Ben LaCroix https://bnl.cx Updates to the personal website of Ben LaCroix. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT v9.27.0.2 africanized_bee Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT https://bnl.cx
  • Updated bouncing:
    • Restructured bounce options menu to distinguish between timing and rotation modulation.
    • Added bounce rotation mode "Z". Combine it with bounce rotation mode "XY 2D" for a 3D effect.
  • The kill screen now appears in the main interface if the audio for the Emergency Alert System is the currently selected track in the mp3 player.
  • Updated Bio.
  • Updated E-mail section.
    • ]]>     9.27.0.2     v9.27.0.1 double_drummer Sun, 16 Mar 2026 22:00:00 GMT https://bnl.cx
  • Updated bouncing:
    • Added bounce mode "Flip2D", which can be combined with other bounce modes.
    • The Emergency Alert System will now trigger if you try to bounce a window that is too tall or wide.
  • Bio: updated donor organs.
    • ]]>     9.27.0.1     v9.26.0.1 violin_beetle Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:00:00 GMT https://bnl.cx
  • Mp3 player: added track "shroud_of_da_baller".
  • Many ambient animations are now rendered using hardware-accelerated implementations, such as interactive CSS sprites instead of GIFs.
  • Many windows now intially fit within the viewport, making them bounceable without first needing to be resized.
    • ]]>     9.26.0.1     v9.25.0.1 green_lacewing Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT https://bnl.cx
  • Mp3 player: added track "bot_dolphin_edit".
    • ]]>     9.25.0.1     v9.24.0.1 thorn_bug Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "late4".
    • ]]>     9.24.0.1     v9.23.0.1 black_salt_marsh_mosquito Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "pinball_j1had_DNR-ver" (intro drums by JOK, photo by OCL).
  • The background of the main menu is now more transparent.
  • Loading screen: reversed gradient direction.
    • ]]>     9.23.0.1     v9.22.0.1 asian_wooly_hackberry_aphid Mon, 17 Nov 2025 03:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • BénOS™ is now accessible thru the URL https://bnl.cx.
    • The Advisory window now displays domain information.
    • I'm working on v10 of this site. When v10 is up, benlacroix.com will redirect to bnl.cx. BénOS™ will be contained within v10.
  • Bouncing has been enhanced:
    • Refactored animations to use CSS instead of JS for improved performance and flexibility.
    • Added the Bounce Menu. Use it to change the bounce timing function.
    • Windows that are not fully within the viewport can now be bounced — they no longer become stuck.
  • Mp3 player: added track "mfg_biftech_noGuitar" (photo by OCL).
  • Window behavior has changed:
    • Windows appear into view differently.
    • While manipulating a window, its animations now pause.
  • Rendering in various areas has been optimized: repaints now occur less frequently.
    • Removed ambient scrollbar animation.
    • Removed ambient window background animation.
  • Forced dark mode in some web browsers no longer affects the site.
    • ]]>     9.22.0.1     v9.21.0.1 eastern_bloodsucking_conenose Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "bL_cry_on_command_v2".
  • Bugfix: when using keyboard navigation, the lower character now expands properly while in the Pyramidal Form.
    • ]]>     9.21.0.1     v9.20.0.1 dwarf_flightless_scelionid_wasp Tue, 05 Aug 2025 01:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Updated the boot sequence.
  • Lower character: the Pyramidal Form now responds to mouse movement, similarly to how it responds to mobile device tilt.
  • Bio > CV: added link to my wife's website. ]]> 9.20.0.1 v9.19.0.1 domestic_silk_moth Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Lower character:
    • Pyramidal Form unlocked. The Character Shape can now be changed using the "§" button in the footer.
    • When the footer is expanded, clicking/tapping on the word bubble will now invoke another phrase.
    • The character can no longer utter the same phrase twice consecutively.
  • Bio: added Shape IRL.
  • Bugfix: tapping to reset a window's peel no longer registers a tap on any elements beneath.
    • ]]>     9.19.0.1     v9.18.0.1 lace_bug Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "b_laden_intro_rough".
    • ]]>     9.18.0.1     v9.17.0.1 eastern_eyed_click_beetle Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "baubles_for_aphids".
    • ]]>     9.17.0.1     v9.16.0.1 cotton_leafworm Sun, 04 May 2025 18:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Bio: added Payload.
  • Mp3 player: added track "scalp_collect".
    • Recorded in one take, with no edits.
    • ]]>     9.16.0.1     v9.15.0.1 leaf_cutter_bee Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • The appearance and behavior of the pseudo-cursor on touch devices has been changed:
    • It now transitions smoothly between touch-points.
    • It now disappears while swiping (but not while dragging something).
    • ]]>     9.15.0.1     v9.14.0.1 morbid_owlet_moth Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Tooltips and cursors now match the design of BénOS™.
  • There is now a pseudo-cursor present on touch devices.
    • It is less opaque and less dynamic than the desktop cursor.
  • Bugs squashed:
    • When rescaling, windows will no longer grow wider than the viewport.
    • Keyboard navigation in the footer was broken, and has been fixed.
    • Aligned more stuff.
