Miller's Fossils

Boogie Back to Tucson

2012-01-09T14:49:00.002-05:00

It's just about that time again. In a couple of weeks, I'll be off to the temporary fossil capital of the world, the Tucson Gem and Mineral AND Fossil show. I'll be blogging this year. Stay tuned.

More on Evolution

2011-12-22T17:18:00.004-05:00

I must confess that the last three or four weeks have been one of the most transformational times in my life. I've spent the last twenty years of my life trying to learn as much as I could about fossils and Paleontology to a somewhat lesser degree - pretty much bypassing evolution as such because it seemed rather cut and dried. Individual animals and populations of animals adapt/change either physically, physiologically, behaviorally thru their interaction with natural selection and their dna changed at some basal level.

I finally got around to reading "Your Inner Fish" by Neil Shubin about a month ago and was wowed for the 1st part, kinda understood the the middle ( the universality of the tetrapod body plan) but my eyes glazed over in the last part (HOX genes, etc.). But after watching a show called "What Darwin Never New" tonight, I realize that the third part of Shubin's book was the most important.

Only about 2% of our genes actually lead to the building of proteins which "we" always new is what genes did. But 98% of our DNA has been called "dark matter" because it didn't seem to do anything. We now know that some of that dark matter (regulator dna) actually turns that 2% off and on and that very small off/on differences lead to very different expressions even though the 2% remains unchanged. Additionally, another part of the dark matter (ie HOX genes) control the regulator genes (how long off/on, how much is produced per time period).

The show gave an example of two species of fruit fly. One sported wing spots and one didn't but they were able to determine that both species had the same genes that coded for wing spots. Thus the expression of the gene or lack thereof seemed to be the reason that drove one species into two - not a change in the basic protein producing gene.

I am absolutely absorbed by this new understanding of the basis/basics and mechanisms and their implications of evolution.

Different but related portion - Bite force seems to be a basic cause of differences between humans and apes. Apes have a very strong bite force that is the result of the muscles that pass within their zygomatic arches one result is that that forces the plates of the skull to fuse in about 3 years from birth. Fused skull means the end of brain growth. In humans, skull plates don't fuse until about 30 years of age. Unfused skull plates allow brain size to increase for decades.

I am overwhelmed by this stuff - join this topic if you wish. Try to get the book and see the show.

Great Moments in Evolution and Adaptation

2011-10-31T10:01:00.003-04:00

Even lowly parasitic protozoa are subject to the same rules of nature as the rest of us inhabitants of the living world. According to Wikipedia, Toxoplasma gondii:

The life cycle of T. gondii has two phases. The sexual part of the life cycle (coccidia like) takes place only in cats, both domestic and wild (family Felidae), which makes cats the parasite's primary host. The second phase, the asexual part of the life cycle, can take place in other warm-blooded animals, including cats, mice, humans, and birds. The hosts in which asexual reproduction takes place is called the intermediate host. Rodents are the typical intermediate host.

Recent studies indicate that to enhance the ability to move to the critical cat stage T. gondii produces changes in rat brains so that infected male rats do not fear the scent of cat urine. How does that work? When infected male rats smell cat urine, the area of the rat brain that responds to FEMALE rats becomes activated. As such, the protozoa causes male rats to seek out their predator and thereby allow T. gondii to reproduce!

Release the Kraken!

2011-10-11T18:17:00.007-04:00

Well, the Kraken has been all the rage in Paleontological news recently courtesy of one Professor Mark McMenamin of Mount Holyoke College. I've never been to the Berlin-Ichthyosaur Museum in Nevada, but I bet it is interesting. The fossils of perhaps 37 40foot long ichthyosaurs lined in a row have been found there. Basically Prof McMenamin has proposed that some giant sea monster caused their demise and then artfully positioned them in its own image for us to see. That's SOME Kraken!

Apparently the good doctor has not been shaving with Occams Razor (not quite "the simplest explanation is usually the correct one," but close). The previous expanation has been that it was a stranding. Well, the new interpretation is certainly an interesting CSI investigation, but don't hold your breath.

