Hello whiny.lol

content/posts/_index.md

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+---
+title: Blog
+description: Rants about technology or whatever I feel like
+---

content/posts/mount-usher-gardens/index.md

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+---
+title: Pictures from Mount Usher Gardens
+date: 2024-07-05
+description: A showcase of pictures I took at Mount Usher Gardens
+categories:
+- Outings
+---
+
+Today, I went out to Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. Here are some pictures from my outing.
+
+![](images/IMG_2943.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2946.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2948.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2949.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2953.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2965.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2966.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2976.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2998.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_3015.jpeg)

content/posts/software-i-use/index.md

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+---
+title: What software do I use?
+date: 2025-10-24
+modified: 2026-01-31
+description: Showing the software I use on a typical day
+categories:
+- Technology
+---
+
+Since switching to Mac nearly two years ago, I'm honestly surprised I've never compiled a list of my favourite Mac apps I use on a daily basis. So, here you go!
+
+## Zen Browser
+
+[Download Zen](https://zen-browser.app) - Available on macOS, Windows & Linux
+
+> To-do: add new image
+
+Zen Browser is a fork of Firefox that recreates the UI and functionality of the [Arc](https://arc.net) browser from BCNY. Unlike Arc, Zen is open-source and won't be discontinued out of nowhere [in favour of an AI browser](https://diabrowser.com)...
+
+I've been using Firefox and Firefox-based for years, as it's pretty fast & supports older MV2 extensions like the full uBlock Origin.
+
+## VSCodium
+
+[Download VSCodium](https://vscodium.com/#install) - Available on macOS, Windows & Linux
+
+> To-do: add new image
+
+{{< note title="Update - January 31, 2026" >}}
+I recently switched back to VSCodium after using Zed for roughly 7 months. Zed's auto complete and extension system just do not cut it for me.
+{{< /note >}}
+
+VSCodium is a freely-licensed version of Visual Studio Code that removes Microsoft's built-in telemetry, AI features and existing marketplace.
+
+## Affinity
+
+[Get Affinity](https://affinity.studio) - Available on macOS, Windows & soon iPadOS
+
+![A screenshot of Affinity in Vector mode. There's a toolbar on top for switching personas and other options, a sidebar for tools on the left and another on the right with a colour picker and the document's layers. The file being edited is the cover of this post, a buck teeth nerd emoji with glasses sitting on top of a blurry Apple logo with a black background.](images/NewAffinity.jpg)
+
+{{< note >}}
+Canva launched a new version of [Affinity](https://affinity.studio) on October 30th, 2025.
+
+It combines the features of Designer, Photo and Publisher into one **free** application. Login is required and optional AI features are available with a subscription.
+{{< /note >}}
+
+I use Affinity for designing stuff like logos and the cover images for this website.
+
+I'm not a graphic designer, but it's something I hope to learn in the future.
+
+## Ableton Live 12 Suite
+
+[Get Ableton Live 12 Suite](https://ableton.com/en/live) - Available on macOS & Windows
+
+> To-do: add new image
+
+I have used a "LEGITIMATELY OBTAINED" copy of Ableton Live as a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for all of my music since 2021.
+
+I have no shame in obtaining my DAW and plugins through other means, they're quite expensive.
+
+I use primarily the Serum 2 synthesiser, various Waves plugins, a few FabFilter plugins and some Kilohearts plugins on my tracks.
+
+If anyone's interested, a typical vocal chain of mine currently includes (in no particular order):
+
+- Ableton's built in Gate effect
+- FabFilter Pro Q3/Q4
+- FabFilter DS
+- FabFilter Saturn 2
+- Waves Tune Real-Time from Waves
+- CLA-76 and/or CLA-2A from Waves
+- Slate Digital Fresh Air
+- Manny Marroquin Distortion from Waves
+
+I find both FL Studio and Logic Pro to be too complicated.
+
+## Mail (Apple)
+
+[Learn more](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Mail) - Available on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS
+
+> To-do: add new image
+
+There's not much to say about this one. Apple's Mail app on desktop does the job for me and so does the mobile version.
+
+I've never felt the need for any of those paid apps like Notion Mail or Superhuman.
+
+It also supports the Custom Email Domain feature with iCloud+, which I for this website's domain and a few others.
+
+## KeePassXC
+
+[Get KeePassXC](https://keepassxc.org/) - Available on macOS, Windows & Linux, with an official browser extension and other third-party KeePass apps available
+
+![A screenshot of KeePassXC password manager. There's a toolbar at the top with various options and a search bar, along with a sidebar for navigation. Passkeys are being viewed. The majority of the items have been edited out, leaving most of the app blank.](images/KeePassXC.jpg "Can't exactly show you very much")
+
+Using KeePassXC, I moved all of my passwords and passkeys to a KDBX database, rather than relying on iCloud or Firefox Sync to store my passwords.
+
+Databases are encrypted and require a password + key file to unlock.
+
+I sync those two files between multiple devices using [Syncthing](https://syncthing.net) between my laptop, phone and PC.

