Quick thoughts or links that wouldn’t make the cut for separate posts.
Pylon of the Month
A monthly blog about pylons, what we would generally call “electric poles” but probably with much more nuance. Sharing because sometimes it’s good to remember what the internet is for.
Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is a phonics app for preschool through elementary aged children that we’ve been using with our kindergartener. We are generally adverse to games or apps for kids, but this I guess is the exception. I first noticed it at my brothers house, who I think likely has the same feeling about apps, so it was notable to me that his kids were using it and he gave it an approving review.
It’s a paid app, no ads. Quirky, pretty stupid from an adult perspective but engaging for kids.
I see evidence that it has helped the kid with reading, in advance of what she is getting at school, though I’m betting that the two modes are working better in tandem.
One con is that we only use it on my small smartphone, and some lessons require dragging items from near the edge of the screen which can activate the app switcher or other phone UI interactions. I’d also recommend setting your phone into “Focus mode” to prevent notifications from interrupting lessons.
How to Win Monopoly (Kottke)
Kottke is a long time, top tier blogger who curates links from the web. This one is a quick summary of a Monopoly strategy guide, noted for its seeming parallels to real life.
We Were Here
A 10 minute short fiction set in India, three unemployed men fight back against the machines by taking their jobs.