Ready for Some Football?

Ready for Some Football?

While living with DMD isn't the end of the world, I hope that one day, there will be a cure for young boys diagnosed with DMD so their muscles work and they can walk -- or even play football with their friends.

Making that happen was the goal of today's Inaugural Tournament to Tackle Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Under blue skies in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, seven co-ed teams competed in two-hand touch football. A portion of their egistration fees as well as money raised from food and raffle ticket sales will go to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. So far, it looks like we raised about $1,200! If you would like to add to that amount, please click here.

None of this would have been possible without the hard work of my childhood friends Sarah and Ken. We would like to thank the folks at Philadelphia Sport and Social Club for coordinating the tournament, all of our sponsors, and everyone who participated, volunteered, or attended.

See you next year!

Geophysical archaeoprospection abstracts from AGU

Here are the abstracts on geophsyical prospection at archaeological sites from the session I co-organized at the just completed American Geophysical Union Joint Assembly:

GP11I-02
Near Surface Magnetic Survey for Investigating the Cultural Relics in Suchon, Gongju, Korea
Islam, M R (mislam62@uwo.ca), Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 40,Summit Ave. Unit# 50, London, ON N6H4S3, Canada, et al.

A magnetic study by the FM256 Fluxgate Gradiometer was conducted in Suchon, Gongju to measure the vertical magnetic gradient of the Earth's magnetic field and to give further details of the shallow section. The region was divided into two separate areas. The first study area measured 40m by 20m while the second study area was 20m x 20m. Each was subsequently divided into four grids of dimension 20m by 10m and 10m by 10m respectively. Measurements of the vertical magnetic gradient were conducted through successive zigzag traverses. The sample-interval and the traverse-interval were set to specifically record small anomalies at a high resolution. A total of 3200 readings were measured at the first study area and 1600 at the second study area. The data have been downloaded, presented and processed through the Geoplot software to remove the spikes, grid discontinuities, and traverses stripes, and also to enhance the display and smooth the data using the Gaussian low-pass filtering techniques. The vertical gradient of the processed data over the second study area ranges from -34nT to + 21nT, while it ranges from -36nT to + 62nT at the first study area. The gradiometer results defined several positive and negative magnetic anomalies, which revealed the existence of several subsurface features of different shapes and sizes. A comparison between the processed magnetic images suggest that the subsurface features may include a room structure (e.g. hut), a cave-shaped stone chamber tomb, an accumulation of potteries and porcelains common in the Baekje period in the ancient Korean history. The biggest anomaly (3 m in diameter) may illuminate a quartzite tomb chamber. As a result, the study area has great archaeological interest.


GP22A-05 INVITED
The Donegal Sign Tree: A Local Legend Confirmed with Holographic Radar and 3-D Magnetics
Bechtel, T (bechtelt@sas.upenn.edu), Dept. of Earth & Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA , United States, et al.

