#!/bin/bash

# get the username parameter
while getopts ":l:" options; do
  case $options in
  l ) username=$OPTARG;;
  esac
done

# correct the index so the next unattributed parameter is first
shift $(($OPTIND - 1))

# read the name of the machine on which to operate
hostname=$1

# collect all further arguments as a command to execute on server
shift 1
command=$@

# if we are to execute locally, use local shell
if [ "$username" = "$USER" -a "$hostname" = "localhost" ]; then
  eval sh -c \'$command\'
else
  eval ssh -l $username $hostname \'$command\'
fi