Heliomass has moved

I’m going to give props to Outremont as the most interesting station on the Blue Line architecturally, and also one of the nicest overall. Definite cathedral vibes happening.
#Montreal
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2025-07-20 15:48:30 GMT

📖 “This Is the Commodore Comeback Fans Have Waited for—but the Odds Are Still Against It” https://www.wired.com/story/the-risky-business-of-bringing-commodore-back-to-life/
#Commodore #RetroComputing
____
I’m rooting for this to succeed, or at least break even as I know the founders have so much hanging on this personally.
I’d probably have jumped on the bandwagon myself if I didn’t already have an original C64 – albeit one in which I’ve had to replace the innards.
Now, if they ever make an FPGA Commodore 128 I may not be able to resist…

2025-07-17 23:38:55 GMT

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As I understand it, when you tag another account in a Mastodon post it will show a preview of the linked profile on Bluesky. The issue is that the owner of the mentioned account will not have consented to appear on Bluesky in such a prominent fashion.

2025-07-17 23:35:10 GMT

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OK, it fully deactivated the account in Bluesky.

2025-07-17 23:32:31 GMT

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Maybe there’s a delay, but I guess I’ll just have to block it.

2025-07-17 23:30:54 GMT

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Hmmm… apparently unfollowing the Bridgy Mastodon account isn’t enough to stop it cross posting 🤔

2025-07-17 23:25:00 GMT

Testing this post doesn’t go to Bluesky…

2025-07-17 23:20:42 GMT

Hi 👋 If you’re viewing this post from Bluesky, you can follow my proper account at @heliomass.com. This account is bridged from Mastodon, and due to some worrying privacy risks, I’m going to disable bridging to Bluesky for the time being.
See you on the main account… 🦋

2025-07-13 18:14:31 GMT

You seem to have a bit of a maple-washing problem going on there La Croix.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/847/282/558/385/031/original/9059090f3d284757.jpeg
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/847/283/027/826/734/original/288f1878735b5e03.png

2025-07-10 13:24:16 GMT

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It seems to have stabilised following the upgrade. Perhaps they resolved some other issues during the downtime, or the upgrade itself addressed something?

2025-07-08 23:12:51 GMT

Again...
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/820/139/628/191/250/original/907e8280755a5213.png
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2025-07-05 21:10:19 GMT

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Don’t even tempt me. Installing a landline and connecting to Mastodon via a 56k modem sounds like a project which is right up my street.

2025-07-05 18:29:02 GMT

Just me? Seems I can post OK via an app but my instance is throwing errors like there’s no tomorrow.
A 429 would appear to indicate the instance is overloaded at the moment.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/802/041/840/823/548/original/279e4396362d7af6.jpeg

2025-06-26 20:46:11 GMT

Has anyone else been having issues on mstdn.ca over the last few days? It’s been incredibly sluggish since the brief outage earlier in the week.

2025-06-24 22:56:40 GMT

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Went better this time (probably because on this occasion I wasn’t involved!)
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/740/808/038/317/416/original/7709005c381dd641.jpeg
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2025-06-19 00:14:56 GMT

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Sorry, I probably should have put this behind a content warning 😅

2025-06-19 00:10:59 GMT

Expectation vs reality. If this isn’t a metaphor for something, then I don’t know what is 🙄
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/114/707/127/005/092/482/original/8199ebd5f27dc5c2.jpeg
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2025-06-08 16:29:40 GMT

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You make a good point. I think it’s sometimes that sense of impending accomplishment which can inspire someone to push through the toil. I think the issue becomes when all the creativity is removed from the process leaving only the dull stuff.

2025-06-07 17:52:16 GMT

📖 “Embrace the Grind” https://jacobian.org/2021/apr/7/embrace-the-grind/
#SoftwareDevelopment

2025-05-26 12:06:19 GMT

📖 “AI Can’t Even Fix a Simple Bug — But Sure, Let’s Fire Engineers” https://nmn.gl/blog/ai-scam

2025-05-03 14:22:25 GMT

📖 “Jeremy Vine ‘stopping cycling videos’ due to abuse he receives” https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/apr/28/jeremy-vine-cycling-videos-abuse-trolling
#cycling #London

2025-04-30 12:04:09 GMT

📖 “Pedals over petrol: Cycling now dominates peak-hour traffic in the City of London” https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/pedals-over-petrol-cycling-now-dominates-peak-hour-traffic-in-the-city-of-london-80703/
#London
____
The City of London has twice as many cyclists as motorists. That’s astounding.
Edit: Updated to make it clear this is just for the City of London and not London as a whole. Still impressive, but quite a big difference in size!