A tree at a crossroad in Historic Donegal, PA (founded 1722) bears unusual burls. Two are similar in size, and lie on opposite sides of the trunk at a height of six feet. Locals say that the tree engulfed an old road sign, and the geometry of the burls gives this appearance. However, the trunk between these two burls bears no welt where it sealed after swallowing the sign. In addition, there are other burls farther up the tree, which are not consistent with engulfed signs. Although the locals all know the legend of the swallowed sign, none ever actually saw the sign; not even an octogenarian who has lived at the crossroad his entire life, and recalls the tree as a child just as it is today. In order to test the veracity of the legend, this study performed subsurface imaging of the tree using holographic subsurface radar (Rascan), and 3-D measurements of the magnetic field about the tree using cesium vapor sensors. The Rascan system used is a continuous wave subsurface radar that operates at 5 discrete frequencies between 1.5 and 2.0 GHz. Reflections from subsurface objects are recorded as the phase difference pattern between an internal reference signal, and the reflected signal. Thus, it is a microwave analogy for optical holography. Rascan records reflections with two receiving antennae - parallel and perpendicular to the transmitter - so a single set of scans provides ten images; five frequencies at two polarizations. This ensures that an object at arbitrary depth will produce a strong phase difference in one of the images. As a consequence, elongate objects that are angled from the plane of scanning (e.g. a dipping sheet) produce "zebra stripes" of contrast values that vary cyclically with depth. The presence of stripes, and their relative positions in the different frequency images (the movement of which has been dubbed the "zebra shift") is useful for determining the relative depth of different portions of a dipping planar, or curved subsurface object. Rascan images of the tree revealed a reflector that produces a zebra shift pattern reminiscent of a curved reflector. However, given the curvature of the tree trunk, the zebra shift is more likely to represent a flat reflector beneath a curved scanning surface - consistent with the presence of the sign. As an independent confirmatory method, the tree was also subjected to a magnetic survey. First, the tree was swept with a magnetic locator - which indicated a magnetic target within the tree. In order to determine the configuration of this target, magnetic total field measurements were collected at the nodes of a 3-D grid surrounding the tree. The geometry of this survey is quite different from traditional archaeological prospection magnetometer surveys and, despite the relatively high latitude of Donegal PA, the vertical orientation of the suspected target mimics the common difficulties with magnetic surveys at low magnetic latitude. Therefore, the analytic signal was calculated to provide an easily interpreted magnetic anomaly that, together with the Rascan images, suggests that the story of the swallowed Donegal road sign may be true.


GP22A-06
3-D Modelling of Magnetic Data from an Archaeological Site in Northwestern Tlaxcala State, Mexico
Chavez, R E (exprene@geofisica.unam.mx), Instituto de Geofisica UNAM, CD Universitaria Circuito Exterior, Mexico, DF 04510, Mexico, et al.

In Archaeology, geophysical methods had been applied usually in a qualitative form, limited only to the use of filters that enhance the data display. The main objective in this work is the implementation of a modeling technique that allows us to reconstruct the geometry of buried bodies and the determination of their depths. This is done by means of the estimation of the magnetic moments of archaeological objects using a three- dimensional mesh of individual magnetic dipoles using the least squares method and the singular value decomposition of a weighted matrix to solve the linear problem. The distribution and shape of the underlying archaeological remains can be inferred. This methodology was applied to an archaeological site called Los Teteles de Ocotitla, in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. A high-resolution magnetic prospection was carried out in three selected areas (terraces). The most important total field anomalies found on each area were inverted, obtaining results that were corroborated by archaeological excavations. This investigation demonstrates the potential of quantitative geophysical methods for the characterization of archaeological structures, in extension and in depth.


GP22A-07
Archaeometric Prospection Using Electrical Survey Predictive Deconvolution (ESPD)
Glover, P W (paglover@ggl.ulaval.ca), Université Laval, Département de géologie et de génie géologique, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada

