I worked with db2 people back in 98 and they talked about shards. They worked down in some cave in the basement that smelled like folgers coffee, feet, and camel filter bbq sauce. I would offer them a roll of TP each and every time they said the word. Their office chairs had seat-cushions that looked like they were pulled out of a dumpster fire, worn out and melty looking. With all the red meat, nicotine, and caffeine, Im assuming someone sharded there at least once. Maybe that is what got those seat cushions all worn out.