October 15, 2024: Software Recommendation: IINA

If you're on MacOS and are looking for an attractive, free media player, you might consider IINA. I don't consider it a replacement for my venerable VLC, but it's an interesting and robust player that's found a spot on my Dock. I especially appreciate that it seems to be designed to feel like MacOS software in a way that (for example) VLC doesn't. It's fast, stable, open source . . . and did I mention free?

-- Steven Marsh

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October 14, 2024: One-Page Bulge 2nd Edition Heads To Kickstarter

For the first time in over 20 years, One-Page Bulge returns to print in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge!

This single-page wargame was one of the first of four games Steve Jackson created in 1980. Now, in collaboration with Dana Lombardy of Lombardy Studios, One-Page Bulge Second Edition will be crowdfunding on Kickstarter.

As the name states, the entire game fits on one sheet of paper and can be played in a single session. Wargame fans will enjoy the state-of-the-art illustrations and high-quality components as they attempt to conquer the German front, destroy bridges, capture Allied supply, and more with regimental-style play.

Stay tuned to our social media channels over the coming weeks for sneak-peeks of the artwork, a video interview with Steve and Dana, and behind-the-scenes information.

The Kickstarter campaign page for One-Page Bulge . . .

[more]

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October 13, 2024: Support Your Local Toy Store

My grandmother used to take me to toy stores when I was little, but I haven't set foot in one since I worked at KB Toys back in high school. (Note that I'm not talking about my Friendly Local Game Store – I'm in there more often than I care to admit.) While my purpose for going was to pick up a gift for a young relative, I think I may need to return at some point soon to make a purchase and do my part to keep my local store alive. Why? Because toy stores spark joy.

No, really. During my trip to my friendly local toy store, I was amazed to find how excited I was for . . . well, for everything. Keep in mind that I'm not a toy collector, nor do I possess the spatial reasoning skills necessary for toys like model kits or Legos. (I have trouble assembling the stuff I bring home from Ikea.) And yet, I found myself wandering the aisles, my head full of fond memories about Barbie, kid-friendly . . .

[more]

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October 12, 2024: George The Mouse In A Log Pile House

If you're looking for a dose of cute, please allow me to introduce you to George.

George and his friends are the subject of George The Mouse In A Log Pile House, an ongoing photographic and video series created by wildlife photographer Simon Dell. The origins of the George The Mouse project go back to 2018, when Mr. Dell noticed a mouse in his garden and became concerned that he could be harmed by the neighborhood cats. What started as a simple log-pile shelter has since blossomed into a tiny, delightful country village that features houses, a pub, a bookstore, craft stations, and a post office.

George and his friends never fail to make me smile, and that seems to be the case for Mr. Dell, too. According to Good News Network, the photographer says this project helped him cope with and recover from depression by giving him a sense of purpose. It's his hope that he can . . .

[more]

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October 11, 2024: Thinner Photos?

I recently shared a tip about making instant-camera photos for games. One other fact that might be useful for folks: Inkjet photo paper is printed in layers. This means that, if you're careful, you can (perhaps depending on the photo paper) peel off the printed portion, resulting in a printed image that's much thinner than the original sheet of photo paper.

I generally accomplish the separation by wedging my fingernail into a corner of the sheet until I pry apart the two layers and then carefully peel them apart. With skill and some luck, the printed portion will (probably) curl but not crease.

I've found this useful for applications where full-thickness prints are too chunky (such as DVD or Blu-ray inserts), or as the basis for other customization options, such as using double-sided tape and another printout to make double-sided cards.

Photos separated this way will require some . . . [more]

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Previous Illuminators • Steve's Appearance Schedule

Jon Stewart is infiltrated by Topeka and disfigures the fly. October 15, 2024: Software Recommendation: IINA If you're on MacOS and are looking for an attractive, free media player, you might consider IINA. I don't consider it a replacement for my venerable VLC, but it's an interesting and robust player that's found a spot on my Dock. I especially appreciate that it seems to be designed to feel like MacOS software in a way that (for example) VLC doesn't. It's fast, stable, open source . . . and did I mention free? -- Steven Marsh Share this post! October 14, 2024: One-Page Bulge 2nd Edition Heads To Kickstarter For the first time in over 20 years, One-Page Bulge returns to print in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge! This single-page wargame was one of the first of four games Steve Jackson created in 1980. Now, in collaboration with Dana Lombardy of Lombardy Studios, One-Page Bulge Second Edition will be crowdfunding on Kickstarter. As the name states, the entire game fits on one sheet of paper and can be played in a single session. Wargame fans will enjoy the state-of-the-art illustrations and high-quality components as they attempt to conquer the German front, destroy bridges, capture Allied supply, and more with regimental-style play. Stay tuned to our social media channels over the coming weeks for sneak-peeks of the artwork, a video interview with Steve and Dana, and behind-the-scenes information. The Kickstarter campaign page for One-Page Bulge . . . [more] Share this post! October 13, 2024: Support Your Local Toy Store My grandmother used to take me to toy stores when I was little, but I haven't set foot in one since I worked at KB Toys back in high school. (Note that I'm not talking about my Friendly Local Game Store – I'm in there more often than I care to admit.) While my purpose for going was to pick up a gift for a young relative, I think I may need to return at some point soon to make a purchase and do my part to keep my local store alive. Why? Because toy stores spark joy. No, really. During my trip to my friendly local toy store, I was amazed to find how excited I was for . . . well, for everything. Keep in mind that I'm not a toy collector, nor do I possess the spatial reasoning skills necessary for toys like model kits or Legos. (I have trouble assembling the stuff I bring home from Ikea.) And yet, I found myself wandering the aisles, my head full of fond memories about Barbie, kid-friendly . . . [more] Share this post! October 12, 2024: George The Mouse In A Log Pile House If you're looking for a dose of cute, please allow me to introduce you to George. George and his friends are the subject of George The Mouse In A Log Pile House, an ongoing photographic and video series created by wildlife photographer Simon Dell. The origins of the George The Mouse project go back to 2018, when Mr. Dell noticed a mouse in his garden and became concerned that he could be harmed by the neighborhood cats. What started as a simple log-pile shelter has since blossomed into a tiny, delightful country village that features houses, a pub, a bookstore, craft stations, and a post office. George and his friends never fail to make me smile, and that seems to be the case for Mr. Dell, too. According to Good News Network, the photographer says this project helped him cope with and recover from depression by giving him a sense of purpose. It's his hope that he can . . . [more] Share this post! October 11, 2024: Thinner Photos? I recently shared a tip about making instant-camera photos for games. One other fact that might be useful for folks: Inkjet photo paper is printed in layers. This means that, if you're careful, you can (perhaps depending on the photo paper) peel off the printed portion, resulting in a printed image that's much thinner than the original sheet of photo paper. I generally accomplish the separation by wedging my fingernail into a corner of the sheet until I pry apart the two layers and then carefully peel them apart. With skill and some luck, the printed portion will (probably) curl but not crease. I've found this useful for applications where full-thickness prints are too chunky (such as DVD or Blu-ray inserts), or as the basis for other customization options, such as using double-sided tape and another printout to make double-sided cards. Photos separated this way will require some . . . [more] Share this post! Previous Illuminators • Steve's Appearance Schedule		Latest Videos You are the 917th alien being here today. (30098917 since August 1, 1995)