2025-04-08 14:09:06 GMT

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I’m worried about him lashing out if his fragile ego gets offended.

2025-04-08 14:04:11 GMT

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Narrator: “China did not call”.

2025-03-03 13:30:39 GMT

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Other people can finally see this post!

2025-02-28 12:48:49 GMT

Shoutout to our instance’s Mastodon admins who probably had a really bad day yesterday ❤️

2025-02-14 16:00:36 GMT

📖 “Bringing Quote Posts to Mastodon” https://blog.joinmastodon.org/2025/02/bringing-quote-posts-to-mastodon/
The implementation strategy looks good. Keeps the control in the hands of the person who wrote the post being quoted rather than the other way round.

2025-02-10 15:10:21 GMT

Need to get this out of my system.
I think the thing which enrages me most about Trump constantly wanging on about Canada wanrint to be the 51st American state isn’t just the fact that it’s the polar opposite of reality; We know how this idea turns our collective stomachs.
It’s that he’s trying to normalise the idea to other nations so if / when he decides to make a move to annex us there’s less global pushback.
We can’t let him succeed in convincing others Canada wants this.

2025-01-26 15:14:30 GMT

How are people here on the Fediverse feeling about Threads integration these days?

2024-12-18 13:04:06 GMT

📺 “Retro Gaming has Changed...” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tOMUN65_L8
This is a really nuanced overview of where the retro gaming scene sits today. Well worth a watch whether you’re a collector or are happy playing classic games on an emulator.
#RetroGaming
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/673/964/284/371/207/original/12eaeef16d5e90c1.jpeg

2024-12-10 14:40:21 GMT

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It’s massive in the UK. Never seen it in Canada before.

2024-12-10 13:46:35 GMT

Was not expecting a Pret a Manger branded coffee with my A&W… in Canada no less.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/628/832/937/910/235/original/dfee9f486799ef2e.jpeg

2024-12-01 21:29:06 GMT

Without this, there would have been no Master Chief.
*cheif’s kiss*
#Marathon #Bungie #AlephOne #RetroGaming
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/579/688/895/456/997/original/8d729d77c551783a.jpeg
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2024-11-30 10:15:05 GMT

“Larry (cat)” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_(cat)
Six prime ministers and two monarchs. What a legend.
#caturday
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2024-11-25 13:06:05 GMT

📖 “Airport Typeface” https://airport.revolvertype.com/
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/543/738/973/037/460/original/d66e7211dcf1150f.jpeg

2024-11-12 13:03:05 GMT

🕹️ “How do you port a game which requires a keyboard to a console which doesn’t have one?”
From the blog archive, reviewing one of the most unique games on the Atari 2600 / VCS
https://heliomass.com/posts/2414-star-raiders/
#Atari #RetroGaming #Atari2600
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2024-11-09 13:03:01 GMT

📦 Chasing Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes
New on the blog this week, some light miscellanea about Thom Yorke and the time he released an album exclusively via BitTorrent.
#ThomYorke #Radiohead
https://heliomass.com/posts/2427-chasing-tomorrows-modern-boxes/

2024-11-09 02:38:07 GMT

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I feel it’s more due to neglect. You’re probably giving them too much credit for being able to manufacture anything, let alone a crisis.

