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  • Programming

    Launching My First Rust Crate: pkglock

    Excited to share my first Rust crate: pkglock 🚀

    pkglock is a CLI tool that automates the process of switching URLs in your package-lock.json. Tailored to ease the management of local and remote npm registries, it stands out as a handy utility for developers.

    Key Features: Configurable: Set up and switch between local and remote URLs effortlessly. Command-Line Support: Execute with various options straight from the command line.

    I rewrote it in rust to avoid having to transpile JS in order to support CommonJS and ESM.

    Monday October 30, 2023

  • Thoughts

    Woke up in a panic, thinking it was Wednesday. Turned out to be, in fact, the Weekend.

    Llbbl waking up in a panic be6b6a72 9c4e 4549 9255 fa57db15b68a

    Saturday October 28, 2023

  • Programming

    Introducing pkglock: A Practical npm Utility

    Hello Everyone! 🚀 I’m thrilled to say that I published my first npm package: Pkglock.  

    I made it to solve some minor inconveniences that developers might face.

    The Problem

    While working with npm packages, I found Verdaccio to be quite helpful. It’s a private npm proxy registry allowing for local caching of npm packages, substantially speeding up the npm installation process. However, the use of Verdaccio introduced a slight hiccup in collaboration. Since it relies on a local cache, the resulting package-lock.json file makes collaboration challenging, as not everyone has access to my private, local cache.

    pkglock: A Simple Solution

    Enter "pkglock". It’s a simple tool, nothing flashy, just a practical utility that addresses this issue by making it easier to switch between the public npm registry and a local cached npm registry. It’s about smoothing out the development workflow, ensuring that you can collaborate with others efficiently despite using a local cache like Verdaccio.

    I’ll be writing a more detailed post on Medium soon, delving into the specifics, so keep an eye out for that if you’re interested in learning more.

    Until then, Happy Coding! 🚀👨‍💻🚀

    Sunday October 22, 2023

  • DevOps

    Programmers: Dracula theme + JetBrains Mono = ✅

    Friday October 20, 2023

  • Thoughts

    Embrace the mystery of each new day 🌅. Consider this: Could there be a grand deceiver as there could be a grand designer? Science has unveiled many secrets of the universe 🌌, but could reality be altered based on our expectations? 💭

    Thursday October 19, 2023

  • Finished! Awaiting the results. Working on my first NPM module.

    Tuesday October 3, 2023

  • Movies

    Top Wholesome Anime or Animated Movies Perfect for Your 5-Year-Old

    Here Are 50 movies from Animation to Anime.

    Animation has the power to breathe life into our wildest dreams and fantasies. From the heartwarming tales of friendship and adventure to the intricate narratives of anime, this collection of 50 films represents the pinnacle of animated storytelling. Dive into a universe where colors, sounds, and emotions blend seamlessly, and let these movies whisk you away on a journey of wonder and nostalgia.

    For children aged 5 to 10, every day is an adventure waiting to unfold. This is the age of first friendships, learning to read and write, and discovering the world in all its wonder. Animated movies that cater to school-age children often capture the essence of these formative years. They provide tales of bravery, friendship, and the magic of believing in oneself. Whether it’s a story about a young hero embarking on a quest or a tale of friendship that transcends boundaries, these films offer entertainment and gentle lessons that stay with them as they grow.

