Thursday, October 4th - 6:30PM at Degree's, 7:30PM at 100 St.Paul's

[trevor]

I will send out an email soon, but I saw a poster in Engineering and I wanted to let people know the date as early as possible.

The Physics department hosts regular colloquia (talks).  I think next week's talk (details below) is very relevant to our interests.  I have always wondered exactly how chemists determine the age of artifacts; it is one of the things creationists often attack in evolution.  Having a better understanding of this certainly can't hurt, anyway!  I would love if we could all go to this talk together.

I propose that we meet up at Degree's beforehand (around 6:30 I reckon), eat and chat, then head to the talk together.  If that's too much time commitment, then you are certainly free to show up just for the supper, or just the talk (or neither).  Doing something after the talk is likely going to go too late for most of us, but there is a reception after the talk for those that want to stick around and chat.

I realize the first meeting was a bit inconvenient due the time, but we're kind of at the mercy of the Physics department for this talk.

Detials: "Unraveling the Past through Chemistry"

Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007 at 19:30 in Rm100 St. Paul's College

Dr. Joseph B. Lambert, Northwestern University

With an emphasis on the contributions of chemistry, this lecture will explore four areas in which science has become involved in archaeology. Methods that include analysis of isotopes, electron spins, and elemental levels can provide an absolute chronology. Finding sites and pinpointing features within sites may be assisted by measurement of electrical resistance, of magnetism, and of levels of certain elements. Chemical analysis of artifacts based on elemental levels, isotope ratios, and organic functional group identities can yield a wealth of information, including the source of raw materials, authenticity, and ancient technology. Finally, chemical or biochemical analysis of the physical remains of people can provide information about their diet and genetic history.

[Katie]

I would be able to come. If not to the lecture, then at least to the dinner. The only problem is, how would I know who to sit with? Or if I get there before you guys, how would you know to sit down around my area?

[trevor]

Good point!  I'll get there early and reserve a section for us.  I'll write MASH on a piece of paper and put it on the table.  Would that be enough?  We could also meet somewhere near Degree's first then go in together, but then we'll have the same problem if people show up late.

[Katie]

A paper that reads 'MASH' should be good enough.

Unless of course people mistake it for the M.A.S.H. episode re-enactment club.

[trevor]

If that happens, I say we just roll with it.  I call Hawkeye!

[shadling21]

I'm down! With the M*A*S*H re-enactment, that is.

I have a class at 7, so I won't be joining you for the lecture. Would it be cool if I just go for the dinner?

[trevor]

Of course!  You're welcome to come for as much or as little as you're able to.

[Steven]

I will definitely come for both the talk and the dinner.

[brian]

I probably won't be able to make it tomorrow, but I'll get that thing signed today

[trevor]

Cheers; the signing is the important thing, the dinner/talk is just a casual get-together.

[brian]

did we get all the signatures we needed?

[trevor]

Yep, we got exactly 10, luckily!