced Attack Model\u003c/a\u003e game). My current thinking with that game: spend some time making the best version of that I can, then reaching out to the creator of the BAM deck to see if there\u0026rsquo;s some way we can collaborate and/or if he\u0026rsquo;d be OK if I make it available online.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, I\u0026rsquo;m working on the \u003ca href=\"https://catalog.us-east-1.prod.workshops.aws/workshops/a4bdb007-5600-4368-81c5-ff5b4154f518/en-US\"\u003eAmazon Bedrock Workshop\u003c/a\u003e, the first \u0026ldquo;homework\u0026rdquo; from the \u003ca href=\"https://besaprogram.com/\"\u003eBecome a Solution Architect\u003c/a\u003e program.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting Monday, and for the next four weeks I\u0026rsquo;m attending CISA\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;skilling academy\u0026rdquo; for System Security Analysis full-time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis week, [work is still in a holding pattern](https://www.pymnts.com/news/cfpb/2025/cfpb-firings-on-hold-amid-lawsuit-against-trump-layoffs/). I applied to a good number of jobs, talked to people, and un-mothballed one of my earliest Godot projects (a digital version the [Balanced Attack Model](https://www.cisowise.com/bam-card-game) game). My current thinking with that game: spend some time making the best version of that I can, then reaching out to the creator of the BAM deck to see if there's some way we can collaborate and/or if he'd be OK if I make it available online.\r\n\r\nToday, I'm working on the [Amazon Bedrock Workshop](https://catalog.us-east-1.prod.workshops.aws/workshops/a4bdb007-5600-4368-81c5-ff5b4154f518/en-US), the first \"homework\" from the [Become a Solution Architect](https://besaprogram.com/) program.\r\n\r\nStarting Monday, and for the next four weeks I'm attending CISA's \"skilling academy\" for System Security Analysis full-time.\n","date_published":"2025-02-21T14:34:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/21/dot-plan.html","title":"dot plan","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/21/dot-plan.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781040057766.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781040057766\"\u003eGame Magic\u003c/a\u003e by Jeff Howard 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInteresting book! In explaining \u0026ldquo;game magic\u0026rdquo;, the author spends a lot of time delving into magic as described in fantasy literature, history, and even modern occult practice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781040057766.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Game Magic](https://micro.blog/books/9781040057766) by Jeff Howard 📚\n\nInteresting book! In explaining \"game magic\", the author spends a lot of time delving into magic as described in fantasy literature, history, and even modern occult practice.\n","date_published":"2025-02-20T17:59:17-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/20/finished-reading-game-magic-by.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/20/finished-reading-game-magic-by.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780191622267.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780191622267\"\u003eThe Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDone with \u003ca href=\"https://www.audible.com/pd/Sherlock-Holmes-Audiobook/B06WLMWF2S?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H\u0026amp;share_location=pdp\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780191622267.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes](https://micro.blog/books/9780191622267) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\n\nDone with [*Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection*](https://www.audible.com/pd/Sherlock-Holmes-Audiobook/B06WLMWF2S?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H\u0026share_location=pdp)!\n","date_published":"2025-02-17T11:43:20-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/17/finished-listening-the-casebook-of.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/17/finished-listening-the-casebook-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBenjamin and I have started a game jam: \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/crazzzy-4x-jam\"\u003eCrazzzy 4X Jam!\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nBenjamin and I have started a game jam: [Crazzzy 4X Jam!](https://itch.io/jam/crazzzy-4x-jam)\n","date_published":"2025-02-16T17:08:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/16/benjamin-and-i-have-started.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/16/benjamin-and-i-have-started.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://besaprogram.com/\"\u003eBecome a Solution Architect\u003c/a\u003e looks promising: free training over 8 weeks, starts this weekend.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[Become a Solution Architect](https://besaprogram.com/) looks promising: free training over 8 weeks, starts this weekend.\n","date_published":"2025-02-14T16:15:57-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/14/become-a-solution-architect-looks.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/14/become-a-solution-architect-looks.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eYesterday, I spent a little time polishing my resume and applying to jobs, and took another AWS Security practice exam. \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1iojewn/expect_massive_rif_at_cfpb_tomorrow_february_14th/\"\u003eThe rumor mill\u003c/a\u003e says the hammer might fall today, but for the moment I\u0026rsquo;m still being paid to \u003cem\u003enot\u003c/em\u003e work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, I think, is for gamedev stuff.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nYesterday, I spent a little time polishing my resume and applying to jobs, and took another AWS Security practice exam. [The rumor mill](https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1iojewn/expect_massive_rif_at_cfpb_tomorrow_february_14th/) says the hammer might fall today, but for the moment I'm still being paid to *not* work.\r\n\r\nToday, I think, is for gamedev stuff.\n","date_published":"2025-02-14T09:04:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/14/yesterday-i-spent-a-little.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/14/yesterday-i-spent-a-little.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSo far it\u0026rsquo;s been four days since I and most of my colleagues were \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/09/business/vought-cfpb-musk-trump.html\"\u003eordered not to work\u003c/a\u003e.  I started the week getting over a cold, so didn\u0026rsquo;t do much of note Monday or Tuesday. Yesterday, I registered to take the AWS Security exam in April (my certification expires in May) and took a practice exam.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill this last days? weeks? months? I have no idea.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSo far it's been four days since I and most of my colleagues were [ordered not to work](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/09/business/vought-cfpb-musk-trump.html).  I started the week getting over a cold, so didn't do much of note Monday or Tuesday. Yesterday, I registered to take the AWS Security exam in April (my certification expires in May) and took a practice exam.\n\nWill this last days? weeks? months? I have no idea.\n","date_published":"2025-02-13T09:53:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/13/ceaseed.html","title":"Cease'ed","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/13/ceaseed.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBenjamin\u0026rsquo;s recent game jam entry is \u003ca href=\"https://brkarchner.itch.io/rolling-is-spinning\"\u003eRolling is Spinning\u003c/a\u003e. It gets pretty tricky at the end!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI did the coding, following his concept and directions. He also did the art/animation for the ball that represents the player.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of the jam is \u0026ldquo;spinning\u0026rdquo;, hence the name, to remind the judges of that rolling should count as spinning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nBenjamin's recent game jam entry is [Rolling is Spinning](https://brkarchner.itch.io/rolling-is-spinning). It gets pretty tricky at the end!\r\n\r\nI did the coding, following his concept and directions. He also did the art/animation for the ball that represents the player.\r\n\r\nThe theme of the jam is \"spinning\", hence the name, to remind the judges of that rolling should count as spinning.\n","date_published":"2025-02-03T00:03:23-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/03/rolling-is-spinning.html","title":"Rolling is Spinning","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/02/03/rolling-is-spinning.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been helping my son on an entry for the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/boss-rush-jam-2025\"\u003eBoss Rush Jam 2025\u003c/a\u003e\u0026ndash; the concepts are his, most of the art is royalty free stuff from a humble bundle, and I do most of the coding and Godot-wrangling.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m on the last project of \u003ca href=\"https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-complete-3d/\"\u003eCompete Godot 3D\u003c/a\u003e, which is a first person shooter. I\u0026rsquo;ve got a world to run around in, an enemy that follows me if I get too close, and a gun that can shoot then enemy and recoils when fired, and has a muzzle flash. There\u0026rsquo;s more to do, but it\u0026rsquo;s a satisfying project.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-01-25-14-36-51.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n- I've been helping my son on an entry for the [Boss Rush Jam 2025](https://itch.io/jam/boss-rush-jam-2025)-- the concepts are his, most of the art is royalty free stuff from a humble bundle, and I do most of the coding and Godot-wrangling.\n- I'm on the last project of [Compete Godot 3D](https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-complete-3d/), which is a first person shooter. I've got a world to run around in, an enemy that follows me if I get too close, and a gun that can shoot then enemy and recoils when fired, and has a muzzle flash. There's more to do, but it's a satisfying project.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-01-25-14-36-51.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-01-25T15:38:03-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/25/game-deving-lately.html","title":"Game dev-ing lately","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/25/game-deving-lately.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9788726605594.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9788726605594\"\u003eHis Last Bow\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9788726605594.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [His Last Bow](https://micro.blog/books/9788726605594) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\n","date_published":"2025-01-18T16:18:59-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/18/finished-listening-his-last-bow.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/18/finished-listening-his-last-bow.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been checking out some older games in my Steam library that I haven\u0026rsquo;t played much. I\u0026rsquo;m not sure exactly what Jazzpunk is about yet, but I got to degauss some pigeons, and that was fun.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been checking out some older games in my Steam library that I haven't played much. I'm not sure exactly what Jazzpunk is about yet, but I got to degauss some pigeons, and that was fun.\n","date_published":"2025-01-17T00:40:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/17/ive-been-checking-out-some.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/17/ive-been-checking-out-some.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eJust a little bit of Barbarian Blaster, the 2nd of 3 projects taught in \u003ca href=\"https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-complete-3d\"\u003eComplete Godot 3D\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was surprised that the first two projects are \u003cem\u003ebasically\u003c/em\u003e two dimensional (movement happens in two axis, and the camera is static). I hadn\u0026rsquo;t really considered using \u0026ldquo;3D\u0026rdquo; like that. I am now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-01-13-19-33-08.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nJust a little bit of Barbarian Blaster, the 2nd of 3 projects taught in [Complete Godot 3D](https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-complete-3d).\n\nI was surprised that the first two projects are *basically* two dimensional (movement happens in two axis, and the camera is static). I hadn't really considered using \"3D\" like that. I am now.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2025/screencast-from-2025-01-13-19-33-08.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2025-01-13T20:29:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/13/just-a-little-bit-of.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/13/just-a-little-bit-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt turns out, I don\u0026rsquo;t have to use the \u0026ldquo;rawhide\u0026rdquo; version of Fedora just to get an updated kernel\u0026ndash; so now the new machine is on Fedora 41, and I\u0026rsquo;m getting the kernel from the \u003ca href=\"https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Kernel_Vanilla_Repositories\"\u003evanilla mainline repo\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt turns out, I don't have to use the \"rawhide\" version of Fedora just to get an updated kernel-- so now the new machine is on Fedora 41, and I'm getting the kernel from the [vanilla mainline repo](https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Kernel_Vanilla_Repositories).\n","date_published":"2025-01-03T15:16:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/03/it-turns-out-i-dont.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/03/it-turns-out-i-dont.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;ve made a resolution to create your own website or blog (or have just been thinking about it) \u003ca href=\"https://micro.one\"\u003emicro.one\u003c/a\u003e is a great way to get started. $1/month, and supports a custom domain name.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIf you've made a resolution to create your own website or blog (or have just been thinking about it) [micro.one](https://micro.one) is a great way to get started. $1/month, and supports a custom domain name.\n","date_published":"2025-01-03T10:39:46-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/03/if-youve-made-a-resolution.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/03/if-youve-made-a-resolution.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEvery three or four years I get the urge to build a PC. Most of the time, the urge passes and I move on to other ideas/projects/what have you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis time, I built the dang thing!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComponent-wise, the most interesting part is probably the GPU\u0026ndash; I was able to get my hands on an \u003ca href=\"https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-launches-arc-b-series-graphics-cards.html\"\u003eIntel Arc B580\u003c/a\u003e (Battlemage!) and it\u0026rsquo;s spent the last two weeks sitting in my office, unloved. Last night, I trekked down to Microcenter to buy the \u003cem\u003erest of the computer\u003c/em\u003e and, after some drama (it took me a while to figure out where all the screws were, how to attach the CPU cooler, and that the motherboard wanted the 8 pin OR 8+4 power connection, but not BOTH), I have a nicely specced little PC next to my desk.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy little, I mean about the size of a mini-fridge. A \u0026ldquo;mid tower\u0026rdquo; is still pretty huge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBattlemage support in Linux still has \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoronix.com/review/intel-arc-b580-windows-linux\"\u003ea ways to go\u003c/a\u003e. I decided to start with \u003ca href=\"https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/releases/rawhide/\"\u003eFedora Rawhide\u003c/a\u003e, so I can get any improvements soon after they land in the kernel.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, I\u0026rsquo;ve been able to play some games that were unusable or pretty rough on my laptop (a circa 2016 Lenovo Carbon X1), and Godot is humming along nicely. The \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/asset-library/asset/1733\"\u003eAbandoned Spaceship Demo\u003c/a\u003e was really jerky on the laptop, but runs on the new box like it\u0026rsquo;s no big deal.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nEvery three or four years I get the urge to build a PC. Most of the time, the urge passes and I move on to other ideas/projects/what have you.\n\nThis time, I built the dang thing!\n\nComponent-wise, the most interesting part is probably the GPU-- I was able to get my hands on an [Intel Arc B580](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-launches-arc-b-series-graphics-cards.html) (Battlemage!) and it's spent the last two weeks sitting in my office, unloved. Last night, I trekked down to Microcenter to buy the *rest of the computer* and, after some drama (it took me a while to figure out where all the screws were, how to attach the CPU cooler, and that the motherboard wanted the 8 pin OR 8+4 power connection, but not BOTH), I have a nicely specced little PC next to my desk. \n\nBy little, I mean about the size of a mini-fridge. A \"mid tower\" is still pretty huge.\n\nBattlemage support in Linux still has [a ways to go](https://www.phoronix.com/review/intel-arc-b580-windows-linux). I decided to start with [Fedora Rawhide](https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/releases/rawhide/), so I can get any improvements soon after they land in the kernel.\n\nSo far, I've been able to play some games that were unusable or pretty rough on my laptop (a circa 2016 Lenovo Carbon X1), and Godot is humming along nicely. The [Abandoned Spaceship Demo](https://godotengine.org/asset-library/asset/1733) was really jerky on the laptop, but runs on the new box like it's no big deal.\n","date_published":"2025-01-01T00:38:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/01/every-three-or-four-years.html","title":"new year, new rig","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2025/01/01/every-three-or-four-years.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDance like no one is watching, love like you\u0026rsquo;ve never been hurt, sing like no one is listening, and \u003ca href=\"https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/12/u-s-army-soldier-arrested-in-att-verizon-extortions/\"\u003enever give Brian Krebs a reason to call your mom\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nDance like no one is watching, love like you've never been hurt, sing like no one is listening, and [never give Brian Krebs a reason to call your mom](https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/12/u-s-army-soldier-arrested-in-att-verizon-extortions/).\n","date_published":"2024-12-31T09:44:45-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/31/dance-like-no-one-is.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/31/dance-like-no-one-is.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSomewhere along the line, I told myself a story: Before making 3D games, I needed to \u003cem\u003elearn 3D\u003c/em\u003e, as in get a handle on 3D graphics as a general topic, and perhaps develop some expertise in something like Blender.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom talking to people at gamedev meetups, it seems like maybe that story is nonsense?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo test that theory, I\u0026rsquo;ve been working on a Godot 3D tutorial and finding that things generally makes sense. Coming from 2D, I was surprised that:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp is positive, and down is negative (on the 2D canvas, it\u0026rsquo;s the other way around\u0026ndash; like you\u0026rsquo;re always in the bottom right quadrant of the standard coordinate system, the origin is in the top left corner)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m measuring things in meters instead of pixels.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAside from that, the additional axis, and a new set of nodes to use, most of what I\u0026rsquo;ve learned about Godot still applies. So, in 2025, I\u0026rsquo;m hoping to make some 3D games.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd, maybe learn Blender.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSomewhere along the line, I told myself a story: Before making 3D games, I needed to *learn 3D*, as in get a handle on 3D graphics as a general topic, and perhaps develop some expertise in something like Blender. \r\n\r\nFrom talking to people at gamedev meetups, it seems like maybe that story is nonsense?\r\n\r\nTo test that theory, I've been working on a Godot 3D tutorial and finding that things generally makes sense. Coming from 2D, I was surprised that:\r\n\r\n- Up is positive, and down is negative (on the 2D canvas, it's the other way around-- like you're always in the bottom right quadrant of the standard coordinate system, the origin is in the top left corner)\r\n- I'm measuring things in meters instead of pixels.\r\n\r\nAside from that, the additional axis, and a new set of nodes to use, most of what I've learned about Godot still applies. So, in 2025, I'm hoping to make some 3D games.\r\n\r\nAnd, maybe learn Blender.\n","date_published":"2024-12-28T13:55:07-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html","title":"​2025: the year of 3D","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/28/the-year-of-d.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9783849689919.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9783849689919\"\u003eThe Valley of Fear\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really enjoyed this one! It makes me want to learn some more about the Molly Maguires and the \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_McParland#Infiltration_of_the_Molly_Maguires\"\u003enon-fiction events\u003c/a\u003e the Pennsylvania portion story is based on.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9783849689919.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished listening: [The Valley of Fear](https://micro.blog/books/9783849689919) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\n\nI really enjoyed this one! It makes me want to learn some more about the Molly Maguires and the [non-fiction events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_McParland#Infiltration_of_the_Molly_Maguires) the Pennsylvania portion story is based on.\n","date_published":"2024-12-23T22:52:57-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/23/finished-reading-the-valley-of.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/23/finished-reading-the-valley-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve finished \u003ca href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/inkscape-beginner-to-pro-in-inkscape-and-vector-design/\"\u003ethe Inkscape course\u003c/a\u003e I was working through. I think it was worthwhile\u0026ndash; the biggest aha! moments were: shape builder, the mesh tool, clipping shapes, symbols, and clones. I don\u0026rsquo;t think I\u0026rsquo;ll ever quite grok bezier curves.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s a quick recreation of the character from \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape\"\u003eBrakes Escape\u003c/a\u003e!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/brakes.png\" width=\"486\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've finished [the Inkscape course](https://www.udemy.com/course/inkscape-beginner-to-pro-in-inkscape-and-vector-design/) I was working through. I think it was worthwhile-- the biggest aha! moments were: shape builder, the mesh tool, clipping shapes, symbols, and clones. I don't think I'll ever quite grok bezier curves. \r\n\r\nHere's a quick recreation of the character from [Brakes Escape](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape)!\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/brakes.png\" width=\"486\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-12-19T23:26:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/19/ive-finished-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/19/ive-finished-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s unfortunate that \u003ca href=\"https://www.gamesradar.com/games/indie-game-marketplace-itch-io-goes-down-as-it-claims-funko-pop-company-used-ai-powered-brand-protection-to-create-some-bogus-phishing-report/\"\u003eitch.io got taken down\u003c/a\u003e\nbecause of an escalating set of automated processes and overreactions\u0026ndash; but it\u0026rsquo;s got me thinking about hosting games myself. \u003ca href=\"https://indieweb.org/own_your_data\"\u003eOwn your data\u003c/a\u003e should apply to everything, not just blog posts and photos.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's unfortunate that [itch.io got taken down](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/indie-game-marketplace-itch-io-goes-down-as-it-claims-funko-pop-company-used-ai-powered-brand-protection-to-create-some-bogus-phishing-report/)\r\n because of an escalating set of automated processes and overreactions-- but it's got me thinking about hosting games myself. [Own your data](https://indieweb.org/own_your_data) should apply to everything, not just blog posts and photos.\n","date_published":"2024-12-11T19:49:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/11/its-unfortunate-that.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/11/its-unfortunate-that.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780755334414.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780755334414\"\u003eThe Return of Sherlock Holmes\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780755334414.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Return of Sherlock Holmes](https://micro.blog/books/9780755334414) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\n","date_published":"2024-12-10T17:39:04-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/10/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/10/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781040057766.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781040057766\"\u003eGame Magic\u003c/a\u003e by Jeff Howard 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781040057766.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Game Magic](https://micro.blog/books/9781040057766) by Jeff Howard 📚\n","date_published":"2024-12-10T13:05:04-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/10/currently-reading-game.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/10/currently-reading-game.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683966821.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781683966821\"\u003eLight It, Shoot It!\u003c/a\u003e by Graham Chaffee 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHonestly this felt a little rushed, it was over before I had a chance to really care about these characters.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683966821.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Light It, Shoot It!](https://micro.blog/books/9781683966821) by Graham Chaffee 📚\n\nHonestly this felt a little rushed, it was over before I had a chance to really care about these characters.\n","date_published":"2024-12-10T11:30:49-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/10/finished-reading-light.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/10/finished-reading-light.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250216670.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781250216670\"\u003eThe Arab of the Future 3\u003c/a\u003e by Riad Sattouf 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250216670.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Arab of the Future 3](https://micro.blog/books/9781250216670) by Riad Sattouf 📚\n","date_published":"2024-12-08T01:08:48-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/08/finished-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/08/finished-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI decided I was tired of faking my way through Inkscape, so I grabbed \u003ca href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/inkscape-beginner-to-pro-in-inkscape-and-vector-design/\"\u003ethis course\u003c/a\u003e on sale a few days ago. I\u0026rsquo;m about an hour into the course, but feeling pretty good about it. Grids, guides, the Align \u0026amp; Distribute tool were all minor epiphanies.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI decided I was tired of faking my way through Inkscape, so I grabbed [this course](https://www.udemy.com/course/inkscape-beginner-to-pro-in-inkscape-and-vector-design/) on sale a few days ago. I'm about an hour into the course, but feeling pretty good about it. Grids, guides, the Align \u0026 Distribute tool were all minor epiphanies.\n","date_published":"2024-12-07T23:38:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/07/i-decided-i.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/07/i-decided-i.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250137920.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781250137920\"\u003eThe Arab of the Future 2\u003c/a\u003e by Riad Sattouf 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250137920.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Arab of the Future 2](https://micro.blog/books/9781250137920) by Riad Sattouf 📚\n","date_published":"2024-12-03T23:37:44-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/03/finished-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/03/finished-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNora Reed says \u003ca href=\"https://nora.zone/manifesto.html\"\u003eyou should have a website\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don\u0026rsquo;t want to learn to use technology, other people will use it for you, and they will use it to place you under their thumbs in a way that makes it as impossible to switch to something else as they can. Making a website is a great way to experiment with getting agency over your relationship with the internet, your phone, and computers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNora Reed says [you should have a website](https://nora.zone/manifesto.html)\r\n\r\n\u003eIf you don't want to learn to use technology, other people will use it for you, and they will use it to place you under their thumbs in a way that makes it as impossible to switch to something else as they can. Making a website is a great way to experiment with getting agency over your relationship with the internet, your phone, and computers.\n","date_published":"2024-12-03T16:42:57-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/03/nora-reed-says.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/03/nora-reed-says.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve submitted \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pinball-putt\"\u003ePinball Putt \u003c/a\u003e to the 1-Button Game Jam. \u003cem\u003eA mini-golf/pinball mashup where you need to earn enough points to pass a level, without running out of strokes\u003c/em\u003e.  Most of the level designs and some of the art were made by my son, Benjamin.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-12-03-11-04-39.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"331\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've submitted [Pinball Putt ](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pinball-putt) to the 1-Button Game Jam. _A mini-golf/pinball mashup where you need to earn enough points to pass a level, without running out of strokes_.  Most of the level designs and some of the art were made by my son, Benjamin.\n\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-12-03-11-04-39.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"331\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-12-03T12:10:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/03/ive-submitted-pinball.html","tags":["1-Button Jam 2024","Pinball Putt"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/03/ive-submitted-pinball.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOK, I\u0026rsquo;m pretty happy that the \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/dethrace-labs/dethrace\"\u003edethrace project\u003c/a\u003e exists so that I can play Carmageddon natively on linux.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nOK, I'm pretty happy that the [dethrace project](https://github.com/dethrace-labs/dethrace) exists so that I can play Carmageddon natively on linux.\n","date_published":"2024-12-01T22:23:44-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/01/ok-im-pretty.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/01/ok-im-pretty.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA mini-golf/pinball mashup where you need to earn enough points to pass a level, without running out of strokes. Made in collaboration with Benjamin Karchner for the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/1-button-jam-2024\"\u003e2024 1-Button Game Jam\u003c/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pinball-putt\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nA mini-golf/pinball mashup where you need to earn enough points to pass a level, without running out of strokes. Made in collaboration with Benjamin Karchner for the [2024 1-Button Game Jam](https://itch.io/jam/1-button-jam-2024). [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pinball-putt).\n","date_published":"2024-12-01T00:00:00-05:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/pinball-putt/","title":"Pinball Putt","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/pinball-putt/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy \u0026ldquo;chill mini golf game\u0026rdquo; for the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/1-button-jam-2024\"\u003e1-Button Jam\u003c/a\u003e is coming together\u0026ndash; though I don\u0026rsquo;t think I\u0026rsquo;ll be done for the 5pm deadline tomorrow. Luckily, the organizer said late submissions aren\u0026rsquo;t a problem, so I\u0026rsquo;m going to spend a few more days on it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-11-30-23-22-23.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"267\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy \"chill mini golf game\" for the [1-Button Jam](https://itch.io/jam/1-button-jam-2024) is coming together-- though I don't think I'll be done for the 5pm deadline tomorrow. Luckily, the organizer said late submissions aren't a problem, so I'm going to spend a few more days on it.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-11-30-23-22-23.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"267\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-12-01T00:25:54-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/01/my-chill-mini.html","tags":["1-Button Jam 2024","Pinball Putt"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/12/01/my-chill-mini.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cblockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at://did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbyd6fdvqk2o\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreia7wrewkciz2xj565f7yq75pepwzs4y77vvaospo7tj76pk3yty34\"\u003e\u003cp lang=\"en\"\u003eI had hoped to complete a couple more obstacles/gadgets today, but only got this pinball-style bumper working. \n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m happy with the mouse graphic that appears during attract mode, which doubles as a teaching tool.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbyd6fdvqk2o?ref_src=embed\"\u003e[image or embed]\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e— RossK (Nellee Hooper Edit) (\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws?ref_src=embed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com\"\u003e@ross.karchner.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/a\u003e) \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbyd6fdvqk2o?ref_src=embed\"\u003eNovember 28, 2024 at 12:23 AM\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cscript async src=\"https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(I\u0026rsquo;m having some issues uploading video on micro.blog this week\u0026ndash; so I\u0026rsquo;m uploading to Bluesky and embedding those posts here. \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7jH-5YQLcE\"\u003eTechnology\u003c/a\u003e!)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cblockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at://did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbyd6fdvqk2o\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreia7wrewkciz2xj565f7yq75pepwzs4y77vvaospo7tj76pk3yty34\"\u003e\u003cp lang=\"en\"\u003eI had hoped to complete a couple more obstacles/gadgets today, but only got this pinball-style bumper working. \n\nI'm happy with the mouse graphic that appears during attract mode, which doubles as a teaching tool.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbyd6fdvqk2o?ref_src=embed\"\u003e[image or embed]\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e— RossK (Nellee Hooper Edit) (\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws?ref_src=embed\"\u003e[@ross.karchner.com](https://ross.karchner.com)\u003c/a\u003e) \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbyd6fdvqk2o?ref_src=embed\"\u003eNovember 28, 2024 at 12:23 AM\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cscript async src=\"https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e\n\n(I'm having some issues uploading video on micro.blog this week-- so I'm uploading to Bluesky and embedding those posts here. [Technology](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7jH-5YQLcE)!)\n","date_published":"2024-11-28T01:27:07-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/28/i-had-hoped.html","tags":["1-Button Jam 2024","Pinball Putt"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/28/i-had-hoped.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve added an \u0026ldquo;attract mode\u0026rdquo; bot that plays \u003cem\u003eplausibly\u003c/em\u003e but seldom \u003cem\u003esuccessfully\u003c/em\u003e. It can\u0026rsquo;t really deal with obstacles yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-11-27-00-11-25.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've added an \"attract mode\" bot that plays *plausibly* but seldom *successfully*. It can't really deal with obstacles yet.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-11-27-00-11-25.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-11-27T01:15:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/27/ive-added-an.html","tags":["1-Button Jam 2024","Pinball Putt"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/27/ive-added-an.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve migrated fediverse following/followers over to \u003ca href=\"https://mastodon.gamedev.place/users/rmk\"\u003emy profile on mastodon.gamedev.place\u003c/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com\"\u003eross.karchner.com\u003c/a\u003e will now cross-post to that account.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve decided I want the full-fat Mastodon experience again, for now at least.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've migrated fediverse following/followers over to [my profile on mastodon.gamedev.place](https://mastodon.gamedev.place/users/rmk). [ross.karchner.com](https://ross.karchner.com) will now cross-post to that account.\r\n\r\nI've decided I want the full-fat Mastodon experience again, for now at least.\n","date_published":"2024-11-27T00:58:28-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/27/ive-migrated-fediverse.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/27/ive-migrated-fediverse.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cblockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at://did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbtazhjkvc2a\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreicjczzm73ju2jvmp6z6zn3fqwfjt3zvae772ozhtztkt5wsnztmmu\"\u003e\u003cp lang=\"en\"\u003eWorking on a chill mini-golf game for the 1-Button Jam.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbtazhjkvc2a?ref_src=embed\"\u003e[image or embed]\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e— RossK (Nellee Hooper Edit) (\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws?ref_src=embed\"\u003e[@ross.karchner.com](https://ross.karchner.com)\u003c/a\u003e) \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbtazhjkvc2a?ref_src=embed\"\u003eNovember 26, 2024 at 12:01 AM\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cscript async src=\"https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cblockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at://did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbtazhjkvc2a\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreicjczzm73ju2jvmp6z6zn3fqwfjt3zvae772ozhtztkt5wsnztmmu\"\u003e\u003cp lang=\"en\"\u003eWorking on a chill mini-golf game for the 1-Button Jam.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbtazhjkvc2a?ref_src=embed\"\u003e[image or embed]\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e— RossK (Nellee Hooper Edit) (\u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws?ref_src=embed\"\u003e[@ross.karchner.com](https://ross.karchner.com)\u003c/a\u003e) \u003ca href=\"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:dqlfbgpq4tic3b4xtfrerpws/post/3lbtazhjkvc2a?ref_src=embed\"\u003eNovember 26, 2024 at 12:01 AM\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cscript async src=\"https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c/script\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-11-26T01:07:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/26/working-on-a.html","tags":["1-Button Jam 2024","Pinball Putt"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/26/working-on-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781627797528.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781627797528\"\u003eThe Arab of the Future\u003c/a\u003e by Riad Sattouf 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781627797528.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Arab of the Future](https://micro.blog/books/9781627797528) by Riad Sattouf 📚\n","date_published":"2024-11-20T23:30:22-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/20/finished-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/20/finished-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe Smithsonian has a model of the ship from Close Encounters of the 3rd kind. If you look closely you can find R2D2 and a couple of other Easter eggs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/20727206ec.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe Smithsonian has a model of the ship from Close Encounters of the 3rd kind. If you look closely you can find R2D2 and a couple of other Easter eggs. \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/20727206ec.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-11-16T19:37:55-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/16/the-smithsonian-has.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/16/the-smithsonian-has.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI was on the fence a \u003cem\u003ebit\u003c/em\u003e, but I allowed my yearly micro.blog subscription renew today.