Tag Archives: Funny

Rubber Duck Debugging

A co-worker asked me a question relating to how our software works. As soon as he finished framing the question, and before I could respond, he finished with, “Oh, of course…” and answered his own question. I don’t there’s a techie alive who hasn’t experienced this phenomenon from one side or the other.

There’s a practice called “Rubber Duck Debugging.” In a nutshell, when you have a problem, you explain the problem to the duck so that you can figure it out.

Coincidentally, there’s a rubber duck on top of a bookcase next to my desk. This co-worker and I had gone through similar debugging episodes before, so I told him that going forward, he should first talk to the duck. This particular co-worker works remotely most of the week, so I told him we’d have to find a way he could talk to the duck online.

Sure enough, someone else had already thought of this. Five minutes later, I found the Cyberduck – an Eliza-based chatbot.

UFO Detection

Well this is certainly good news. After decades of reported UFO sightings, Amazon.com is now selling a battery powered UFO detector. The device purportedly works by detecting the magnetic and electrical disturbances associated with UFOs. Seems like just the device for anyone wishing to make first contact or possibly avoid being abducted. Be sure to check out the customer reviews.

Also available from the same seller is the upgraded UFO-02 detector.

Neither product includes a battery, nor a tin foil hat. Regrettably, Free Super Saver Shipping is also not available.