Yougov has a survey on the great toilet lid question https://tinyurl.com/y7vljmcg with politics, gender, etc. No big differences in age or politics, gender does seem to be the biggest divide but its not that much.
Having taken "summer jobs" in the food service industry when I was a schoolteacher, and having heard stories from friends and acquaintances who also worked in kitchens . . . I wonder sometimes.
There was a television programme entitled Myth Busters, in which two guys (Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage) who specialised in special effects - like blowing things up - for film would take on various urban myths, and build things (often blowing them up) with the help of experts in whatever field was relevant to the particular myth. (This appeals to my inner science nerd and 12 year old boy.) Sometimes the myth was verified, sometimes (more often) it was exploded. The myth about aerosoled fecal matter settling on tooth brushes was demonstrated to be false.
On a related subject: Men who use unisex toilets, but don't put the seats down when they're done. In hospitals. In cancer infusion rooms. Because there aren't enough nasty things floating around for people with minimally functional immune systems to catch; we also have to put down the seats, which may be damp on the underside.
Are the men not also people with minimally functional immune systems? ... And if you piss on the seat (in whatever configuration), have the courtesy to clean it.
Yes indeed - but they don't clean them. And, judging by the sounds, or lack thereof, from the loo on the other side of the door when I'm waiting to get in, most of them still don't wash their hands, either. (And I've heard at least a half-dozen men whine, "How long are we going to have keep washing our hands?" Seriously?)
Not all of the whiners were immune-compromised, @Leorning Cniht, but several of them were. But, as H. L. Mencken has been paraphrased* as saying, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.”
*The paraphrase is pithier than the original: “No one in this world, so far as I know — and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me — has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.”
We have toilets that are open to the public where I work (when we were allowed to be open!).
There were occasional toilet accidents in the Ladies, where the toilet would get blocked or fail to flush properly - but some really gross and horrible incidents in the Gents - I'm talking poo plastered round the back of the toilet on the floor, which must have been quite difficult to achieve! The Gents also smelled horrible right out into the entrance hall at least once a week. We kept air freshener by the front desk.
We've also had to replace two broken toilet seats in the Gents (none in the Ladies).
For people who enjoy worrying, we could extend the discussion to books, such as books that may have been studied over a period of many days in the bathroom and then returned to the library. I do not offer an easy way to mitigate such fears.
For people who enjoy worrying, we could extend the discussion to books, such as books that may have been studied over a period of many days in the bathroom and then returned to the library. I do not offer an easy way to mitigate such fears.
I used to have a friend who kept a small basket of paperbacks within easy reaching distance - I always found that a little odd.
For people who enjoy worrying, we could extend the discussion to books, such as books that may have been studied over a period of many days in the bathroom and then returned to the library. I do not offer an easy way to mitigate such fears.
I understand that, if the period sitting on the loo necessary for bodily functions is regularly extended for the purpose of undisturbed reading, it can lead to haemorrhoids.
Unless the visit is solely for reading, and you put the lid down and sit on that.
For people who enjoy worrying, we could extend the discussion to books, such as books that may have been studied over a period of many days in the bathroom and then returned to the library. I do not offer an easy way to mitigate such fears.
I understand that, if the period sitting on the loo necessary for bodily functions is regularly extended for the purpose of undisturbed reading, it can lead to haemorrhoids.
Unless the visit is solely for reading, and you put the lid down and sit on that.
When I returned to school when mothering two children, the only place of peace and quiet to study was to lock myself in the bathroom with text books, lid down.
We always kept a supply of suitably light reading matter on a shelf in the bathroom, and at one point, D. had a giant crossword hung on the wall next to the loo, with a pen on a string beside it.
I have a friend who has a glass-front cabinet in the bathroom with suitable reading material. Keeps the books safe from poop spray, but ready when you need them.
There's crossword toilet paper. Sold as a novelty. Kind of thing you find in "junk catalogues", the kind that have all sorts of knick-knacks, clever gadgets, and personalized items.
I don't know what kind of pen you'd need to use, considering that putting a completed TP crossword to use would involve introducing ink to places unfamiliar with it...
I understand that, if the period sitting on the loo necessary for bodily functions is regularly extended for the purpose of undisturbed reading, it can lead to haemorrhoids.
Unless the visit is solely for reading, and you put the lid down and sit on that.