Once upon a time archaeological prospection was carried out mainly using electrical techniques. These days magnetic techniques and GPR are used by preference. However, we have shown that electrical surveying combined with the technique of predictive deconvolution is very effective at finding buried features where the shape of the feature can be predicted in advance. One such type of feature is the Grubenhaus (or sunken-featured, sunken-floored building, or SFB). Grubenhaüser exist in the archaeological record as individual well-defined oblong pits that have been filled and buried with other material. Aerial photographs at New Bewick in Northumberland, northern England (UK Grid reference NU061206) showed quasi-rectangular features similar to those on aerial photographs at the nearby Anglo-Saxon palace of Milfield (NT941339) which had been confirmed by excavation to be Grubenhaüser. Several electrical resistivity surveys were carried out over the area with an ABEM Mk II Terrameter and a multiplexing box serving 31 electrodes in line at any given time. Both double-dipole and Wenner configurations were used with an electrode spacing of 1 m. Data was acquired in blocks of 30 m by 30 m during a period of dry summer weather while the field was under young winter wheat. The Wenner array produces a characteristic 'M' or 'W' shaped response over filled in excavations such as those expected to represent a Grubenhaus. While this seems a disadvantage in the first instance, it can be used to improve the data. Such anomalies were present in the raw New Bewick data. The resulting data were analysed using 1D and 2D predictive deconvolution in order to remove the Wenner response. The deconvolution was carried out using an inverse matrix element method. The filtered results indicated the presence of an anomaly that is consistent with a Grubenhaus measuring about 5 m by 4 m and with a pit depth of 0.6 m below 0.5 m of topsoil. The results also showed broader areas of increased resistivity which have been attributed to compaction resulting from human and animal movement. Following the geophysical study the site was excavated (T. Gates and C. O'Brien "Cropmarks at Milfield and New Bewick and the Recognition of Grubenhaüser in Northumberland." Archaeologia Aeliana 5th series, Vol XVI, 1988, 1-9) and a Grubenhaus was discovered at the site. The excavated Grubenhaus measured 4.7 m by 3.9 m with a pit depth of 0.5 m below the base of the topsoil. The deconvolved Wenner data performed better than the double-dipole resistivity survey but was marginally slower.

Archaeomagnetism abstracts from AGU, Toronto

Here are the abstracts on archaeomagnetism from the session I co-organized at the just completed American Geophysical Union Joint Assembly:

Archaeomagnetic Study performed on Early Medieval Buildings from western France
Chauvin, A (Annick.Chauvin@univ-rennes1.fr), Géosciences-Rennes, Université Rennes 1, CNRS UMR 6118, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France et al.

A multiple dating study, involving a collaboration between specialists of dating techniques (thermoluminescence (TL) and radiocarbon), historians of art and archaeologists, has been carried out on several early medieval buildings from western France. The early medieval period is not well known especially in France where there is a lack of visible evidence that identifies pre-Romanesque architecture. The majority of buildings to have survived from this period are religious ones, considered important enough to be made of strong, non-perishable material such as stone or brick, as for example the churches of Notre-Dame-sous- Terre in the Mont-Saint-Michel or St Martin in Angers. Due to their significance in architectural history, it is imperative to position them accurately in the chronology of the history of art. Bricks are often used to build up round-headed arches or to reinforce the frame of a wall with bonding courses in those churches. TL dating and archeomagnetic analysis were performed on cores drilled within bricks while radiocarbon dating were undertaken on coals found within mortars. In order to increase the number of data during the early Middle Ages, archeointensity determinations using the classical Thellier technique with anisotropy of thermal remanence and cooling rate corrections were performed. Archaeomagnetic directions were used to recognize the firing position of bricsk during manufacture. Reliable and precise ages were obtained on the church Notre-Dame-sous-Terre; they indicate two phases of building in 950±50AD and 990±50AD. Mean archeointensities obtained on 17 (21) samples from the first (second) phases appears very closed 69.1±1.2 and 68.3±1.6 microTesla. Ages and archeomagnetic results obtained on 4 other sites will be presented and compared to the available data in western Europe.
News story on Chauvin presentation


European Archaeomagnetism: Progress and Problems
Evans, M E (evans@phys.ualberta.ca), Institute for Geophysical Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada et al.

Much progress has been made since the seminal work of Giuseppe Folgheraiter (1856-1913) in the late 19th century. So much so that recent advances now make it possible to draw up complete isogonic and isoclinic maps for Europe and adjacent areas spanning the last three millennia (Pavon-Carrasco et al., 2009). Results based on multiple independent studies, with high precision and good age control are crucial and should be recognized as "anchor points" (e.g. Pompeii). On the other hand, the nagging problem of outliers persists. Among the possible causes are magnetic refraction, physical distortion, and inadequate chronological control. Some examples, drawn from our own investigations over the last 30 years, will be discussed in detail. These include previously unpublished data from a detailed study (more than 100 samples) of a kiln in southern Italy, and an apparently good (but aberrant) archaeodirection from a kiln in southern Spain.


