Ultraquirky Merch

“Calling a problem an issue does not make it less problematic.” Problem solving works better with a bit of reality therapy and a sharper focus. Let everyone know you are ready to be a “solver.”

“Your laundry will be as white as snow. Kesem” (Hebrew.) 1938 advertising poster for Kesem Washing Powder, produced by the Shemen Edible Oil Factory, Haifa, Israel. A. L. Monsohn Lithographic Press, Jerusalem. Designed by Franz Krausz. His wife, Annie Krausz, was the model for the poster. Public domain.

“The Pioneer” (Hebrew.) Graphic illustration for a poster or magazine cover promoting settlement in the Land of Israel, 1935. Designed by Steven Ir-Sahi. Public domain, via PPPA.

Walking behind the reapers, Ruth gleaned in the barley field of Boaz. Book of Ruth 2:2.

“Achieve Awesomeness.” Inspire those around you to achieve a new level of awesomeness. Facilitate a positive culture shift. Show everyone you’re a thought leader with a quirky sense of humor.

“Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time” It’s important to keep your sense of humor and look on the bright side when the well-ordered patterns of life go awry.

Samuel Krasno’s patent application for a mitten that made noise, 1940. The patent was assigned to Krasno Brothers Glove & Mitten Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Abstract interpretation of “acquire insight and clarity.”

Samuel Krasno’s patent application for a novelty mitten, 1941. The patent was assigned to Krasno Brothers Glove & Mitten Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“How to speak Streaming.” To be a streaming aficionado, you need to speak the lingo. Here’s a list of the 50 all-time best streaming vocab words to get you started. Stream on!

“How to speak Streaming.” To be a streaming aficionado, you need to speak the lingo. Here’s a list of the 50 all-time best streaming vocab words to get you started. Stream on!

Generative art interpretation of a magical garden. At center, symbolic winding road to peace (shalom in Hebrew)…with many twists and turns.

“Row Bot.” Okay, you can stop moaning now. I’m done. Share some punny robot word play with everyone to brighten their day and show off your quirky sense of humor.

“Stand back while I try a kluge.” Let everyone know you’re a “kluge master” with a quirky sense of humor…the go-to person for quick-and-dirty, inelegant solutions to problems that somehow, sort of, work.

“Anyone whose deeds exceed his wisdom, his wisdom will endure, but anyone whose wisdom exceeds his good deeds, his wisdom will not endure. Ethics of the Fathers 3:12.” (Pirkei Avot.)

“Chaos Engineer. Breaking things is my thing.” Let everyone know what you do…in five words…much quicker than an in-depth description of perturbation models. Keep pushing reliability, security, and resiliency while displaying your quirky sense of humor.

“Courage loading…” Let everyone know you’re revving up the courage to face the world bravely.

“Emotional Intelligence Professional. My skills are very soft.” Are you an EQ pro? Let everyone know you have the soft skills that are in high demand―self-awareness, self-management, empathy, the ability to build relationships.

Here’s a very graceful way of saying, “This project/code/task is messed up beyond repair.” Or, “this project/code/task is definitely coming along—it’s an iterative process.” It depends on whether your glass is half full or half empty.

“Open source is a hot mess.” Open source has been with us for over 20 years. Show your appreciation for all the hours it saved you, and all the trouble it brought. You hate it, you need it, you love it.

“Drone prayer. Fly high little guy.” Offer best wishes to your drone for a highflying and successful flight.

Elementary school children in Tel Aviv, Israel, during a recorder lesson. Black and white photo taken 1 June 1946 by Zoltan Kluger, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Colorized.

How much is that doggie in the window? Photo of pink meringue poodles in a bakery in Haifa, Israel.

Generative art interpretation of peace on Earth. Colorful abstract swirling spiral fractal design. Inspiration for your creativity and new ideas. Imagery for a better tomorrow.

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3.”

“I haven’t shut down yet, but I’m running in safe mode.” Let fellow techies know where you’re holding. Share geek-speak for “it’s a tough time, but I’m hanging in there.” It’s a great conversation starter and a way to show your quirky sense of humor.

“Agile Developer. I’m more flexible than a…” Are you an extreme, iterative, incremental developer? Let everyone know you’re a flexible team player—with a “twisted” sense of humor. Celebrate your agility.

Photo of an ancient arch in the courtyard of the Tower of David Museum located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the western edge of the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.

Interpretation of a sabra cactus in bloom in Israel’s Negev Desert.

“Get a Grip.” Remind yourself to take time for self-care and keep a positive attitude. Hang in there!

Photo of an archaeological site at Masada National Park, overlooking the Dead Sea in southern Israel.

“Lifelong Learner. I have micro-certifications and I know things.” Upskilling? Reskilling? Upleveling? Let everyone know you’re proud to be earning micro-certificates and digital badges.

“Unmask moral blind spots.” What a conversation starter! Encourage colleagues, friends, and family to share their thoughts on moral blind spots. Something good may come of it…greater sensitivity to issues of the day, work ethics, integrity, and values.

Photo of an archaeological site at Masada National Park, overlooking the Dead Sea in southern Israel.

Egged Bus Company slogan in Hebrew, “Travel Safely - Travel With Egged.” Poster circa 1935. Published by Egged Israel Transport Cooperative Society Ltd. Designed by Franz Krausz. Public domain, via PPPA.

“Even a cactus beard yields to Shemen Shaving Cream.” Poster published by the Shemen Edible Oil Factory, Haifa, Israel, 1930s. Public domain.