going potty in ancient times

I wasn't sure how to categorize this, but decided at least that it is "more blessed to give than to receive".   Tyler over at Codex has two very interesting series of posts happening.  One is his his rather tongue in cheek series about "Going Potty in Ancient Times."  GPAT for short.  The other is a fascinating short guide to the history of the Hebrew Scriptures - texts, transmission, translations - all sorts of interesting stuff that gives some background to the Jewish sacred writings.  It's well worth a look, and it's not the sort of thing to be frightened of if you don't think of yourself as "academic".