The sign reads “The best things in life aren’t things”….

John Howland and I both offer our sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, as well as our wishes for a speedy recovery…..

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JOHN HOWLAND & CELTIC TORQUES, THE CBA & PAUL BARFORD

Yep! All of those and more.  What would a post from Bubba be without a mention of his pal Paul Barford, or as he’s more commonly known now, Warsaw Wally!  His ”No Wonder He Hides” blurb is sure to raise Mr. Barford’s hackles, but then who really cares?  One can count the number of comments on his blog with one hand, indicating that even his “Warsaw Wally Fan Club” could care less. So if you are up to a chuckle or two, check out John’s latest update by clicking on the Malamute Saloon link above and scrolling down to today’s date!

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OLD FRIENDS AND OLD TIMERS…

My last post resulted in a few surprise comments and emails from old friends, and while I now hate the word, old timers, that fits as well!

When Dan Hamilton, my old detecting partner from New Jersey commented I was really taken aback.  We email frequently, but getting him to participate in any type of social media, be it Facebook, Twitter, a blog or forum, is impossible.  Here’s hoping he get’s brave and chimes in from time to time, although if he does I hope he doesn’t share any of our old off-the-wall adventures. Some are best left untold!

Dan, with his 6000di, Series 2, hunting old homesite, early 80′s

All we needed? Apron and screwdriver (and we found loads)

Also heard from my old friend Arthur, who lives in Canada, and wanted to share his email in hopes that maybe someone reading here can help… He wrote:

“I was wondering if you have any news through the grape-vine about Paul Wilson who made the Wilson line of detectors? I had an old email of his from back in 2008,  but I get no response from him now and his phone number no longer works. I imagine he’d be pushing 80 or more now. Just wondering if he passed his business onto someone  else or if he shut down completely now?”

If any you know Paul or are familiar with his company, please email Arthur at adias@rogers.com. Thanks….

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CHICAGO RON’S NEW BLOG

Well Chicago Ron (a.k.a. Ron Guinazzo) now has a blog too, and I am happy he’s decided to go that route.  Now I can pick his brain, and annoy him. You can  check it out by clicking HERE.  Good luck Ron. Looking forward to your updates and brainfarts (yep, we all have ‘em).

Remember too that Ron will be starring in the new show “Dig Wars“, premiering on the Travel Channel, June 12th, at 9pm, Central time.  I am hoping it’s a show we can all be proud of, and Ron knows I will be upfront with my opinions (not that anyone gives a crap)….

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THANKS TO SCOTT CLARK FOR SHARING AND PROMOTING…

Wasn’t sure what to make of the following article when I read the headlines, but after reading it I understood.   Saw the word “legitimacy” and immediately   thought it must be about Howland.  All kidding aside this is a great article, and Scott deserves a big thank you from all of us.

Detectorist Seeks Legitimacy More Than Treasure

Scott also has a great blog, Metal Detecting in the USA. Do yourself a favor and check it out here, and then bookmark it. You won’t be sorry.

Early photo….My dad

In a couple of weeks I will turn 72, and I would like to tell you I feel young and alive, but damn I don’t.  I am now 25 pounds heavier,  a “12 pill a day” guy, and you know what?  I too miss the good ole days just like my dad. Funny how that happens….

If you check in here you know I just recently purchased a White’s 6000di, Series 2, detector, which was a favorite of mine back in the 80′s. I could be wrong,  but I think I found more good things with it than with any other detector since. I looked back at my finds for that period of time, and they seem to back this up.  The question of course is, was it because the detector was that good or was it because I was simply at the right place at the right time? Could it be too that I  am older now, not as involved as much as I’d like, and just trying hard  to revisit the good ole days?

When I first got the treasure hunting itch, I was fortunate to live in a small town in rural New Jersey,  and pretty much had unfettered access to a lot of old sites, and where running into another detectorist was extremely rare. I also remember never having to look over my shoulder.  The idea that a town would close a park because of someone with a metal detector was almost unheard of. My biggest dilemma? Deciding which old site I would go to on any given day!

As time went on I purchased other detector brands and models, and all of them performed well for me. I worked hard at detecting, spending every idle minute in the field,  pretty much always coming home with a few pieces of very old silver. Today I live in North Texas, and if I find just one piece of silver it’s a good day (an adjustment that  I am still trying to get used to).

As I am writing this, the temperature is in the low 90′s, and a harbinger of things to come. Summer in Texas is something you never get used to. At least not this  Yankee. The question here is not whether you will have 100 degree days, but how many.  I don’t like detecting in this kind of heat, nor do I enjoy “chiseling” out a new  penny at 8 inches, but now that I have my old 6000di ready to go I’m hoping against hope that the good ole days just might return.

Okay, so I can dream can’t I?

2003, Barnum and I ready to go…..

2013, Barnum and I…do what?

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CONGRATULATIONS WHEAT STATE TREASURE HUNTERS

The Wheat State Treasure Hunters are the first club to take advantage of the “Step Up & Cleanup”  challenge, and as a result will be receiving a White’s Coinmaster detector, compliments of White’s Electronics.  If your club is interested in participating check out the details in my last post.

Here’s a blurb about their effort, and remember, entering this contest is a win/win situation for your club and your community. Hard to go wrong, and a terrific way to receive a detector for your organization’s future events.  Hope you will take the challenge and enter today.

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GREAT NEWS FOR THE PAS

“Bubba” Howland sent me the following writeup and I wanted to share it here. The Portable Antiquities Scheme has received additional funding, and it just proves that, given  the opportunity, metal detector users can and will be a big part of a country’s heritage. I hope you will take the time to read this article, even if Warsaw Wally has to foul it up by commenting….

PAS Receives Heritage Lottery Fund First-Round Pass for Project

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RECENT ARTICLES

Alabama City Destroying Ancient Indian Mound

Danish Teenager Finds  Ancient Coins

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Okay, in all seriousness, John Howland’s contributions here sometimes get muddled in all the humor and back and forth banter, but I can assure  you that he knows his business when it comes to treasure hunting, whether inebriated or sober.  As a result I encourage him to contribute more in the hopes that my next trip over there, or his here, will result in a bottle or two of that very same single malt! Hope I am right….

Okay, for the latest from his parsimonious brain, simply click  on the Malamute Saloon link above and scroll down to today’s date.

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THE “STEP UP AND CLEAN UP” CHALLENGE

Let me remind you again about this challenge, and refer you to my posts of May 1st and 3rd. Your club could win a Coinmaster detector, compliments of White’s Electronics.   All you have to do is help out your local community, and promote your club in the process. How? Simply by adopting a park or a stretch of highway and/or shoreline to clean up on a regular basis.

The guidelines….Send a newspaper clipping or email a link to a television blurb about your club’s “Step Up and Clean Up” program. It must tell about or show your club actually at work,  cleaning up your adopted area, and it must be dated after May 5th 2013.  Send it to….

“Step Up and Clean Up”, White’s Electronics, Inc., 1011 Pleasant Valley Road,  Sweet Home, Oregon 97386.

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6000DI SERIES 2, READY TO GO…

Well thanks to White’s Electronics, I now have a clean looking, working detector.   Next on the agenda?  Taking it into the field.   I will do a little testing this weekend, and then the first of next week I hope to take it to a large park in Dallas.  Will let you know how things go (even if you aren’t interested).

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RECENT HEADLINES 

And We Get Blamed for Everything?

Bones & 1788 Coin Found

New Evidence for Origins of the Maya

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I have been amiss in not mentioning a couple of forthcoming weekend events and was taken to task for it. My apologies… Both are at the Jersey shore, and after Hurricane Sandy it would be nice if you would consider supporting the folks who make their livelihood there.

