Category: 5 Favorites

5 Favorites for April 2025: Gripping, Healthy, Judgmental, Alien, and Flame-Broiled

Posted onLeave a comment

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I post 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience. Visit the 5 Favorites archive for more recommendations.

🍄 📺️ Common Side Effects

Adult Swim medical thriller series, streaming on Max

(Not for kids.) I’m hooked on this show, about the discovery of a mushroom that can cure…well…EVERYTHING (death included!), and the lengths Big Pharma goes to keep it under wraps. It came across my radar in 2024 when the pilot premiered at one of the big nerd cons. Executive produced by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, of King of the Hill fame, it’s smart, funny, and SUSPENSEFUL, yikes!! Total appointment TV for me.

⏳️👍️ Tom’s Tstretch Timer

Tom Francis (creator of Tactical Breach Wizards and other games) made his own timer program to help with his RSI and shared it with the world! Make sure you take breaks!

⏳️😾 NeilCic’s Work Timer

On a related note, Neil Cicierega wrote a timer years ago that’s meant to shame you for goofing off on other programs when you ought to be working!

🥼 🎮️ Axiom Verge

2D Platformer Game

This 2015 game makes all the “Best 2D Platformer of All Time” lists, but I had never played it until recently. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it, but then I found a guide. Now that I didn’t feel so lost, the longer I played (especially wearing headphones—this soundtrack’s amazing!), the more I found myself enjoying it. The huge variety of weapons, really cool powers (phasing through walls!), and a fun grappling hook have all grown on me. The neon pulsating alien organ background aesthetic may not be for some, but it takes me back to RetroTimes™.

Axiom Verge was made by a single developer, Thomas Happ (who, granted, had professional experience in video game software, but still!). I’m always interested in how solo artists work, so I watched a documentary about how the game was made. It was both inspiring and heartbreaking. Even if you never play the game, I recommend you watch The Making Of Axiom Verge.

🥩 🔥How to Cook Flank Steak, by Wholesome Yum

Recipe

What a delicious, 4-ingredient marinade! We picked up a flank steak (I just typed “blank steak” whuttt?) and I had no idea how to cook it. My husband doesn’t like the flavor of balsamic vinegar, so I cruised around the ‘net looking for a good easy recipe and found this! Broiling it wasn’t difficult, either, but this recipe has two or three ways you can cook it, so have at it!

(If you never have lime juice on hand, do what I do—buy a few, juice ’em, then freeze them into ice cubes. Simply defrost the night before a recipe calls for ’em.)

5 Favorites for March 2025: Balatrocational, Penmanshipperific, Silly, Action-packed, and Fiery

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I post 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience. Visit the 5 Favorites archive for more recommendations. https://pixelvaniapublishing.com/category/5-favorites/

🃏 ▶️ Balatro University: Beginner’s Guide to High Scores and High Antes (Part 1/2)

by YouTube channel Balatro University

I’ve beaten some of Balatro, but I’ve been wanting to learn how to get the insane “e” scores (“e21”, for example, means “move the decimal point *21 times* to the right”). This two-part video series (which I watched at 1.25x speed) made me completely rethink how the game is played.

🖋️ Write Now, by Barbara Getty

Penmanship Book

I read this book a jillion years ago, applied it, and it helped up my penmanship game. I hadn’t thought about penmanship for a while, but if there’s anyone out there looking for help, this is one to study!

▶️ Reno 911: Drunk Catwalk

Funny video clip

Okay, from I’ve heard of it, Reno 911 is probably not a family-friendly show, but this clip is clean and delights me to no end.

🎥 👊💥 First Strike

PG-13, Jackie Chan comedy-action film

Pure entertainment. Stick around for an awesome finale setpiece!

📕 🐉 Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George

Children’s novel with talking dragons

Okay, so I haven’t read this in a while, but I came across it again and remembered enjoying all three books in the series. So, here you go! I loved the idea of dragons who hoard things other than money.

That’s all for this month!

5 Favorites for February 2025: Useful, Pizzariffic, Hilarious, Wiggly, and Non-Stick

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I post 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience. Visit the 5 Favorites archive for more recommendations.

