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Yahoo
a minute ago
- Yahoo
Bog Apple: NYC discovers stand-alone toilet pods
Faced with closed restrooms, vandalized facilities and lavatory deserts, New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike confront a host of hurdles to relieve themselves when out and about. In its latest efforts to combat this problem, the Big Apple has turned to a Portland-based company that designs modular public conveniences it claims are city-proof. The products, dubbed "Portland Loos," are the brainchild of Madden Fabrication and have garnered something of a cult following around the versatile, kiosk-like facilities which the company says are far cheaper than traditional toilet buildings. Such public toilet pods have already been installed in 250 locations throughout the United States. New York has pledged to build 49 new public bathrooms by 2029 to combat the lack of toilets across the five boroughs. Currently, there are approximately 1,100 public conveniences for the megacity's 8.4 million people, according to official estimates. - 'Simple but durable' - The city will spend $150 million on building new restrooms and renovating 36 existing sites. At the $200,000 unit installed in the Bronx's Joyce Kilmer park, two blocks from Yankee Stadium baseball park, bystanders eyed the new fixture with interest. One man accidentally activated the hand dryer, part of a sink fitting located on the outside of the booth. A spokesman for the company described the design as "simple but durable," with the basin placed outside in order to keep people moving and avoid a "hotel effect." "Hell yeah, we haven't had a bathroom in this area in forever," said lifelong Bronx resident Carlos Lopez, describing discrepancies in public restroom access between lower-income and wealthier neighborhoods. For the five trial units ordered, New York insisted on a higher grade of stainless steel and other modifications to meet strict planning rules. Street photographer Elijah Dominique, who lives near the park, said public bathrooms were especially important for unhoused people. "We've got a lot of homeless people in this area," Dominique said. "Those are the people who really need these bathrooms. It's good for them -- and for us too so that we're not stepping in (waste) on the sidewalks. Nobody wants that." gw/jgc
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How to ask her to be your girlfriend: A guide for shy lesbians & sapphics
If there's one feeling that can top the initial rush of attraction—especially when it's mutual—it's that moment when you officially become girlfriends (or partners, or whatever term best fits your relationship). You've done the apps, you've conquered your gaydar struggles, and you've even made the first move and things are going great, but there is still one hurdle left—and that's defining the relationship. Why does it matter? Beyond simply making a mutual commitment, it's an acknowledgment that what you're feeling is shared, and that you're in it together. It's sweet, affirming—and, at times, totally nerve-wracking. Especially if you're the one initiating the conversation. But it doesn't have to be. There are ways to ease the anxiety: feeling confident that this is truly what you want, picking up on cues that they're on the same page, and knowing what to say when the moment comes. Listen, we get it—easier said than done. That's why PRIDE reached out to dating and relationship experts, bisexual licensed sexologist and relationship therapist Sofie Roos, and certified matchmaker and relationship expert Tammy Shaklee, for their advice on how to ask your sweetie to be your girlfriend—when you're ready to take the plunge. Are you ready? Here's how you'll know. The first step to feeling calm (well, as calm as possible) when asking the person you're dating to be your girlfriend is to first be secure in knowing that it's what you want. It comes down to both timing and a gut feeling, says Roos. 'Generally, you know you're ready when you're longing to take the next step—that it feels natural to let her become a bigger part of your life, no matter what kind of relationship you're having now.' If that's not clear enough, Shaklee says to take an analytical approach and consider dynamics that will lead to a healthy relationship, when and if she says yes. 'Have you taken the time to genuinely get to know each other, not just through constant communication and sharing, but through a range of shared experiences, emotions, mutual support, patience, and understanding?,' Shaklee asks. If the answers are yes, then chances are you're in a good place to take the next step. Just remember, there's no rush if you're not quite sure yet, adds Roos. 'Take a step back to feel whether or not this is the natural next step—something you'll feel if giving yourself some time to reflect over the situation, your relationship, and listen to your feelings.' Once you know the answer to that, you know what your next move will be, provided you feel they are on the same page with you. Which leads us to… Are they? Here's the signs to look out for. In moments like this, when you're putting yourself out there and are vulnerable, you may wish you could read your sweetie's mind. Sadly, no advice our experts can give, no matter how skilled they are, will give you superpowers—but they can offer some clues of what to be on the lookout for. Roos says to consider how they talk about you and your future together when the conversation arises. 'Does she use an 'us' when talking about the future, and does she like to make plans of things you should do together? Is there any interest in meeting your friends and family, and overall becoming a bigger part of your life?' Roos asks. If the answers are yes, it indicates they are in a similar headspace. 'That's signs of her also wanting to make things more serious and take your relationship to the next level, and move to the next step,' explains Roos. 