Thanks, Slate!

So, random male coworker just dropped by, stuck his head in the door, and said: "So, what do you think? Asadasd or Asd?"

Me: {uncomprehending blank stare}

Him: "Floyd or De la Hoya?"

Me: {comprehending stare, catching my breath} "Well, from what I've seen, it really looks like De La Hoya is going to get BEAT."

Him: {Random boxing talk}

Me: {holding my own}

I would have just continued the stare uncomfortably long, having no clue what he was talking about, then looking like much less of a straight guy if I hadn't read THIS article at Slate.com yesterday.

Thanks for being my beard, Slate!

You know that you have wondered the same thing.

How do you clean soap?

How clean is bar soap in a public bathroom? Is it "self-cleaning," since it's soap? It seems like a health hazard to me.

It's dirty, but that doesn't make it a health hazard. Soap can indeed become contaminated with microorganisms, whether it's in liquid or bar form. According to a series of tests conducted in the early 1980s, bars of soap are often covered with bacteria and carry a higher load than you'd find inside a liquid dispenser. But no one knows for sure whether this dirty soap will actually transfer its germs to your hands during a wash.

Makes sense, right? I mean, sure, it's magic. But *good* magic. However, this next part freaked me out a little.

Even under the best conditions, washing your hands can actually increase the number of microorganisms present on your hands, thanks to contaminated surfaces near the sink, splashes of contaminated water, or improperly dried hands. (In general, it's safer to leave your hands unwashed than to leave them wet.)

I would sometimes rather go out with wet hands than touch the other, nasty-ass towels. I might have to do some research on this, get back with you.

PS - Happy New Year!