When I returned to school when mothering two children, the only place of peace and quiet to study was to lock myself in the bathroom with text books, lid down.
I read once of a woman who acquired a husband and step-kids, all at the same time. She had no experience of marriage or parenting, and it was all too much at once for her. She desperately needed time for herself. She finally tried getting the kids safely squared away, then taking a long bath with the door closed. In her case, it worked: no one complained, and she got the recuperating time she needed.
Hiding out from other people in your household in the bathroom is very normal, at least in the US. That does presume a private, indoor bathroom* that no one else will immediately need. Otherwise, door-pounding and yelling!
I popped into my local C of E village church (they are now open on Tuesdays and Saturdays 10am - 12 noon, for private prayer), and said Midday Prayer (silently).
They've carried out all the C of E's requirements/commandments AFAICS, and although there were only 5 people present whilst I was there, it was good to be back in a House of God.
Very cold and bright weekend here in South Africa -- walked up to buy some milk at the small supermarket and a church group was ladling out soup for people, everyone dancing to and singing Jerusalema with social distance and style. If you're having a bad weekend, this is what to see and hear.
Very cold and bright weekend here in South Africa -- walked up to buy some milk at the small supermarket and a church group was ladling out soup for people, everyone dancing to and singing Jerusalema with social distance and style. If you're having a bad weekend, this is what to see and hear.
That reminds me a bit of the Macarena, but using feet not hands and a better tune!
Some in my community has decided every Sunday night between 6 and 8 there will be a drumming circle at the lake open to one and all. I am assuming with mask and social distance. Not having a drum I may go and listen from my car.
Our choral group, who has been meeting every week via Zoom, is going to try to meet this Sunday evening at a local park. Masks and folding chairs mandatory; no group gatherings larger than six or so to a group; social distancing strictly enforced.
My apologies for putting some comments in the above post which relate to things on the British thread regarding la vie's job situation and television viewing Chez Nen. Insomnia messes with clarity of thought.
I understand that, if the period sitting on the loo necessary for bodily functions is regularly extended for the purpose of undisturbed reading, it can lead to haemorrhoids.
Unless the visit is solely for reading, and you put the lid down and sit on that.
When I returned to school when mothering two children, the only place of peace and quiet to study was to lock myself in the bathroom with text books, lid down.
I read once of a woman who acquired a husband and step-kids, all at the same time. She had no experience of marriage or parenting, and it was all too much at once for her. She desperately needed time for herself. She finally tried getting the kids safely squared away, then taking a long bath with the door closed. In her case, it worked: no one complained, and she got the recuperating time she needed.
Hiding out from other people in your household in the bathroom is very normal, at least in the US. That does presume a private, indoor bathroom* that no one else will immediately need. Otherwise, door-pounding and yelling!
I hope the choral group goes well, Miss Amanda. I'm sure it'll be amazing to sing together live after so much Zooming.
I'd be surprised if we sing. As Thornton Wilder said in The Bridge of San Luis Rey, singing never fails to sound so timid out in the open air. I think the idea is just to see one another in person once again. We miss each other.
Very cold and bright weekend here in South Africa -- walked up to buy some milk at the small supermarket and a church group was ladling out soup for people, everyone dancing to and singing Jerusalema with social distance and style. If you're having a bad weekend, this is what to see and hear.
Many years ago, when I was in RSA, I wrote to a friend of mine back in Canada that while I could send photos, I couldn't send the movement and sound of what I was experiencing. (The technology of the time wasn't as versatile and portable as now.) It was a wonderful, revivify experience in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
My local church opened up on Sunday, they also are on line, but not very well often with problems. They did everything right it seemed. masks, distance, no singing, exit back rows first, no hymn books, and more. Yet I still feel uncomfortable in a small space with no windows for an hour with other people. I should note it looked like only about 15 came. I am just not sure if or when I will want to worship in person. Our county cases are low, but it seems like new ones every day or so is our average. I think perhaps I am being over timid.
I'm back in the charity bookshop I volunteer in tomorrow. We're not opening to the public just yet, but it will be a good opportunity for me to sort out 'my' section and to see how we manage to dance past each other in a very small space. Looking forward to catching up with was different people too.