    Western Animation

    1. Kung Fu Panda - Join Po, the unlikely hero, as he discovers his destiny to become the Dragon Warrior. TMBD, Likewise
    2. Despicable Me - Watch the journey of Gru, a supervillain who adopts three young girls and changes for the better. TMBD, Likewise
    3. My Little Pony: The Movie - Join Twilight Sparkle and her friends as they embark on an adventure to save Equestria. TMBD, Likewise
    4. Finding Nemo - Dive into the underwater world as Marlin and Dory search for Marlin’s missing son, Nemo. TMBD, Likewise
    5. Frozen - Experience the bond of two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, as they save their kingdom of Arendelle. TMBD, Likewise
    6. Tangled - Follow Rapunzel’s journey outside the tower, accompanied by the charming Flynn Rider. TMBD, Likewise
    7. Toy Story - Dive into a world where toys come to life when humans aren’t looking. TMBD, Likewise
    8. Moana - Embark on an oceanic journey with Moana to restore the heart of Te Fiti. TMBD, Likewise
    9. Cars - Join Lightning McQueen as he discovers the value of friendship in the small town of Radiator Springs. TMBD, Likewise
    10. The Lion King - Witness the epic tale of young Simba’s journey to reclaim Pride Rock. TMBD, Likewise
    11. Shrek - Enjoy the adventures of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey in a fairy tale world turned upside down. TMBD, Likewise
    12. Madagascar - Follow four zoo animals as they get a taste of the wild after being stranded on an island. TMBD, Likewise
    13. The Incredibles - Meet a family of superheroes trying to live a normal life. TMBD, Likewise
    14. Ratatouille - Relish the culinary journey of Remy, a rat who dreams of becoming a chef. TMBD, Likewise
    15. Brave - Discover the story of Merida, a princess who defies tradition and carves her own path. TMBD, Likewise
    16. Zootopia - Dive into a city where predator and prey live in harmony, and uncover a mystery with Officer Judy Hopps. TMBD, Likewise
    17. How to Train Your Dragon - Join Hiccup and Toothless in their adventures in a world of Vikings and dragons. TMBD, Likewise
    18. The Little Mermaid - Dive under the sea with Ariel, a mermaid who longs for a life on land. TMBD, Likewise
    19. Mulan - Journey with Mulan as she disguises herself as a man to save her father. TMBD, Likewise
    20. Pocahontas - Explore the story of Pocahontas and her encounter with settler John Smith. TMBD, Likewise
    21. Rio - Soar with Blu, a domesticated macaw, as he discovers the wilds of Rio de Janeiro. TMBD, Likewise
    22. Over the Hedge - Dive into suburban life with a group of forest animals. TMBD, Likewise
    23. Megamind - Revel in the tale of a supervillain who finds a new purpose after defeating his nemesis. TMBD, Likewise
    24. WALL-E - Journey with WALL-E, a lonely robot, as he discovers love and the importance of saving Earth. TMBD
    25. The Princess and the Frog - Embark on a magical journey in New Orleans with Tiana and Prince Naveen. TMBD, Likewise

    Anime (Japanese Animation)

