Sh'rays and Other Tidbits

The major appeal (and, indeed, disappointment) of privately funded Deep Sea Research is that it is full of one-off encounters. While free from constraints such as directed funding (some people are stuck chasing jellyfish for YEARS), private research is often dictated by another market (buyers, rather than sellers). My situation is unique, in that I employ what can be described most accurately as a Hollywood agent (in fact, he formerly was, before securing his most lucrative client). By creating a sort of "image" around the researcher rather than result, as is normally done, one can obtain grants without restrictions of directed inquest.

Basically people pay me to do what I love, and I determine what it is that will be. I do have my eye on a particular pair of dueling pistols to replace my old 972's-- academia can be such a dramatic affair.

As I am not currently part of any standardized research collective, I can publish whatever I choose (for virtually no cost-- thank you Web 2.0). In traditional research, there are many different avenues findings must go through before appearing in a journal. Not surprisingly, most papers do not make it to print, and are soon given up on by their originators in favor of a more fashionable topic. I, on the other hand, can publish a few notes on a creature I glanced, and everyone concerned (i.e. the BLOGOSPHERE) is all the happier!

And so I give you my latest sight, a cross between a shark and a manta ray (I call it a sh'ray)
It seems to have evolved this way due to its migration to the colder climate and deeper waters of the north. The sh'ray bides close to the surface, using its large flaps of skin as a blanket to absorb the sun's warmth, then dives down in a flash to go after its prey. Its reconnaissance is aided by downward facing eyes-- a curious development, as sharks traditionally have very poor eyesight, only being able to tell the shape of their prey by its silhouette against the surface. I wonder if perhaps the sh'ray has also adapted to nocturnal hunting? Further research is tempting, but I fear that my motivation for pursuit is often piqued by violence-- immediate violence.

I'll keep you updated-- Randy