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LOS ANGELES (AP) — An expert in the powerful anesthetic blamed for Michael Jackson's death told jurors Thursday there is no way the pop star could have caused his own death by swallowing the drug, a theory defense attorneys had suggested might be a centerpiece of their case.
Dr. Steven Shafer was testifying on what is expected to be the final day of the prosecution's involuntary manslaughter case against Dr. Conrad Murray. He said it's impossible for any of the drug that's swallowed to enter the bloodstream, where coroner's officials found the drug after Jackson's death in June 2009.
Defense attorneys have said they have abandoned their theory, but it was included in a report by their propofol expert, Dr. Paul White. White is expected to testify during the defense's case, which will begin on Friday.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He was Jackson's personal doctor for about two months before the singer's unexpected death.
Shafer told jurors Wednesday that 17 violations by Murray each put Jackson's life at risk. Many concerned modern lifesaving equipment that Murray lacked when he gave Jackson propofol in the bedroom of his rented mansion to fight the singer's insomnia, but Shafer said among the cardiologist's worst transgressions was he put his own interests ahead of Jackson's.
He likened the cardiologist to an employee, akin to a housekeeper, who wouldn't tell his boss no.
"Saying yes is not what doctors do," he testified. "A competent doctor would know you do not do this."
Shafer, who helped write the guidelines and warnings included with every vial of propofol, repeatedly said Murray's actions were unconscionable, unethical and illegal.
He said Murray's case is unlike any he's seen before.
"We are in pharmacological never-never land here, something that was done to Michael Jackson and no one else in history to my knowledge," he told jurors.
Shafer's testimony tied together pieces of prosecution's case against Murray laid out over four weeks. He reminded jurors that Murray had bought more than four gallons of propofol to use on the singer during his employment, was on the phone in the hours before Jackson's death and delayed calling for help when he found the singer unresponsive.
"The worst disasters occur in sedation and they occur when people cut corners," Shafer said. In Jackson's case, "virtually none of the safeguards were in place."
Testimony has shown that Murray took no notes on his treatment of Jackson and didn't record his vital signs in the hours before the singer's death.
Shafer said he was testifying for the prosecution without a fee because he wants to restore public confidence in doctors who use propofol, which he called a wonderful drug when properly administered.
"I am asked every day in the operating room, 'Are you going to give me the drug that killed Michael Jackson?'" Shafer said. "This is a fear that patients do not need to have."
AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this report.
McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP
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In last week's column, I reflected on what television has become over the last decade—a trend that has become even more solidified in 2012. With the rise of DVRs and streaming video-on-demand, we're seeing a pronounced rise in serial dramas, shows with complex storylines and impeccably-developed characters. As television shows are devoured, in many cases, a season or two at a time, writers have begun to cater to "binge viewers," and are worrying less about writing to viewers who are tuning in after missing an episode or two. They can be less concerned about dwindling viewership as the season progresses—as viewers miss a few episodes and don't bother to come back.
In other words, the creators and writers have been unchained from the restrictions that conventional viewing once imposed upon them. Their creativity is less stifled, the writing is better, and we all benefit.
Similarly, we've seen a trend emerge this year in the world of music, as musicians—struggling in an environment of huge label conglomerates that are barely getting by—break free of the industry conventions and resolve to blaze their own trail. In 2012, it seemed more possible than ever to break out and make a name for yourself without the backing of the industry's big machine.
Writing for Vulture.com, music critic Nitsuh Abebe recalled: "The spirit of 2012 seemed like a good one. The world increasingly stopped worrying over the complex infrastructure of music—press, labels, scenes, career arcs, 'relevance,' chart performance—and embraced the notion of a messy, tangled wilderness one tramps through in search of meaningful experiences, not mapmaking."
And again, we have the digital revolution to thank for that. We now live in a world where independent musicians can seek out and foster a community of fans from across the globe. Projects can be funded through Kickstarter campaigns, and distribution is no longer a factor. Songs and videos can go viral instantly, launching careers. We saw it with Gotye. And, for good or ill, the Korean star PSY became a global sensation overnight with his video for "Gangnam Style." At last check, PSY had banked more than $8 million off the success of "Gangnam Style."