content/posts/whats-on-my-desk-2024/index.md

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+---
+title: "What's on my desk (2024)"
+date: "2024-11-17"
+description: My desk setup
+categories:
+- Technology
+---
+
+
+This post has been updated to reflect the changes I've made to my setup since its last iteration.
+
+![](images/DeskScreenOn.jpeg)
+
+This is my desk. It's where I spend most of my time when I'm not at school or out somewhere.
+
+I use a MacBook Pro as my main computer. It's served me _very_ well for the past year and I do not plan on upgrading or replacing it until it finally breaks. Since switching to a Mac, I finally understand why people love macOS. I can throw anything at it, and it'll do it with no complaints.
+
+I also use a mid-range PC I built that runs Windows. It definitely has its flaws, but I love it regardless. I love the ability to tinker with it and experiment with installing different operating systems.
+
+## Keyboard and mouse
+
+![](images/Keyboard.jpeg)
+
+My keyboard is the Logitech G915. It's slim and mechanical. I plan on replacing this with a Logitech MX Keys Mini in the near future, since it's a little bulky and not great for typing if you have weak fingers like me.
+
+![](images/Mouse.jpeg)
+
+For my mouse, I use the Logitech MX Master 3s. It's hands-down the best mouse I've ever used in my life. It has great ergonomics, quiet and soft buttons, and works especially well with my MacBook.
+
+Underneath those two, I have a dark blue leather desk mat that a relative of mine gave to me some time ago. It's easy to clean and matches the wall behind the desk.
+
+## Monitor
+
+![](images/DellMonitor.jpeg)
+
+My monitor is the Dell UltraSharp U2721DE. I was eyeing up this particular one for its looks and USB hub functionality. I was shocked when I saw this exact model sitting on a shelf in my local CeX shop. I picked it up a few days later.
+
+It's a 2560x1440, 60hz IPS panel with okay colour accuracy. When I had initially turned it on, it had a noticeable green tint that required me to manually change the colours in the options.
+
+Because of how macOS handles display scaling for most resolutions, I had to install a third-party app called BetterDisplay to get my monitor to run at a high DPI.
+
+## Audio interface
+
+![](images/AudioInterface.jpeg)
+
+I use the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen. It's works and does the job with absolutely zero hassle. I got it a few years ago to replace the aging AKAI EIE Pro USB interface that had been given to me by my brother. That interface was very finicky and I felt like it was hit or miss on whether it would work or not.
+
+## Microphone
+
+![](images/MicCloseup.jpeg)
+
+My microphone of choice in 2020 was the Samson Q2U. It's not really that exciting, it's just a microphone. It sounds decent and hasn't had any issues.
+
+The arm is sitting on is a TONOR microphone boom arm. Works fine, although it needs a bit of a clean. It does squeak, and the springs make sound when they're being pulled, but I can't really complain considering how cheap it was.
+
+Psst... Look at how neat and tidy it is underneath my desk!
+
+![](images/UnderDesk.jpeg)
+
+I got the IKEA Mittzon (140x80) to replace the warped tabletop I had previously.

content/posts/wicklow/index.md

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+---
+title: Pictures from my outing to Wicklow
+date: 2024-07-01
+description: A showcase of pictures I took on my trip to Wicklow
+categories:
+- Outings
+---
+
+I went out (shocking, I know) to have a walk around Wicklow. Here is a selection of a few photos I took during my trip out.
+
+![](images/IMG_2850.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2864.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2871.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2877.jpeg)
+
+![](images/IMG_2880.jpeg)