Blog

Jan 21, 2024

CBF Morning Run: Just how is toilet paper made and other deep questions

Happy Wednesday morning, Columbus. We're halfway there, friends. The weekend,

Happy Wednesday morning, Columbus.

We're halfway there, friends. The weekend, and the annual Columbus Arts Festival, is in sight.

Can't wait.

Now, let's get down to business.

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Here's what you need to know:

Dublin-based Dasi Simulations' AI-guided 3D modeling software for visualization and planning of heart valve replacement surgery has received FDA clearance, which means wider marketing, use in more procedures and insurance reimbursement.

Mike Lusk, who was appointed one of the original members of the Downtown Commission, has seen countless, impactful projects come before the commission in his nearly three decades. Here are his thoughts on the ongoing evolution of the city's central core.

Sofidel, which employs 520, opened in 2018 and by 2020, production had nearly tripled, growing by 262% from that first year. Demand hasn't abated as 2022 was up 382% versus 2018.

Columbus-based homebuilder M/I Homes and Pharmavite, a national vitamin brand company coming to New Albany, have signed on to support Pelotonia's operational costs. Pelotonia's funding partners help pay the nonprofit's day-to-day costs so that 100% of donations go to cancer research.

This Day in History

1912, a big day in turning the stuff of dreams into war machines. On this day, the U.S. Army began to test machine guns mounted on new-fangled airplanes.

1939, a big day in touring a former colony. On this day, George VI and Elizabeth became the first Britain king and queen to visit the United States.

1975, a big day in home recording choices. On this day, Sony introduced the Betamax videocassette recorder. Ooh. Which would win out – the VCR or the Betamax?

Let There Be Songs To Fill The Air

My wife and I watched the final episode of Ted Lasso the other night. I was perfectly happy with the ending. Bittersweet, for sure.

While we watched, I also listened to the music playing in the background. I would love the job of creating soundtracks.

Anyhoo, one of the bands highlighted in this last episodes was Manchester's own, The Stone Roses.

A song on the band's self-titled 1989 album is called Fools Gold, and it is among my favorites.

Try not to groove to this tune. I dare you.

"These boots weren't made for walking. The Marquis de Sade never made no boots like these.

"Gold's just around the corner, breakdown's coming up round the bend.

"Sometimes you have to try to get along, dear; I know the truth and I know what you're thinking.

"Down, down, down. I'm standing alone, I'm watching you all. I'm seeing you sinking.

"I'm standing alone, you're weighing the gold, I'm watching you sinking.

"Fool's gold."

And Now For The Weather …

Look for a high of 76 degrees, mostly clear skies and a 20% chance of rain.

For more on your daily and weekend forecast, check out NBC4, where the weather experts still prefer the Betamax experience.

The Last word

To be honest, I have no idea how a good number of things are made.

I have no clue what goes into making an iPhone, for example. How do they fit all that stuff into such a small package?

And those apps I use every day? No clue.

TVs? I still have no clue how something filmed in California shows up on my high-def screen thousands of miles away.

What about a microwave oven? Or a car engine?

Don't ask me. My ignorance knows no bounds.

On Tuesday I picked up a story Dan Eaton wrote about an Italian company called Sofidel, which opened up a plant in Circleville in 2018 to make, among other things, toilet paper.

(You can read the story above in the Here's What You Need to Know section.)

Look, I've been using the stuff since I was a young lad and have a basic understanding how paper is manufactured.

And I know that not all toilet paper is equal.

For example, we stayed at a rental house in Northern California last week whose owner supplied the one bathroom with two rolls of single-ply paper.

Sigh.

The first thing we did was ask my sister, who lives in the area, for a roll of decent toilet paper. She delivered in spades.

Anyhoo, after I read Dan's story, I asked him a simple question: How is toilet paper made?

He looked up from his computer screen and told me it involves a lot of pulp, a lot of water and a whole lot of pressing and rolling.

And apparently a bit of magic. Just like a television.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.