This is the world we now occupy. This is the world that gave us some of the biggest stars on the planet—like Justin Bieber. Which isn't to say that Bieber is not, in many ways, a product of the record company that swooped in and signed him, or the artists who have helped mold him along the way. But Justin was discovered the way that countless other great talents are hoping to be: by sharing their music on the digital street corners of the World Wide Web and hoping that someone notices. As Abebe notes, "Musicians seem ever-more aware that if there's no safe route, no label or publicist that knows better than you how to get ahead, the richest course is to create the music and the community you want."
The world of independent film is very similar, as up-and-coming filmmakers pursue their passion. As major studios have come to lean so heavily on franchises and remakes—which are proven money-makers—the odds of one taking a chance on a genuinely innovative and smart film by an unknown crew is almost nonexistent. Nevertheless, with Kickstarter and Indiegogo fundraising campaigns, many films are being bankrolled by their intended audiences. And with 24-hour online rentals and digital downloads, independent filmmakers are no longer forced to live and die at the whim of selection committees for a handful of film festivals.
Make no mistake—the world of entertainment is, and always will be, feast or famine. But in 2012, we have continued to usher in an age in which more voices are able to be heard. It's never been easier for independent artists to create the content they love, to follow their passions, and find an audience for it. And that can only be a good thing.
Originally printed in "Pulse," 12/20/2012.
© Damien Willis, 2011. All rights reserved.

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The Affiliate Scheme is designed to support individuals working in the pest control industry.
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A prestigious architecture practice who are known for their iconic projects are seeking a strategic space planner/designer to join their established interiors team. This position would suit an ambitious and enthusiastic individual who enjoys delivering creative yet practical commercial environments across diverse sectors including workplace, leisure, retail and healthcare. Experience in a similar role in London is essential. Both Microstation and AutoCAD considered.


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Visit this lush oasis of pristine rainforests, stunning white-sand beaches, misty cloud forests and active volcanoes. Check out Oyster.com's most stunning shots of Costa Rica.
Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa
Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa takes full advantage of its natural setting: The rooms, restaurants, and pool all offer stunning views of Arenal Volcano.


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|Magical Movies Series
Event Type: Adult Programs
Age Group(s): Adult
Date: 1/25/2013
Start Time: 6:30 PM
End Time: 9:30 PM
"Difficult times lie ahead, Harry." This is the warning that meets our favorite wizard in training as he heads back for his fourth year at Hogwarts School. Harry is mysteriously entered into the dangerous Tri-wizard Tournament even though he is underage. He must train for many challenging and the possible return of his nemesis, the evil Lord Voldemort.Library: Benson Branch (402.444.4846)
Location: Meeting Room
Contact: Carol Erkens
Contact Number: 402-444-4846


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Commerce Flowers
23 total reviews
show reviews by reviewer type:
- All (23)
- | Bride (21)
- | Wedding Party (2)
- 1
- 2
Wedding: 5/4/2014
Wow! Did they do a fantastic job with the flowers for our ceremony and reception. Way beyond my expectations and to be remembered forever!
Wedding: 9/28/2013
I used Commerce for all my floral décor for my wedding (Ceremony, Reception, bouquets, flower girl basket, cake décor, etc). I was very happy with the outcome! It was a pleasure working with Duke :)
Wedding: 10/15/2011
The best people to work with! They were so attentive, relaxed, and thorough. Highly recommend them.
Wedding: 9/24/2011
I was very pleased with my flowers. The ceremony decorations, centerpieces and bouquets are exactly how I wanted them. I worked with Duke, who is the nicest person, but it is true his proposal was scribbled on white paper, which may be the cause of any disorganization. You also have to follow up with him on things. Overall, I'm glad I used Commerce Flowers as they had the best price for the quality. The flowers were delivered on time and were beautiful.
Wedding: 9/4/2011
I am a busy gal who just gets things done the right way. I am a busy plastic surgeon who demands professionalism and perfection, and commerce flowers delivered: stunning flowers at an incredible value. I was truly lucky to stumble upon them. We saved on flowers and I did not have to compromise on any of my wishes.
Wedding: 4/17/2011
Great, Great, Great, Duke and his staff are really really nice people and went over the top for wedding. Prices are really reasonable and are willing to work with your budget! Flowers came out even better than what was expected.
