Every time I use the restroom at my school, or anywhere with the auto-flushing toilets for that matter, I’m always glad when everything that was in my pockets is still in my pockets. I’m watching it flush with the momentary power of a tiny black hole, and thinking, “Wow. It’s a good thing that the car, house, office and mailbox keys with my USB jumpdrive that are hanging precariously from my back pocket stayed hanging precariously from my back pocket.” I’ve stood up a number of times at home and realised my drivers license and credit card were on the floor. Maybe once or twice I’ve dropped my mobile.

Every time. I think about it every time.

Funny thing about this post. I started it ages ago, got on to other things, and didn’t finish it. I’ve been meaning to write it for even longer (since I realised that I think the same thing every time). Just a few days ago, my mom says to me, “I was listening to NPR and someone said something about those stupid airport toilets that flush automatically, and how they always flush before you’re done! And they always do! I hate that!” Evidently there’s more than one issue to be had with these things.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m more than happy to not have to touch a public toilet, although I’ve always used my foot anyway. John Snow removed the handle from a water pump and began the eventual control gained over cholera. Hopefully no one has been drinking the water from public bathrooms anyway, but the same idea applies. The paper towel dispensers are even automated now. Wave your hand in front of it and it spits paper at you. I don’t know that anyone has bothered to research whether or not all of this automation has slowed or stopped the spread of any diseases, or whether it is just easing the minds of public restroom patrons.

Although it doesn’t seem to be doing a very good job of that either.