(no subject)

Wheee, Middelaldercentret in Denmark have a new building since I was there in 2001 (picture 3rd column, 3rd picture down, below the two trebuchets). Very very cool. If you are ever in Denmark, GO THERE. Trebuchets, cannons, a village, port with boats, looms, fabric dying setup: an experimental museum focusing on the 14th century: what more could you want (appart from getting to work there for a year...)? More pictures here.
Crossroads has a little catching up to do, but you can see what is possible...
But you can't experiment with gunpowder at Crossroads (check gunpowder report links later...).

Edit: and after one of THOSE quizes:
What Kind of Princess are You? - Beautiful Artwork
[I'll spare you the Beautiful Artwork]

The Traditional Princess
You are generous, graceful, and practical with both feet planted firmly on the ground. You tend to be a little on the old-fashioned side. You value home, hearth, and family life and love to be of service to others.
Role Models: Snow White, Maid Marian

All cause I though being locked in the tower would be a good chance for uninterupted sewing...

And on the open window I appear to have a cockatoo arse aimed at me - tail up, head down, attracting attention (even though food was only put out recently) or about to pounce on the one below. Just as well that didn't last long...

And the Australian Research Council grants* are out...

The astronomy grants are not that optimistic... maybe, we shall see...
But it is interesting seeing what sort or research is funded... and how handwavy and how they make it "relevant" to todays society...
eg

Writing from the edge of the world: medieval Icelandic literature and the quest for social identity
LITERATURE STUDIES The University of Sydney
This project has special significance for Australians. Iceland and Australia are both geographically isolated communities, both originally colonies of larger political powers (Norway and Britain), both asserting a social identity different from that of the motherland. Many themes of medieval Icelandic literature have parallels in Australian culture; slogans like 'the cultural cringe', 'the lucky country', 'home and away' can be readily paralleled in Old Icelandic literature. Our study will be of considerable social benefit to Australia and will show how another ex-colony, remote in time and place, constructed its own social identity.

Interesting subject, but the justification... Plainly "This is an interesting subject" just doesn't cut the mustard any more. And heaven forbid it not have relevance to Australia or promote Australian egos in some way...

The results on an institute to institute basis can be found here.
Some of the research topics appear quite interesting. Others, less so.

*Think equivalent of Marden Fund etc in NZ only not just science based.