Today I began my vacation to Maryland, and thus far it’s been a pretty eventful trip. I mean, I saw some lady totally wipe out on the stairs, I was able to see a SR-71 up close, and I saw pretty much the most obvious sign I have ever had the privilege of personally witnessing. We flew into Dulles International Airport just outside of DC, and after the several-hour flight, I paid a visit to the gentlemen’s room to freshen up. After washing my hands, I turned to evaluate what given means had been provided for me to dry my dampened digits. Much to my dismay, I saw the dreaded bank of electric air dryers. Typically, this means that I just dry my hands on my jeans and have done with it. However, in what appears now to be a flash of inspiration motivated me to give the air dryers a chance. As I went to turn the thing on, a notice on the dryer caught my eye:”Do not operate with wet hands. Risk of electrical shock.” Are they serious? I mean, why install a bank of dryers if you can only use them when your hands are dry? Maybe I’m missing the point here, but I don’t think so. Needless to say, I saw an old-fashioned paper-towel dispenser (if it ain’t broke…) and I beat a hasty retreat after contributing in my own way to rainforest destruction.

In retrospect, I’m a little concerned about flying back to SLC as a result of this experience. Either I need to be concerned about a management that feels that such a sign is necessary, or I need to be worried about my fellow passengers who necessitate such a sign. In any case, the intruding reminders of the reality of the presence of idiots around me has once again made my world feel a little less safe.