2024-11-08 03:36:02 GMT

“Quebec's transit authorities could save $350M per year, according to audit” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/2024-quebec-public-transit-audit-1.7376976
I look forward to the STM’s current fleet of bus drivers going on strike. Like seriously, firing them in favour of temp workers?
#Montreal

2024-11-06 13:04:06 GMT

📖 “iPod fans evade Apple’s DRM to preserve 54 lost clickwheel-era games” https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/ipod-fans-evade-apples-drm-to-preserve-54-lost-clickwheel-era-games/
#RetroGaming #GamePreservation #Apple #iPod
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2024-10-29 12:03:04 GMT

In case you missed it over the weekend, we took a look at a Nintendo classic: https://heliomass.com/posts/2426-game--watch-ball/
#Nintendo #RetroGaming #gaming #GameAndWatch
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2024-10-26 18:50:20 GMT

Our poor cat unexpectedly fell sick on Thursday, but after a day at the vet is making a great recovery.
#caturday
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2024-10-26 12:50:05 GMT

🕹️ Today we’re taking a look at the device which arguably started digital mobile gaming, and saved salarymen in Japan from boredom on the Bullet Train.
It’s “Ball”, the first Game & Watch from Nintendo!
https://heliomass.com/posts/2426-game--watch-ball/
#RetroGaming #Nintendo
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2024-10-24 10:41:05 GMT

🔺 From the blog archive, one of my favourite Game & Watch games from Nintendo: https://heliomass.com/posts/107-zelda-game-and-watch/
#Nintendo #Zelda #RetroGaming
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/361/974/887/976/238/original/c5aad458dde2b968.jpeg
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2024-10-19 16:05:24 GMT

🪨 New on the blog today – Lesser Known London: Chislehurst Caves
https://heliomass.com/posts/2425-chislehurst-caves/
I'm a huge fan of this brilliant yet seemingly little known attraction in London, so I decided to write about it.
#London
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/334/938/666/864/333/original/22c15b6ee43f3fbb.jpeg

2024-10-12 12:19:06 GMT

💥 “Managed Decline - Montreal's Transit Crisis” https://heliomass.com/posts/2424-montreals-transit-crisis/
Things are bad.
Sometimes it’s cathartic to just scream into a blank page and share the resulting ink blots with the rest of the class.
#Montreal #transit #QCPol #Quebec #Canada #devolution
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/294/409/177/328/707/original/a887eac5292ff5f7.jpeg

2024-09-22 14:17:05 GMT

🚇 Station Stories: East Finchley
On today's post, we visit one of North London's Art Deco gems and explore some unique railway infrastructure!
https://buff.ly/3BgISkX
#London #Finchley #EastFinchley #LondonUnderground #TheTube
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/181/629/238/396/173/original/9648189fbc36ebec.jpeg
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2024-09-12 12:07:02 GMT

📖 “New AI model can hallucinate a game of 1993’s Doom in real time” https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/08/new-ai-model-can-hallucinate-a-game-of-1993s-doom-in-real-time/
This is crazy.
#AI #Doom
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2024-09-01 15:31:41 GMT

This latest addition to the retro collection was an absolute steal on Kijiji.
It’s not the original unfortunately, but a faithful replica created by Nintendo in 2011 for Club Nintendo members.
It’s definitely going to get reviewed soon!
#Nintendo #GameAndWatch #RetroGaming
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2024-08-31 15:51:37 GMT

🦔 New on the blog today – "The Enfield Wildlife Rescue Centre"
https://heliomass.com/posts/2421-enfield-wildlife-rescue-centre/
I wonder how many people know about this haven for sick and injured animals on the very tip of North London?
#London #Enfield #Cockfosters #horses #goats #ducks #geese #chickens #tortoises #foxes #animals #CuteAnimals
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/113/057/431/091/822/908/original/5983d648982c5ffe.jpeg

2024-08-30 12:35:02 GMT

📖 “Japan's Real First Console? Bandai's TV Jack 5000” https://nicole.express/2024/tv-jack-and-tv-jill.html
#Japan #RetroGaming
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2024-08-20 12:03:03 GMT

📖 “Man Sets Record For Most Gaming Consoles Connected To A Single TV” https://www.timeextension.com/news/2024/08/man-sets-record-for-most-gaming-consoles-connected-to-a-single-tv
Truly incredible 🤩 I really hope this guy invites me round for tea one day.
#RetroGaming
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2024-08-17 19:59:24 GMT

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So, life has been busy and I've not yet had a chance to work on this further.
But, I've shared what I've done so far over on GitHub in case anyone wants to try it: https://github.com/heliomass/Threads-Federation-Tracker
It's really just a proof of concept right now, just a bash script.
The whole thing needs to be rewritten in Python so I can add features, starting with a local DB to track changes and trends.
I'll get to it in the next few weeks, but if you do decide to give it a try as-is let me know how it goes!

