Personal Notes on Bruxism and Temporomandibular Joints
Notes on grinding and clenching from bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) as they personally effect and impact me. My experinces with the conditions and damage caused by these ills and how to manage them to mitigate impact as much as is possible.
Beauty in DVD Menus
Understanding of DVD video menus for films and series. The technical details of how menus were implemented and what functions were available for creating menus, a look at the influence of aspect ratios and how menu designs changed and became more ambitious before returning to boring, and specific looks at some of the most memorable DVD menus released.
Speaker Rider
The speaker rider of Declan Chidlow, identifying my expectations when speaking and presenting at events such as conferences and meet-ups. Technical requirements, expectations for conduct, event handling, and diversity in speakers, and accomodations I expect as a speaker myself.
Examining My Team Fortress Statistics
Statistics and data from my time playing Team Fortress 2. Everything that I can easily extract from the API, including my play activity as various classes, in various modes. Kills, damage inflicted, score, and other details with some light commentary where appropriate.
CSS Curiosities of the Past
Summary of the various CSS syntaxes, parsing bugs, hacks, bespoke features, and implementations used across browsers and the web to achieve specific goals in the days before browser vendors became more adherent to a single solid specification. Particularly focusing on the non-compliant, bespoke implementations of functionality seen in Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
My HTML Boilerplate
A document outlining and explaining my general structure for HTML pages to use. A slim general markup template that applies to almost all HTML documents on the web and forgoes anything unnecessary. It is a general framework to build upon for individual sites.
Antiquated HTML Snippets and Artefacts
Overviews of the very many snippets of HTML that were once commonly included on websites to address specific cases with certain technologies, browsers, operating systems, or extensions. Fragments dating back to the days of Internet Explorer and Netscape, to more modern bits that are nonetheless obsolete.
Examining My Halo Service Record
Statistics and data from my playing of the video games in the Halo series. My data extracted from Halo Waypoint combined with some light analysis. Covering the games in the Master Chief Collection and Halo Infinite. Kills, deaths, and how they all happened.
The Curiosity That Is Minecraft: Pi Edition
The history and details of an obscure Minecraft version that was exclusively available on the Raspberry Pi. Based on the mobile Pocket Edition for phones but with some unique functionality. Namely, a native API for interacting with the game. Primarily created to serve as an educational tool.
A Complete History of Stoat
An in-depth history of the Stoat chat platform. From its precursor Riot, through to all the additions and changes the platform has seen and received as it has grown. Details from when it was once Revolt to the change into Stoat and details of all the bumps and successes along the way.
The AT Protocol Harkens An Old Web Ethos
Love for the beauty of the AT Protocol and the older web principles it revitalises with open, public data. The opportunity for integrations and automations as seen of the web from roughly the mid-2000s through to the mid-2010s.
A Great Deal of Information About Hacker News
Everything I personally know about the forum and news aggregator Hacker News spanning the site's history, the people behind it, the software that runs it, the site's culture, and its features. Generally undocumented or underdocumented details and features are also included.
Web Platform Wishlist
A list of features I'd personally like to see added to web platform standards or better implemented in browsers. Improvements to HTML, new CSS, other web systems, or wider parts of the web platform that I think could be improved or expanded on to make the web a better place for users to use and for developers to develop on.
Web Browsers in Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality
Overview and history of browsers on head-mounted extended reality devices, such as those by Oculus/Meta, Google, Vive, and Apple. Covering browsers available on the devices and the functionality they're capable of, including idiosyncrasies isolated to specific browsers and devices.
The Oculus Go
Oculus' 2018 virtual reality headset, the Oculus Go, viewed from a modern perspective. Includes tutorials for installing a the glasses spacer and unlocking the software for improved long-term viability.
Web Browsers on PDAs
A history of internet web browsers on personal digital assistant devices and operating systems, including EPOC, Apple Newton, Palm OS, and Windows Mobile (Pocket PC). From small, bespoke browsers with unique features to large mainstream browsers with PDA presence.
Web Browsers on Video Game Consoles
A comprehensive history of web browsers on video game consoles. From the CD-i to modern systems, exploring the evolution of the web on consoles in detail. Covering bespoke iterations, releases by PlanetWeb and NetFront, contemporary engines across Sega, PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox platforms, and other details.
