(January 2011) Cleopatra’s Needle is among the themes of archaeologist and stone specialist Per Storemyr’s homepage. It’s all about famous obelisks, one of which was erected 1880 in New York. Storemeyr shows how old photos can reveal the effects of wind and weather on historic monuments and how the internet can help. Another theme on the site is research on Tüfels Chilen (The Devil’s Church), a Zurich-based quarry

The Expo/MarmomaccAmericas Stone Fair, to take place in conjuncture with the Las Vegas-based „Surfaces“ from January 25th to 27th – news: professional visitors can use their entrance ticket to visit the „Las Vegas Market“ for interior furnishing – shuttle transportation is provided free of charge. The value of Italian stone exports to the USA increased slightly by 0.7% (102.2 million €) in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period one year prior, according to a press-release. By +42.7% exports to Canada (19.4 million €) as well as to Mexico (5.1 million €) shot up.

The storm which took Israel by surprise in December 2010, caused considerable damage to on-going archaeological excavations, but also uncovered a hitherto undiscovered Roman marble statue near Askelon.

Blackboards are out. But on the wall of a Spanish school such a board has been rediscovered (Spanish). Blackboard used to be made of slate.

Video of the month: Welcome to the Hotelroom (and to the New Year. BusinessStone.com wishes a lucky 2011).