Hotlinking the Vegetable

Blogissatva Numero Uno.

Snail's Tales is the best science blog I have found[1]. Aydin Örstan Effendi is a Research Associate in the Section of Mollusks at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A.

I discovered Snail's Tales by blog surfing via blogger's Next Blog button.

Snail's Tales displays true blogging nature, in that there regularly appear new and shiny tidbits, covering many aspects of what are clearly his natural inclinations as well as that of his profession: stories of field trips[2], descriptions of mullusk physiology and habitats, examinations of historical and current work, reflections on the culture of science, and more! And then there is an excellent seasoning consisting of reports on beer and food, pictures of grafitti on box cars and trees, articles about books, and, and more!

And all presented in an excellent voice: wise, humorous, and clearly exhibiting a love of the world and his work.

This is my idea of paradise. Why are there not more such science blogs? Snail's Tales can be read pleasurably by ignoramuses such as myself, and judging by the comments, by knowledgable professionals as well. He posts regularly; this is very important. Many science blogs read like they are grudging distractions, a chore and a bore, and this shows up in sporadic posts written in clunky jargon, posts that show no real awareness of audience. (Or so it seems to me, my apologies to those who are merely trying to grump at their colleagues in front of this big picture window we call the web.)

I tried to pick out some favorite posts, but it's impossible. It's all good. Go check him out, and get back regularly.

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[1] I say this not because of his Blogasattva Nature - that gracious blessing appeared later - but due to the inherent superiority of its content and style.
[2] My favorites, by an edge. I love to wander around the landscape, and doing it remotely via proxy is wonderful.