A big thank you to Gail for urging exploration of a virtually taboo subject 
in our society (sex would probably be easier -- perhaps we will get to that 
too in time).

My grandmother was a weekly bather, as were we all when I was a kid. I am 
the only one to cling to this practice, washing only what needs it each day 
and saving the whole body bath for Sunday mornings -- including hair washing.

When my grandmother had to go to a nursing home (this was back in 1970) 
they insisted that she take a daily shower. She was incredulous: "but I 
just had a shower yesterday!" It was only after my uncle met with 
management and insisted that they allowed her her customary "sponge 
bath".This daily bathing thing is deeply ingrained in our culture.

Having said that, I have spent exactly 2 days in New York City in my 
lifetime and it was time enough to understand where the impulse originated. 
I could emerge fresh from a shower and feel grungy in just a few hours (can 
you tell I'm a country mouse?).

Joel

At 12:46 PM 2/26/08 -0600, you wrote:
> > Frankly folks, I find some of this discussion a little......too earthy.
>
>Nothing like a little shaming to put an end to a useful discussion. And I
>was just thinking how wonderful it is when this listserv becomes an
>electronic "salon". I would go so far as to say that your insinuation here
>is a bit offensive, Tony.
>
>We really need to trust that everyone on the list is smart enough to
>figure out when they are in danger of offending their co-workers and need
>to wash. Living more sustainable is going to mean challenging many of the
>behaviors that have been marketed to us by corporations and media. It's
>going to bring up the ick factor for many of us. But if we don't have an
>honest and open dicussion, how can we ever hope to change things?
>
>Gail
>
>
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