The first is the big Minelabbing Day, and this year the South Jersey Metal Detecting Club is coordinating the event.  It is once again being held in Atlantic City.

Just up the coast a bit is the East Coast Research & Discovery Club’s “Four at the Shore” event.  Details are available on each club’s website.

For a more definitive schedule on the Go Minelabbing event (including other venues) click here.

Good luck to all attending…

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In his recent post he refers to Stout Standards as an “anti-archaeological blog”,  apparently itimating that his is not “anti-metal detecting”?  Jeez, could have fooled me… ROFLMAO!!

I see too where he brought up archaeologist Lisa Hume MacIntyre’s name again, and thought it appropriate to hurl crafty insults at her, but then I would expect nothng less from such a “small” individual.

And he wonders why no one likes him…..

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FMDAC 2013 CONVENTION

 Just learned that the FMDAC Convention/Hunt will be held this year in Knoxville, Tennessee, in conjunction with the Smoky  Mountain Artifacts Research & Treasure Society.  The dates: October 25, 26 & 27. Please see the following for more information….

FMDAC FALL CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENT

CONVENTION DETAILS

  ENTRY FORM

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WEBSITE CHANGES

For the record I have removed three  links from the Stout Standards website.  The first is “Scattershooting”.  It was intended for my daily thoughts or brainfarts, but after starting this blog the the brainfarts stopped.  I also removed the video and product review links.  I was not keeping up with adding new videos,  and the product reviews stopped coming in a long time ago.

Thanks to those of you who did send along product reviews in the past. You are appreciated.

One photo from the Scattershooting link mentioned above I do not want to disappear….do you remember these detectors?

New Jersey pal John Punola, field testing the Wilson Neuman detectors….early 80′s

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FOR MY MUSICIAN FRIENDS…

Craigslist Ad :

We are a small & casual restaurant in downtown Vancouver and we are looking for solo musicians to play in our restaurant to promote their work and sell their CD.   This is not a daily job, but only for special events which will eventually turn into a nightly event if we get positive response. More Jazz, Rock, & smooth type music, around the world and mixed cultural music. Are you interested to promote your work? Please reply back ASAP.

A Musician’s Reply:

Happy new year! I am a musician with a big house looking for a restauranteur to come to my house to promote his/her restaurant by making dinner for me and my friends.  This is not a daily job, but only for special events which will eventually turn into a nightly event if we get a positive response. More fine dining & exotic meals  and mixed Ethnic Fusion cuisine. Are you interested to promote your restaurant? Please reply back ASAP.

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AN EMBARRASSING MOMENT

Dr. Epstein was a renowned engineer who earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in his home town and then left for New York where he quickly rose to the top of his field. Soon he was invited to deliver a significant paper at a conference, coincidentally held in his home town. He walked on stage and placed his papers on the lectern, but they slid off onto the floor. As he bent over to retrieve them, at precisely the wrong instant, he inadvertently farted. The microphone amplified his mistake resoundingly through the room  and reverberated it down the hall!

He was quite embarrassed but somehow regained his composure just enough to deliver his paper. He ignored the resounding applause and raced out the stage door, intending  never to be seen in his home town again.

However, decades later, when his elderly mother was ill, he returned to visit her. He reserved a hotel room under the name of Levy and arrived under cover  of darkness. The desk clerk asked him, “Is this your first visit to our city, Mr. Levy?” Dr. Epstein replied, “Well, no, it isn’t. I grew up here and received my education here, but then  I moved away.”

“Why haven’t you visited?” asked the desk clerk. “Actually, I did visit once, many years ago, but to tell you the truth an embarrassing thing happened, and since then  I’ve been  too ashamed to return.” The clerk consoled him. “Sir, while I don’t have your life experience, one thing I have learned is that often what seems embarrassing to me isn’t even remembered by others. I bet that’s true of your incident, too. Was it a long time ago?”

“Yes, many years.”

The clerk asked, “Was it before or after the Epstein Fart?”