Regional Archeomagnetic Model for Europe for the Last 3000 Years: Application to Dating

Pavón-Carrasco, F (fjpavon@fis.ucm.es), Grupo de Paleomagnetismo. Dpto. de Geofísica y Meteorología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid., Avda. Complutense, s/n., Madrid, 28040, Spain et al.

Recently a new regional archeomagnetic model in Europe for the last three millennia has been proposed. This model, SCHA.DIF.3K (Pavón-Carrasco et al., 2009, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., doi:10.1029/2008GC002244, in press), is based on a Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis (SCHA) for spatial representation and sliding windows method in time. The model provides information of both directional and intensity variation of the Earth's Magnetic Field for the last 3000 years in the European region. One of the immediate applications of SCHA.DIF.3K regional model is its use as tool for archeomagnetic dating. So far the PalaeoSecular Variation Curve (PSVC) determined for a region has been used for archeomagnetic dating. The limitation of this application is the distance from the dating point to the location of the reference curve (the relocation error). In addition it must be borne in mind that the PSVC are individually generated for each region, so there is no consistency enforced between curves from neighboring areas. The use of the SCHA.DIF.3K model as a tool for archeomagnetic dating represents an improvement for several reasons. First of all, the regional model has been generated considering all elements of the geomagnetic field (declination, inclination and intensity). Second, the regional model is built with an in situ archeomagnetic database. Furthermore, the database covers the whole time period from 1000 BC to 1900 AD, while the database used in the PSVC has gaps of data for any time interval. Finally, and more important, we can generate a PSVC at the location of the archeological structure, avoiding in this way the relocation error associated with traditional PSVC. To demonstrate the utility of the regional SCHA.DIF.3K model, we have used it to date several archeological structures and we have compared results with the archaeological information and/or archeomagnetic dating provide by the use of the PSVC.


The Mesoamerica Secular Variation Curve. A continuous research since 1999
Soler-Arechalde, A M (anesoler@geofisica.unam.mx), Universidad Nacional AUtonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Geofisica, Ciudad Universitaria, Del. Coyoacan, Mexico, DF 04510, Mexico et al.

Since 1999 we have been working on improving the Mesoamerica Secular Variation Curve. We re-sampled some sites that Wolfman initially used in its first proposal of this Curve, such as Teotihuacan, Teopancazco and Tula. Wolfman 's curve only had 4 radiocarbon dates directly associated with the sampled sites; the other dating were actually stratigraphic and ceramic correlations. More than 28 radiocarbon dates have been incorporated from AD 60 to 560 from samples associated to Teotihuacan civilization, 13 more from Xochicalco and 10 from Tula. More than 1000 specimens, from 12 twelve sites were fully processed with alternated field demagnetization We have been working during the excavation campaigns and training the archeologist to get their samples. A 100-year moving window was employed to get the average poles. A Bayesian statistic has been employed in order to improve our curve. We still denote a lack of data from two time intervals: from 0 to 200 and from 1000 to 1600. We are now working on it, collecting samples from these periods, such as those from La Joya, Ver, which are now been processing and from which some preliminary results will be reported.


Dating Post-Medieval Archaeology: Which Global Geomagnetic Field Model to use?
Lodge, A (a.lodge@liv.ac.uk), University of Liverpool, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Jane Herdman Laboratories, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GP, United Kingdom et al.

