A825, early thoughts

I started my MA with the OU module A825 a few weeks ago. So far i notice it is a lot more hands off by the course team, to date i've been asked to read a book (Family Fortunes: Men and Women of the English Middle Class 1780-1850) and come back when i've done so for discussion. Thats fine with me though i tend to be a bit of a slow reader so i'm only half way through the book yet.

On November 5th there is the first of 3 day schools for the course, at the OU's HQ in Milton Keynes, i am hoping to be able to attend this. That should be where the course really starts to get going.

Its hard to know at this early stage how well i am doing and how well i am understanding the content, the first test comes in December when i have to submit my first assignment! It has been a little difficult getting going, i've had nearly a whole year off since the end of the last module on my BA, and the study habits quickly fade!

Mastodons were hunted in North America 800 years earlier than thought

From the Guardian

"Humans were hunting large mammals in North America about 800 years earlier than previously thought, new analysis of a controversial mastodon specimen – with what appears to be a spear tip in its rib – seems to confirm."

Photo : St Michael at the North Gate, Oxford

This Saxon tower is the oldest building in Oxford. I have just visited the historic university city, you can see all of my photos here!

Ancient 'paint factory' unearthed

From the BBC

"The kits used by humans 100,000 years ago to make paint have been found at the famous archaeological site of Blombos Cave in South Africa.

The hoard includes red and yellow pigments, shell containers, and the grinding cobbles and bone spatulas to work up a paste - everything an ancient artist might need in their workshop."