For later reference...

For later reference and cause basal_surge may be interested...
Bronze age living history in the Netherlands. Some interesting Bronze-casting stuff using VERY early techniques. Even has a section on minerals...

Edit: And on bloomery iron smelting (bloody noisy advert with it though:()

Upcoming event for those who happen to be here then...

In order to celebrate our recent (ok, August) trip over to NZ to get a Civil Union, we are holding an informal celebratory barbecue at 4pm on Sat the 12 November, at our house in location removed to protect the innocent*. We'll supply the usual fixings, including any NZ beers I (Zane) can find (Monteiths!). Please bring a salad or dessert plate or nibbles, or if you have any special dietary requirements, please warn us or BYO if its difficult to acquire. Be warned that as well as astronomers/geologists/medivalists, there will be assorted geologists/medievalists/astronomers and medievalists/astronomers/geologists present. They don't bite unless asked nicely.

*This (or variations thereof) was sent out to various groups. WRT location, if you know us well enough to come, you probably have our email addresses anyway...

And for those not able to make it over, we will forgive you and have fun with fireworks for us this weekend.

Didn't win anything but...

And so Makabe Deva (?sp) won the Melbourne Cup for a 3rd time in a row - something impressive even for the non-racing followers. More of a concern here because it involved food, drink and an excuse not to work. Besides, they have the gathering in the tearooms next to my office and aren't exactly quiet and wont be for the next while...