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The case of disappearing spoons-Disposable spoons, stirrers/metal dectectors as another solution
- Biji T Kurien, Yaser Dorri (18 January 2006)
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Re: The case of disappearing spoons-Disposable spoons, stirrers/metal dectectors as another solution
- Trevor Watts (19 January 2006)
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Another possible solution to teaspoon migration.
- David Hunt (26 January 2006)
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Re: Another possible solution to teaspoon migration.
- Peter Llewellyn (10 February 2006)
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Missing Spoons, Socks, & Staplers
- Gary A Moore (4 March 2007)
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Biji T Kurien, Senior Research Scientist Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, USA, 73104, Yaser Dorri
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We read with interest the article (1) regarding the disappearance of spoons from the work place. We assume the teaspoons were used for stirring tea/coffee in the tearoom. Disposable stirrers/teaspoons would be an ideal substitute for stainless steel teaspoons if the sole purpose was stirring tea/coffee. It is possible that the teaspoons go missing because of the attractiveness of the stainless steel teaspoons that have been used. We do not have much of a problem in this aspect in our work place, perhaps owing to the use of disposable spoons/forks/stirrers. For the sole purpose of stirring tea/coffee only stirrers are used. Perhaps the use of disposable spoons/stirrers (some places use wooden stirrers) would be the easiest solution to the mystery of disappearing spoons. This also reduces the chore of washing and keeping a tab on them (five months spent to keep track of the spoons is quite a lot of time). Even losses would not be as much when disposable spoons are used. Immobilization, by chaining teaspoons (Trevor Watts-Spoon Solutions, BMJ.com, Dec 23rd, 2005), may not be very practical and actually may become complicated when a number of users arrive at the same time (even with multiple chained spoons)(we do not wish to disrupt Dr. Watts' business plan of making chained teaspoons). Forcing staff to bring their own (Trevor Watts-Spoon Solutions, Dec 23rd, 2005) is okay, but people tend to forget often and the problem will tend to continue. Or maybe the authors should find a way to use metal dectectors to solve the case of the disappearing spoons. Hope this is not too much of advice and we wish all future chain- spoon manufacturing businesses all success. Reference 1. Megan S C Lim, Margaret E Hellard, and Campbell K Aitken BMJ 2005; 331: 1498-1500. Competing interests: None declared |
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Trevor Watts, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Periodontology King's College London Dental Institute, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
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I am greatly indebted to Drs Kurien and Dorri for mentioning the possibility of using disposable stirrers. This permits me to advise that it is a potential solution which CRUMBS unfortunately rejected, because of the expected corollary of a Spectre Of Displaced Stirrers Leaving Awful Weariness (SODSLAW). Unfortunately, when you want to find a stirrer in a hurry, SODSLAW ensures that the packet is empty because the stirrers have been removed by colleagues wishing to use them for other purposes, such as tooth-picking or wedging shut a loose cupboard door. Nor do I for one moment think that Drs Kurien and Dorri have any link with the well-known Oklahoma-based megabillion dollar multinational company called International Disposable Stirrers Inc. It must be just a coincidence. But if they do, I wish them well in the business. Best wishes, Trevor Watts. Competing interests: As before |
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David Hunt, Station Supervisor London Underground
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May I humbly suggest the instigation of an organisational issue of teaspoons to individuals. Perhaps a small deposit could be required in order to provide an incentive for the care of said implement. Competing interests: None declared |
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Peter Llewellyn, Anglican Priest Yarram Victoria Australia 3971
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Lim et al. extrapolated startling statistics of the potential worldwide loss of workplace teaspoons, but did not offer supporting evidence as to where the missing teaspoons went. Only one subsequent contributor, Darton, K, even considered the possibility that they may return, but she offered no suggestions about their intermediate location. They didn't come to me, that's for sure. As a theologian I can only conclude they go away permanently, and that means either to hell or to heaven. The former option can immediately be ruled out. There are no teaspoons in hell, for the same reason that there is no toilet paper. Therefore all the missing teaspoons are in heaven, where there is a blessed collection of odd socks, safety pins and coins suitable for use in parking meters, but absolutely no wire coathangers. Competing interests: None declared |
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Gary A Moore, Aerospace Engineer Northrop Grumman Azusa California 91702 USA
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The answer to where the missing spoons is, in most cases, they are not being stolen but are instead being tossed in the trash. That is what I found in my own household when I discovered metal spoons in our garbage, often still in disposable yogurt cups. In addition, household members threw out spoons that had been damaged in garbage disposals to conceal evidence of carelessness. Related issues are the disappearance of socks and staplers. I found in my own household while emptying trash baskets from various bedrooms that other household members discarded my socks when they became mingled with their own laundry. In my workplace, we have a chronic problem with staplers going missing in the copier/laser printer room. One day, I was frustrated by a lack of a stapler when I happened to glance down and caught a glimpse of the familiar glossy black texture of a stapler. Sure enough, it had been tossed in the trash, apparently just because it had jammed. The root cause of the disappearance of tea break room spoons, socks, and copier room staplers all appears to be not outright dishonesty but laziness, thoughtlessness, and lack of consideration for others. Competing interests: None |
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