[rescue] advice on rescuing an e10k

[Andy Wallis]

On Oct 26, 2006, at 7:56 AM, Ethan O'Toole wrote:

>>>
> Another thing that sort of bugs me, is "mission critical." Have you
> encountered cases where when you step back, Mission Critical isn't?
Before answering, my personal definitions for true "Mission Critical"  
are these:
Mission Critical: If it fails, it will be front page news and it  
won't be good.
Mission Critical: If it fails, people will be dead and the lawyers  
will be lining up around the block.
Mission Critical: If it fails, you will personally have to appear  
before a full Congressional oversight committee with C-SPAN and every  
news service filming. There will be bonus points if it preempts soap  
operas, game shows, or sport events.
Mission Critical: If it fails, we have created an international  
incident or inadvertently committed an act of war or treason.

I've run into a lot of situations at work where some dingbat has  
stated that their pet application, workstation, or flowerpot was  
mission critical.  My response has been to recite my four definitions  
for "Mission Critical" with my eyes glaring and ready to assume a  
barbarian charge. The usual answer is a frightened "no."

Nothing says ego-deflation like seeing a director realize that maybe  
he or she is not a high god.

-Andy Wallis