🥣 Bowl Cozies

by AJoyfulThread on Etsy

I can’t believe I haven’t recommended these before! If you like microwaving food without your fingerprints melting off when you touch the forge-hot bowl, you should consider getting a set or two of these! These bowl cozies come in a variety of fabric patterns, wash up beautifully, and are just QUALITY, man.

🫘 The Best Vegan Cannellini Beans Recipe (Aka Pizza Beans)

Recipe

Uhhhhhhhhhh I was AMAZED by the flavor of this when I first made it. And the beans make it really hearty and comforting. Great for a winter night when you want pizza but pizza isn’t in your dietary cards!

🤣 ▶️ Stand-up Comedian John Pinette

Classic Standup videos

Mr. Pinette blessed us with loads of great comedy, but the 2-minute clip linked above should give you a good idea of what to expect (mild language warning for the name of the mountain). John has been in Heaven for some time now, but many of his full-length specials are all over YouTube and are wonderful watches.

😻🪱 Mr. Wiggler fuzzy cat lure

Cat toy (For use with a rod that has a clip. This one is springy  and the one that comes with this toy is also great.)

We added 3 new feline additions to our home, including an 8-month-old attack kitten named Biscuit. He loves these li’l fuzzy worms. I like that they attach via clip a long cat rod, which keep my extremities safe. Plus, it’s easy to make the worm “crawl” and jump and I think he really likes how much like real prey it is.

🧁 Silicone Muffin Pan with Metal Frame

Cooking tool

For baking egg cups like this and this  (I mix both recipes, and add in some egg whites with the egg to lessen the calories).
When I first made these, I used regular paper cupcake liners to line the cups.

*BZZT!* WRONG!! 🙅‍♀️ They stuck to the mixture and when I managed to finally peel it off, the paper took half the breakfast with it! So I switched over to this silicone muffin pan with metal frame. I know you can get ’em all silicone, but…Idunno, that just didn’t seem sturdy enough. The frame eases my mind when pulling these out of the oven and my egg cups don’t stick AT ALL. (If you find one made in the USA, let me know, though! That’d make this type product aces in my book!)

That’s all for this month!

For photos of the new kitties, visit this month’s PIXELVANIA PROCLAMATION O’ PROGRESS.

5 Favorites for December 2024: Useful, Refreshing, Cozy, Organized, and Healthy

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I post 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience. Visit the 5 Favorites archive for more recommendations.

👛👝 Big Skinny

Super-thin wallets and purses

I love this company; I have a number of their products (wallet, business card holder). They REALLY are thin and durable! And lots of them come in fun colors or patterns. There’s a style for everyone, including wallets that double as phone holders for those of you into that. I have an Executive Checkbook Bi-Fold Wallet but for a long time I considered the Slimvelope, and my friend got the Taxicat Bi-Fold Wallet. I got my husband a Slim Tri-fold in leather, and it really is a lot slimmer than the previous hamburger he used to carry around in his pocket.

🥤🍒 7-Up – Shirley Temple flavored

Limited time soda flavor

I’m a big Shirley Temple (the drink) fan so when this came out I had to try it. I WAS VERY PLEASED. It’s supposed to be limited edition, so stock up now while you can!

Sadly, I cannot recommend the “Zero” version: the artificial aftertaste was too strong for me. But I want to give SPECIAL PROPS to the lady behind me at the grocery store who broke open her 12-pack of Zero so I could try a single can!

🧣 Funky Junque Women’s Infinity Scarf

Hubby got me a few of these for Christmas. Very chunky and cozy. I love an infinity scarf, it’s a very easy way to stay warm and add a pop of color to a basic outfit.

✅ Printable Half-Sheet Habit Tracker

by PhenixPrintable on Etsy

Every week I try to get a few specific tasks done daily, both for fun and for productivity. But the list was growing really big, and I was having trouble finding room to track ’em in my planner. So I thought I’d try an insertable half-sheet tracker. I’ve been pretty happy with the “Week Of” one seen in this set, but this set has a variety, including one chart that could track an entire year’s worth of habits!
This is a digital download, so you pay for it once, and print off however many you need. Very reasonably priced, I think!

I reduce the size to 84% and then use my Happy Planner punch to add it to my discbound planner.

