random bits

[cellio]

I wonder whether my coworkers never read my documentation, or whether they think my sometimes-frank writing is ok. The following has been in the documentation of one of our examples for a month or two now with no complaints: "This is an advanced example, relying on the under-documented internals of [package]. We will not attempt a complete explanation here, and will focus primarily on [one feature]." Yeah, I considered not including that example at all, but there's some valuable stuff about [one feature]...

Tonight I got together with my co-chair (worship committee) and we assigned all the parts for the high holy days. We have double services and parts in both Hebrew and English, so someone first collects all the relevant data from the board members and officers (the people who get parts). Then we do the giant jigsaw puzzle to make it fit with who has what reading skills and will be attending which services. After last year's session with pencils and erasers (the way it was taught to me), I had a good idea: post-it notes. On each note, write one person's name and constraints. Apply post-its to order-of-service pages; shuffle as necessary. When satisfied, transcribe. Much easier. I actually don't think doing it electronically would be faster.

short takes:

A programming koan from jducoeur.

Allergen-free cats -- sounds like a hoax, but cute. (Link from ommkarja.)

Comments

[aliza250.livejournal.com]

Stick-it notes are useful for all kinds of things for which no software has been developed...

BTW, hairless dogs are non-allergenic, I was assuming that your link had something to do with the hairless Sphinx cats... but selling genetically-engineered pets just seems wrong to me.

[cellio]

Yes, I know there are certain breeds of dogs and cats that are better for people with allergies; it was only a matter of time before people talked about genetic engineering for the trait. Not that I would buy a pet in any case, what with all the existing ones who already need homes.

[estherchaya.livejournal.com]

allergen-free cats have been in the works for a few years. There was a story on NPR a year or two ago about them. At the time, they expected the first litter available for purchase to be about $600-700 each.

And since you aren't allergic to cats, it makes sense that you wouldn't buy one. But if the only thing keeping you from owning pets was all the sneezing, sniffling, sore throat, itchy watery eyes, and general lousy feeling, then you might be more inclined to buy one that wouldn't do that to you.

[cellio]

Or treat the allergy (if possible), or get a different kind of pet that doesn't aggrevate the allergies. If I was allergic to all dogs/cats, even the ones people aren't normally allergic to, then maybe I'd get a designer pet, but my strong inclination is to always try instead to give an animal that would otherwise be killed a chance. (Aside from fish and a mouse when I was a child, I've never bought a pet.) I'm not passing judgement on anyone else -- just describing my own preferences. And, of course, I'm aware that I'm blessed to not have those allergies in the first place. (I have different allergies. :-) )

[anniemal.livejournal.com]

I'm rubbing my goofy cat's tummy and preparing to take my loratadine.

What, I wonder, are the personalities of genetically engineered cats? Do they take that into account? The right cats are not created equal. Nor do they settle for just anyone.

[cellio]

The right cats are not created equal. Nor do they settle for just anyone.

This is true. And I suspect science doesn't yet have a strong understanding of the genetics of personality, so I'm guessing they're just not taking it into account. Time will tell what results from that.

Aieee!

[anniemal.livejournal.com]

Genetically engineered cats with bad tempers on the loose! Probably interbreeding with the feral population! More dangerous than irradiated tomatoes, too, no doubt.

Re: Aieee!

[cellio]

Have you heard about Leslie Fish's attempts to breed cats with opposable thumbs? Contemplate the combination of this and breeding for intelligence, and tremble in fear. :-)

Re: Aieee!

[anniemal.livejournal.com]

Leslie Fish must be a terrorist. Why wish destruction upon yourself?

But a friend of mine has met a cat with semi-opposable thumbs. Mercifully, it was benign. Its owner kept it appeased, I guess. It would pass a playing card back and forth between its paws just to remind all who saw it of its dangerousness.

They're cute little killing machines, though. I seldom underestimate them or their ability to look innocent while plotting. i give them fish. When they get good with the can opener, I'm screwed.

fish

[cellio]

i give them fish.

This is fluffymonster's cue. :-)

Re: fish

[anniemal.livejournal.com]

I covered Mel's eyes while I read this.