Wedding: 7/30/2011
My flowers were absolutely amazing. They came out just how I wanted. The only negative is that I had 2 things that I really needed to happen for the ceremony and Lindy wasn't there to supervise and those two things were NOT done. The pictures of these two things will bother me the rest of my life, but at least the flowers were great
Wedding: 7/2/2011
I was very please with the outcome of my flowers. All my guests thought complimented them. They were affordable and Eddie was very helpful!
Wedding: 7/2/2011
City of Commerce flowers did such an amazing job for our wedding. The flowers were fresh and the arrangements were beyond our expectations. Amazing service, no complaints
Wedding: 7/2/2011
commerce flowers did an absolutely beautiful job on the flowers for my wedding! I loved them and so did all my guest! Duke, who is the owner and Lindy his daughter were wonderful. They really worked with our budget and will definitely refer them to friends!
Wedding: 6/4/2011
I can't believe how beautiful my wedding flowers were. I've gotten so many compliments. Eddie is great and helped bring my exact vision to life. They are great at keeping the cost down by reusing flowers from the ceremony for the reception. They ended up being half the cost of other quotes I got. The arrangements were huge and lasted for a few weeks after my wedding. They do all their contracts by hand so be sure to keep track of everything especially if you have edits.
Wedding: 6/4/2011
they forgot to bring the flowers for our cocktail hour and that was disappointing.
Wedding: 6/4/2011
I was on a really tight budget but Commerce flowers was able to give me everything I wanted and more. Before signing a contract Duke made me a sample centerpiece that was beautiful. The product that was delivered to my wedding was absolutely spectacular as well as within my original budget!! They gave me everything I had hoped for and I cant recommend them enough!!!
Wedding: 5/21/2011
Commerce Flowers was an absolute pleasure to work with. Please ask for Duke or Eddie, patient and efficient. I made several changes throughout the process and they gladly accommodated my requests. I received numerous compliments for the flower decorations! Best of all, they have the best price!
Wedding: 4/9/2011
Duke was super hospitable and inviting! He really knew how to make your experience memorable and special. Not only were the flowers beautiful they were super affordable! I was on a tight budget and he tried everything he could to make sure he met it. I'm so thankful and happy with the results on the wedding day! =)
Wedding: 2/14/2011
Best value for your money
Wedding: 3/5/2011
Great customer service
Wedding: 11/14/2010
I dealt with Duke, who is a lovely, albeit VERY distracted person. The flower arrangements were gorgeous, but I had to remind him several times throughout the months what we had agreed on, both in terms of arrangements and cost.
Wedding: 11/6/2010
We used Commerce Flowers for our wedding. They did a fabulous job at a great price. They made a small mistake on the wedding day but they worked hard to correct it and they were successful. They didn't want our family upset on our wedding. I would use them again for any type of an event.
Wedding: 10/9/2010
We worked with Eddie at Commerce flowers and he did an AMAZING job. Their prices are extremely reasonable as well. I would definitely recommend them.
Eddie will even put together samples for you which I did not find anywhere else.
I didn't have a great idea of what I wanted except for colors but Eddie really delivered.
- 1
- 2
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Burberry Brit Cologne
By Burberry for Men
Burberry Brit Cologne by Burberry, Burberry brit is for the modern man, who still wants to remain classic, which was launched in 2004 . A refined, sophisticated aroma for men, is an amazing blend of greens, hints of nutmeg and tonka bean. All products are original, authentic name brands. We do not sell knockoffs or imitations. ... Read More
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3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray (Tester)
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Testers are even more discounted than the fancy boxed versions and are great if you don't have a need for the fancy packaging... Read more Testers are 100% authentic, fresh and completely full just like the original fragrance, however they are meant for the counter in a department store. Testers often come in a plain white box but sometimes they do not have a cap or box.The savings on the packaging means you save even more!
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About Burberry
History and background of Burberry. Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21 year old Thomas Burberry, a former apprentice to a country draper, opened an outfitters shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Business thrived and by 1870 Burberry became known as an 'emporium' with an increased focus on the development of outdoorwear for local residents and visiting sportsmen who frequented the store. Read more about Burberry
More Burberry fragrancesfor Women: Burberry Brit , Burberry , Burberry Body , Burberry London (new) , Weekend , more
for Men: Burberry London (new) , Burberry Touch , Burberry , Burberry Brit Rhythm , Burberry Sport , more
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Customer Comments
I was very impressed and pleased by your service. I was shopping around for the perfume I ordered for my wife's birthday gift. I could not find it at many stores that I went; so I decided to buy it online. I must say that many other sites had it for double of what you had it for and when I saw your price I was sceptical because it was so much cheaper. I ended up ordering it anyway and seeing the Yahoo rating of your site made me feel a lot more easier in placing my order. I must tell you I was very pleased, I am a very picky consumer and when I shop I like to know what I am getting into. My order was here quicker than expected and from the day I placed my order I recieved an e-mail confirming it. Once again I am a very satisfied customer and I know where I am going to buy my Mother's birthday gift.