I also bought this other set, by Puffin Planners on Etsy, but I haven’t tried it yet.

🌮 Chicken Nacho Casserole

Recipe

New Year’s is coming, which means everyone’s (usually) trying to eat a little healthier. I’ve been making this recipe for a couple months now, and it’s been a big blessing! Even though it’s a healthier recipe, it combines the legit tastiness of nachos with the convenience of a casserole.
Now, we’re not on a big strict diet thing, so we use salt-in beans (I like Bush’s black beans in the blue can). I also sub our fave red salsa in for the fire roasted tomatoes.

This ends my 5 Favorites for 2024. Do you like this series? Gimme a comment and let me know!

See you next year!

5 Favorites for November 2024: Creepy, fragrant, dumb, and useful!

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I post 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed or used, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience.

👻 ⌨️ Blood Typers Demo

Typing horror game

If you loved THE TYPING OF THE DEAD, Epistory: Typing Chronicles, THE TEXTORCIST or any other typing games, you’ll want to try this demo, for sure! Left and right shifts turn you, typing random words littered about the scene make your character walk there, and hitting “tab” puts you into combat mode to attack freaky enemies! The environments are really moody and mysterious so far. I enjoyed my time in the demo and thought you’d wanna know.

▶️ Jose Briones – Dumbphone Reviews

YouTube channel (and helpful website, too! )

My ancient, ruggedized Kyocera is showing its age a little these days. Looking for dumbphone reviews, I discovered this great channel. No baloney, straight to the point, nothing fancy. There are a LOT of dumbphones out there and this channel and the accompanying site have been really helpful. If you need to digitally detox from the slot machine in your pocket, this is a TREASURE TROVE of info. (Also, did you know there are things called kosher phones??)

🚾🐈️🐾👃 “Smell Ya Litter” Odor Eliminator

Litter box smell treatment by Poo-Pourii

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve got litter boxes in the house. If you have litter boxes in the house, sometimes one of your dear sweet feline friends commits an unspeakable hate crime in one of said boxes. I used to use Way of Cats’ Littermint (which was a terrific, all-natural product made of dried herbs) to destinkify–but when Pammy sadly discontinued the product, I began looking for other solutions.

I’ve been pretty happy with this Smell Ya Litter spray. I usually spray it over the box a couple times over the boxes each time I scoop, or (frantically) right after Pixel has left behind one of his more rancid, gag-worthy bombs.

They also make other products for dogs and cats, under the “Pet-Pourri” section.

🗑️ The Garbage Gripper

Surprisingly useful giant rubber band

We got this at Ace Hardware on a whim, but I’m glad we did because it keeps our garbage sacks held in place! You can tie a knot in it if the grip needs to be tighter.

🕰️📱 Repeat Alarm

Like a grandfather clock, but it’s an app for your Android device and customizable for more than one thing

I’ve been trying to get into the habit of moving every hour. I wanted something that would chime on the hour, like a grandfather clock. But setting up an hourly alarm on my tablet was a pain.
This app made it easy. Now my tablet plays a 15-second boogalicious dance tune every hour on the hour between 11AM and 8PM (because I hate it when grandfather clocks go crazy at midnight). You can customize the alarm sound(s), how long it plays, and the range of hours the alarm should go off. It’s really handy, I’m happy I found it!

 

5 Favorites for October 2024: Spooky, helpful, fashionable, and funny

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I post 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience.

🎃 🎧️ Theme to The Substance

Instrumental song by Raffertie

SiriusXM channel “Cinemagic” (featuring movie scores) did a show called “Cinemagic’s Sounds of Horror”. During the show, this techno-heavy little ditty came on and I liked it. It’s not as intense as the ANGER FOOT medley, but still pretty toe-tappin’. (Other good tracks from the beginning of that show: “Hypnosis” (by Michael Abels) from GET OUT and “Le Monde” (by Richard Carter) from TALK TO ME.

⏲️ Visual Timer – Countdown

Free Android Countdown App, programmed by Christoph Wiesner

Back when I taught reading skills to children for a private company, we used to have visual timers. Visual timers are little boxes where, when you set the time, a colorful shape fills the clock-circle and gradually disappears as the time passes (here’s an example). I always thought it was a great way to track time elapsed at-a-glance. Something about having a shrinking shape is different than just watching numerals count down.

