A Slanted Measuring Cup
Sticking indoors inspecting refrigerator lists was plenty for one morning, so I marched down the sidewalk to the neighborhood laundromat for some midday air. But right on the stainless-steel folding counter, sheer negligence was sitting in plain view! A transparent plastic laundry detergent measuring cup was tilted completely on its side, rolling around in a pool of dried powder beside a box of soap flakes. Unacceptable! A measuring vessel cannot calibrate precise ounces while sprawling horizontally across clean metal. I marched across the tabletop, planted my brown boots firmly, and gripped the plastic handle with both hands. With one mighty heave and an exasperated grunt, I snapped it upright, tapping the circular base squarely down until it stood parallel with the edge of the detergent box. Household chemistry requires basic discipline.

