• I, Editor by Henry Gee

    This is the Nature Network and therefore Terribly Extremely Very Serious foothold for Nature Senior Editor Henry Gee. If you want fun and games, visit http://cromercrox.blogspot.com/

    • Cromer: Darwin's Lost Weekend

      Monday, 19 Jan 2009 - 11:25 UTC

      As we turn our minds to thoughts of Cromer,
      Our unofficial Nature Network Fest
      The conference idea is a misnomer
      And mighn’t even make use of the best
      Of all our time and talents. I suggest
      (After chats with Martin Fenner, gent,
      And Karen James, who lives in the crow’s nest)
      We pursue some task, with greedy hardiment
      And so agree it would be time well spent.

      On Friday, we arrive, and greet, and dine.
      On Saturday, our aim will be to lend
      Our efforts to a video whose line
      Will be Cromer: Darwin’s Lost Weekend.
      Such a mockumentary would end
      Up on YouTube, thenceforth on our blogs,
      On Saturn’s Eve, and homeward we would wend
      To t’Maison Des Girrafes, to shed our togs
      And gambol with the chickens, cat and dog.


      A dog, some time ago.

      So, Graham, might you lay your hands on things
      We’d need? A/V equipment, and a mike,
      A camera, machinery that goes ‘ping’,
      Cables and some software and suchlike?
      It strikes me you’re the guy who’d like to strike
      A light in that regard, and music, too
      We’d need. A script, and words, alike:
      And actors (who’d play Darwin?) and a crew.
      It sounds an entertaining thing to do.

      On Sunday we’d relax with Kristi’s plot
      To knit our own marine invertebrates.
      A ravelrous aquarium, a grot
      Of endless forms most beautiful would rate
      A tribute to the scientist whose late
      Adventures in the evolutionary sphere
      All of us would fain commemorate
      In celebrations now, and far, and near.
      (A field trip, too – and probably some beer.)

      Last updated: Monday, 19 Jan 2009 - 11:25 UTC

      • Comments

        • Date:
          Monday, 19 Jan 2009 - 12:04 UTC
          Kristi Vogel said:

          Brilliant idea!

          I have just one question at the moment, though: can I dress up like a Pre-Raphaelite for the mockumentary?

        • Date:
          Monday, 19 Jan 2009 - 12:14 UTC
          Henry Gee said:

          Yes. But wear thermal underwear. If you want to float around in the sea like this

          I shall not be responsible for the consequences!

        • Date:
          Monday, 19 Jan 2009 - 12:25 UTC
          Graham Steel said:

          OK, I’ll pack a few bits ‘n bobs. I’ll also contact my mate Trev Harrison-Phipps and if he’s free that day, I might be able to generate some interest from him. He’s got an awesome set-up.

        • Date:
          Monday, 19 Jan 2009 - 12:26 UTC
          Kristi Vogel said:

          No worries, I’ll find a boat:


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