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Well, “Butthead” or as John Howland refers to him, “Warsaw Wally” is apparently getting a lot of his blogging news here on SS, and we seem to be getting under his skin (love it when that happens)….

He is already taking apart the new show “Dig Wars” despite the fact that it doesn’t air until June. He is drooling over the comments posted below the show link I provided. Doesn’t matter that they are obviously an organized campaign (I and three of my friends have tried posting comments over the past couple of days, and they are not shown). Then again what the the hell does he care….they provide him with fodder to pass along to his “reader” (his pal Beavis”, a.k.a. Swiftie, is the only one who ever replies to his BS).

Anyway it always makes my day when something here pisses him off, and I think it would be nice if he thanked me once in a while for keeping him supplied with material.

Hang in there Paulie…. Maybe someday there will be a show about archaeologists. They could call it “Whine Wars”.

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DETECTOR ON IT’S WAY BACK….

My 6000di Series 2 is on it’s way back from the factory, and I can’t thank White’s  enough for their superb customer service and fast turnaround.  Hopefully will have it sometime this week, and I am looking forward to seeing how it performs at a few spots I have in mind.

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 GOOD NEWS REGARDING PORTABLE ANTIQUITY SCHEME

John Howland posted new information regarding the PAS in the Malamute Saloon, and hope you will take the time read it by clicking on the Malamute Saloon link above and scrolling down to today’s date!

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THANKS EDDY CURRENT

Thanks again to Eddy Current (look him up on Facebook) for the following articles. Eddy is always on top of things, and I enjoy reading his updates.

Sporting  Hill Man Unearths Artifacts

Log Boat Could Be 5,000 Years Old

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Miss you Mom….

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Over the past few years the shop has grown, and they are now MetalDetector.com, offering many makes and models of detectors. They are also the exclusive U.S.  distributor and repair center for XP Deus. If you are interested in knowing more about MetalDetector.com click HERE!

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WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A METAL DETECTOR WITH YOU WHEN HIKING

By Michael Bernzweig

Hittin’ the trails (hiking) is always a great way to spend the day (Or week!).  Many enjoy activities like photography or painting while out hiking, but  what about metal detecting?  Hiking with a metal detector has a lot of advantages including simply being fun and exciting!  Let me tell you more, and hopefully get you to find a place for your detector in that backpack….

The Benefits of Metal Detecting While Hiking

Probably the biggest benefit of metal detecting while out hiking is that hikers often lose valuables. Backpacks have a lot of pockets as do hiking pants  and shorts. They’re usually great and keep everything safe, but, all too often, something gets out or maybe even left at a rest spot that a metal detector can find.

Also, consider how many metal detectorists you see along the trails. Not too many. As a result you can often be searching new territory or at least places searched only by a handful of other metal detectorists; as opposed to going to the beach for example where probably hundreds have searched before you.

You can also leave the trails better than you found them. Getting rid of all the trash you find is part of the unspoken code if you will among metal detectorists.  While many trails are clean, others aren’t, and may even have some nice historic junk of value! Cleaning them up will help you, your fellow hikers, and the planet!

Which Trails are Best to Search

While metal detecting and hiking do go hand in hand, this is only true if you go on certain trails.  I wouldn’t head out hiking “The Fourteeners” in Colorado  with a metal detector in hand.  But, a historic trail system with some private property would be an excellent example of a good place to go on a metal detecting hike. Just be sure to request permission from the landowner before starting your search.

Grassy areas make fairly easy terrain to hunt, and even if you don’t strike it rich, you’ll still get to see some beautiful places, and possibly find some amazing treasures.  Probably best of all though is the fact that these are historic trails that have been in existence for years and used at first by only the elite.  Some very interesting treasures could be unearthed on hiking trails like this.