I'm not sure why the media has picked this up and run with it, but as media critics say, "If it bleeds, it leads." It certainly has put this museum back in the news.

Intelligent design? I don't think so.

2011-10-05T11:53:00.002-04:00

Giraffe laryngeal nerve

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdm5he_richard-dawkins-demonstrates-laryng_tech

If You Have Ever Wondered #2

2011-09-03T11:00:00.004-04:00

More "if you've ever wondered..." This one is about the extinct Tasmanian Tiger and comes from Science Daily.

"They knew from previous research that the elbow joint was a clue to predator habits, as it showed whether the animal was built for flexibility and dexterity in handling prey or for chase and speed in tracking down the next meal. Examining the bones, they found that the thylacine's humerus, or upper arm bone, was oval and elongated at the end closest to the elbow, implying that the animal's forearm bones, the radius and ulna, were separate. That means the Tasmanian tiger would have been able to rotate its arm so that the palm faced upwards, like a cat. The distal humerus on dog-like animals, such as dingoes and wolves, is "more squared-up and shorter," Janis said. This indicates the radius and ulna were closer together in these species, reflecting that these animals' hands are more fixed in the palm-down position.

In terms of hunting, the increased arm and hand movement would have given the thylacine a greater capability of subduing its quarry after a surprise attack. Since dingoes and other dog-like creatures have less latitude in arm-hand movement, that helps explain why these animals hunt by pursuit and in packs, rather than in an ambush setting, the researchers note.

"It's a very subtle thing," said Janis. "You never would think that the shape of just one bone would mean so much."

Yet some cats, like cheetahs, use speed to catch their quarry, while some canid species, like foxes, rely more on the guile of the ambush. Janis said the thylacine's hunting tactics appear to be a unique mix. "I don't think there's anything like it around today," she said. "It's sort of like a cat-like fox."

Top 10 Myths About Evolution

2011-07-15T17:52:00.002-04:00

Top 10 Myths About Evolution

New Fossils for Sale

2011-06-13T10:09:00.004-04:00

Check back to Miller's Fossils for some new fossils for sale this week. I'm adding videos of many items.

My Next Show

2011-05-16T17:14:00.001-04:00

Saturday, May 21st

Chesapeake Gem and Mineral and Fossil Show

If You Have Ever Wondered

2011-05-11T12:07:00.003-04:00

If you have ever wondered what paleontologists really do, check this out:

What does a pleontologist really do?

Jack Horner - Dinosaurs - Philadelphia

2011-04-23T20:56:00.001-04:00

For anyone in the Philadelphia area:
Prominent paleontologist Dr. John Horner, a dinosaur authority and the inspiration for a “Jurassic Park” character, will give a free talk about many people’s favorite extinct animal on Tuesday, May 17, at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Horner, who has made major strides in understanding dinosaurs through modern biology, will discuss “Dinosaurs: How to Get Rid of Some Old Ones and Make Some New Ones.” The public is invited to a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. To register for the free event, call 215-299-1108 or sign up online at http://jackhornerdinosaurs.eventbrite.com/

Oops, I Did It Again

2011-04-11T21:26:00.004-04:00

life size, actual cast of T.rex jaw = 53 inches

New Fossils for Sale

2011-04-08T15:58:00.003-04:00

Some much need housekeeping going on at the website soon including some new fossils for sale. Come visit Miller's Fossils.

The Older I Get ...........

2011-03-21T16:05:00.007-04:00

Who would have thought that at 57 years old I would start getting into Dinosaurs. For the last 20 years it's been fossil mammals, mammals, mammals.

I must be Orkian. If you remember on Ork, the older you get, the younger you become.

My latest acquisition - full size Allosaurus skull replica (36 inches long.) I call him Larry because Al was already taken.

