iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Had a dream the 11th Doctor told me, “A Christmas Day is only one mast away from Chairs Day.” When I woke up, I discovered he was right. The mind is a scary, beautiful thing. Use yours wisely, my friends.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

My thoughts on this whole AI to SI name change... People are outraged about and fail to support AI. So, their solution is...what? Change the color of the pig's lipstick? Sorry. No. AI is still artificial intelligence. SI is still Sports Illustrated. And the president is still an idiot.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

(*UNINTELLIGIBLE CURSING*) As I learn a new drawing tool on my Mac, because the old one is no longer supported, I can’t save changes to any file format. What happened Apple? Where did you go wrong? I loved Apple products because they “just worked”. You besmirched yourself. You sadden me. RIP🍎

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Oh. Oh hell yeah. When I feel worthless, I remind myself of this one fact: I am Ned doodley Flanders... Wait! No, I’m not! I just curse like him! I am Douglas ding-dang-doodley Schwartz!!! (May you remind yourself of your worth too.)

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Want to encourage your kiddos to read more AND get into the Halloween spirit? Feed their growing brains Yertle the Fried Egg! This book is about facing your fears (no matter how crazy) by asking questions and learning more about what scares you. www.amazon.com/dp/0986055441

amazon.com

Yertle, the Fried Egg

Yertle, the Fried Egg [Schwartz, Douglas, Schwartz, Douglas, Pozzi, Marissa] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Yertle, the Fried Egg

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

“Be sure to drink your…” Drink your what? Drink your what?!?!

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I love the t-shirts the library ordered for Trunk-or-Treat night!

“Spooky” t-shirt with a skeletal hand holding a hard-bound book with a cartoon ghost on it. The caption reads “Dead-icated reader”.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Happy #MadHatterDay, everyone! I know many of us have been angry-mad. Today is a day of silly-mad. To celebrate, here are a few silly pics from my recent trip to Scotland!

A window full of yellow rubber duckies watching the world go by.

I took this picture out the window. My hands holding my phone are in the reflection in the glass (sorry). The shadow out the window looked like a palm tree, but without the tree itself. Great camouflage, palm tree! Wait…why would a palm tree be in Scotland?!

A statue of what I considered one of “Scotland’s famous wizards”. I forgot to note who it is, but this is a picture of a man on a horse, rearing up on its hind legs (the horse, not the man). There is a traffic cone on the man’s head. Apparently, this is a prank common throughout Scotland and its statues.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

15 years?! Wow! Congrats! The new cover looks amazing! To all who have not yet read this, The Night Circus is a fantastic comfort read. I recommend it and The Starless Sea.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

For me... The Phantom Toolbooth - It was the first chapter book I enjoyed reading for myself and not as assigned reading. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - In middle school, an older kid on the bus said I wouldn't understand it. Proved that jerk wrong! One of my favorite go-to comfort reads.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

@gabino.bsky.social, looks like you and Leigh Bardugo had a successful BookPeople event. We shared the same venue. I checked in patrons for our show upstairs. It was like tagging salmon as they swam upstream.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The fortune cookie says… “To lower your stress level, get a cat.” Don’t have a cat? Here you go! I doodled one for you! What does your fortune say? www.checkeredscissors.com?cat=fortune-0

A pencil doodle on a yellow PostIt note of a sleeping cat. The cat is either sleeping, or closing its eyes to ignore the Zs above its head.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I saw three (sigh)bertrucks in the neighborhood. Two driving, one parked. That’s at least eleven too many.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

As I was out running errands, I missed a turn and did not realize it for a bit. Me: Hey, Siri. Please give me directions to Parmer Lane. Siri: I’m sorry. I don’t know where you are. Me: 😱 Me: That makes two of us. Thanks anyway. Siri: You’re welcome!

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Found an old draft in my Gmail that simply reads, "Busy mall call interview". It was a note to myself. It was dated Oct, 3, 2025. I have no idea what I meant nor why I would leave myself that note. 🤷

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Make a band edible: The Hohos “Vacation…Om a nom a nom nom!”

