I super-searched for 'recreational programming' and found the lovely old node Sins or attributes? but nothing that I would have expected to find. I checked on Google too, and now I know recreational programming isn't what I thought it was, so I guess I've missed reams of stuff about coding silly or pointless or already-done things for fun. Messing about in Perl is a great way to pass time.

Which is not to say coding an HTML parser is a great way to pass time, but hey, knock yourself out.

When it gets weird just enjoy the sensation. It's one of the best sensations I know. Of those I associate with programming.