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Parallel Programming: Non-optimal Is as Non-optimal Does

“Before I begin yet another discussion of “the ways we don’t
know how to describe many things happening at the same time,” I
feel obligated to point out the most non-optimal thing I have seen
in a while. By “non-optimal” I really mean a politically correct
way of saying stupid. I have told my daughter, never tell anyone
they are being stupid, just use the phrase non-optimal, chances
are, they will not understand it, in which case your intuition was
right.

“Getting back to today’s non-optimal tidbit. Even with spam
filters, I usually get a handful of unwanted email each day. Today
I have seen a bunch of emails slipping through with the most
hilarious From: and Subject: lines. The messages it seems are from
United Parcel Service or as I like to say UPS. The subject line
reads FedEx Tracking N5421062126 or as I like to say FedEx. Maybe I
did not get the memo, but I don’t think UPS is delivering FedEx
packages. There is a total impedance mismatch of the sender and the
subject. This contrivance shows the spammer has either a basic
misunderstanding of the current world-wide package delivery system
or is just plain non-optimal (or both). And, I’m not even going to
mention the contents of the email that references the postal
package and October 18st. Of course, I assume the non-optimality
will continue as Jane and Joe SixPack click and add yet another
piece of crude to their computer.”

Complete
Story

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