I hate paperwork. In fact, I think the only redeeming quality most of it has is the fact that it is combustible and therefore great for starting fires in my fireplace.

Manufacturers are measuring tool tolerances in microns, finishes are highly polished and possibly diamond coated, making contactless inspection the only acceptable method.

Last year at this time I wrote a column in which I criticized the practice of having calibration labs make acceptance decisions in their reports.

This one starts innocently enough, but is difficult to stop.