So BBC released an online version of the Hitch Hickers guide to the Galaxy text adventure game. enhanced 30th anniversary edition. And guess what folks, it's fully screen reader friendly, Enjoy! https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1g84m0sXpnNCv84GpN2PLZG/the-game-30th-anniversary-edition
*deep breath*
Okay, people, that was rough. Remember, though, most Americans get it. The GOP has only won the popular vote for President ONCE since 1988. We can still do this. There are a lot of twists and turns to come.
Also, let's make damned sure that both houses of Congress are Democratic.
In case folk are curious, Politifact are running a live fact check (because CNN ain't doing it.)
https://www.politifact.com/article/2024/jun/27/2024-presidential-debate-live-fact-check/
Amazing stuff
"The first Parkinson’s patient in Scotland to undergo a groundbreaking treatment has described it as a “miracle” that has helped him regain his independence."
I intend to watch tonight's debate, not because I think it'll change my mind, but as a reality check not filtered by my bubble.
I did this during one of Trump's press briefings early in the pandemic. A reporter asked something to the effect of, "What would you say to Americans who are frightened right now?"
It was a softball question, an easy opportunity to make an inspiring, unifying speech.
Trump's response? "I'll tell you what I think. I think you're a terrible reporter, that's what I think."
He had nothing but bile for anyone not celebrating his narrative of nonstop winning.
Lighter episodes of Love Death + Robots
If you're interested in watching these creatively animated stories but aren't down for graphic, grimdark horror, here are the more comedic/whimsical/cheerful ones. Your mileage may vary.
Volume 1:
Three Robots
Ice Age
When the Yogurt Took Over
Alternate Histories
Volume 2:
Automated Customer Service
Ice
All Through the House
Volume 3:
Night of the Mini Dead
Well, that'll save me two seconds a day and a couple of dollars per month.
Also note that the Guardian's science editor has the fabulous name Ian Sample.
D&D plot idea: a character gets a good deal on a set of masterwork armor, but it has to be regularly rubbed down with a proprietary unguent.
In the United States, we have plenty of current ongoing problems. But a lot of them are actually the hangover from past mistakes and disasters: slavery and Jim Crow, incredibly late and incomplete rights for women, etc.
One I don't think we talk about enough is how badly my generation (X-ish) was screwed up by the concept of "stranger danger." That people you didn't know were the primary thing to fear. It's statistically and logically nonsense, but so much bad is built on and supported by it.
Straubinger et al 2024: "Acknowledging Good Java Code with Code Perfumes" https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.16348 Instead of a tool that complains about code smells, the authors use one that praises things students have done well. "Our evaluation shows…programs with more code perfume instances tend to have better functionality and readability [and] students who incorporate more code perfumes tend to achieve higher grades. Thus, code perfumes serve as a valuable tool to acknowledge learners' successes…" #nwit
Are you (or know) a blind programmer? What is your set-up? TTS or Braille? What OS do you use? IDE/editor? What limitations, annoyances or show-stopper issues have you encountered? Particularly interested if you use Rust, but happy to hear about the state of developer experience for blind programmers more generally.
I have moved to peterdrake@mstdn.social. If you found peterdrake@qoto.org on a website, please let me know at my new account.