Special Report: Depressed Commode

The Mystery Crapper recently headed to the National Car Rental Center (the "Rentah Centah") to see this year's edition of Depeche Mode (the unofficial band of CQ) as they make their way across the world in support of their new release-Exciter.

The NCRC is a two-year old facility that regularly houses the NHL's Florida Panthers ice hockey team. Situated in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale, the NCRC probably hasn't seen 20,000 people filling it to capacity since the last concert since the Panthers regularly draw about 11,000. The facility was constructed out of a dispute between former Panthers owner H. Wayne Huizenga (who also owns the Dolphins and formerly the Marlins) and Micky Arison, the Carnival Cruise owner and owner of the Miami Heat. The two couldn't get together to share one new arena so South Florida got two new arenas, both of which are more empty than full.

That being said, the toilet situation of the NCRC is quite interesting. The first observation is the shear number and close proximity of plenty of restrooms for both men and women. Upon entering, the facility is strictly arena fare but with some touches. The highlight is the plastic trays above each urinal and in each stall for patrons' drinks. Very nice touch. The stalls are ordinary with press board dividers and normal vessels. Privacy and user friendliness are average. The one drawback was the relatively few number of stalls per restroom. The average was six, which seems like enough except they were always full (shy urinators?). Also, they seemed to have stuck strictly to the book on handicrapping stalls.

Overall, we give them an A for effort but a C for execution for a score of 2.5 rolls.

Now with that out of the way, let us talk about the concert for a minute. For those who have never seen a Depeche Mode concert, you are really missing something. The energy level is one of the highest I've ever witnessed from both the band and the crowd. The band has a passionate following and fill arenas around the world. It is easy to forget how many hits the band has until they keep playing song after song. DM always gives you your money's worth in their shows. Of course, TMC had center floor seats for the show.

Their opening band Poe put on a excellent show as well, although it went largely unappreciated by the Pop 40 listeners who don't listen to anything if they haven't heard it on the radio first (pre-approved by some corporate assmunch for mass consumption). Give them a try.

If you get the chance, go see Depeche Mode in concert. You won't be sorry. See www.depechemode.com for dates.

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