The Tub King Blog - Tub Talk: water

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Nectar of the Universe

By Alan Knight

What substance has no calories, virtually no organic nutrients, is odorless and tasteless, yet is absolutely essential to humans and most other life forms on planet Earth?

Mizu. Voda. Uisce. Mayim. Djour. Vand. Ta-neer. Vesi. Nero. Amanzi.

In other words, water.

Water is one of the primordial elements not just on Earth, but also in our solar system, throughout the Milky Way galaxy, and beyond, scientists have discovered. In fact, a study published last September stated that much of the water on Earth and elsewhere in our solar system more than likely predates the birth of our sun.

"The implications of our study are that interstellar water-ice remarkably survived the incredibly violent process of stellar birth to then be incorporated into planetary bodies," study lead author Ilse Cleeves, an astronomy Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan, told Space.com.

"If our sun's formation was typical, interstellar ices, including water, likely survive and are a common ingredient during the formation of all extrasolar systems," Dr. Cleeves added. "This is particularly exciting given the number of confirmed extrasolar planetary systems to date — that they, too, had access to abundant, life-fostering water during their formation."

Photo Credit: space.com

Much of the water found in the universe is produced as a by product of star formation. When stars are born, there’s a powerful force of gas and dust and that’s projected outward. When this outflow of material eventually impacts the surrounding gas, the shock waves that are created compress and heat the gas. Water is produced in this warm, dense gas. In fact, water ― predominately found in the form of water vapor and/or ice ― has been found in the atmospheres of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and even the sun. Furthermore, it has also been found on several moons, including Earth's; Jupiter’s Europa; Saturn’s Titan, Enceladus, and Dione; and on other “heavenly bodies” such as Ceres, which is the largest object in the asteroid belt, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, and on many others such as comets and asteroids.

Earth: Our Water Planet

Photo Credit: nasa.gov

Here on our planetary terra firma, water covers 71% of the Earth's surface. In fact, the ubiquity of water is one the primary reasons Earth differs from its celestial sisters in our solar system. Water is essential for nearly all known forms of life. On Earth, 96.5% of the planet's water is found in seas and oceans, 1.7% in groundwater, 1.7% in glaciers and the ice caps of Antarctica and Greenland, a small fraction in other large water bodies, and 0.001% in the air as vapor, clouds (which are formed of solid and liquid water particles suspended in the air) and precipitation in the form of rain, snow, ice, dew, fog and hail.

Many of us remember the stanza from the famous poem, “Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “… Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” He penned it correctly: Only 2.5% of the Earth's water is freshwater, and 98.8% of that water is found in ice and groundwater. Furthermore, less than 0.3% of all freshwater is found in rivers, lakes, glaciers and the atmosphere, and an even smaller amount of the Earth's freshwater (0.003%) is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products. Indeed, water is our planet’s most precious natural resource.

Water Jig

Photo Credit: ck12.org

The collective mass of water found on, under, and over the surface of a planet (or moon or other celestial body) is its hydrosphere. On Earth, water dances continuously through the water cycle (also known as the hydrologic cycle) consisting of following transfer processes:

Evaporation from oceans and other water bodies into the air and transpiration from land plants and animals into air.
Condensation, the change of the physical state of matter from gaseous phase into liquid phase; it’s the reverse of evaporation.
Precipitation, from water vapor condensing from the air and falling to earth or ocean.
Transpiration (or evapotranspiration), the process of water movement through plants its evaporation from its above-ground structures, namely leaves, stems and flowers.
Runoff from the land usually reaching the oceans.

This study of the perpetual movement, distribution, and quality of water is known as hydrology. Our environment is a closed system, not unlike a terrarium, which means it rarely loses or acquires extra matter. In fact, the very water that existed on Earth millions of years ago is still present today. Did you ever stop to think you may be sharing a quaff of aqua with a T. rex?

Under the Microscope

Photo Credit: coverslike.com

As a chemical compound, a molecule of water contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, hence its chemical name, H2O. Water performs very well as a polar solvent and is often referred to as a universal solvent. In fact, water dissolves more substances in greater quantities than any other common liquid. This makes it essential to a myriad of chemical, physical and biological processes. In fact, all of our cells’ primary components (proteins, DNA and polysaccharides) are dissolved in water and more importantly, derive their structure and their activity/function from their interactions with water.

