(Mori)Bus Philosophorum: The Blunder Bus

Sometimes I just have to shake my head at the conversations I get drawn into during my commute.  I have a tendency to latch on to teachable moments, but I’m seriously getting better at biting my tongue.  It’s so necessary because, well, you’ll see.  Two recent gems:

Commuter 1: Geez, it’s too cold to be waiting out here today.
Me: Yeah, it’s brutal.  But at least the sun’s still out.  The days finally seem to be getting longer.
Commuter 1: I noticed it’s been light out later.  That’s crazy!  Why is that?
Me: Um…

Commuter 2: My son’s learning about going green at school so yesterday he unplugged all the appliances.
Me: Oh, that’s cute.  And helpful!
Commuter 2: And he’s been bugging me about recycling.  He was talking about recycled toilet paper, but that’s too much for me.  Recycled toilet paper?  Who would ever buy that?
Me: I do, sometimes.  It’s a little more expensive but…
Commuter 2: Doesn’t it seem gross, though?  How do they even get the toilet paper back to recycle it?  I mean, once it’s flushed.
Me: Um…