![\"\"](\"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/1000x/https%3A%2F%2Fimages-assets.nasa.gov%2Fimage%2Fart002e004439%2Fart002e004439~large.jpg\")
@forestweekender Nice! A lot of artists struggle to draw hands. They’re weirdly similar to faces in that we can just tell when something is off about them. But avoiding them doesn’t help! Only way to figure it out is to practice. Great work! Keep it up! 👍✌️🤲🤘👋🤙👌✊
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/87584722","date_published":"2026-04-04T11:11:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-04 11:11","date_timestamp":1775301107,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87584491","content_html":"I don’t often feel simple patriotism. It’s not something I really understand. But I’ll be honest, seeing a Canadian on his way to the moon fills me with a really simple kind of pride. 🇨🇦🚀🌕\n
![](\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593983751/cover.jpg\")
\nFinished reading: There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm 📚
\nThis book was a real blast. It was a fun mix of heady, sci-fi thought experiments and some more pulpy fun. It helped that it didn’t overstay its welcome, too. A different version of this book could have been quite annoying, but I feel like this...
simonpeng.net","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/04/03/finished-reading-there-is-no.html","date_published":"2026-04-03T21:45:12+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-03 21:45","date_timestamp":1775252712,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116342963060570277","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mimoyf523u27"]}},{"id":"87472477","content_html":"@paulw Thanks, Paul! I love everything about the wipeout visuals and will take any opportunity to call it to people’s attention. While I don’t often get to reference it directly at work, my clients are secretly getting design influenced by that franchise all the time 😂
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/87472477","date_published":"2026-04-02T15:45:33+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-02 15:45","date_timestamp":1775144733,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87395672","content_html":"Here’s a blog post I wrote for work: It’s okay if you have an ugly logo.\nMy hot-take as a designer is that aesthetics in branding really aren’t as important as the people behind the brand really owning how they look and speak. If that looks janky or naive, often that’s completely fine.
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/04/01/heres-a-blog-post-i.html","date_published":"2026-04-01T14:45:50+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-01 14:45","date_timestamp":1775054750,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116329995487677023","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3migwpdg7dl2j"]}},{"id":"87395280","content_html":"@joeycoleman.ca Thanks for calling this out. It’s so frustrating how unambitious our “leaders” tend to be. I feel like I’m starving for anyone to say anything of substance on these fundamental issues, but all we get are “discussions” and then excuses. The bar is on the floor 🙈
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mhylqzdrhs2j","date_published":"2026-03-26T21:54:32+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-26 21:54","date_timestamp":1774562072,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87395281","content_html":"@mayorandreahorwath.bsky.social Any chance you discussed actual policy ideas? ‘Cause four years of your mayorship hasn’t done much for Hamilton’s housing crisis and I’m not clear on how any of these platitudes help most Hamiltonians. I’d love to hear something of substance!
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mhylkvtdg22j","date_published":"2026-03-26T21:51:07+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-26 21:51","date_timestamp":1774561867,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86528007","content_html":"Some surprisingly good news coming from home. Ontario’s Court of Appeal upholds our city’s rejection of a bigoted ad on public transit. The older I get, the more naïve I find free-speech absolutism. I like living in a country that recognizes that we shouldn’t give hate speech a pass. Feels good.
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/03/19/some-surprisingly-good-news-coming.html","date_published":"2026-03-19T12:33:27+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-19 12:33","date_timestamp":1773923607,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116255864267981887","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mhfzaecdb42u"]}},{"id":"86390342","content_html":"I think by this point we’re used to any and all AI features being opt-out or impossible to disable. So imagine my surprise when I looked at Microsoft’s privacy settings to see the one feature they make opt-in is making AI slop more easily identifiable! Devious, nasty design all the way down.
