The World's Most Famous Plumber

is not really a plumber at all but a video game character, although not just any video game character. As the lead character in the wildly successful Super Mario Bros. game franchise, Mario (the plumber) is purportedly the most famous character in video game history.

Wow. If only he were racing around unplugging clogs and fixing drips, imagine what he could do for the profile of us everyday guys!

Instead he and his brother Luigi are preoccupied with running around the Mushroom Kingdom (?) trying to stop the turtle-like villain Bowser's numerous plans to kidnap Princess Peach, destroy them and take over the kingdom. And Mario also has other enemies and rivals, including Donkey Kong and Wario -- so maybe it is understandable that he never does get around to actually doing any plumbing.

And for a little more Super Mario fun...

World's Top 10 Toilets? You Decide.

According to some information we found on Reuters, www.virtualtourist.com did a little research and came up with a list of the world's top 10 toilets. (see Travel Picks: Top 10 toilets around the world ) We haven't found that original report, but below is the list Reuters reposted on their site.

We don't know what their criteria might have been, although cleanliness seems to have factored significantly -- along with something unusual that makes the visit a remarkable.

Here's the list:

1. Bryant Park; New York City, NY

Who would have thought that a loo in the middle of such a dirty, noisy, frenetic city would have classical music, fresh flowers, and even an attendant! Visitors report that it's also spotlessly clean.

2. Covent Garden; London, U.K.

If visitors to the public restrooms at Covent Garden don't notice the cleanliness and efficiency of this facility on their own there's a prominent sign on the wall informing them of the place's 2011 "Loo of the Year" award.

3. Madonna Inn; San Luis Obispo, CA

It only makes sense that one of the world's quirkiest hotels would have one of the world's quirkiest restrooms; a waterfall urinal that comes to life when used. We can only imagine the surprise of the uninformed.

4. Thornbury Castle; South Gloucestershire, U.K.

Not only can you walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, but you can spend your first few minutes trying to find the hidden bathroom. In an effort to keep the secret we refuse to give away where it actually is.

5. Place de la Madeleine Public Toilets; Paris, France

Even a century of grime can't mar the beauty of the remarkable Art Nouveau facilities at the Place de la Madeleine. Dating back to 1905, this stunner of a lavatory is as worth checking out as any of the city's other more -- pardon the pun -- mainstream attractions.

6. Scholastica Baths; Ephesus, Turkey

The public toilets here not only provide a glimpse into la vie quotidienne of ancient peoples but also a highly unusual photo op as modern day visitors are welcome to take a seat on the no-longer functional commodes.

7. The Outhouses of Elk Falls; Elk Falls, Kansas

An annual contest taking place every November, this competition and tour features outhouses that run the gamut from greenhouse-like rooms to mini-movie theaters. A high-stakes operation, organizers offer a first prize of $60.

8. Opera Toilet; Vienna, Austria

Complete with operatic music, murals of the interior of the city's opera house-proper, show posters, and even stalls referred to as "loges," the Opera toilets are the next best thing to being there.

9. UFO Restaurant; Bratislava, Slovakia

Rest assured that although these urinals face large windows, there is just enough frosted glass to keep the view appropriate to the outside world.

10. Hundertwasser Toilets; Vienna, Austria

Dubbed the "Toilet of Modern Art" this is the second restroom in Vienna to make our list. Its randomly shaped tiles in bold primary colors make this playful room a fun alternative to the average dreary public toilet.

Romantic Bathrooms for Valentines

We thought we'd offer something from the 'softer side' of plumbing to inspire for Valentine's Day -- a gallery of romantic bathrooms.

Some of these are definitely what we'd call 'over-the-top' and we certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for cleaning them, but we must say, they're beautiful to behold.

When it comes right down to it, plush towels, a deep tub, peace and quiet and maybe a little bubbly would seem to be the key elements of a romantic soak. All these other bells and whistles are fun to contemplate though!

Ben Turpin as the Plumber

...in a Laurel and Hardy classic.

Just so you know...here at Boden Plumbing we do have our eyes in straight.