UCL graffiti & damage

The UCL walls look pretty clean right now - has anybody witnessed the process?

Was it the weather or were the walls actually washed/cleaned? 

Has anybody identified damage to the surface/fabric of the stone caused by the chalking? 

Unrest in Egypt

The situation in Egypt seems to be totally out of control, and looting is said to be wide-spread in Cairo right now.
There are reports of  attempts to protect collections and sites. See the articles below:
Egyptians form human shield to protect museum
http://www.euronews.net/2011/01/29/egyptians-form-human-shield-to-protect-museum

Looters destroy mummies in Egyptian Museum

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/29/us-egypt-museum-idUSTRE70S1YU20110129

Elaborations on impermanence and longevity

Hello conservators and aficionados! I am taking advantage of a "brief break from my break" to wish you all a very happy 2011 from a sunnier latitude!

Also, make sure you check out  this insightful text on impermanence and conservators' quests to prolong the longevity of things: A conservator ponders impermanence by Kevin Driedger. You will find some food for thought there.


You will find Driedger's text on the  PCAN blog , a really interesting blog, by the way.