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Reposted by Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer)

Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 11/09/2026

Okay everyone. Here’s the YouTube interview with @jimmykimmel.com and @jamestalarico.bsky.social You know what to do. Watch it. Share it. Donate. Bury them. youtu.be/WLDE9LrGpNk?...

youtu.be

Jimmy Kimmel’s Interview with James Talarico That the FCC Doesn’t Want You To See

YouTube video by Jimmy Kimmel Live

4541896011177

Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The fortune cookie says, "A solid challenge will bring forth your finest abilities." What does your fortune cookie say? #fortune www.checkeredscissors.com?cat=fortune-0

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

As I sit here, waiting for guests to arrive for tonight’s performance of The Yellow Wallpaper, and I am entertained by watching the homeless guy on the corner fold his laundry.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Yesterday was opening night for Archive Theatre's production of The Yellow Wallpaper. I am uncredited, but refer to my role as "Wall #3".

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

As a writer, I struggle with demons. As a game developer, I struggle with similar demons. I thought I would share my battles and some of what I have done (or tried to do) to overcome these demons in today's #blog: pegamoosegames.com?cat=blog-30 #gamedev

pegamoosegames.com

Pegamoose Games - Sandbox

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I woke up this morning too early and overwhelmed. As I drove our friend's son to school, the radio station played "Stayin' Alive" as I passed the sign at the Burger King reading, "You rule!" Thank you, world, for offering your words of encouragement. I needed them. 😊

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

@marcelias.bsky.social and his firm are doing amazing work. In this video, Marc clearly spells out what is going on and why. Elections are being stolen by a toddler president throwing a tantrum for not getting his way. Don’t let this orange Verruca get away with it. youtu.be/-V7TVJa2mMQ?...

youtu.be

ALERT: This is a Major Win For Democracy

YouTube video by Democracy Docket

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Except for jumping out and yelling “BOO!” not much surprises me anymore. It would not surprise me if mystery beef turns out to be people.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Wait…The term isn’t “brothers before hothers”? 🤔 Well, now I feel foolish for saying it wrong all this time!

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Yesterday, while picking up breakfast, the family in the car parked next to me asked what I had ordered. "Pancakes and a breakfast sammy! And you?" "Breakfast tacos! But, we love their pancakes! Happy Sunday!" "Happy Sunday!" This is my America. Strangers bonding over and celebrating breakfast. 🥰

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

The meaning of life. I hope my pancakes are ready before the world ends. Pop pikkk

Laminated Bill Miller’s order number card with “42” printed on it.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I am enjoying Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. I love all the cameos in the first few episodes. My prediction…A variant of “it’s all a dream”. The whole thing is a series of comics created by Stuart, finally putting his art degree to good use. Fans flock to his comic store for a Stuart Original.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

This shared post is for the latest book from Brian Tyler Cohen, whom I follow, and gladly support him and his message. And here is a link to a video from BTC why it is so important to support and share such voices: youtu.be/7yUyu9nmSYE?...

youtu.be

Trump put me on his enemies list; here’s what happened to me

YouTube video by Brian Tyler Cohen

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

At times, I do not feel very creative. Then I realize that is not true. It's not that I am not being creative, it is that I am being creative in another way on another project that the one(s) I SHOULD direct my creativity towards. I feel guilty about not devoting enough time to my partial projects.😟

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

For years, my wife’s shmoopy pet name for me has been “Dougie Pougie Puddin’ Pie”. After a week of fat-fingered texts, drunken slurred speech, and an odd conversation, that pet name morphed into “Fougie Juggy Olga Pie.” At least I still have Pie.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

I had a dream this morning someone sent me a letter,praying to save my soul. As I unfolded the letter, it turned into a beach towel movie poster for a film called Pop Corn, about an evil minister who fathered the Children of the Corn. As I lay in bed, contemplating the plot of the movie…

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Had a dream of a show about this low income neighborhood, with two girls in an enemy-to-besties relationship. Because I was in the dream, I was part of the show. It ends with most of the main cast dying in a tragic elevator accident. Only one of the girls survives. Her EMT boyfriend is killed…