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a thousand ways to put a site or blog up online, but I like the apps, and how micro bridges to BlueSky and the fediverse. I also enjoy the bookshelf feature, which seems like a quirky one-off (I mean, why not movies, TV, and games?) \u0026ndash; which somehow makes it more lovely.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI was on the fence a *bit*, but I allowed my yearly micro.blog subscription renew today. \r\n\r\nThere are a thousand ways to put a site or blog up online, but I like the apps, and how micro bridges to BlueSky and the fediverse. I also enjoy the bookshelf feature, which seems like a quirky one-off (I mean, why not movies, TV, and games?) -- which somehow makes it more lovely.\n","date_published":"2024-11-13T22:02:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/13/another-year-in.html","title":"Another year in your feed","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/13/another-year-in.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780689835711.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780689835711\"\u003eThe Hound of the Baskervilles\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780689835711.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Hound of the Baskervilles](https://micro.blog/books/9780689835711) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\n","date_published":"2024-11-10T15:30:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/10/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/10/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683969525.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781683969525\"\u003eDelights: a Story of Hieronymus Bosch\u003c/a\u003e by Guy Colwell 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683969525.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Delights: a Story of Hieronymus Bosch](https://micro.blog/books/9781683969525) by Guy Colwell 📚\n","date_published":"2024-11-08T11:04:39-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/08/finished-reading-delights.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/08/finished-reading-delights.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI had a couple of ideas for the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2024\"\u003eGithub Game Off\u003c/a\u003e, but I\u0026rsquo;m kind of feeling more motivated to work on SpinDoc\u0026ndash; though I think my plan this month is to focus on building a level editor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, hmm, the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2024\"\u003e20 Second Game Jam\u003c/a\u003e starts this week as well, and that was really fun last year. We\u0026rsquo;ll see.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI had a couple of ideas for the [Github Game Off](https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2024), but I'm kind of feeling more motivated to work on SpinDoc-- though I think my plan this month is to focus on building a level editor. \r\n\r\nBut, hmm, the [20 Second Game Jam](https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2024) starts this week as well, and that was really fun last year. We'll see.\n","date_published":"2024-11-05T16:32:25-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/05/i-had-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/05/i-had-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780745348667.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780745348667\"\u003eEmpire of Normality\u003c/a\u003e by Robert Chapman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780745348667.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Empire of Normality](https://micro.blog/books/9780745348667) by Robert Chapman 📚\n","date_published":"2024-11-05T14:34:49-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/05/currently-reading-empire.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/11/05/currently-reading-empire.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNot much obvious has changed since my last post about SpinDoc\u0026ndash; I did rework a lot of how the wands work behind the scenes. I had been rotating the wand with code, but now it\u0026rsquo;s a \u003ca href=\"https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_rigidbody2d.html\"\u003eRigidBody2d\u003c/a\u003e, with rotation being handled by the physics engine.\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-10-31-21-02-19.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNot much obvious has changed since my last post about SpinDoc-- I did rework a lot of how the wands work behind the scenes. I had been rotating the wand with code, but now it's a [RigidBody2d](https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_rigidbody2d.html), with rotation being handled by the physics engine.\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-10-31-21-02-19.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-10-31T21:05:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/31/not-much-obvious.html","tags":["SpinDoc"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/31/not-much-obvious.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781772751482.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781772751482\"\u003eThe Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781772751482.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes](https://micro.blog/books/9781772751482) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-28T22:14:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/28/finished-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/28/finished-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781953165602.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781953165602\"\u003eLittle Black Book\u003c/a\u003e by Jeff McComsey 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781953165602.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Little Black Book](https://micro.blog/books/9781953165602) by Jeff McComsey 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-26T16:08:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/26/finished-reading-little.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/26/finished-reading-little.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506742694.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506742694\"\u003eMedea\u003c/a\u003e by Blandine Le Callet 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506742694.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Medea](https://micro.blog/books/9781506742694) by Blandine Le Callet 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-25T21:46:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/25/finished-reading-medea.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/25/finished-reading-medea.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506742694.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506742694\"\u003eMedea\u003c/a\u003e by Blandine Le Callet 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506742694.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Medea](https://micro.blog/books/9781506742694) by Blandine Le Callet 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-23T17:10:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/23/currently-reading-medea.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/23/currently-reading-medea.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMaybe it\u0026rsquo;s time for for a little station ID?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though you might be seeing this on Mastodon, Bluesky, or elsewhere\u0026ndash; you\u0026rsquo;re reading my (Ross\u0026rsquo;s) blog, which lives at \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com.\"\u003eross.karchner.com.\u003c/a\u003e If that is distressing news, I apologize.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy posts get \u003ca href=\"https://indieweb.org/POSSE\"\u003ePOSSE\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rsquo;d to other services via \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/\"\u003emicro.blog\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMaybe it's time for for a little station ID?\r\n\r\nEven though you might be seeing this on Mastodon, Bluesky, or elsewhere-- you're reading my (Ross's) blog, which lives at [ross.karchner.com.](https://ross.karchner.com.) If that is distressing news, I apologize. \r\n\r\nMy posts get [POSSE](https://indieweb.org/POSSE)'d to other services via [micro.blog](https://micro.blog/).\n","date_published":"2024-10-19T08:26:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/19/maybe-its-time.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/19/maybe-its-time.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506731971.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506731971\"\u003eAir Volume 3\u003c/a\u003e by G. Willow Wilson 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506731971.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Air Volume 3](https://micro.blog/books/9781506731971) by G. Willow Wilson 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-17T06:57:41-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/17/finished-reading-air.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/17/finished-reading-air.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWho wants to start a news show with me?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/09b81c28d3.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWho wants to start a news show with me? \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/09b81c28d3.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-10-11T19:36:35-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/11/who-wants-to.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/11/who-wants-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506731964.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506731964\"\u003eAir Volume 2\u003c/a\u003e by G. Willow Wilson 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506731964.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Air Volume 2](https://micro.blog/books/9781506731964) by G. Willow Wilson 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-11T06:57:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/11/finished-reading-air.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/11/finished-reading-air.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSome progress on \u0026ldquo;SpinDoc\u0026rdquo;:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;rings\u0026rdquo; (aka, dots you can only use once)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eenemy wands that can move to appropriately colored dots\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of this month, I\u0026rsquo;d like to have the project in a state that at least \u003cem\u003eresembles\u003c/em\u003e a game: a couple of levels, a few missing Spin Doctor features (in particular, doors), some sound and animation. In November, I\u0026rsquo;ll focus on the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2024\"\u003eGitHub Game Off\u003c/a\u003e. When I get back to SpinDoc after that, it\u0026rsquo;ll be more level design, some original mechanics I\u0026rsquo;ve been thinking off, and polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-10-08-18-44-58.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSome progress on \"SpinDoc\":\n- \"rings\" (aka, dots you can only use once)\n- enemy wands that can move to appropriately colored dots\n\nBy the end of this month, I'd like to have the project in a state that at least *resembles* a game: a couple of levels, a few missing Spin Doctor features (in particular, doors), some sound and animation. In November, I'll focus on the [GitHub Game Off](https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2024). When I get back to SpinDoc after that, it'll be more level design, some original mechanics I've been thinking off, and polish. \n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-10-08-18-44-58.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-10-08T18:59:17-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/08/spindoc.html","tags":["SpinDoc"],"title":"SpinDoc","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/08/spindoc.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506731711.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781506731711\"\u003eAir Volume 1\u003c/a\u003e by G. Willow Wilson 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781506731711.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Air Volume 1](https://micro.blog/books/9781506731711) by G. Willow Wilson 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-08T18:13:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/08/finished-reading-air.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/08/finished-reading-air.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781425016562.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781425016562\"\u003eAdventures of Sherlock Holmes\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781425016562.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Adventures of Sherlock Holmes](https://micro.blog/books/9781425016562) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-05T08:17:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/05/finished-listening-adventures.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/05/finished-listening-adventures.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401242282.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401242282\"\u003eBatman: The Killing Joke\u003c/a\u003e by Alan Moore 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401242282.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Batman: The Killing Joke](https://micro.blog/books/9781401242282) by Alan Moore 📚\n","date_published":"2024-10-04T17:45:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/04/finished-reading-batman.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/10/04/finished-reading-batman.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302919870.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781302919870\"\u003eMarvels\u003c/a\u003e 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781302919870.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Marvels](https://micro.blog/books/9781302919870) 📚\n","date_published":"2024-09-26T00:26:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/26/finished-reading-marvels.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/26/finished-reading-marvels.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/d4ab2917b0.jpg\" width=\"581\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/d4ab2917b0.jpg\" width=\"581\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-09-25T16:21:08-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/25/162108.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/25/162108.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780826414182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780826414182\"\u003eHow to Read Superhero Comics and why\u003c/a\u003e by Geoff Klock 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was more academic than I was expecting (full of words like \u0026lsquo;misprision\u0026rsquo; and \u0026lsquo;kenosis\u0026rsquo;), but Klock makes a convincing case that the books he writes about exist in conversation with each other, the comics of past eras, and criticism like \u003ca href=\"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seduction_of_the_Innocent\"\u003eSeduction of the Innocent\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not sure if that interplay is supposed to answer the \u0026lsquo;why\u0026rsquo; question by itself, but it does have me somewhat intrigued\u0026ndash; at least enough to check out some books I\u0026rsquo;ve missed (like Marvels, Astro City, Kingdom Come, America\u0026rsquo;s Best Comics, and Grant Morrison\u0026rsquo;s JLA).\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780826414182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [How to Read Superhero Comics and why](https://micro.blog/books/9780826414182) by Geoff Klock 📚\n\nThis was more academic than I was expecting (full of words like 'misprision' and 'kenosis'), but Klock makes a convincing case that the books he writes about exist in conversation with each other, the comics of past eras, and criticism like [Seduction of the Innocent](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seduction_of_the_Innocent). \n\nI'm not sure if that interplay is supposed to answer the 'why' question by itself, but it does have me somewhat intrigued-- at least enough to check out some books I've missed (like Marvels, Astro City, Kingdom Come, America's Best Comics, and Grant Morrison's JLA).\n","date_published":"2024-09-23T23:56:59-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/23/how-to-read.html","title":"How to Read Superhero Comics and why","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/23/how-to-read.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been working through Firebelly\u0026rsquo;s new course: \u003ca href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-complete-grid-based-puzzle-game-godot-4-c-sharp\"\u003eCreate a Complete Grid-Based Puzzle Game in Godot 4 with C#\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy? I learned a ton by taking his earlier \u003ca href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-complete-2d-platformer-in-the-godot-engine/\"\u003e2D platformer course\u003c/a\u003e, and this looks to be a tilemap-heavy project, which is something I\u0026rsquo;ve been feeling rusty on. I\u0026rsquo;ve also been thinking that some exposure to C# would be helpful.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, I\u0026rsquo;m enjoying the course content, but C# doesn\u0026rsquo;t feel\u0026hellip; comfortable yet. We\u0026rsquo;ll see if that changes by the end.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been working through Firebelly's new course: [Create a Complete Grid-Based Puzzle Game in Godot 4 with C#](https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-complete-grid-based-puzzle-game-godot-4-c-sharp).\r\n\r\nWhy? I learned a ton by taking his earlier [2D platformer course](https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-complete-2d-platformer-in-the-godot-engine/), and this looks to be a tilemap-heavy project, which is something I've been feeling rusty on. I've also been thinking that some exposure to C# would be helpful.\r\n\r\nSo far, I'm enjoying the course content, but C# doesn't feel... comfortable yet. We'll see if that changes by the end.\n","date_published":"2024-09-21T21:08:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/21/ive-been-working.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/21/ive-been-working.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s nothing to be too proud of yet, but I\u0026rsquo;ve made some progress on my \u003ca href=\"https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor\"\u003eSpin Doctor\u003c/a\u003e remake/tribute/spiritual successor/what have you. This is a recreation of an SD level. (the darker dot represents the level goal, but doesn\u0026rsquo;t do anything yet)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-09-21-19-00-43.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's nothing to be too proud of yet, but I've made some progress on my [Spin Doctor](https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor) remake/tribute/spiritual successor/what have you. This is a recreation of an SD level. (the darker dot represents the level goal, but doesn't do anything yet)\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-09-21-19-00-43.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-09-21T19:05:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/21/its-nothing-to.html","tags":["SpinDoc"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/21/its-nothing-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t worry about the smoke\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/ad2a53f5af.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nDon't worry about the smoke \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/ad2a53f5af.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-09-21T14:46:43-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/21/dont-worry-about.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/21/dont-worry-about.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780826414182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780826414182\"\u003eHow to Read Superhero Comics and why\u003c/a\u003e by Geoff Klock 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommendation from Robin Sloan\u0026rsquo;s newsletter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780826414182.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [How to Read Superhero Comics and why](https://micro.blog/books/9780826414182) by Geoff Klock 📚\n\nRecommendation from Robin Sloan's newsletter.\n","date_published":"2024-09-11T17:41:12-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/11/currently-reading-how.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/11/currently-reading-how.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781904633778.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbandoned for now: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781904633778\"\u003eMoby-Dick\u003c/a\u003e by Herman Melville 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI got about halfway through, but it\u0026rsquo;s been a few weeks since I picked it up\u0026ndash; just too many other things pulling on my attention.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe I only have room for \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/2up7su7CeMU?si=qZC0K6W8IRhjoMhM\"\u003eone whale\u003c/a\u003e in my life.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781904633778.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nAbandoned for now: [Moby-Dick](https://micro.blog/books/9781904633778) by Herman Melville 📚\n\nI got about halfway through, but it's been a few weeks since I picked it up-- just too many other things pulling on my attention.\n\nMaybe I only have room for [one whale](https://youtu.be/2up7su7CeMU?si=qZC0K6W8IRhjoMhM) in my life.\n","date_published":"2024-09-09T18:02:22-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/09/abandoned-for-now.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/09/09/abandoned-for-now.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe kiddo and I have been playing some Warcraft 2. It\u0026rsquo;s early yet, but I\u0026rsquo;m a little surprised by how \u0026ldquo;scorched earth\u0026rdquo; some of these scenarios are. It\u0026rsquo;s not a victory until you\u0026rsquo;ve completely wiped the enemy off of the map: even farms, peons/peasants, blacksmiths and oil tankers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe kiddo and I have been playing some Warcraft 2. It's early yet, but I'm a little surprised by how \"scorched earth\" some of these scenarios are. It's not a victory until you've completely wiped the enemy off of the map: even farms, peons/peasants, blacksmiths and oil tankers.\n","date_published":"2024-08-30T16:38:48-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/30/the-kiddo-and.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/30/the-kiddo-and.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe ratings are in, and \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/quack-circuits\"\u003eQuack Circuits\u003c/a\u003e\u0026hellip; ranked near the bottom in most categories (there were 156 submissions).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-08-25-18-34-15.png\" width=\"306\" height=\"323\" alt=\"\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eGetting 21st in \u0026ldquo;originality\u0026rdquo; suits me just fine though\u0026ndash; that (or whatever similar category is available, like \u0026ldquo;innovation\u0026rdquo;) is usually where I do best, and doing well there is the kind of thing that makes me think I have something to contribute to the game dev world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe comments were generally positive, which isn\u0026rsquo;t unusual\u0026ndash; game jam participants are a friendly bunch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 8 of the 9 days of the jam, I was working on a fairly straightforward puzzle game. In the final 24 hours, I pivoted to making the puzzles a mini-game in a larger story of a duck trying to escape\u0026hellip; something (in my mind, it was an animal testing lab, but that never made it to the final product). Would it have ranked higher if I spent that last day refining the puzzle game? Maybe? I can\u0026rsquo;t know.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing I did for the first time, was get deployment nailed down \u003cem\u003efirst\u003c/em\u003e. Before I wrote a line of game code, I had the base project all set up with Github Actions and successfully deploying the base project to itch.io. I\u0026rsquo;ll definitely keep doing that for future projects.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe ratings are in, and [Quack Circuits](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/quack-circuits)... ranked near the bottom in most categories (there were 156 submissions).\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-08-25-18-34-15.png\" width=\"306\" height=\"323\" alt=\"\"\u003e\r\n\r\nGetting 21st in \"originality\" suits me just fine though-- that (or whatever similar category is available, like \"innovation\") is usually where I do best, and doing well there is the kind of thing that makes me think I have something to contribute to the game dev world. \r\n\r\nThe comments were generally positive, which isn't unusual-- game jam participants are a friendly bunch. \r\n\r\nFor 8 of the 9 days of the jam, I was working on a fairly straightforward puzzle game. In the final 24 hours, I pivoted to making the puzzles a mini-game in a larger story of a duck trying to escape... something (in my mind, it was an animal testing lab, but that never made it to the final product). Would it have ranked higher if I spent that last day refining the puzzle game? Maybe? I can't know.\r\n\r\nOne thing I did for the first time, was get deployment nailed down *first*. Before I wrote a line of game code, I had the base project all set up with Github Actions and successfully deploying the base project to itch.io. I'll definitely keep doing that for future projects.\n","date_published":"2024-08-25T21:44:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/25/postmortem-quack-circuits.html","tags":["Godot Wild Jam 72"],"title":"Postmortem: Quack Circuits / Godot WIld Jam 72","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/25/postmortem-quack-circuits.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis morning I was thinking back on some videos I\u0026rsquo;ve watched (like \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/cWcJejr3Fl4?si=vCocSi_EQ1tEIhXJ\"\u003ethis\u003c/a\u003e) about abandoned NFT games, and it occurred to me that such a virtual world might be a compelling setting for a new game.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA world of half-built and/or I\u0026rsquo;ll-conceived villas and islands, bugs (exploitable?) that will never be fixed, bad algorithmic art, a massively deflated in-game currency. Everything you see was put there by VC, whales, crypto true believers, speculators, scammers and dupes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny random \u003ca href=\"https://www.web3isgoinggreat.com/\"\u003eMolly White blog post\u003c/a\u003e could be a plot line.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis morning I was thinking back on some videos I've watched (like [this](https://youtu.be/cWcJejr3Fl4?si=vCocSi_EQ1tEIhXJ)) about abandoned NFT games, and it occurred to me that such a virtual world might be a compelling setting for a new game. \n\nA world of half-built and/or I'll-conceived villas and islands, bugs (exploitable?) that will never be fixed, bad algorithmic art, a massively deflated in-game currency. Everything you see was put there by VC, whales, crypto true believers, speculators, scammers and dupes.\n\nAny random [Molly White blog post](https://www.web3isgoinggreat.com/) could be a plot line.\n","date_published":"2024-08-25T14:01:27-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/25/planet-of-the.html","title":"Planet of the All My Apes Gone","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/25/planet-of-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9791155193549.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9791155193549\"\u003eThe Sign of the Four\u003c/a\u003e by SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9791155193549.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Sign of the Four](https://micro.blog/books/9791155193549) by SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE 📚\n","date_published":"2024-08-24T10:45:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/24/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/24/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSo, I \u003cem\u003ehad\u003c/em\u003e a serviceable puzzle game. The feedback in the Karchner household was pretty much:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat\u0026rsquo;s boring. You should make the game less boring.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo now, the puzzles are a minigame in \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/quack-circuits\"\u003ea larger\u0026hellip; duck\u0026hellip;.quest.. thing\u003c/a\u003e. I wouldn\u0026rsquo;t exactly say it works. But it kind of works?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI still like the puzzles.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/duck-around.png\" width=\"428\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSo, I *had* a serviceable puzzle game. The feedback in the Karchner household was pretty much: \n\n\u003e That's boring. You should make the game less boring.\n\nSo now, the puzzles are a minigame in [a larger... duck....quest.. thing](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/quack-circuits). I wouldn't exactly say it works. But it kind of works? \n\nI still like the puzzles.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/duck-around.png\" width=\"428\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-08-18T18:29:37-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/18/so-i-had.html","tags":["Godot Wild Jam 72"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/18/so-i-had.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve updated the deployment pipelines for \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pong-wars\"\u003ePong Wars\u003c/a\u003e and the current WIP to use Godot 4.3.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile I was at it, I updated the Pong Wars pipeline to \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/rosskarchner/pong-wars-godot/blob/main/.github/workflows/main.yml#L47-L50\"\u003epush directly to itch.io\u003c/a\u003e. Previously, it was an iframe pointing to the Github Pages version, which never looked quite right.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've updated the deployment pipelines for [Pong Wars](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pong-wars) and the current WIP to use Godot 4.3. \r\n\r\nWhile I was at it, I updated the Pong Wars pipeline to [push directly to itch.io](https://github.com/rosskarchner/pong-wars-godot/blob/main/.github/workflows/main.yml#L47-L50). Previously, it was an iframe pointing to the Github Pages version, which never looked quite right.\n","date_published":"2024-08-17T11:44:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/17/ive-updated-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/17/ive-updated-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDespite \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/12/its-not-a.html\"\u003eprevious predictions\u003c/a\u003e, I haven\u0026rsquo;t gotten a chance to work on improving the art and adding sound, music, polish, etc yet. I\u0026rsquo;ve got until 4pm Sunday to make improvements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, I can at least call it a game now! There are three puzzles. I think that\u0026rsquo;s enough for a jam entry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-08-16-23-22-33.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nDespite [previous predictions](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/12/its-not-a.html), I haven't gotten a chance to work on improving the art and adding sound, music, polish, etc yet. I've got until 4pm Sunday to make improvements.\r\n\r\nBut, I can at least call it a game now! There are three puzzles. I think that's enough for a jam entry. \r\n\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-08-16-23-22-33.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-08-16T23:28:37-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/16/despite-previous-predictions.html","tags":["Godot Wild Jam 72"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/16/despite-previous-predictions.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIf Sour Patch Kids made a beer, it\u0026rsquo;d taste like \u0026lsquo;Volcano Sauce\u0026rsquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(please send more volcano sauce)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIf Sour Patch Kids made a beer, it'd taste like 'Volcano Sauce'.\r\n\r\n(please send more volcano sauce)\n","date_published":"2024-08-16T22:12:17-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/16/if-sour-patch.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/16/if-sour-patch.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781098139155.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781098139155\"\u003ePolicy as Code\u003c/a\u003e by Jimmy Ray 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781098139155.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Policy as Code](https://micro.blog/books/9781098139155) by Jimmy Ray 📚\n","date_published":"2024-08-15T14:58:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/15/currently-reading-policy.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/15/currently-reading-policy.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780307430489.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780307430489\"\u003eA Study in Scarlet\u003c/a\u003e by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(I\u0026rsquo;m actually listening to \u003ca href=\"https://www.audible.com/pd/Sherlock-Holmes-Audiobook/B06WLMWF2S\"\u003eSherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection\u003c/a\u003e, read by Stephen Fry\u0026ndash; which is as excellent as you would suspect. At 72 hours, I\u0026rsquo;ll probably be listening to this into 2025.)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780307430489.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [A Study in Scarlet](https://micro.blog/books/9780307430489) by Arthur Conan Doyle 📚\r\n\r\n(I'm actually listening to [Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection](https://www.audible.com/pd/Sherlock-Holmes-Audiobook/B06WLMWF2S), read by Stephen Fry-- which is as excellent as you would suspect. At 72 hours, I'll probably be listening to this into 2025.)\n","date_published":"2024-08-14T22:17:12-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/14/finished-listening-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/14/finished-listening-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s not a game yet\u0026ndash; but it\u0026rsquo;s interactive!  By tomorrow night, I should be able to have a couple of playable levels, and that will leave me most of a week (including the weekend) to focus on improving the graphics, adding sound, and other fit-and-finish work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-08-12-23-25-42.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's not a game yet-- but it's interactive!  By tomorrow night, I should be able to have a couple of playable levels, and that will leave me most of a week (including the weekend) to focus on improving the graphics, adding sound, and other fit-and-finish work.\r\n\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-08-12-23-25-42.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-08-12T23:31:59-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/12/its-not-a.html","tags":["Godot Wild Jam 72"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/12/its-not-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA feeble #screenshotsaturday for my Godot Wild Jam work in progress. The current idea is something like \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_Mania\"\u003ePipe Mania\u003c/a\u003e meets \u003ca href=\"https://shop.elenco.com/consumers/brands/snap-circuits.html\"\u003eSnap Crcuits\u003c/a\u003e. This screenshot does not convey any of that, but I did get to the point where the game can detect whether a complete circuit has been made and react accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-08-10-23-53-49.png\" width=\"262\" height=\"153\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nA feeble #screenshotsaturday for my Godot Wild Jam work in progress. The current idea is something like [Pipe Mania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_Mania) meets [Snap Crcuits](https://shop.elenco.com/consumers/brands/snap-circuits.html). This screenshot does not convey any of that, but I did get to the point where the game can detect whether a complete circuit has been made and react accordingly. \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-08-10-23-53-49.png\" width=\"262\" height=\"153\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-08-11T00:00:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/11/a-feeble-screenshotsaturday.html","tags":["Godot Wild Jam 72"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/11/a-feeble-screenshotsaturday.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe theme is out for Godot Wild Jam #72. It\u0026rsquo;s a good thing I spent time last night finally figuring out how to make \u003ca href=\"https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/2d/2d_lights_and_shadows.html#\"\u003e2D lighting and shadows work\u003c/a\u003e\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-08-09-19-37-26.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"177\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe theme is out for Godot Wild Jam #72. It's a good thing I spent time last night finally figuring out how to make [2D lighting and shadows work](https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/2d/2d_lights_and_shadows.html#)...\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-08-09-19-37-26.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"177\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-08-09T19:39:50-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/09/the-theme-is.html","tags":["Godot Wild Jam 72"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/09/the-theme-is.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI decided to dip into Threads a bit over the last few days: it\u0026rsquo;s mostly people talking about Twitter, Elon Musk, and the new Deadpool movie.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of those things is interesting to me, but I can wait until it\u0026rsquo;s on Disney Plus.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI decided to dip into Threads a bit over the last few days: it's mostly people talking about Twitter, Elon Musk, and the new Deadpool movie.\r\n\r\nOne of those things is interesting to me, but I can wait until it's on Disney Plus.\n","date_published":"2024-08-06T21:02:43-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/06/i-decided-to.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/06/i-decided-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWhen I was writing \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/16/whats-next-for.html\"\u003ethis post\u003c/a\u003e, I \u003cem\u003ealmost\u003c/em\u003e committed to sitting out game jams for a while, in order to focus on a small number of longer-term projects. Honestly, I could use some momentum right now, and I feel the most momentum after finishing a game jam.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, I\u0026rsquo;m signed up for \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-72\"\u003eGodot Wild Jam 72\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis time around, I\u0026rsquo;m going to try to make a really simple game, and focus on the visuals and providing a quality, polished experience. In other words, I won\u0026rsquo;t try to design a \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning\"\u003ewhole-ass magic system\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(though thanks to a recent humble bundle, I\u0026rsquo;m looking forward to diving in to \u003ca href=\"https://www.elmstreetbooks.com/book/9781466567856\"\u003eGame Magic: A Designer\u0026rsquo;s Guide to Magic Systems in Theory and Practice\u003c/a\u003e.)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWhen I was writing [this post](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/16/whats-next-for.html), I *almost* committed to sitting out game jams for a while, in order to focus on a small number of longer-term projects. Honestly, I could use some momentum right now, and I feel the most momentum after finishing a game jam.\n\nSo, I'm signed up for [Godot Wild Jam 72](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-72). \n\nThis time around, I'm going to try to make a really simple game, and focus on the visuals and providing a quality, polished experience. In other words, I won't try to design a [whole-ass magic system](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning).\n\n(though thanks to a recent humble bundle, I'm looking forward to diving in to [Game Magic: A Designer's Guide to Magic Systems in Theory and Practice](https://www.elmstreetbooks.com/book/9781466567856).)\n","date_published":"2024-08-06T19:35:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/06/gwj.html","tags":["Godot Wild Jam 72"],"title":"GWJ72","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/06/gwj.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe previously seen water shader, applied to a sphere (by request):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-08-04-13-57-49.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe previously seen water shader, applied to a sphere (by request):\r\n\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-08-04-13-57-49.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-08-04T13:59:16-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/04/the-previously-seen.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/04/the-previously-seen.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781603095372.png\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781603095372\"\u003eIn Perpetuity\u003c/a\u003e by Maria and Peter Hoey 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781603095372.png\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [In Perpetuity](https://micro.blog/books/9781603095372) by Maria and Peter Hoey 📚\n","date_published":"2024-08-03T13:17:41-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/03/finished-reading-in.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/08/03/finished-reading-in.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis is \u003cem\u003eadmittedly\u003c/em\u003e a strange one. Help a scared-of-the-dark duck escape to freedom by… solving circuit puzzles? Created in 9 days for Godot Wild Jam #72. Ranked 21 (out of 156) in the \u0026ldquo;originality\u0026rdquo; category. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/quack-circuits\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis is _admittedly_ a strange one. Help a scared-of-the-dark duck escape to freedom by… solving circuit puzzles? Created in 9 days for Godot Wild Jam #72. Ranked 21 (out of 156) in the \"originality\" category. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/quack-circuits).\n","date_published":"2024-08-01T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/quack-circuits/","title":"Quack Circuits","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/quack-circuits/"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781499196122.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781499196122\"\u003eHow To Write Funny\u003c/a\u003e by Scott Dikkers 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781499196122.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [How To Write Funny](https://micro.blog/books/9781499196122) by Scott Dikkers 📚\n","date_published":"2024-07-25T21:02:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/25/finished-listening-how.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/25/finished-listening-how.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSwitched the blog theme to \u003ca href=\"https://mattlangford.com/2024/07/24/introducing-sumo-theme.html\"\u003eSumo by Matt Langford\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSwitched the blog theme to [Sumo by Matt Langford](https://mattlangford.com/2024/07/24/introducing-sumo-theme.html).\n","date_published":"2024-07-25T15:57:38-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/25/switched-the-blog.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/25/switched-the-blog.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFinishing up \u003ca href=\"https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-shaders\"\u003eGodot 4 Shaders: Craft Stunning Visuals\u003c/a\u003e, here are some 3D shaders:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-07-25-15-16-16.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nFinishing up [Godot 4 Shaders: Craft Stunning Visuals](https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-shaders), here are some 3D shaders:\r\n\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-07-25-15-16-16.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-07-25T15:19:57-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/25/finishing-up-godot.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/25/finishing-up-godot.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m enjoying \u003ca href=\"https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-shaders\"\u003eKaan Alpar\u0026rsquo;s Godot Shaders course\u003c/a\u003e, and finished the 2D section last night. In this video, the animated background, greyscale, distortion, dissolve, masking (the spiky block) and re-colored trophies are all achieved with shaders.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-07-23-17-49-56.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm enjoying [Kaan Alpar's Godot Shaders course](https://www.gamedev.tv/courses/godot-shaders), and finished the 2D section last night. In this video, the animated background, greyscale, distortion, dissolve, masking (the spiky block) and re-colored trophies are all achieved with shaders.\r\n\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-07-23-17-49-56.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-07-23T17:57:40-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/23/im-enjoying-kaan.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/23/im-enjoying-kaan.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781499196122.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781499196122\"\u003eHow To Write Funny\u003c/a\u003e by Scott Dikkers 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781499196122.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [How To Write Funny](https://micro.blog/books/9781499196122) by Scott Dikkers 📚\n","date_published":"2024-07-21T21:23:27-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/21/currently-listening-how.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/21/currently-listening-how.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593544860.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593544860\"\u003eSlow Productivity\u003c/a\u003e by Cal Newport 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593544860.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Slow Productivity](https://micro.blog/books/9780593544860) by Cal Newport 📚\n","date_published":"2024-07-19T21:09:28-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/19/finished-listening-slow.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/19/finished-listening-slow.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTwo years ago, while my son was attending an event at the library, I spent some time flipping through a book about the \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unity_(game_engine)\"\u003eUnity game engine\u003c/a\u003e (maybe \u003ca href=\"https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/product/hands-on-unity-2021-game-development-9781801071482\"\u003ethis one\u003c/a\u003e?). It wasn\u0026rsquo;t intimidating, and looked fun. I came away thinking: \u0026ldquo;huh, I could make games\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen I got home and couldn\u0026rsquo;t make Unity run on \u003ca href=\"https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/potato.htm\"\u003emy laptop\u003c/a\u003e. There\u0026rsquo;s a happy ending, though: I found \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/\"\u003eGodot\u003c/a\u003e, which ran just fine.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI followed a few tutorials to make a flappy bird clone, a breakout clone, a simple platformer, and made progress on \u003ca href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-complete-2d-platformer-in-the-godot-engine/\"\u003ea much larger platformer\u003c/a\u003e, but after a few months I kind of drifted to other pursuits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne year ago, I decided to dive back in an embrace game development as a serious hobby. I finished the platformer tutorial, and started entering game jams. Between July 2023 and June 2024, I made \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/games/\"\u003esix games\u003c/a\u003e. There were no unqualified successes, but I usually did OK in one or more categories, like \u0026ldquo;innovation\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;mechanics\u0026rdquo;, or \u0026ldquo;fun\u0026rdquo;. What I\u0026rsquo;ve proved to myself is that I\u0026rsquo;m pretty good at coming up with ideas for interesting game mechanics, and have enough Godot-fu to turn those ideas into actual software that someone can play, and even have \u003cem\u003efun\u003c/em\u003e playing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHonestly, this makes me feel a little like a wizard.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBUT a good game is more than just a collection of playable mechanics, and a \u003cem\u003esuccessful\u003c/em\u003e game takes way more than just interesting ideas. It takes quality, style, a well-designed progression/difficulty curve, marketing (and a market!), and good timing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think my next step is to take a couple of the ideas I\u0026rsquo;ve worked on (either as jam entries, or other projects) and try to make good, complete, games out of them. I\u0026rsquo;m not sure about trying to market anything, but I\u0026rsquo;d at least like to have one or more games that are, in theory at least, \u003cem\u003emarketable\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think three of the six game jam entries represent concepts that could be developed further (Beat Game, Zummoning, and Brakes Escape), but I should probably narrow it down to one or two.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;d also like to keep working on a \u003ca href=\"https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor\"\u003eSpin Doctor\u003c/a\u003e-inspired puzzle game, and a cybersecurity-themed game I\u0026rsquo;m still fleshing out (working title: \u0026ldquo;CISO Clicker\u0026rdquo;). I\u0026rsquo;ll try to use #screenshotsaturday and local meetups as my drumbeat: in a successful week or month, I\u0026rsquo;ll have some progress to share.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd I guess, I\u0026rsquo;ll plan to post a new retrospective/update in July 2025!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nTwo years ago, while my son was attending an event at the library, I spent some time flipping through a book about the [Unity game engine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unity_(game_engine)) (maybe [this one](https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/product/hands-on-unity-2021-game-development-9781801071482)?). It wasn't intimidating, and looked fun. I came away thinking: \"huh, I could make games\".\n\nThen I got home and couldn't make Unity run on [my laptop](https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/potato.htm). There's a happy ending, though: I found [Godot](https://godotengine.org/), which ran just fine.\n\nI followed a few tutorials to make a flappy bird clone, a breakout clone, a simple platformer, and made progress on [a much larger platformer](https://www.udemy.com/course/create-a-complete-2d-platformer-in-the-godot-engine/), but after a few months I kind of drifted to other pursuits.\n\nOne year ago, I decided to dive back in an embrace game development as a serious hobby. I finished the platformer tutorial, and started entering game jams. Between July 2023 and June 2024, I made [six games](https://ross.karchner.com/games/). There were no unqualified successes, but I usually did OK in one or more categories, like \"innovation\", \"mechanics\", or \"fun\". What I've proved to myself is that I'm pretty good at coming up with ideas for interesting game mechanics, and have enough Godot-fu to turn those ideas into actual software that someone can play, and even have *fun* playing.\n\nHonestly, this makes me feel a little like a wizard.\n\nBUT a good game is more than just a collection of playable mechanics, and a *successful* game takes way more than just interesting ideas. It takes quality, style, a well-designed progression/difficulty curve, marketing (and a market!), and good timing.\n\nI think my next step is to take a couple of the ideas I've worked on (either as jam entries, or other projects) and try to make good, complete, games out of them. I'm not sure about trying to market anything, but I'd at least like to have one or more games that are, in theory at least, *marketable*.\n\nI think three of the six game jam entries represent concepts that could be developed further (Beat Game, Zummoning, and Brakes Escape), but I should probably narrow it down to one or two.\n\nI'd also like to keep working on a [Spin Doctor](https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/Spin_Doctor)-inspired puzzle game, and a cybersecurity-themed game I'm still fleshing out (working title: \"CISO Clicker\"). I'll try to use #screenshotsaturday and local meetups as my drumbeat: in a successful week or month, I'll have some progress to share.\n\nAnd I guess, I'll plan to post a new retrospective/update in July 2025!\n","date_published":"2024-07-16T23:08:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/16/whats-next-for.html","title":"What's next for games?","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/16/whats-next-for.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m working on a tech-company name generator for a project, some examples from a recent run:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVibrant Institute\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Logic Company\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUrban Mammoth\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Cortex Company\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeen Lamp Corp\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear \u0026amp; Path\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUrban Pod\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidget \u0026amp; Scholar\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcoustic Sprocket\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVibrant Scholar\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCentral Sunrise\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElegant Root\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm working on a tech-company name generator for a project, some examples from a recent run:\n\n- Vibrant Institute\n- The Logic Company\n- Urban Mammoth\n- The Cortex Company\n- Keen Lamp Corp\n- Gear \u0026 Path\n- Urban Pod\n- Widget \u0026 Scholar\n- Acoustic Sprocket\n- Vibrant Scholar\n- Central Sunrise\n- Elegant Root\n","date_published":"2024-07-15T23:48:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/15/im-working-on.html","tags":["CISO Clicker"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/15/im-working-on.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn the NYT \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/best-books-21st-century.html?smid=nytcore-android-share\"\u003etop 100 books of the 21st century\u003c/a\u003e, I\u0026rsquo;ve only read the two graphic novels and a book \u003cem\u003eabout\u003c/em\u003e comic books authors\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/938fbfbfc7.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIn the NYT [top 100 books of the 21st century](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/best-books-21st-century.html?smid=nytcore-android-share), I've only read the two graphic novels and a book *about* comic books authors... \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/938fbfbfc7.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-07-12T14:00:50-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/12/in-the-nyt.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/12/in-the-nyt.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593544860.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593544860\"\u003eSlow Productivity\u003c/a\u003e by Cal Newport 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593544860.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Slow Productivity](https://micro.blog/books/9780593544860) by Cal Newport 📚\n","date_published":"2024-07-09T21:15:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/09/currently-listening-slow.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/09/currently-listening-slow.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780374610609.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780374610609\"\u003eMoonbound\u003c/a\u003e by Robin Sloan 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s been a while since I\u0026rsquo;ve had the sensation of being sad when a book ends. I want to spend more time with these characters and places.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780374610609.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Moonbound](https://micro.blog/books/9780374610609) by Robin Sloan 📚\n\nIt's been a while since I've had the sensation of being sad when a book ends. I want to spend more time with these characters and places.\n","date_published":"2024-07-09T00:18:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/09/finished-listening-moonbound.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/09/finished-listening-moonbound.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781904633778.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781904633778\"\u003eMoby-Dick\u003c/a\u003e by Herman Melville 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot my first time starting, but maybe recording it here will motivate me to finish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781904633778.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Moby-Dick](https://micro.blog/books/9781904633778) by Herman Melville 📚\n\nNot my first time starting, but maybe recording it here will motivate me to finish.\n","date_published":"2024-07-06T16:05:37-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/06/currently-reading-mobydick.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/06/currently-reading-mobydick.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966176.png\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9798985966176\"\u003eFurther Explorations: 50 Years of Text Games\u003c/a\u003e by Aaron A Reed 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966176.png\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Further Explorations: 50 Years of Text Games](https://micro.blog/books/9798985966176) by Aaron A Reed 📚\n","date_published":"2024-07-06T12:48:37-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/06/finished-reading-further.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/06/finished-reading-further.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966176.png\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9798985966176\"\u003eFurther Explorations: 50 Years of Text Games\u003c/a\u003e by Aaron A Reed 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966176.png\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Further Explorations: 50 Years of Text Games](https://micro.blog/books/9798985966176) by Aaron A Reed 📚\n","date_published":"2024-07-04T10:36:55-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/04/currently-reading-further.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/07/04/currently-reading-further.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781683969273\"\u003eMy Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two\u003c/a\u003e by Emil Ferris 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/20240628-224148.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"174\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nFinished reading: [My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two](https://micro.blog/books/9781683969273) by Emil Ferris 📚\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/20240628-224148.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"174\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-06-28T22:48:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/28/finished-reading-my.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/28/finished-reading-my.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eGot tickets for \u003ca href=\"https://fredericksburgcomiccon.com/\"\u003eFredericksburg Comic Con\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nGot tickets for [Fredericksburg Comic Con](https://fredericksburgcomiccon.com/).\n","date_published":"2024-06-26T20:12:53-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/26/got-tickets-for.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/26/got-tickets-for.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683969273.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781683969273\"\u003eMy Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two\u003c/a\u003e by Emil Ferris 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683969273.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two](https://micro.blog/books/9781683969273) by Emil Ferris 📚\n","date_published":"2024-06-26T18:28:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/26/currently-reading-my.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/26/currently-reading-my.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966114.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9798985966114\"\u003e 50 Years of Text Games: From Oregon Trail to AI Dungeon\u003c/a\u003e by  Aaron A Reed 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966114.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [ 50 Years of Text Games: From Oregon Trail to AI Dungeon](https://micro.blog/books/9798985966114) by  Aaron A Reed 📚\n","date_published":"2024-06-26T06:32:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/26/finished-reading-years.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/26/finished-reading-years.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780374610609.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780374610609\"\u003eMoonbound\u003c/a\u003e by Robin Sloan 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780374610609.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Moonbound](https://micro.blog/books/9780374610609) by Robin Sloan 📚\n","date_published":"2024-06-24T21:08:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/24/currently-listening-moonbound.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/24/currently-listening-moonbound.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEver since I started tinkering with gamedev (and Godot specifically), one thing I\u0026rsquo;ve periodically attempted is a recreation of the mac game \u003ca href=\"https://www.macintoshrepository.org/4603-spin-doctor\"\u003eSpin Doctor\u003c/a\u003e  (released on PC and SNES as \u0026ldquo;Clockwerx\u0026rdquo;)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI started over recently, but I\u0026rsquo;ve got the basic swing/flip/bounce movement working. #screenshotsaturday\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-06-22-16-25-08.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nEver since I started tinkering with gamedev (and Godot specifically), one thing I've periodically attempted is a recreation of the mac game [Spin Doctor](https://www.macintoshrepository.org/4603-spin-doctor)  (released on PC and SNES as \"Clockwerx\")\n\nI started over recently, but I've got the basic swing/flip/bounce movement working. #screenshotsaturday\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-06-22-16-25-08.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-06-22T16:30:35-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/22/ever-since-i.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/22/ever-since-i.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223950.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780735223950\"\u003eWhole Earth\u003c/a\u003e by John Markoff 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223950.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Whole Earth](https://micro.blog/books/9780735223950) by John Markoff 📚\n","date_published":"2024-06-22T16:01:44-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/22/finished-listening-whole.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/22/finished-listening-whole.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been waiting my whole life for this email.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/8ccaa0f44d.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been waiting my whole life for this email.\n\n\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/8ccaa0f44d.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-06-22T14:12:44-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/22/ive-been-waiting.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/22/ive-been-waiting.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy excellent son Benjamin(10) has created \u003ca href=\"https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wDAXrRpnTID6kbJtDoNngfNq2VvrB4EVT-_ZgI8iac8/edit?usp=sharing\"\u003eBenKardian\u003c/a\u003e, his two-player take on the classic solitaire game \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accordion_(card_game)\"\u003eAccordian\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy excellent son Benjamin(10) has created [BenKardian](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wDAXrRpnTID6kbJtDoNngfNq2VvrB4EVT-_ZgI8iac8/edit?usp=sharing), his two-player take on the classic solitaire game [Accordian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accordion_(card_game)).\n","date_published":"2024-06-20T20:47:38-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/20/my-excellent-son.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/20/my-excellent-son.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI still haven\u0026rsquo;t entirely kicked the Marvel Snap habit, but I feel like I\u0026rsquo;ve made peace with it. It\u0026rsquo;s a thing I enjoy, so I shouldn\u0026rsquo;t beat myself up about it. I think I\u0026rsquo;m paraphrasing Ted Lasso here.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen on the phone or tablet, and not Snap-ing, I\u0026rsquo;ve been playing \u003ca href=\"https://tann.itch.io/slice-dice\"\u003eSlice and Dice\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI recently spent about an hour or two digging in to Book of Hours. I don\u0026rsquo;t love it yet, but after reading the two Alexis Kennedy books, I want to dive back in and try to pay more attention to the actual writing. Likewise, I want to revisit Cultist Simulator (which I at least got to the point with where I could seemingly live indefinitely without accomplishing much) and Sunless Sea (which I only launched once, but haven\u0026rsquo;t really played).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI spent a little time today finally playing Dome Keeper. I\u0026rsquo;m only one run in, but I\u0026rsquo;ll be coming back. So far: good game, great atmosphere.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\n- I still haven't entirely kicked the Marvel Snap habit, but I feel like I've made peace with it. It's a thing I enjoy, so I shouldn't beat myself up about it. I think I'm paraphrasing Ted Lasso here.\r\n- When on the phone or tablet, and not Snap-ing, I've been playing [Slice and Dice](https://tann.itch.io/slice-dice)\r\n- I recently spent about an hour or two digging in to Book of Hours. I don't love it yet, but after reading the two Alexis Kennedy books, I want to dive back in and try to pay more attention to the actual writing. Likewise, I want to revisit Cultist Simulator (which I at least got to the point with where I could seemingly live indefinitely without accomplishing much) and Sunless Sea (which I only launched once, but haven't really played).\r\n- I spent a little time today finally playing Dome Keeper. I'm only one run in, but I'll be coming back. So far: good game, great atmosphere.\n","date_published":"2024-06-19T17:55:58-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/19/sometimes-i-play.html","title":"Sometimes I play games","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/19/sometimes-i-play.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966114.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9798985966114\"\u003e50 Years of Text Games: From Oregon Trail to AI Dungeon\u003c/a\u003e by Aaron A Reed 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9798985966114.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [50 Years of Text Games: From Oregon Trail to AI Dungeon](https://micro.blog/books/9798985966114) by Aaron A Reed 📚\n","date_published":"2024-06-18T21:09:56-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/18/currently-reading-years.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/18/currently-reading-years.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902435.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781916902435\"\u003eThe Snare of the Tree, and Other Perilous Seductions: Essays on Dangers in Game Design\u003c/a\u003e by Alexis Kennedy 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch shorter than the other two game design books I\u0026rsquo;ve recently read (including the other book from Alexis Kennedy), but more inspiring and actionable, I think.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902435.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Snare of the Tree, and Other Perilous Seductions: Essays on Dangers in Game Design](https://micro.blog/books/9781916902435) by Alexis Kennedy 📚\n\nMuch shorter than the other two game design books I've recently read (including the other book from Alexis Kennedy), but more inspiring and actionable, I think.\n","date_published":"2024-06-18T13:37:30-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/18/finished-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/18/finished-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902435.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781916902435\"\u003eThe Snare of the Tree, and Other Perilous Seductions: Essays on Dangers in Game Design\u003c/a\u003e by Alexis Kennedy 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902435.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [The Snare of the Tree, and Other Perilous Seductions: Essays on Dangers in Game Design](https://micro.blog/books/9781916902435) by Alexis Kennedy 📚\n","date_published":"2024-06-17T00:48:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/17/currently-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/17/currently-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902411.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781916902411\"\u003eAgainst Worldbuilding, and Other Provocations\u003c/a\u003e by Alexis Kennedy 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood stuff, I\u0026rsquo;ll probably go back to the more practical chapters (mostly in part 2) again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902411.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Against Worldbuilding, and Other Provocations](https://micro.blog/books/9781916902411) by Alexis Kennedy 📚\n\nGood stuff, I'll probably go back to the more practical chapters (mostly in part 2) again.\n","date_published":"2024-06-17T00:12:53-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/17/finished-reading-against.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/17/finished-reading-against.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eCurrent view:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/9836fdbbb1.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nCurrent view:\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/9836fdbbb1.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-06-13T23:05:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/13/current-view.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/13/current-view.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781118877197.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781118877197\"\u003eLevel Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design\u003c/a\u003e by Scott Rogers 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI skimmed some chapters, but will definitely keep it around for reference.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781118877197.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design](https://micro.blog/books/9781118877197) by Scott Rogers 📚\n\nI skimmed some chapters, but will definitely keep it around for reference.\n","date_published":"2024-06-10T22:21:41-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/10/finished-reading-level.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/10/finished-reading-level.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eGameDev.tv jam results for \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-last-stan\"\u003eThe Last Stan\u003c/a\u003e: I\u0026rsquo;m happy to have gotten #59 (out of over 1000)  in the mechanics category, and a decent showing otherwise(\u003cem\u003eexcept\u003c/em\u003e for \u0026ldquo;theme\u0026rdquo;).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2024/rate/2748401\"\u003efavorite comments\u003c/a\u003e call the game \u0026ldquo;weirdly relaxing\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;quite therapeutic\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-06-09-18-40-24.png\" width=\"305\" height=\"332\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nGameDev.tv jam results for [The Last Stan](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-last-stan): I'm happy to have gotten #59 (out of over 1000)  in the mechanics category, and a decent showing otherwise(*except* for \"theme\").\n\nMy [favorite comments](https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2024/rate/2748401) call the game \"weirdly relaxing\" and \"quite therapeutic\".\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-06-09-18-40-24.png\" width=\"305\" height=\"332\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-06-09T18:53:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/09/gamedevtv-jam-results.html","tags":["GameDev.tv Game Jam 2024"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/09/gamedevtv-jam-results.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t like this new world where swiping your credit card at a business automatically signs you up to receive their marketing emails.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI don't like this new world where swiping your credit card at a business automatically signs you up to receive their marketing emails.\n","date_published":"2024-06-07T13:58:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/07/i-dont-like.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/07/i-dont-like.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2024/rate/2748401\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;The Last Stan\u0026rdquo; is live on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e and submitted to the gamedev.tv jam. It\u0026rsquo;s a platformer, with typing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s not my favorite thing I\u0026rsquo;ve made, but I will say that it\u0026rsquo;s got some charm (a good deal of which comes from the \u003ca href=\"https://kenney.nl/\"\u003eKenney\u003c/a\u003e art and background music by \u003ca href=\"https://freesound.org/people/Seth_Makes_Sounds/sounds/722430/\"\u003eSeth Makes Sounds\u003c/a\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-06-03-16-57-30.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[\"The Last Stan\" is live on itch.io](https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2024/rate/2748401) and submitted to the gamedev.tv jam. It's a platformer, with typing. \n\nIt's not my favorite thing I've made, but I will say that it's got some charm (a good deal of which comes from the [Kenney](https://kenney.nl/) art and background music by [Seth Makes Sounds](https://freesound.org/people/Seth_Makes_Sounds/sounds/722430/)).\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-06-03-16-57-30.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-06-04T06:16:25-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/04/the-last-stan.html","tags":["GameDev.tv Game Jam 2024"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/04/the-last-stan.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHey, an actual #screenshotsaturday :\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the gamedev.tv jam, I\u0026rsquo;m working on a platformer where you escape alien ships and defeat ground-based enemies by typing. All art by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kenney.nl/\"\u003eKenney\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-06-01-21-59-07.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nHey, an actual #screenshotsaturday :\r\n\r\nFor the gamedev.tv jam, I'm working on a platformer where you escape alien ships and defeat ground-based enemies by typing. All art by [Kenney](https://www.kenney.nl/).\r\n\r\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/screencast-from-2024-06-01-21-59-07.mp4\" controls=\"controls\" preload=\"metadata\"\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-06-01T22:04:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/01/hey-an-actual.html","tags":["GameDev.tv Game Jam 2024"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/06/01/hey-an-actual.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA simple platformer with typing challenges. Created in 10 days for the 2024 GameDev.tv jam, where it ranked 59th (out of over 1000) in the \u0026ldquo;mechanics\u0026rdquo; category. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-last-stan\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nA simple platformer with typing challenges. Created in 10 days for the 2024 GameDev.tv jam, where it ranked 59th (out of over 1000) in the \"mechanics\" category. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-last-stan).\n","date_published":"2024-06-01T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/the-last-stan/","title":"The Last Stan","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/the-last-stan/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI spent the first part of my life in the Hazleton, PA area. \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbjJ2PwsVx4\"\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s a really cool 10 minute video about the \u0026ldquo;city under the city\u0026rdquo;\u003c/a\u003e, a legacy of the coal industry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI spent the first part of my life in the Hazleton, PA area. [Here's a really cool 10 minute video about the \"city under the city\"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbjJ2PwsVx4), a legacy of the coal industry.\n","date_published":"2024-05-30T19:54:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/30/i-spent-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/30/i-spent-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI never thought I\u0026rsquo;d say this, but\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI get too many emails from Run the Jewels.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI never thought I'd say this, but... \n\nI get too many emails from Run the Jewels.\n","date_published":"2024-05-29T16:24:54-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/29/i-never-thought.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/29/i-never-thought.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223950.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780735223950\"\u003eWhole Earth\u003c/a\u003e by John Markoff 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA year or two back, I listened to Tom Wolfe\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test\u0026rdquo;, and soon after, for unrelated reasons, started reading some stuff about the early years of personal computing (including Markoff\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;What the Dormouse Said\u0026rdquo;).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStewart Brand was the common thread running through all of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780735223950.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Whole Earth](https://micro.blog/books/9780735223950) by John Markoff 📚\r\n\r\nA year or two back, I listened to Tom Wolfe's \"The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test\", and soon after, for unrelated reasons, started reading some stuff about the early years of personal computing (including Markoff's \"What the Dormouse Said\").\r\n\r\nStewart Brand was the common thread running through all of it.\n","date_published":"2024-05-28T18:28:45-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/28/whole-earth.html","title":"Whole Earth 📚","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/28/whole-earth.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781984825438.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781984825438\"\u003eThe Ultimate History of Video Games, Volume 2\u003c/a\u003e by Steven L. Kent 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781984825438.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Ultimate History of Video Games, Volume 2](https://micro.blog/books/9781984825438) by Steven L. Kent 📚\n","date_published":"2024-05-28T16:15:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/28/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/28/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI think I\u0026rsquo;ll try to make something for \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2024\"\u003ethis year\u0026rsquo;s gamedev.tv jam\u003c/a\u003e(which kicks off tonight), if the theme is interesting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTen days to work, and every entry gets a free course.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI think I'll try to make something for [this year's gamedev.tv jam](https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2024)(which kicks off tonight), if the theme is interesting.\n\nTen days to work, and every entry gets a free course.\n","date_published":"2024-05-24T10:27:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/24/i-think-ill.html","tags":["GameDev.tv Game Jam 2024"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/24/i-think-ill.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve made a few minor fixes to \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning\"\u003eZummoning\u003c/a\u003e recently:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCards get dealt in a smoother, less jerky manner\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelp text now stays on screen for as long as your mouse is over card\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFixed an issue where the drop target would turn purple, indicating a you could put your card there, even though you could not\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've made a few minor fixes to [Zummoning](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning) recently:\n\n- Cards get dealt in a smoother, less jerky manner\n- Help text now stays on screen for as long as your mouse is over card\n- Fixed an issue where the drop target would turn purple, indicating a you could put your card there, even though you could not\n","date_published":"2024-05-19T16:01:20-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/19/ive-made-a.html","tags":["The Zummoning"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/19/ive-made-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902411.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781916902411\"\u003eAgainst Worldbuilding, and Other Provocations\u003c/a\u003e by Alexis Kennedy 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781916902411.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Against Worldbuilding, and Other Provocations](https://micro.blog/books/9781916902411) by Alexis Kennedy 📚\n","date_published":"2024-05-19T15:49:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/19/currently-reading-against.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/19/currently-reading-against.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStar Trek: Deep Space 9\u003c/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003eThe Continuing Adventures of Miles O\u0026rsquo;Brien\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n_Star Trek: Deep Space 9_, or _The Continuing Adventures of Miles O'Brien_.\n","date_published":"2024-05-18T23:53:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/18/star-trek-deep.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/18/star-trek-deep.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI spent some time last night and this morning learning about \u003ca href=\"https://orchestrator.vahera.com\"\u003eOrchestrator\u003c/a\u003e, a visual scripting plugin for Godot.  I was mostly taking a look to see if my son might want to try it out, as an alternative to \u0026ldquo;regular\u0026rdquo; coding. He knows Scratch pretty well, but hasn\u0026rsquo;t taken to written coding yet. I thought Orchestrator might offer him a way to make stuff happen in Godot, using a style of programming he\u0026rsquo;s used to.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, I was amused and appalled that in an example, this short line of gdscript:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"highlight\"\u003e\u003cpre tabindex=\"0\" style=\"color:#f8f8f2;background-color:#272822;-moz-tab-size:4;-o-tab-size:4;tab-size:4;-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;\"\u003e\u003ccode class=\"language-gdscript\" data-lang=\"gdscript\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003erotation \u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e+=\u003c/span\u003e angular_speed \u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e*\u003c/span\u003e delta\n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/code\u003e\u003c/pre\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026hellip; equated to \u003ca href=\"https://docs.vahera.com/orchestrator/img/step-by-step/apply-rotation.png\"\u003ea six-node graph\u003c/a\u003e. After completing the \u003ca href=\"https://docs.vahera.com/orchestrator/getting-started/step-by-step/\"\u003estep by step\u003c/a\u003e tutorial, I appreciated it more.