For those of you who do not know, I am a computer guy. I write software for a living. You may not realize this, but most advanced programming languages have modules built into them which allow the computer to generate random numbers. You may well ask, what is the value of having a computer randomly generate a number? After all, you would not want it to generate a random balance for your checkbook or a random number of miles shown on your GPS for the next rest stop. Well, random number generation is actually a very valuable thing. Where would computer games be without the ability to alter play so that each foray into the realm of imagination was unique? How boring it would be if each time you played a game it was the same. Random number generation is also used in testing of software and developing complex models and simulations. Sometime you feed a number to the random number generator to use as a basis for the amount of randomness you desire.
Boring! I hear you, but the interesting thing is that I have concluded that random number generators are apparently being used in household appliances. Some time back I purchased a new toaster. It was a good brand name – Cuisinart – so I thought it should be good. It also had a rather industrial look, which I liked (not that appearance has anything to do with functionality – but what can I say – they got me). In the entire time I have owned this item it has never prepared the same item, using the same setting, in the same fashion EVER. Case in point – mini bagel. Yesterday I pushed the BAGEL button on the front of the unit, set the unit on setting “3”. Bagel emerges with a few burnt areas and rather dark, but still eatable. This morning – same type bagel – out of the same bag. I pushed the BAGEL button, turned the setting down to “2.5” which shows lighter on that side of the number scale and darker on the higher numbers. Bagel emerges in the form of charcoal. Apparently the toaster has some sort of random number generator built into which determines the amount of charred wheat product I wish to consume. I have debated taking the unit apart to see if there is, in fact, anything attached to the little buttons and numeric dial or if the manufacturer simply placed them there to give me something to amuse myself with prior to retrieving the fire extinguisher.
