The Old Curator Newsletter

with Rob James

March 18, 2023

The Old Curator Newsletter with Rob James

Hello friends,

I hope this email finds you well. As always, I've been scouring the internet and wanted to share some of the things that caught my eye, made me laugh, made me think, and even made me a little nostalgic this week.

1. The Enigma of the Dwarfie Stane, Ancient Tomb of Orkney

The Dwarfie Stane is an ancient tomb located in the desolate landscape of Hoy Island in Orkney, Scotland. It is believed to be around 3,000 years old and is unique in that it is the only Neolithic rock-cut tomb in Britain. It was carved out of a single block of Devonian Old Red Sandstone, and it features a 1 meter square entrance and a 2.2 meter long passage with two cells at the sides. It is unknown who the tomb was for, but it is believed to be an ancient chieftain or Bronze Age leader of the local tribes. There are several legends associated with the tomb, including that a dwarf and giants lived there. It was visited by Captain William Mounsey in 1850, who left an inscription in Persian. Despite its simplicity, the Dwarfie Stane is a captivating relic of the Stone Age people who lived in Orkney.

Some questions that come to mind:

1. What is the significance of the Dwarfie Stane in relation to other ancient relics in Orkney?

2. What are the similarities between the Dwarfie Stane and other tombs in Southern Europe?

3. What can we infer about the builders of the Dwarfie Stane given the tools they had available?

2. Ancient Chinese Paper Armor Was Tougher than steel

3. A peek into the Arctic seed vault that could save humanity

4. Have you ever found yourself doing something just to impress others.

The pressure to impress others is a common social phenomenon that affects people of all ages and generations, including baby boomers.

5. Unfolding the Benefits of Origami

How This Ancient Art Can Help Improve Mental Health Origami is an ancient art form that has been around for centuries. It is a creative and calming activity that can be used to help reduce stress and improve mental health .

6. Unlocking Inner Peace.

How Stoicism Can Help You Thrive Through Aging, ADHD, and Depression. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that has gained popularity in recent years as a practical way of living life with greater inner peace, resilience, and self-control. It emphasizes the importance of accepting what is outside of our control and focusing on what we can control, such as our thoughts and actions. While stoicism can benefit anyone, it can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with age-related challenges, ADHD, and depression.

7. Pawsitive Effects

8. The Body Clock, and How It Can Revolutionise Your Sleep and Health

Do you struggle to wake up in the morning, and feel tired in the afternoon? Do you often feel exhausted at night, even though you’ve had plenty of sleep? If so, it could be time to take control of your body’s natural clock — your circadian rhythm. Understanding and managing your body clock can revolutionise your sleep and health.

9. The Mystery of the Three-Eyed Lama

The Third Eye introduced Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism to hundreds of thousands of readers in Europe and America in the 1950s and 60s. Over the last four decades, readers around the world have discovered the book in sidewalk kiosks, airport newsstands, and university bookstores.

That's all for now folks! Have a great rest of the week and stay curious.

Best,

Rob James