What’s the Best Metal Detector to Take Hiking

First and foremost, you’ll want to select a lightweight model of metal detector to take out hiking with you. An option for a hip mounted harness would also  be helpful in order to take the weight off your arm and put it onto your hips.  These features will make your metal detecting hike more comfortable and as a result, you’ll be able to go farther, and have a more enjoyable hike overall.

In addition to these comfort features, you’ll want a fairly deep seeking metal detector with a medium to large search coil for hiking so you can get as deeply  as possible for the best finds.  You may also want to look for a waterproof metal detector so you can also search any lake shores or mountain streams you may come across on your hike.

Overall, the best metal detector is a personal thing. What constitutes the best metal detector for any type of excursion is often unique and personal to each  individual metal detectorist.  If you do your research though and look for these features I mentioned here you’re sure to find a model of metal detector within your budget that will be comfortable and enjoyable to hike with.

As you can now see there really are a lot of reasons why you ought to bring a metal detector along with you on your next hike. Just be sure you choose the right type of trail, and always get permission before you head out. Then, you’re sure to have an exciting, and maybe even profitable, hike.

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Michael Bernzweig

Biography….

About the author:  Michael Bernzweig manages MetalDetector.com in Southborough, Massachusetts.  He has written extensively on the subject of metal detecting since the  mid 1980’s. He has traveled world-wide in his pursuit of educating, exploring and advising others in the proper use of metal detectors. Outside of the business he enjoys mentoring students, being involved in the community and spending time with his family….

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THE “STEP UP AND CLEAN UP” CONTEST

Let me remind you again about this challenge, and refer you to my posts of May 1st and 3rd.  Your club could win a Coinmaster detector, compliments of White’s Electronics.  All you have to do is help out your local community, and promote your club in the process. How? Simply by adopting a park or a stretch of highway and/or shoreline to clean up on a regular basis.

White’s Coinmaster

The guidelines….

Send a newspaper clipping or email a link to a television blurb about your club’s “Step Up and Clean Up” program. It must tell about or show your club actually at work, cleaning up your adopted area, and it must be dated after May 5th 2013. Send it to “Step Up and Clean Up”, White’s Electronics, Inc., 1011 Pleasant Valley Road,  Sweet Home, Oregon 97386.

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THANKS TO THE SOUTH ALABAMA HISTORICAL RESEARCH & RECOVERY ASSOCIATION

Received the following message from Mike Smith, president of the above club and wanted to share it here. Hoping it might encourage other clubs to consider Donating.

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“The South Alabama Historical Research and Recovery Association of Mobile, Alabama held their meeting last night and we  raised $100 to donate towards the cemetary restoration in Waynesboro, Georgia.  I hope that other groups and individuals will raise funds for this worthy cause.”

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In case you have forgotten or are wondering what this all about, let me try to refresh your memory. It all started when I received this   newspaper article from Scott  Clark at Metal Detecting in the USA.  Scott suggested we start a fund of sorts to help those who oversee the cemetery repair the damage.

That article was pretty damning, but as many had predicted, those responsible wound up being drug dealers, not relic hunters  ( article here).  After the news that the theives were identified the interest in the topic fell off, and it was then that Mike Smith volunteered to see if he could make contact with the American Legion post responsible for the upkeep of the cemetery.  He did indeed hear from them, and together we asked you and others to consider sending along a donation to the AMERICAN LEGION POST 120,  Post Office Box 91, Waynesboro, Georgia 30830.

In any case thank you again to the South Alabama Historical Research & Recovery Association for being the first club to contribute, and to Scott Clark  for initially making everyone aware of the situation.  Now how about all the other clubs out there….can you swing a few dollars to help a good cause, and in the process polish our image a little?  If so be sure to notate “Old Church Restoration” on  your check…

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NEW TV SERIES FOR CHICAGO RON

Ron Guinazzo

Just heard from Chicago Ron (as in Ron Guinazzo) that he has a new TV series starting June 12th, at 9pm, on the Travel Channel.  The  name of the new show is “Dig Wars“ and according to Ron you will laugh and learn. Be sure to mark it on your calendar….it should be a good one. Good luck  with the new series Ron!

