"Ocean: A body of water occupying two-thirds of a world made for man - who has no gills." - Ambrose Bierce
Backstage room in Glasgow, Scotland ... the 02 Academy.
5:39 PM, listening to the Blood Red Shoes sound check.
Waiting for Dave Hause to shower so we can go find some food.
The current question posed to me at the moment: Should I wipe the top off of the half-drunk "floater" bottle of water on the table in front of me...then drink. Or, do I set this computer down and lean over to the 2 cases of unopened water bottles on the side of the couch.
I have a slight ethical objection to opening the new water while there are 3 half-drunk ones with-in my eye sight. Early in elementary school I participated in a workshop that was designed to terrify me about the worlds fresh water problems. About how people, specifically Americans, grossly overuse our fresh water supply with things like long hot showers, gigantic washing machines and backyard pools. Their presentation was profound to my young mind, and with the exception of the occasional long, hot shower...I have become uber conscious of it. This is why I'm willing to risk contracting an oral disease by sharing a mouthpiece with some member of my band or crew. Doing my part, just a little.
But then, the older I get, the more I fear little colds and infections and such. I've definitely heard of a lot more 32 year olds dying then I did 25 year olds. Which makes me more reticent of taking that disease leap of faith and just opening the new bottle, ensured of its sterility. The added environmental benefit is that I can personally guarantee it's completion, knowing that those 16 ounces of precious fresh water have gone to good use. If Scotland had recycling, I'd certainly do it, but they don't...so that's an environmental impact I must ignore at the moment.
I also think that making yourself available to a certain level of dirt and disease is positive for the overall functioning of your immune system. Just saying.
The most interesting thing to me, personally, about posing this question is...how casual my life must be at the moment to even consider such a quandary. But on the other hand, maybe it's the little things that a lot of people ignore that could make a difference if said thoughts were collectively active. Who knows, that leads to a totally new set of questions.
I drank the floater, by the way...
