more fantasy archaeology

– the never-ending search for the Holy Grail … The BBC is reporting what looks like another publicity scam Fascination with the Holy Grail has lasted for centuries, and now the Bletchley Park code-breakers have joined the hunt. But what is it that’s made the grail the definition of something humans are always searching for…

heritage industry

Paul Brown, Guardian environment correspondent writes of the scale of the heritage industry in the UK. The National Trust (owner of historic properties – from antiquity to yesterday – and of exceptional landscapes) – 3.3 million members, with new members signing up faster than the birth rate. 12.7 million visitors last year to paying sites…

Ben Cullen

Ben Cullen died eight years ago today in Cardigan, Wales. He was only 31. He had the same birthday as my daughter Molly; died on my parents wedding day. He was a great friend. Ben’s big idea was that biological organisms and things are not always as radically different as we usually hold. Viral phenomena…