    1. My Neighbor Totoro - Explore the countryside with two young sisters and their magical friend Totoro. TMBD | Likewise
    2. Kiki’s Delivery Service - Follow Kiki, a young witch, as she starts her own delivery business in a new town. TMBD | Likewise
    3. Ponyo - Dive into the story of a fish-girl who wants to become human after befriending a young boy. TMBD | Likewise
    4. The Secret World of Arrietty - Unveil the lives of tiny people living secretly in human homes. TMBD | Likewise
    5. Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur - Join Nobita and his robotic cat, Doraemon, on an adventure back in time. TMBD | Likewise
    6. Spirited Away - Join Chihiro as she navigates a world of spirits after her parents are turned into pigs. TMBD | Likewise
    7. Whisper of the Heart - Explore the world of young love and artistic inspiration. TMBD | Likewise
    8. The Cat Returns - Delve into a feline world after a girl saves a mysterious cat. TMBD | Likewise
    9. Castle in the Sky - Embark on a skyward adventure to find a legendary floating castle. TMBD | Likewise
    10. Summer Wars - Dive into a digital world where a young math prodigy must save the day. TMBD | Likewise
    11. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Discover the consequences of time travel with a girl who gains this mysterious power. TMBD | Likewise
    12. Wolf Children - Witness the lives of two children born from the union of a human and a wolf. TMBD | Likewise
    13. A Silent Voice - Unfold the story of redemption and friendship between a deaf girl and her former bully. TMBD | Likewise
    14. Mary and the Witch’s Flower - Venture with Mary into a school for witches after finding a mysterious flower. TMBD | Likewise
    15. Detective Conan: The Time Bombed Skyscraper - Solve mysteries with the brilliant mind of a detective trapped in a child’s body. TMBD | Likewise
    16. Crayon Shin-chan: Action Mask vs. Leotard Devil - Enjoy the antics of a mischievous boy and his alter ego superhero. TMBD | Likewise
    17. Lu Over the Wall - Delight in the story of a young boy’s encounter with a mermaid. TMBD | Likewise
    18. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day - Relive childhood memories with a group of friends haunted by a past incident. TMBD | Likewise
    19. When Marnie Was There - Dive into a tale of friendship and memories between two young girls. TMBD | Likewise
    20. Your Name - Experience a tale of two teenagers who swap bodies and the mystery that binds them. TMBD | Likewise
    21. Weathering With You - Explore a rain-soaked Tokyo with a boy and a girl who can control the weather. TMBD | Likewise
    22. Pokémon: The First Movie - Join Ash and Pikachu in their adventure against the legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo. TMBD | Likewise
    23. Doraemon: Nobita and the Birth of Japan - Travel through time with Doraemon and friends. TMBD | Likewise
    24. Digimon Adventure: Our War Game! - Dive into the digital world with the DigiDestined as they battle a viral threat. TMBD | Likewise

    TMDb, or The Movie Database, is a community-driven platform that offers a comprehensive database of movies, TV shows, and actors, much like IMDb. However, what sets TMDb apart is its emphasis on user participation. While IMDb is more industry-focused and includes professional credits, reviews, and box office data, TMDb encourages its users to contribute by adding and editing content, making it a more collaborative and dynamic resource for movie and TV enthusiasts.

    Likewise, it is a user-friendly platform streamlining entertainment and media content discovery. With abundant streaming choices available today, Likewise offers tailored recommendations based on individual preferences. Users can receive and share their top picks, fostering a community of entertainment enthusiasts. Its blend of personalization and community-driven suggestions makes Likewise an essential tool for finding quality content efficiently.

    🔥 Love my work? ☕ Show your support and fuel my creativity by buying me a coffee - LLBBL on Ko-Fi! 💫

    Sunday September 10, 2023

  • (。U ω U。) 

    🩷

    Saturday August 19, 2023

  • Gaming

    List of Streamers Doing Lets Play of Baldur's Gate 3

    Linking to Playlists where possible.

    🔥 Love my work? ☕ Show your support and fuel my creativity by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi! 💫 Ko-fi.com - Your Ko-fi #SupportCreators

    Saturday August 5, 2023

  • The Twitch app is Waaaaaaay better than Kick’s. It feels like maybe Native vs React native might be the difference? Anyone on here just do Mobile apps care to comment? 😁

    Thursday July 27, 2023

  • How’s it going, my microblog friends? I hope you are having a good week. ❤️

    Wednesday July 26, 2023

  • Gaming

    A Deep Dive into Minecraft Bedrock Adventures

    Llbbl a minecraft skull surrounded by pink crape myrtle flowers c5df60b9 9142 4e1e bc25 9cb7cbbfbdd5

    In my recent experiences with Minecraft Bedrock, I've stumbled upon some fascinating aspects worth sharing. Minecraft Bedrock is the Java edition rewritten in C++ for those unfamiliar. It's compatible with more devices and offers a more significant draw distance than its Java counterpart.

     

    Though beneficial in these aspects, Minecraft Bedrock must catch up regarding mod availability. Minecraft Java edition features various free mods accessible across multiple websites. Unfortunately, free mods for Minecraft Bedrock aren't as abundant, leading most users to source their mods from the in-game marketplace run by Mojang or Microsoft.