The scientific dating of Post-Medieval archaeology (16th Century onwards) is problematic as most methods cannot provide any better resolution than may be apparent from contextual or stylistic considerations. As high resolution global geomagnetic field models exist for this period, archaeomagnetism offers the possibility of bi-decadal dating of burnt in situ structures, with implications for the management of cultural heritage. The question arises as to which global geomagnetic field model is most appropriate for this dating? Should the high resolution historical field model, gufm (Jackson et al., 2000, Four centuries of geomagnetic secular variation from historical records, Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. Lond. A, 358, 957- 90.) which covers the period 1590-1990 AD and is based on data from ship's logs be used, or should an archaeomagnetic model such as GMADE2K.2 (Lodge & Holme, 2008, Developing a global geomagnetic field model for archaeomagnetic dating in Europe for the last 2000 years (updating GMADE2K.1 to GMADE2K.2), Geophys. Res. Abstr., 10, Abstract EGU2008-A-03470) be used? In general a higher accuracy can be expected from the historical model, but the modeling strategy for gufm is aimed at investigating the magnetic field evolution at the core-mantle boundary, whilst GMADE2K.2 is developed to serve as an archaeomagnetic dating tool. If we compare secular variation curves in Europe for declination at this time, then the two models agree very well. For inclination however, there is a discrepancy pre-1800 AD between the two models, with the historical model tending to higher inclinations. Here we study the possible causes of this discrepancy: How reliable are the early historical inclination data? How reliable is the historical model at this time - is the inclination being affected by the domination of declination data? Finally, are the archaeomagnetic data systematically low, possibly caused by undetected magnetic refraction? The advantage of constructing global geomagnetic field models is that the inter-dependence of the components is taken into account. However, if we cannot reconcile the archaeomagnetic models and data with the historical model and data, then dating remains problematic.

My Unforeseen And Unrecognizable "Feelings"?

Probably the only thing more inappropriate than her behavior, was my reaction to it. I didn’t throw a full blown hissy fit, but I did act a little childish, throwing out snide remarks here and there. I just couldn’t drop it and I certainly should have. I have a bad habit of that, letting things fester inside of me. Although I suppose it’s healthier to let it out than to harbor it. Healthier for me that is, not for her. Afterall, who really wants to hear that crap? All it does is make me look pathetic and immature, a look that surely isn’t sexy on me. What I was hoping I could play off as a little harmless teasing, she saw right thru. Yes, part of me was joking around, but another part of me...well I can’t even explain that because I for one don’t even know what it is, let alone where it came from. If I didn’t know better, I would say it masqueraded itself as "feelings". Feelings? Feelings! I don’t have feelings for her. I barely know her! So why was I suddenly annoyed that she blurted out to me that she had a one-night stand over the weekend?

I need to retract my first statement about her behavior being inappropriate, because in a way, it’s not. That’s just me having my man-period and acting like a little bitch again. Besides, I am in no position to judge since I’ve had my fair share of one-night stands as well. These are usually not proud moments one reflects on in life. And the realization usually hits you as soon as the sun rises. More often than not, a one-night stand occurs because you acted upon your sexual urges rather than a well thought out decision making process, obviously. Throw some alcohol into the mix and you can see where this is headed - straight to the bedroom. She doesn’t have a boyfriend and it’s not like we are dating. So really, why should I care what she does? Seriously, someone tell me why I do? Not only does this "whatever it is called" feel ridiculous to me, but it’s sort of scaring me as well. Look, I couldn’t even say the word! It’s that f-word, but not fuck, the other more offensive word. Feelings. Ugh. Just writing it out sends a cold shiver down my spine.

After she told me about her hookup, the message quickly transmitted, but it took about 30 minutes before the light went off in my head in terms of what it meant to me. At first I was puzzled. And then it hit me, like a giant neon sign flashing in my skull. FEELINGS. FEELINGS. FEELINGS. I had barely digested it, but it was already making me a tad nauseous. But why? This is crazy! So how do I handle it? I have a fling or two myself and be sure to inform her about it...because I decided to be super mature like that, note the sarcasm.

I’m a glutton for punishment, so I stupidly asked her if he was a good lay. A RHETORICAL question I might add! Unfortunately for me, she took it literally and answered! The kind thing would have been NOT to answer, or better yet, lie to me. It’s not like I would know any different. However, how is she supposed to know I would be bothered by the details? We are "pals" - nothing more, nothing less. And one of my guy buddies bragging about a recent hookup doesn’t bother me, so this shouldn’t either, right? Right? This is totally unacceptable.