Salts, sugars, acids, alkalis and some gases are called hydrophilic (water-loving), whereas those that are immiscible in water, namely fats and oils, are known as hydrophobic (water-fearing) substances.

Watering Holistic

Photo Credit: pateho.empowernetwork.com

Just as Earth is nearly 75% water, we humans, too, as well as most organisms, consist primarily of water. At birth, water accounts for approximately 80% of an infant’s body weight. By the time we reach adulthood, our bodies are comprised of 55 to nearly 80% water, depending upon gender, size and body type. Most of this it is stored in our muscles and brain. Inside us, water acts like oil to a machine. According to the Institute of Medicine, on average, we should consume at least 10 cups of water daily. The precise amount depends on our level of activity, the ambient temperature, humidity, and other factors. Some of this water is obtained from foods or beverages other than pure drinking water.

While a healthy person can drink about three gallons (48 cups) of water per day, imbibing too much water in a short period of time can lead to water intoxication. This occurs when water ― remember, it’s considered the universal solvent ― dilutes the sodium level in our bloodstream, which then creates an imbalance of water in the brain. This usually happens during extended periods of intense athletic activities.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Conversely, most soft drinks, coffee, and teas, while mostly water, also contain caffeine, which acts a mild diuretic. Alcohol is also a diuretic. By halting the production of the body's anti-diuretic hormone, all of these beverages prevent water from traveling to necessary locations in our bodies By the time a person feels thirsty, his or her body has lost over one percent of its total water amount. In fact, today, with most people drinking beverages other than pure water, health officials state that nearly 75% of Americans are functioning in a chronic state of dehydration. Ditto with other industrialized countries.

Case in point, one of my wife's friends is originally from the UK. I remember one time when my wife and I took her out dinner, the waiter had asked what beverages we’d like. While my wife and I requested water, our ex-pat Brit friend requested tea and wryly quipped, “I’m from Great Britain, we don’t drink water.”

“People just think that when they start to get a little weak or they have a headache, they need to eat something, but most often they need to drink [water],” explains Grace Webb, Assistant Director for Clinical Nutrition at New York Hospital.

“Water is necessary for the body to digest and absorb vitamins and nutrients,” she continues. “It’s also key to proper digestion; it detoxifies the liver and kidneys, and carries waste away. If your urine becomes darkly colored … we’re dehydrated. The urine should be light, straw colored.”

Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Over time, failure to drink enough water can contribute to a wide array of medical complications, from fatigue, joint pain, weight gain to headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure and even kidney disease.

Centuries ago, the sagacious Leonardo da Vinci was right on the mark when he declared, “Water is the driving force of all nature.”

I’m curious: How many of you just drank some water after reading this … I sure did!

8 Cool Tricks You Can Do With Water

In this first article in our series of water, I talked about the importance and widespread existence of water, both on Earth and throughout the universe. I discussed where water is found, and in particular, talked about its behavior and attributes on Earth. I then went into detail about the importance of water for life processes in general and the health of human beings in particular.

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Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. His companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. To contact Tub King directly, call (800)843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com.

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Romantic Movies That Featured a Porcelain Clawfoot or Pedestal Bathtub Scene

By Kerry Knight

Photo Credit: bhmpics.com

The British author John Galsworthy once wrote, “Love has no age, no limit; and no death.” When you think about it, the same could be said for a physical substance we humans can’t live without: water Embrace to the two and you’ve a potent mix for romance … especially in the bathtub.

If you’re a fan of romantic dramas or comedy films, you have probably seen segments featuring an amorous bathroom scene in a huge porcelain Clawfoot or Pedestal tub. You have to admit, these elegant bathing beauties are a perfect setting for love. In this segment of Tub Talk, we will visit several of the best romantic movies that featured these tubs. Here are some of my favorites:

Photo Credit: kiss925.com

Pretty Woman. Who can forget the great roles Richard Gere and Julia Roberts played in this film? The 1990 movie, set in Los Angeles, is about a wealthy businessman named Edward, who is on a business trip. (By the way, Roy Orbison’s song, “Pretty Woman,” helped popularize the movie. Gere’s character needs an escort to accompany him to some social events, so hires a beautiful prostitute. There are a couple of classic scenes in the bathtub. The first has Roberts listening to her Sony Walkman and singing in the bathtub. The second scene has Roberts holding Gere in the tub as he leans back against her, relaxing from a fast-paced business life that he hates. She becomes his great escape. Roberts was nominated for an Oscar as Best Actress; won the Golden Globes; with Gere being nominated for the Golden Globes. The film won “Best Comedy” in the People’ Choice Awards. You might rename the movie, “Falling in Love in the Tub.”