     

    Downloading a mod from the marketplace is straightforward, enabling you to create a solo game on your device. This game is then open for others to join and play, an effortless process. However, things get complicated when you desire a modded Bedrock game that remains accessible to friends even when you're offline – a situation that calls for a server.

     

    The primary issue here is that marketplace mods for Minecraft Bedrock primarily operate on servers owned by Microsoft or Mojang. There's scant information on how to work with these mods, with a few enlightening YouTube videos. Once downloaded from the marketplace using Windows 10, you find these mods on your C drive in a strangely named folder. The regular files for Minecraft mods are present, but opening them reveals they're encrypted.

     

    This isn't about stealing mods, but the freedom to play with marketplace mods on Minecraft Bedrock servers that aren't owned by Microsoft or Mojang would be highly appreciated. To that end, I've posted an article on Medium discussing hosting your Minecraft Bedrock server using Docker.

     

    Using a similar setup for a few months now, it works great. Hosting your Docker server locally on any home network computer allows friends to connect to your IP address and play together. The caveat is the lack of mods, but Minecraft remains an enjoyable experience, even unmodded.

     

    As I journeyed further, I realized the desire to occasionally enjoy Minecraft with mods. Thus began the quest to create a modded Bedrock server, which turned out to be daunting.

     

    In one of my attempts, I downloaded a unicorn ranch mashup template for my unicorn-enthusiast niece. We opted for a Microsoft server costing $4 a month that accommodates three people, which was perfect for our needs. However, the unicorn ranch mashup world tends to malfunction with new Minecraft versions.

     

    Minecraft's mod workings remain a mystery to me. One would expect them to be backward or future-compatible. It's frustrating when minor version updates, from 1.20 to 1.20.10, cause massive disruptions. It could be clearer why minor changes in a point release would disrupt mods available on the marketplace.

     

    Our unicorn ranch mashup server is unplayable on Xbox, though I can still enjoy it on the iPad. It would be beneficial if Microsoft could test these mods, considering they're available on their platform. Meanwhile, I'm considering seeking advice from Minecraft's discord server to find solutions.

     

    Having played Minecraft regularly since version 1.18, my journey is still fresh. I hope the server issues resolve themselves so I can return to the Xbox version. The problem persists despite trying multiple fixes, downloading backups, playing with server settings, and ensuring all texture packs and behavioral mods are enabled and updated, the problem persists.

     

    Minecraft is a game I love, but dealing with mods on Bedrock can be challenging. I can be patient and hope for the game or the mod to receive an update fixing these issues. Whether the problem lies with Minecraft on Xbox or the mod itself needs to be clarified.

    Sunday July 16, 2023

  • This is a great quote. 

    The best way to end the war against the evil spreadsheets is to win it.

    The Data Engineering 2.0 manifesto

    Tuesday July 11, 2023

  • Productivity

    Tips for dealing with companies phone menus

    Suppose you frequently call services with automated phone menus (phone trees or Interactive Voice Response, IVR) and would like to skip these prompts to reach your desired service or person more quickly. In that case, you may add a certain pause or wait for characters in the phone number stored on your device. This will allow your phone to automatically dial extensions or menu options after connecting to the main number. 

    Here's how you can do it on both Android and iOS:

    **For Android:**

    1. Open the Phone app and go to the Contacts tab.

    2. Tap on the + button to add a new contact.

    3. Type the main number in the phone number field.

    4. Tap on the menu button (three vertical dots) at the top-right corner.

    5. Select "Add pause" or "Add wait" from the menu that appears.

       - A "Pause" inserts a 2-second delay before dialing the next digits. A comma usually represents this (,).

       - A "Wait" inserts a delay until you press a key to proceed. A semicolon usually represents this (;).