Feelings? I don’t have feelings. I’m perfectly fine with it. (And don’t debate me on that.)

Internet Famous

Perez Hilton, iJustin, and Julia Allison all come to mind when I hear the term "Internet Famous". They’ve basically made a name for themselves by shamelessly self-promoting who they are and what they do via the Internet. While some may applaud them for being so bold, others find their antics appalling. How you see these three characters is a matter of personal opinion and everyone is entitled to theirs. So let’s all just agree to disagree on whether or not being Internet Famous is a good thing or a bad thing, or if such a thing even exists! Is there such a thing as being Internet Famous? If so, who would qualify for this title and what does it entail? Your guess is as good as mine. Because you see, I find the term "Internet Famous" to be funny. I don’t take it seriously and I don’t think anyone else should either, especially the person to whom the Internet Famous label is placed upon.

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I’ll be the first to admit that I whored myself out to the staff at Blogger.com when I Tweeted..."Who do I have to sleep with to become a Blog Of Note?" (FYI: Blogs Of Note is a list of interesting and noteworthy Blogger-powered blogs, compiled by the Blogger Team.) While no one knows for sure if that single Twitter update did or didn’t have something to do with me becoming a Blog Of Note this past Tuesday, I’m certain it didn’t hurt! I really didn’t think much would come from that Tweet, but since that day, my blog has been blowing up with activity! In a matter of just 5 days, my blog has received a couple thousand hits per day and is quickly closing in on having 700 subscribers! As narcistic as it is, I’ll admit even I am impressed.

While all this newfound and sudden attention to my writing is extremely flattering, it’s also a bit overwhelming. Just weeding thru my e-mail inbox lately feels like a part-time job. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the feedback and I do read every comment left on my blog. However, I simply can’t respond to all the comments and e-mails. I wish I could though, but I’m only one man and there’s only so much free time in the day. Personally, I think this is a good problem to have. The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do without thought of fame. If it comes at all it will come because it is deserved, not because it is sought after.

So am I now "Internet Famous"? No, I don’t think so. But I am very happy about all the exposure my writing has received lately! With my readership base growing, I feel like my writing needs to grow as well. And I would be lying if I said I don’t feel just a little pressure now to write more fluently.

To help me with that, I’ve pitched the idea to a friend of mine about being a guest blogger here. I’ve never had anyone write a post for my blog before, but I thought it might be nice to switch things up a bit. The details aren’t completely worked out just yet and I'm withholding her identity for now, but I can assure you that whatever she writes is a worthy read. She’s a freelance writer out of NYC and a pretty damn talented one at that. Actually, she’s the one that started referring to me as "Internet Famous", saying that she felt like she was talking to a celebrity or something. Of course she’s kidding and of course I laughed it off because being Internet Famous sounds so silly to me. However, now that I think about it, I should have taken advantage of the situation and asked her if she wanted to whip out her titty for me to autograph! Damn it. I let a perfect opportunity pass me by.

Note To Self: Fame is short lived, seize the moment.

New method for pottery dating?

Three people emailed me this story within a day. Sounds too good to be true. What do you think? Will this be any better than other clocks dependent on local and material conditions (think obsidian hydration)?

From the University of Manchester:

Fire and water reveal new archaeological dating method
20 May 2009

Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a new way of dating archaeological objects – using fire and water to unlock their ‘internal clocks’.

The simple method promises to be as significant a technique for dating ceramic materials as radiocarbon dating has become for organic materials such as bone or wood.

A team from The University of Manchester and The University of Edinburgh has discovered a new technique which they call ‘rehydroxylation dating’ that can be used on fired clay ceramics like bricks, tile and pottery.

Working with The Museum of London, the team has been able to date brick samples from Roman, medieval and modern periods with remarkable accuracy.

