Posted on March 2 at 9:14 p.m.

Another analytical gem from Professor Glasgow's intelligently impressive post: "...There is a noticeable increase in reports of attacks since 2003. However, I suspect this has more to do with the publicity surrounding the fatal shark attack in Avila Beach in 2003 than any upward trend in shark attacks -- more publicity and fear surrounding shark attacks means attacks are more likely to be reported to the Shark Research Committee rather than just become a forgotten police report."

So your argument is that before the madame professor was murdered by Ed in '03, there were attacks that were not reported? So is this a conspiracy by the police, medical personnel, and the media to sweep shark attacks under the rug? Since you are arguing attacks were not reported, wouldn't that mean there were more instances of shark attacks which thereby defeats your whole argument that public safety is not in jeopardy and we have nothing to worry about? Professor, I understand the peer review process is absent for you on this message board before you post, but your elementary analysis and radical conclusions would surely earn yourself a poor grade on one of your own midterms or finals. Perhaps you and your colleagues could develop a system of reviewing each other's posts before clicking that button on a public site.

Frankly, Professor, you are clearly a charlatan who certainly owes an apology to the family of the unfortunate colleague of your's who was brutally killed in '03 and all other shark attack victims worldwide. How will you feel if the next victim of Ed only ventured into the waters of Northern Santa Barbara County because he or she was persuaded by your post and erroneously concluded those waters were actually safe? Think about it.

On The Fear Beneath

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Posted on March 2 at 5:28 p.m.

Dear UCSB Professor Garret Glasgow,

When Ed the Shark attacks again, I will be sure to send the bereaved widow, children, and parents to your classroom to lecture your students on false assumptions, poor judgment, and consequences. Please refrain from offering advice to those of us who face reality everyday and who are outside your protective bubble of academia. I understand you may believe you are improving the world while "Testing Assumptions Underlying Economic Research on Transgenic Food Crops for Third World Farmers: Evidence from Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico" rather than personally stepping into the dangerous waters of Northern Santa Barbara County. I understand your paleness has not ventured into the waters while dressed in jeans and a polo shirt since 1983. Therefore, Professor Glasgow, again, please realize that casually dismissing professional opinions and offering advice in an area in which one is not qualified to opine is completely and arrogantly inappropriate. You should know better, Professor. But I guess arrogance and elitism are a staple of academia, yes?

On The Fear Beneath

Posted on March 1 at 10:10 p.m.

I have spoken with one of the parties who spotted the great white in Northern Santa Barbara County. They said it was twenty (20) feet long. Apparently it chased two guys out of the water and even displayed extremely aggressive tendencies towards jet skis and other small watercraft around the Gaviota area. I have also heard that several other great whites ranging in length from 15 to 20 feet have been spotted as well. Local marine biologists are advising all surfers to avoid Northern Santa Barbara County, as they fear an attack is imminent. Why would anyone take such an irresponsible risk?

On The Fear Beneath