(- _ -   )

BénOS version 9.13.0.1
Load  *
handshake . . . OK !

init cAM1.feed.emul
init cAM2.feed.emul
init downlink.rate.emul
init cpu.temp.emul
init blinkenlights
init §hape§

╔══╗
║If you can read this,
╚══╝
Something
          broke.

A Bugge doth crawl
B'neath the floor,
Thru twisted veins
Of earthen ore and ire.

Its pincers wrought
From thoughts untold,
Blank mechanism
Seizes hold:
Voracious jaws of taught
And
    sculpted wire
            ▓▒░

System

 v9.13.0.1

camel_spider

MOTION
ENABLEDDISABLED
JS
DISABLED

Webb Site
   Bloode Pact

A Bugge doth writhe, denied absconce.
Its eyes: kaleidoscopic taunts.
Reflected knuckles of thy mensch
grind spiral shears to un-entrench
its machinations, hollow haunts
and wry, deprived, stochastic wants.

A plain tableau of quaint contempt
remains until thy mensch is spent.

B.R.L MMXXV
Uh...
0:00 0:00

Ben LaCroix

Advisory

!Warning!

Your IP is
3.147.72.135

Your user agent is
Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)

Please sit in a well-lit room away from screen.

Bio

cAM 1
Downlink: kbps

Living in Chattanooga, TN, US.

I like synths, hiking, experimental comics, and cats.

Blood type
A+
Call sign
KM4WQR
Current demeanor
(T _ T )
2025.01.07
Donor organs
All 'cept brain
Encryption
on
Phobia
Bugs
Protocol
HTTP/1.1
Server /
Temp
Apache /
°C

cAM2 ◼

CV

1993 Oct.
We have hunches of his existence.

1999 Dec.
He stay up late and wait for the Y2K bug.

2000 Jan.
There did not seem to be the bug.

2001 Sept.
...

2008 Aug.
██ █████ █████████ to █████ ██████ █████████

2014 Sept.
███████ ███ of ███████

2015 Jun.
Backpacked a section of the Appalachian trail, starting at the northernmost point. Ended up 600-some miles south.

2016 Sept.
He got ham radio license but never used it.

2017 Jun.
Moved to Chattanooga.

2020 Apr.
Wed spouse.

2025 Mar.
Became certified in the testing and evaluation of backflow prevention assemblies, as set forth by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts and the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.

2038 Jan.
Next bug.

20██ (future)
Excommunicado.

20██ (future)
Crocifisso.

Bio (cont'd.)

Hello and welcome to my !
Please ensure you are positioned comfortably as you browse.

I've always had a strong creative urge, and am fascinated by nature and technology. So: I make comics, electronic music, pseudo-conspiracy websites, and other things.

On this site, I've previously cosplayed as a professional web developer, but I'm actually much closer to a in real life: for a livin', I build and fix sprínkler systems. This lets me treat the web as a creative medium.

Right now, I'm lucky to share a home with my wife and some cats.

Enjoy clicking around. You can e-mail me to discuss anything, and I will respond with candor.

Cheers,

Ben

Spawning in the woods, c. MMXXII
Spawning in the woods, c. MMXXII

Example

Projects

Shapes in Real Time
2018– music
A computer band and cereal brand.
LATEST: 2024.02.02The Træchæry of §hape§

Hiders Out
2022– webcomic
The exploits of various patterned men.
LATEST: 2024.03.19#022

Occlusion Cull
2020. webpage
Basement-dweller prose.

Synthetic West
comic
#1 2024.
Printed as a 2-color risograph and distributed at Chattanooga Zine Fest 7.
#0 2019.
   "    "  " 3-color     "      "       "      "       "      Zine Fest 6.

Devlog

v9.13.0.1 camel_spider 2025.03.17

  • Updated and enhanced many aspects of the system UI and design.
  • Mp3 player: added tracks "mudlord_refried", "soliFugue_bizEdit", and "honey_sow".
  • Updated Bio.
  • Updated Webb Site Bloode Pact.
  • Windows can now be scrolled horizontally (when they have overflow).
  • Windows can now be scaled 2×. Click/tap the to toggle between half, single, and double scale. Font sizes are now consistent with this.
  • Added the Moon, which has replaced the Polarity switch.
  • Added interactive effects to the main title.
  • Added fullscreen mode. Enable it from the bottom bar.
  • Bouncing: you can now drag/swipe any button that closes a bouncing window to freeze the window in place.
  • Most JS has now been separated from the main page, and will not be downloaded if JS is disabled.

