Posted on Sep 26, 2009
It’s being described as a find as significant as the Sutton Hoo one. There was an interview with Terry Herbert, the local metal detectorist, who was having to take deep breaths in between talking about how he happened to find five kilograms of exquisitely crafted Anglo-Saxon gold.
The changes in the rules governing what occurs to treasure finds such as this means that instead of going straight to the British Museum it will first be offered to local museums if they can raise the money. Before that though, it will be on display at a local museum for three weeks and happily that museum happens to be our very own BM&AG. Judging by the long queues formed outside and around the corner of the museum there are many locals who are glad of it.
No doubt the breathlessness experienced by the treasure finder was due to it’s great historical significance but I can’t help but think that it might just be partially due to the seven figure reward that both he and the owner of the land it was found upon are now due.
I’m not sure if Birmingham Museum will be able to afford the cost of keeping it within the boundaries of Old Mercia; I sincerely hope they can.
Tags: anglosaxon, birmingham, bm&ag, gold, mercia, museum
Posted on Sep 17, 2009
I happened to be surfing about the English Defence League’s (EDL) Forum pages (as you do) when I chanced upon this advert for Muslim Matrimonials!
English Defence League advertises Muslim Matrimonial Service
You may recall, the EDL were those jolly chaps who came visiting Birmingham a couple of weekends ago and were met enthusiastically by a coilition of anti-fascists and ‘locals’.
If proof were needed that the powers that rule over this universe (or Google) have a sense of humour then surely here it is.
Tags: englishdefenceleague, irony, muslim
Posted on Aug 26, 2009
Just got back from Italy and back to e-life — I was never a big fan of Italy, at least not in the same way I have been of say Spain. Having said that, I’ve supported the football team at various world cups, where England weren’t involved, and enjoy the food well enough. I’ve even driven and loved an italian car (ahhh blessed Bella God rest her Panda soul).
Add to those a general interest in ancient history and it seems odd that I’d never been before. But persuaded by my better half, we went to Tuscany and I think I’m now a fan of the land.
I suppose Tuscany and ‘Chiantishire’ are quite aspirational destinations and certainly the prices attest to that but there you are.
Great weather, fine food and stunning architecture and scenery … But all of that matters not so much for me as the real reason for my conversion to a italiaphile …
Tags: fiat, italy, panda, travel
Posted on Jul 20, 2009
I was four years old when Amstrong, Aldrin and Collins got to the moon and can barely remember it but I know that I did witness that most momentous achievement.
The TV is full of moon landing programs and I love it!
Tags: apollo11, clangers, moon, plumber, shuttle
Posted on Jul 9, 2009
Tucked away to the side of the library theatre in central Brum is a Yo Sushi wannabe called Woktastic.
I’ve been meaning to go there for some time but a combination of the other half’s suspicions of all things Japanese and the alarming orange colour that seems to dominate has meant I’ve not managed to get there.
Fortunately, during last week’s International Food Festival, we got a taste of the tempura squid and that prompted us to try the Orangey-Japanesey-foody place.
I’m happy to report that the all you can eat nigiri and sushi buffet did not dissappoint although the everlasting Japanese green tea only seemed to stretch to two cups each.
Tags: birmingham, food, review, sushi
