Go Ahead And Stick It In

The Q-Tip, that is. We've all seen the warnings, telling us not to stick them in our ears. Medical experts tell us that they are unnecessary, and that our ears naturally clear out excessive wax. They tell us of all the wonderful applications that Q-Tips are good for, but try to deny us the most natural usage. I understand that the company is probably just covering their ass, trying to prevent some perforated eardrum from bringing them down. But let's be honest -- earwax, or cerumen, for those of you who are so inclined, is gross. It messes with my head if I don't get it out of there. We've all seen somebody who has that yellow build up down in the canal, and you know how the thought of it right now kind of makes your nose wrinkle. Seriously, I understand that there are more approved of methods for removal, but none offer the daily convenience of the simple cotton swab. Perhaps a little history is in order, so we can feel better about our willfully ignoring medical recommendations.

Q-Tips were invented in the 1920's by Leo Gerstenzang. His motivation was to provide a safer alternative to the method his wife was using on their baby's ears - a toothpick stuck into a piece of cotton. Years were spent refining the product, which was originally named Baby Gays. In 1926, he changed the name to Q-Tips Baby Gays. Just so you know, the "Q" stands for quality, and if I'm going to stick anything in my ear, quality seems like a good choice.