The washroom outside my lab had an upgrade recently. Automatic toilets. Similar to the sensor-controlled urinals. An interesting concept, but my first thought as I was sitting there doing my business was... what if it doesn't work properly? With normal toilets, you can always count on the cause-and-effect consequences when you pull the lever. But as soon as you add the "convenience" of a sensor-guided flush, you can't help but to wonder. Besides, I sometimes like to flush before I sit just in case of splash-ups. Well, it's toilet water either way, but I'd prefer to think that it's cleaner water after a couple of flushes. I tried getting the sensor to trigger by flashing my hand in front of it, but it won't go.

I also noticed another handle bar behind the toilet. Whew! I can't tell you how many times I've needed to reach back there for support after a mad weight-loss session... this is on top of the support provided by the handicap bar next to the toilet.