\n![\"Screenshot](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/screenshot-2026-03-17-112333.png\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/03/17/i-think-by-this-point.html","date_published":"2026-03-17T15:27:16+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-17 15:27","date_timestamp":1773761236,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116245222672577370","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mhbbz5t4cv27"]}},{"id":"85558977","content_html":"![](\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593657515/cover.jpg\")
\nJust finished reading: Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI by Karen Hao. This book is so dense and leaves me with so many different thoughts about the AI industry. My biggest takeaways right now:
\n@parismarx.com I couldn’t tell if people were being duped or just feigning ignorance when they declared they were ditching OpenAI and said “look, you can just come over here and it’ll all be fine! They’re the GOOD ones!” Either way this was entirely predictable. 🙈
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mgaoe7bpe22u","date_published":"2026-03-04T16:11:58+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-04 16:11","date_timestamp":1772640718,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"85216894","content_html":"Picture from a quick trip outside last night. It’s amazing to me how the moon is so constant and highly photographed, and yet it’s still so awe inspiring to observe. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of looking at this guy, through a telescope or with the naked eye. Puts things in perspective. 🔭
\n![Photo of the moon, nearly full with a shadow cast across the top-left of its face. Taken with my iPhone 13 Mini through an Orion SkyQuest XT8 (8\" dobsonian) telescope with a 25mm eyepiece.](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/2026-02-27-moon-01-m.jpg\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/28/picture-from-a-quick-trip.html","date_published":"2026-02-28T14:46:26+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-28 14:46","date_timestamp":1772289986,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116148803154963443","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mfwhsn3jim2p"]}},{"id":"84955409","content_html":"@forestweekender This is awesome! I wish more people would take some time to do this kind of thing. Drawing is obviously super fun, but it can also be super helpful for getting other ideas out of your head and I really believe it’s a skill anyone can develop over time. Keep it up! Great work!
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/84955409","date_published":"2026-02-24T21:36:37+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-24 21:36","date_timestamp":1771968997,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84955164","content_html":"@parismarx.com I’m reading Empire of AI right now and it’s really chilling to learn just how comfortable Altman is with lying and manipulating people to get what he wants. It tracks 100% with the nature of their product, though. He’s legitimately sociopathic and does not seem to care about other people.
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mfmtavpovs26","date_published":"2026-02-24T18:46:21+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-24 18:46","date_timestamp":1771958781,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84933393","content_html":"@manton This is a great train of thought and I really appreciate micro.blog including features to disable AI tools. I know you use AI far more than I do, but you seem committed to having the platform’s values come before your own opinion on these tools. That’s a really good sign for micro.blog.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/84933393","date_published":"2026-02-24T16:17:20+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-24 16:17","date_timestamp":1771949840,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84931203","content_html":"My latest newsletter, in which I talk about MAiD and addiction epidemics to try to make the point that new, better ideas rarely have a chance in government, and that’s literally killing us. This one’s maybe my most depressing piece to date, but it feels important to discuss.
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/24/my-latest-newsletter-in-which.html","date_published":"2026-02-24T15:44:54+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-24 15:44","date_timestamp":1771947894,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116126383984556042","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mfmj7jzhs62c"]}},{"id":"84930886","content_html":"@mayorandreahorwath.bsky.social Crazy that the hate incidents in the city are going up and becoming more emboldened at the same time that the police budget increases year over year without any constraint. Almost like they aren’t helping and are a total waste of money 🤔 too bad you have no power to help, eh? 😔
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mfjut7g22s2u","date_published":"2026-02-23T14:36:30+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-23 14:36","date_timestamp":1771857390,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84611254","content_html":"If your compassion for people is limited to the extent of your patience, then I don’t think you were ever actually feeling compassion. You shouldn’t be able to be annoyed out of seeing someone’s humanity.
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/19/if-your-compassion-for-people.html","date_published":"2026-02-19T19:57:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-19 19:57","date_timestamp":1771531020,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116099057257728497","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mfaeusmbqm2z"]}},{"id":"84605809","content_html":"A lot of shit has me pretty riled up right now so let’s stop and smell the roses for once and everyone appreciate my great new (old) clock I got for my studio. ⏰
\n![\"Photo](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/4a52c77afe-m.jpg\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/19/a-lot-of-shit-has.html","date_published":"2026-02-19T18:35:16+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-19 18:35","date_timestamp":1771526116,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116098742453761351","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mfaafs3jfq2i"]}},{"id":"84604753","content_html":"Cool, guess I’m gonna be moving my “get the fuck off substack” to-do way up the list. This is actually very helpful motivation to finish up the transition and pull the plug.
