Hi, everyone! Long time, no see!

 

Sorry for the nearly two-year hiatus, but as you'll soon hear, I've been quite busy.

 

Let's see...::Checks last posting time::...March 21, 2007. Well, most of the rest of that year was consumed with the increasing workload of my MS thesis on arboreal snake locomotion, resulting in my first publication in October of that year in a top tier journal (Full pdf at http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/reprint/210/21/3862 ), describing a new mode of snake locomotion. At the same time, I was making preparations for my wedding, and applying to PhD programs. In May, I completed my MS, and in July I married Gemma (she was here very temporarily a few years ago), and had a lovely honeymoon in Grand Cayman.

 

More recently, I started my PhD work at Brown University, exploring the mechanics of muscle-tendon systems via frog jumping. It's an amazing group: 6 faculty members, all working on biomechanics of everything from dinosaurs to fish to bats (most universities have only 1 or 2, or frequently none), with the best technology in the field (because it was invented here) - a 3-D, high-speed X-ray video system I'm currently using. On top of everything, this unique group is supported by teaching the medical anatomy lab, with grad students TAing, which means I'm currently taking it, and will get to teach it.

 

So, what's everyone else been up to?

 

Mokele

And here I thought the good "Doctors" at AiG had gotten you into one of their "re-education camps."

He's alive!

 

Welcome back to SFN, and congratulations. But of course we'll have to run you through the decontamination chamber to make sure yourdadonapogos' suspicions aren't true.

 

But either way, it's great to have one of our old regulars back. If you have the time for it, we'd be glad to reinstate you as a moderator or as a resident expert in biology. (Though I'm not sure we get many snake questions here.)

Oh no, somebody hide the silver!

 

Hey congrats on the marriage, that's awesome.

Whoa, I was wondering where you were! I didn't hear anything about Tokyo burning so my next guess was a woman. Grats to you and Gemma.

 

And welcome back, you big scaly mutant.

Welcome back and congratulations. I was kind of wondering what that weird seismic activity was about, first near Tokyo Bay and then at Grand Cayman.

Great to see you back again!

have the search and rescue team emerged from your sideburns yet or are they still MIA

Welcome back! You've been gone as long as I have! ..Almost... Only your returning story is a lot more impressive!

 

Congratulations on the marriage and the PhD!

Thanks everyone!

Welcome back Mokele!

And here I was expecting a story of an epic battle with Mothra …

A bit belated; welcome back!

Welcome back and congratulations.

 

I'll see if I can find a Burrunjor for you.

Welcome back Mokele, and congratulations on the wedding and the publication (in that order).

 

I think I speak for all the long time members when I put on my best Agent Smith voice and say "we misssssed you".

Also, welcome to Rivendell!