'So pay attention to small details in her way of seeing you, and pick up the overall feeling she's giving!' Also assess how she makes you feel, says Shaklee. 'Do you feel this relationship is truly reciprocal? Do both of you feel comfortable, heard, seen and are there clear signs that your attention isn't divided by outside distractions?' she asks. Again, if the answer is in the affirmative, those are good signs that you both want the same thing. How and when to pop the girlfriend question. - Yuri A/Shutterstock You've assessed, you've considered, you've asked yourself all the important questions—and yep, you wanna do it. You wanna make your paramour your official girlfriend. But how? Here's the experts' best advice for popping the question: #1'Try to keep it quite simple, but yet personal,' says Roos, adding it doesn't have to be the most romantic moment in history. 'The most important thing is that you let her hear how you're feeling for her, and what you'd like you to become.' #2 'Picking the right moment is important,' says Roos. 'It doesn't necessarily need to be that cinematic romantic moment that might never come. However, you should be in a place where there's no stress and no distractions, so you can spend that moment with just the two of you and really have time for each other.' Shaklee adds that breakfast time is a surprisingly ideal time for the conversation since it's casual and intimate. 'It's a great time to be calm, clear, and level-headed in having a legit conversation. Whether you make it on your own, or meet out for a special table for two,' she says. #3 'Be straight up with how you're feeling. Even though it's super scary to open up this way, it always turns out so much better if you're putting your heart out on that plate and let her know exactly what you want and how you're feeling,' Roos advises. If you're tongue-tied, Shaklee says something along the lines of the following communicates what you want and what you're feeling, but also gives them some space to consider their feelings, too: 'Let's be serious for a sec. I truly enjoy you, your company, your friendship, and really hope to make some more fun memories together. I admire and respect about you your kindness, drive, fun personality, your way in the world that I think is so rare and significant, etc). I'm into making it an exclusive thing, and want to give you time to think about it. I respect your answer either way.' What to do if they say no? Even when you've set yourself up for success, it can still not go the way you hope—otherwise it wouldn't be so nerve-wracking. So it's best to also prepare for them to say no, too, say the experts. 'Getting a no is always a risk, and most of the times not anything personal, even though it easily can feel that way,' says Roos. The key, she says, is to try and focus on gratitude for the honesty.' 'Respond with kindness and respect,' adds Shaklee. 'Continue being the person she's clearly drawn to, the one she may grow to feel more aligned with in time. People move at different emotional paces, and not every 'no' is permanent.' But most of all, you should also be proud of yourself for being brave and putting yourself out there. 'Pat yourself on the back for being so brave to ask someone this!' says Roos. And don't give up on love! Experts cited: Sofie Roos, a bisexual licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at relationship magazine Passionerad Tammy Shaklee, a relationship expert, certified matchmaker, and founder of H4M Matchmaking. This article originally appeared on Pride: How to ask her to be your girlfriend: A guide for shy lesbians & sapphics RELATED What to do when your girlfriend wants an open relationship How to date a girl: 15 ways to woo your first date Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Residents in Tipp City warned about upcoming rock blasting in neighborhood
Residents of Tipp City are raising concerns as signs warning of a blast area appear near a housing development project in Miami County. The blasting is part of the construction of a retention pond for the housing development, which has been underway for the past year. Residents, David and Kathey Dalhamer, have expressed mixed feelings about the changes, noting the noise and dust from ongoing construction. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]Residents TRENDING STORIES: Did Kings Island, Cedar Point make the 2025 Outrageous Theme Park Eats list? Body of missing Ohio pizza delivery driver found in ravine 'Sick to my stomach;' Ohio mother demands answers after police release missing 12-year-old 'We're sad to see the farm go. We know it's progress,' said David Dalhamer, a neighbor affected by the construction.'When you want to relax on your patio, it's a little challenging because you know, that's all you hear,' Kathey Dalhamer shared about the noise from the construction. Adam Howard, Assistant Chief of Tipp City Emergency Services, explained, 'They're going to drill, put some blasting material, some explosive material down in these holes, and then they're going to blast to break up the rock.' The construction project, which involves blasting to break up shallow bedrock, is expected to generate significant noise and dust, impacting the daily lives of nearby residents. Blasting operations are scheduled to occur up to twice a day and could continue for anywhere from three to eight weeks, according to Adam Howard. Residents have been advised to stay clear of the blast zone while crews continue their work, with construction expected to start on Monday. David Dalhamer noted the dust as a particular concern, saying, 'You had been here a week ago. You would have seemed like a white cat to all the grass and the trees.' As the blasting begins, residents are preparing for increased noise and disruption while looking forward to welcoming new neighbors once the development is complete. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Solve the daily Crossword