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®by PowerReviews
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- Reviewer Profile:
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Most Liked Positive Review
At first you will notice the powerful initial scent, which yes smells like a powder,& a not so expensive cologne, however after about 15min - 25min, this is when the true...Read complete review
At first you will notice the powerful initial scent, which yes smells like a powder,& a not so expensive cologne, however after about 15min - 25min, this is when the true smell of the cologne starts to come out, & WoW! its as if everyone wants to snuggle up to me, perfect for a chilly day or evening. Finally about 3hrs+ in, your left with such a fine, warm, sweet smell, that the Ms. will adore.
Most Liked Negative Review
Under my expectations
I do not like the fragrance, it smells like cheep cologne after shave.
I do not like the fragrance, it smells like cheep cologne after shave.
Reviewed by 192 customers
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Comments about Burberry Brit By Burberry:
I buy this for my husband according to his grade perfume he buy from his friend. Once I get from fragrancex,I really love this original smell.it has strong smell but not too sharp.Nice fresh citrus and powdery smells..like morning fresh smell in raining days. I think this perfume not really suitable for hot day as it sillage is too weak..Preferably use this in the morning or at night which the weather is much more chill(preferably for asian country like Malaysia). Thank you fragrancex for your sservices.satisfy!!
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Comments about Burberry Brit By Burberry:
I use this product for rare occasions, and it draws a lot of complimets.
This perfume gives me lot of confidence and boost up my energy levels whenever i use it.
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- Great Smell
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Comments about Burberry Brit By Burberry:
Professional 'notes' make "the Brit" a great platform for the office environment.
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- Woody/Earthy
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i like this very much!
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With really good photo and video quality, a great set of features and generally class-leading performance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is probably one of our favorite compact cameras ever. It's not for the inexperienced, though.
The DeLorean DMC is one of the most iconic cars of the 20th century. XCAR got behind the wheel and charts how John Z. DeLorean came to build this glorious, aluminium-engine movie star.
The small but notable change of swapping a built-in flash for an EVF is welcome, but the price...
Featuring a large 1-inch sensor and 16x zoom lens (the longest in its class), this compact might be all the camera you need.
Although in body design the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is nearly identical to its predecessor, the GH3, there's a lot more crammed into the GH4, and a new dock connects it to the rest of your video gear.
An update lets the photo cataloging and editing software handle raw files from the Nikon D750, Canon 7D Mark II, Panasonic LX100, and Apple's latest smartphones.
The company introduces the first interchangeable-lens still camera that's QFHD- and Cinema 4K-ready out of the box, though you'll have to accessorize for best results.
Under CEO Kazuto Yamaki, Sigma has helped transform the Japanese company so most of its revenue comes from higher-end products. Too bad about the camera business, though.
As 4K video is a key selling point on cameras from the 2014 crop, we take the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 for a spin to see how it performs.
Sony continued to pile up the new game announcements at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Here are the most noteworthy details from the briefing.


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How the west was won (by commercial archaeology)
Teaching would be great if it weren't for the kids; parliament even better if it weren't for the voters; and commercial archaeology, or so the joke around the site hut goes, would be the best job in the world if it weren't for the clients. With no clients, there would be no project managers, and with no project managers, there would be no competitive tendering, and with no competitive tendering we could all live happily ever after in the land of milk and honey.
Competitive tendering – the process by which archaeologists bid against each other in order to win projects – has long been blamed for everything that is wrong about archaeology, from poor pay and conditions to the assassination of JFK. In the wider economy competition is usually considered to be a healthy stimulus to growth, driving honest-to-god entrepreneurs to innovate, take risks, and work hard.
But for archaeological field workers living on bread-line wages in bed and breakfast housing, competition merely explains the downward pressure on pay and conditions. At best, woefully incompetent; at worst, wilfully complicit; their project managers seem intent on submitting lower and lower prices, cutting each other's throats in a race to the bottom.
