The “Help ‘em Wash specialized shower curtain is one of those things that sounds like a good idea, but really is not a good idea.
The Pet Shower Curtain has shoulder length gloves that allow you easy access to bathe your pet. The gloves are completely intergrated and waterproof. The curtain is clear to help you watch your pet closely while bathing them. You will stay dry even when your pet shakes the excess water off.
First off, the copy on the website does actually say “intergrated.” In case you were wondering. Secondly, it’s like, the more you describe this thing in detail, the more you think things like, do you have to take this curtain off each time you shower… because otherwise there’d be a giant pair of gloves (attached to your shower curtain) interfering with your shower. It’s just all very odd. (Hat tip to Mykala for the great link).
Computer programming teaches you to think logically, optimize for speed, relevancy, etc., and structure your thinking within a world where there are set rules. (Incidentally, that previous link points to one of the most insightful articles I have ever read — it’s about who nerds are, and proper care/feeding of nerds. If you haven’t read it… seriously, man, read it. And technically, I should say “seriously, lady” because the article is most useful to a woman looking at a nerd or nerd-like significant other. Anyhow, let’s break out of this parenthetical statement. BUT, before we do, note to self: install footnotes on the next revision of the tumbledry formatting system. That way, diversions such as this will end up at the bottom of the article in… a footnote.) So, this endless logic game within a world where the entire system is known is an excellent exercise for the mind. Indeed, I enjoy the exercise. However, I’ve never quite been able to articulate why a profession (above and beyond a hobby) in the programming arena does not appeal to me. Thankfully, somebody spoke my mind on the issue in a comment attached to a recent Slashdot article entitled “Obsolete Technical Skills”:
I’ve been thinking about retiring - I’m 34 years old. I think I’d be happier if I’d jump off the bandwagon and started doing something totally different. Something that would not require me to study all the time and be stressed all the time.
I grew up with home computers. I learned BASIC when I was 11. That is obsolete skill now. Then I got my first PC in 1988 and learned DOS. That’s obsolete. Then I learned Borland’s Turbo Pascal. That’s obsolete. Then I learned Microsoft C programming and started programming Windows 3.1 applications that used Windows menus etc. That’s obsolete. I learned Gopher and Telnet in the 80s. That’s obsolete. I learned Pine. That’s obsolete. I learned to tweak Windows 95 registry. That’s obsolete. I learned BEA Tuxedo at work. That’s obsolete. Looking at it now - I’ve wasted countless of hours to something that is totally obsolete now! Had I invested that time into improving myself - learning who I am, how I behave, how to enjoy this life - I would be much happier now I guess.
Certainly, all of us learn skills that become obsolete and there is value in comparing evolving programming solutions, BUT I think this commenter is saying that there can be great satisfaction in investing time and energy in things which will return emotional, artistic, or intellectual dividends for many years to come.
Knut’s need for around-the-clock care required that Dörflein not only sleep on a mattress next to Knut’s sleeping crate at night, but also play with, bathe, and feed the cub daily. Knut’s diet began with a bottle of milk every two hours before graduating at the age of four months to a milk porridge mixed with cat food, vitamins, and cod liver.
Knut’s adorable mug and captivating story brought throngs of curious visitors to the Berlin Zoo in 2007, and resulted in the bear’s elevation to mascot status:
Dr. Gerald Uhlich, of the Berlin zoo’s board of trustees, stated that because of his vast popularity, Knut has become a means of communication and that he has the ability to “draw attention to the environment in a nice way. Not in a threatening, scolding way.” As a result, the German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel officially adopted Knut as the mascot for a conference on endangered species to be held in Bonn in 2008.
Also, this has to be the first time a polar bear has made the cover of Vanity Fair.
Well, I guess the annual flash mob Valentine’s Day San Francisco pillow fight went well yesterday. I especially like this picture. Fun stuff. Reading about this is starting to restore my faith in humanity. Maybe we will be alright.