2024-08-17 15:43:24 GMT

🏞️ New on the blog today: “The Little River Way: Jean-Drapeau to Ice Bridge”
https://heliomass.com/posts/2420-the-little-river-way-1/
Probably well known to locals, it’s the best trodden section of a longer trail with spectacular views over Montreal and the Saint Lawrence.
#Montreal
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/978/126/506/940/897/original/fc4cd1401408743c.jpeg

2024-08-17 14:30:01 GMT

“I, for one, will mourn Twitter” https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2024/08/i-will-mourn-twitter-obituary
/by @npub183l…ecps
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/977/838/141/598/931/original/2b1cda6948dde424.jpg

2024-08-16 15:28:55 GMT

This is bonkers.
https://ottawa.place/@stephanie/112972397819384697

2024-08-16 14:15:01 GMT

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Photo source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/major-water-main-break-montreal-1.7296282
(Although I’m sure by now the internet is “flooded” with photos)

2024-08-16 11:43:42 GMT

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Wow. Just looked that up and it’s epic. They’re going to need a rather large cork.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/971/521/643/789/950/original/c3666d6b71fadc92.jpeg

2024-08-13 13:00:00 GMT

In case you missed it, new on the blog last week:
👾 Atari Video Game Catalogues
https://heliomass.com/posts/2419-video-game-catalogues/
#Atari #Activision #RetroGaming #RetroComputing #AtariVCS #Atari2600

2024-08-10 13:04:23 GMT

Construction kitty, how the tables have turned!
#caturday
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/937/865/239/475/710/original/6db0c2cb38745083.jpeg

2024-08-10 13:00:03 GMT

🎮 New on the blog today: Atari Video Game Catalogues
Sometimes you find some unexpected surprises in a box.
https://heliomass.com/posts/2419-video-game-catalogues/
#Atari #Activision #RetroGaming #RetroComputing #AtariVCS #Atari2600
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/937/848/080/974/520/original/b4e9e172dd00cfa5.jpeg
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2024-08-09 15:32:08 GMT

Random question for anyone who has a collection of DS and 3DS games: Do regular DS games fit inside 3DS cases?
(context: I need to buy some replacement cases for my DS and 3DS collection and it’d be easier just to buy 3DS cases if possible)
#RetroGaming #Nintendo #NintendoDS #Nintendo3DS

2024-08-09 12:53:55 GMT

Test, please ignore.
(Also; Cat pic… cat not mine)
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/932/161/707/942/732/original/710e79cbbfdadaa2.jpeg

2024-08-08 21:58:37 GMT

“Unofficial Metroid Pixel Art eBook Is Free For A Very Limited Time” https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/08/unofficial-metroid-pixel-art-ebook-is-free-for-a-very-limited-time
Nice freebie. Grab it quickly!
#Nintendo #Metroid

2024-08-08 19:50:44 GMT

📖 “Perseid meteor shower 2024: How to see a stunning fireball tonight” https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/perseids-2024
Love being a city dweller, but events like this make me wish I lived in the middle of nowhere.
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/928/138/460/452/958/original/8e00e1eee8c347cf.jpg

2024-08-07 12:04:03 GMT

📖 “Shout out to the best way to make a cup of coffee” https://birchtree.me/blog/shout-out-to-the-best-way-to-make-a-cup-of-coffee/
/by @npub1zr7…94le
Makes me happy to see others raving about the Aeropress. I take mine with me to the office and on trips and it really does made a satisfying cup.
#coffee
https://cdn.mastdn.ca/media_attachments/files/112/920/640/970/093/663/original/29fd10093defb6ca.jpeg

2024-07-20 21:23:10 GMT

Small afternoon project (blame the beer from the previous post 😁)
It'll definitely get published to GitHub and on my website in the next week or so. Debating whether to make it into something which doesn't require using the command line. It took an hour to knock up in Bash, but it should probably be rewritten in Python.
May well be of interest to @npub1l58…03ez or @npub1v23…6xmy
#Threads #Fediverse #federation
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