Necessity is the mother of invention. Which is why, as I stood waiting next to a continually running water fountain that was broadcasting every splash over the PA system, I found it necessary to occupy my thoughts with a way to speed up the public commode-using process. This was like trying to take your mind off of having surgery by watching The Medical Channel.
Regardless, it led to a revolutionary idea I call the “Rodeo Commode.”
Like other commodes, it provides users with a private and sanitary environment in which to complete their bodily functions. However, unlike ordinary commodes, the “Rodeo Commode” allows a person just eight seconds before the doors fly open and, finished or not, they are bucked out of the stall by a hydraulic system similar to a mechanical bull — including, if necessary, spinning a full 360 degrees in order to dislodge even the most experienced riders in the “Rodeo Commode” circuit.
Unfortunately, just like my idea for an all-commercial cable channel (allowing viewers to tune in and then leave the room as often as they like without worrying if they missed anything), the “Rodeo Commode” was met with skepticism by my list of potential investors — i.e., several plumbers who I know are in daily contact with pipe dope.
As it turns out, I was simply ahead of my time. I know this because of a new social phenomenon experts are calling “bathroom rage,” wherein, much like “road rage,” a confrontation between two strangers quickly escalates into a potentially dangerous situation.
In the rest room.
The big difference here is that you won’t be traveling in excess of 60 mph while sitting on a commode. And if you are, you have a right be angry. Especially if someone cuts you off.
According to the New Haven Register in Stratford, Conn., police charged Andres Diaz and Joseph Augusto with breach of peace following a confrontation in a McDonald’s rest room that started when Diaz apparently “took too long.” Augusto, who was waiting to use the commode, was enraged when Diaz emerged from the stall with a copy of Anna Karenina and an “Oprah’s Book Club” T-shirt.
Okay, I made that last part up. But the two men did get into a fight over how long Diaz was in the bathroom after Augusto confronted him about it. That’s when, according to the police report, “The two men allegedly bumped chests, then chased each other around the restaurant with their weapons — Augusto with a small pocket knife, and Diaz brandishing a McDonald’s straw dispenser.”
The restaurant chain refused to comment on the incident other than to say it was “unfortunate.” Following the advice of its lawyers, the restaurant chain has now adopted a strict new policy of making straws “only available on request.”
This, my friends, is bathroom rage rearing its ugly head and, in a matter of speaking, slurping out of society’s collective soda cup. What if Diaz had grabbed a toilet paper dispenser instead?
My point is, we could end this madness right now, before some unfortunate teenager is hired to hand out allotted squares of bath tissue.
With the help of the “Rodeo Commode,” there’s no reason to take bathroom rage sitting down.
(You can write to Ned Hickson at nhickson@thesiuslawnews.com, or at the Siuslaw News at P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR. 97439)
Ned's Blog 
I’m somewhat scared that I like the way your mind works. Is that wrong?
Probably, but I’m scared too, so I guess that makes it OK…
🙂
you’re funny, ned.
😉
That’s a real compliment coming from you — much appreciated.
Ned, we have to get you a “Love this” button. I can’t quit laughing! This is too damn funny!
Thanks, Joe! I have to admit, when I first had the thought of someone getting bucked out of a portable toilet in eight seconds, I made myself laugh. Glad I was alone!
Reblogged this on Hey Joe! Online and commented:
From my fellow blogger, and one of the funniest people on the planet!
Eight seconds! How will I find the time to gently place my aseptic paper towel topiary around the seat and when will I find time to catch up on my favorite long winded Russian novels.
LOL! I would suggest wearing the topiary at all times (it’s just a good habit to have) and get the Reader’s Digest condensed versions 😉
The pressure!
Well, I suppose if there’s enough pressure, you may not need all eight seconds… 😉
Sadly, I can relate to bathroom rage. When I’m standing in line to use the restroom, and there are without fail at least twelve women ahead of me, I get so heated. Especially, if my daughter is in tow. I feel like shouting, “Excuse me, don’t you see this little girl squirming in her pants? She is going to lose it if you don’t let her go NOW!”
I’ve had that happen with my son when he was little. One time, a guy was sitting in a stall TEXTING as my son was crossing his legs. He started squeezing my hand like a vice because he had to go so bad. I seriously considered lifting him up over the stall door and letting him pee on the guy inside.
I’ve noticed you have to use the bathroom the most when you can’t get to one – like when you have the window seat on a full airplane. However, 8 seconds would be a man-made rule, Ned.
Haha! True on both counts, Monica. I’ll have to create a separate line of Rodeo Commodes for women and make it more like 16 seconds…? 😉
Thanks, Ned – much better.
Familiar with the concept. At one of my workplaces 12 of us share two bathrooms. At one point we ‘lost’ one of them and all of us (8 males + 4 females) had to share one.
Oh my.
In the end we hired a blooming big pumper truck with a fibre light and a hose to check it out and rectify the situation. They found a large obstruction and with enough power to actually suck most of Ireland through the hose they removed a tennis ball sized rock from the sewer line.
You should have seen the relief when we got the second potty back.
You should have seen the bill from the company
Worth every cent.
Hahahaha! I’m just glad for everyone’s sake it was a tennis ball.
🙂