I have such a double standard. Today I was in the computer lab working on some stuff. During exam time, we had bought a bag of pretzel sticks but had not gotten around to eating them. So today, the bag was popped open and there were pretzel sticks for everyone. I took a handful to bring back to my computer. Then I realized I couldn't just place the pretzel sticks on the desk--no, would be too dirty and disgusting. So, pretzel sticks still in hand, I walked all the way across the lab to get myself a serviette. Along the way, I dropped a couple of pretzel sticks. No matter, I thought, I'll just pick them up on the way back. After I had put the serviette on my desk and placed all the pretzel sticks neatly on it, I walked back to pick up the pretzel sticks from the oft-trodden carpet that probably hasn't been cleaned (or even vacuumed) in months and popped them in my mouth without the slightest hesitation. Apparently, in my mind it's ok to eat pretzel sticks that have fallen on the floor (and for a period of time that violates the "ten second rule") but I can't eat pretzels off counter space people rarely ever use. I suppose, if it came down to it, I'd rather eat off this counter than a lot of things though. Take, for example, the couch in the computer lab: eating off the counter or the couch, something that people's butts have been on (albeit--hopefully--separated by clothing) for extended periods of time, wouldn't quite be a tough decision. Then again, a butt-heated couch could potentially keep warm foods warm...