My Next Show - DVPS Fossil Fair

2011-03-13T12:50:00.001-04:00

Fossil Fair. Stop by and say hello

Delaware Min Society Show

2011-02-20T13:07:00.003-05:00

Another trip around the sun and we are back to my first show of the year. Come visit and say hello if you are in the area.Del Min Soc show

A Hymn to Evolution

2011-02-07T10:47:00.002-05:00

Hymn

Tucson - Dinero, Camaro

2011-01-24T17:50:00.003-05:00

I've gone to the Tucson show for 15 years in a row, but I won't be able to make it this year. If you are into fossils, and I assume you are, it's the most fun you can have with your pants on. All you need is dinero and a camaro. The Tucson Show's Unofficial Song

Dinochicken Coming to a Pet Store Near You !!!

2010-12-26T20:12:00.002-05:00

I just watched a 60 Minutes interview with Jack Horner. He predicts making a genetic Dinochicken within 5 years. Is he on the sauce again or maybe not. ;o)

Fossil-Free-For-All

2010-12-20T22:07:00.003-05:00

As I am trying to get back in the saddle. I have decided to ramp up my
public, open fossil forum. Come visit, join, and post away. Fossil Free for All

What?????????

2010-12-20T13:48:00.007-05:00

A new Gallup poll, released Dec. 17, reveals that 40 percent of Americans still believe that humans were created by God within the last 10,000 years. This number is slightly down from a previous high of 47 percent in 1993 and 1999.

Another 38 percent of respondents believe that humans have evolved from more basic organisms but with God playing a role in the process.

A mere 16 percent of respondents subscribed to the belief of "secular evolution": that humans have evolved with no divine guidance. However, this number has nearly doubled from nine percent of respondents in a poll from 1982.

Happy Merry

2010-12-17T13:57:00.002-05:00

Five more weeks of rehab - UGH! At least I'm home but with major restrictions. 'Tis the season

Update

2010-11-03T13:47:00.001-04:00

Sorry I haven't been able to write anything recently. I've been in the hospital and rehab for a while. If all goes well, I should be home soon.

Updates

2010-09-30T14:11:00.002-04:00

The Denver Show was just great. The fossils and friends made a for a wonderful combination.

I was approaching the Franklin show with some concern about the economy etc., but that proved to be a non-issue. Thank you all for your support, and enjoy those fossils

Franklin Mineral Show

2010-09-19T18:26:00.002-04:00

For those of you in the area, On September 25 and 26, I will be set up inside at this show Franklin Mineral Show stop by and say hello.

Denver Show

2010-09-06T15:35:00.003-04:00

It's been a long hot summer. Nothing fossilicious going on, but in two weeks, I'll be off to the Denver Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show. It's like a smaller, more manageable Tucson and I really like going. Buying old fossils and catching up with old friends - almost always "Chamber of Commerce" weather. I'll let you know how it goes.

CSI Crawford, Nebraska

2010-08-24T13:12:00.002-04:00

All fossils are cool, but some fossils are even cooler because they tell stories. You may have seen a shark bitten bone, a bone with a carnivore bite, a jaw with an abcessed tooth, a broken bone rehealed, but you ain't seen nuttin' like this.

IMO this is the greatest fossil ever found because of the incredible story it tells.

Clash of the Mammoths

Oldest Art in America?

2010-08-18T17:50:00.004-04:00

This recently caught my attention Ice Age Art and it would be an incredible find if it isn't fake. I've got my suspicions, however.

There is a dude selling fossils on Ebay that's always advertising that his material comes from the "Vero Caveman Site" in Florida or some such name. Total BS of course, and isn't it odd that this "find" comes from Vero Beach.

Makes me want to say, hmmmmmmmmm.

A Good Fossil Joke

2010-07-22T08:48:00.004-04:00

This may be the first good fossil joke that I've ever heard, and I've been around for a while!

Why did the Archaeopteryx get the worm?

Because he was an early bird!

This comes to you courtesy of my friends at Bonedigger forum

You can complain to them. :o)

To Those Fine Folks at the Fossil Forum

2010-07-14T14:00:00.004-04:00

I'm very honored that I have become a topic on their fine forum. Ahhhh, gone but not forgotten.

Anyway folks - STAY CLASSY!

