Open Mic

Originally posted May 31, 2006

Now taking requests. Here's your chance to speak up and let me know what you've been itching to have me blog on. What is it?? Comment and let me know. And don't give me something vague like "dog fur" or "aluminum cans." Get a little more specific, please. I'm not out of blog topics, but do want to see what you'd like to read. So c'mon...go for it. Pick my brain! Anything you want. I'll try to have open mic once a month.

Mrs. Duhamel commented: Here's one for ya, my mom read somewhere that scientists believe that the hole in the ozone layer will be closed by the year 2020. What are your thoughts?

Kim commented: Wow, well I'm glad we started with something light.

To aid me in my answer, I consulted google. A quick search using "ozone 2020" brought up scads of info...and interestingly enough, very divergent opinions on the issue.

It seems that the British scientist who first discovered the hole in the ozone above the Antarctic fears another hole may develop above the Arctic by 2020. At the same time, Japanese scientists are saying that the movement to reduce greenhouse gases may cause the hole to begin shrinking in 2020 and completely close up by 2050.

Here are my thoughts:

1. More information is needed. How quickly does the ozone layer "heal?" They're talking about seeing a measurable reduction in the hole in less than 15 years. Is that enough time, considering we have not yet seen a dramatic reduction or improvement in products/vehicles/machinery/etc. that emit ozone-depleting gases? Hybrid cars are not the majority as yet, but I believe they will lead the way in a) cutting America's dependence on foreign oil and b) decreasing the amount of "shmutz" that goes into our air. Solar and wind power, as well, are two things I believe we should be developing more for mass use, and on an affordable level. So, will there be an ozone-hole shrinkage by 2020 and complete closure by 2050? Perhaps. But perhaps not. It all depends on how quickly the ozone can heal itself, and on whether we decide to cooperate with the Earth, rather than exploit it. Regardless, less than 15 years doesn't seem like enough time.

2. I read the other day that scientists are speculating it was much warmer in the Arctic ages ago than previously believed. I think I remember the description was "Florida-like," with temps in the mid-70s. This has almost nothing to do with the discussion, except to point out that there's so much scientists still don't know about global warming (or, as one of my bosses believes, the lack thereof). All these predictions and hypotheses are based on available information, and as discoveries are made, they are altered to fit the facts. They're still uncovering "the facts." So, all said and done, again, do I believe the ozone hole will shrink by 2020 and close up by 2050?

I'd like to say yes. But based on consumption patterns by major countries like the U.S. and China, I don't think so. People are greedy, and if they can't "see" an ozone hole, they're not going to do anything about it until the threat is right on their doorstep. As they say, "Out of sight, out of mind."

Shoot, some people still don't even recycle their phone book. Things are mighty environmentally friendly out here in California, but it's not the same everywhere else. We have to remember that when forming our conclusions about what will stem the epidemic of global warming.

Mrs. Duhamel commented: That was very helpful and informative! I will copy and post this for my mom!

Lacey commented: I think I would like you to talk about which side of the toliet protector is suppose to up face up...there is a shiny side and a dull side.....and i don't understand which one to face up...and I think about everytime I used a restroom......

Dom commented: oooh! in addition to lacy's(or was it lacey? whatever, sorry girl!) comment about toilet seat covers, i have this ongoing debate with shannon and tara about which direction it should be placed in. i say the the hinge of the flap goes at the bottom- it only makes sense! public toilets are shaped funny and have those odd thick parts at the bottom of the seat- just like the toilet seat covers! its a perfect fit! shannon and tara BOTH say the the hinge goes on the top- that's dumb! then that leaves some of the thick part exposed! whatever, i know i'm right 'cause it just do happens that, on my trip, i was in a public bathroom with toilet seat covers (yes... in europe, this is a rarity, which is probably why they had this next part) and there was actually a diagram of how to use one. to continue the bathroom debate- toilet paper over? or under the roll? i definitely say OVER!

more topics later- OH SO TIRED!

why don't you call me, (NO quotations) you little poo butt?!

Kim commented: Personally, I place the hinge at the top, but mostly out of habit. I could see how it makes sense to do it the other way, but as long as you don't tear the entire middle out, the thing should cover the entire seat anyway. By "thick part" I assume you mean that little opening at the bottom of the seat because public toilet seats are shaped like an upside-down U. Well, all technicalities aside, I'm pretty happy as long as the seat is not soiled by a previous person and the protector does its job.

As for toilet paper, that's easy. Everyone knows it should go over the top of the roll. If it goes under, sometimes it drags along the wall, and you have no idea what's been on that wall! Maybe someone coughed on it!!

Seeing as how you left this comment on 6/29, I didn't call because I was still on vacation and didn't have reception! And when I did, it costs $$ to call while roaming.