In the region of Northern California know as “Silicon Valley,” it is a custom for males in the technology industry to dress far younger than their age — t-shirts and short trousers often suffice in the workplace. Workers will often play with toys during business meetings, pretending to pay attention while fiddling with mobile devices, laptop computers, or even hand-held video games. It is not expected to make eye contact, participate in basic social skills, or even refer to colleagues by anything other than the familiar “dude.” Strange customs, indeed.