    6. Type the extension or menu numbers you want to be dialed automatically.

    7. Finish adding the contact information and save the new contact.

     

    **For iOS:**

    1. Open the Phone app and tap Contacts.

    2. Tap + to create a new contact.

    3. In the phone number field, input the main number.

    4. On the bottom-left of the keyboard, tap "+*#”.

    5. Here, you can add a "Pause" or “Wait”.

       - A "Pause" will add a comma (,) which is roughly a 2-second delay.

       - A "Wait" will add a semicolon (;) which will pause dialing until you tap Dial.

    6. After the pause or wait character, Input the extension or menu numbers.

    7. Fill in the rest of the contact's details and tap Done.

     

    **Example:** If you often call a customer service line at 123-456-7890 and need to press 2 for English and then 5 for customer service, you would save the number as follows:

    - On Android with pauses: 1234567890,,2,,5

    - On iOS with pauses: 1234567890,2,5

    The number of commas or pauses can be adjusted based on the phone tree's timing. Some systems might require longer pauses.

    Please note that effectiveness can vary depending on the specific phone system you are calling. Some systems may not respond correctly to quickly dialed numbers or might have random lengths of introductory messages.

    Friday June 16, 2023

  • 3 VMs left on AWS, should get two done tonight. Have to figure out how and if I want the data from plausible.

    Thursday June 15, 2023

  • DevOps

    Got the AWS account mostly cleaned up. My Mailcoach version didn’t support PHP 8.2 so had to ditch it after spending time migrating and getting it setup on the new server. Only Two VMSs on Vultr so far. The plausible server will be third. Will be fully migrated by the weekend. 

    Wednesday June 14, 2023

  • DevOps

    Time to migrate off AWS. Looking at saving $100 a month and moving to Vultr.

    Monday June 12, 2023

  • A fun and interesting take on modern fantasy. Book 1/3. They all are out. I finished reading: The Awakening by Nora Roberts 📚last week.

    Sunday June 11, 2023

  • A friend showed me this site; OMG, it’s great; the products are hilarious and awesome. www.pitviper.com

    Sunday June 11, 2023

  • Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth Is Neither New nor Experimental: A Timeline and Compilation of Studies | by Julia Serano | May, 2023 | Medium

    Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth Is Neither New nor Experimental: A Timeline and Compilation of Studies | by Julia Serano | May, 2023 | Medium:

    I’ve read countless trans-skeptical and “just asking questions” articles about the gender affirmative model, and they always have one glaring omission. Specifically, they focus solely on gender-affirming practices — social transition, puberty delay, hormone therapy, and surgeries — and portray them as “novel” and “active” interventions that require further scrutiny. This framing makes it seem as though the alternative approach (passively “doing nothing”) is an inherently neutral and less risky option. But “doing nothing” is not doing nothing! It involves actively disaffirming trans kids’ genders — and we have lots of research on the impacts of that approach.

    We should all read more LGBTQ-supportive articles this month. 🏳️‍🌈

    Sunday June 4, 2023

  • Break the chains ⛓️

    Friday June 2, 2023

  • Productivity

    Evernote Gets Acquired and Increases Prices 200%

    Well, Evernote, this might be the year we part ways. 

    CleanShot 2023 06 01 at 19 28 07

    (click the image for the source)

    The new prices are effective starting May 1 for new subscribers and starting end of May for existing subscribers. We’re notifying all customers who are impacted 28 days before their renewal date.

    You used to cost me $5.83 / month for about the last 5 years. 

    Now Evernote will cost $10.83 / month.  That is a 186% increase in price. 

    My renewal is up in September. What-A-Hassle. 

    Found a blog post on Evernote's Pricing strategy from 2018, and they concluded that people are likely to pay as much as $10.72 per month. Seems Evernote’s new owners read this and saw a business opportunity. 👻

    Thursday June 1, 2023

  • 😂🙏

    Thursday June 1, 2023

  • Seems impossible to Favorite things on the Tenor app. Been like that for at least a month. Works for anyone else?

    Wednesday May 31, 2023

  • Plaid > Yodlee

    Tuesday May 30, 2023