A fist full of dollars
But this overly simplistic view fails to grasp the basic economics of commercial archaeology – and there have been three highly significant developments this year that call for a rethink on the fundamental economic realities of the heritage market.
• The first is the replacement of Planning Policy Guidance 16 (PPG16) – the planning document that has underpinned the archaeology market for the last 20 years – with Planning Policy Statement 5 (PPS5).
• The second is the move towards Chartered status by the Institute for Archaeologists – the body representing the interests of professional archaeologists – with an initial consultation to its membership.
• The third is the merger recently announced by two of the largest archaeology companies in Britain to create one of the largest archaeological companies in Europe.
Set against the deafening noise of one of the deepest recessions in history, it's not entirely clear to fieldworkers whether commercial archaeology is maturing as a discipline or sinking into terminal decline. My contention is that these three developments are game changing moves, but to understand why we need to go back to the beginning and ask: how exactly was the west won by commercial archaeology?
The Wild West
Emerging from post war reconstruction into the half-light of a free market dawn, archaeology became part of the planning process in a non-voluntary manner, swept along with other environmental concerns that sought to balance the impact of development on third parties. By making archaeological investigation a necessary step to being awarded planning permission, PPG 16 shifted the burden of cost from the public purse to private enterprise, and the benefits were far reaching.
A new and uncharted territory was created – a wild-west frontier – where funding decisions were no longer the whim of shortsighted politicians. An archaeological land grab ensued as county council units, charitable trusts and private companies competed in open tender to be granted the opportunity by developers to excavate sites. Some organisations have been very successful at this game, outgrowing their regional origins to become multi-million pound international businesses. But others have dramatically fallen, and concerns about cost cutting and the necessary effect on the quality of archaeological work undertaken by commercial organisations are periodically raised.
With word coming in from the trenches that poverty stricken field archaeologists have been forced to make ends meet by taking in ironing (and as yet unconfirmed rumours that others have been performing happy ending massages) it's worth taking stock of the current market condition. In an archaeological transaction, what is it exactly that the developer is purchasing?
The good
Reduced to its basic economic algebra, commercial archaeology inhabits a particularly hostile business environment. A good, in economic terms, is defined as a physical, tangible product that can be delivered to a buyer (such as a pair of scissors) as opposed to a service (such as a haircut) where ultimate ownership isn't exchanged between the two parties. Commercial archaeology similarly trades as a 'service', solving the needs of its customers to discharge a planning condition. The tangible product of this work – the site reports, archive or published papers – cannot be regarded as a 'good' in an economic sense, as there is no transfer of ownership of these products.
The bad
Rather than think of archaeology as a 'good', it might be more beneficial to think of archaeology as a 'bad', defined in this instance as any good with a negative value to the consumer. Archaeology is rubbish, and although we derive great satisfaction in trying to understand how this material culture relates to the people who made it, it's worth remembering that to our clients, archaeology really is rubbish. It is the contaminated detritus of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years of human activity. Archaeology lowers the utility value of the land for future development, and commercial heritage workers are paid to take it away, or advise a cheaper course of action that preserves the remains in-situ.
The ugly
The great mistake of the PPG16 revolution was to assume that all that was needed to make it work was free, lightly regulated and flexible markets, and that institutions imposing ethics, transparency, and accountability got in the way. Any measures to help the Sherriff stop the cowboys being, well, cowboys, have been consistently undermined by no one really knowing who the Sherriff actually is. The IfA? Prospect? The County Council? English Heritage?
This situation is further complicated by the ambiguity surrounding what exactly constitutes 'quality' in commercial archaeology. A quality archaeological product (generating new, secure, and accessible knowledge of the past) is not necessarily the same thing as quality management of archaeology (managing a program of archaeological work within time and budget). The two are far from mutually exclusive, but the fact remains that an archaeological business can trade on an exceptional reputation in the construction industry, whilst simultaneously producing poor quality results for the archaeological community.
For a few dollars more
As Martin Carver recently argued, the only reasonable way forward for commercial archaeology is to rewrite the rulebook, changing the nature of competition in the heritage market from a 'lowest price wins' to a 'best project design' contest – a model closer to that practiced in architecture. The unbridled reign of the market has turned archaeological knowledge into an 'externality', or spill over effect, as archaeologists compete to secure planning permission for their clients as cost-effectively as possible. So what would be needed to affect the type of changes advocated for above?