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m missing the words for describing this coherently, but, to me, it encourages a different way of thinking about the functions you write.  Instead of the step-wise, imperative march from input (or not) to return value (or not), you kind of need to start at the end, with the impact you want to cause, and \u003cem\u003ethen\u003c/em\u003e work out the information and logic needed to inform that action.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI haven\u0026rsquo;t spent much time studying (let alone doing) functional programming, but\u0026hellip; is that what functional programming is like?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not sure I\u0026rsquo;ll reach for Orchestrator  in my own projects, and I\u0026rsquo;m not sure the kiddo will either. I did show him the results I was able to get it, and if he wants to learn more I\u0026rsquo;ll certainly work with him.  I was wrong to assume that it\u0026rsquo;s anything like Scratch, and I don\u0026rsquo;t think it really improves on gdscript in terms of reducing the cognitive work involved in programming. Orchestrator doesn\u0026rsquo;t simplify Godot.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI spent some time last night and this morning learning about [Orchestrator](https://orchestrator.vahera.com), a visual scripting plugin for Godot.  I was mostly taking a look to see if my son might want to try it out, as an alternative to \"regular\" coding. He knows Scratch pretty well, but hasn't taken to written coding yet. I thought Orchestrator might offer him a way to make stuff happen in Godot, using a style of programming he's used to.\n\nAt first, I was amused and appalled that in an example, this short line of gdscript:\n\n```gdscript\nrotation += angular_speed * delta\n```\n\n... equated to [a six-node graph](https://docs.vahera.com/orchestrator/img/step-by-step/apply-rotation.png). After completing the [step by step](https://docs.vahera.com/orchestrator/getting-started/step-by-step/) tutorial, I appreciated it more.  \n\nI'm missing the words for describing this coherently, but, to me, it encourages a different way of thinking about the functions you write.  Instead of the step-wise, imperative march from input (or not) to return value (or not), you kind of need to start at the end, with the impact you want to cause, and *then* work out the information and logic needed to inform that action.\n\nI haven't spent much time studying (let alone doing) functional programming, but... is that what functional programming is like?\n\nI'm not sure I'll reach for Orchestrator  in my own projects, and I'm not sure the kiddo will either. I did show him the results I was able to get it, and if he wants to learn more I'll certainly work with him.  I was wrong to assume that it's anything like Scratch, and I don't think it really improves on gdscript in terms of reducing the cognitive work involved in programming. Orchestrator doesn't simplify Godot.\n","date_published":"2024-05-17T17:07:53-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/17/orchestrator.html","title":"Orchestrator","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/17/orchestrator.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI used the Pong Wars deployment as an excuse to try out GitHub actions. It\u0026rsquo;s nice! Almost \u003cem\u003etoo\u003c/em\u003e nice, like the fact that it\u0026rsquo;s free makes me suspicious.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI ended up struggling with what I \u003cem\u003ethought\u003c/em\u003e would be the easy part\u0026ndash; GitHub pages. Back when I was a young man, all you needed to do was push your site files to the gh-pages branch. That still works, \u003cem\u003eafter\u003c/em\u003e you do some extra configuration. It was only the next day that I figured out what the problem is.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://github.com/abarichello/godot-ci\"\u003eGodot-CI\u003c/a\u003e worked pretty well, though I needed to build my own version of the container image, because I\u0026rsquo;m not using a supported Godot version. I\u0026rsquo;m using a pre-release build of Godot 4.3, because I wanted to take advantage of the \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/article/progress-report-web-export-in-4-3/\"\u003eimprovements to web exports\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI used the Pong Wars deployment as an excuse to try out GitHub actions. It's nice! Almost *too* nice, like the fact that it's free makes me suspicious. \r\n\r\nI ended up struggling with what I *thought* would be the easy part-- GitHub pages. Back when I was a young man, all you needed to do was push your site files to the gh-pages branch. That still works, *after* you do some extra configuration. It was only the next day that I figured out what the problem is.\r\n\r\n[Godot-CI](https://github.com/abarichello/godot-ci) worked pretty well, though I needed to build my own version of the container image, because I'm not using a supported Godot version. I'm using a pre-release build of Godot 4.3, because I wanted to take advantage of the [improvements to web exports](https://godotengine.org/article/progress-report-web-export-in-4-3/).\n","date_published":"2024-05-15T20:11:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/15/gameops.html","title":"GameOps","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/15/gameops.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve published my Godot re-creation of \u003ca href=\"https://pong-wars.koenvangilst.nl/\"\u003ePong Wars by Koen van Gilst\u003c/a\u003e on \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.github.io/pong-wars-godot/\"\u003eGitHub\u003c/a\u003e (and embedded it below!) It\u0026rsquo;s not exactly a \u003cem\u003egame\u003c/em\u003e\u0026ndash; more of a \u0026ldquo;visual toy\u0026rdquo;. I did add some fun extras:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eleft click a block to instantly flip it\u0026rsquo;s color\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eright click anywhere to flip ALL of the blocks.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https://rosskarchner.github.io/pong-wars-godot/\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"630\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pong-wars\"\u003ePlay Pong Wars on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've published my Godot re-creation of [Pong Wars by Koen van Gilst](https://pong-wars.koenvangilst.nl/) on [GitHub](https://rosskarchner.github.io/pong-wars-godot/) (and embedded it below!) It's not exactly a *game*-- more of a \"visual toy\". I did add some fun extras:\n\n- left click a block to instantly flip it's color\n- right click anywhere to flip ALL of the blocks.\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https://rosskarchner.github.io/pong-wars-godot/\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"630\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/pong-wars\"\u003ePlay Pong Wars on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-05-13T23:09:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/13/pong-wars.html","title":"Pong Wars","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/13/pong-wars.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003ePeople who think the web is dead or dying haven\u0026rsquo;t used the Domino\u0026rsquo;s Pizza Tracker.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nPeople who think the web is dead or dying haven't used the Domino's Pizza Tracker.\n","date_published":"2024-05-11T11:53:30-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/11/people-who-think.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/11/people-who-think.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI recently updated \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/games/\"\u003emy /games page\u003c/a\u003e so that each game has video.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI recently updated [my /games page](https://ross.karchner.com/games/) so that each game has video.\n","date_published":"2024-05-10T15:05:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/10/i-recently-updated.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/10/i-recently-updated.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781606999592.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781606999592\"\u003eMy Favorite Thing Is Monsters\u003c/a\u003e by Emil Ferris 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781606999592.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [My Favorite Thing Is Monsters](https://micro.blog/books/9781606999592) by Emil Ferris 📚\n","date_published":"2024-05-06T22:27:31-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/06/finished-reading-my.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/06/finished-reading-my.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe kiddo and I had a good time at \u003ca href=\"https://www.meetup.com/novagamedevs\"\u003eNOVA Game Developers Meetup\u003c/a\u003e this afternoon! It was fun to play games, show what we\u0026rsquo;ve worked on, and chat with other devs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe kiddo and I had a good time at [NOVA Game Developers Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/novagamedevs) this afternoon! It was fun to play games, show what we've worked on, and chat with other devs.\n","date_published":"2024-05-05T19:03:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/05/the-kiddo-and.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/05/the-kiddo-and.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eToday is Free Comic Day, for those who observe\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/6c46e27d9c.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nToday is Free Comic Day, for those who observe \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/6c46e27d9c.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-05-04T11:59:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/04/today-is-free.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/04/today-is-free.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s like they really see me.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-05-01-16-25-33.png\" width=\"595\" height=\"565\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's like they really see me.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-05-01-16-25-33.png\" width=\"595\" height=\"565\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-05-01T16:26:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/01/its-like-they.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/05/01/its-like-they.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHonestly, I had convinced myself that I was going to \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-68/rate/2661323\"\u003erank higher\u003c/a\u003e in Godot Wild Jam #68, at least in the \u003cem\u003eoriginality\u003c/em\u003e category. Being in the top third for originality is OK, though.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of the written feedback (even on the \u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/55/the-zummoning\"\u003emuch rougher Ludum Dare version\u003c/a\u003e) supports the idea that this is worth developing further. I\u0026rsquo;m thinking of digging in and trying to make the best version of \u0026ldquo;Zummoning\u0026rdquo;  that I can, and see where I am at the end of summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-29-09-57-34.png\" width=\"318\" height=\"285\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nHonestly, I had convinced myself that I was going to [rank higher](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-68/rate/2661323) in Godot Wild Jam #68, at least in the *originality* category. Being in the top third for originality is OK, though. \n\nMuch of the written feedback (even on the [much rougher Ludum Dare version](https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/55/the-zummoning)) supports the idea that this is worth developing further. I'm thinking of digging in and trying to make the best version of \"Zummoning\"  that I can, and see where I am at the end of summer.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-29-09-57-34.png\" width=\"318\" height=\"285\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-29T17:12:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/29/gwj-results.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 55","The Zummoning"],"title":"GWJ 68 Results","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/29/gwj-results.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2128601934?t=2h2m23s\"\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s footage of gamedev and streamer ObsidianBlk playing The Zummoning!\u003c/a\u003e. He\u0026rsquo;s got some (entirely fair) critical feedback, which I respond to (in writing) \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/post/9799238\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would have put more work into the game description if I knew it was going to get a dramatic reading\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2128601934?t=2h2m23s\"\u003eHere's footage of gamedev and streamer ObsidianBlk playing The Zummoning!\u003c/a\u003e. He's got some (entirely fair) critical feedback, which I respond to (in writing) [here](https://itch.io/post/9799238).\r\n\r\nI would have put more work into the game description if I knew it was going to get a dramatic reading...\n","date_published":"2024-04-25T20:56:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/25/heres-footage-of.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/25/heres-footage-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781606999592.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781606999592\"\u003eMy Favorite Thing Is Monsters\u003c/a\u003e by Emil Ferris 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2 comes out next month, and I want to refresh my memory of the characters and unresolved mysteries.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781606999592.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [My Favorite Thing Is Monsters](https://micro.blog/books/9781606999592) by Emil Ferris 📚\r\n\r\nPart 2 comes out next month, and I want to refresh my memory of the characters and unresolved mysteries.\n","date_published":"2024-04-25T20:14:51-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/25/currently-reading-my.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/25/currently-reading-my.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236427.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401236427\"\u003eThe Sandman Vol. 8: Worlds\u0026rsquo; End\u003c/a\u003e by Neil Gaiman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236427.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Sandman Vol. 8: Worlds' End](https://micro.blog/books/9781401236427) by Neil Gaiman 📚\n","date_published":"2024-04-25T19:01:43-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/25/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/25/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve made many improvements in \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning\"\u003ethe new version of \u0026ldquo;The Zummoning\u0026rdquo; submitted to Godot Wild Jam\u003c/a\u003e. Unfortunately, the name isn\u0026rsquo;t one of them. Oh well.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvery card combination now actually does something\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere is help text that explains what the cards do, while you\u0026rsquo;re playing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s clearer what is happening during the combat phase of the turn.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore art, some music, and sound effects!\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s still far from a professional production. But, I think it\u0026rsquo;s fun?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thought I had while relaxing after submission: the game seems to come down to the decision every turn to play a strong creature on a single location, or weak(er) creatures on two locations. Maybe the card system is sort of extraneous?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-21-16-26-48.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"340\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've made many improvements in [the new version of \"The Zummoning\" submitted to Godot Wild Jam](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning). Unfortunately, the name isn't one of them. Oh well.\n\n- Every card combination now actually does something\n- There is help text that explains what the cards do, while you're playing\n- It's clearer what is happening during the combat phase of the turn.\n- More art, some music, and sound effects!\n\n It's still far from a professional production. But, I think it's fun?\n\nOne thought I had while relaxing after submission: the game seems to come down to the decision every turn to play a strong creature on a single location, or weak(er) creatures on two locations. Maybe the card system is sort of extraneous?\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-21-16-26-48.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"340\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-21T17:56:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/21/zummoning-redux.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 55","The Zummoning"],"title":"Zummoning Redux","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/21/zummoning-redux.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m cleaning up \u0026ldquo;The Zummoning\u0026rdquo; for submission to Godot Wild Jam this weekend (The GWJ folks usually disallow games submitted to other jams, but make exceptions sometimes when schedules completely overlap, which was the case with Ludum Dare this month).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTonight, I hope to improve the card-combining systems and remove some of the annoying gaps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf I get more time before the deadline (Sunday night), I hope to add some UI improvements (primarily, make it less mysterious what the cards do, alone and in combination). I\u0026rsquo;d also like to make it clearer what\u0026rsquo;s actually happening during the combat phase.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/4f562889b9.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"335\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the screenshot shows, I\u0026rsquo;ve at least added a background image and improved the layout, since the LD submissions. Not obvious from the screenshot, the color of the spooky forest background gradually shifts between a handful of hues. It\u0026rsquo;s stupid simple, but I find the effect really pleasing. The (gdscript) code is just:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"highlight\"\u003e\u003cpre tabindex=\"0\" style=\"color:#f8f8f2;background-color:#272822;-moz-tab-size:4;-o-tab-size:4;tab-size:4;-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;\"\u003e\u003ccode class=\"language-gdscript\" data-lang=\"gdscript\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#66d9ef\"\u003efunc\u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003enext_color\u003c/span\u003e():\n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t\u003cspan style=\"color:#66d9ef\"\u003evar\u003c/span\u003e colors \u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e=\u003c/span\u003e [\n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t\t\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003eColor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003eDARK_RED,\n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t \t\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003eColor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003eDARK_GREEN, \n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t\t\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003eColor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003eDARK_BLUE, \n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t\t\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003eColor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003eDARK_ORANGE, \n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t\t\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003eColor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003eDARK_OLIVE_GREEN, \n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t\t\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003eColor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003eDARK_MAGENTA]\n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\t\u003cspan style=\"color:#66d9ef\"\u003evar\u003c/span\u003e tween \u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e=\u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003eget_tree\u003c/span\u003e()\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003ecreate_tween\u003c/span\u003e()\n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:flex;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\ttween\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003etween_property\u003c/span\u003e(\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003e$SpookyForest\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan style=\"color:#e6db74\"\u003e\u0026#34;modulate\u0026#34;\u003c/span\u003e, colors\u003cspan style=\"color:#f92672\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#a6e22e\"\u003epick_random\u003c/span\u003e(),\u003cspan style=\"color:#ae81ff\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e)\n\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/code\u003e\u003c/pre\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ccode\u003enext_color\u003c/code\u003e function is connected to a timer that fires every 15 seconds.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm cleaning up \"The Zummoning\" for submission to Godot Wild Jam this weekend (The GWJ folks usually disallow games submitted to other jams, but make exceptions sometimes when schedules completely overlap, which was the case with Ludum Dare this month).\n\nTonight, I hope to improve the card-combining systems and remove some of the annoying gaps.\n\nIf I get more time before the deadline (Sunday night), I hope to add some UI improvements (primarily, make it less mysterious what the cards do, alone and in combination). I'd also like to make it clearer what's actually happening during the combat phase.\n\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/4f562889b9.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"335\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\nAs the screenshot shows, I've at least added a background image and improved the layout, since the LD submissions. Not obvious from the screenshot, the color of the spooky forest background gradually shifts between a handful of hues. It's stupid simple, but I find the effect really pleasing. The (gdscript) code is just:\n\n```gdscript\nfunc next_color():\n\tvar colors = [\n\t\tColor.DARK_RED,\n\t \tColor.DARK_GREEN, \n\t\tColor.DARK_BLUE, \n\t\tColor.DARK_ORANGE, \n\t\tColor.DARK_OLIVE_GREEN, \n\t\tColor.DARK_MAGENTA]\n\tvar tween = get_tree().create_tween()\n\ttween.tween_property($SpookyForest,\"modulate\", colors.pick_random(),15)\n```\n\nThe `next_color` function is connected to a timer that fires every 15 seconds.\n","date_published":"2024-04-19T19:24:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/19/more-zummoning.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 55"],"title":"More Zummoning","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/19/more-zummoning.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIf this works, then this blog post was published with Godot!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-16-19-43-29.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"307\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIf this works, then this blog post was published with Godot!\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-16-19-43-29.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"307\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-16T19:43:45-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/16/if-this-works.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/16/if-this-works.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236465.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401236465\"\u003eThe Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives\u003c/a\u003e by Neil Gaiman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236465.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives](https://micro.blog/books/9781401236465) by Neil Gaiman 📚\n","date_published":"2024-04-16T07:00:37-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/16/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/16/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The Zummoning\u0026rdquo; (which only occurred to me when I realized I had to name the thing) has been \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning\"\u003esubmitted to Ludum Dare 55\u003c/a\u003e. It needs a TON of work, but\u0026hellip; you can play it. It\u0026rsquo;s a game. That\u0026rsquo;s something. If you\u0026rsquo;re going to try it, please read the caveats on the LD page or itch.io.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-15-21-02-30.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"367\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\"The Zummoning\" (which only occurred to me when I realized I had to name the thing) has been [submitted to Ludum Dare 55](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning). It needs a TON of work, but... you can play it. It's a game. That's something. If you're going to try it, please read the caveats on the LD page or itch.io.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-15-21-02-30.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"367\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-15T21:50:51-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/15/the-zummoning-which.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 55"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/15/the-zummoning-which.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI think I\u0026rsquo;m onto something promising, but I\u0026rsquo;m not feeling confident that this will \u003cem\u003eactually be a fun game\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003enot look like ass\u003c/em\u003e  by the jam deadline (tomorrow, 9pm). I\u0026rsquo;ll sleep on it, but this might just end up being a Godot Wild Jam submission (which is fair game, since they overlap) in six days, instead of a Ludum Dare entry tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/ld55.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"393\" aria-label=\"a rough version of a game in progress. Player plays cards representing plants, earth elementals, and celestial objects, and they combine in various ways\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI think I'm onto something promising, but I'm not feeling confident that this will *actually be a fun game* and *not look like ass*  by the jam deadline (tomorrow, 9pm). I'll sleep on it, but this might just end up being a Godot Wild Jam submission (which is fair game, since they overlap) in six days, instead of a Ludum Dare entry tomorrow.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/ld55.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"393\" aria-label=\"a rough version of a game in progress. Player plays cards representing plants, earth elementals, and celestial objects, and they combine in various ways\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-14T22:40:30-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/14/i-think-im.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 55"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/14/i-think-im.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e19 or so hours into this 72-hour game jam, and I\u0026rsquo;m only just starting to code. So far, I\u0026rsquo;ve spent time researching demons, sketching out a magic system, and entering cards into a spreadsheet. I think I read somewhere that game designers mostly live in spreadsheets. Maybe I\u0026rsquo;m progressing?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n19 or so hours into this 72-hour game jam, and I'm only just starting to code. So far, I've spent time researching demons, sketching out a magic system, and entering cards into a spreadsheet. I think I read somewhere that game designers mostly live in spreadsheets. Maybe I'm progressing?\n","date_published":"2024-04-13T16:45:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/13/or-so-hours.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 55"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/13/or-so-hours.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWhat privacy laws only apply to ages 13-15?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-13-08-08-57.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"191\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWhat privacy laws only apply to ages 13-15?\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-04-13-08-08-57.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"191\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-13T08:09:36-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/13/what-privacy-laws.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/13/what-privacy-laws.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWorking on a Godot recreation of \u003ca href=\"https://pong-wars.koenvangilst.nl/\"\u003ePong Wars\u003c/a\u003e. I might write this up as a tutorial?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/pongwars.mp4\" width=\"563\" height=\"600\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWorking on a Godot recreation of [Pong Wars](https://pong-wars.koenvangilst.nl/). I might write this up as a tutorial?\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/pongwars.mp4\" width=\"563\" height=\"600\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-11T17:08:52-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/11/working-on-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/11/working-on-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI struggle to resist:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonte Cristo on a restaurant menu\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ebread pudding on a restaurant menu\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eaudio humblebundles\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI struggle to resist:\n- Monte Cristo on a restaurant menu\n- bread pudding on a restaurant menu\n- audio humblebundles\n","date_published":"2024-04-09T18:34:39-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/09/i-struggle-to.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/09/i-struggle-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781593278878.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781593278878\"\u003eMake Your Own Pixel Art\u003c/a\u003e by Jennifer Dawe 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve started a few video tutorials on pixel art, but didn\u0026rsquo;t manage to stick with it. Maybe a book will work better for me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781593278878.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Make Your Own Pixel Art](https://micro.blog/books/9781593278878) by Jennifer Dawe 📚\n\nI've started a few video tutorials on pixel art, but didn't manage to stick with it. Maybe a book will work better for me.\n","date_published":"2024-04-07T15:30:52-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/07/currently-reading-make.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/07/currently-reading-make.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236465.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401236465\"\u003eThe Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives\u003c/a\u003e by Neil Gaiman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236465.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [The Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives](https://micro.blog/books/9781401236465) by Neil Gaiman 📚\n","date_published":"2024-04-06T12:39:55-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/06/currently-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/06/currently-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI love that \u003ca href=\"https://electoral-vote.com/\"\u003eelectoral-vote.com\u003c/a\u003e basically looks the same as it did in 2000.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI love that [electoral-vote.com](https://electoral-vote.com/) basically looks the same as it did in 2000.\n","date_published":"2024-04-04T16:47:36-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/04/i-love-that.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/04/i-love-that.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt seems like my schedule is clear enough that I\u0026rsquo;ll be able to participate in \u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/\"\u003eLudum Dare 55\u003c/a\u003e, April 12-15. It was fun last time.  My goal on this one is just to improve my scores from LD54:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-10-21-17-10-29.png\" width=\"549\" height=\"274\" alt=\"My Ludum Dare 54 scores (generally middling)\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt seems like my schedule is clear enough that I'll be able to participate in [Ludum Dare 55](https://ldjam.com/), April 12-15. It was fun last time.  My goal on this one is just to improve my scores from LD54:\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-10-21-17-10-29.png\" width=\"549\" height=\"274\" alt=\"My Ludum Dare 54 scores (generally middling)\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-04-03T18:47:05-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/03/it-seems-like.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 55"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/03/it-seems-like.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAt the kiddo\u0026rsquo;s taekwondo class, where it\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;blocking week\u0026rdquo;. Somehow, it\u0026rsquo;s never \u0026ldquo;ducking week\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;running away week\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAt the kiddo's taekwondo class, where it's \"blocking week\". Somehow, it's never \"ducking week\" or \"running away week\".\n","date_published":"2024-04-01T19:32:12-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/01/at-the-kiddos.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/04/01/at-the-kiddos.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003ePlay and combine cards to summon creatures that march towards the enemy. Created in nine days for Godot Wild Jam #68. An earlier version was also submitted to Ludum Dare 55. Made with Godot 4. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nPlay and combine cards to summon creatures that march towards the enemy. Created in nine days for Godot Wild Jam #68. An earlier version was also submitted to Ludum Dare 55. Made with Godot 4. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/the-zummoning).\n","date_published":"2024-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/the-zummoning/","title":"The Zummoning","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/the-zummoning/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAchievement unlocked: pirating the Webelos Handbook.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(I swear, we have a copy in the house, I just can\u0026rsquo;t find it)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAchievement unlocked: pirating the Webelos Handbook.\r\n\r\n(I swear, we have a copy in the house, I just can't find it)\n","date_published":"2024-03-30T16:06:56-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/30/achievement-unlocked-pirating.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/30/achievement-unlocked-pirating.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWe rejoined Netflix this week, and I\u0026rsquo;m a little surprised by how big the included library of Android games has gotten. Any recommendations? I\u0026rsquo;ve played Terra Nil before but didn\u0026rsquo;t get too far, so I might revisit that. 🎮\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWe rejoined Netflix this week, and I'm a little surprised by how big the included library of Android games has gotten. Any recommendations? I've played Terra Nil before but didn't get too far, so I might revisit that. 🎮\n","date_published":"2024-03-30T09:46:40-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/30/we-rejoined-netflix.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/30/we-rejoined-netflix.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis feels a \u003cem\u003ebit\u003c/em\u003e like cheating: but immediately after \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/24/the-hardest-part.html\"\u003emy last post on the topic\u003c/a\u003e, I built a paper prototype of the Spoon Theory game using index cards. I\u0026rsquo;m going to count that as hitting my goal to have a prototype by the end of the month.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor April and May, I want to return to Brakes Escape\u0026ndash; adding polish, more variability in scenery and obstacles, and perhaps some power ups. By the end of June, I want to have it in the Google Play Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis feels a *bit* like cheating: but immediately after [my last post on the topic](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/24/the-hardest-part.html), I built a paper prototype of the Spoon Theory game using index cards. I'm going to count that as hitting my goal to have a prototype by the end of the month.\r\n\r\nFor April and May, I want to return to Brakes Escape-- adding polish, more variability in scenery and obstacles, and perhaps some power ups. By the end of June, I want to have it in the Google Play Store.\n","date_published":"2024-03-28T19:24:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/28/spoons-brakes.html","tags":["Brakes Escape","Spoon theory game"],"title":"Spoons, Brakes","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/28/spoons-brakes.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236489.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401236489\"\u003eThe Sandman Vol. 5: A Game of You\u003c/a\u003e by Neil Gaiman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe\u0026rsquo;s not \u0026ldquo;taking a bath\u0026rdquo;, he\u0026rsquo;s \u003cem\u003ein the bath tub\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236489.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Sandman Vol. 5: A Game of You](https://micro.blog/books/9781401236489) by Neil Gaiman 📚\r\n\r\n\u003e He's not \"taking a bath\", he's *in the bath tub*.\n","date_published":"2024-03-28T19:14:51-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/28/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/28/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI still like my spoon-theory game  \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/13/i-have-a.html\"\u003econcept\u003c/a\u003e (as \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/a-solution.html\"\u003eamended\u003c/a\u003e), though there\u0026rsquo;s a lingering skepticism over whether the thing I\u0026rsquo;ve described will be fun and actually a challenge to solve\u0026ndash; but that\u0026rsquo;s what testing and iteration are for.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve slept on it for a week. I now have 7 more days until \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/01/a-jam-of.html\"\u003emy arbitrary, self-imposed deadline\u003c/a\u003e to build the prototype. Let\u0026rsquo;s go. Start. Now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Is blogging this \u003cem\u003eitself\u003c/em\u003e procrastination? Maybe.)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI still like my spoon-theory game  [concept](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/13/i-have-a.html) (as [amended](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/a-solution.html)), though there's a lingering skepticism over whether the thing I've described will be fun and actually a challenge to solve-- but that's what testing and iteration are for. \n\nI've slept on it for a week. I now have 7 more days until [my arbitrary, self-imposed deadline](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/01/a-jam-of.html) to build the prototype. Let's go. Start. Now.\n\n(Is blogging this *itself* procrastination? Maybe.)\n","date_published":"2024-03-24T19:33:19-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/24/the-hardest-part.html","tags":["Spoon theory game"],"title":"The hardest part is starting","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/24/the-hardest-part.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI assumed that replacing our aged wireless router (whatever Verizon gave us, 12 or more years ago?) would improve performance, but kind of surprised that (according to speed tests) our internet is now twice as fast.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI assumed that replacing our aged wireless router (whatever Verizon gave us, 12 or more years ago?) would improve performance, but kind of surprised that (according to speed tests) our internet is now twice as fast.\n","date_published":"2024-03-22T22:20:48-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/22/i-assumed-that.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/22/i-assumed-that.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMe, \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/13/i-have-a.html\"\u003ea couple of hours ago\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIs it possible to take what I’ve described and actually make it fun and challenging? Or, will the right path (or a right path) always be obvious at a glance?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that I\u0026rsquo;ve thought about it some more, I think part of the answer here is: the player shouldn\u0026rsquo;t be the only entity moving across the board. There should be NPC\u0026rsquo;s representing social interactions that the player may \u003cem\u003ewant\u003c/em\u003e to encounter (that add spoons) and others that the player will want to avoid (that take away spoons). They should move in predictable patterns, and the player\u0026rsquo;s challenge becomes:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eobserve and understand the NPC\u0026rsquo;s movement patterns\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efigure \u003cem\u003ethat\u003c/em\u003e into their plan for traversing the board, along with destinations to reach, routes to take, and turns available.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThat\u003c/em\u003e sounds more like a puzzle.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMe, [a couple of hours ago](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/13/i-have-a.html):\r\n\r\n\u003e Is it possible to take what I’ve described and actually make it fun and challenging? Or, will the right path (or a right path) always be obvious at a glance?\r\n\r\nNow that I've thought about it some more, I think part of the answer here is: the player shouldn't be the only entity moving across the board. There should be NPC's representing social interactions that the player may *want* to encounter (that add spoons) and others that the player will want to avoid (that take away spoons). They should move in predictable patterns, and the player's challenge becomes:\r\n\r\n- observe and understand the NPC's movement patterns\r\n- figure *that* into their plan for traversing the board, along with destinations to reach, routes to take, and turns available.