I’m currently back teaching piano lessons, so I thought I’d get a digital visual timer–a very simple one–to help both me and my students keep track of where we are in lessons. When I used it, I turn off the option to display numerals; we just see the shape shrinking.

This app doesn’t have ads (though you can donate to the dev) and is elegant to use. It doesn’t collect or share data with third parties–a big plus in my book.

🎨 Debt-Free Art Degree: Foundations in Drawing: The Affordable Way to Learn Professional Skills

Instructional art book by Marco Bucci

I have learned a lot over the years watching Maro Bucci’s YouTube art tutorials, so pre-ordering his new instructional book was a no-brainer. He teaches in a very friendly, digestible way. And the concepts he teaches have MASSIVE impact as you put them into practice. I’m looking forward to my copy arriving in November! If you’re an artist (or are maybe looking for a gift for an artist?), I strongly recommend checking out this book!

👕 Amoretu Women’s V Neck T Shirts Slim Fitted Half Sleeve Top

Women’s Shirt

Am I the only gal who loves shirts with half sleeves? 3/4 length sleeves don’t feel flattering on me. And while there’s nothing wrong with a regular sleeve on a T-shirt, when I’m wearing half-sleeves, I feel really put together.
Anyway, I bought one of these and am pleased so far with the quality and fit. I got a few colors. I don’t recommend their “Peacock Blue” color; in person, it’s Worn Doctor’s Office Chair Blue. But I think that purple is going to be surprisingly versatile.

🤓 Geek Universe

Funny memes

An offshoot of the legendary I Can Has Cheezburger site, Geek Universe focuses more on various fandoms and other nerdery, like Lord of the Rings and ’90s stuff. I like to scroll through it before bed at night. Love the Dungeons and Dragons themed lists!

See you in November!

 

5 Favorites for September 2024: Heartwarming, Heroic, Helpful, and Cheesy

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I’ll be posting 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience.

 

🐾The Cinnamon Trust

https://cinnamon.org.uk/

This is for my friends across the pond: the Cinnamon Trust is an organization that helps the elderly and terminally ill with caring for their pets so they can spend more time together. They do things like exercise dogs for housebound owners and long-term cat fostering for people in the hospital. It looks like they’re accepting volunteers, too.
I thought this was a terrific organization and we need many more like it, so I’m just trying to get word out.

📻️ Batman: The Audio Adventures

Free YouTube “Radio Show”!

A retro take on the Batman mythos–complete with cheesy commercials made by and for Gothamites! (Plus: Brent Spiner as the Joker!) I’ve only listened to one episode, but it was pretty good!

🚒 “Save Our Pets” Static Cling

Here’s a design I liked on Etsy. But there’s lots of designs on Etsy and Amazon, find one that works for you!

Here’s an easy, inexpensive way to alert first responders that you have bork borks or meow meows (or other animals!) in your house. Just in case of emergency, better safe than sorry, yanno? I liked the design of this one, even though the static cling version didn’t stick to our windows. I’ll get a different version and see how that works.

👊 One Punch Man opening credits (with AMAZING SUBTITLES)

Season 1. Season 2.

PUT ON THE SUBTITLES for a FABULOUS EXPERIENCE. I’ve never seen subtitles done so well! WAHN-PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANCH! This is one of my fam’s favorite shows, it get rewatched a lot. Hurry up, season 3! 😭

🍝 Cheetos Cheesy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

12-pack on Amazon; or check your local grocery store!

We got curious about the Cheetos-brand mac recently and have been trying out the different varieties as we come across them. There’s four varieties right now: “Four Cheesy”, “Bold and Cheesy”, “Cheesy Bacon”, and “Cheesy Jalapeño”. Here’s mini-reviews:

  • Bold and Cheesy: At first it was disorienting tasting the flavor of a crunchy Cheeto snack in a creamy sauce, but in the end, I decided I liked it. A LOT.
  • Cheesy Bacon: I didn’t like this one. Too Baco-Bits-tasting, to me. Fakey bacon.
  • Four Cheese: The flavor didn’t differentiate itself enough for me to seek it out again. Wasn’t bad, jjust
  • Cheesy Jalapeño: Jalapeño-flavored stuff is love it or hate it for me. This one’s in the LOVE category, though, with a nice Mexican food flava to it. Scratches my taco itch when there’s no crunchy shells in the house. Nachoriffic? Perhaps!