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

For today's #gaming #blog, I decided to share my thoughts on three big discussions I have seen on social media: Layoffs, AI, and Ownership. pegamoosegames.com?cat=blog-29

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Earlier today, a fleeting thought crossed my mind. It felt familiar, but when I tried to think about where I knew it, I got dizzy. It was as if I was trying to remember something impossible for me to know. Thinking about this situation later, I feel like Marty has burned the almanac. 🤔😵‍💫

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

My daughter had not seen Robin Hood: Men in Tights, so we watched that one first. Last night, we watched Blazing Saddles. Tonight? I will decide how I feel. Yes, I know Mel Brooks was the executive producer of The Elephant Man, but David Lynch is another creative person I deeply admire.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Applied temporary tattoos for our neighborhood Fourth Fest at the Friends of the Library table.

Cartoon elephant temporary tattoo on the back of my right hand.

A pink frosted donut temporary tattoo on the back of my left hand.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

I have decided to have a Mel Brooks marathon while my wife is out of town this week. Three films I have not watched in their entirety: The Twelve Chairs, The Elephant Man, and Blazing Saddles. The last one, I have seen many scenes, but never the entire thing straight through.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Sen. Chris Murphy's presentation is jaw dropping. I have been following the news, but this compilation of this "administration" is beyond Bond Villain levels of corruption. It runs our government like a criminal enterprise. The video is a half hour long, but worth it. youtu.be/DaQ_95hPhu4?...

youtu.be

This Is What 500 Days of Trump's Corruption Looks Like

YouTube video by Senator Chris Murphy

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

@totally-kyle.bsky.social Saw your post about Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrel. I highly recommend watching the mini series. Don’t worry. It’s only about 7 episodes and distills the essential bits. Brilliantly casted.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

For today's blog, I have decided how I choose to celebrate the USA's 250th birthday: www.checkeredscissors.com?cat=blog-216 Is the USA a "more perfect union"? No, far from it. This blog isn't focused on the negatives. What it really focuses on and celebrates is an even bigger union!

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

I made myself a terrific cup of coffee this morning after making a terrific mess while cleaning out the coffee maker because I added creamer instead of water to the reservoir.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

At work today, we had customers roam the store with cards to be stamped at various stations. I didn’t have a stamper, so I doodled whatever they wanted. Cat, shark, Minecraft Creeper, mosquito, record player, dinosaur, strawberry, stick figure flying a kite, and many smiley faces… whatever. 😊

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Last night, I had “separating me from the herd” anxiety dreams. Someone put a giant cowboy hat on my head, it fell over my eyes, when I took it off, everyone was gone. My phone was hacked and I couldn’t answer a call, and then everyone was gone. The last one tried sending me away for training. 😕🤔

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

One of my favorite stories in this collection is The Cover Up about a zookeeper who tries to hide accidentally letting the lion out of its cage. Someone send a copy to (86)47 to teach him the cover up is worse than the crime. Plus, other good lessons. It might help him sleep and be less cranky.

Book cover for Dadtime Stories. The title is centered in a cloud-like thought bubble which seems to originate from the author's name towards the bottom of the cover. Both the title and the author's name are constructed with colorful alphabet blocks. All this is over a background of blue stripes which alternate a pastel skyblue and a pale baby blue suggesting it might be wallpaper of a child's bedroom or maybe a playroom. The thought bubble has a slight drop shadow on the blue stripes.

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

My wife and I were just laughing about what horrible parents our characters are in Stardew Valley. “Bye kids! Mommy is going off to explore a volcano or slay monsters in a mine!” (Leaves the kids alone at the house, unsupervised, with a chest full of swords and a basement full of aging wine.)

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Douglas Schwartz (Author/Game Designer) @dougieschwartz.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Finished watching It: Welcome to Derry. I'm a bit meh and picky when it comes to horror, but it was so good! I enjoyed both movies. The first more than the second. But, the series was brilliant. Lots of great horror and the best episode had the most squeamish bits. Plus, best title sequence!

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