They have established that their technique can be used to determine the age of objects up to 2,000 years old – but believe it has the potential to be used to date objects around 10,000 years old.

The exciting new findings have been published online today (20 May 2009) by the Proceedings of the Royal Society A.

The method relies on the fact that fired clay ceramic material will start to chemically react with atmospheric moisture as soon as it is removed from the kiln after firing. This continues over its lifetime causing it to increase in weight – the older the material, the greater the weight gain.

In 2003 the Manchester and Edinburgh team discovered a new law that precisely defines how the rate of reaction between ceramic and water varies over time.

The application of this law underpins the new dating method because the amount of water that is chemically combined with a ceramic provides an ‘internal clock’ that can be accessed to determine its age.

The technique involves measuring the mass of a sample of ceramic and then heating it to around 500 degrees Celsius in a furnace, which removes the water.

The sample is then monitored in a super-accurate measuring device known as a microbalance, to determine the precise rate at which the ceramic will combine with water over time.

Using the time law, it is possible to extrapolate the information collected to calculate the time it will take to regain the mass lost on heating – revealing the sample’s age.

They have calculated that a Roman brick sample with a known age of around 2,000 years was 2,001 years old. A further sample with a known age of between 708 and 758 years was calculated to have an age of 748 years.

The researchers also tested a ‘mystery brick’, with the real age only revealed to them once they had completed their process. This known age was between 339 and 344 years – and the new technique suggested the brick was 340 years old.

During the course of their research, the team also found that ceramic objects have their internal date clocks reset if they are exposed to temperatures of 500 degrees Celsius.

Used on medieval brick from Canterbury, the technique repeatedly dated a sample as being 66 years old. Further investigation revealed that Canterbury was devastated by incendiary bombs and fires during a Second World War blitz in 1942. The intense heat generated by the bombing had reset the dating clock by effectively re-firing the bricks.

The results also proved accurate enough to show that a brick sample from the King Charles building in Greenwich came from reconstruction carried out in the 1690s and not from the original building which was constructed between 1664 and 1669.

Lead author Dr Moira Wilson, Senior Lecturer in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE), said: “These findings come after many years of hard work. We are extremely excited by the potential of this new technique, which could become an established way of determining the age of ceramic artefacts of archaeological interest.

“The method could also be turned on its head and used to establish the mean temperature of a material over its lifetime, if a precise date of firing were known. This could potentially be useful in climate change studies.

“As well as the new dating method, there are also more wide-ranging applications of the work, such as the detection of forged ceramic.”

The three-year £100,000 project was funded by the Leverhulme Trust, with the microbalance - which measures mass to 1/10th of a millionth of a gram – funded by a £66,000 grant from the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC).

Researchers are now planning to look at whether the new dating technique can be applied to earthenware, bone china and porcelain.

One-Sentence Commencement Speech

Few things swell one’s heart up with pride like the sound of "The Pomp and Circumstance Marches" playing. But nothing will deflate your ballooned heart faster than a painfully long and extremely dull commencement speech. Commencement speeches are supposed to be aw-inspiring, motivating, and packed full of life changing words to send you confidently on your way into the real world. However, sometimes these commencement speakers go off on a tirade and tend to ramble on for what feels like eternity!

My philosophy..."Keep it simple, stupid."

I’m sitting there in a long black robe, stifling under a hot sun, and seated with my graduating class that is packed in around me like sardines. One of two things is bound to happen - I’m either going to pass out from the heat, or fall asleep due to sheer boredom. So enlighten me. Move me. Make me feel that my $40,000 tuition is paying off immediately with your wonderful words of wisdom that can be applied to my past, present, and future. Basically, give me something to talk about. But more importantly, something to forever remember.

In the spirit of "Keep it simple, stupid" I ask that you compile your own one-sentence commencement speech. So pretend for a moment that you are elected honorary speaker at the most prestigious college or university you can imagine. Collect your thoughts, compose yourself and begin delivery!

Just one sentence.