v9.12.0.1 weaver_ant 2025.01.08

  • Added experimental window "bouncing" feature:
    • Click/tap the
      to bounce.
    • Click/tap (or close) the window to stop.
    • If the edge of a window is outside your viewport, the window will get stuck and rumble along the edge of the viewport!
    • Try bouncing a window in a deeper layer and an outer layer simultaneously.
    • This feature is disabled if you have expressed a preference for reduced motion in your host OS.
  • Mp3 player: added track "mudlord_y2k-ver".
  • Pulsating orb: added more phrases.
  • Added secrets.
  • A secret section has a new name and now functions differently.
  • Updated favicon.
  • Removed the tilting window feature. It may return later in a different form.
  • Bugfix: when manipulating windows, various abberant layout shifts no longer occur.

v9.11.0.1 black_legged_tick 2024.11.24

  • Added secrets.
  • Mp3 player: added track "mthmtzm".
  • Pulsating orb: added additional phrase.
  • Varied the textures of windows' undersides.
  • Bugfix: window UI graphics are now crisper in most cases.
  • Bugfix: most underside textures now scale in ways that avoid moiré.
  • Bugfix: tapping to reset a window's peel no longer triggers actions beneath the peeled portion.
  • Bugfix: peeled windows can now be moved around normally on touch devices without causing vertical scrolling.

v9.11.0.0 common_walkingstick 2024.11.05

  • Added experimental window "peeling" feature. You can now  peel back  swipe right ;)  on a window, starting from its bottom left-hand corner. Click/tap on the peeled portion to reset. The geometry is currently Constraint-Free™, so try doing unrealistic things with it! ~ This feature is inspired by / reverse engineered from Metisse, a window system exploring novel interaction paradigms. See the paper published in 2005 by Olivier Chapuis and Nicolas Roussel.

v9.10.0.0 sycamore_tussock_moth 2024.10.22

  • Added distortion to the main menu and some other areas. This site is getting kinda scuffed up...
  • Mp3 player: added track "thius_taunt".

v9.9.17.0 clover_mite 2024.09.17

  • Mp3 player: added track "hes_changed_var-3b".

v9.9.16.0 tsetse_fly 2024.09.03

  • Mp3 player: added tracks "boring_alien_new" and "roll_sickness".
  • Tweaked some styles 'n' stuff!!!

v9.9.15.0 dark_footed_ant_spider 2024.08.12

  • Mp3 player: added track "agony_practical".
  • Did some pruning.

v9.9.14.1 honeypot_ant 2024.08.05

  • Mp3 player: added track "chattanooga_style".

v9.9.13.0 chief_goliath_beetle 2024.08.01

  • Mp3 player: added track "unauth_JA_remix".
  • Made some requests asynchronous.

v9.9.12.0 potato_bug 2024.07.11

  • Updated bio and added a link.
  • Changed text in E-mail window.
  • Illuminated the first letters of some paragraphs.
  • Refactored the main menu.
  • Fixed some bugs with keyboard navigation.

v9.9.11.0 differential_grasshopper 2024.07.04

  • Mp3 player: added track "unauth_JL_remux".
  • Pulsating orb: added phrase.
  • Layout bugfixes.

v9.9.10.0 large_big_eyed_bug 2024.06.18

  • Mp3 player: added artwork display mode for the playlist. Click on "grid".

v9.9.9.0 wasp_beetle 2024.06.17

  • Mp3 player: added track "beetdown_x80b".
  • Garag£ $al€: fixed a bug that occurred when using dark mode without JS.

v9.9.8.0 palm_weevil 2024.06.03

  • Mp3 player: added track "happy_fn_bounce_1n2".
  • Added "Garag£ $al€", my virtual p0p-up sh0p.

v9.9.7.0 earwig 2024.05.28

  • I tabled at Chattanooga Zine Fest 7, met some cool people, and distributed my new 2-color risograph comic Synthetic West #1. Added to Projects.
  • Bio: added changing text FX.
  • Fixed a layout bug that occurred in the top bar when using keyboard navigation.

v9.9.6.0 thistle_mantis 2024.05.07

  • Mp3 player: added tracks "murda_ffr_vs_cs_mix" and "formulosense" (vocal sample credit: AJB×DEA).
  • CV: added links.