Overview of Digital Accessibility Technologies
A high-level compilation of various digital accessibility technologies and systems used by people with disabilities to facilitate computer use. Covering both output and input methods, from widely known technologies such as screen readers to lesser-known tools such as sip-and-puff devices.
The Internet Is Going To Change Everything
A naïve dreaming of a web of the future from the past of another present. Ideation of an internet that could have been. One which brings power to the people, thwarts exploitative capitalism, and elevates each and every person to extract their best.
There Isn't A Microchip Under Your Skin Tracking You
Debunking the idea of subdermal implants containing trackers that phone home and maintain a constant log of your location, as seen in popular media. Exposing flaws in the idea from perspectives of technology, biology, and logic.
Lessons From Tech Support
Details and knowledge pertaining to providing tech support for people on a professional basis. Various tips and tricks, as well as advice on effectively communicating with clients to effectively provide help with minimal confusion and without needless effort, while ensuring a smooth and productive outcome.
The $25 MacBook Pro
Buying a second-hand 2020 MacBook Pro for twenty-five dollars, upgrading from Catalina to Sequoia, and identifying the problems with the laptop's non-functional screen and Touch Bar. Diagnosing and troubleshooting the issues causing the problems, which is hopefully of value to others.
AI Terminology is Poorly Defined and Oft Misused
Words and terms used when describing artificial intelligence are often misused, inaccurate, or generalised to the point of losing all meaning. How terms like 'LLM', 'Agent', and 'AGI' have lost meaning and turned into semantically meaningless buzzwords that are applied liberally without care or appropriate intent, leading to unnecessary confusion and unnecessary need for clarification.
It's All Just Trees With Web Origami
Thoughts on the wonderful Web Origami project, which can be used as a static site generator but is also capable of very much more. It can be used in the shell to handle all sorts of data transformations and interactions, making it a valuable part of any developer's toolbox.
The Regulated Reality of China's Gaming Industry
China's extremely developed and ginormous gaming industry and how it has been shaped by regulations and restrictions to become a growing international powerhouse. Covering restrictions, alternate Chinese versions, censorship, internet cafés, e-sports and a great deal more.
China’s Parallel Web Behind the Wall
The unique web and internet of China, largely cut off from the rest of the world by the Great Firewall, yet not completely isolated. The climate and history that shaped the censorship and regulations which formed China's domestic internet, which operates largely independently of the interconnected global network known by many. Looking at topics subject to censorship, different services used, culture, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.
Beyond the Square and Under the Rug
The Tiananmen Square protests and massacre that occurred on June 4th, 1989, with emphasis on the context surrounding the event and the Chinese government's aggressive censorship. Also clearing of misconceptions surrounding Tank Man.
Stay Away From Accessibility Overlays
Accessibility overlays are poor solutions to accessibility issues and in the majority of cases, inflict more problems than they solve. They don't provide legal protection and overall harm the usability of websites. They should not be used and must be avoided, with focus instead being placed on addressing the core problems.
The Death of Character in Game Console Interfaces
Coverage of the steady erosion of the identity and character of game console interfaces, and a celebration of the excellent original Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, PS Vita, GameCube, and Wii interfaces and what made them great.
Design Considerations for Moderation Tooling
Overview of thoughful and protective design of tooling for moderating user-generated content, placing emphasis on minimising the psychological effects of exposure to heinous content, while balancing efficiency, accuracy, and the long-term wellbeing of trust and safety teams. Covering techniques for the mitigation of impact where applicable.
My Opinionated CSS Reset
A CSS reset for modern web development to provide a consistent and high-quality base for projects. Low-specificity and very opinionated to provide a strong foundation allowing seamless use in projects of varying scales and complexity.
Experiencing Zen in the Ratz Instagib Meat Grinder
A love letter to Ratz Instagib, a breakneck, fast-jazz, neon-laser, and instant-death first-person shooter played entirely on instinct. Discussion of the feeling of playing, the community, the style, the complex simplicity, and the intoxicating flow state one falls into while playing.
You Can't Opt-Out of Accessibility
A rant of frustration about accessibility being a undervalued yet critically important part of building digital experiences. Complaining about the industry's apathy and the true human cost of neglecting accessibility.
Frequently Asked Unicycling Questions
Answers to questions frequently asked of me as unicyclist, including whether it is dangerous, the various parts, how hard a unicycle is to ride and learn, and assorted answers to many other questions.