Especially you, Mr. Galveston

A New Fossil Forum

2010-07-11T01:11:00.004-04:00

Due to overwhelming demand, I have started a new fossil forum that is open to anyone with something to say or ask about fossils and Paleontology. Come visit and join.

http://fossilfree-for-all.lefora.com

Sir, There's a Trilophodon in Your Back Yard, Srsly

2010-07-06T16:19:00.004-04:00

So this guy in Tennessee is having a pool put in his back yard - the construction company hits fossils of an elephant-like critter. An "expert" identifies it as a Trilophodon. A Trilophodon? A TRILOPHODON? Man, I haven't heard that identification used in years! But then again, would you trust an "expert" who works at a place called "The Coon Creek Science Center at the Pink Palace?" It is to laugh. :o)

T. rex fossil found in Delaware

2010-07-04T09:45:00.005-04:00

As a result of an anonymous tip, authorities visited the Millers Fossils Museum of Magnificent Fossils and Stuff and found that a complete T. rex vertebra had recently arrived. After investigating the report, the Shamwows! were collected, and the authorities were seen leaving the museum in tears and muttering to themselves.

Going Live

2010-07-02T02:09:00.002-04:00

I expect the redesign of the website Miller's Fossils to go live next week. Yaaayyy! Expect a couple of new fossils for sale soon after.

I'm A Roadrunner, Baby

2010-06-22T12:41:00.013-04:00

I was recently asked by a museum patron,"What living bird is most closely related to Dinosaurs?" As usual, I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Beats me," but I do remember seeing Bob Bakker talking about Roadrunners as being the model for toothless carnivorous dinosaurs (Ornithopods and the like).

I'm a Roadrunner, Baby (video)

I'm baaaack

2010-06-14T18:54:00.003-04:00

I'm back from three days of collecting in the Oligocene badlands in the panhandle of Nebraska. Not much to brag about fossilwise, but I had a great time with my host and saw some amazing things.

The webpage redesign is nearly finished - stay tuned.

Edible Fossils. Yum!

2010-05-27T10:16:00.004-04:00

Photo and meg cookies courtesy of Kristi Jamison Holz

My Next Show

2010-05-18T20:07:00.003-04:00

Chesapeake Gem and Mineral Show - Saturday only, May 29th 10:00-4:00
Ruhl Armory - Towson, MD (York Road/Baltimore Beltway Exit 26)

See you there!

Neanderthals+Humans

2010-05-07T02:56:00.002-04:00

Is anyone really surprised? I mean...teabaggers, duhhhhhhh!

Hmm. Well, uhh, I don't know what to say.

2010-05-03T21:54:00.002-04:00

"How Important Is Geographical Isolation in Speciation?

ScienceDaily (May 1, 2010) — A genetic study of island lizards shows that even those that have been geographically isolated for many millions of years have not evolved into separate species as predicted by conventional evolutionary theory."

Well now that's certainly unexpected!

Website Happenings

2010-04-27T16:57:00.004-04:00

Lots of behind the scenes work on the website Miller's Fossils for the next six weeks or so Some of it will eventually become apparent and some won't, but it will all be an improvement.

Website Update - New Fossils for Sale

2010-04-23T13:25:00.003-04:00

The much promised addition of some new fossils for sale on Miller's Fossils has finally happened. Take a look!

Volcano oh no

2010-04-18T11:24:00.010-04:00

Given the volcanic eruption going on in Iceland, it's time to refresh or introduce you to Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park. I have been there and it is an amazing place.
Google "ashfall fossil beds."

A New Fossil Forum

2010-04-16T09:33:00.005-04:00

Come visit my new fossil forum Fossil Addiction. Membership is restricted, but just about everything is open for the public to see.

The Fossil Forum

2010-04-07T18:48:00.005-04:00

To those of you who have arrived here by way of the Fossil Forum, and anyone else who might be interested, I thought I would share my opinions after a 9 month period of participation. In my opinion, the Forum is populated mainly by people who are the equivalent of Wal-mart greeters, sycophants, wannabees, clueless dolts, rude, ignorant and damned proud of it, gutless, and self-absorbed ego-inflated drama queens - and those are my positive opinions. I'll keep my negative opinions to myself.