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RECENT ARTICLES

More on the Staffordshire Hoard 

1735 Shipwreck Wines Fetch High Prices

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To read John’s latest update, and about how he found this coin, click  on the Malamute Saloon link above and scroll down to today’s date…..

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ANTICIPATION & DISAPPOINTMENT

Well, the ole 6000di Series 2, Hipmount I was waiting for finally arrived…..INOPERABLE!

The detector looked new, but the plastic meter cover was broken, and the meter did did ot work.  Had to push battery pack into the unit to get a threshold (foam missing) but could not get a coin to respond. I am amazed that when people pack something  like this, they put the control box on the bottom of the box, and everything else on top, not to mention it came with one of those old blue and heavy carry bags which  would have made a great cushion.

The knobs/pots also were extremely hard to turn, and the disc knob did not work at all. I have decided to send it back to the factory in hopes that they can fix it.  The  seller has a great track record, and has agreed to pay repair charges (if it can be fixed).  So back to the post office, and another wait.  The joys of online shopping!

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COUPLE OF RECENT ARTICLES 

Thanks to Eddy Current and Jessie Thompson for the following….

Ancient Roman Cemetery Found Under Parking Lot 

South Jersey Treasure Hunter Tracks Down Owner of 1963 Class Ring

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DIVA FEATURED IN LATEST SEARCHER MAGAZINE

Well the Diva does it again! Allyson Cohen, one of the best looking treasure hunters I ever met, is currently featured in the June issue of   The Searcher.  For a preview of this latest edition be sure and check out the John Winter  blog.

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Be sure to notate “Old Church Restoration” on the bottom of your check.  Many thanks to Mike Smith for following up on this situation, and for providing all the details.

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STEP UP & CLEANUP CAMPAIGN

Don’t forget the “Step Up and Cleanup” challenge mentioned in my last post. Remember too that White’s will donate a Coinmaster detector to the first six  clubs to participate so get going, help your club and in the process, help your community.

White’s  may also consider making this an ongoing program….thanks everyone in Sweet Home!

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LOOKING FORWARD TO A FEW BONGS

Don’t get too excited or worked up….the “bongs” I am referring to are those memorable responses I used to hear when using the old White’s 6000di Series 2 detector.  I am happy to say I finally found one (hip mount as well), and it’s on it’s way. 

I understand it won’t have all the bells and whistles that today’s models offer, and may be lacking some in depth, but I am looking forward to taking it out in the field, if for nothing else, old times sake.  It was a favorite of mine, and it disappeared during a garage sale right after moving to Texas.  I will keep you posted on how this old work horse performs (not that you really care).  Given the price I had to pay, I know there are others who loved this machine as well ….

If anyone out there happens to have a 4 inch coil for this detector that you’d like to sell or give away to an old and needy man (a friend of mine), let me know.

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TASK FORCE UPDATE

Good news….Allyson Cohen, the Detecting Diva will now be handling the Task Force  Twitter and Facebook pages, so be sure to check in there daily for updates on their activities. She also told me that the Cook County situation is moving along, and that  the president of the local club is working with an attorney, drafting a letter to send to the local park commission, and when that is submitted the information will  be posted on the Task Force website. Thanks Allyson for the update.

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MORE RECENT ARTICLES 

Thanks to Eddy Current (again) and to Regton, Ltd. for the following information. Appreciate it…..

Money Discovered in Hidden Safe

Archaeologist Backs Bid to Keep Stafforshire Hoard in Midlands

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AMAZING SKELETON FOUND IN SOUTH TEXAS

Construction crews working near Houston uncovered skeletal remains that go back thousands of years.  While nothing is certain and more tests remain, researchers  are saying that based on the position of the skeletal remains, they are almost positive they are that of an early archaeologist….

Sorry Lisa, couldn’t resist!

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