Going in Style

In today's miserable housing market, it behooves us to do whatever we can to increase the value of our homes so that we will take the smallest possible loss when we eventually have to sell them. Experts say that two of the best ways of increasing that value are modernizing the kitchen and updating the bathrooms.

With that in mind, I call your attention to this feature from Popular Mechanics Magazine: The World's 18 Strangest Bathrooms. If you can get past the huge number of annoying ads that interrupt the flow of the slideshow, you will find amazing bathrooms like these...

The Space-Age Toilet on Board the International Space Station:

Designed for an environment with no gravity, when you might be discomfited by things floating about that you'd rather stayed in the toilet, the space-age toilet is a truly amazing system. My only question is what the "squeezer" on the left is for. I don't think I really want to know, though.

The Chinese Bulletproof Bathroom ...

If you've always wanted to poop in a bunker, this is the place for you. Part of a series of anti-terrorism products marketed in China after 9/11, it's said to be impervious to explosives and small-arms fire. Just the place for a relaxing stop during a terrorist attack, when you'd probably be ready to wet your pants anyhow.

The Uri-Lift Pop-Up Urinal ...

Tired of drunks peeing in public? Don't want unsightly porta-potties making your street look unattractive? Consider installing the nifty $70,000 Urilift Pop-Up Urinal, designed to emerge from hiding during prime bar-hopping hours and disappear when not needed. I suppose if you have to relieve yourself at high noon, you're out of luck.

The Safe-House Bathroom ...

Located in a spy-themed restaurant in Milwaukee, this bathroom is hidden behind a series of mazes and a trick door. Hope your bladder is strong enough to hold while you try to remember the password.

And finally,

The Gold Bathroom ...

If you're one of those high-class individuals whose poop doesn't smell bad, this is your bathroom. It's located in a restaurant in Milan, Italy, named - appropriately enough - Gold, and it features golden bamboo lining the walls, giant mirrors and marble counters. It also features Goldfinger playing on a constant loop on plasma screens installed inside every golden stall.

Now, granted, most of these bathrooms aren't terribly practical for your home, but just think of the potential boost to resale value, especially if you're trying to sell to some Hollywood drone or pampered professional sports dolt with more money than good sense.

After all, when you've gotta go, you've gotta go, so you might as well go in style. Check out the other 13 amazing bathrooms at the Popular Mechanics link.

Have a good day. Relieve yourself in grand surroundings. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo