Ah, but Allen, it is not that others have not talked about buttons and, thus we need not cover that again, but that people have fun chatting about nails and buttons and necessary things. And, who knows, something new might come out. There will be disappointments too, as SHA published an entire issue on shell buttons with dismal conclusion that billions were made and not much can be gleaned from studying them in a privy pit. Still, we like to kick ideas around and have fun doing so. Speaking of privy pirates and fun, tomorrow is "Let's Talk Like a Pirate Day" (September 19, 2004) and I think everyone in HISTARCH who is digging this weekend should engage www.letstalklikeapirate.com to really liven up the dig site! Ron May Legacy 106, Inc.