In Python, all method functions normally get called with the object astheir first argument. New-style classes can specify that some methodsshould instead be 'static' methods: they don't receive the object asone of their arguments.

On the face of it this is a bit peculiar. Given that Python hasordinary (module-level) functions, why would you ever want to design astaticmethod instead (apart from misplaced object-oriented purity)?

What I use static methods for is as a way

I am fond of giving everyone who tells me they're thinking of beingsystem administrators a rant disguised as a question:

When things are automated in the future, there are going to be threesysadmin jobs left: the secretary filling in forms, the stock clerkswapping the backup tapes and refilling the printer paper, and thetroubleshooter they call in when there's problems. Which one do youwant to be?

I firmly believe that all routine system administration will beautomated sooner or later (yes, despite vendors