My local church opened up on Sunday, they also are on line, but not very well often with problems. They did everything right it seemed. masks, distance, no singing, exit back rows first, no hymn books, and more. Yet I still feel uncomfortable in a small space with no windows for an hour with other people. I should note it looked like only about 15 came. I am just not sure if or when I will want to worship in person. Our county cases are low, but it seems like new ones every day or so is our average. I think perhaps I am being over timid.
Although we can now open the church for private prayer, for the time being we'll stay closed. When the country moves to the next stage we'll be able to meet for worship, under similar restrictions, but we're not planning on holding services immediately - what we'll probably do is have the church open for a couple of hours on Sunday for prayer, and allowing people to come and go as they wish and are comfortable with.
Although we can now open the church for private prayer, for the time being we'll stay closed. When the country moves to the next stage we'll be able to meet for worship, under similar restrictions, but we're not planning on holding services immediately - what we'll probably do is have the church open for a couple of hours on Sunday for prayer, and allowing people to come and go as they wish and are comfortable with.
That idea appeals to me, testing the water in small stages, before jumping in.
We're concerned that there are people who will find coming out the front door of their house to be a big step, and they'll be coming into church with a lot of anxiety as well as desire to see their friends in the congregation. That anxiety about returning to more social interaction is likely to be more widespread than the members of our congregation, so our approach may also be a service to the wider community.
We're concerned that there are people who will find coming out the front door of their house to be a big step, and they'll be coming into church with a lot of anxiety as well as desire to see their friends in the congregation. That anxiety about returning to more social interaction is likely to be more widespread than the members of our congregation, so our approach may also be a service to the wider community.
Someone mentioned this in a break out coffee room after zoom church, how the church might support people’s mental health after covid. A couple of the pastoral team happened to be in the room and I now may be organising training sessions for them in mental health and possibly then a series of informal groups to discuss mental health and well-being more widely (I am a voluntary mental health adviser in the church; health lecturer/ex-nurse with bipolar disorder).
Our church has been meeting in one of the lounges (the church building itself was finally declared unsafe years after the quakes). Even before lockdown I found it too cramped and I couldn't hear anyway because they don't use a sound system - now it would be a total nightmare for me, so I don't go.
I miss it and the people.
I notice the Catholic church down the road is open for prayer.
Yesterday I was having one of my regular garden chats with one of the office bearers. This time the treasurer, so I mentioned that we would be as well to invest in some disposable face masks for people who turn up without one (when the time to open comes). His face was a picture, a dead give-away that he hadn't read the denominational guidelines which I have sent to all the elders.
"Do we have to wear a mask?"
"Yes, meeting indoors for more than a few minutes."
"Then I'm not coming!"
Turns out he has no intention of doing anything that involves a mask, even if that becomes mandatory in more areas of life.
I have a Zoom with all the elders tonight and I think the main thing is going to be to convince them that however they have been subtly flouting the rules in private, as a church we have to adhere to the letter. And when we have got these parameters worked out we can have fun being visionary and creative within them. I hope.
I don't think face covering at church is mandatory here in England (yet...), but the thought of trying to mumble through (or to just hear) Mass is indeed rather off-putting.
Given social distancing, no singing, no music, and no chit-chat over coffee after the service, anyway, I won't be surprised if very few people bother to turn up...
FatherInCharge hopes to have one weekday Mass, so I may just go along to that, and keep to online services on Sundays!
Competent sewers (i.e. not me) are making masks to be available at the front door of our church.
I have my own masks, and so wouldn't need one. I'm not clear, however, if the plan is that people keep their mask, or return it on the way out for laundering. If it's a give-away (free mask with every prayer session!) then I think it's a good idea. If not, maybe not so much....
As I'm not putting any effort into sewing these masks, I don't want to suggest they are given away (which may well be the plan anyway.)
Comments
Pssst...but it's creative, word-of-mouth marketing. And the food isn't served in the restroom.
I'd think people with compromised immune systems might have a little more self-preservation, but apparently I'd be wrong.
*The paraphrase is pithier than the original: “No one in this world, so far as I know — and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me — has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.”
There were occasional toilet accidents in the Ladies, where the toilet would get blocked or fail to flush properly - but some really gross and horrible incidents in the Gents - I'm talking poo plastered round the back of the toilet on the floor, which must have been quite difficult to achieve! The Gents also smelled horrible right out into the entrance hall at least once a week. We kept air freshener by the front desk.
