While Googling for more information on Black Backs due to the thread in the picture section - I found this article written by Dave and Tracy Barker called "The Belle of the Ball". I don't know when it was first published but a very interesting read. My apologies if this has been shared before.
My favorite part so far:
"It's interesting now to see how at the end of the 1990s, ball pythons have become one of the most high profile and popular snakes in all of herpetoculture. It's like looking back and suddenly realizing that the kid next door who you snubbed has grown up to become an international super model."
Enjoy!
http://www.animalnetwork.com/reptile...d=2307&cid=595