Flush with Success: Chicago's Field Museum Wins 'Best Restroom' Title

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A front view of the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois

Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Put your hands together: the Field Museum has been awarded the prestigious title of America's Best Restroom. Just make sure you wash before applauding.

For those of us who thought that a visit to the museum was boring an opportunity to enrich one's mind, think again. Believe it or not, this is the 10th annual contest to uncover the finest restroom in the U.S.

When you enter their restroom, be prepared for an experience simply unmatched at any of the Field's rivals. They were praised for two sizable break rooms which showcase artwork of the night sky. According to sponsor Cintas Corp. (which knows a thing or two about this area, as they design and manufacture restroom supplies), it results in "a calming image that also absorbs sound."

(LIST: Top 10 Famous Toilets)

Other touches include eco-friendly automated faucets and hand dryers, a "tot area," nursing room (with sofa in the women's) and the bathrooms are cleaned every hour, which certainly seems laudable.

For the record, the Field defeated the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Arizona, which came in second. The Scottsdale Center was able to offer terrazzo floors in its restroom and a lighting system that moves from blues to greens and golds. Even though that sounds incredibly pleasant, it couldn't land the top spot.

On their heels was the awesomely named Presidential Luxury Restroom Trailer in Chantilly, Va., which was created in honor of President Obama's inauguration in 2009. It's surely win-win for Obama as, being a former Senator for Illinois, he can still bask in the Field's triumph.

As for the winning museum, its VP of finance, Jim Croft, said that the Field "strives to give visitors the best service and exhibitions; we also feel this about the amenities." You don't say, Mr. Croft. (via the Chiacgo Tribune)

MORE: 10 Things to Do in Chicago

Glen Levy is an Executive Producer at TIME. Find him on Twitter at @glenjl. You can also continue the discussion on TIME's Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.

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Really? Palin Dismisses Presidency As 'A Title'

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Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is confounding fans and foes anew, saying that she's nearly ready to make a decision on running for the GOP presidential nomination while dismissing the presidency as a "shackling ... title."

Amid speculation that she will announce her intentions as early as next week, Palin appears to be rethinking the value of running for and winning the White House, worried that it would muzzle her ability to be a maverick and rogue in the political process.

[Check out political cartoons about Palin.]

"Is a title worth it? Does a title shackle a person?" Palin said late Tuesday night on Fox New's Greta Van Susteren show.

"Is a title and is a campaign too shackling? Does that prohibit me from being out there, out of a box, not allowing handlers to shape me and force my message to be what donors or what contributors or what political pundidts want it to be? Does a title take away my freedom to call it like I see it and to affect positive change needed in this country? That's the biggest contemplation piece in my process," she added.

Her comments seemed to jar Van Susteren who suggested to Palin that the presidency provides a bigger platform from which to make change. "There's more power being president," said the host, prompting Palin to answer, "you don't need a title to make a difference." [See photos of Palin and her family.]

Palin said that her future role in American politics is what she and her family are discussing as she swiftly nears a self-imposed decision deadline.

"That's a debate right there itself, whether a title is needed to make a difference or [if] someone can be rogue and be maverick, can be passionate about issues and get people to think very wisely about the decisions and the candidates that we need in order to make the decisions for our country. Which is the best place for that individual to be?" she said. [Read: Insiders Say Palin, Christie Can Still Jump In.]

But she's not worried about getting in and winning, telling Van Susteren she would win.

As for when she will announce her decision, Palin noted that several ballot deadlines are fast approaching, forcing her hand. "Decisions have to be made."

Her comments about the presidency flabbergasted Democrats while Republicans said they are very confused about her plans.

GOP officials asked about her comments said that they indicate that Palin appears to be backing away from running. "She really needs to get in now if she wants to play. The door is closing," said one.

View the original article here

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