I realized today that I had a different problem that I wanted to solve (passing strings that might have spaces in a line-oriented network protocol) that reduced to the same problem.
I also came up with an even simpler way to solve it.
So, I guess the moral of that story is that sometimes even if you've wandered up a blind alley, you might still pick up a useful tool there.
This morning, in the shower, I worked out how to parse a certain sort of configuration file for something I was thinking of writing; it involved going to great lengths to have the ability to have spaces in the tokens [in this case usernames and AFS volume names].
Only after I worked out how to do it, and how to write the code relatively elegantly, did I ask myself the question "But will I ever want to have spaces in my username or volume names?". My answer: "No. That would be stupid."
Moral: Be clear about your requirements before going off and designing anything. :->
I did enjoy the intellectual exercise, though.
Today's Central Square report: It is still Portobello Mushroom Day at Picante (of course, it is most days). Also the press are blocking the sidewalk in front of town hall.
I was all ready to be cynical and say that my last feel-good vestiges on this issue were used up by the Supreme Court's rejection of the the seemingly absurd request for a temporary restraining order (state courts not being allowed to interpret the state constitutions? ...?) and the NY Times article on how conservative activists aren't finding much support on this issue, suggesting that even the average religious conservative isn't terribly alarmed that "those people" might have something to contribute to the institution of marriage. Walking down Mass. Ave. I was thinking "Yes, it's beautiful that you've found a relationship that you think is solid enough to solemnize. Now let me finish walking to work." It was almost disappointing to find that the group of people I could see in the approaching distance was no mob of people waiting for ceremonies or licenses, but a bunch of reporters, cameramen, and relay trucks. Circling vultures for the media age. Let's hope they don't find anything to eat.
While walking to work this morning, I noticed that most everyone in Central Square looked sort of glum, even though it was a beautiful day. Then I went and had a really terrible day at work; maybe it's just going around.
Regardless, I have no idea what to make of this... but I feel the need to share.