We've also had to replace two broken toilet seats in the Gents (none in the Ladies).
I used to have a friend who kept a small basket of paperbacks within easy reaching distance - I always found that a little odd.
My sister has a complete set (I think) of Asterix books by her WC.
There are people who don't read whilst availing themselves of the sanitary facilities? That's what I find odd...
Kindle
Unless the visit is solely for reading, and you put the lid down and sit on that.
I don't know if this would correlate closely to the fate of mobile phones, but if the number that get flushed per year - 7 million - is anything to go by, it may not be a good idea. (https://www.canyoncreek.com/sustainable-living/hilarious-bathroom-statistics-you-didnt-know-2/)
Were the pages perforated near the spine?
When I returned to school when mothering two children, the only place of peace and quiet to study was to lock myself in the bathroom with text books, lid down.
I don't know what kind of pen you'd need to use, considering that putting a completed TP crossword to use would involve introducing ink to places unfamiliar with it...
I read once of a woman who acquired a husband and step-kids, all at the same time. She had no experience of marriage or parenting, and it was all too much at once for her. She desperately needed time for herself. She finally tried getting the kids safely squared away, then taking a long bath with the door closed. In her case, it worked: no one complained, and she got the recuperating time she needed.
Hiding out from other people in your household in the bathroom is very normal, at least in the US. That does presume a private, indoor bathroom* that no one else will immediately need. Otherwise, door-pounding and yelling!
ETA: Preferably with a lock.
For the first time since 15th March...
I popped into my local C of E village church (they are now open on Tuesdays and Saturdays 10am - 12 noon, for private prayer), and said Midday Prayer (silently).
They've carried out all the C of E's requirements/commandments AFAICS, and although there were only 5 people present whilst I was there, it was good to be back in a House of God.
Yes, here is is one Hielan’ coo.....
That reminds me a bit of the Macarena, but using feet not hands and a better tune!
That's excellent! What style and great hip action! Is it always performed with platefuls of food?
I'm very sorry to hear your news, la vie. I hope the lawyers give satisfaction.
Mr Nen and I survived "Unorthodox", I only needed a glass and a half of red. When I say "glass" I mean Nen Glass not Pub Glass.
I hope the choral group goes well, Miss Amanda. I'm sure it'll be amazing to sing together live after so much Zooming.
There's a delightful children's picture book on just this theme!
I'd be surprised if we sing. As Thornton Wilder said in The Bridge of San Luis Rey, singing never fails to sound so timid out in the open air. I think the idea is just to see one another in person once again. We miss each other.
Many years ago, when I was in RSA, I wrote to a friend of mine back in Canada that while I could send photos, I couldn't send the movement and sound of what I was experiencing. (The technology of the time wasn't as versatile and portable as now.) It was a wonderful, revivify experience in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
Thank you for the video link, ML.
That idea appeals to me, testing the water in small stages, before jumping in.
Edited to fix coding - Piglet, AS host
Our church has been meeting in one of the lounges (the church building itself was finally declared unsafe years after the quakes). Even before lockdown I found it too cramped and I couldn't hear anyway because they don't use a sound system - now it would be a total nightmare for me, so I don't go.
I miss it and the people.
I notice the Catholic church down the road is open for prayer.
"Do we have to wear a mask?"
"Yes, meeting indoors for more than a few minutes."
"Then I'm not coming!"
Turns out he has no intention of doing anything that involves a mask, even if that becomes mandatory in more areas of life.
I have a Zoom with all the elders tonight and I think the main thing is going to be to convince them that however they have been subtly flouting the rules in private, as a church we have to adhere to the letter. And when we have got these parameters worked out we can have fun being visionary and creative within them. I hope.
Hey ho, more stay at home for me
Given social distancing, no singing, no music, and no chit-chat over coffee after the service, anyway, I won't be surprised if very few people bother to turn up...
FatherInCharge hopes to have one weekday Mass, so I may just go along to that, and keep to online services on Sundays!
I have my own masks, and so wouldn't need one. I'm not clear, however, if the plan is that people keep their mask, or return it on the way out for laundering. If it's a give-away (free mask with every prayer session!) then I think it's a good idea. If not, maybe not so much....
As I'm not putting any effort into sewing these masks, I don't want to suggest they are given away (which may well be the plan anyway.)