Southern Fried Science

Southern Fried Science Best of the Web 2010

November 30, 2010October 27, 2013 Andrew Thaler 2 Comments

Blogging

Southern Fried Science is on vacation! Once again, we’ll be taking a break from blogging during the month of December. Weekly dose of TED and Biodiversity Wednesday will continue (since they don’t require any work on our part). While we’re gone, please enjoy a selection of exclusive penguin videos shot by Antarctic Adventurer David Honig. Don’t forget to check out the Gam to catch up with the rest of the Southern Fried Science Network, follow us on twitter (Andrew, David, Amy), and subscribe to the Gam RSS feed for updates across the network. Regular posting will return in January.

In the mean time, consider this post an open thread to discuss anything about marine biology, graduate school, conservation, life in science, or just life in general. We’ll check in every so often.

Can’t last a month without the fry-off? Check out our favorite blogs, tweeps, and articles.

Wicked Problems

November 30, 2010November 30, 2010 Bluegrass Blue Crab 3 Comments

Science

A little editing back-and-forth today introduced me to a fun new policy word: wicked problems. My initial reaction was that the author was writing informally and taking cues from Boston, but it turns out he was using a legitimate vocabulary word. Wikipedia has a few good definitions, but the Australian Public Service Commissioner described it … Read More “Wicked Problems” »

How to apply for a job working with sharks

November 30, 2010December 31, 2011 David Shiffman 14 Comments

Science

A few weeks ago, I listed several common mistakes that people make when applying for a job in the field of shark science. This led to a lot of laughs and commiseration. It also led to a series of e-mails asking me how to apply for a shark science job. These e-mails came from people in various stages of their lives, all the way from children to adults who already have another career. Since I had some laughs at the expense of people who apply for jobs incorrectly, it seems only fair that I offer my advice on how to do it correctly.

Sandbar — This photo of me with a sandbar shark was taken while working for the South Carolina coastal shark survey

It is important to note that I am describing the path that worked for me. There are many other paths, though there are likely lots of similarities with mine. Some may seem pretty straightforward, but what seems obvious to some can be a life-changing revelation for others. Most are applicable to science in general and not just sharks. Similar advice can be found on this excellent website from the Love lab.

Sharks get new protections at ICCAT

November 29, 2010 David Shiffman

Conservation, Science

Last week, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas met in Paris. Among other responsibilities (such as the conservation of Atlantic tunas), ICCAT sets guidelines for several shark fisheries. My friend Sonja Fordham, President of Shark Advocates International, was there representing SAI. She is optimistic about a series of new shark conservation measures that the Commission adopted.

The Great Vaccine Conspiracy*

November 28, 2010 Andrew Thaler 7 Comments

Science

There is a war being played out in the media. A war being fought over the hearts, minds, and bodies of the people. A quiet, insidious war, fought not with guns or bombs, yet racking up a death toll none-the-less. It is a war organized by a shadowy sect of humanity, so cunning and secretive, that even the players, standing at the front lines, have no idea that they are puppets. It is the war over vaccines, and humanity is losing.

Weekly dose of TED – Hans Rosling shows the best stats you’ve ever seen

November 26, 2010January 18, 2011 Andrew Thaler

Uncategorized

“Social progress is going ahead of economical progress” – do you believe this is really true? Note that the US is consistently richer than would be expected given its stats for infant mortality, life expectancy, etc. Our country makes the case for the need for alternative development statistics that measure more than just the dollar … Read More “Weekly dose of TED – Hans Rosling shows the best stats you’ve ever seen” »