When I used my metal detector for the first time, I found a piece of tin foil and a nail – both minted within the last 50 years which would qualify them as collectibles  -  not even antiques.  Unlike the guy that recently found a small iron-age hoard of gold in Scotland. I would once again like to complain about the complete and utter lack of ancient gold hoards in the United States.  I’d even settle for something a bit newer, say Anglo-Saxon, like the lovely work inlayed with garnets over gold.  If anyone has some extra treasure left over….?

You can still find gold hoards out there – okay probably not where most of us live, but it’s still encouraging

Beware the rabbit…

After the Swiss stopped the Germans from hiking nude, they’ve decided to solve the problem in the homeland

Two odd but strangely compelling music videos: Carl Sagan – Glorious Dawn and Do You Want to Date My Avatar

Microsoft is so isolated on it’s self-supporting corporate campus that they really think people talking about operating systems makes for a great party – watch the video

I really do love to treasure hunt.  I haven’t figured out how to make a living at it yet, but there are people out there that do.  And while there is probably a lot of money being made from things found in a quasi-legal setting, what could be worse than having to give back what you’ve found?  It’s not that hard to hunt legally and through trustworthy guides:

1. Dive for Spanish treasure (not quite pirate treasure but the stuff looks the same)  If you invest with Mel Fisher’s Treasures (finder of part of the Atocha) you can dive with and get a portion of the year’s loot.  The minimum investment isn’t loose change but less than the price of most cars. Or just do what I’m planning on and take a metal detector to the Florida beaches; no entry fee and the stuff does still wash up.
2. Hit the antique malls – it’s just as much fun to find a plate made around 1740 and valued at around $1000 for only $40!  The secret is to the enjoy the hunt more than day dreams  of a full bank account…
3. Hunt for gemstones – check out any of the Cash & Treasure / Treasure Hunter sites from the Travel Channel. Just be sure to double-check the information with the mine owner’s website. I’ve tried several of them and found most to be as advertised but a few took advantage of the sudden fame to well… take advantage.