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Hey guys,
Judith asked Dan "why water" and
I can't help but take a stab at it. I'm not anything like a physical
chemist, and I'm biased. How could I not have a kinship with and
preference for water?
First off, -fluidity- and the complexity implied
and/or required by organisms seem inseparable to me. I suppose fluidity is
not a quality uniquely bestowed upon water, though. I guess I can try to
imagine an organism whose fluid medium might be mercury, or perhaps air or
maybe even the void of empty space. Strange thoughts though.
Water seems endowed with a vast range of fortuitous
qualities. It is among the closest things we know of to being a universal
solvent. Even comparatively large molecules compared with H2O will
dissolve in water if a few hydrophilic side chains are attached. Solutes
can also dramatically alter the electrical qualities of water. Heat
capacity seems another fortuitous quality. Water can store a comparatively
large amount of heat. Water is complex. Could anyone even really
hope to fully model a glass of ice water sitting in the sun?
In organisms as we know them, water is intimately
involved with most if not all the chemical reactions that occur therein (or
thereout), be they attributed to metabolism or repair. Water is ubiquitous
in all my imagined scenarios of emergence be they induced or
original/indigenous.
I am anticipating (that is, 'looking forward to')
these new orbital interferometers that are apparently scheduled to be launched
here in the near future. If they aren't going to be looking for water in
the atmospheres of the planets they'll be hunting for, then I will probably
experience a range of indescribable emotional processees. Followed shortly
thereafter by a range of colorful expletives.
The striking photos that most have seen of the
Earth from a distance are of a blue, white, and green marble. A fish
hanging in the wind. Why should we not attribute these colors to
organisms and water? Many still imbibe or acknowledge a sacred quality of
water.
Perhaps water because water as life is
inexorable. Give it up Dan. You love the stuff too.
David
This is what I imagined while looking over a
different sea.
Dan being near without crowding.
Judith moving without moving.
Tim knowing destinies and not holding
them.
Steve speaking without speaking.
John teaching without teaching.
Glen breaking and connecting.
Carligo cautela sin timidez.
Ayten asking without asking.
Leo being staunch and accommodating.
Jerry implying age without entailing
it.
Hmm... Why water? Aqua es
bueno.
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