While some researchers dedicate their lives to the search for truth, regardless of any personal gain, many are driven by the hope of academic stardom and the money that comes with it.

But he explained to me that he was in a bind, and that he was having trouble finding the kind of sex appeal and star power that the conference was known for so I said fine, Ted I mean Chris. I'll come on two conditions.

Was it his bad luck, I wondered, to be born too early to take part in today s lucrative professional surfing circuit? Or was it his good luck to be part of a surfing scene that was less about stardom and more about enjoying the waves?