\r\n\r\n *That* sounds more like a puzzle.\n","date_published":"2024-03-14T19:22:46-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/a-solution.html","tags":["Spoon theory game"],"title":"A Solution","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/a-solution.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFound \u003ca href=\"https://gist.github.com/rosskarchner/4d422ea45fb0448e85df\"\u003ethis list of ideas\u003c/a\u003e I had posted to Twitter over some number of years. It\u0026rsquo;s not all gold, but I still like a few of them:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea first-in, first out laundry hamper\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShazam for the noises a malfunctioning appliance or car might make.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eURL shortner that implies value judgement. Think like.ly, hate.ly, whatev.er\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea site for stolen recipes, called TastyLeaks\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI vaguely recall trying to build this:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003esite that lets you take any book, and turn it into a chapter-a-week lesson plan. discussion and vote-based rev. q\u0026rsquo;s and homework\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is basically \u003ca href=\"https://haveibeenpwned.com/\"\u003ehaveibeenpwned.com\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003esite where you can sign up, submit your email address(s), get notified when it shows up in a dump from @LulzSec \u0026amp; friends\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\nFound [this list of ideas](https://gist.github.com/rosskarchner/4d422ea45fb0448e85df) I had posted to Twitter over some number of years. It's not all gold, but I still like a few of them:\r\n\r\n- a first-in, first out laundry hamper\r\n- Shazam for the noises a malfunctioning appliance or car might make.\r\n- URL shortner that implies value judgement. Think like.ly, hate.ly, whatev.er\r\n- a site for stolen recipes, called TastyLeaks\r\n\r\n I vaguely recall trying to build this:\r\n\r\n- site that lets you take any book, and turn it into a chapter-a-week lesson plan. discussion and vote-based rev. q's and homework\r\n\r\n This is basically [haveibeenpwned.com](https://haveibeenpwned.com/):\r\n\r\n- site where you can sign up, submit your email address(s), get notified when it shows up in a dump from @LulzSec \u0026 friends\n","date_published":"2024-03-14T15:39:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/idea-file.html","title":"Idea File","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/idea-file.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s my initial concept for the spoon theory game:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach level/puzzle is a grid, with a starting location and one or more \u0026ldquo;must do\u0026rdquo; spaces, zero or more bonus spaces, and other spaces that either add or remove \u0026ldquo;spoons\u0026rdquo; (which can be thought of as stamina or energy). The player\u0026rsquo;s challenge is to design a route that connects the starting location to (at least) each \u0026ldquo;must do\u0026rdquo; location in order to complete the level, without running out of spoons or turns.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLevels can vary in size, number of must do or bonus spaces, and the number of turns available to complete the puzzle. I currently plan to offer unlimited undo.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExample tiles:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emust do\u003c/strong\u003e:  appointments, social obligations, school or work\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebonus\u003c/strong\u003e: things that might represent trade-offs, like a party can be both fun and overwhelming. May cost or earn spoons.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eother spaces\u003c/strong\u003e: these might represent normal day-to-day tasks and chores that cost spoons, or preferred activities that add spoons, like rest, play, listening to music.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps you earn a star rating on each level (ala Angry Birds), 1 star for passing, two for passing and getting some (not all) bonuses, and three for passing and getting all bonuses. You could then revisit levels to increase your stars.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"prior-art\"\u003eprior art\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpoon theory lends itself pretty naturally to games\u0026ndash; stamina/energy/\u0026ldquo;spoons\u0026rdquo; are a limited resource you need to manage, and I\u0026rsquo;m not the first to attempt to translate it into a game mechanic. You might even see the reverse\u0026ndash; \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq_3p6I0B70\"\u003evideo games as a metaphor for how some people need to think about and manage their energy\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMost\u003c/em\u003e of the games I\u0026rsquo;ve seen are choose-your-own-adventure-style interactive stories, where you play through the day of a character, and make decisions that cost or earn spoons. If you \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/search?q=spoon+theory\"\u003esearch itch.io for \u0026ldquo;spoon theory\u0026rdquo;\u003c/a\u003e, you\u0026rsquo;ll get a number of those, with a few variations. If you search on Steam, you\u0026rsquo;ll find \u003ca href=\"https://store.steampowered.com/app/671720/Robin/\"\u003eRobin\u003c/a\u003e, which fits that description as well.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome other things I found:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://freakoutgames.itch.io/spoons\"\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s one modeled as a chat conversation\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://gamemakerm.itch.io/spoon-theory\"\u003eThis one\u003c/a\u003e, where you must rapidly tap the space bar to generate spoons (it\u0026rsquo;s really hard!)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.dadafest.co.uk/Downloads/GameofSpoons/game_of_spoons_instructions_v2.pdf\"\u003eA board game\u003c/a\u003e and a \u003ca href=\"https://vinisoul.itch.io/day-by-day-the-spoon-theory\"\u003edice-and-paper simulation\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI guess my idea isn\u0026rsquo;t \u003cem\u003enot\u003c/em\u003e a choose-your-own-adventure, it\u0026rsquo;s just that all of the the choices and their consequences are revealed at once, and the challenge is in planning your path through the day, managing your spoons and time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"open-questions\"\u003eopen questions\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIs it possible to take what I\u0026rsquo;ve described and actually make it fun and challenging? Or, will the right path (or \u003cem\u003ea\u003c/em\u003e right path) always be obvious at a glance?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not sure I can know without building it. And if that \u003cem\u003eis\u003c/em\u003e the case, then having a working prototype will allow me to troubleshoot the gameplay. I hope to have that prototype by the end of the month.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nHere's my initial concept for the spoon theory game:\n\nEach level/puzzle is a grid, with a starting location and one or more \"must do\" spaces, zero or more bonus spaces, and other spaces that either add or remove \"spoons\" (which can be thought of as stamina or energy). The player's challenge is to design a route that connects the starting location to (at least) each \"must do\" location in order to complete the level, without running out of spoons or turns.  \n\nLevels can vary in size, number of must do or bonus spaces, and the number of turns available to complete the puzzle. I currently plan to offer unlimited undo.\n\nExample tiles:\n- **must do**:  appointments, social obligations, school or work\n- **bonus**: things that might represent trade-offs, like a party can be both fun and overwhelming. May cost or earn spoons. \n- **other spaces**: these might represent normal day-to-day tasks and chores that cost spoons, or preferred activities that add spoons, like rest, play, listening to music.\n\nPerhaps you earn a star rating on each level (ala Angry Birds), 1 star for passing, two for passing and getting some (not all) bonuses, and three for passing and getting all bonuses. You could then revisit levels to increase your stars.\n\n### prior art\n\nSpoon theory lends itself pretty naturally to games-- stamina/energy/\"spoons\" are a limited resource you need to manage, and I'm not the first to attempt to translate it into a game mechanic. You might even see the reverse-- [video games as a metaphor for how some people need to think about and manage their energy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq_3p6I0B70).\n\n*Most* of the games I've seen are choose-your-own-adventure-style interactive stories, where you play through the day of a character, and make decisions that cost or earn spoons. If you [search itch.io for \"spoon theory\"](https://itch.io/search?q=spoon+theory), you'll get a number of those, with a few variations. If you search on Steam, you'll find [Robin](https://store.steampowered.com/app/671720/Robin/), which fits that description as well.\n\nSome other things I found:\n- [Here's one modeled as a chat conversation](https://freakoutgames.itch.io/spoons)\n- [This one](https://gamemakerm.itch.io/spoon-theory), where you must rapidly tap the space bar to generate spoons (it's really hard!)\n- [A board game](https://www.dadafest.co.uk/Downloads/GameofSpoons/game_of_spoons_instructions_v2.pdf) and a [dice-and-paper simulation](https://vinisoul.itch.io/day-by-day-the-spoon-theory).\n  \nI guess my idea isn't *not* a choose-your-own-adventure, it's just that all of the the choices and their consequences are revealed at once, and the challenge is in planning your path through the day, managing your spoons and time.\n\n### open questions\n\nIs it possible to take what I've described and actually make it fun and challenging? Or, will the right path (or *a* right path) always be obvious at a glance?\n\nI'm not sure I can know without building it. And if that *is* the case, then having a working prototype will allow me to troubleshoot the gameplay. I hope to have that prototype by the end of the month.\n","date_published":"2024-03-14T15:10:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/i-have-a.html","tags":["Spoon theory game"],"title":"Spoon theory game: initial concept and prior art","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/14/i-have-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOne of my previous complaints about the game was that the water was kind of… blah. I added this shader and now I like it!...\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cp\u003eOne of my previous complaints about the game was that the water was kind of… blah. I added this shader and now I like it!...\u003c/p\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-03-11T17:18:50-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/11/water-shader.html","title":"Water Shader","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/11/water-shader.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780429560576.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780429560576\"\u003eGame Design Deep Dive: Platformers\u003c/a\u003e by Joshua Bycer 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780429560576.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Game Design Deep Dive: Platformers](https://micro.blog/books/9780429560576) by Joshua Bycer 📚\n","date_published":"2024-03-10T09:54:36-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/10/finished-reading-game.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/10/finished-reading-game.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236496.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401236496\"\u003eThe Sandman Vol. 4: Season of Mists\u003c/a\u003e by Neil Gaiman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is my favorite storyline in the whole Sandman series\u0026ndash; probably because it\u0026rsquo;s Lucifer-heavy, and I love Mike Carey\u0026rsquo;s \u003cem\u003eLucifer\u003c/em\u003e spinoff (maybe more than Sandman itself).\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236496.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [The Sandman Vol. 4: Season of Mists](https://micro.blog/books/9781401236496) by Neil Gaiman 📚\r\n\r\nThis is my favorite storyline in the whole Sandman series-- probably because it's Lucifer-heavy, and I love Mike Carey's *Lucifer* spinoff (maybe more than Sandman itself).\n","date_published":"2024-03-09T23:43:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/09/currently-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/09/currently-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780008261405.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780008261405\"\u003eThe Bullet Journal Method\u003c/a\u003e by Ryder Carroll 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI skimmed or skipped some of the more philosophical material (like a chapter on \u0026ldquo;radiance\u0026rdquo;), but I have some good ideas about how to reinvigorate my bujo practice:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eget back to the habit of reviewing the month-so-far every morning, or at least weekdays.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ebe more liberal about creating \u0026ldquo;collections\u0026rdquo; outside of the daily log flow, for particular projects, topics, or goals\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ejust write more! let the journal be more of a log of ideas, thoughts, frustrations, and victories, and not just a todo list\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780008261405.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [The Bullet Journal Method](https://micro.blog/books/9780008261405) by Ryder Carroll 📚 \r\n\r\nI skimmed or skipped some of the more philosophical material (like a chapter on \"radiance\"), but I have some good ideas about how to reinvigorate my bujo practice: \r\n\r\n- get back to the habit of reviewing the month-so-far every morning, or at least weekdays. \r\n- be more liberal about creating \"collections\" outside of the daily log flow, for particular projects, topics, or goals \r\n- just write more! let the journal be more of a log of ideas, thoughts, frustrations, and victories, and not just a todo list\n","date_published":"2024-03-09T23:38:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/09/bujobook.html","title":"BuJoBook","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/09/bujobook.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780008261405.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780008261405\"\u003eThe Bullet Journal Method\u003c/a\u003e by Ryder Carroll 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been using a bullet journal for a couple of years now, but lately, it\u0026rsquo;s been\u0026hellip; I dunno. It\u0026rsquo;s a to-do list. I think I need to reconnect with bujo as a mindfulness practice, and not just a task tracker. When it was working well, I felt more \u003cem\u003eeffective\u003c/em\u003e, not just productive. I want to get that back.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve never read the book before. Maybe it\u0026rsquo;ll help?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780008261405.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [The Bullet Journal Method](https://micro.blog/books/9780008261405) by Ryder Carroll 📚\n\nI've been using a bullet journal for a couple of years now, but lately, it's been... I dunno. It's a to-do list. I think I need to reconnect with bujo as a mindfulness practice, and not just a task tracker. When it was working well, I felt more *effective*, not just productive. I want to get that back. \n\nI've never read the book before. Maybe it'll help?\n","date_published":"2024-03-08T20:06:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/08/currently-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/08/currently-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI was thinking about watching Midsommer, but reading the Wikipedia article was just enough horror for me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI was thinking about watching Midsommer, but reading the Wikipedia article was just enough horror for me.\n","date_published":"2024-03-07T23:38:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/07/i-was-thinking.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/07/i-was-thinking.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593652886.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593652886\"\u003eThe Creative Act\u003c/a\u003e by Rick Rubin 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593652886.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Creative Act](https://micro.blog/books/9780593652886) by Rick Rubin 📚\n","date_published":"2024-03-07T22:16:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/07/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/07/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSpending the evening at Fairfax County Government Center, shuttling election materials between the loading dock (where I found this sign) and offices upstairs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/3c4cfdebd0.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSpending the evening at Fairfax County Government Center, shuttling election materials between the loading dock (where I found this sign) and offices upstairs. \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/3c4cfdebd0.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-03-05T20:21:40-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/05/spending-the-evening.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/05/spending-the-evening.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780429560576.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780429560576\"\u003eGame Design Deep Dive: Platformers\u003c/a\u003e by Joshua Bycer 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780429560576.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Game Design Deep Dive: Platformers](https://micro.blog/books/9780429560576) by Joshua Bycer 📚\n","date_published":"2024-03-04T20:26:39-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/04/currently-reading-game.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/04/currently-reading-game.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236519.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401236519\"\u003eThe Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll\u0026rsquo;s House\u003c/a\u003e by Neil Gaiman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236519.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll's House](https://micro.blog/books/9781401236519) by Neil Gaiman 📚\n","date_published":"2024-03-04T20:25:08-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/04/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/04/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOne thing I\u0026rsquo;ve learned about myself after participating in a couple of game jams: I like having deadlines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, I\u0026rsquo;m going to try setting a deadline for a personal project that I\u0026rsquo;ve been meaning to make progress on: a game about \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory\"\u003espoon theory\u003c/a\u003e. I want to have something \u003cem\u003eplayable\u003c/em\u003e (not necessarily done)  by the end of March.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy aim here is:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea fun game\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ethat leaves the player with increased empathy for/ understanding of folks who need to consciously manage their energy/stamina\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026hellip; with a bonus goal of the game being somewhat relaxing and not too taxing. The game should be a good \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimming\"\u003estim\u003c/a\u003e. It should restore spoons, rather than take them away.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nOne thing I've learned about myself after participating in a couple of game jams: I like having deadlines.\n\nSo, I'm going to try setting a deadline for a personal project that I've been meaning to make progress on: a game about [spoon theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory). I want to have something *playable* (not necessarily done)  by the end of March.\n\nMy aim here is:\n- a fun game\n- that leaves the player with increased empathy for/ understanding of folks who need to consciously manage their energy/stamina\n \n... with a bonus goal of the game being somewhat relaxing and not too taxing. The game should be a good [stim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimming). It should restore spoons, rather than take them away.\n","date_published":"2024-03-01T19:38:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/01/a-jam-of.html","tags":["Spoon theory game"],"title":"A jam of my own","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/03/01/a-jam-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve done a round of post-jam tweaking on \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape\"\u003eBrakes Escape\u003c/a\u003e. The game no longer simply stops generating new platforms (and walls!) once you hit a certain level,  sound effects have been added, and some bugs have been fixed. To make things a little more difficult, I\u0026rsquo;ve introduced \u0026ldquo;solid\u0026rdquo; platforms that you can\u0026rsquo;t jump through, and made the rising water gradually increase in speed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are still some things I\u0026rsquo;m unsatisfied with:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ethe death animation is pretty janky\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ethe water is portrayed as just a translucent blue sheet that rises. I\u0026rsquo;d like it to look more like water.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome sound effects are still missing, and there\u0026rsquo;s no music\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI think it needs more platform types (like conveyor belts) and some additional hazards (enemies?) to really be interesting and fun.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, what\u0026rsquo;s next?  I think I want to adapt the game for mobile, while working on the above items.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI do plan to update the itch.io web version \u003cem\u003eat least\u003c/em\u003e once more, to generate a \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/article/dev-snapshot-godot-4-3-dev-3/#single-threaded-web-exports\"\u003esingle-threaded version\u003c/a\u003e once Godot 4.3 is released (soon?).\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've done a round of post-jam tweaking on [Brakes Escape](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape). The game no longer simply stops generating new platforms (and walls!) once you hit a certain level,  sound effects have been added, and some bugs have been fixed. To make things a little more difficult, I've introduced \"solid\" platforms that you can't jump through, and made the rising water gradually increase in speed.\n\nThere are still some things I'm unsatisfied with:\n- the death animation is pretty janky\n- the water is portrayed as just a translucent blue sheet that rises. I'd like it to look more like water.\n- Some sound effects are still missing, and there's no music\n- I think it needs more platform types (like conveyor belts) and some additional hazards (enemies?) to really be interesting and fun.\n\nSo, what's next?  I think I want to adapt the game for mobile, while working on the above items. \n  \nI do plan to update the itch.io web version *at least* once more, to generate a [single-threaded version](https://godotengine.org/article/dev-snapshot-godot-4-3-dev-3/#single-threaded-web-exports) once Godot 4.3 is released (soon?).\n","date_published":"2024-02-29T07:48:49-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/29/brakes-escape-update.html","tags":["Brakes Escape"],"title":"Brakes Escape update","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/29/brakes-escape-update.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593652886.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593652886\"\u003eThe Creative Act\u003c/a\u003e by Rick Rubin 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593652886.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [The Creative Act](https://micro.blog/books/9780593652886) by Rick Rubin 📚\n","date_published":"2024-02-26T23:03:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/26/currently-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/26/currently-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSurprised that, for a published-this-month technical book, Thrift Books had more inventory on hand and a better price than Amazon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSurprised that, for a published-this-month technical book, Thrift Books had more inventory on hand and a better price than Amazon.\n","date_published":"2024-02-25T11:22:40-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/25/surprised-that-for.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/25/surprised-that-for.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-66/rate/2537196\"\u003eResults are in\u003c/a\u003e\u0026ndash; I was hoping for higher scores generally , but I\u0026rsquo;m pleased with getting #14 in the \u0026ldquo;fun\u0026rdquo; category.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am working on an update that fixes the most glaring bugs, and adds audio, a score, and other refinements, which I hope to upload next week.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[Results are in](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-66/rate/2537196)-- I was hoping for higher scores generally , but I'm pleased with getting #14 in the \"fun\" category.\n\nI am working on an update that fixes the most glaring bugs, and adds audio, a score, and other refinements, which I hope to upload next week.\n","date_published":"2024-02-23T17:18:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/23/results-are-in.html","tags":["Brakes Escape"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/23/results-are-in.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Flash of light-mode content\u0026rdquo; is the new \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_of_unstyled_content\"\u003eflash of unstyled content\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\"Flash of light-mode content\" is the new [flash of unstyled content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_of_unstyled_content).\n","date_published":"2024-02-20T20:10:48-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/20/flash-of-lightmode.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/20/flash-of-lightmode.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-02-19-18-03-14.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"156\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome lessons learned from my recent game jam experience:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t wait until the very end of the jam to download the \u003ca href=\"https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/export/exporting_projects.html#export-templates\"\u003eexport templates bundle\u003c/a\u003e (see screenshot).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe last few hours of the jam are NOT the right time to learn shaders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe last few hours of the jam are NOT the right time to learn parallax backgrounds\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGodot features I attempted to re-create (poorly)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePath2D (i was trying to move platforms back and forth by tracking points and managing velocity, before I figured out that Path2D could do this for me)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne-way collisions (I had used an Area2D and code to manage what collision layers a platform is, to create the effect where you could jump through a platform from below, while it acts as if it\u0026rsquo;s solid when you land on it. Turned out this was built in, and a matter of checking \u003ca href=\"https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_collisionshape2d.html#class-collisionshape2d-property-one-way-collision\"\u003eone goddamned checkbox\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGodot features and nodes that I had never used before (besides Path2D/PathFollow2D and one-way collisions)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParallaxBackground and ParallaxLayer (though I messed this up somehow, my background that is supposed to repeat stops repeating at some point)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe ability to place limits on camera movement, which I\u0026rsquo;d previously done myself via code.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only add-on I used was \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/asset-library/asset/1778\"\u003eGodot State Charts\u003c/a\u003e, which continues to be the bees knees.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-02-19-18-03-14.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"156\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\nSome lessons learned from my recent game jam experience:\n\n- Don't wait until the very end of the jam to download the [export templates bundle](https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/export/exporting_projects.html#export-templates) (see screenshot).\n- The last few hours of the jam are NOT the right time to learn shaders\n- The last few hours of the jam are NOT the right time to learn parallax backgrounds\n \n Godot features I attempted to re-create (poorly)\n\n- Path2D (i was trying to move platforms back and forth by tracking points and managing velocity, before I figured out that Path2D could do this for me)\n- One-way collisions (I had used an Area2D and code to manage what collision layers a platform is, to create the effect where you could jump through a platform from below, while it acts as if it's solid when you land on it. Turned out this was built in, and a matter of checking [one goddamned checkbox](https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_collisionshape2d.html#class-collisionshape2d-property-one-way-collision).\n\n Godot features and nodes that I had never used before (besides Path2D/PathFollow2D and one-way collisions)\n\n- ParallaxBackground and ParallaxLayer (though I messed this up somehow, my background that is supposed to repeat stops repeating at some point)\n- The ability to place limits on camera movement, which I'd previously done myself via code.\n\nThe only add-on I used was [Godot State Charts](https://godotengine.org/asset-library/asset/1778), which continues to be the bees knees.\n","date_published":"2024-02-19T19:23:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/19/godot-wild-jam.html","tags":["Brakes Escape"],"title":"Godot Wild Jam  66 postmortem","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/19/godot-wild-jam.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBrakes Escape, my submission to Godot Wild Jam #66, is \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape\"\u003elive on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e. There are a couple of bugs, half-baked feaures , and other compromises made in the name of having something shippable by the deadline, but I think it\u0026rsquo;s a promising start to a more complete game.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nBrakes Escape, my submission to Godot Wild Jam #66, is [live on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape). There are a couple of bugs, half-baked feaures , and other compromises made in the name of having something shippable by the deadline, but I think it's a promising start to a more complete game.\n","date_published":"2024-02-18T18:05:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/18/brakes-escape-my.html","tags":["Brakes Escape"],"url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/18/brakes-escape-my.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003ePreviously, I posted \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/10/gwj-ideas.html\"\u003etwo ideas for Godot Wild Jam 66\u003c/a\u003e. I ended up spending a few days on the first one and realized I didn\u0026rsquo;t like where it was going and I didn\u0026rsquo;t feel good about getting it into shape for the end of the jam. So, I switched gears to the second one (a variation on an idea I\u0026rsquo;d already been tinkering with).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s going better, but I\u0026rsquo;m not sure it\u0026rsquo;ll be shippable by the deadline (4pm tomorrow). Still, it\u0026rsquo;s nice to have some momentum. I\u0026rsquo;m really happy with how the player character moves, but the game definitely needs more.. game. We\u0026rsquo;ll see how for I get it tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/gwj66.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"363\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nPreviously, I posted [two ideas for Godot Wild Jam 66](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/10/gwj-ideas.html). I ended up spending a few days on the first one and realized I didn't like where it was going and I didn't feel good about getting it into shape for the end of the jam. So, I switched gears to the second one (a variation on an idea I'd already been tinkering with).\n\nIt's going better, but I'm not sure it'll be shippable by the deadline (4pm tomorrow). Still, it's nice to have some momentum. I'm really happy with how the player character moves, but the game definitely needs more.. game. We'll see how for I get it tomorrow.\n\n\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/gwj66.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"363\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-02-18T01:54:58-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/18/escape-game.html","tags":["screenshotsaturday","Brakes Escape"],"title":"Escape game","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/18/escape-game.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m the PTA volunteer keeping an eye on our elementary school\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;tech club\u0026rdquo; again this session, and this time they\u0026rsquo;re going to be programming drones with Python.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m\u0026hellip; a little jealous?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm the PTA volunteer keeping an eye on our elementary school's \"tech club\" again this session, and this time they're going to be programming drones with Python. \r\n\r\nI'm... a little jealous?\n","date_published":"2024-02-14T18:08:50-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/14/im-the-pta.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/14/im-the-pta.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been pretty lazy about static typing in GDScript - but it\u0026rsquo;s pretty cool to see that \u003ca href=\"https://www.beep.blog/2024-02-14-gdscript-typing/\"\u003ethere are performance benefits\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been pretty lazy about static typing in GDScript - but it's pretty cool to see that [there are performance benefits](https://www.beep.blog/2024-02-14-gdscript-typing/).\n","date_published":"2024-02-14T14:17:23-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/14/ive-been-pretty.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/14/ive-been-pretty.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683969273.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to read: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781683969273\"\u003eMy Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two\u003c/a\u003e by Emil Ferris 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first book was great, and I\u0026rsquo;m excited to read what happens next. Maybe I\u0026rsquo;ll re-read the first one before May.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683969273.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nWant to read: [My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two](https://micro.blog/books/9781683969273) by Emil Ferris 📚\n\nThe first book was great, and I'm excited to read what happens next. Maybe I'll re-read the first one before May.\n","date_published":"2024-02-13T18:37:49-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/13/want-to-read.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/13/want-to-read.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNah I\u0026rsquo;m good Samsung\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/b6fd16a016.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"235\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNah I'm good Samsung \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/b6fd16a016.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"235\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-02-10T15:55:30-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/10/nah-im-good.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/10/nah-im-good.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eCurrent thinking for the jam, either:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estarting over from scratch on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nagi-p.com/v1/eng/nstw.html\"\u003eNS-Tower\u003c/a\u003e-inspired game I\u0026rsquo;ve tinkered with on and off (see a GIF of it \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/14/not-much-visible.html\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e), and adding something to escape from, like a rising water level.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea horizontal - scrolling space shooter where you can only move in short bursts, which I\u0026rsquo;m calling \u0026ldquo;we only have hyperdrive\u0026rdquo;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\nCurrent thinking for the jam, either:\n\n- starting over from scratch on the [NS-Tower](https://www.nagi-p.com/v1/eng/nstw.html)-inspired game I've tinkered with on and off (see a GIF of it [here](https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/14/not-much-visible.html)), and adding something to escape from, like a rising water level. \n- a horizontal - scrolling space shooter where you can only move in short bursts, which I'm calling \"we only have hyperdrive\"\n","date_published":"2024-02-10T12:41:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/10/gwj-ideas.html","title":"GWJ ideas","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/10/gwj-ideas.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m signed up for \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-66\"\u003eGodot Wild Jam #66\u003c/a\u003e, with a theme of \u0026ldquo;Escape\u0026rdquo;\u0026ndash; which is pretty straightforward, as far as game jam themes go. I do think it\u0026rsquo;s quite cool that GWJ has accessibility as a rating category, and I\u0026rsquo;m going to try to see how much of the \u003ca href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_KRsj_tC5YynemDBMt-v6YVzEnWkqESF/view\"\u003eaccessibility guidelines\u003c/a\u003e I can meet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jam goes for nine days. My current thinking on timing is: have something basically working by early next week, then use the rest of the time to polish the graphics, UI, and audio.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm signed up for [Godot Wild Jam #66](https://itch.io/jam/godot-wild-jam-66), with a theme of \"Escape\"-- which is pretty straightforward, as far as game jam themes go. I do think it's quite cool that GWJ has accessibility as a rating category, and I'm going to try to see how much of the [accessibility guidelines](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_KRsj_tC5YynemDBMt-v6YVzEnWkqESF/view) I can meet.\r\n\r\nThe jam goes for nine days. My current thinking on timing is: have something basically working by early next week, then use the rest of the time to polish the graphics, UI, and audio.\n","date_published":"2024-02-09T20:53:08-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/09/godot-wild-jam.html","title":"Godot Wild Jam #66","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/09/godot-wild-jam.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.manton.org/2024/02/08/bluesky-domain-handles.html\"\u003eThis post\u003c/a\u003e from \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/manton\"\u003e@manton\u003c/a\u003e prompted me to finally try out Bluesky\u0026ndash; so far, it feels kind of like the uncanny valley version of Twitter? I\u0026rsquo;ll keep poking around. I\u0026rsquo;ve turned on cross-posting from micro.blog.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[This post](https://www.manton.org/2024/02/08/bluesky-domain-handles.html) from [@manton](https://micro.blog/manton) prompted me to finally try out Bluesky-- so far, it feels kind of like the uncanny valley version of Twitter? I'll keep poking around. I've turned on cross-posting from micro.blog.\n","date_published":"2024-02-08T17:30:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/08/this-post-from.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/08/this-post-from.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236519.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781401236519\"\u003eThe Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll\u0026rsquo;s House\u003c/a\u003e by Neil Gaiman 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(actually, re-listening to \u003ca href=\"https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Sandman-Audiobook/B086WP794Z\"\u003eAct I of the Audible adaptation of The Sandman\u003c/a\u003e, but I\u0026rsquo;m in the section that corresponds to The Dolls House)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781401236519.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [The Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll's House](https://micro.blog/books/9781401236519) by Neil Gaiman 📚\n\n(actually, re-listening to [Act I of the Audible adaptation of The Sandman](https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Sandman-Audiobook/B086WP794Z), but I'm in the section that corresponds to The Dolls House)\n","date_published":"2024-02-07T12:38:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/07/currently-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/07/currently-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781324036678.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781324036678\"\u003eAgainst Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)\u003c/a\u003e by Ashley Shew 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781324036678.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)](https://micro.blog/books/9781324036678) by Ashley Shew 📚\n","date_published":"2024-02-03T21:29:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/03/finished-reading-against.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/03/finished-reading-against.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy son and I are still making tweaks to the roguelike that resulted from following \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/selinadev@indiepocalypse.social\"\u003e@selinadev@indiepocalypse.social\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rsquo;s tutorial: a new spell, visual effects, weapons, and new enemies. I enjoy the collaboration, so we\u0026rsquo;ll probably keep it going for a while.