I’m not saying this’ll replace the Kraft dinner currently in your pantry, but it makes for a fun change!

Finally: did you read the Pixelvania Proclamation o’ Progress this month? It’s got what readers crave: electrolytes! I mean, updates!

See you next month!

5 Favorites for August 2024: Useful, Spoopy, Campy, and Tasty

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I’ll be posting 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience.

🚘️ The Drop Stop

Available on Amazon and probably other places.

The other day, my car keys fell between the Abyss between the seat and the console. AND I COULD NOT GET THEM OUT. I have skinny hands and normally can fish them out okay, but not this time! I had to go round to the back seat, contort in non-Euclidean ways, and only then I just barely got them free!
I bought my husband a Drop Stop for Christmas and was impressed with it…but I put off getting my own until now! Don’t be prideful like me, get this and don’t lose stuff in the Abyss ever again!

🍿 Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy

Streaming on Max, possibly available for purchase elsewhere

Longtime readers know my husband turned me from Scooby skeptic to Scooby specialist. So I can tell you they’re having A LOT of fun with this movie (the credits are an animation fan’s dream), playing the characters against type (but for good reason!), using the freakier color palette seen in the Mystery, Inc. series, and using funny speed cuts in the editing. I’m looking forward to the spooky season, so this was a real treat!

🐈 Way of Cats: “Dear Pammy” posts

Free blog posts to help you understand cats better

Back when I was a new cat employee (under Pixel J., natch) I was looking for ideas to better understand and connect with him. I think Pamela Merrit, of WayofCats.com is the gold standard (yes, even over Jackson Galaxy). Most of her site is membership only, but you might like her free posts. She’s also written an ebook on understanding cats, and has done a number of podcasts on the topic, too. First rate kitty psychology aids.

🛡️ Dwight in Shining Armor

TV series; free to watch on BYU TV’s Roku app

First: this series is 5 seasons long and COMPLETE.
Third: it has my favorite fantasy witch character, Hexela, who is a modern witch who runs a day spa.
Second: it’s clean, it’s funny, a little cheesy, but great fun. Think Avatar: the Last Airbender with maybe a quarter of the seriousness but full of sincere characters. Watching Baldwic the Magician and warrior Princess Greta be insane around meek Dwight is *chef’s kiss*.

🍲🧀 Cabot Extra Sharp Mac and Cheese

Here’s a picture of the box

I saw this brand reviewed by chefs. Tried it out–it’s good! As good if not better than Annie’s white shells.

Finally, I posted this year’s final Proclamation o’ Progress earlier this week! Click here to read all my past Proclamations and their attendant kitty photos.

5 Favorites for July 2024: Music, Memories, Mods, and Mews

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a recurring feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I’ll be posting 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience.

📻 🧚‍♀️ BOOK OF HOURS: Original Soundtrack

(Free listen on YouTube. Like it? Purchase your own copy via Steam.)

Do you need to disappear to a magical world that sounds like nature still has fairies hiding in the shadows of the green leaves? Then try out this soundtrack to a game I bounced really hard off of 🙃. Very elegant, New Age-y sound. If you like the soundtrack to any of the MYST games or if you enjoy listening to the Mediaeval Baebes, you’re gonna ADORE this.

🖼️ Memories of Ed Benedict

(Article.)

In preparation for creating new covers for the FASHION FRENCHIES series, I’m studying the artwork of Ed Benedict, who designed the titles to BEWITCHED and like, every classic Hanna-Barbera character outside of SCOOBY DOO!. While researching, I stumbled upon this article by the creator of JOHNNY BRAVO, Van Partible, reflecting on his time with the artist.

🎮 Slay the Spire: DOWNFALL

(Mod. Downloads and installs through the Steam workshop. Requires Slay the Spire game to play.)

