Re: Paleocene dinosaurs

[Mark Pankowski <mpankows@freenet.scri.fsu.edu>]

On Mon, 1 May 1995, Larry Bowlds wrote:
> 
> I've never met Bob Bakker, but I did have the good fortune to watch
> him talk to a group of Scouts one Saturday afternoon about 10 years
> ago. He was talking about locomotion in marine reptiles, and his only
> prop was the reconstructed paddle of a mosasaur--but that mosasaur
> lived. It was the most remarkable talk I've ever seen. Bakker
> has the ability to make paleontology come alive.
> 
> I've also heard nothing but good things about him from the amateurs
> who know him. I don't think you'll find his ego intimidating, and if
> you have the opportunity to meet him, take advantage of it. Even if
> you don't agree with everything he says (I don't), the way he says
> it is unmatched.
> 
> Larry
> 

My wife and I had the opportunity to dig with Bakker for a week last 
summer as part of a Dinamation trip (1-800-DIG-DINO, if you're interested). 
Although he could have easily shown up one day for a quick speech and then
 ditched 
us amateurs (and still collected a paycheck), he spent every day in the pit 
with us. At breakfasts and dinners, he gave speeches and 
told stories. He was incredibly entertaining 
and informative, making dinosaurs truly come alive. He has a great sense 
of humor and is very friendly. And, perhaps most surprising, he really 
doesn't have a big ego. I came away with a profound respect for him both 
as a teacher and as a person.

Mark "Fossilman" Pankowski