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most notable new \u003cem\u003efeature\u003c/em\u003e is a minimap! It still needs work, but I\u0026rsquo;m happy that I was able to get it working. This is my first time writing Godot code that generates a graphic from scratch. Every pixel in the minimap represents one tile in the current dungeon. Right now, it draws the entire graphic (walks the entire array of tiles) on every turn, which seems excessive and dumb. On the other hand, it\u0026rsquo;s performing OK, so \u0026ldquo;fixing\u0026rdquo; that might be a premature optimization.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn theory, the next \u003ca href=\"https://godotwildjam.com/\"\u003eGodot Wild Jam\u003c/a\u003e starts next Friday, I was thinking I might give that a try.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-02-03-09-45-28.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"353\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy son and I are still making tweaks to the roguelike that resulted from following [@selinadev@indiepocalypse.social](https://micro.blog/selinadev@indiepocalypse.social)'s tutorial: a new spell, visual effects, weapons, and new enemies. I enjoy the collaboration, so we'll probably keep it going for a while. \r\n\r\nThe most notable new *feature* is a minimap! It still needs work, but I'm happy that I was able to get it working. This is my first time writing Godot code that generates a graphic from scratch. Every pixel in the minimap represents one tile in the current dungeon. Right now, it draws the entire graphic (walks the entire array of tiles) on every turn, which seems excessive and dumb. On the other hand, it's performing OK, so \"fixing\" that might be a premature optimization.\r\n\r\nIn theory, the next [Godot Wild Jam](https://godotwildjam.com/) starts next Friday, I was thinking I might give that a try.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-02-03-09-45-28.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"353\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-02-03T11:04:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/03/screenshotsaturday.html","tags":["screenshotsaturday"],"title":"#screenshotsaturday","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/02/03/screenshotsaturday.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eJump as high as you can to escape the rising water. Created in nine days for Godot Wild Jam #66, where it ranked 4th in the \u0026ldquo;controls\u0026rdquo; category and 14th in \u0026ldquo;fun\u0026rdquo; (out of 158 entries). Made with Godot 4. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nJump as high as you can to escape the rising water. Created in nine days for Godot Wild Jam #66, where it ranked 4th in the \"controls\" category and 14th in \"fun\" (out of 158 entries). Made with Godot 4. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/brakes-escape).\n","date_published":"2024-02-01T00:00:00-05:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/brakes-escape/","title":"Brakes Escape","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/brakes-escape/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe lyrics to \u0026ldquo;Parents Just Don’t Understand\u0026rdquo; aren\u0026rsquo;t as lighthearted as I remember.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe lyrics to \"Parents Just Don’t Understand\" aren't as lighthearted as I remember.\n","date_published":"2024-01-31T19:16:54-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/31/the-lyrics-to.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/31/the-lyrics-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781324036678.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781324036678\"\u003eAgainst Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)\u003c/a\u003e by Ashley Shew 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781324036678.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)](https://micro.blog/books/9781324036678) by Ashley Shew 📚\n","date_published":"2024-01-28T19:23:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/28/currently-reading-against.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/28/currently-reading-against.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the more annoying differences between gdscript and Python:  that Python capitalizes \u003ccode\u003eTrue\u003c/code\u003e and \u003ccode\u003eFalse\u003c/code\u003e, and gdscript does not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nOne of the more annoying differences between gdscript and Python:  that Python capitalizes `True` and `False`, and gdscript does not.\n","date_published":"2024-01-25T20:20:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/25/one-of-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/25/one-of-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250323637.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781250323637\"\u003eBea Wolf\u003c/a\u003e by Zach Weinersmith 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250323637.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Bea Wolf](https://micro.blog/books/9781250323637) by Zach Weinersmith 📚\n","date_published":"2024-01-24T19:26:16-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/24/finished-reading-bea.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/24/finished-reading-bea.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250323637.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781250323637\"\u003eBea Wolf\u003c/a\u003e by Zach Weinersmith 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChecked this out for the kid, but I\u0026rsquo;m a grown-up  and I can read it first if I want to.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781250323637.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Bea Wolf](https://micro.blog/books/9781250323637) by Zach Weinersmith 📚\n\nChecked this out for the kid, but I'm a grown-up  and I can read it first if I want to.\n","date_published":"2024-01-24T18:30:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/24/currently-reading-bea.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/24/currently-reading-bea.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062039828.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780062039828\"\u003eStory\u003c/a\u003e by Robert McKee 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062039828.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Story](https://micro.blog/books/9780062039828) by Robert McKee 📚\n","date_published":"2024-01-23T20:07:39-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/23/finished-listening-story.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/23/finished-listening-story.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eScreen shake makes pretty much anything better.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/shake.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"333\" aria-label=\"Footage of a dungeon-crawling game, demosntrating screen shake effect\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nScreen shake makes pretty much anything better.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/shake.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"333\" aria-label=\"Footage of a dungeon-crawling game, demosntrating screen shake effect\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-01-23T16:57:17-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/23/screen-shake-makes.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/23/screen-shake-makes.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI did the thing! I finished \u003ca href=\"https://selinadev.github.io/17-rogueliketutorial-13/\"\u003eall 13 parts of Selinadev\u0026rsquo;s Godot 4 Roguelike tutorial\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere were a good number of things that were new to me: procedural map generation, \u003ca href=\"https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_astar2d.html\"\u003eAStar navigation\u003c/a\u003e, custom resources, and using those custom resources to compose entities. I\u0026rsquo;m happy with the knowledge gained by working through this.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe end product is\u0026hellip; not my cup of tea, really.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn roguelikes generally:  When I was a kid, one of the computers available to me had \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetHack\"\u003enethack\u003c/a\u003e installed. I poked around a \u003cem\u003ebit\u003c/em\u003e, but it never really clicked for me (and the same computer had SimCity! ). One turn-based roguelike I \u003cem\u003edo\u003c/em\u003e play these days is \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoplite_(video_game)\"\u003eHoplite\u003c/a\u003e. I think what I like about Hoplite is that it plays almost like a board or puzzle game, the challenge is in reasoning about how to get through the level safely.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn this particular game: after adding armor, weapons, and the power-ups available when you gain a level, combat is super easy, and the challenge curve stops when you get 8 levels deep. I appreciate the 1-bit art style, but it kills me a bit that a game that includes fireballs and lighting attack\u0026rsquo;s doesn\u0026rsquo;t make those things visually interesting events\u0026ndash; baddies take damage, maybe die, and a message is logged. This isn\u0026rsquo;t really the author\u0026rsquo;s fault, since she adapted \u003ca href=\"https://rogueliketutorials.com/tutorials/tcod/v2/\"\u003ea tutorial that builds a classic terminal/console game\u003c/a\u003e. It\u0026rsquo;s just a shame this leaves behind a lot of the cool stuff Godot can do.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy son/project manager designed some new enemies and other graphics to be incorporate in the game, and I want to honor that effort by integrating those assets and ideas. I\u0026rsquo;ll probably spend another week doing that and maybe looking for other ways to increase the usability and fun factor.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI did the thing! I finished [all 13 parts of Selinadev's Godot 4 Roguelike tutorial](https://selinadev.github.io/17-rogueliketutorial-13/).\n\nThere were a good number of things that were new to me: procedural map generation, [AStar navigation](https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_astar2d.html), custom resources, and using those custom resources to compose entities. I'm happy with the knowledge gained by working through this.\n\nThe end product is... not my cup of tea, really. \n\nOn roguelikes generally:  When I was a kid, one of the computers available to me had [nethack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetHack) installed. I poked around a *bit*, but it never really clicked for me (and the same computer had SimCity! ). One turn-based roguelike I *do* play these days is [Hoplite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoplite_(video_game)). I think what I like about Hoplite is that it plays almost like a board or puzzle game, the challenge is in reasoning about how to get through the level safely. \n\nOn this particular game: after adding armor, weapons, and the power-ups available when you gain a level, combat is super easy, and the challenge curve stops when you get 8 levels deep. I appreciate the 1-bit art style, but it kills me a bit that a game that includes fireballs and lighting attack's doesn't make those things visually interesting events-- baddies take damage, maybe die, and a message is logged. This isn't really the author's fault, since she adapted [a tutorial that builds a classic terminal/console game](https://rogueliketutorials.com/tutorials/tcod/v2/). It's just a shame this leaves behind a lot of the cool stuff Godot can do.\n\nMy son/project manager designed some new enemies and other graphics to be incorporate in the game, and I want to honor that effort by integrating those assets and ideas. I'll probably spend another week doing that and maybe looking for other ways to increase the usability and fun factor.\n","date_published":"2024-01-19T18:07:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/19/donelike.html","title":"Donelike","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/19/donelike.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI generally don\u0026rsquo;t care much for professional sports,  but I definitely feel some nostalgia for the time before sports betting was everywhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI generally don't care much for professional sports,  but I definitely feel some nostalgia for the time before sports betting was everywhere.\n","date_published":"2024-01-15T19:47:32-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/15/i-generally-dont.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/15/i-generally-dont.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI received a (legit) notice of eligibility for \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/verizon-customers-could-get-a-100-class-action-payout-heres-how-to-claim-the-money/\"\u003ethis Verizon settlement\u003c/a\u003e in my junk email folder.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know there are best practices and a class of professionals focused on email deliverability. I wonder if the opposite exists? A service for companies who are legally obligated to send out notices of some sort, but would prefer they not actually be received.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(to be clear, I\u0026rsquo;m not claiming that\u0026rsquo;s what\u0026rsquo;s happening here)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI received a (legit) notice of eligibility for [this Verizon settlement](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/verizon-customers-could-get-a-100-class-action-payout-heres-how-to-claim-the-money/) in my junk email folder. \n\nI know there are best practices and a class of professionals focused on email deliverability. I wonder if the opposite exists? A service for companies who are legally obligated to send out notices of some sort, but would prefer they not actually be received. \n\n(to be clear, I'm not claiming that's what's happening here)\n","date_published":"2024-01-14T17:50:40-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/14/antideliverabity.html","title":"Anti-deliverabity","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/14/antideliverabity.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683965787.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781683965787\"\u003eThe Treasure of the Black Swan\u003c/a\u003e by Paco Roca 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781683965787.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [The Treasure of the Black Swan](https://micro.blog/books/9781683965787) by Paco Roca 📚\n","date_published":"2024-01-14T10:30:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/14/currently-reading-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/14/currently-reading-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780990582915.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780990582915\"\u003eGame Programming Patterns\u003c/a\u003e by Robert Nystrom 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHonestly, I skimmed quite a bit\u0026ndash; some parts seem more geared to engine developers. It\u0026rsquo;s probably good to understand some of the thinking that goes into engine development at least, even if I suspect I\u0026rsquo;ll never be doing that myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is definitely a book I\u0026rsquo;ll go back to for reference. \u003ca href=\"https://gameprogrammingpatterns.com/contents.html\"\u003eThe whole book is available online\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780990582915.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Game Programming Patterns](https://micro.blog/books/9780990582915) by Robert Nystrom 📚\n\nHonestly, I skimmed quite a bit-- some parts seem more geared to engine developers. It's probably good to understand some of the thinking that goes into engine development at least, even if I suspect I'll never be doing that myself.\n\nThis is definitely a book I'll go back to for reference. [The whole book is available online](https://gameprogrammingpatterns.com/contents.html).\n","date_published":"2024-01-13T21:58:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/13/finished-reading-game.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/13/finished-reading-game.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-01-13-18-54-31.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"333\" alt=\"\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve finished \u003ca href=\"https://selinadev.github.io/15-rogueliketutorial-11/\"\u003epart 11 of roguelike tutorial\u003c/a\u003e.  Now, you can delve deeper into the dungeon, and the player gains experience points and levels. I\u0026rsquo;m excited about the next part:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur character can now go deeper into the dungeon. However, right now all the floors are identical in their challenge. The RNG will mean that they will encounter different mixtures of monsters and items, but it still lacks progression. So next time we will look at a way to increase both the difficulty and the reward the deeper the player goes\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/screenshot-from-2024-01-13-18-54-31.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"333\" alt=\"\"\u003e\r\n\r\nI've finished [part 11 of roguelike tutorial](https://selinadev.github.io/15-rogueliketutorial-11/).  Now, you can delve deeper into the dungeon, and the player gains experience points and levels. I'm excited about the next part:\r\n\r\n\u003e Our character can now go deeper into the dungeon. However, right now all the floors are identical in their challenge. The RNG will mean that they will encounter different mixtures of monsters and items, but it still lacks progression. So next time we will look at a way to increase both the difficulty and the reward the deeper the player goes\n","date_published":"2024-01-13T19:59:10-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/13/screenshotsaturday.html","title":"#screenshotsaturday","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/13/screenshotsaturday.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis pepper has a pepper in it!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/6c9fd68988.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis pepper has a pepper in it! \n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/6c9fd68988.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2024-01-13T13:35:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/13/this-pepper-has.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/13/this-pepper-has.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis \u003ca href=\"https://playtank.io/2024/01/12/gamification-part-1-origin/\"\u003ehistory of gamification \u003cem\u003ewithin games\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e was more interesting than I expected. These are the game-y things like experience points, levels, and achievements that are often used to make non-games more fun or addictive.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe article is \u003cem\u003emostly\u003c/em\u003e judgement-free, but does include some criticism of the effect these ideas have had on games:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is really the heart of why I think gamification harms player agency: gamification kills curiosity. If you don’t get any points, items, or achievements for the thing, the thing doesn’t matter. When the whole game is built around \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory\"\u003eextrinsic rewards, you lose the player’s intrinsic motivation\u003c/a\u003e along the way. There’s simply no room for explorative curiosity in such loops. It becomes a “content treadmill” for both players and the developers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis [history of gamification *within games*](https://playtank.io/2024/01/12/gamification-part-1-origin/) was more interesting than I expected. These are the game-y things like experience points, levels, and achievements that are often used to make non-games more fun or addictive.  \r\n\r\nThe article is *mostly* judgement-free, but does include some criticism of the effect these ideas have had on games:\r\n\r\n\u003e This is really the heart of why I think gamification harms player agency: gamification kills curiosity. If you don’t get any points, items, or achievements for the thing, the thing doesn’t matter. When the whole game is built around [extrinsic rewards, you lose the player’s intrinsic motivation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory) along the way. There’s simply no room for explorative curiosity in such loops. It becomes a “content treadmill” for both players and the developers.\n","date_published":"2024-01-12T21:07:07-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/12/this-history-of.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/12/this-history-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSeeing chatter about a new BBEdit release has me a little nostalgic. I used BBEdit Lite while HTML-ifying recipes for Hershey in the 90\u0026rsquo;s.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m mostly on Linux these days (outside of work) and BBEdit is Mac-only.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nSeeing chatter about a new BBEdit release has me a little nostalgic. I used BBEdit Lite while HTML-ifying recipes for Hershey in the 90's.\n\nI'm mostly on Linux these days (outside of work) and BBEdit is Mac-only.\n","date_published":"2024-01-11T14:01:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/11/im-mostly-on.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/11/im-mostly-on.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/part10.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"336\" aria-label=\"dungeon-crawling game in progress\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m up to \u003ca href=\"https://selinadev.github.io/14-rogueliketutorial-10/\"\u003ePart 10\u003c/a\u003e of \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/selinadev@indiepocalypse.social\"\u003e@selinadev@indiepocalypse.social\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rsquo;s Godot 4 Roguelike tutorial. What\u0026rsquo;s new?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotions to heal with\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScrolls of lightning, fireball, and confusion\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003esaving and loading\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThat main menu screen where you can either start a new game or continue where you left off\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy son suggested adding some instructions on the main menu screen. He\u0026rsquo;s basically my project manager at this point.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2024/part10.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"336\" aria-label=\"dungeon-crawling game in progress\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n\nI'm up to [Part 10](https://selinadev.github.io/14-rogueliketutorial-10/) of [@selinadev@indiepocalypse.social](https://micro.blog/selinadev@indiepocalypse.social)'s Godot 4 Roguelike tutorial. What's new?\n\n- Potions to heal with\n- Scrolls of lightning, fireball, and confusion\n- saving and loading\n- That main menu screen where you can either start a new game or continue where you left off\n\n My son suggested adding some instructions on the main menu screen. He's basically my project manager at this point.\n","date_published":"2024-01-06T22:00:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/06/screenshotsaturday.html","tags":["screenshotsaturday"],"title":"#screenshotsaturday","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/06/screenshotsaturday.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026hellip; and \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/04/blogging-retrospective.html\"\u003ethat\u003c/a\u003e is the most words I\u0026rsquo;ve written for public consumption, in quite a long time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n... and [that](https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/04/blogging-retrospective.html) is the most words I've written for public consumption, in quite a long time.\n","date_published":"2024-01-04T15:14:28-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/04/and-that-is.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/04/and-that-is.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eVia \u003ca href=\"https://crashthearcade.com/post/5608/\"\u003eCRASH THE ARCADE\u003c/a\u003e, I learned of \u003ca href=\"https://ma.tt/2024/01/birthday-gift/\"\u003eMatt Mullenweg\u0026rsquo;s birthday wish\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI want you to blog.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublish a post. About anything! It can be long or short, a photo or a video, maybe a quote or a link to something you found interesting. Don’t sweat it. Just blog. Share something you created, or amplify something you enjoyed. It doesn’t take much. The act of publishing will be a gift for you and me.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI thought it might be interesting to use this as an excuse to collect a sort of history or timeline of my blogging, and memorialize the various iterations of karchner.com and related web things I\u0026rsquo;ve built and torn down over a quarter century.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"high-school-1996ish-1998-milton-hershey-school\"\u003eHigh School (1996ish-1998, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mhskids.org/\"\u003eMilton Hershey School\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI definitely had \u0026ldquo;home pages\u0026rdquo; on services like \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeoCities\"\u003eGeoCities\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelfire\"\u003eAngelfire\u003c/a\u003e, but I don\u0026rsquo;t remember much. I think there were Ayn Rand quotes involved.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might be hard to believe, but in 11th grade I was an \u003cem\u003eofficer\u003c/em\u003e in our chapter of \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_FFA_Organization\"\u003eFuture Farmers of America\u003c/a\u003e, and had built a homepage for the chapter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m fuzzy on the order of events here, but somehow one of the MHS college/career counselors hooked me up with an internship interview with a guy at Hershey Foods, who was impressed that my FFA site used \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frame_(World_Wide_Web)\"\u003eframes\u003c/a\u003e and hired me! The school loaned me a Powerbook, and I was paid a hourly rate to convert recipes from Word documents into HTML for Hershey and other brands it owned (at that time, \u003ca href=\"https://hersheystory.org/hershey-pasta-interesting-relationship/\"\u003ethis included a lot of pasta brands\u003c/a\u003e, like Ronzoni).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA person I worked with at Hershey connected me with a summer internship at a web design firm in Mt Gretna, PA, called \u003ca href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/19971016084409/http://www.kindle.com/\"\u003eKindle Design Group\u003c/a\u003e. Kindle Design Group owned \u0026ldquo;kindle.com\u0026rdquo; before Amazon. I wonder if they made some money from that?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think I continued doing Hershey stuff during the year after that. Between high-school and college I spent a summer working at a harness-racing magazine called \u0026ldquo;Times: In Harness\u0026rdquo;. I can\u0026rsquo;t find much on the web about T:IH right now, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop\u0026amp;v=lVn_kgU9OmA\"\u003ehere\u0026rsquo;s an excellent TV commercial\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"college-1998-2000-rit-\"\u003eCollege (1998-2000, \u003ca href=\"https://www.rit.edu/\"\u003eRIT\u003c/a\u003e )\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI had a homepage on an RIT server. The things I remember are:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI had been learning Macromedia Dreamweaver, which among other cool \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_HTML\"\u003eDHTML\u003c/a\u003e tricks made it easy to build drag-and-drop interfaces. I made a site logo that you could drag around, for no particular benefit. I called it \u0026ldquo;the gratuitously draggable logo\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt did have a space for periodic, single-line, updates from the life-of-Ross. I probably started out editing it by hand, but at some point I started using \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogger_(service)\"\u003eBlogger\u003c/a\u003e,  which means I had entered my \u003cem\u003eRIT network account\u003c/em\u003e password onto a third party, internet-start-up website. In 2024 that sounds absolutely bonkers, but it didn\u0026rsquo;t seem that way in the 90\u0026rsquo;s.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was peak \u0026ldquo;dotcom\u0026rdquo; era, and when I wasn\u0026rsquo;t learning from RIT\u0026rsquo;s excellent teachers, I spent a good amount of my time working on terrible internet ideas, as was the fashion of the time. Some of the terrible ideas were:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emetamovie.com. A website about websites about movies\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003exmlonthemac.com. I don\u0026rsquo;t know, I guess it seemed like mac users had special XML needs or something. I\u0026rsquo;m sorry.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this era I was reading \u003ca href=\"http://scripting.com/\"\u003eScripting News\u003c/a\u003e a lot, and I spent time tinkering with some of the stuff that Dave Winer and Userland were putting out, like \u003ca href=\"http://scripting.com/davenet/1999/12/08/editthispagecom.html\"\u003eeditthispage.com\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weblogs.com\"\u003eweblogs.com\u003c/a\u003e. I definitely maintained something of a personal blog on one of these services, and a Nelly Furtado fan-site.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think this is also when I got my hands on the \u0026lsquo;karchner.com\u0026rsquo; domain. Someone reached out who had bought it accidentally (while building a site for \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartchner_Caverns_State_Park\"\u003eKartchner Caverns\u003c/a\u003e) and I was able to buy it from them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat I wasn\u0026rsquo;t doing so much, was studying and going to class. I left RIT after two years without a degree.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"back-in-pa-2000-2005\"\u003eBack in PA (2000-2005)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI moved in with my mother, who had an apartment in Harrisburg at the time. Work-wise, I got involved with a web hosting startup that didn\u0026rsquo;t really go anywhere, worked at Blockbuster Video, spent a few years at \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthLink\"\u003eEarthlink\u003c/a\u003e before going to Knowledge Planet(which later became part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/mzinga\"\u003eMzinga\u003c/a\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think it was in the Earthlink era that I started a blog on karchner.com, using \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movable_Type\"\u003eMovable Type\u003c/a\u003e, but I also recall experimenting with \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_UserLand\"\u003eRadio Userland\u003c/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https://web.archive.org/web/20010401134627/http://karchner.com:80/\"\u003eThe oldest version of karchner.com I can find on the wayback machine\u003c/a\u003e was using Radio Userland, so perhaps that was first?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was the time period when journalists thought blogging was interesting/weird/scary, and I actually managed to get written about:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.melissadunphy.com/article/11\"\u003eMore employers reading workers\u0026rsquo; blogs\u003c/a\u003e in Central Penn Business Journal\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere was a \u003ca href=\"https://sarabozich.com/\"\u003eSara Bozich\u003c/a\u003e article in \u0026ldquo;The Patriot News\u0026rdquo; that profiled local bloggers. I\u0026rsquo;ve lost and found that article several times over the years, and presently can\u0026rsquo;t find it.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart of a Harrisburg Blog Meetup (I was an organizer) was \u003ca href=\"https://www.rubberpaw.com/posts/welcomew.html\"\u003erecorded for the NPR show Weekend America\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was really excited about \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS\"\u003eRSS\u003c/a\u003e in those days, and the possibilities around not just \u003cem\u003eusing an RSS reader\u003c/em\u003e to read a bunch of sites in one place (though that was cool!), but as a way to programmatically mix content together in interesting ways. The first of these was \u0026ldquo;\u003ca href=\"https://web.archive.org/web/20030711211243/http://www.harrisburgblogs.com/\"\u003eharrisburgblogs.com\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rdquo;, which was a simple feed-of-feeds: all of the Central PA bloggers I knew about, in one place. People seemed to like it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/harrisburgblogs-logo.gif\" alt=\"logo for harrisburgblogs.com\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOK, what if there was a \u0026ldquo;Harrisburg Blogs\u0026rdquo; for everyone? I moved on to creating something new, called \u0026ldquo;Localfeeds\u0026rdquo;, which did the same trick for cities around the world. Instead of using a hand-selected list of feeds, I combined two ideas:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe ability to tag web pages with geographic coordinates, provided by geourl.orgs \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICBM_address#Modern_use\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;ICBM\u0026rdquo; metatag\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://blog.jim-nielsen.com/2021/automatically-discoverable-rss-feeds/\"\u003eRSS feed discovery tags\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith those two details, I could process a big list of sites, and sites that had both of those things were added to the database. \u003ca href=\"https://web.archive.org/web/20040211132214/http://localfeeds.com/cities/833/50\"\u003eThe result looked like this\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/localfeedslogo.png\" width=\"196\" height=\"50\" alt=\"Localfeeds logo\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocalfeeds got some attention in the wider world, and was written about in \u003ca href=\"https://archive.org/details/release-1.0-01-04/mode/2up?q=Localfeeds\"\u003ean issue of Esther Dyson\u0026rsquo;s Release 1.0\u003c/a\u003e, blogs, and podcasts, and got me invited to be \u003ca href=\"http://web.archive.org/web/20031222210002/http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/bloggerCon/discuss/msgReader$560?mode=day\"\u003eon a panel at the first Bloggercon\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"dc-2006-and-on\"\u003eDC (2006 and on)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter moving to the DC area, I got involved with the DC Blog Meetup for a while (and may have been organizer for a bit).  At some time before or after the move, I \u003cem\u003ealso\u003c/em\u003e moved my blog from karchner.com to rossnotes.com, and switched from whatever I was using previously (either Movable Type or \u003ca href=\"https://pyblosxom.github.io/\"\u003ePyBlosxom\u003c/a\u003e) to Wordpress.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most notable thing in this era is that I started tracking different technology events that sounded interesting. There\u0026rsquo;s a lot going on, and nobody was listing it all in one place. So, \u0026ldquo;DC Tech Events\u0026rdquo; became an ongoing series on my blog, and then it became a newsletter, and a dedicated website.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was a mini-scandal when another site started re-publishing it without credit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI credit dctechevents with opening a lot of doors for me, including my previous and even my current job. At some point during this journey, I decided the software I was writing to manage dctechevents (I called it \u0026ldquo;eventgrinder\u0026rdquo;) was unique and something more people should be able to use, and started down the path of turning it into a business. At least, I created an LLC, opened a business checking account, and worked on eventgrinder like a serious side-hustle for a while. After a while this led to opening more dctechevents like sites for other cities(like Localfeeds), but that\u0026rsquo;s where it kind of lost steam. I made myself a publisher, dependent on this software I was writing, but actually hated using.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 2013 (or before)I had given up on eventgrinder, dctechevents, and the network of similar tech events sites.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter this, I cycled between not blogging for long periods, and starting over with some new platform or tool. I recall Wordpress (self-hosted), Wordpress.com, and GitHub pages being used at certain times. I think Twitter played a role here: it was easier to post and that\u0026rsquo;s where the people were.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think around 2018 I became aware of \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro.blog\"\u003emicro.blog\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://indieweb.org/\"\u003eindieweb movement\u003c/a\u003e. I definitely kicked the tires on micro.blog, but also I was infatuated with \u0026ldquo;Serverless\u0026rdquo;, and the idea that there was an optimum expression of the indieweb\u0026rsquo;s standards and protocols that could be built out of AWS serverless tools. This also led to it\u0026rsquo;s own cycle of neglect and occasional rebuilding-from-scratch, and ultimately went nowhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hit a moment where I decided to just commit to \u003cem\u003enot\u003c/em\u003e doing it. I had discovered game development, and building new web things wasn\u0026rsquo;t interesting anymore, at least as a hobby.  It\u0026rsquo;s hard to find a problem more \u003cem\u003esolved\u003c/em\u003e than blogging (except maybe text editing), and I wasn\u0026rsquo;t even sure I wanted a blog.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil, a couple of months ago, I decided I \u003cem\u003edid\u003c/em\u003e want to blog again, and re-approached micro.blog without the \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_invented_here\"\u003enot-invented-here\u003c/a\u003e attitude and decided to try again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nVia [CRASH THE ARCADE](https://crashthearcade.com/post/5608/), I learned of [Matt Mullenweg's birthday wish](https://ma.tt/2024/01/birthday-gift/):\n\n\u003e I want you to blog.\n\u003e \n\u003e Publish a post. About anything! It can be long or short, a photo or a video, maybe a quote or a link to something you found interesting. Don’t sweat it. Just blog. Share something you created, or amplify something you enjoyed. It doesn’t take much. The act of publishing will be a gift for you and me. \n\nI thought it might be interesting to use this as an excuse to collect a sort of history or timeline of my blogging, and memorialize the various iterations of karchner.com and related web things I've built and torn down over a quarter century.\n\n\n## High School (1996ish-1998, [Milton Hershey School](https://www.mhskids.org/))\n\nI definitely had \"home pages\" on services like [GeoCities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeoCities) and [Angelfire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelfire), but I don't remember much. I think there were Ayn Rand quotes involved.\n\nThis might be hard to believe, but in 11th grade I was an *officer* in our chapter of [Future Farmers of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_FFA_Organization), and had built a homepage for the chapter. \n\nI'm fuzzy on the order of events here, but somehow one of the MHS college/career counselors hooked me up with an internship interview with a guy at Hershey Foods, who was impressed that my FFA site used [frames](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frame_(World_Wide_Web)) and hired me! The school loaned me a Powerbook, and I was paid a hourly rate to convert recipes from Word documents into HTML for Hershey and other brands it owned (at that time, [this included a lot of pasta brands](https://hersheystory.org/hershey-pasta-interesting-relationship/), like Ronzoni).\n\nA person I worked with at Hershey connected me with a summer internship at a web design firm in Mt Gretna, PA, called [Kindle Design Group](http://web.archive.org/web/19971016084409/http://www.kindle.com/). Kindle Design Group owned \"kindle.com\" before Amazon. I wonder if they made some money from that?\n\nI think I continued doing Hershey stuff during the year after that. Between high-school and college I spent a summer working at a harness-racing magazine called \"Times: In Harness\". I can't find much on the web about T:IH right now, but [here's an excellent TV commercial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop\u0026v=lVn_kgU9OmA).\n\n\n## College (1998-2000, [RIT](https://www.rit.edu/) )\n\nI had a homepage on an RIT server. The things I remember are:\n\n- I had been learning Macromedia Dreamweaver, which among other cool [DHTML](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_HTML) tricks made it easy to build drag-and-drop interfaces. I made a site logo that you could drag around, for no particular benefit. I called it \"the gratuitously draggable logo\".\n- It did have a space for periodic, single-line, updates from the life-of-Ross. I probably started out editing it by hand, but at some point I started using [Blogger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogger_(service)),  which means I had entered my *RIT network account* password onto a third party, internet-start-up website. In 2024 that sounds absolutely bonkers, but it didn't seem that way in the 90's.\n\nThis was peak \"dotcom\" era, and when I wasn't learning from RIT's excellent teachers, I spent a good amount of my time working on terrible internet ideas, as was the fashion of the time. Some of the terrible ideas were:\n\n- metamovie.com. A website about websites about movies\n- xmlonthemac.com. I don't know, I guess it seemed like mac users had special XML needs or something. I'm sorry.\n\nIn this era I was reading [Scripting News](http://scripting.com/) a lot, and I spent time tinkering with some of the stuff that Dave Winer and Userland were putting out, like [editthispage.com](http://scripting.com/davenet/1999/12/08/editthispagecom.html) and [weblogs.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weblogs.com). I definitely maintained something of a personal blog on one of these services, and a Nelly Furtado fan-site. \n\nI think this is also when I got my hands on the 'karchner.com' domain. Someone reached out who had bought it accidentally (while building a site for [Kartchner Caverns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartchner_Caverns_State_Park)) and I was able to buy it from them.\n\nWhat I wasn't doing so much, was studying and going to class. I left RIT after two years without a degree.