Photograph courtesy T. Kubodera and K. Mori.
Photograph courtesy T. Kubodera and K. Mori.
The Japanese scientists estimated the animal to be an astounding 25 feet long but the longest giant squid on record measured 59 feet (18 meters), including its two elongated tentacles. Along with photos of the exciting discovery, National Geographic posted the story:
"The scientists say they snapped more than 500 images of the massive cephalopod before it broke free after snagging itself on a hook. They also recovered one of the giant squid's two longest tentacles, which severed during its struggle.
The photo sequence, taken off Japan's Ogasawara Islands in September 2004, shows the squid homing in on the baited line and enveloping it in "a ball of tentacles."
Tsunemi Kubodera of the National Science Museum in Tokyo and Kyoichi Mori of the Ogasawara Whale Watching Association report their observations this week in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
"Architeuthis appears to be a much more active predator than previously suspected, using its elongated feeding tentacles to strike and tangle prey," the researchers write.
They add that the squid was found feeding at depths where no light penetrates even during the day."
Check out the link for the full story and more on the history of the Giant Squid!
This post seems like a fitting one to share one of my all-time favorite poster images. It was created by the great Disney Imagineers and can be seen in the book Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real.
Image courtesy of Walt Disney Imagineering.
If anybody knows where I can get a large-scale poster of the above image, please contact me. I think I see the Nautilus now!
To lighten the mood, check out 
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dearest Kelly on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at the age of 36. Treasured by his mother Denise; sisters; nephew and niece (Adam and Kara Bunz), along with numerous relatives and a wealth of friends. Predeceased by father Brian (2000). Kelly had a heart like no other and loved spending time with family and friends. He is loved and admired for his devotion to always helping others and genuine interest in getting to know people. He had an affectionate smile, positive outlook and fantastic sense of humor. His enthusiasm and upbeat personality was reflected by his multitude of friends, young and old. He was the humblest guy you could ever know. Simply put, the ornaments of Kelly's life were the friends that gathered there. His awe and wonderment in God's creations was steadfast and never waivered. He had a zest for life and will be remembered for his adventurous spirit from mountain and ice climbing to photography (mountains, glaciers, sunsets, waterfalls) and most recently his passion for motorcycling. Kelly's message to each of us is clear: slow down, relax, listen and love one another without judgement. He never complained or tried to impress others, he just wanted all of us to be happy. The Lord has brought Kelly home to reward him for all his inner riches. Thank you for enriching our lives Kell. May God Bless you and keep you safe and secure in the palm of His hand. We will miss you Kell Kell. XOXOXO. I love you big brother.
