The idea has been kicking around for decades but New York has finally gone and planted a high-tech toilet on a public thoroughfare, Madison Avenue no less. The New York Times this morning has a detailed review of this pay-per-use potty.
Seems it was only a matter of time before toilet technology evolved sufficiently to play on the streets of the Big Apple. But the potential for unintended consequences seems great. Try these five:
1. Guinness: Not the beer (although that also seems inevitable) but the book, as in the Guinness Book of World Records. Which frat will be first to see exactly how many college students can cram into this reportedly spacious water closet?
2. Just can’t wait: According to the Times story, upon entry the door of the latrine remains unalterably open and its interior fully visible to passersby for up to half a minute, a wait that will severely test the old adage about having to go when you have to go.
3. Just won’t leave: Fifteen minutes is the max one is allowed to complete one’s business before the door slides open, but nowhere in the story is it addressed that when you aren’t done you aren’t done. Who’s going to shoo the lingering squatters from the lavatory? And, again, there is the matter of the passersby passing by.
4. Beats the street: Never mind the dawdlers; what about those for whom this outhouse will look like the governor’s mansion?
5. Only a quarter: That’s lots cheaper than a motel. Need I say more?
Feel free to contribute to the list.
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