\n\n\n## Back in PA (2000-2005)\n\nI moved in with my mother, who had an apartment in Harrisburg at the time. Work-wise, I got involved with a web hosting startup that didn't really go anywhere, worked at Blockbuster Video, spent a few years at [Earthlink](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthLink) before going to Knowledge Planet(which later became part of [Mzinga](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/mzinga)).\n\nI think it was in the Earthlink era that I started a blog on karchner.com, using [Movable Type](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movable_Type), but I also recall experimenting with [Radio Userland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_UserLand). [The oldest version of karchner.com I can find on the wayback machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20010401134627/http://karchner.com:80/) was using Radio Userland, so perhaps that was first? \n\nThis was the time period when journalists thought blogging was interesting/weird/scary, and I actually managed to get written about:\n\n- [More employers reading workers' blogs](https://www.melissadunphy.com/article/11) in Central Penn Business Journal\n- There was a [Sara Bozich](https://sarabozich.com/) article in \"The Patriot News\" that profiled local bloggers. I've lost and found that article several times over the years, and presently can't find it.\n- Part of a Harrisburg Blog Meetup (I was an organizer) was [recorded for the NPR show Weekend America](https://www.rubberpaw.com/posts/welcomew.html). \n\nI was really excited about [RSS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS) in those days, and the possibilities around not just *using an RSS reader* to read a bunch of sites in one place (though that was cool!), but as a way to programmatically mix content together in interesting ways. The first of these was \"[harrisburgblogs.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20030711211243/http://www.harrisburgblogs.com/)\", which was a simple feed-of-feeds: all of the Central PA bloggers I knew about, in one place. People seemed to like it.\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/harrisburgblogs-logo.gif\" alt=\"logo for harrisburgblogs.com\"\u003e\n\nOK, what if there was a \"Harrisburg Blogs\" for everyone? I moved on to creating something new, called \"Localfeeds\", which did the same trick for cities around the world. Instead of using a hand-selected list of feeds, I combined two ideas:\n\n- The ability to tag web pages with geographic coordinates, provided by geourl.orgs [\"ICBM\" metatag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICBM_address#Modern_use)\n- [RSS feed discovery tags](https://blog.jim-nielsen.com/2021/automatically-discoverable-rss-feeds/)\n\nWith those two details, I could process a big list of sites, and sites that had both of those things were added to the database. [The result looked like this](https://web.archive.org/web/20040211132214/http://localfeeds.com/cities/833/50).\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2024/localfeedslogo.png\" width=\"196\" height=\"50\" alt=\"Localfeeds logo\"\u003e\n\nLocalfeeds got some attention in the wider world, and was written about in [an issue of Esther Dyson's Release 1.0](https://archive.org/details/release-1.0-01-04/mode/2up?q=Localfeeds), blogs, and podcasts, and got me invited to be [on a panel at the first Bloggercon](http://web.archive.org/web/20031222210002/http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/bloggerCon/discuss/msgReader$560?mode=day).\n\n\n## DC (2006 and on)\n\nAfter moving to the DC area, I got involved with the DC Blog Meetup for a while (and may have been organizer for a bit).  At some time before or after the move, I *also* moved my blog from karchner.com to rossnotes.com, and switched from whatever I was using previously (either Movable Type or [PyBlosxom](https://pyblosxom.github.io/)) to Wordpress.\n\nThe most notable thing in this era is that I started tracking different technology events that sounded interesting. There's a lot going on, and nobody was listing it all in one place. So, \"DC Tech Events\" became an ongoing series on my blog, and then it became a newsletter, and a dedicated website.\n\nThere was a mini-scandal when another site started re-publishing it without credit.\n\nI credit dctechevents with opening a lot of doors for me, including my previous and even my current job. At some point during this journey, I decided the software I was writing to manage dctechevents (I called it \"eventgrinder\") was unique and something more people should be able to use, and started down the path of turning it into a business. At least, I created an LLC, opened a business checking account, and worked on eventgrinder like a serious side-hustle for a while. After a while this led to opening more dctechevents like sites for other cities(like Localfeeds), but that's where it kind of lost steam. I made myself a publisher, dependent on this software I was writing, but actually hated using. \n\nBy 2013 (or before)I had given up on eventgrinder, dctechevents, and the network of similar tech events sites.\n\nAfter this, I cycled between not blogging for long periods, and starting over with some new platform or tool. I recall Wordpress (self-hosted), Wordpress.com, and GitHub pages being used at certain times. I think Twitter played a role here: it was easier to post and that's where the people were.\n\nI think around 2018 I became aware of [micro.blog](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro.blog) and the [indieweb movement](https://indieweb.org/). I definitely kicked the tires on micro.blog, but also I was infatuated with \"Serverless\", and the idea that there was an optimum expression of the indieweb's standards and protocols that could be built out of AWS serverless tools. This also led to it's own cycle of neglect and occasional rebuilding-from-scratch, and ultimately went nowhere. \n\nI hit a moment where I decided to just commit to *not* doing it. I had discovered game development, and building new web things wasn't interesting anymore, at least as a hobby.  It's hard to find a problem more *solved* than blogging (except maybe text editing), and I wasn't even sure I wanted a blog.\n\nUntil, a couple of months ago, I decided I *did* want to blog again, and re-approached micro.blog without the [not-invented-here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_invented_here) attitude and decided to try again.\n","date_published":"2024-01-04T14:59:55-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/04/blogging-retrospective.html","title":"Blogging retrospective","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/04/blogging-retrospective.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490266.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593490266\"\u003eThe Twilight World\u003c/a\u003e by Werner Herzog 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490266.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [The Twilight World](https://micro.blog/books/9780593490266) by Werner Herzog 📚\n","date_published":"2024-01-01T22:52:15-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/01/finished-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/01/finished-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490266.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593490266\"\u003eThe Twilight World\u003c/a\u003e by Werner Herzog 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI picked this up after finishing Herzog\u0026rsquo;s memoir, both because the story sounds interesting and I enjoyed listening to his narration, but there\u0026rsquo;s something about his writing here that almost begs to be \u003cem\u003eread\u003c/em\u003e from actually pages. I may do that when I\u0026rsquo;m done listening.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490266.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [The Twilight World](https://micro.blog/books/9780593490266) by Werner Herzog 📚\r\n\r\nI picked this up after finishing Herzog's memoir, both because the story sounds interesting and I enjoyed listening to his narration, but there's something about his writing here that almost begs to be *read* from actually pages. I may do that when I'm done listening.\n","date_published":"2024-01-01T13:17:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/01/currently-listening-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/01/currently-listening-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn the next year, I\u0026rsquo;d like to:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatch less YouTube,  watch more Udemy, more O\u0026rsquo;Reilly Learning, more books, more blog posts and independent websites.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhip the not-yet-titled \u0026ldquo;\u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/14/not-much-visible.html\"\u003ejumping game\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rdquo; into something you can download (buy?) on (at least) the Google Play Store.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a new game, that teaches some cybersecurity concepts, and get it out in the world (even as a beta or preview) in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October). This is not courseware. My reference point is SimCity. SimCity doesn\u0026rsquo;t teach you how to work in local government, but you  walk away with insights into the sort of decisions and trade-offs that go into running a city. I want to make something that puts fun first, but where success means thinking like a \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_information_security_officer\"\u003eCISO\u003c/a\u003e (or someone similarly in charge of cybersecurity for an organization).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIn the next year, I'd like to:\n\n- Watch less YouTube,  watch more Udemy, more O'Reilly Learning, more books, more blog posts and independent websites.\n- Whip the not-yet-titled \"[jumping game](https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/14/not-much-visible.html)\" into something you can download (buy?) on (at least) the Google Play Store.\n- Create a new game, that teaches some cybersecurity concepts, and get it out in the world (even as a beta or preview) in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October). This is not courseware. My reference point is SimCity. SimCity doesn't teach you how to work in local government, but you  walk away with insights into the sort of decisions and trade-offs that go into running a city. I want to make something that puts fun first, but where success means thinking like a [CISO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_information_security_officer) (or someone similarly in charge of cybersecurity for an organization).\n","date_published":"2024-01-01T13:03:38-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/01/181744.html","title":"Gamedev Goals for 2024","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2024/01/01/181744.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEnding the year by starting a course of paxlovid\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nEnding the year by starting a course of paxlovid...\n","date_published":"2023-12-31T19:19:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/31/ending-the-year.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/31/ending-the-year.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490297.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593490297\"\u003eEvery Man for Himself and God Against All\u003c/a\u003e by Werner Herzog 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490297.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Every Man for Himself and God Against All](https://micro.blog/books/9780593490297) by Werner Herzog 📚\n","date_published":"2023-12-31T10:26:18-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/31/finished-reading-every.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/31/finished-reading-every.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cs\u003eI couldn\u0026rsquo;t stay away\u0026ndash; I once again have an account on the gamedev.place mastodon server.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main thing I missed was #screenshotsaturday\u0026ndash; when I wasn\u0026rsquo;t participating in a gamejam or something, it provided a motivation to have \u003cem\u003esome\u003c/em\u003e bit of progress to show every week. I want to get back into doing that.\u003c/s\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI changed my mind on that (surprise!). I\u0026rsquo;m perfectly capable of creating a habit without the external validation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr at least, I\u0026rsquo;d like to think so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cs\u003eI couldn't stay away-- I once again have an account on the gamedev.place mastodon server.\n\nThe main thing I missed was #screenshotsaturday-- when I wasn't participating in a gamejam or something, it provided a motivation to have *some* bit of progress to show every week. I want to get back into doing that.\u003c/s\u003e\n\nI changed my mind on that (surprise!). I'm perfectly capable of creating a habit without the external validation. \n\nOr at least, I'd like to think so.\n","date_published":"2023-12-30T21:41:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/30/i-couldnt-stay.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/30/i-couldnt-stay.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI just finished \u003ca href=\"https://selinadev.github.io/11-rogueliketutorial-07/\"\u003epart 7 of the roguelike tutorial\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew stuff:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaddies!\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026hellip; that \u003cem\u003echase you\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026hellip; and can also \u003cem\u003edie\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(but you can die too)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA user interface that let\u0026rsquo;s you make sense of what\u0026rsquo;s happening.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/roguelike-7.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"355\" aria-label=\"a dungeon crawling game\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI like how the author sets up the UI, I\u0026rsquo;ve learned some neat tricks there. I was a little fuzzy on the vim-like modal input system before this latest part, it clicked when adding the ability to scroll back through the message log.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the graphics are (per the tutorial) from the \u003ca href=\"https://kenney.nl/assets/1-bit-pack\"\u003eKenney 1-bit pack\u003c/a\u003e, but my son had an idea for a new graphic for the wall tile. I like it!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI just finished [part 7 of the roguelike tutorial](https://selinadev.github.io/11-rogueliketutorial-07/). \n\nNew stuff:\n\n- Baddies!\n- ... that *chase you*\n- ... and can also *die*\n- (but you can die too)\n- A user interface that let's you make sense of what's happening.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/roguelike-7.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"355\" aria-label=\"a dungeon crawling game\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n\nI like how the author sets up the UI, I've learned some neat tricks there. I was a little fuzzy on the vim-like modal input system before this latest part, it clicked when adding the ability to scroll back through the message log.\n\nMost of the graphics are (per the tutorial) from the [Kenney 1-bit pack](https://kenney.nl/assets/1-bit-pack), but my son had an idea for a new graphic for the wall tile. I like it!\n","date_published":"2023-12-30T21:28:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/30/roguelike-part.html","title":"Roguelike, Part 7","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/30/roguelike-part.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781118877197.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781118877197\"\u003eLevel Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design\u003c/a\u003e by Scott Rogers 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristmas present from the kiddo!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781118877197.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design](https://micro.blog/books/9781118877197) by Scott Rogers 📚\r\n\r\nChristmas present from the kiddo!\n","date_published":"2023-12-26T09:04:21-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/26/currently-reading-level.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/26/currently-reading-level.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490297.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593490297\"\u003eEvery Man for Himself and God Against All\u003c/a\u003e by Werner Herzog 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForgot to add this, I\u0026rsquo;m about halfway through. Contains more blood and guts than you would expect from a film director\u0026rsquo;s memoir.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780593490297.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Every Man for Himself and God Against All](https://micro.blog/books/9780593490297) by Werner Herzog 📚\r\n\r\nForgot to add this, I'm about halfway through. Contains more blood and guts than you would expect from a film director's memoir.\n","date_published":"2023-12-26T09:02:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/26/currently-listening-every.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/26/currently-listening-every.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eCBS is missing an opportunity to point out that that they have Drew Carey followed by Mariah Carey\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/458a6505d0.jpg\" width=\"532\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nCBS is missing an opportunity to point out that that they have Drew Carey followed by Mariah Carey\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/458a6505d0.jpg\" width=\"532\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-12-25T17:18:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/25/cbs-is-missing.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/25/cbs-is-missing.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI usually don\u0026rsquo;t consider myself very \u0026ldquo;handy\u0026rdquo;, but I\u0026rsquo;m proud of the job I did today switching which side the refrigerator door opens on. One of the screws holding the bottom bracket on broke of, leaving most of itself in the hole. I tried a few methods of getting the partial screw out, but that was a doomed effort.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, now our refrigerator opens on the right instead of the left. Annoying, but better than any of the alternatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI usually don't consider myself very \"handy\", but I'm proud of the job I did today switching which side the refrigerator door opens on. One of the screws holding the bottom bracket on broke of, leaving most of itself in the hole. I tried a few methods of getting the partial screw out, but that was a doomed effort. \r\n\r\nSo, now our refrigerator opens on the right instead of the left. Annoying, but better than any of the alternatives.\n","date_published":"2023-12-20T20:25:19-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/20/fixed-it.html","title":"fixed it","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/20/fixed-it.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been working through \u003ca href=\"https://selinadev.github.io/05-rogueliketutorial-01/\"\u003eSelinaDev\u0026rsquo;s Godot 4 roguelike tutorial\u003c/a\u003e and I like it so far. I just finished part 4 (of 13). There are no enemies or things to do yet, but just wandering around the dungeon, and seeing the lighting and \u0026ldquo;fog of war\u0026rdquo; effects in action is pretty satisfying.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/roguelike.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"356\" aria-label=\"a dungeon-crawling roguelike at a very early stage\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been working through [SelinaDev's Godot 4 roguelike tutorial](https://selinadev.github.io/05-rogueliketutorial-01/) and I like it so far. I just finished part 4 (of 13). There are no enemies or things to do yet, but just wandering around the dungeon, and seeing the lighting and \"fog of war\" effects in action is pretty satisfying.\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/roguelike.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"356\" aria-label=\"a dungeon-crawling roguelike at a very early stage\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-12-19T22:53:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/19/ive-been-working.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/19/ive-been-working.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781637150153.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781637150153\"\u003ePetrograd\u003c/a\u003e by Philip Gelatt 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781637150153.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Petrograd](https://micro.blog/books/9781637150153) by Philip Gelatt 📚\n","date_published":"2023-12-17T20:55:03-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/17/finished-reading-petrograd.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/17/finished-reading-petrograd.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNot sure I buy the \u0026ldquo;dominos falling\u0026rdquo; theory, but interesting/sad that Firefox might be about to fall under the USWDS 2% threshold for browser support \u003ca href=\"https://www.brycewray.com/posts/2023/11/firefox-brink/\"\u003ewww.brycewray.com/posts/202\u0026hellip;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNot sure I buy the \"dominos falling\" theory, but interesting/sad that Firefox might be about to fall under the USWDS 2% threshold for browser support [www.brycewray.com/posts/202...](https://www.brycewray.com/posts/2023/11/firefox-brink/)\n","date_published":"2023-12-14T08:40:53-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/14/not-sure-i.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/14/not-sure-i.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAs of yesterday, \u003ca href=\"https://virtualmoose.org/2023/12/11/happy-30th-birthday-to-doom/\"\u003eDoom is 30 years old\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAs of yesterday, [Doom is 30 years old](https://virtualmoose.org/2023/12/11/happy-30th-birthday-to-doom/)\n","date_published":"2023-12-11T16:33:51-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/11/as-of-yesterday.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/11/as-of-yesterday.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s interesting that Newsblur, Pinboard.in, and micro.blog all make bookmark archiving part of their premium offering. Maybe it\u0026rsquo;s an easy way to add value?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nIt's interesting that Newsblur, Pinboard.in, and micro.blog all make bookmark archiving part of their premium offering. Maybe it's an easy way to add value?\n","date_published":"2023-12-10T10:52:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/10/its-interesting-that.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/10/its-interesting-that.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI was a happy \u003ca href=\"https://newsblur.com/\"\u003eNewsblur\u003c/a\u003e user for a number of years, but decided to give it a break for  while, trying out non-cloud options like \u003ca href=\"https://cblgh.itch.io/Rad-Reader\"\u003eRad Reader\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, none of these ever really felt like a good fit, so back to Newsblur.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI was a happy [Newsblur](https://newsblur.com/) user for a number of years, but decided to give it a break for  while, trying out non-cloud options like [Rad Reader](https://cblgh.itch.io/Rad-Reader).\n\nBut, none of these ever really felt like a good fit, so back to Newsblur.\n","date_published":"2023-12-08T16:59:54-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/08/i-was-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/08/i-was-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy favorite bit in the \u003ca href=\"https://aesoprock.bandcamp.com/album/integrated-tech-solutions\"\u003enew Aesop Rock album\u003c/a\u003e might be where he spends a bar explaining the previous line (from \u0026lsquo;100 Feet Tall\u0026rsquo;, a story about running into Mr. T at Carnegie Deli in the 80\u0026rsquo;s):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a television toughie to endearing it\u0026rsquo;s eerie\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarted rubbing his belly, then a quip for the pups\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It takes a place like this to fill Mr. T up\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet it? For those of you who don\u0026rsquo;t know the establishment\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey\u0026rsquo;re famous in Manhattan for serving gigantic sandwiches\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🎵\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy favorite bit in the [new Aesop Rock album](https://aesoprock.bandcamp.com/album/integrated-tech-solutions) might be where he spends a bar explaining the previous line (from '100 Feet Tall', a story about running into Mr. T at Carnegie Deli in the 80's):\n\n\u003e From a television toughie to endearing it's eerie\n\u003e \n\u003e Started rubbing his belly, then a quip for the pups\n\u003e \n\u003e \"It takes a place like this to fill Mr. T up\"\n\u003e \n\u003e Get it? For those of you who don't know the establishment\n\u003e \n\u003e They're famous in Manhattan for serving gigantic sandwiches\n\n🎵\n","date_published":"2023-12-08T07:39:11-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/08/my-favorite-bit.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/08/my-favorite-bit.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve submitted \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/twenty-thousand-milliseconds\"\u003etwenty thousand milliseconds\u003c/a\u003e to the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023\"\u003e20 Second Game Jam\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not even necessarily sure it qualifies as a game. Maybe it\u0026rsquo;s more like a mutant skill challenge?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wanted to do more with sound and graphics and \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_feel\"\u003ejuice\u003c/a\u003e and didn\u0026rsquo;t quite budget my time well enough to get there. Still, it\u0026rsquo;s nice to ship a thing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-12-04-22-31-31.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" alt=\"title screen from the game 'twenty thousand milliseconds'\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've submitted [twenty thousand milliseconds](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/twenty-thousand-milliseconds) to the [20 Second Game Jam](https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023).\r\n\r\nI'm not even necessarily sure it qualifies as a game. Maybe it's more like a mutant skill challenge?\r\n\r\nI wanted to do more with sound and graphics and [juice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_feel) and didn't quite budget my time well enough to get there. Still, it's nice to ship a thing.\r\n\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-12-04-22-31-31.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" alt=\"title screen from the game 'twenty thousand milliseconds'\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-12-04T23:39:27-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/04/twenty-thousand-milliseconds.html","tags":["20 Second Game Jam 2023"],"title":"twenty thousand milliseconds","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/04/twenty-thousand-milliseconds.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBonus complaint: mastodon polls don\u0026rsquo;t translate over, they just disappear\u0026ndash; compare \u003ca href=\"https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@djlink/111489664719933015\"\u003ethis\u003c/a\u003e to \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/djlink@mastodon.gamedev.place/27060630\"\u003ehow that conversation appears on micro.blog\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nBonus complaint: mastodon polls don't translate over, they just disappear-- compare [this](https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@djlink/111489664719933015) to [how that conversation appears on micro.blog](https://micro.blog/djlink@mastodon.gamedev.place/27060630).\n","date_published":"2023-12-01T10:12:39-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/01/bonus-complaint-mastodon.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/01/bonus-complaint-mastodon.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/i-took-the.html\"\u003eAbout a month ago\u003c/a\u003e, I migrated my mastodon account over to this blog (via micro.blog\u0026rsquo;s built-in support for ActivityPub). How\u0026rsquo;s that going?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMostly good. I like that I\u0026rsquo;ve got a full-fledged personal website here, that is fully customizable and could theoretically run anywhere. Behind the scenes, it\u0026rsquo;s just \u003ca href=\"https://gohugo.io/\"\u003ehugo\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI appreciate how micro.blog is trying to differentiate itself from \u003ca href=\"https://help.micro.blog/t/whats-the-difference-between-micro-blog-and-mastodon/1395\"\u003etraditional social media\u003c/a\u003e, creating a space that doesn\u0026rsquo;t reward popularity or sensationalism. There are no trending topics, follower counts, likes, or retweets to chase\u0026ndash; just people writing and the things they write.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, much of this is \u0026ldquo;good like eating your vegetables\u0026rdquo; and not \u0026ldquo;good like eating a cheeseburger\u0026rdquo;. All those little dopamine hits that make things like Twitter, Facebook, and Mastodon addictive and un-calm are also what make them fun.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think discovery is worse here. \u003ca href=\"https://help.micro.blog/t/emoji-in-discover/34\"\u003eThe emoji thing is cute\u003c/a\u003e but I don\u0026rsquo;t think it works well in practice. For example, m.b wants 🖋️  to signify \u0026ldquo;pens and ink\u0026rdquo;, \u003ca href=\"https://tiv.today/2023/09/writersstrikedeal\"\u003ebut sometimes it doesn\u0026rsquo;t\u003c/a\u003e. It\u0026rsquo;d also be nice to not have a hard-coded set of topics. Really, I just want hashtags, and I want to be able to follow hashtags. Like Mastodon. I can see how \u0026ldquo;trending topics\u0026rdquo; is a feature to avoid, but it\u0026rsquo;s perfectly possible to have hashtags without elevating trends.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing I \u003cem\u003ehave\u003c/em\u003e found useful is the \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/discover/books/grid\"\u003ebook covers page\u003c/a\u003e. If you see someone posting about a book you like or that sounds interesting to you, that\u0026rsquo;s probably a good person to follow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[About a month ago](https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/i-took-the.html), I migrated my mastodon account over to this blog (via micro.blog's built-in support for ActivityPub). How's that going?\n\nMostly good. I like that I've got a full-fledged personal website here, that is fully customizable and could theoretically run anywhere. Behind the scenes, it's just [hugo](https://gohugo.io/).\n\nI appreciate how micro.blog is trying to differentiate itself from [traditional social media](https://help.micro.blog/t/whats-the-difference-between-micro-blog-and-mastodon/1395), creating a space that doesn't reward popularity or sensationalism. There are no trending topics, follower counts, likes, or retweets to chase-- just people writing and the things they write.\n\nOf course, much of this is \"good like eating your vegetables\" and not \"good like eating a cheeseburger\". All those little dopamine hits that make things like Twitter, Facebook, and Mastodon addictive and un-calm are also what make them fun.\n\nI think discovery is worse here. [The emoji thing is cute](https://help.micro.blog/t/emoji-in-discover/34) but I don't think it works well in practice. For example, m.b wants 🖋️  to signify \"pens and ink\", [but sometimes it doesn't](https://tiv.today/2023/09/writersstrikedeal). It'd also be nice to not have a hard-coded set of topics. Really, I just want hashtags, and I want to be able to follow hashtags. Like Mastodon. I can see how \"trending topics\" is a feature to avoid, but it's perfectly possible to have hashtags without elevating trends.\n\nOne thing I *have* found useful is the [book covers page](https://micro.blog/discover/books/grid). If you see someone posting about a book you like or that sounds interesting to you, that's probably a good person to follow.\n","date_published":"2023-12-01T08:17:59-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/01/a-month-on.html","title":"A month on micro","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/12/01/a-month-on.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eA submission to the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023\"\u003e20 SECOND GAME JAM 2023\u003c/a\u003e, which tests your ability to differentiate between time intervals of less than 1 second. Made with Godot 4. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/twenty-thousand-milliseconds\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nA submission to the [20 SECOND GAME JAM 2023](https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023), which tests your ability to differentiate between time intervals of less than 1 second. Made with Godot 4. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/twenty-thousand-milliseconds).\n","date_published":"2023-12-01T00:00:00-05:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/twenty-thousand-milliseconds/","title":"twenty thousand milliseconds","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/twenty-thousand-milliseconds/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWhat are your favorite websites that aren\u0026rsquo;t around anymore?\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nWhat are your favorite websites that aren't around anymore?\n","date_published":"2023-11-30T13:44:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/30/what-are-your.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/30/what-are-your.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not sure we\u0026rsquo;ll watch \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PeJn8vca98\"\u003eMerry Little Batman\u003c/a\u003e, but it brings me some joy to see \u003cem\u003eJingle Bells, Batman Smells\u003c/em\u003e in an official DC production.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm not sure we'll watch [Merry Little Batman](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PeJn8vca98), but it brings me some joy to see *Jingle Bells, Batman Smells* in an official DC production.\n","date_published":"2023-11-27T22:28:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/27/im-not-sure.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/27/im-not-sure.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve likened Godot to Hypercard before\u0026ndash; they aren\u0026rsquo;t directly comparable, but my experience using Godot brought back a sense of possibility and fun that I felt when using Hypercard back in the 90\u0026rsquo;s.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI should probably be pretty excited to learn about \u003ca href=\"https://internet-janitor.itch.io/decker\"\u003eDecker\u003c/a\u003e,  which  has modern touches, but also seems to lean pretty hard on nostalgia and Hypercard/Macpaint aesthetics. I\u0026rsquo;ll carve out some more time to kick it around some more, but honestly it leaves me a bit cold.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing I looked for, and couldn\u0026rsquo;t find, was some equivalent of \u0026ldquo;background\u0026rdquo; or template cards, which seem pretty core to some Hypercard uses, like address books or proto-Filemaker databases. OTOH, maybe you can accomplish that sort of thing with \u003ca href=\"http://beyondloom.com/decker/decker.html#contraptions\"\u003econtraptions\u003c/a\u003e, which seem like a nice way to build widgets-of-widgets.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've likened Godot to Hypercard before-- they aren't directly comparable, but my experience using Godot brought back a sense of possibility and fun that I felt when using Hypercard back in the 90's.\n\nI should probably be pretty excited to learn about [Decker](https://internet-janitor.itch.io/decker),  which  has modern touches, but also seems to lean pretty hard on nostalgia and Hypercard/Macpaint aesthetics. I'll carve out some more time to kick it around some more, but honestly it leaves me a bit cold.\n\nOne thing I looked for, and couldn't find, was some equivalent of \"background\" or template cards, which seem pretty core to some Hypercard uses, like address books or proto-Filemaker databases. OTOH, maybe you can accomplish that sort of thing with [contraptions](http://beyondloom.com/decker/decker.html#contraptions), which seem like a nice way to build widgets-of-widgets.\n","date_published":"2023-11-27T20:43:27-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/27/decker.html","title":"Decker","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/27/decker.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781637150153.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781637150153\"\u003ePetrograd\u003c/a\u003e by Philip Gelatt 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781637150153.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Petrograd](https://micro.blog/books/9781637150153) by Philip Gelatt 📚\n","date_published":"2023-11-23T11:11:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/23/currently-reading-petrograd.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/23/currently-reading-petrograd.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy excellent co-worker Adam created this online tuner for community radio stations: \u003ca href=\"https://www.ldial.org\"\u003ewww.ldial.org\u003c/a\u003e (which is also excellent)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy excellent co-worker Adam created this online tuner for community radio stations: [www.ldial.org](https://www.ldial.org) (which is also excellent)\n","date_published":"2023-11-22T10:44:17-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/22/my-excellent-coworker.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/22/my-excellent-coworker.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI spent at least 30  minutes trying to figure out why the score in my game wasn\u0026rsquo;t updating past the first point. It would go from 0 to 1, but then stayed at 1. I had a setter on the score variable, to update the score label shown to the user whenever the score changed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt turned out, my setter wasn\u0026rsquo;t actually \u003cem\u003esetting\u003c/em\u003e, so to score was always zero, and the incoming new score was always 1.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe missing line in the \u0026ldquo;set\u0026rdquo; code below is \u003ccode\u003eSCORE=new_score\u003c/code\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-11-22-06-55-15.png\" width=\"531\" height=\"86\" alt=\"some gdscript code that sets a text label when a variable is changed (but neglects to actually store the new value)\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI spent at least 30  minutes trying to figure out why the score in my game wasn't updating past the first point. It would go from 0 to 1, but then stayed at 1. I had a setter on the score variable, to update the score label shown to the user whenever the score changed.\r\n\r\nIt turned out, my setter wasn't actually *setting*, so to score was always zero, and the incoming new score was always 1.\r\n\r\nThe missing line in the \"set\" code below is `SCORE=new_score`\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-11-22-06-55-15.png\" width=\"531\" height=\"86\" alt=\"some gdscript code that sets a text label when a variable is changed (but neglects to actually store the new value)\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-11-22T08:01:08-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/22/troubleshooting-before-coffee.html","title":"Troubleshooting before coffee","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/22/troubleshooting-before-coffee.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a \u003ca href=\"https://www.humblebundle.com/books/cybersecurity-2023-wiley-books\"\u003egood bundle\u003c/a\u003e of security books. I can vouch for \u003cem\u003eThreats\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSecurity Culture Playbook\u003c/em\u003e being worthwhile, and \u003cem\u003eSoftware Transparency\u003c/em\u003e is on my to-read list.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThis is a [good bundle](https://www.humblebundle.com/books/cybersecurity-2023-wiley-books) of security books. I can vouch for *Threats* and *Security Culture Playbook* being worthwhile, and *Software Transparency* is on my to-read list.\n","date_published":"2023-11-22T07:12:34-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/22/this-is-a.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/22/this-is-a.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTesting out \u003ca href=\"https://lillihub.com/\"\u003eLillihub\u003c/a\u003e!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nTesting out [Lillihub](https://lillihub.com/)!\n","date_published":"2023-11-21T20:11:59-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/testing-out-lillihub.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/testing-out-lillihub.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781119085294.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781119085294\"\u003eHow to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk\u003c/a\u003e by Douglas W. Hubbard 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo chapters in, and I really appreciate learning about:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://hubbardresearch.com/two-ways-you-can-use-small-sample-sizes-to-measure-anything/\"\u003eThe rule of five\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_succession\"\u003eThe rule of succession\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781119085294.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk](https://micro.blog/books/9781119085294) by Douglas W. Hubbard 📚\r\n\r\nTwo chapters in, and I really appreciate learning about:\r\n\r\n- [The rule of five](https://hubbardresearch.com/two-ways-you-can-use-small-sample-sizes-to-measure-anything/)\r\n- [The rule of succession](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_succession)\n","date_published":"2023-11-21T13:00:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/currently-reading-how.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/currently-reading-how.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780990582915.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780990582915\"\u003eGame Programming Patterns\u003c/a\u003e by Robert Nystrom 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780990582915.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Game Programming Patterns](https://micro.blog/books/9780990582915) by Robert Nystrom 📚\n","date_published":"2023-11-21T12:23:44-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/currently-reading-game.