v9.9.5.0 click_beetle 2024.04.20

  • Mp3 player: added track "screen_door".

v9.9.4.0 northeastern_water_tick 2024.04.16

  • Mp3 player: added track "wake_n_cloac".

v9.9.3.0 watermelon_beetle 2024.04.10

  • Refactored and abstracted code for "nested" windows: "parent" windows can now be resized normally (this is mainly evident in the "Bio" window).
  • Fixed a bug where a scrollbar did not appear if its window hadn't finished loading after a set period of time. When needed, scrollbars now refresh after a response from the server.
  • Fixed a bug where the height of the top bar did not transition smoothly.
  • Fixed a bug in the deepest "layer".

v9.9.2.0 brown_marmorated_stink_bug 2024.04.08

  • Scrolling: for mouse users, the proper cursor is now shown when grabbing scrollbars.
  • Guestbook: added button to quickly jump to form. Text now scales properly when window is shrunk. Removed unnecessary whitespace. Added visual polish.
  • Under the hood: now uses the JS library HTMX for the dynamic loading of some window content, while keeping the original iframe method as a no-JS backup.

v9.9.1.0 clouded_plant_bug 2024.04.04

  • Mp3 player: progress bar now shows buffered amount.

v9.9.0.0 common_booklouse 2024.04.02

  • Mp3 player: added "Trax" window, with navigable playlist & expanded artwork. Access it by clicking or tapping on the artwork in the top bar.

v9.8.10.0 golden_eyed_stick_insect 2024.03.31

  • Mp3 player: added track "finger_wag".

v9.8.9.0 water_strider 2024.03.27

  • Imbued the pulsating orb with additional phrases.
  • Polarity switching now works without JS.
  • Certain buttons whose functionality relies on JS are now hidden if JS is disabled.
  • Guestbook: added a honeypot to mitigate bot spam.

v9.8.8.0 yellow_jacket 2024.03.21

  • When resizing windows, scrollbars now appear and disappear as needed.
  • Projects: ongoing projects now display more detailed info about their last update.

v9.8.7.0 dwarf_periodical_cicada 2024.03.13

  • Mp3 player: added track "energizer_bunny".
  • Preloaded a font for a smoother browsing experience.

v9.8.6.1 bunny_mantis 2024.03.11

  • Removed a CSS animation [more specifically, one modulating filter: opacity()] that caused severe framerate issues in *cough*chrome*cough*. Sidenote: in a performance troubleshooting context, it's truly amazing how useful it is to listen to your PC's fan...

v9.8.6.0 mining_bee 2024.03.03

  • Mp3 player: added "murda_ibg_ss_naif_mix". CRUCIAL: Hurt not a soul ! ! !

v9.8.5.0 puss_moth 2024.02.12

  • Bio: added "full bio".
  • System: updated Web Site Blood Pact.
  • My printer and I now appear in the atlas of the illustrious stencil.wiki.
  • Crushed some bugs.

v9.8.4.0 narcissus_bulb_fly 2024.02.05

  • Made the pulsating orb more handsome.

v9.8.3.0 phyllophaga_delphinicauda 2024.02.02

v9.8.2.0 spotted_lanternfly 2024.01.20

  • Mp3 player: added track "icons".
  • Layout bugfixes and enhancements.

v9.8.1.0 isabella_tiger_moth 2024.01.12

  • Added RSS feed for site updates. To use, copy & paste link into an RSS reader.
  • Mp3 player: added track "glowstick_coward".
  • Improved scrollbar behavior.

v9.8.0.0 tortoise_beetle 2024.01.05

  • Added and expanded secrets.

v9.7.2.1 tomato_hornworm 2024.01.02

  • now appears alongside other fine examples of operating system mimicry in this collection of web desktops.
  • The site's favicon now matches the current polarity setting.

v9.7.2.0 bed_bug 2024.01.01

  • Mp3 player: added tracks "all_of_it" and "earths_flavor_dude".
  • Added Web Site Blood Pact, tucked away in the "System" dialog. If you don't find, read, and abide by every word of it, that's on you.

v9.7.1.0 water_bug 2023.12.29

  • Mp3 player: added track "late2".
  • Added another secret downloadable track.

v9.7.0.2 flea 2023.12.17

  • Modulated phrasing.
  • Enhanced the "System" dialog.