Strongly Worded Emails
Discussion of the true wonders of strongly worded emails. The ever-grand communication medium that is forever effective and most certainly not flawed or a complete waste of time in any way, shape, or form.
On Writing for Publications
Notes on experiences and takeaways from writing professionally for a range of publications. Notes on pitching articles, writing outlines, collaborating effectively, taking feedback, ensuring good work, and providing your author details.
Nootropical Notes
Personal notes on assorted nootropics I've tried and used, including stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Anecdotal experiences, musings, and reflections on optimising cognitive performance.
Switching to Colemak-DH
Details of my choice and experience switching to the Colemak-DH keyboard layout from QWERTY for the purposes of speed and improved ergonomics.
Identifying AI Content Is A Fool's Errand
AI-generated content is commonplace and largely indistinguishable from content created via other means, such that trying to identify or detect it is largely futile and impossible to do on the whole.
Tea Reviews
Reviews and thoughts on various teas I've tried and formed opinions on. Covering assorted black teas, green teas, herbal teas, and masala chais.
Biological Donation
Discussing the donation of material produced by one's body, such as blood and plasma, and my failed attempts at donating due to elevated heart rate.
Winter Rhapsody
Impassioned discussion of winter and rainy days. The joys of 'bad' weather and bliss of stormy periods. Waxing lyrical on being snugged up with nature takes course around oneself.
Allegedly I Have The Mark of the Beast
An analysis of the biblical concept of the mark of the beast, how it relates to biohacking implants, and a debunking of the notion that I have been marked by the beast as discussed in the Book of Revelation.
Wishes Upon My Demise
Publicly available documentation of what I'd like to occur in the event of my death. Includes information about my wishes for voluntary assisted dying.
How I Configure Neovim
A full breakdown of my Neovim configuration, including documentation of all my base settings, plugins, and keybinds, as well as why I've configured them as such.
Advising Reasonable AI Criticism
A loose analysis of the unproductive criticism surrounding artificial intelligence from both pro and anti camps, with advocations for more nuanced, constructive engagement and how that can be achieved to allow more informed and respectful discussions about AI technology and its impact.
Creativity Came to Pass
A story where human creativity and art disappear as a result of artificial intelligence usage and prevalence. Written from the perspective of someone in the future.
How I'm Using AI
An overview of my personal usage of Large Language Models (LLMs) and other generative AI. Tracking my experiences with AI tools, specific models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, etc), applying them practically, and realistic perspective on their strengths and limitations over time, from coding attempts to language learning assistance.
My Writing Style and Mannerisms
A look at the stylistic fingerprints marking up my writing. Covering and vaguely justifying my spellings, use of punctuation, sentence structure, and other prosal crimes.
Why Video Isn't My Publishing Preference
Why I prefer not to publish video, including practical, technical, and personal reasons I find text a more maintainable, accessible, and effective medium for my online content.
Why I Write
Unpacking my compulsion and will to write, including its benefits in forming thought, letting me express myself, hone in a craft, and publish accessible content.
The Analytics of This Site
A look at website traffic to Vale.Rocks and a general analysis of the analytics. Particularly looking at popular referrers and the variance from general web analytics.
Airports and Aeroplanes
A reflective piece exploring the sensory experiences and unique perspective gained while navigating the liminal spaces between destinations presented by airports and planes.
Open-Source is Just That
A rant about behaviour in the open-source software community focussing on user entitlement at the expense of developer wellbeing.
An Analysis of That's How I Beat Shaq
An in-depth analysis of Aaron Carter's 2000 release That's How I Beat Shaq. Including a breakdown of the legendary basketball showdown and cultural impact of this teen pop masterpiece featuring Shaquille O'Neal.
Build, Use, and Improve Tools
Why developers should create custom tools for repetitive tasks and one-off needs, with discussion of how LLMs can accelerate tool development, the learning benefits of building utilities, and how personal tools become valuable assets in your workflow and beyond.
AI Model History is Being Lost
We're losing vital AI history as properitary, hosted models like the original ChatGPT are retired and become completely inaccessible. This essay examines the rapid disappearance of proprietary AI systems, why preservation matters for research and accountability, and the challenges in archiving these technological milestones. A critical look at our vanishing AI heritage and what it means for future understanding of this transformative technology's development.
Respecting User Preference
Discussion of why respecting user preferences is satisfying, covering how respecting user autonomy, embracing diversity, solving dual-nature problems, practicing quality craftsmanship, and seeing visible impact creates fulfilling work beyond mere functionality.
