Two major archaeological finds have been made in recent weeks. One of the finds, in Sweden, has revealed new information about how Stone Age man lived. The second discovery will provide researchers with information about Elizabethan theater and the great Shakespeare himself.

Stone Age Fishing

The first was found by marine archeologists from Sodertorn University in Stockholm, Sweden. They have discovered the world’s oldest wooden fishing equipment. The discovery was made off the southern coast of Sweden and the eastern coast of Skane County. The remains of the devices were found on the Baltic sea floor at a depth of 5-12 meters (16.5-40 feet).

Seven basket traps, made out of finger-width sized hazel sticks, were found. The baskets appear to be stationary traps that are similar to examples found around the world. Only one of the baskets has been carbon-dated but it appears to be around 9000 years old. According to what Johan Ronnby, a professor of marine archeology at Sodertom University College, told Sveriges Radio, “[the basket trap] is the world’s oldest find of fishing equipment.”

Archaeologists believe that the sticks were woven or tied together with rope to create a fence-like structure. These traps were then placed in the river to guide fish into containers.

The area of the discovery used to be a part of the Verke River 9000 years ago, but the region is now underwater. Some food leftovers and other waste were discovered with the basket traps and it believed this waste was thrown into the river by residents of a nearby community. No settlement has been found by the researchers.

These discoveries were made as a part of a larger research project by MARIS Maritime Archaeology Institute at Sodertorn that has been dubbed the Landscapes Lost project. The project began in 2011 and has been surveying the post-glacial river mouth of the Verke river as well as the archipelago region near Blekinge in southern Sweden.

The eighth millennium BC, when these baskets are believed to have been used, is the period when many researchers believe that Stone Age mankind started developing agriculture and began construction on its earliest cities.

Shakespeare’s Curtain Call

The Museum of London Archaeology announced that remains of Shakespeare’s Curtain Theater have been discovered in East London. So far the graveled yard, patrons stood on to watch the shows, and some of the foundational walls of the gallery and yard have been unearthed.

According to a spokesperson from Plough Yard Developments the discovery was a pleasant surprise, “Although the Curtain was known to have been in the area, its exact location was a mystery.” The company is hoping to make the preserved remains of the Curtain the centerpiece of their upcoming housing and shopping project in the area.

The theater site was found on Hewett Street in East London and was built outside the city walls in the 1500s.

The theater opened in 1577 and was named for the nearby street called Curtain Close. It was used by Shakespeare’s Lord Chamberlain’s Men between 1597 to 1599. The original performances of Romeo and Juliet and Henry V were shown in the Curtain although many mistakenly believe that they were performed in the Globe. When in Henry V the title character refers to the theater as “the wooden O” he is referring to the Curtain, not the Globe. The theater was dismantled in the seventeenth century which is why its location has been lost for so long.

Shakespeare enthusiasts around the world are excited about what information this theater will provide about Elizabethan theater. London will also likely include the Curtain in its Shakespeare festival that it is planning for this summer during the summer Olympics.

The article Two Great Discoveries: The Stone Age and Shakespeare appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

This Valentine’s Day, love struck Britons will boost the economy by GBP880 million on romantic gifts.

For decades, British men have suffered a bad rap for being less romantic than women but new research released on February 13 has revealed a new movement in the British male species. Findings from a study of 5,000 adults has identified in modern Britain, men are more romantic than women. Today’s British man is happy to lose some of his macho-ness for a more, softer, romantic approach when wooing women.

The study undertaken by UK budget hotel brand Travelodge [http://www.travelodge.co.uk ] to seek the nation’s views on love and romance found more men than women love the notion of Valentine’s Day. Over a third (36%) of British men think Valentine’s Day is romantic, whilst only 24% of women buy into it.

Research findings also revealed that despite the current strains on Britons’ finances, loved up Brits will be boosting the economy by GBP880 million[1] this Valentine’s Day on romantic themed purchases.

British men will be splashing more cash this year compared to 2011 on wooing their other half with romantic gifts. On average, males across the country will be spending twice the amount of money on presents than women this Valentine’s Day.

When questioned as to why men are spending more on a gift this Valentine’s day, 42% of respondents stated the last 12 months have been difficult financially as well as emotionally and Valentine’s Day offers the ideal opportunity for them to showcase their love for their partner.

