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gordonzola ([personal profile] gordonzola) wrote2007-08-25 08:14 am
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One hand washes the other

One of the most striking things about the cheese conference takes place in the bathrooms. I think I commented on this last year, but hand washing is epidemic. There were longer lines for the sinks than the toilets. It was noticeably different than the average men's room. It made me proud. These are my fellow food professionals and they take food safety seriously. Unlike many other Americans.

I think I will somehow incorporate hand washing into my next cheese tattoo.

[identity profile] mistersmearcase.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 03:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I suspect I know no-one else who could use the phrase "my next cheese tattoo."

[identity profile] gordonzola.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 03:27 pm (UTC)(link)
There's only one other person I know of, but I heard he's dead.

[identity profile] jette.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
You just made me realize that if I ever got another tattoo it would incorporate hand washing.

[identity profile] gordonzola.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 06:57 pm (UTC)(link)
we'll start a club.

[identity profile] susansbeeswax.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 05:22 pm (UTC)(link)
My co-worker just the other day looked at me funny as we both left the bathroom at the same time when I said, "I'll get it [the door], I have a paper towel." I then had to explain that the front desk of the corporate library I used to work at was just outside the bathrooms & we could hear whether or not people washed their hands after flushing. Occasionally we could hear other... noises... as well (I felt really bad for the pregnant lady who would come running from her office every morning at 9 sharp for 9 or so weeks with morning sickness). We could also tell if it was an actual washing or if it was "the courtesy rinse." Since then I've always had to use my sleeve or a paper towel on bathroom doors that open inward. My preferred bathroom doors lead outward & can be opened just by leaning on them.

Squicky.

[identity profile] bugsinamber.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 05:53 pm (UTC)(link)
The number of guys that I observe leaving the loo without washing their hands never ceases to amaze or gross me out. I'm not a cheese monger nor am I germ-phobic, but I wash my hands a lot. It's just the right thing to do. Plus it was how I was raised.

People are nasty.

[identity profile] artnoose.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
When I set type and when I print, I am washing my hands MANY times a day. The only other person who probably washes more is my friend the preschool teacher.

[identity profile] nunofthat.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
I think I will somehow incorporate hand washing into my next cheese tattoo.

Thank you for rounding out my passel of freaky friends.

[identity profile] lnghnds.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 08:11 pm (UTC)(link)
The Soap and Detergent Association says we don't wash our hands enough.

In related news, Exxon says we don't drive enough and cows say eat more chiken.

I admit, though, that I have to agree that too many people aren't diligent about washing their hands in the restroom. Maybe we need a scarlet letter for them.

[identity profile] gordonzola.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
if it was actually a debateable subject I would have found an independent link. ;)

[identity profile] foodpoisoningsf.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
It actually is. Although I don't have a link for it, there's the theory that too much handwashing dries out the skin, creating cracks and more places for germs to hang out, and instead frequent rinsing/drying/moisturizing is the way to go.

Door handles anywhere: the worst.

As for men, if we blithely will put our dicks in someone else's mouth, is it compulsory to wash after merely touching it? I do, but that's because I handle food, and being seen washing my hands is not only being professional but good for my cred.

[identity profile] yooniehatesyou.livejournal.com 2007-08-26 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
i spent a lot of time at the store the other day to find a non-anti-bacterial liquid soap since walktheplank is up in arms about that stuff. if i understand the science correctly, the force of the water does more of the work than anything (the soap just lubes up the germs to get them out more efficiently). i learned my rinsing skills were not up to par from that high school science class black light test and have tried to be conscious of it ever since.

considering the bacteria required in cheese making, is the obesessive hand washing due to general food handling cconcerns or that the wrong germs may fuck up the flavor?

[identity profile] morty-baby.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
You have a cheese tat? Pics, pretty please with grated romano on top?

[identity profile] gordonzola.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
first page of my website, Sister:

http://www.gordonzola.net

[identity profile] chitinous.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
But did they have the Xcelerator dryers?

[identity profile] gordonzola.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
actually, yes, they did. ;)

[identity profile] chitinous.livejournal.com 2007-08-26 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
Awesome!

another profession's bathroom culture

[identity profile] saltbox.livejournal.com 2007-08-25 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
My professors used to always say that one good way of telling if someone else is also a chemist is that they always make sure to wash their hands before using the bathroom. I was like that for quite some time, too!

Re: another profession's bathroom culture

[identity profile] hematopoetic.livejournal.com 2008-03-30 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I wash first for myself and last for everyone else.

[identity profile] smushy.livejournal.com 2007-08-26 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
One of the most striking things about the cheese conference takes place in the bathrooms.

I guess it's just me, but I read this and completely agreed, but then the whole thing was about handwashing.