\n![\"Screenshot](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/a90a2d4508-m.jpg\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/19/cool-guess-im-gonna-be.html","date_published":"2026-02-19T18:24:49+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-19 18:24","date_timestamp":1771525489,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116098702369331439","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mfa7tm4on322"]}},{"id":"84604305","content_html":"@joeycoleman.ca We all are, that’s how society works. It’s all of our job to fix systemic issues, not just the people suffering the most.
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mf6jk2mqs22v","date_published":"2026-02-19T02:15:14+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-19 02:15","date_timestamp":1771467314,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84604307","content_html":"@joeycoleman.ca Dams, you’re right. They should just go out and tell people to stop! If they just stopped having an addiction, then I’m sure they could pull themselves up by their boot straps and take care of the housing themselves.
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mf5pbeqfk22v","date_published":"2026-02-18T18:25:06+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-18 18:25","date_timestamp":1771439106,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84604308","content_html":"@joeycoleman.ca Our provincial government would be the better people to ask. They’re the ones in charge of housing, healthcare and the cuts to harm reduction services that all exacerbate the problems we have downtown. The farmer’s market board has about as much power as you and I.
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mf47b4px2c2c","date_published":"2026-02-18T04:05:58+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-18 04:05","date_timestamp":1771387558,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84604309","content_html":"@parismarx.com Hmm, but apparently this kind of thing just isn’t possible in Canada because of exceptional differences 🤷 it couldn’t be capitalism that’s wrong it’s… the geography or something?
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mf475r3bkk2c","date_published":"2026-02-18T04:04:05+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-18 04:04","date_timestamp":1771387445,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84193659","content_html":"This stupid joke doesn’t work on my website because I use a font that doesn’t have ambiguous characters. Isn’t accessible design fun?! 🤷
\n![\"A](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/8e2fda9637-m.jpg\")
![\"The](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/334304f22e-m.jpg\")
\nI have been feeling really bad for people named Al in the age of AI and ambiguous characters. 😔
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/13/i-have-been-feeling-really.html","date_published":"2026-02-13T13:47:31+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-13 13:47","date_timestamp":1770990451,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116063630919423981","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3meqngroucf2s"]}},{"id":"84120186","content_html":"I feel like my hot take of the year is that, after avoiding updating for a while, I actually kind of like the whole Liquid Glass thing in iOS. It’s a bit cheesy and goofy and not always functional but isn’t that what used to make tech fun? It feels oddly retro and I’m digging it.
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/12/i-feel-like-my-hot.html","date_published":"2026-02-12T13:52:39+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-12 13:52","date_timestamp":1770904359,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116057990744480056","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3meo5bxf2cp26"]}},{"id":"84068396","content_html":"I posted yesterday about how Adobe had randomly shoved generative AI shit into my custom workspace layout, which I promptly closed. But surprise, when I opened InDesign today this bullshit was back! Has there ever been a feature forced into people’s faces against their will as much as AI?
\n![A screenshot of my custom InDesign workspace layout with an ugly \"text to image\" panel added in.](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/screenshot-2026-02-11-143520.png\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/11/i-posted-yesterday-about-how.html","date_published":"2026-02-11T19:41:03+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-11 19:41","date_timestamp":1770838863,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116053703702733277","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3memael6ybw2j"]}},{"id":"84050058","content_html":"Gonna need to really try not to get a big head now… I’m assuming YouTube mails you a plaque for all milestones, right?
\n![Screenshot from my YouTube dashboard showing a trophy and the text \"New achievement: 10 subscribers!\"](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/screenshot-2026-02-11-102027.png\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/11/gonna-need-to-really-try.html","date_published":"2026-02-11T15:23:18+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-11 15:23","date_timestamp":1770823398,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116052690418305038","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3melrxmzc3l2z"]}},{"id":"83999767","content_html":"The best purchasing decision I made in 2025 was getting this tiny box of banana stickers. They have never let me down and there’s so much joy to be found in sticking bananas to things. 🍌
\n![\"Photo](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/8661d1d0c3-m.jpg\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/10/the-best-purchasing-decision-i.html","date_published":"2026-02-10T21:56:50+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-10 21:56","date_timestamp":1770760610,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116048568706044187","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mejxfcwuhz2t"]}},{"id":"83998545","content_html":"I rarely open Adobe applications anymore, but when I do, they have added a fucking GenAI panel to my custom workspace and have also done a double attention-grab badge on the blue “share” button nobody fucking uses. Jesus Christ, Adobe is garbage.