Photo Credit: hookedonhouses.com

Pillow Talk. This film goes back a few decades, in 1959. Rock Hudson and Doris Day were ideal in this giddy comedy about two people who share a party phone line (Boy, is this one dated.) Hudson played a successful songwriter and Day was an interior decorator. Their early phone conversations are rather cool and apathetic. He pictures her as some jealous old maid. Seemingly every time she picks up the phone to use it, he’s trying to sing some new love song to one of his admiring females. The bathtub scene is classic, even by today’s standards as we see them both (through the use of split screen), in their separate rooms and bathtubs, talking to each other on the phone. As Hudson finds out just how beautiful and charming Day’s character is their romance begins to blossom.

Photo Credit: entertainment.time.com

Out of Sight, featuring with Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney, was released in 1998. There was tremendous chemistry between these two principal actors. Steven Soderbergh, the brilliant director, lights the bathtub scene with a soft red glow. Sure, it’s only a dream, but the scene in which Lopez’ character, U.S. Marshall, Karen Sisco, climbs into the bathtub, fully clothed and wearing high heels, with career criminal Jack Foley (played by Clooney), absolutely radiates with sexual heat and sophistication.

Photo Credit: talkspas.com

It’s Complicated was released in 2009, starring Steve Marin, Meryl Streep and Alex Baldwin. While attending their son’s graduation, a divorced couple (Streep and Baldwin) reignites the spark in their prior relationship. The only problem is, they’re now divorced and Baldwin’s character has already married a younger woman. Baldwin and Streep ignore the fact they were once married to each other before engaging in a torrid affair and fall in love all over again. The scene by the bathtub illustrates how much Baldwin likes the changes that Streep has made in her life. Jake says, “I’m so glad you stopped doing bikini waxes. You’ve gone native.” It is a laugh a minute with great performances by all.

attending their son’s graduation, a divorced couple (Streep and Baldwin) reignites the spark in their prior relationship.

Photo Credit: ilybon.neti.net

The Reader, released in 2008, starred Kate Winslet, who won an Oscar and Golden Globes for “Best Actress.” The movie is set in post-World War II Germany. A young man has an affair with an older woman, and does not see her again for many years. They reunite as she defends herself in a war-crime trial. During the earlier time of seduction, he reads to her while they take a bath together in a Clawfoot tub. Somehow it seems to bring her out of an emotional fog.

Photo Credit: youtube.com

The Notebook was a real crowd favorite back in 2005, based on a popular novel by Nicholas Sparks. James Garner, who plays the aged version of Ryan Gosling, was nominated for an Oscar for his role. Gena Rowlands, who plays the aged version of Rachel McAdams, won the Golden Satellite Award for “Best Actress” in a supporting role. And both Gosling and McAdams won a Movie MTV Award for “best kiss.” The bathtub scene is purely romantic, as the two lovers fight against all odds to spend their lives together.

Photo Credit: toutlecine.challenges.fr

Splash. Back in the mid-80s, this film became one of the most successful box office releases of the romantic comedy genre. It starred Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. Hanks played a man who is saved from drowning by a real-life mermaid. They, of course, fall in love and the comedy is endless. She’s able to function as a normal human female on land, for a while, but the fun begins when she’s taking a bath as a mermaid and Hanks wants to come into the bathroom. This bathtub scene is priceless.

In all of these movie selections, one prop stands out above all others: the bathtub. It allows the actors to present their emotional vulnerability as well as their seductive playfulness. These Clawfoot and Pedestal bathtub beauties will always remind us of some of the greatest romantic movies of all time.

In this article, I talked about and featured some of the most memorable bathtub scenes in major romantic comedy films. I discussed some of the plot scenarios, mentioned the leading actors, listed key awards and nominations, described some of the bathroom scenes, and more.

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If you’d like to receive a FREE Clawfoot Tub Buyers’ Guide, click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you. On behalf of all of us at Tub King, here's wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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Alan and Kerry Knight are owners of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to Alan@tubking.com.