Evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal
PZ Myers is a biologist and associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris.
…and this is a pharyngula stage embryo.
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I believe that the biologist is the most romantic figure on earth at the present day. At first sight he seems to be just a poor little scrubby underpaid man, groping blindly amid the mazes of the ultra-microscopic, engaging in bitter and lifelong quarrels over the nephridia of flatworms, waking perhaps one morning to find that someone whose name he has never heard has demolished by a few crucial experiments the work which he had hoped would render him immortal. There is real tragedy in his life, but he knows that he has a responsibility which he dare not disclaim, and he is urged on, apart from all utilitarian considerations, by something or someone which he feels to be higher than himself.
J.B.S. Haldane, "Daedalus, or Science and the Future," 1923
PZ Myers' Own Original, Cosmic, and Eccentric Analogy for How the Genome Works -OR- High Geekology
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Category: Cephalopods • Weirdness
Posted on: September 4, 2006 12:24 PM, by PZ Myers
People send me things that put lust in my heart.
I want one of these.
I want some of these, too.
I need a seal like this so I can stamp all my official correspondence with it.
Clearly, there will be a future need for Space Squid Conservationists.
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Comments
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute had a giant inflatable squid at their open house:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42614915@N00/193205517/
It was supported by a clear inflated cone. We assumed that was its stomach, and were disappointed when the children weren't sucked up into the mouth and dropped into the innards. *sigh*
(I didn't upload the photos that show the squid more fully, as they just weren't all that good. But I'm willing. :) )
Posted by: mary | September 4, 2006 12:49 PM
I see what you mean. What is it with the one-eyed octopussies all over the place? Does that make them scarier? Cycloptopus!
Posted by: Mooser | September 4, 2006 1:11 PM
Umm...what is the "Best Secret Society" anyway? Is it somethig to do with gigantic cephalopods, because if so, I want in.
Posted by: Krakus | September 4, 2006 1:26 PM
http://www.google.com/search?q=custom+stamps+and+seals
Incentive for your students: "A" homeworks get an embossed cthulhu.
Posted by: dcb | September 4, 2006 1:35 PM
At 15' long is "Archibald" machine-washable though, even if the component materials are?
Posted by: SEF | September 4, 2006 2:04 PM
How much does Archibald cost? He's so cute!
Posted by: j | September 4, 2006 2:07 PM
"clearly, thgere will be a future need for Space Squid Conservationists"
Of course. We wouldn't want to end it too quickly. Waste of good human.
Posted by: Patness | September 4, 2006 2:14 PM
"Clearly, there will be a future need for Space Squid Conservationists."
Of course, the sign on the *other* side probably reads: "warning: vicious mammals". :-)
Posted by: David Harmon | September 4, 2006 4:41 PM
Where was that pic of squid kites taken, please? I swear it was a couple miles from my home, cause I believe I saw them flying:
http://queens.about.com/b/a/192176.htm
Chris
Posted by: Chris Thompson | September 4, 2006 5:32 PM
Chris, here's one west-coast site (with pix) for cephalopod kites: Berkeley Kite Wranglers
Posted by: thwaite | September 4, 2006 5:53 PM
It's a preconception by mediocre minds that squids can only live in water.
Posted by: quork | September 4, 2006 6:42 PM
I love it when my kids' friends come over and are jealous of my Cthulhu... really must find my 3 foot long squid again, too. It's around here someplace...
Posted by: donna | September 5, 2006 1:50 AM
The octopi kite look like they are from the annual Berkeley Kite Festival. Very fun if you are ever in Berkeley CA in late July/early August
http://www.highlinekites.com/Berkeley_Kite_Festival/
Posted by: bsci | September 5, 2006 6:26 PM