Read a file with open command

[AlbaClause]

gslindstrom at gmail.com wrote:

> AlbaClause wrote:
>> jean-jeanot wrote:
>>
> <snip>
> 
>> Ummm, he did not say that your question was stupid.   The Zappa quote is
>> included as part of what we refer to as a 'signature'.   In the case of
>> Sybren Stuvel's posts to this newsgroup, the Frank Zappa quote is
>> included
>> in every message that he posts.  Not just messages that he posts to you.
> 
> First up, I *like* the Frank Zappa signature quote; it has a George
> Carlin feel to it and takes a swipe at our overly-protective cultures
> [side note: I bought an electric heating pad last night that came with
> instructions not to use it in the bathtub!  Well, duh!].  But, can you
> see where the signature on a response to a tutor list -- where people
> are already feeling a bit intimidated and/or inadequate and therefore
> may feel a wee bit "stupid" -- might be taken the wrong way?
> 
> I have spent many years teaching mathematics and physics in a classroom
> setting and have come to realize that, as a teacher, just about
> anything I say/do can be blown way out of proportion.  So I don't use
> sarcasm or "fun" little put-downs and I treat every question as if it
> is the most important matter because, to the student, it is.  Do I get
> tired of answering the same thing over and over? Yes!!  Many times I
> will ask if the student has read the textbook and, if not, I will
> request they give it a try (much in the same way we ask if they have
> read any tutorials), but I take Homeric efforts not to offend them and,
> to that end, modify my behavior in order to teach them mathematics.
> 
> My point is that this is a wonderful service you tutors provide, but
> the Zappa signature may not be the best choice for this setting. Most
> people will read it and get a laugh (as did I), but how many have taken
> it the way jean-jeanot did and walk away feeling insulted?  How many
> will not post a response expressing their feelings, never post a
> question again or, worst case, decide Python is not for them?
> 
> Again, I admire this list and those of you you maintain it.  These are
> just my thoughts.  YMMV.
> 
> --greg

This is getting a little off-topic, but my feeling is that if you're unable
to discern the difference between the substance of the message, and the
"personal style" of the author (eg: quote attributions and/or signature
lines) then you probably shouldn't be attempting to code in Python or any
other structured language.   

A newsgroup post is quite structured -- just as a Python script is -- there
is the header, which contains the subject, the sender, the recipient, and
other protocol information; and the text body.  The text body is also quite
structured.  The text body can contain a quote from a prior message, the
added comments that make up the substance of the message, and a
signature/tag line.  If a person has great difficulty in differentiating
the various parts of a newsgroup message, then perhaps structured
programming languages are not for them.

Perhaps we should begin a new message passing convention.   One where the
substance of the post is contained within braces -- like C/C++ code?  Just
kidding!  LOL

-- 
--
There are several things that I will never be:
  *  I will never be attracted to females.
  *  I will never enjoy the company of others.
Exactly how these realities bode for my enemy, is not of my concern.