\n![Screenshot of part of the InDesign workspace with a new \"text to image\" panel added in to my personal workspace layout, and a blue \"share\" button that now also has a blue dot on top of it for some reason.](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2026/screenshot-2026-02-10-163851.png\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/10/i-rarely-open-adobe-applications.html","date_published":"2026-02-10T21:42:11+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-10 21:42","date_timestamp":1770759731,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116048516276548976","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mejwnid4ad23"]}},{"id":"83836778","content_html":"I’m trying out a new medium for my newsletter/blog, Everyone’s Creative! It’s scary and exciting to try out being on camera, and definitely more my format than just writing.\nwww.youtube.com/watch
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/08/im-trying-out-a-new.html","date_published":"2026-02-08T13:11:59+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-08 13:11","date_timestamp":1770556319,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116035180335430000","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3medz4xaeps2w"]}},{"id":"83780307","content_html":"@manton thanks for sharing this! I’m always on the hunt for a better feed reader experience. I feel like the spirit behind RSS has vastly outpaced the experience of using it.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/83780307","date_published":"2026-02-07T13:38:32+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-07 13:38","date_timestamp":1770471512,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"83780263","content_html":"![](\"https://micro.blog/books/9780575091504/cover.jpg\")
\nFinished reading: The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie 📚 A super enjoyable read, even if it wasn’t the most original or sophisticated fantasy novel. Tropes and cliché abound, but it was a fun and surprisingly brutal romp. I’ll probably dig into the rest of the series sooner than later.
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/02/07/finished-reading-the-blade-itself.html","date_published":"2026-02-07T13:33:07+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-07 13:33","date_timestamp":1770471187,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/116029617288707123","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mebk3ggswy26"]}},{"id":"83284377","content_html":"Watched Bugonia last night and it was a total delight. Similar to GDT’s Frankenstein, I’m enjoying seeing some movies by very acclaimed directors who seem to have made their magnum opus already and are now just making things for themselves. These movies won’t be their most universally acclaimed and may be ... simonpeng.net","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2026/01/31/watched-bugonia-last-night-and.html","date_published":"2026-01-31T13:27:12+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-31 13:27","date_timestamp":1769866032,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/115989952088769129","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3mdpwfm3xek26"]}},{"id":"82285810","content_html":"BOO! Canva is a Gonna Get You!!! ☠️👹👻: ec-test.micro.blog
","summary":"Why Affinity going free isn’t as wonderful as it sounds.","url":"https://ec-test.micro.blog/2026/01/17/boo-canva-is-a-gonna.html","date_published":"2026-01-17T21:38:01+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-17 21:38","date_timestamp":1768685881,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":true,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"82284221","content_html":"Anti-Creativity | Creating Destruction: ec-test.micro.blog
","summary":"The Dark Side of Creativity: Part 4","url":"https://ec-test.micro.blog/2026/01/17/anticreativity-creating-destruction.html","date_published":"2026-01-17T21:08:08+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-17 21:08","date_timestamp":1768684088,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":true,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"81718328","content_html":"@manton You could be right! It just feels very similar to the idea that self-driving cars can solve traffic, while ignoring public transit as an option. This kind of tech is sold as the solution to problems that don’t need to exist, and buying in makes fixing the root causes harder in the future.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/81718328","date_published":"2026-01-09T20:54:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-09 20:54","date_timestamp":1767992087,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"81692774","content_html":"@manton This feels like such a deeply American take. AI shouldn’t be the band-aid on a healthcare system that is so strained that doctors don’t have time to discuss treatments or medical history with patients. Systemic change may be unlikely, but I don’t think this is a solution you should accept.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/81692774","date_published":"2026-01-09T14:09:19+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-09 14:09","date_timestamp":1767967759,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"80164608","content_html":"As I tried to close the stupid AI chat box on the Zoom home screen, this tool tip popped up, summing up the AI-based enshittification of tech perfectly. Made a thing nobody want to use? No problem! Just don’t give people a choice.