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/currently-reading-game.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI need to study this some more, but there are some good ideas in this cATO playbook, and the manifesto it links to: \u003ca href=\"https://rise8-us.github.io/cato-playbook/\"\u003erise8-us.github.io/cato-play\u0026hellip;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(hey, look, it\u0026rsquo;s an infosec post!)\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI need to study this some more, but there are some good ideas in this cATO playbook, and the manifesto it links to: [rise8-us.github.io/cato-play...](https://rise8-us.github.io/cato-playbook/)\n\n(hey, look, it's an infosec post!)\n","date_published":"2023-11-21T12:13:13-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/i-need-to.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/i-need-to.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eConsidering learning C#. I don\u0026rsquo;t even know who I am anymore.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nConsidering learning C#. I don't even know who I am anymore.\n","date_published":"2023-11-21T09:03:53-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/considering-learning-c.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/21/considering-learning-c.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534326378.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534326378\"\u003eDeadly Class Vol 12: A Fond Farewell, Part Two\u003c/a\u003e by Rick Remender 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the late-middle volumes were a bit of a drag for me, the characters and their exploits didn\u0026rsquo;t seem that interesting after leaving school. In this final arc (volume 11 and 12), I enjoyed seeing how these people turned out as adults, and the ending was pretty satisfying.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534326378.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished reading: [Deadly Class Vol 12: A Fond Farewell, Part Two](https://micro.blog/books/9781534326378) by Rick Remender 📚\n\nSome of the late-middle volumes were a bit of a drag for me, the characters and their exploits didn't seem that interesting after leaving school. In this final arc (volume 11 and 12), I enjoyed seeing how these people turned out as adults, and the ending was pretty satisfying.\n","date_published":"2023-11-19T09:50:24-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/19/deadly-class.html","title":"Deadly Class","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/19/deadly-class.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eLong after I\u0026rsquo;m dead, there will still be articles using this picture I took in 2004 \u003ca href=\"https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2023/11/abortion-and-weed-what-democrats-can-learn-from-2023\"\u003ewww.jhunewsletter.com/article/2\u0026hellip;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nLong after I'm dead, there will still be articles using this picture I took in 2004 [www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2...](https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2023/11/abortion-and-weed-what-democrats-can-learn-from-2023)\n","date_published":"2023-11-15T12:42:25-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/15/long-after-im.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/15/long-after-im.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve been spending some time trying to clean up search results for my name (yeah, kind of douchy, sorry), and one thing that\u0026rsquo;s been vexing me is my old Twitter name. I deleted my \u0026lsquo;rossk\u0026rsquo; account a while back, but I guess 15 years of google juice means my name will forever be linked with twitter.com/rossk, even though someone else owns it now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of that is to say, \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/RossKarchner\"\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve created a \u003cem\u003enew\u003c/em\u003e twitter account\u003c/a\u003e, which I hope becomes more prominent in search results for \u0026ldquo;Ross Karchner\u0026rdquo;, and which links back to this site.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've been spending some time trying to clean up search results for my name (yeah, kind of douchy, sorry), and one thing that's been vexing me is my old Twitter name. I deleted my 'rossk' account a while back, but I guess 15 years of google juice means my name will forever be linked with twitter.com/rossk, even though someone else owns it now.\n\nAll of that is to say, [I've created a *new* twitter account](https://twitter.com/RossKarchner), which I hope becomes more prominent in search results for \"Ross Karchner\", and which links back to this site.\n","date_published":"2023-11-15T07:43:22-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/15/personal-seo.html","title":"Personal SEO","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/15/personal-seo.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/28/i-let-myself.html\"\u003eOne week\u003c/a\u003e turned into three weeks, but I feel like I\u0026rsquo;ve worked \u003cem\u003ethat\u003c/em\u003e particular digital addiction out of my system (and diving in to Snap has actually helped crystalize an idea I\u0026rsquo;ve been thinking about, so it wasn\u0026rsquo;t entirely a waste). OK, back to \u003cem\u003emaking\u003c/em\u003e stuff.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy current idea for the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023\"\u003e20 second game jam\u003c/a\u003e is really simple and pretty wonky:  a trainer for being able to differentiate times shorter than a second (say, 500ms vs 700ms).  Back in 2015 I went to some Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) training where this was mentioned as a useful skill for SRE\u0026rsquo;s.  I didn\u0026rsquo;t entirely give up, but at that moment my dream of ever \u003cem\u003ebeing\u003c/em\u003e an SRE seemed a little more remote.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are some optional themes for the jam, but I think \u003cem\u003etime itself\u003c/em\u003e is a sort of implied theme, and pondering \u003cem\u003ethat\u003c/em\u003e brought the SRE training back to mind. Thankfully, this isn\u0026rsquo;t a judged competition, so nobody else has to necessarily get it. Since the idea itself is so simple, I do want to lean in to trying to make it as fun and engaging as I can.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve also started futzing with a micro.blog client written in Godot. We\u0026rsquo;ll see if that goes anywhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[One week](https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/28/i-let-myself.html) turned into three weeks, but I feel like I've worked *that* particular digital addiction out of my system (and diving in to Snap has actually helped crystalize an idea I've been thinking about, so it wasn't entirely a waste). OK, back to *making* stuff.\n\nMy current idea for the [20 second game jam](https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023) is really simple and pretty wonky:  a trainer for being able to differentiate times shorter than a second (say, 500ms vs 700ms).  Back in 2015 I went to some Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) training where this was mentioned as a useful skill for SRE's.  I didn't entirely give up, but at that moment my dream of ever *being* an SRE seemed a little more remote.\n\nThere are some optional themes for the jam, but I think *time itself* is a sort of implied theme, and pondering *that* brought the SRE training back to mind. Thankfully, this isn't a judged competition, so nobody else has to necessarily get it. Since the idea itself is so simple, I do want to lean in to trying to make it as fun and engaging as I can.\n\nI've also started futzing with a micro.blog client written in Godot. We'll see if that goes anywhere.\n","date_published":"2023-11-10T10:22:43-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/10/back-to-making.html","tags":["20 Second Game Jam 2023"],"title":"Back to making","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/10/back-to-making.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBowling with bumpers is underrated. It\u0026rsquo;s a little more like billiards.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nBowling with bumpers is underrated. It's a little more like billiards.\n","date_published":"2023-11-06T17:36:56-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/06/bowling-with-bumpers.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/06/bowling-with-bumpers.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eDragonRuby, which usually costs $48, is \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/s/107002/grab-dragonruby-for-free-and-join-20-second-game-jam-2023\"\u003efree right now\u003c/a\u003e, as part of the \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023\"\u003e20 Second Game Jam\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nDragonRuby, which usually costs $48, is [free right now](https://itch.io/s/107002/grab-dragonruby-for-free-and-join-20-second-game-jam-2023), as part of the [20 Second Game Jam](https://itch.io/jam/20-second-game-jam-2023)\n","date_published":"2023-11-01T15:39:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/01/dragonruby-which-usually.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/11/01/dragonruby-which-usually.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e13 years ago we were at the Rally to Restore Sanity. Have we restored the sanity yet?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/69868-493799376116-4332134-n.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" alt=\"signs from the Rally to Restore Sanity, including one with a guacamole recipe\"\u003e\n","content_text":"\n13 years ago we were at the Rally to Restore Sanity. Have we restored the sanity yet?\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/69868-493799376116-4332134-n.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" alt=\"signs from the Rally to Restore Sanity, including one with a guacamole recipe\"\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-10-30T16:55:39-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/30/years-ago-we.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/30/years-ago-we.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI let myself get sucked into Marvel Snap this week, so spent more free time \u003cem\u003eplaying\u003c/em\u003e games instead making them. I have started experimenting with Godot features I\u0026rsquo;m not familiar with yet, starting with navigation meshes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext on the list is \u003ca href=\"https://docs.godotengine.org/en/latest/tutorials/2d/2d_lights_and_shadows.html\"\u003e2D lighting and shadows\u003c/a\u003e, maybe this weekend!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI let myself get sucked into Marvel Snap this week, so spent more free time *playing* games instead making them. I have started experimenting with Godot features I'm not familiar with yet, starting with navigation meshes.\n\nNext on the list is [2D lighting and shadows](https://docs.godotengine.org/en/latest/tutorials/2d/2d_lights_and_shadows.html), maybe this weekend!\n","date_published":"2023-10-28T09:00:31-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/28/i-let-myself.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/28/i-let-myself.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534303522.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534303522\"\u003eDeadly Class Vol. 5: Carousel\u003c/a\u003e by Rick Remender 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first four volumes were a pleasant surprise. I was expecting a sort of \u0026ldquo;Hogwarts for Assassins\u0026rdquo;, and there\u0026rsquo;s a \u003cem\u003ebit\u003c/em\u003e of that\u0026ndash; but the stories being told are much more complex and personal.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534303522.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Deadly Class Vol. 5: Carousel](https://micro.blog/books/9781534303522) by Rick Remender 📚\r\n\r\nThe first four volumes were a pleasant surprise. I was expecting a sort of \"Hogwarts for Assassins\", and there's a *bit* of that-- but the stories being told are much more complex and personal.\n","date_published":"2023-10-25T16:44:53-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/25/currently-reading-deadly.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/25/currently-reading-deadly.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOn the same day I learn about \u003ca href=\"https://neal.fun/internet-artifacts/\"\u003ethis gallery of Internet Artifacts\u003c/a\u003e, I also come across \u003ca href=\"https://ajroach42.com/the-oldest-active-torrent/\"\u003ethis bit about the worlds oldest continuously-seeded bittorrent file\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nOn the same day I learn about [this gallery of Internet Artifacts](https://neal.fun/internet-artifacts/), I also come across [this bit about the worlds oldest continuously-seeded bittorrent file](https://ajroach42.com/the-oldest-active-torrent/).\n","date_published":"2023-10-25T16:38:37-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/25/on-the-same.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/25/on-the-same.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAs part of \u003ca href=\"https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/physics-and-astronomy-department/space-day-2023\"\u003eSpace Day\u003c/a\u003e the kiddo and I got to check out the \u003ca href=\"https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/physics-and-astronomy-department/observatory\"\u003eobservatory\u003c/a\u003e at George Mason University.  📷 🚀\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/20231022-162645.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"The George Mason University Observatory \"\u003e\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/20231022-162319.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"1298\" alt=\"The George Mason University Observatory\"\u003e\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/20231022-161727.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"whiteboard in the George Mason University Observatory control center \"\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAs part of [Space Day](https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/physics-and-astronomy-department/space-day-2023) the kiddo and I got to check out the [observatory](https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/physics-and-astronomy-department/observatory) at George Mason University.  📷 🚀\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/20231022-162645.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"The George Mason University Observatory \"\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/20231022-162319.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"1298\" alt=\"The George Mason University Observatory\"\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/20231022-161727.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"277\" alt=\"whiteboard in the George Mason University Observatory control center \"\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-10-22T18:33:33-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/22/as-part-of.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/22/as-part-of.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54/dont-get-crushed\"\u003eThe results are in\u003c/a\u003e, and\u0026hellip; it\u0026rsquo;s nothing to brag about. I do like that innovation is my strongest category again.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-10-21-17-10-29.png\" width=\"549\" height=\"274\" alt=\"rankings for my game 'Don't Get Crushed' in Ludum Dare 54\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know exactly how many entrees I\u0026rsquo;m ranked against. The \u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54/stats\"\u003estats\u003c/a\u003e say that there were 1597 entries in the \u0026ldquo;jam\u0026rdquo; competition, and 66% of all entries (\u0026ldquo;jam\u0026rdquo;, and a separate competition, \u0026ldquo;compo\u0026rdquo;) met the ratings threshold for getting ranked, so maybe I\u0026rsquo;m ranked against 1067 or so \u0026ldquo;jam\u0026rdquo; entries? That puts me in the top half for most categories, and not far from it on the Overall. In a competition that includes professionals, hobbyists, and teams, I feel OK about that.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n[The results are in](https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54/dont-get-crushed), and... it's nothing to brag about. I do like that innovation is my strongest category again.\r\n \r\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/screenshot-from-2023-10-21-17-10-29.png\" width=\"549\" height=\"274\" alt=\"rankings for my game 'Don't Get Crushed' in Ludum Dare 54\"\u003e\r\n\r\nI don't know exactly how many entrees I'm ranked against. The [stats](https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54/stats) say that there were 1597 entries in the \"jam\" competition, and 66% of all entries (\"jam\", and a separate competition, \"compo\") met the ratings threshold for getting ranked, so maybe I'm ranked against 1067 or so \"jam\" entries? That puts me in the top half for most categories, and not far from it on the Overall. In a competition that includes professionals, hobbyists, and teams, I feel OK about that.\n","date_published":"2023-10-21T17:35:26-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/probably-my-last.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 54"],"title":"Probably my last post about Ludum Dare 54 maybe","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/probably-my-last.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI took the plunge\u0026ndash; this is now my \u0026ldquo;home\u0026rdquo; on the fediverse. I think micro.blog has a healthier vision for social media, and I\u0026rsquo;m really drawn to the idea of my blog and my social media presence being all one thing. Worst case, I\u0026rsquo;m not locked in!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI took the plunge-- this is now my \"home\" on the fediverse. I think micro.blog has a healthier vision for social media, and I'm really drawn to the idea of my blog and my social media presence being all one thing. Worst case, I'm not locked in!\n","date_published":"2023-10-21T10:58:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/i-took-the.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/i-took-the.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe post-jam, cleaned up version of Don\u0026rsquo;t Get Crushed is now on itch.io \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-crushed\"\u003erosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-\u0026hellip;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nThe post-jam, cleaned up version of Don't Get Crushed is now on itch.io [rosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-...](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-crushed)\n","date_published":"2023-10-21T09:22:38-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/the-postjam-cleaned.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/21/the-postjam-cleaned.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eGot a flier in the mail from Chris Decarlo for Sherrif, which reminds me of his history of rapping campaign videos: \u003ca href=\"https://youtube.com/@CDRapper1?si=tcILhTfmHrZTAovW\"\u003eyoutube.com/@CDRapper\u0026hellip;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nGot a flier in the mail from Chris Decarlo for Sherrif, which reminds me of his history of rapping campaign videos: [youtube.com/@CDRapper...](https://youtube.com/@CDRapper1?si=tcILhTfmHrZTAovW)\n","date_published":"2023-10-19T16:58:01-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/19/got-a-flier.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/19/got-a-flier.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;m not lazy, I\u0026rsquo;m just protecting the ecosystem \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/us/raking-leaves.html?smid=nytcore-android-share\"\u003ewww.nytimes.com/2023/10/1\u0026hellip;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI'm not lazy, I'm just protecting the ecosystem [www.nytimes.com/2023/10/1...](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/us/raking-leaves.html?smid=nytcore-android-share)\n","date_published":"2023-10-19T08:03:31-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/19/im-not-lazy.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/19/im-not-lazy.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062039828.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780062039828\"\u003eStory\u003c/a\u003e by Robert McKee 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9780062039828.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Story](https://micro.blog/books/9780062039828) by Robert McKee 📚\n","date_published":"2023-10-18T16:18:05-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/currently-listening-story.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/currently-listening-story.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781947937390.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinished Listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781947937390\"\u003eThink Like a Game Designer\u003c/a\u003e by Justin Gary 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781947937390.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nFinished Listening: [Think Like a Game Designer](https://micro.blog/books/9781947937390) by Justin Gary 📚\n","date_published":"2023-10-18T16:16:58-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/finished-listening-think.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/finished-listening-think.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI\u0026rsquo;ve never really worn sunglasses, and now I\u0026rsquo;ve got my first prescription pair. Meanwhile my regular glasses are at the optometrist to get new lenses put in, so the sunglasses are all I have.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne surprising thing is that some screens are hard to read\u0026ndash; kind of like when a screen has a polarizing privacy filter, but it\u0026rsquo;s blocking me instead of the rest of the world.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI've never really worn sunglasses, and now I've got my first prescription pair. Meanwhile my regular glasses are at the optometrist to get new lenses put in, so the sunglasses are all I have.\n\nOne surprising thing is that some screens are hard to read-- kind of like when a screen has a polarizing privacy filter, but it's blocking me instead of the rest of the world.\n","date_published":"2023-10-18T11:52:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/ive-never-really.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/ive-never-really.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEven a \u0026ldquo;bad\u0026rdquo; Futurama episode is usually pretty good\u0026ndash; but the worst are the ones that try to be relevant for the time they were released, \u0026ldquo;ripped from the headlines\u0026rdquo;. The new season on Hulu had a lot of those. 📺\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nEven a \"bad\" Futurama episode is usually pretty good-- but the worst are the ones that try to be relevant for the time they were released, \"ripped from the headlines\". The new season on Hulu had a lot of those. 📺\n","date_published":"2023-10-18T08:46:20-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/even-a-bad.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/18/even-a-bad.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781947937390.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently listening: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781947937390\"\u003eThink Like a Game Designer\u003c/a\u003e by Justin Gary 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781947937390.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently listening: [Think Like a Game Designer](https://micro.blog/books/9781947937390) by Justin Gary 📚\n","date_published":"2023-10-16T19:00:25-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/16/currently-listening-think.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/16/currently-listening-think.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534311459.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently reading: \u003ca href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781534311459\"\u003eDeadly Class - Regan Youth Media Tie-In\u003c/a\u003e by Rick Remender 📚\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/books/9781534311459.jpg\" align=\"left\" class=\"microblog_book\" style=\"max-width: 60px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;\"\u003e\n\nCurrently reading: [Deadly Class - Regan Youth Media Tie-In](https://micro.blog/books/9781534311459) by Rick Remender 📚\n","date_published":"2023-10-16T18:58:09-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/16/currently-reading-deadly.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/16/currently-reading-deadly.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHere is some weekend progress on \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-crushed\"\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t Get Crushed\u003c/a\u003e (post-jam version, to be released after the review window closes):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFixed the janky vibrations\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eimproved \u003cem\u003esome\u003c/em\u003e art\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe level number now included a decimal component, making it clearer how much progress you\u0026rsquo;ve made \u003cem\u003ewithin\u003c/em\u003e a level\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also see the \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/12/morning-progress.html\"\u003epreviously reported progress\u003c/a\u003e: visible scores, the ability to restart using the up arrow, and the crusher following the player more closely (and no longer leaving a safe area on the bottom of the screen)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/crushed-1016.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"348\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nHere is some weekend progress on [Don't Get Crushed](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-crushed) (post-jam version, to be released after the review window closes):\n\n- Fixed the janky vibrations\n- improved *some* art\n- The level number now included a decimal component, making it clearer how much progress you've made *within* a level\n \nYou can also see the [previously reported progress](https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/12/morning-progress.html): visible scores, the ability to restart using the up arrow, and the crusher following the player more closely (and no longer leaving a safe area on the bottom of the screen)\n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/crushed-1016.mp4\" width=\"600\" height=\"348\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-10-16T06:21:58-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/16/dont-get-crushed.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 54"],"title":"Don't Get Crushed updates 🎮","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/16/dont-get-crushed.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNot much \u003cem\u003evisible\u003c/em\u003e progress since I \u003ca href=\"https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@rossk/110997331619621031\"\u003elasted posted\u003c/a\u003e this game, but I have implemented both the spring platforms and the \u0026ldquo;slam\u0026rdquo; mechanic (which can be combined for bigger jumps. I\u0026rsquo;ve also re-built all of the player movement around \u003ca href=\"https://godotengine.org/asset-library/asset/1778\"\u003eGodot State Charts\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/jump.mp4\" width=\"507\" height=\"971\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nNot much *visible* progress since I [lasted posted](https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@rossk/110997331619621031) this game, but I have implemented both the spring platforms and the \"slam\" mechanic (which can be combined for bigger jumps. I've also re-built all of the player movement around [Godot State Charts](https://godotengine.org/asset-library/asset/1778). \n\n\u003cvideo src=\"/uploads/2023/jump.mp4\" width=\"507\" height=\"971\" controls preload=\"metadata\" loop muted playsinline\u003e\u003c/video\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-10-14T08:17:02-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/14/not-much-visible.html","title":"Jumping Game progress 🎮","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/14/not-much-visible.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eI temporarily experimented with importing my Mastodon followers to micro.blog. Sorry about the follow-spam!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nI temporarily experimented with importing my Mastodon followers to micro.blog. Sorry about the follow-spam!\n","date_published":"2023-10-13T11:35:42-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/13/i-temporarily-experimented.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/13/i-temporarily-experimented.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFrom a recent trip to the new LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield, VA\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/image.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📷\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nFrom a recent trip to the new LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield, VA\n\n\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/image.jpg\" width=\"277\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\"\u003e\n\n📷\n","date_published":"2023-10-13T09:15:47-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/13/from-a-recent.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/13/from-a-recent.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAfter a couple of days on wordpress.com, I decided it wasn\u0026rsquo;t for me. So, after a journey in the wilderness, I\u0026rsquo;m back on micro.blog!\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nAfter a couple of days on wordpress.com, I decided it wasn't for me. So, after a journey in the wilderness, I'm back on micro.blog!\n","date_published":"2023-10-13T08:39:14-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/13/after-a-couple.html","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/13/after-a-couple.html"},{"content_html":"\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, I've addressed a few items from the \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/11/ludum-dare-54-dont-get-crushed/\"\u003efeedback list\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list --\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere is now a visible score\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlayers can restart the game after dying using the up arrow\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe crusher now follows the player more closely, eliminating the \"safe zone\" at the bottom of the screen.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list --\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, I've addressed a few items from the \u003ca href=\"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/11/ludum-dare-54-dont-get-crushed/\"\u003efeedback list\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list --\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere is now a visible score\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlayers can restart the game after dying using the up arrow\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe crusher now follows the player more closely, eliminating the \"safe zone\" at the bottom of the screen.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list --\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-10-12T06:57:29-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/12/morning-progress.html","title":"Morning progress 🎮","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/12/morning-progress.html"},{"content_html":"\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54/dont-get-crushed\"\u003eDon't Get Crushed\u003c/a\u003e was my submission to \u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54\"\u003eLudum Dare 54\u003c/a\u003e,  my second-ever attempt to enter a game jam. The game didn't end up much like what I was imagining when I started working (blame the 72-hour time limit, and my own limitations for that). The graphics aren't great, and it's got a few glitches-- but I think it's fun.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore entering Ludum Dare, I probably would have explained the appeal of game jams as a way to test your skills against other game developers. That's still an attractive aspect of it, but my thinking has changed quite a bit  in the past week.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm new to making games, but I've made \u003cem\u003estuff\u003c/em\u003e before: writing, software,  images, even a bit of music. Most of the time? Nobody cares. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of the way LD is set up, if you put in the time to review other people's games, your game will be prioritized for other people to review. You'll get actual feedback! \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI made this goofy, glitchy thing, and \u003cem\u003epeople are playing it\u003c/em\u003e.  33 People have left numeric ratings (I won't know the results of this until the rating period closes, in 8 days)!  21 People left written feedback! \u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/users/fupi\"\u003eOne person\u003c/a\u003e even drew a picture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:image {\"id\":25,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/7d8f9af46c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25\" /\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:image --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's kind of exhilarating.  If I continue to enter game jams, it'll be because it's fun as hell to make stuff and get actual feedback.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:heading --\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"\u003eWhat's next?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:heading --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe feedback on the game has been quite nice, but here's some of the criticism it's gotten (all valid):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list --\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevels are too long\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo way to know your progress within a level\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe graphics are too \"basic\"\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's kind of sloppy that while the game starts and plays all with the keyboard, you need to use the mouse to click \"try again\" after getting crushed\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo real sense of urgency...\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e ... and without that sense of urgency, the game can be pretty easy if you play carefully.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eno score to see. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing \u003cem\u003eI\u003c/em\u003e hate, that nobody has mentioned: the shaking effect that sometimes appears in the crushers or the obstacle blocks isn't something I programmed or intended, it's just some side-effect of Godot's physics, I guess. I'd like to at least have more control over that.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat I'd like to try to have a \"post jam\" version of the game, available the day ratings are released, that addresses \u003cem\u003emost\u003c/em\u003e of those points.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter that, there are other game ideas I'd like to move on to, but might revisit this one sometime.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54/dont-get-crushed\"\u003eDon't Get Crushed\u003c/a\u003e was my submission to \u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54\"\u003eLudum Dare 54\u003c/a\u003e,  my second-ever attempt to enter a game jam. The game didn't end up much like what I was imagining when I started working (blame the 72-hour time limit, and my own limitations for that). The graphics aren't great, and it's got a few glitches-- but I think it's fun.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore entering Ludum Dare, I probably would have explained the appeal of game jams as a way to test your skills against other game developers. That's still an attractive aspect of it, but my thinking has changed quite a bit  in the past week.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm new to making games, but I've made \u003cem\u003estuff\u003c/em\u003e before: writing, software,  images, even a bit of music. Most of the time? Nobody cares. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of the way LD is set up, if you put in the time to review other people's games, your game will be prioritized for other people to review. You'll get actual feedback! \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI made this goofy, glitchy thing, and \u003cem\u003epeople are playing it\u003c/em\u003e.  33 People have left numeric ratings (I won't know the results of this until the rating period closes, in 8 days)!  21 People left written feedback! \u003ca href=\"https://ldjam.com/users/fupi\"\u003eOne person\u003c/a\u003e even drew a picture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:image {\"id\":25,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/uploads/2023/7d8f9af46c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25\" /\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:image --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's kind of exhilarating.  If I continue to enter game jams, it'll be because it's fun as hell to make stuff and get actual feedback.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:heading --\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"\u003eWhat's next?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:heading --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe feedback on the game has been quite nice, but here's some of the criticism it's gotten (all valid):\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list --\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevels are too long\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo way to know your progress within a level\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe graphics are too \"basic\"\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's kind of sloppy that while the game starts and plays all with the keyboard, you need to use the mouse to click \"try again\" after getting crushed\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo real sense of urgency...\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e ... and without that sense of urgency, the game can be pretty easy if you play carefully.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:list-item --\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eno score to see. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list-item --\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:list --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing \u003cem\u003eI\u003c/em\u003e hate, that nobody has mentioned: the shaking effect that sometimes appears in the crushers or the obstacle blocks isn't something I programmed or intended, it's just some side-effect of Godot's physics, I guess. I'd like to at least have more control over that.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat I'd like to try to have a \"post jam\" version of the game, available the day ratings are released, that addresses \u003cem\u003emost\u003c/em\u003e of those points.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter that, there are other game ideas I'd like to move on to, but might revisit this one sometime.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-10-11T18:29:06-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/11/ludum-dare-dont.html","tags":["Ludum Dare 54"],"title":"Ludum Dare 54: Don't Get Crushed","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/11/ludum-dare-dont.html"},{"content_html":"\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's 2023 and I'm starting a blog. Again.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'll write more later, but in the past I've enjoyed have a blog as a sort of public notebook, for posting things I'm learning about or just want to share. I miss that, and want to start doing that again.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing I want to make sure I do, is break the (self) expectation that blog posts need to be any particular length, so I'll end this right here.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n","content_text":"\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's 2023 and I'm starting a blog. Again.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'll write more later, but in the past I've enjoyed have a blog as a sort of public notebook, for posting things I'm learning about or just want to share. I miss that, and want to start doing that again.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing I want to make sure I do, is break the (self) expectation that blog posts need to be any particular length, so I'll end this right here.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- /wp:paragraph --\u003e\n","date_published":"2023-10-11T16:00:25-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/11/oh-no-not.html","title":"Oh no, not again","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/2023/10/11/oh-no-not.html"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eCreated in 72 hours for Ludum Dare 54, where the theme was \u0026ldquo;limited space\u0026rdquo;. Made with Godot 3. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-crushed\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nCreated in 72 hours for Ludum Dare 54, where the theme was \"limited space\". Made with Godot 3. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/dont-get-crushed).\n","date_published":"2023-10-01T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/dont-get-crushed/","title":"Don't get Crushed","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/dont-get-crushed/"},{"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eMy first game jam entry! This was created for the July 2023 \u003ca href=\"https://itch.io/jam/the-its-so-bad-its-good-game-jam\"\u003eSo Bad it\u0026rsquo;s Good game jam\u003c/a\u003e. Placed 4th overall and 1st in the Innovation category. Made with Godot 4. \u003ca href=\"https://rosskarchner.itch.io/beat-game\"\u003ePlay on itch.io\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","content_text":"\nMy first game jam entry! This was created for the July 2023 [So Bad it's Good game jam](https://itch.io/jam/the-its-so-bad-its-good-game-jam). Placed 4th overall and 1st in the Innovation category. Made with Godot 4. [Play on itch.io](https://rosskarchner.itch.io/beat-game).\n","date_published":"2023-07-01T00:00:00-04:00","id":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/beat-game/","title":"Beat Game","url":"https://ross.karchner.com/games/beat-game/"}],"title":"Ross Karchner","version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1"}