If you already own SLAY THE SPIRE (and maybe like me have almost 500 hours logged 🫠), you owe it to yourself to try this expansion. I recently beat the Heart with all the official characters, and have been slowly working my way through Ascensions as the Silent…but this expansion has made me fall in love with this game all over again, with new fresh characters and mechanics.
Bonus link: you might also like the PACKMASTER mod, which integrates nicely with DOWNFALL.

▶️ Overly Dramatic Kitten

(YouTube vid, 5 seconds long)

I can’t stop watching this, so now you must know about it.

▶️ HONK

(YouTube vid, less than 5 seconds)

I giggle every time.

I post the Proclamation o’ Progress next month, so check back soon! 🙂

5 Favorites for June 2024: Practical Pens, a Purrworthy Plaything, and music to help you PUT FOOT TO TASK!

Posted on

“5 Favorites” is a new feature here at Pixelvania Publishing. On the last Friday of every month, I’ll be posting 5 FAVORITE THINGS I’ve recently (or not-so-recently) enjoyed, in case you’re looking for something neat to experience.

✍️ Papermate InkJoy Ballpoint 700RT Retractable Ballpoint Pens

Everyday pen+

If you want an upgrade to your usual stick pen, consider this smoothie!

A few months back, I tried out a new pen–not for writing novels, but a cheap one for writing my Morning Pages.
I liked this new stick pen: I felt the ink wrote smoother than the Bics I previously used. BUT! the triangular barrel was an uncomfortable match with my hand’s grip–a dealbreaker for me (if a triangular grip won’t bother you, I strongly recommend this pen).

I browsed around and discovered they were using the same ballpoint ink in this multi-colored pen. I loved its chonky round barrel but I drained the black ink in, like, a WEEK. (I’m trying it out now for color coding things in my checkbook.)

Finally, I discovered this pen, the 700RT. Its white barrel is round (though not as chonky as the multi-colored pen, which I would have liked) and the ink is smooth and dark, same as those stick pens, but with a much comfier barrel. Bonus! No lid to lose!

🐾 The Original Cat Dancer Toy

A-meow-zing cat toy

I bought this and the “Pro-Model” Cat Dancer, which comes with a handle.
At 17 years of age (that’s like, 80-something in cat years), I thought Pixel J. Cat was totally OVER all toys…Then I brought the Cat Dancer into our house. He attacks it like he’s a kitten again, not just batting at it for close paw play, but bounding around me to attack! (Of course, I knew our soon-to-be-three-year-old cat Barnaby Jones would love it.)

The extra length on this model keeps the toy within the cats’ reach even when I’m standing upright. Or I can get down on the floor and play with them. Very versatile! It’s an extra-terrific toy for those with joint or mobility issues, because very little movement is needed to generate erratic, mesmerizing motions for the kitties.

My husband had an old screwdriver handle lying around and used epoxy to attach it to one end, which is what I’d recommend, because right now it doesn’t have much of a handle for the human. (I also bought the model with the handle, the “Pro” version, but the shorter length means it’s not half as versatile as the Original.) Highly recommended if you have a kitty!

◻️ Underground Blossom

Game. Steam, app stores

Somehow I missed that Rusty Lake put out a new game?? I really enjoyed UNDERGROUND BLOSSOM, it’s a gently spooky (and sometimes surreal-bizarro-funny) point-and-click puzzle game, one in a series I’ve enjoyed for years. Do I grok the lore? No. Do I have a great time when I click the right code and a fish drops out the end of a busker’s trumpet? YES.

I imagine it’s probably best played on your tablet but since my app store kept acting up, I got it on Steam and had just as much fun playing it on PC.

▶️ Pogo Sticks (Animusic)

YouTube music video

Rad music with ’90s-PBS-trippy visuals. Easy for me to picture it playing after WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?

📻👟 ONE. ANGRY. REPTILE. (The Anger Foot Medley)

Music (please note: thumbnail is very chaotic and contains stylized gore).

Can’t bring yourself to get a chore done? Assuming it’s not a cerebral chore (like balancing your bank account or writing thank you notes), throw on this tune and put FOOT. TO. TASK!! (Powered by the game Anger Foot.)