    • ]]>     9.14.0.1     v9.13.0.1 camel_spider Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.13.0.1     v9.12.0.1 weaver_ant Wed, 08 Jan 2025 02:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Added experimental window "bouncing" feature:
    • Click/tap the circle icon 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.
    • ]]>     9.12.0.1     v9.11.0.1 black_legged_tick Sun, 24 Nov 2024 16:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.11.0.1     v9.11.0.0 common_walkingstick Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.11.0.0     v9.10.0.0 sycamore_tussock_moth Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Added distortion to the main menu and some other areas. This site is getting kinda scuffed up...
  • Mp3 player: added track "thius_taunt".

    • RSS Readers are getting this update late. WhoOoOoOoOps!¡!¡!¡

    ]]>     9.10.0.0     v9.9.17.0 clover_mite Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "hes_changed_var-3b".
    • ]]>     9.9.17.0     v9.9.16.0 tsetse_fly Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added tracks "boring_alien_new" and "roll_sickness".
  • Tweaked some styles 'n' stuff!!!
    • ]]>     9.9.16.0     v9.9.15.0 dark_footed_ant_spider Mon, 12 Aug 2024 22:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "agony_practical".
  • Did some pruning.
    • ]]>     9.9.15.0     v9.9.14.1 honeypot_ant Mon, 05 Aug 2024 20:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "chattanooga_style".
    • ]]>     9.9.14.1     v9.9.13.0 chief_goliath_beetle Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "unauth_JA_remix".
  • Made some requests asynchronous.
    • ]]>     9.9.13.0     v9.9.12.0 potato_bug Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.9.12.0     v9.9.11.0 differential_grasshopper Thu, 04 Jul 2024 19:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "unauth_JL_remux".
  • Pulsating orb: added phrase.
  • Layout bugfixes.
    • ]]>     9.9.11.0     v9.9.10.0 large_big_eyed_bug Wed, 19 Jun 2024 01:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added artwork display mode for the playlist. Click on "grid".
    • ]]>     9.9.10.0     v9.9.9.0 wasp_beetle Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "beetdown_x80b".
  • Garag£ $al€: fixed a bug that occurred when using dark mode without JS.
    • ]]>     9.9.9.0     v9.9.8.0 palm_weevil Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added tracks "muscle_mouth" and "happy_fn_bounce_1n2".
  • Added "Garag£ $al€", my virtual p0p-up sh0p.
    • ]]>     9.9.8.0     v9.9.7.0 earwig Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.9.7.0     v9.9.6.0 thistle_mantis Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added tracks "murda_ffr_vs_cs_mix" and "formulosense".
  • CV: added links.
    • ]]>     9.9.6.0     v9.9.5.0 click_beetle Sat, 20 Apr 2024 16:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "screen_door".
    • ]]>     9.9.5.0     v9.9.4.0 northeastern_water_tick Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "wake_n_cloac".
    • ]]>     9.9.4.0     v9.9.3.0 watermelon_beetle Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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".
    • ]]>     9.9.3.0     v9.9.2.0 marmorated_stink_bug Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.9.2.0     v9.9.1.0 clouded_plant_bug Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: progress bar now shows buffered amount.
    • ]]>     9.9.1.0     v9.9.0.0 common_booklouse Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added "Trax" window, with navigable playlist & expanded artwork. Access it by clicking or tapping on the artwork in the top bar.
    • ]]>     9.9.0.0     v9.8.10.0 golden_eyed_stick_insect Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "finger_wag".
    • ]]>     9.8.10.0     v9.8.9.0 water_strider Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.8.9.0     v9.8.8.0 yellow_jacket Thu, 21 Mar 2024 03:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • When resizing windows, scrollbars now appear and disappear as needed.
  • Projects: ongoing projects now display more detailed info about their last update.
    • ]]>     9.8.8.0     v9.8.7.0 dwarf_periodical_cicada Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "energizer_bunny".
  • Preloaded a font for a smoother browsing experience.
    • ]]>     9.8.7.0     v9.8.6.1 bunny_mantis Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:15:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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...
    • ]]>     9.8.6.1     v9.8.6.0 mining_bee Sun, 03 Mar 2024 16:15:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added "murda_ibg_ss_naif_mix". CRUCIAL: Hurt not a soul ! ! !
    • ]]>     9.8.6.0     v9.8.5.0 puss_moth Mon, 12 Feb 2024 21:30:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • 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.
    • ]]>     9.8.5.0     v9.8.4.0 narcissus_bulb_fly Mon, 5 Feb 2024 03:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Made the pulsating orb more handsome.
    • ]]>     9.8.4.0     v9.8.3.0 phyllophaga_delphinicauda Fri, 2 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Projects: added new CD The Træchæry of §hape§ in Real Time.
  • Projects: updated Shapes in Real Time website to reflect the replacement of Scrapeshin with FFRanco Realtime & The New World Catbirds.
  • Check out the bug this version is named after.
    • ]]>     9.8.3.0     v9.8.2.0 spotted_lanternfly Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Mp3 player: added track "icons".
  • Layout bugfixes and enhancements.
    • ]]>     9.8.2.0     v9.8.1.0 isabella_tiger_moth Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://benlacroix.com
  • Added RSS feed for site updates.
  • Mp3 player: added track "glowstick_coward".
  • Improved scrollbar behavior.
    • ]]>     9.8.1.0