Things I Don't Understand

I'm a fairly intelligent person, but there are some things that happen that I just don't get. Some things that I don't understand, like how a computer processor works, are things that I'm sure I could understand if I had someone explain them to me. But, there are certain behaviors and decision making paradigms that are waaay outside of my ability to get. Here are a couple that I've been thinking about lately:

1. Veganism. I can kind of get vegetarianism for a couple of reasons. Most animals raised for food are treated horribly, and live short, miserable lives. If you don't know about farms that raise animals humanely, I can see taking a moral stance and not eating meat in that instance. Or, if you just don't think animals should be killed to supply people with food (that one's a bit of a stretch, but still within the realm of my ability to comprehend.) I don't, however, see anything wrong with eating eggs and dairy products. Again, if you don't want to eat things from factory farmed animals, there are plenty of sources for eggs and milk that allow their animals access to sunshine and pasture. Obtaining milk and eggs does no harm to the animals that produce them. Cows need to be milked or they get very uncomfortable and make noise to get attention to take care of their discomfort. Chickens lay eggs whether you want them to or not. Not all eggs end up as a baby chicken (just like not all human eggs end up as a baby person). I also don't understand why vegans eschew wool. Sheep need haircuts. They can get overheated in summer if not sheared in the spring (at least from what I understand. I'm not a sheep farmer, so can't say for certain). It also has sanitary concerns for pregnant sheep. If not sheared before giving birth, the fleece can carry pathogens and bacteria that will be introduced into the ewe and the lamb, and also gets in the way. So, giving a sheep a haircut isn't any worse than giving a person a haircut. And turning the sheep's wool into something useful seems nothing but beneficial to me. I just don't get it.

2. Stalkers. What crazy thing is going on in a person's head makes them think following someone around and threatening them is a good idea? This came up because the author of a blog I read mentioned that she has a stalker. You can see a link to the blog on the right hand side of this page. It's the YarnHarlot. Apparently she inspires strong emotions in people. Which, I must say, seems a bit ridiculous. She's a knitter. She knits. And she writes about it. She maintains a blog and writes books. About knitting. I find her funny and witty, and I enjoy reading the things she writes. Even if her sense of humor doesn't appeal to yours, I don't know why you'd want to stalk her or threaten her. I mean, really? She's no threat to you or your existence. She's not a controversial political figure who might actually enact some law or other that would directly affect your well being enough that you would go crazy and send threatening letters. She knits. And writes about. I don't get it.

Disclaimer: Points one and two are in no way related or to be equated. I think stalkers are way crazier than vegans. I'm just saying, I don't get either one. The above statements are merely my personal thoughts, and are in no way intended to be insulting or inflammatory.