Season 14, Episode 3 (Down & Dirty/Earthquake)

Did Kari really say "The best place to be is outside"?

That's not what I was taught. Basically, outside can actually be more dangerous due to falling power lines and other objects. In the areas of San Francisco with high rises it's even worse--windows can pop out of their frames and shatter when they hit the ground. This can generate a lot of shrapnel at ground level.

Getting hit with falling debris can kill, too.

Basically, if you're outside, stay outside. If you're inside, unless you know for sure that outside is clear, stay inside. In both cases, take cover if you can.

I'm with Blazer, it was a terrible episode for a germaphobe! I mean I liked the episode, but I was already paranoid about germs BEFORE watching the bathroom myths, now I'm even worse!

I'd put the stall myth below the toothbrush myth; these germs are going on your tush, not in your mouth. I'd put the hand drier myth above it. Don't know why, exactly; maybe it has to do with the fact that those are other peoples germs being blown all over the bathroom, not just mine.

I had a couple of thoughts while watching the quake segments:

-I'd bet that if they looked closely, they'd find a lot of unreinforced masonry buildings in and around the Bay Area. Not all were destroyed in the '06 quake, and not all of those build right after it would meet current codes. Even in my little town a couple hours north, most of the buildings downtown have little signs affixed to the wall just as you go in: "warning: this building is constructed of unreinforced masonry". With one or two execptions they all pre-date the 06 quake, and even the ones that were damaged and had to be rebuild bear those signs.

-I was glad to see that they gave the ToL so little creedence that they didn't even bother with it. Although I did note that even that rickety coffee table stood up to cinder blocks falling on it, meaning you'd be safer under it than next to it.

That was an interesting episode. I liked that they used a large sample but the funny thing is, I like using paper towels instead. I think it also makes the wall under the dryer a bit more dirtier.

I do admit, I do use the second stall but I think it really depends on how many stalls there are in a bathroom.

Liked the earthquake one and I think it's best to be under the table but it should depend on how many power lines there are and where you are at as to going outside.

in the earthquake one, I believe the new rule is "find the closest cover" because they have recognized that in an earthquake, you aren't gonna be going for a stroll.

yes, they blew SOMETHING out during the first test. not clear whether it was an air line, a lift bag, or a lateral bag.

as for the bathroom one, I really think they should have done a starting swab, too.

I'm the guy who skews the results - if I DO require seated facilities in a public restroom, I typically use the closest available stall. ("available" assumes not obviously nasty)

OR, the thought of the woods being 'cleaner' enters your mind.... just watch out for poison ivy ;D

more of a before picture - to see if the restroom in its natural environment showed any difference in cleanliness.

and as for the poison ivy/oak - I understand it's been done.

If I find a toilet with used TP in the bowl, I just flush it. If I find the reason for the TP in the toilet, I try the next stall in line...

I just can't stop thinking how funny it is that people are freaking out over germs all the time. Do you not realize that keeping everything squeeky clean all the time actually increases the risk of you becoming sick from contact with bacteria? If you try to stay away from bacteria altogether, once you DO encounter something, your immune system won't be equipped to handle it. If you don't use it, it goes to waste.

That being said, I'm not the type that goes looking for bacteria bombs, but I'm not squeamish either. If I have the choise, I'm choosing the stall that looks cleanest, just like everybody else. Not so much to get away from bacteria, but to get away from offending sights and smells.