Gemsbok probably have more adaptations to dry conditions than any other antelope. They even recover the moisture from the breath they exhale in their sinuses. They will also fight for shade.

Today is the last day of SkepchiCON, a skeptic and science track at the Convergence Convention, which in turn is one of those science fiction and fantasy conventions. I’ve attended a number of panels most of which I participated in, and they have all done well. For the most part, I’m told, the Skepchicon tracks get a larger audience than many other events, suggesting that we-all are doing something right. Skepchick Car2D2 deserves a huge round of applause for her awesome efforts in organizing this event.

I’ve had a great time visiting with friends and colleagues from in town and out of town, gawking at interesting costumes, and having excellent conversations. Yesterday, while sitting on one of the panels, I was able to point to Commander Willian Riker (sitting five rows back) and say to him, in reference to the person in the front row, “Number one … did you hear the Klingon in the front just say that ‘human beings are doomed?'”

(A guy in a Klingon suit had so lamented in relation to overall human stupidity.)

In a couple of hours, PZ Myers and I will run a panel by ourselves (I think … perhaps someone has been added one never knows) on “New discoveries in evolution.” Overall, the theme of the panels I’ve been on seems to have been how to figure out good from bad information about evolution and science in general. I think we may end up discussing that in part as we discuss recent evolutionary items of interest.

Two interesting metaphors emerged during the ongoing conversation that will form the seeds of a couple of blog posts … if you remind me to talk about them. Just ask me about the Big Monkey and the Rain Forest Bouquet. It will all make sense later when I explain.

OK, now it is time to get some coffee and head back down to Bloomington where I will rub elbows with star troopers, zombies and furries. Live long and prosper. Nanu nanu.