On average 68% of men will be splashing GBP39.99 on Valentine’s gifts this year which is GBP4.41 more than the amount they spent in 2011. In comparison 45% of women on average will only be spending GBP20.25 on a gift for their partner which is GBP1.96 less than the amount they spent last year. (In total men will be spending approximately GBP611 million[2] and women will be spending approximately GBP269 million[3] in total)

The top ten gifts men and women will be purchasing for their Valentine this year are listed in the table below:

Ranking     Valentine gifts purchased by men          Valentine gifts purchased by women

1                  Flowers                                                         Chocolates

2                Chocolates                                                     A romantic meal

3              A romantic meal                                            Aftershave

4                  Perfume                                                         Bottle of Champagne / spirit

5               A cuddly toy                                                    Whisking partner to a hotel

6        Whisking partner to a hotel                              A game for console

7                 Lingerie                                                          Book / DVD

8      Whisking partner on a UK short break          A cuddly toy

9           A piece of jewellery                                          Underwear

10             Beauty treatment                                           Flowers

Further research findings revealed over a third (36%) of British men think it’s important to buy flowers for their other half on Valentine’s Day – as it’s the expected thing to do. Seventy eight per cent of male respondents did state in the research that they get annoyed that flower prices suddenly increase in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

A fifth of male respondents reported this year they will purchase flowers well before Valentine’s Day to avoid the price increase and hide the flowers in their garage or in the boot of their car. Interestingly, nearly half of the women (48%) surveyed stated they are bored of receiving the same old tiresome Valentines gifts of flowers, champagne, chocolate and lingerie.

Four out of ten females said they would like to be whisked away on a short break and spend some quality time with their partner. One in ten women would like their lover to write them a love letter or poem declaring their love whilst 12% of females would like their other half to cook them a romantic meal from scratch and to wash up afterwards.

Relationship Psychologist, Corinne Sweet, said: “The high cost of romance is not surprising in today’s ‘easy buy/time poor’ culture. Many people, especially men, spend money to please or appease, when their partners would simply like to have more time, thought and appreciation from them.

It’s easy to click a button or flash a card to buy love, in comparison to spending some quality time together; cooking a meal, giving a massage or making a card. However, the personal touch, the little thoughtful gesture, is often more a sign of true love and commitment than extravagant, OTT romantic gestures.”

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: “Our research highlights love may be priceless but romance doesn’t have to cost the earth. British men are certainly taking the lead in the game of love but they do need to be a bit more creative and thoughtful to really win over their beloved.

Most women want to be romanced and spend quality time with their man. Don’t be predictable with flowers and chocolates this year, for the same amount of money you could whisk your partner away for a romantic break and create some new magical memories.”

“We have seen a growing trend of cost conscious consumers choosing a Travelodge hotel as a romantic getaway in the last couple of years; as it helps their money go further. The pounds they save on accommodation, they can spend on eating out in a top restaurant or have fun visiting the local attractions.”

“In our recent GBP10 sale, rooms for February 14th were selling like hot cakes. Top destinations included coastal locations such as Brighton, Scarborough, Torquay and Blackpool. Rural hotspots, such as The Lake District, Cotswold, Yorkshire Dales; as well as historic cities which included: London, Edinburgh, Bath, Cambridge and Oxford.”

Further research findings revealed over two thirds of men reported they would like more romance in their lives. Seventy two per cent of males stated they take romantic inspiration from films and movies and one in ten men admitted to stealing ideas from their mates’ relationships. Male respondents voted Casablanca as their top all time most romantic movie.

The research identified the one thing both men and women both agree on is their most inspiring romantic couple ever is Romeo and Juliet. Further research findings are listed below:

On average a fifth of British men will tell their partner they love them five times during the day. A third of men will say the magic three words to their partner I love you every morning and evening. A fifth of British men feel disappointed by the effort their partner puts into making Valentine’s Day special for them

With 2012 also being a leap year 26% of single men would like their girlfriend to ask them to marry her whilst 36% of British men think it is a man’s job to propose to a woman.

The top ten all time most romantic couples as voted by Britons are:

1) Romeo & Juliet

2) Elizabeth & Darcy

3) Queen Victoria & Prince Albert

4) Prince William & Duchess of Cambridge

5) Heathcliff & Catherine

6) Jane Eyre & Mr Rochester

7) Anthony & Cleopatra

8) Shrek & Princess Fiona

9) Cinderella & Prince Charming

10) Homer & Marge Simpson

The survey was conducted in February 2012 with 5,000 British adults.

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Baz Luhrmann, the Australian director known for films such as “Romeo and Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge,” has decided to make his next project a film version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, “The Great Gatsby.” This classic novel has already been brought to the big screen three times: first in 1926 as a silent film, then in 1949, and in 1974, which starred Robert Redford and was directed by Jack Clayton.

