Tribute to Dr J

We just had our first USAS Convention planning meeting for next June's USAS/UPAC Meetings. They're typically held the third weekend in June and will likely be there again in 2007. It's a little early, but since this is the last time the Utah County chapter will host the meeting before Dr J retires, Charmaine and I are talking about putting together a session related to Dr J's contributions to archaeology in Utah Valley and to students/amateurs. Assuming we're able to pull it off without the big J himself pulling a veto, would any of you being interested or willing to give a 10 or 15 minute presentation in tribute?

Like I said, Charmaine and I will likely spearhead it and I know there are USAS folks who'll want to talk about things they've done with him, but I'd really like to see the student perspective. He'll be moved off to Washington fishing all day every day soon enough and I know his secret cream filling soft side would really love to hear what we'll take from him after when he's gone. I mean, it'll never be the same as his relationship to Jennings, I suppose...none of us has ever loaned him a shirt that I know of...but it's something.

What do you think? Also if you have any thoughts on presentations that would be interesting or valuable at a USAS convention, especially with regards to projects you've done that used USAS volunteers, let me know--we're still very much in the brainstorming stages and I'm trying to work up a preliminary idea of possible sessions and conference themes.

Fremont Underwater Archaeology

Recently I came across an underwater archaeological investigation of Montezuma's Well, a Southern Sinagua site in Central Arizona. These investigations are not uncommon in Meso either.

It makes me want to dive down to the bottom of the Filmore hotspring and see if there might be any artifacts down there. The thing is deep (ca. 20 feet) and seems to be pretty geologically stable. What if there was a cache of Clovis points down there? Any thoughts...

The Ballad of Peter and Molly

Our good friend Molly recently contacted me asking whether I thought she might be able to sell her story to HaleStorm entertainment. Would you watch a film about Peter and Molly?

Uncle Gardner

While sitting around the Thanksgiving dinner table, stuffed full of delicious trukey, rolls, and peanut butter pie, I was made privy to an amazing piece of information...I'm (through a few marriages) related to Gardner Dalley! Aparently my sister-in-law is his niece. She had mentioned to me perviously that her uncle "had done some archaeology" and was now retired and into antiquing (esp. collecting depression glass), but I had never really thought to ask her his name (or she told me his name three or four years ago when I had no clue who Gardner was). So, that's my intersting bit of news from this holiday that I just had to share with you all. (Also, rumor has it, he'll be in town for a family reunion in the spring and they might introduce me). I hope you all enjoyed your various festivities, especially the food!

Dang it AJ, and other thoughts

First off, AJ, it was good to see you again. This was the first field work I've done with you since a quick back-fill near Circleville. I hope the Big Horn Mucky-Mucks let you come back and dig with us in the next few weeks.

Second, as I've been wandering wind-swept lithic scatters near Clear Creek Canyon, I wondered what type of theory/ies will it take to replace the Madsen and Simms model? Can it be replaced? Madsen and Simms have certainly made their model difficult to test, but many out there don't subscribe to it.

Can those who have different perspectives on the Fremont ever overcome academic marginalization? I've talked a little about this with Chris, and he seems to be of the opinion that publications and reasearch based on different perspectives should continue at a slow and steady pace eventually providing a foundation for a different model (correct me if I'm wrong Chris). I think Mr. Watkins has the right idea. No good will come from a combatitive approach to the M/S model without a solid foundation to rely on.

What do the rest of you think? Will we ever see a revolution?