Joel’s Scattered Thoughts

Put your idle computer to work for you - Lifehacker

I’m thinking of using this to get tasks like defragging my hard drive done. My home computer is usually (not always) idle in the day and my work computer is usaully (not always) idle in the evenings. If this works, it would be extremely convenient.

This post gives one method of finding the image dates for the photos used in Google Earth.

Witchdoctor orders Serb to have sex with hedgehog Someone hasn’t been reading Terry Pratchett.

Safe…and sorry from Macleans highlights the importance of “risky” play for children. This kind of play is exactly why we moved out to the country.

It is also why I oppose any shortening of children’s vacation time - they learn as much by going out and playing as they do in school. It’s a different kind of learning but it is still very important for their development. I want my children to learn about risks, actions, and consequences when they’re still children, not when they’re 25.

(via Mirabilis)