Luhrmann’s version adds something previous versions failed to deliver: the entire film will be shot in 3-D. Today, it seems that no matter what kind of movie we are seeing, everything seems to be shot in 3-D, whether it is necessary or not. Has Hollywood just become obsessed with 3-D, or does every movie we are seeing actually need to be shot in 3-D?

Over the past twenty to thirty years, if a film was in 3-D, there was a reason for it. A certain scene would leap out, and blow you away. Now, ever since James Cameron’s “Avatar,” it seems everything we see should be in 3-D. I have discovered certain moviegoers don’t mind the fact the many films are being produced in 3-D. What bothers most people is the amount of money it costs to watch these films.

They are more expensive than a traditional 2-D film. Is this is all just a fad? In movie history, beginning with sound, moviegoers said it was just a fad, and it wouldn’t last. Then the same thing happened with color. Maybe this is just the next step in the evolution of motion pictures.

According to 3DTV Blog, one person said that they are just trying to get people to get used to the idea of 3-D. When color first came out, they still made black and white films for years. He also believes that less than ten percent of movies will actually be in 3-D. Hollywood has tried 3-D numerous times, mainly in the 1950s and 1980s, but it never took off.

It just seemed to be a novelty. So why do they think it’s going to work this time? One of the reasons some moviegoers mentioned for the push into 3-D is that these movies can make more money at the box office because of the increase in prices people need to pay to watch these films.

A lot of fans are outraged at the decision to make “The Great Gatsby” in 3-D, and feel it’s a marketing tool to boost ticket sales. David Calhoun, the film editor, said his heart sank when he heard this movie was in 3-D. It is a dramatic period piece set in a time alcohol was banned in the United States.

Where is the logic behind filming it in 3-D – having Gatsby’s hat poking out of the screen, or Daisy’s necklace floating before your eyes? There should be more time spent on developing the story than on special effects, which are minimal.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/25102305@N03/

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Who’s doesn’t love garden gnomes? Ever since the Travelocity started doing commercials with the garden gnomes I can’t deny that I’m a fan. Of course the story of Romeo and Juliet has been told so many different ways, why not do it another way? The concept of Gnomeo and Juliet is the same Shakespeare tale only told in a garden-world.  The rivalry stems from the color of the gnome’s hats, blue and red. Blues and reds can not be together, why one might ask? Well, just like In Shakespeare that is something unexplained.  All of the gnomes complete to have the greatest garden display and it becomes a true battle between the blues and the reds. When in reality, this is all happening under the home-owners nose.

James McAvoy and Emily Blunt voice to the two star crossed lovers who have to face major obstacles in order to make their new found love work. McAvoy voices Gnomeo who is the ultimate heart-throb of the blue side. He’s cute, charming and knows how to race a lawnmower, what more could a gnome gal want?  Blunt voices the rebellious Juliet who is a red, she’s beautiful, brave and loving. It’s a match made in Gnome heaven.  Extra’s Ashley Jensen voices Juliet’s confidant frog friend Nanette who also has to keep their love a secret.

Sir Michael Cane voices Juliet’s father while Dame Maggie Smith voices Gnomeo’s mother. Also Patrick Stewart, Jason Statham, Julie Walters and Ozzy Osbourne also do voices for the family film.  That’s what makes this film so charming is that there are all these gnomes and garden creatures with these British accents. I can just imagine kids running out of the movie theater talking like Brit for weeks. So, a warning to all parents when you take your kids to see this movie and it may cause them to speak in a British accent.

While the film was telling a very cute tale, it also had a lovely musical accompaniment, Elton John. Throughout the film they intertwined some of his greatest hits. Which was lovely, but honestly a bit misleading. Usually, when a film is featuring music from an artist, particularly such a legendary one like Elton John, one would expect some new music. In this film that was unfortunately not the case.  Don’t me wrong the classic songs of Elton John like “Your song”, “Benny and the Jets” and “Crocodile Rock”, I cherish but I’ve heard them so many times before. It would have just been nice to hear some new music form such an amazing artist.

It would have added something extra as well because this is a story that has been told so many times it at least would have had something new. The songs while used well and in the right places in the film, made me feel like I was watching a jukebox musical. Love John’s music but if I want it listen to it, I’ll just get out my ipod. I know this was a new vision that they decided to take with this film but if it was such a new vision they should have used NEW music.

Overall, it’s a very lovely family film but more so for the kids. It will teach them not only the story of Romeo and Juliet but also that when it’s true love it doesn’t matter what color hat they are wearing.

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