As a rule, I love new technology. And was quite impressed when, maybe 18 years ago, I had my first encounter with light-sensing toilets, urinals and sinks at an Iowa reststop.

And have been pleased to see these fun marvels showing up in more and more places.

But today, after our boring three-hour meeting at the federal agency, I discovered a downside.

You know how you walk into a public toilet with your hands full with a $8002.99 coffee mug, and a planner with a stack of new handouts almost two centimeters thick, and you have to set things down to care of pressing business?

And the only semi-clean flat place around is the sink?

Well, laying the handouts and open planner across the corner of the basin is not a good idea when the water comes on automatically.

Just an important tip for those of you who have yet to make that mistake.