Strong Opinions on URL Design
A collection of strong opinions on URL design and structure covering topics including use of capitalisation, use of IDs, spaces, hyphens instead of underscores, trailing slashes, hierarchy, and other gripes and particulars I hold.
AI is Stifling Tech Adoption
AI language models are shaping technology adoption in software development through training data limitations and system prompt biases. This analysis examines how AI assistants' preferences for established frameworks like React and Tailwind CSS may be creating barriers for newer technologies, supported by testing across major AI platforms including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek. A look at the growing AI knowledge gap and its impact on technological innovation in modern software development.
Improving Early Kindles
A guide wrapper about how to bring old Kindles, such as the Kindle Keyboard, as well as the Kindle 4, and Kindle 5 up to speed a bit to be usable in the modern era. Covering screensaver hacks, improved font handling, and more comprehensive customisablity with KOReader.
An Inventory of Lexical Loves
A collection of my favourite words (as defined by their extreme specificity, enjoyment to say, and overall zaniness) presented with definitions and in some cases their etymologies and my justification for inclusion.
The Flow State
A description and look at the productive trance that is the flow state (AKA zen state). An attempt at capturing in words the essence of complete cognitive immersion and the enthralling rush it brings.
My Experience Biohacking
My experience getting an xG3 bio-magnet implanted in my hand. Covering the implantation, healing, and my newfound abilities.
The Implementation of This Site
A breakdown and overview of the implementation of Vale.Rocks, how it used to be built, how it's built now, and its associated infrastructure.
Media Review Reasoning
A breakdown of the reasoning behind my reviews with particular emphasis on the five-point and binary rating systems and why I dislike them yet go along anyway.
Lorem Ipsum
A page for testing and trialing formatting, features, and typography by seeing how they interact in complex arrangements to catch edge cases at scale.
Building Sites With iFrames
A look at putting iframes to use for seamlessly displaying content and implementing micro-frontends.
Technology I Use
Details of the tools, software, and hardware powering my workflow. Information on my setup, development environment, self-hosting, and multimedia management. Collates most of what I use on my laptop, servers, and phone.
I Got A Flipper Zero
My review of the Flipper Zero and the things I've done with it. Encompassing everything from the initial purchase to setup and usage, as well as the community and some cool projects.
JPEG XL and Google's War Against It
Starting with an overview of existing image formats, including JPEG, PNG, and GIF, a look into the very promising JPEG XL and why it hasn't seen the adoption it deserves as an innovative new file format in the web landscape.
My Code Formatting Guidelines
Code formatting, how I go about it using Prettier, and why I choose to do it the way I do. Covering indentation, string formatting, my take on the classic tabs vs spaces debate, and much more.
Minecraft, Nostalgia, and Growing Up
A look back on Minecraft, its editions, its culture, and how it shaped me as a person as I transition into adulthood.
Cybersecurity Superstition
A look into some cybersecurity myths and misinformation. Explore the best practices regarding passwords, multifactor authentication, social engineering tactics, antiviruses, and much more.
I Hate My Nokia
My review of my Nokia G22. A phone touted as being easily repairable that doesn't quite live up to the standards it sets for itself.
Everything is Chrome
My look into the overaching dominance of Google Chrome and it's overwhelmingly negative impact on the web as we know it.
A Year With The Framework Laptop 13
My review of the Framework Laptop 13. I cover the assembly, setup, value, build, support, community, and much more.
Prematurely Pulling The Plug On 3G
Critical thoughts on the intention of Australian telcos to sunset the 3G network and the major repurcussions on coverage, safety, and much more that will come with it.
Halo: My Thoughts
My thoughts and experiences with the Halo game series. From the first release in the series, Combat Evolved, to the latest mainline releases, some of the spin-offs, and the remakes. My thoughts, experiences, and opinions on each game's virtues and how I feel about them.
The Ultimate LibreOffice Setup
My comprehensive tutorial aimed at optimizing LibreOffice to match the functionality of Microsoft Office. Elevate your document editing experience with tips, tools, and enhancements for seamless and efficient productivity.
Connecting to Australian Public School Internet
The Education Department of Australia does some silly stuff with their network quite frequently. This tutorial shows you how to get up and running in no time at all.
The Design of This Site
A breakdown and overview of the design choices of Vale.Rocks, as well as its influences and brief touchings on the site's philosophy.