Interesting Links for 22-11-2011

[andrewducker]

• The spider that can process things too complex to fit in its brain all at once.
  (tags: intelligence spiders cognition )
• What the recent paper on statistical interpretations of quantum physics means. (I skipped the equations).
  (tags: science physics quantum )
• The cool twists of language
  (tags: language english )
• Should swearing be against the law

Comments

[bracknellexile]

Re: dress codes.

Loved the post but odd that you should use those tags because that article sums up not only how I feel about dress codes but also how I feel about fancy dress. Some folks love it and good luck to 'em. When I go to a party I want to go, socialise, drink and enjoy myself, not have to devote time to something I don't want/need to do :)

[andrewducker]

I vary in how I feel about Fancy Dress parties. I don't mind them occasionally, but I'd feel irked if every party was like that.

And I very much view any kind of dressing up as fancy-dress :->

[philmophlegm]

I'm going to be in the minority on this one, and some may think I'm old-fashioned, but bear with me...

I think the guy complaining about the dress code for dinner in a luxury hotel is completely unreasonable and is missing the point.

This is a luxury hotel. The dress code is simply asking him to show a bit of respect to his fellow diners. I'd say it seems like a pretty relaxed dress code anyway - it doesn't require a tie or a jacket or even socks. What it does do is prevent slobs from getting our of the pool and going to dinner in shorts or jeans, flip-flops and no shirt like you might see in some two-star beach hotel in Benidorm.

Dressing properly is nothing to do with obeying pointless rules and everything to do with basic politeness.

[andrewducker]

This, of course, assumes that it's anyone else's business what I'm wearing, and whether other people's attire should bother you one whit.

I am aware that some business cater to those who wish to impose rules on the attire of those around them, because they are so sensitive to them that they can have their evening ruined by the sight of a pair of shorts. I find it ridiculous though, and I'd rather not pander to them.

[alitheapipkin]

I can see the basic politeness argument if you've been invited to a special occasion such as a birthday dinner or a wedding, but I think extending it to random strangers who happen to be in the same venue as you is taking it a bit far. If I go out for a fancy dinner, I might well care that my partner has made an effort but I'm not going to be offended by some random guy on another table wearing jeans.

[kerrypolka]

Yeah, I mostly agree with this, I have to say. At first I thought the article was saying the hotel demanded smart dress at all times, like walking through the lobby and things (which would have been ridiculous), but the hotel is clearly trying to create a luxury atmosphere in the restaurant and patrons' clothing does contribute to that. It's not a requirement to go to the posh hotel restaurant when you're on a work trip. I agree that some dress codes can be silly, but if you don't want to dress up for a luxury restaurant...don't go to the luxury restaurant?

[momentsmusicaux]

Yes, the respect argument got touted a lot at me when I was a kid.

Balls to it, I say.

How on earth is it disrespect to other diners? Is the poster's proposed attire unpleasant to see? Smelly?