\n![Screenshot of Zoom app tool tip that says \"AI Companion always shows on the home screen.\"](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2025/screenshot-2025-12-16-155822.png\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2025/12/16/as-i-tried-to-close.html","date_published":"2025-12-16T21:03:10+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-12-16 21:03","date_timestamp":1765918990,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/115731267224361785","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3ma52bcbnlo2t"]}},{"id":"78361857","content_html":"@manton 😅 “He would know” he definitely knows how to try to make shareholders feel comfortable! But he’s not really the first person I’d go to for an unbiased take on this.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/78361857","date_published":"2025-11-20T03:09:17+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-11-20 03:09","date_timestamp":1763608157,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"78108303","content_html":"@rachsmith.com it’s always reassuring to hear I’m not alone 😅 here in Canada these things are a plague. Most often plastered with anti-Canadian slogans and conservative junk, too. The weirdest one is all these trucks with fake bullets instead of radio antennae? It feels like a cult.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/78108303","date_published":"2025-11-16T17:36:58+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-11-16 17:36","date_timestamp":1763314618,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"78001518","content_html":"I really don’t like trucks. I think they suck. Instead of just stewing about it I wrote a bit about how artists can help shape the world for the better: www.everyonescreative.net/p/you-can…
\n![\"Inverted](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/153694/2025/ec-i-hate-trucks-m.jpg\")
\n","summary":"","url":"https://simonpeng.net/2025/11/14/i-really-dont-like-trucks.html","date_published":"2025-11-14T21:17:59+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-11-14 21:17","date_timestamp":1763155079,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://mstdn.ca/@RobotFanClub/115550132072123753","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3m5mm6lcm362c"]}},{"id":"77752493","content_html":"@manton Very cool! I’m not quite there yet with my blogging ambitions, but this makes micro.blog feel like a really reliable place to settle into and grow. I appreciate you mentioning being conservative with this, too, and not pushing it on everyone. It’s refreshing, these days!
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/77752493","date_published":"2025-11-11T16:55:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-11-11 16:55","date_timestamp":1762880143,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"76960839","content_html":"@gregmoore I absolutely love this message! I hope more people follow your lead and pick up some creative work right now. Your “weaknesses” only get better with practice, which is so much easier with other people. It’s all part of what makes the world worth caring about. Thanks for sharing!
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/76960839","date_published":"2025-10-30T17:54:40+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-10-30 17:54","date_timestamp":1761846880,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"75536853","content_html":"@writingslowly thanks for sharing these! It’s always comforting to see that other people share these ideas and concerns. Education has been so distorted. I taught for a bit and it’s crazy how many students didn’t seem to be in college to… learn things. 🙈 Hope we can get things back on track soon.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/75536853","date_published":"2025-10-11T12:42:31+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-10-11 12:42","date_timestamp":1760186551,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"70639329","content_html":"@jimacosta.bsky.social Wow, this is vile!
\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ujbd3ontgta6rwsfsmpcut7j/post/3lvmdndxo522j","date_published":"2025-08-04T23:23:53+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-08-04 23:23","date_timestamp":1754349833,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"68403378","content_html":"@manton I noticed this poison most with Reddit. Too much time on there can make you feel absolutely insane and, for me, particularly enraged. One day I realized I have no clue who anyone there is, so why do they get so much of my energy? I’ve been noticeably happier since leaving.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/68403378","date_published":"2025-07-07T15:19:57+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-07-07 15:19","date_timestamp":1751901597,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"68402904","content_html":"@birming I like this! 😜 In all seriousness, though, this is my favourite thing about micro.blog, and I wish I could turn analytics off on every other platform. It’s revealing to see how useful it is to the platforms for us all to care more about metrics than the actual content of what we share.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/68402904","date_published":"2025-07-07T15:09:30+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-07-07 15:09","date_timestamp":1751900970,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"66762374","content_html":"@bax I don’t think we’ll ever agree if you think there isn’t a significant human, physical and regulatory element to all business, especially when massive amounts of capital and political influence are involved. Technology isn’t inherently good or even neutral, it’s a product of humans.
\n","url":"https://micro.blog/SimonPeng/66762374","date_published":"2025-06-14T15:45:10+00:00","author":{"name":"Simon Peng","url":"http://simonpeng.net","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F08%2F1583545.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"SimonPeng"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2025-06-14 15:45","date_timestamp":1749915910,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}}]}