What's John Holbo doing now?

Those squishy softies on the non-science side of campus…they can do anything, apparently. Holbo is playing with the creation of an illustrated children's book for adults, called Squid & Owl. Obviously, it's got owls and squid in it, and compares them frequently, with an interesting graphic style.

I had a moment's worry when I saw this page, though.

i-9e5fdf8189a53424aab97a0b4f3ff91f-squidowl.jpeg

I thought the answer was obvious — developmental and molecular biology — and was worried that he was about to horn into my turf, but fortunately he takes another tack altogether.

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Not my cup of tea, but still i apreciate
cephalopods on all their colors, shapes and flavors.

By Lord Zero (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

Somehow I think that finding unity is not a high priority for squids and owls. We find a kind of unity between them via common descent (and relics thereof), but the most they'd be interested in is consumption and assimilation.

Not that such a phenomenon does not confer a kind of unity, but hardly a unity of purpose (prior to assimilation, that is).

Glen D
http://tinyurl.com/6mb592

I think it's rather interesting to talk about a theme of unity and use that picture. That was the first thing I thought of. But not of a squid and owl.

First the hand of god porn.

Now this...

Is it just me, or is this rather a naughty picture?

Thanks, PZ. Always glad to help out.

- JH

By Registered User (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

Lovely work, John. I like the different influences and styles of each one.

Is it just me, or is that a childish picture?

By NewEnglandBob (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

How sweet, a kids book full of phallic symbolism. I'll rank that along with "Wall-E" the alleged kids' movie starring a horny appliance.

By MadScientist (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

Silly artfags

... was worried that he was about to horn into my turf ...

Don't fret: there's a good chance that by now the field of developmental and molecular biology is large enough to support more than one specialist.

By Pierce R. Butler (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

I love squids (and octopi) and I love owls! Hey, you got your chocolate in my peanut butter! Hey, you got your peanut butter in my chocolate!!!

;)

Lovely artwork, very striking graphic style - the pages should be published as individual prints to grace the squid-enthusiast's walls. (There simply ISN'T enough squid-themed art about; you can spend HOURS walking around the National Gallery without seeing a single portrait of any of our tentacled brethren! Blatant speciesism, of course.)

By Happy Tentacles (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

wow, thats my philo prof! i feel strangely proud that he has a life outside school. nice graphics too.

By groceriesforsale (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

Glad you like it, Happy Tentacles. I'm trying to find a traditional paper publisher. I'll self-publish, if necessary. (Book. Prints and t-shirts. Coffee mugs. Mouse pads. The sky's the limit. It's the 21st Century, after all.)

It's sadly true - about the National Gallery, that is. As you say.

By Registered User (not verified) on 14 Apr 2009 #permalink

LRA@14

octopi

"Octopuses". "Octopodes" if you absolutely must.

By Matt Heath (not verified) on 15 Apr 2009 #permalink

The drawings of squid aren't phallic. The phallus is teuthidic.

By Matt Heath (not verified) on 15 Apr 2009 #permalink

According to the dictionary at both dictionary.reference.com and dictionary.cambridge.org, both are acceptable plural forms for "octopus".

By Claire Binkley (not verified) on 15 Apr 2009 #permalink

Both meaning "octopuses" and "octopi".

By Claire Binkley (not verified) on 15 Apr 2009 #permalink

Both plurals are currently listed as acceptable because dictionaries are (rightly) descriptive, and report even the most stupid usage if it is common enough. "Octopi" must die! It's ridiculous to use a Latin-style plural for a Greek loanword when writing in English. Everyone stop using it. Please. Then after a bit the dictionaries will take it out.

By Matt Heath (not verified) on 15 Apr 2009 #permalink

Those squishy softies

Which is how the engineers think of you scientists. :-) Well, except maybe the physicists and geologists.

And isn't the plural octopussies? Or are you telling me I can't trust James Bond films?

By Indus The Scie… (not verified) on 15 Apr 2009 #permalink

Yay for teh owls!*

*(Noctua=little owl)

By NixNoctua (not verified) on 15 Apr 2009 #permalink