v9.7.0.0 recluse 2023.12.08

  • Added the guestbook. Check it out and sign it!
  • Additional technical info now appears in the "System" dialog.

v9.6.2.0 deaths_head_hawkmoth 2023.12.05

  • Added "System" dialog. Access it from the bottom bar.
  • Various style tweaks all over the place.

v9.6.1.0 viceroy 2023.12.01

  • Improved the accessibility of keyboard navigation.
  • Cleaned up an animation in the top bar.
  • Bio: revised and unredacted portions of CV.

v9.6.0.0 boll_weevil 2023.11.30

  • Windows can now be resized.
  • Improved the implementation of prefers-reduced-motion.
  • Updated the main font.
  • Fleshed out bio.
  • Mp3 player: added track "fernando_o_fern".

v9.5.8.1 mealworm 2023.11.22

  • Devlog: tweaked some dimensions and animations for a better visual experience across viewport sizes.

v9.5.8.0 cockroach 2023.11.17

  • Mp3 player: added track "bluttered_numbling".

v9.5.7.0 doodlebug 2023.11.07

  • The site will now respect your OS's setting for reduced animation/motion.
  • Closing a window no longer resets its scale.
  • Various bugs destroyed.
  • Updated bio.

v9.5.6.0 sweat_bee 2023.10.15

  • Mp3 player: added track "little_rain".

v9.5.5.1 dragonfly 2023.10.09

  • Eliminated some instances of layout shift.

v9.5.5.0 red_velvet_ant 2023.10.07

  • Mp3 player: added track "os_club".
  • Fixed a bug.

v9.5.4.1 glow_worm 2023.10.06

  • Network and UI performance optimizations.
  • Updated bio.

v9.5.4.0 june_bug 2023.10.02

  • Mp3 player: added track "bw_comm".
  • Changed some things from before.

v9.5.3.3 woolly_bear 2023.10.01

  • Subtle layout enhancements.

v9.5.3.2 luna_moth 2023.09.23

  • Improved the loading screen logic for slower connections.
  • Added another object to the "desktop".

v9.5.3.1 inchworm 2023.09.19

  • Made a bug say "uncle".

v9.5.3.0 carpenter_bee 2023.09.17

  • Windows can now be moved around in 2D space, like how you'd expect.

v9.5.2.1 scarab 2023.09.02

  • Updated bio.

v9.5.1.2 cicada_killer 2023.08.10

  • Used a certain font more, to denote danger and/or secrecy.

v9.5.1.1 grub 2023.08.07

  • Stepped on a bug.
  • Non-JS users will now see the boot sequence (and have ample time to read it).
  • Projects: added Hiders Out #21.

v9.5.1.0 spider_wasp 2023.08.06

  • Added the boot sequence.
  • Mp3 player: added track "yoki_sinEdition".
  • Changed the speeds at which windows appear.

v9.5.0.0 cicada2023.07.29

  • Most windows can now be closed, rescaled, and/or scrolled from their respective controls.
  • Added "reset" button to revert window configuration.
  • Improved the writing in some areas.
  • Altered the lite mode color scheme.
  • I am aware there are bugs.

v9.4.2.2 katydid 2023.06.17

  • Enhanced a secret area.

v9.4.2.1 termite 2023.06.15

  • Eliminated some instances of jank.

v9.4.2.0 ladybug 2023.06.11

  • Removed things.
  • Sneaky enhancements.

v9.4.1.0 locust 2023.06.02

  • Refactored polarity shifts, seemingly to more closely resemble the weather.

v9.4.0.1 mud_dauber 2023.05.29

  • Bug fix: eliminated (most instances of) white flash in the evening and simplified dark mode code.

v9.4.0.0 no_see_um 2023.05.29

  • Polarity: rebuilt dark mode. It now uses pre-rendered assets to improve overall performance. Also, a specific dark color palette has been defined, as opposed to the simple inversions of yore.
  • The name of the bug representing each version is now present in the interface.
  • Various UI enhancements.

v9.3.5.0 paper_wasp 2023.05.20

  • Colors are now more consistent across polarities.
  • Memento mori: added donor organs to bio.
  • Cleaned up some code.

v9.3.3.1 true_bug 2023.04.22

  • Absolutely annhiliated a bug.

v9.3.3.0 widow 2023.04.21

  • Added epilepsy warning.

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