Delaware Today - A Fine Periodical

2010-04-06T21:15:00.003-04:00

I just heard from a freelance writer who pitched an article about me to Delaware Today (our state magazine - hey we're small but we're, uhhhh, small). They have given the go ahead. I've been in the newspaper a number of times, but that is here today and gone tomorrow. Delaware Today is a monthly magazine, so I'll be around for a while. I'll post updates as the whole thing progresses.

My Next Fossil Show - New Fossils for Sale

2010-03-09T09:52:00.008-05:00

Next in line is the DVPS Fossil Fair on March 27th and 28th. For more info and directions. LINK

Additional new material going up on "Fossils for Sale" soon. LINK

Delaware Min Society Show - 3/6-7

2010-03-04T10:21:00.009-05:00

Come and visit the Delaware Min Society show on March 6 and 7th.
http://www.delminsociety.net/marchshow2010.htm

I'll be the one with the GREAT fossils.

Dinotopia - Delaware Museum of Art

2010-02-25T16:43:00.002-05:00

I met with people at the Delaware Museum of Art today. They are hosting a traveling Dinotopia exhibit of original artwork and interpretation. My exact involvement will be fleshed out soon but will include guided tours and presentations. It should be fun. The exhibit runs until May 15th.

I'd feel a whole lot safer if........

2010-02-15T19:19:00.003-05:00

I'd feel a whole lot safer if the TSA used bomb-sniffing Raptors

Birds are Dinosaurs, uhhh, Dinosaurs are Birds?

2010-02-11T10:13:00.010-05:00

I've never been a big proponent of the Birds are Dinosaurs controversy. It just never made "sense" to me especially when supporters had to make tortuous twists of the data to make their argument - never mind that there really is no evidence of any transition in the fossil record. For twenty years the battle cry has been, "just wait until we find it."

The whole argument is now starting to be questioned, and in fact, recently published work, link, suggests that some Dinosaurs are descended from Birds!!!! It is much easier to accept that some birds may have lost their feathers and become small raptor/theropods living on the ground than evolution in the opposite direction - Dinosaurs climbing trees.

Clearly, it pays to be a little less dogmatic and a bit more open, don't you think?

Tucson 2010

2010-02-04T13:57:00.004-05:00

Hi all. Back from 5 days of fun and sun in the desert. Crowds were a bit bigger than the last few years, but many dealers were still complaining. I picked up some interesting new items and they should be up on the website in a week or two.

By the way, my first show of the year is the Delaware Mineralogical Society Show on the first weekend in March, 6th and 7th. I'll have much more new material than I can put on the website.

Countdown to Tucson

2010-01-12T17:18:00.006-05:00

The clock is ticking - only 17 days until Tucson. So much to see and do. Fossils here and fossils there. Not only are the fossils abundant, but I get to see friends from all over the world. Early on, it only used to be about the fossils and Arizona. Nowadays, I have to add friendships to the mix as well. That combination makes for such a fantastic experience that within weeks after I get back, I'll start thinking about Tucson 2011.

Check back to Miller's Fossils in February as I will be posting some sweet and new fossils for sale.

The Science of Super Croc

2010-01-12T16:33:00.006-05:00

The Delaware Museum of Natural History is currently hosting the fantastic exhibit "The Science of Super Croc" thru January 31, 2010. It features Paul Sereno's discovery of a skeleton of Sarcosuchus imperator - a 40 foot long crocodile. We have a full size replica of the skeleton and related material. It was a BEAST!

Welcome

2010-01-11T18:05:00.008-05:00

Welcome to Miller's Fossils' blog. I have started this blog in order for visitors and friends to keep up with what's going on with me, my website, and the fossil world in general. I don't expect to post every day much less every week, but do come back from time to time to see what's going on. Visit my website Miller's Fossils for fossils and fossil related offerings as well.