thanks, guys!
a small update while i THINK i've
eliminated a nagging lag i'd been fighting. please play and let me know? (pops would go sluggish every minute or 2

)
added:

3 levels of difficulty (Easy, Uneasy & Queasy) let me know what you think? (are they distinct enough?)

HiScore is now persistent (but not separate for each level, yet)
Quote: "Would the balloons speed up as it goes on?"
absolutely.
Quote: "have other targets appearing that move differently"
great idea! it'll make it in the game
Quote: "Would be nice to see Pops animate"
i've been watching Impractical Jokers; i think i have just the thing
otherwise, i have an idea for a power-up and a power-down that i'll be testing next (which would fall in line with Plotinus' "bonus" idea). one thing i'm wary of is that i want it to be the same on mobile and i'm worried about a virtual joystick and a button or 2 getting in the way. i should be able to keep them under the "net" but i haven't played with it yet.
03/29/19 version
attached.
I should mention: [R]eset allows you to choose a new mode immediately.