Finally, a Way to Track Your, Ahem, Business

Crystal-covered commode ideal for those flush with cash

(NEWSER) - Some people can't help pissing away money. And for them, a Japanese company has introduced a $130,000, crystal-covered toilet, reports CNET . Called the Satis, this luxury commode is covered with 72,000 Swarovski crystals, and is on display at the company's Tokyo showroom. "2011 was a really tough year for Japan, with the earthquake and tsunami disasters," says a rep for Lixil, the brand behind the crystal throne. "We wanted to do this to cheer everybody up just before Christmas." More»

One example: World’s fastest toilet takes on world’s fastest mobility scooter

(NEWSER) - It’s a question that would only be asked on Guinness World Records Day: What’s speedier, the world’s fastest toilet or the world’s fastest mobility scooter? The mobility scooter, apparently, which also took on the world’s smallest roadworthy car in today’s race in London. The scooter can hit speeds of almost 72mph, while the toilet tops out at just over 42mph. More»

Because employees are sick of waiting in lines for them

(NEWSER) - Many New York Starbucks are closing their bathrooms, because they’re sick of the long lines that tend to form outside of them. Though it’s “not a stated policy” of the corporation, many of the chain’s 190 Manhattan locations are making the move, sources tell the New York Post . “Starbucks cannot be the public bathroom in the city anymore,” one source said. More»

Vaccum commodes often don't work

(NEWSER) - The Navy Times has a tale of serious toilet woe aboard the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier, which is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf. The $6.2 billion carrier has 130 bathrooms with 423 commodes, but many of those commodes are frequently on the fritz at any one time. Some choice details:

• At least twice since the ship deployed in May, all 423 commodes were out of service simultaneously. Most times, it's just sections that go down.
• Sailors blame the ship's vacuum system; the Navy blames sailors flushing everything from clothes to hygiene products.

Field Museum facilities offer 'calming' art' and areas for kids

(NEWSER) - If you’re ever in Chicago and you really have to go, stop by the Field Museum—its restrooms are officially the best in the country. The natural history museum’s bathrooms have won the 10th annual “America’s Best Restroom” contest, run by restroom-supply company Cintas. So what’s so great about these toilets? Well, they’ve got environmentally-sound faucets and driers and are cleaned hourly—but that’s just the beginning, the Chicago Tribune reports. More»