Clarifications, eratta, etc.

["Jonathan R. Wagner" <znc14@TTACS.TTU.EDU>]

        A few quick clarifications:
#1      In a post earlier I expressed some view on ceratopsian systematics,
and I mentioned Dr.s Tom Lehman and Cathy Forster, as well as the work of
Peter Dodson and a coworker whose name currently escapes me, in what
ammounted to the same breath. Let me make this absolutely clear: The views
expressed in that post were my own. If you agree, disagree, whatever, take
it up with me. These individuals hold their own council on these matters,
despite some perhaps poor wording on my part. End of statement to appease
advisor. ;)

#2      In a post last week, I commented on work on _Deinosuchus_,
_Quetzalcoatlus_ and _Alamosaurus_. I appear to have let my dismay at the
lack of appreciation for Wan Langston's work seep into the text a bit too
much. For the record, although Dr. Langston may be "the expert" on these
taxa, other workers, such as Alexander Kellner, David Schwimmer, Tony
Fiorello, Doug Lawson (who should certainly be mentioned in any discussion
of _Quetzalcoatlus_), Spencer Lucas, and many, many others are also experts
to vary degrees on many taxa, including some of the ones listed above. These
people have taken a more modern approach to their work, publishing updates
on a regular basis. My point was that, although these such professionals are
more visible, there are often others who have been quietly building up their
own body of work which may, due to circumstance (in the above case,
proximity to good specimens), be more complete. End of statement to appease
conscience.

#3      As was pointed out to me by a keen eyed reader, in my post on
"alternate" (i.e. non-PhD) positions in the dinosaur paleo community, I
asserted that petty politics were an hallmark of academia. This is certainly
not the case, as I believe everyone who has been employed in more than one
job during their career can attest. Indeed, sometimes academic situations
involve less outright bickering than other place. As a plug for Texas Tech:
our Geosciences Department is often cited by visitors for the faculty's
harmonious attitude. End of statement to appease reality.

#4      In case I didn't plug it hard enough: a good place to think about
getting your Master's degree, for whatever reason, is Texas Tech. Admission
is somewhat competitive, in part because we do accept a good number of
paleontology PhDs. However, funding is often available, and if you get it it
is fairly good. You can find out more about the program here on the
dinolist's How to Become a Paleontologist page (which URL I really should
have on me...). In fact, Texas is, in general, a good place for paleo. We
have at least three schools which have maintained dinosaur paleontologists
for over a decade, UTA, SMU, and TTU. It seems that everyone I talk to from
these schools is happy with their experience, and most of them have gone on
to persue a satisfactory career (although not always in paleo, according to
their personal situations). End of blatent attempt to curry (Currie?) favor
with persons in charge of Departmental Purse.

#5      Ginkos stink (every other year). End of story.

#6      Hi Alan!

#7      For you cable customers in the US: Am I the only one who thinks "Ed,
Edd and Eddie" is a terrible cartoon cartoon?

#8      Anyone have Tony Thulborn's e-mail address? Please reply off-list.

#9      Hadrosaurs rule, they had big big mouths with tiny teeth and they
apparently chewed their food. Alot. End of statement to appease list rules.

#10     End

        :)

        Wagner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Jonathan R. Wagner, Dept. of Geosciences, TTU, Lubbock, TX 79409-1053
  "Why do I sense we've picked up another pathetic lifeform?" - Obi-Wan Kenobi