In the Order of the Science Scouts of Exemplary Repute and Above Average Physique, I justed moved above PZ. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Sure PZ claims to be the unofficial royalty of all Cephalopod. He even claims to be waiting for the molluscan mothership to land. But when it comes right down to the wire, PZ will have to address some serious questions about zebrafish. Between you and me, when it comes to the "inordinately fond of invertebrates" badge I have PZ beat. First, where is PZ's tattoo? I have one! Second, as you can clearly see in the photo below, that is Steve O'Shea (middle and of giant and colossal squid fame) with his arm around me! The other is Lou Ziedberg (right), a squid biologist who works on the Humboldt Squid.
Seriously, O'Shea has been a prominent voice on both very large squids and marine conservation. I was luckily enough to host him for a seminar at MBARI. As expected, the talk was spectacular, witty and full of content, covering sex, growth, conservation, behavior, ecology, and of course really big squids. O'Shea maybe the hardest working man in science. In biology, Steve is a true rock star. My final comment is that if Steve is anywhere within a 1,000 mile radius to give a lecture take some time off, load up the car, and go see his talk.
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Did you try to convince either of them to start a blog?
Hey, I've never claimed to be cephalopod royalty. I am merely a devoted supplicant and modest worshipper of all things beautiful and tentacled.
Got a chance to meet and hear Dr. O'Shea speak this past Sunday at the TONMOCON II. Definitely worth making an effort to see him present. He is an engaging speaker.
He is currently working a great deal with whales, as they seem to be washing up with unexpected frequency in his neighborhood of New Zealand. He suspects bottom trawling is having a negative impact on the whales' prey items and may be to blame.
"Did you try to convince either of them to start a blog?"
Dr. O'Shea hangs out at www.tonmo.com.
-David
I love the picture! I can tell you have made the right career choice, contrary to polls/surverys.
I had a ball Craig. Looking forward to coming back in '08 and doing some real science! MBARI is out of this world.
Steve