Back now to the three important new developments mentioned at the outset, followed by an explanation (and apology) for my Wild West conceit.
Firstly we would need a collaborative planning regime that enables archaeologists to design strategies that generate both archaeological insight and commercial advantage for their clients (PPS 5). The new document sets the historic environment alongside other competing planning concerns, moving away from a tick-box culture of compliance and enabling commercial archaeologists to propose practical and cost effective solutions.
Secondly we need to restore trust in competitive spirit by barring the archaeology market to all but the suitably qualified and experienced (a fully chartered Institute). By placing the choice of who does or doesn't practice as an archaeologist entirely in the hands of those who don't want to pay for it, the current system has seen a steady dismantling of trust, pitting field archaeologist against council archaeologist in an adversarial system. This proposal is only at consultation stage, but it is the first step to awarding charted status to individuals, and putting the necessary architecture in place to rigorously enforce standards.
Thirdly we need to cultivate a healthy business environment in which archaeology is no longer perceived as a last minute distress purchase. The 'point' of archaeology has been disentangled from its 'purpose', but by building strategic relationships with clients and stakeholders, commercial businesses can recombine the two. Archaeologists should be involved with their clients management teams from the earliest opportunity in the development cycle – managing risk, minimising impact (and associated costs), and maximising the knowledge yield from any cultural heritage intervention.
Whether the proposed merger between two of the biggest units will address this remains to be seen, but along with other companies that are seeking to regionalise their operations and reposition their services, it demonstrates an ambition to offer the market more than just another 'stack it high, sell it cheap' option.
The End (of the beginning)
Set in the American Old West in the mid 19th century, the western glamorised a frontiers world that was already long vanished by the time the genre became popular. Archaeology has similarly passed through a wild-west stage, colonising a largely hostile market place in the name of knowledge and the public good. But its time to bid the cowboys farewell: this town aint big enough for the two of us. Their gun-slinging ways make for a ripping yarn, but god knows you wouldn't want to live there.
18 Responses to "How the west was won (by commercial archaeology)"
Gary J. Weisz
Old archaeologists never die, their cortex just becomes friable!
Dig This
England, and Ireland for that matter, have made it quite easy for themselves to deal with archaeology. Their policy spells let someone else deal with it (commercial archaeologists) and let someone else pay for it (developers), hoping that greed and the extreme cost cutting wouldn't get the better of the two involved. And while the government saves itself a lot of money and hassle, the developers get their planning permission for as little money as possible and the commercial archaeology companies making the big buck, the poor sods in the field as well as the archaeology itself are being ripped of and violated. The pressure on site to deal with the archaeology within the way too narrow time frame and budget has left archaeology been deliberately dug through or poorly resolved by graduate archaeologists who get paid less than an untrained burger flipper at Micky D's. Worse, me and colleagues have been working on sites under such poor conditions that we were tempted call Amnesty International for help. No shelter in the middle of a swamp in the midst of winter, general lack of facilities and tools and cornered by grumpy land owners, pushy developers and greedy employers the job has simply become unbearable.
The submissive butt-kissing attitude of so many archaeologists, However, has made these circumstances possible, so we shouldn't complain. It's home made.
I don't know what the British Institute of Archaeologists is like but here in Ireland I will not trust our IAI (Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland) as it is mostly made up of owners of commercial archaeological consultancies and I fear that they don't really care too much about the interests of their field workers, especially if it eats into their own profits.
That leaves the diggers pretty much without a public voice and since work got pretty sparse these days, no one is willing to raise their voice out of fear to be blacklisted by the companies.
A reform of how archaeology is being dealt with in Ireland and England needs to be from bottom up, beginning with a union specifically for the field workers and not the bosses. Furthermore, excavations should be closely monitored by external and independent professionals and thirdly, directors should not be employed by consultants but either by the local authorities or hired from a college or university, being accountable only to those. This way highest standards and a fair treatment for everyone can be guaranteed.
Everybody is entitled to their opinion about whether archaeology is rubbish or not, bottom line is, that there is European legislation and other commitments (Valetta Convention etc.) that are to be adhered to. This is not the case. Everybody in the profession knows that but no one has the guts or the motivation to do something about this.
Tiny Bitgreen
I agree wholeheartedly with the need to change the perception of archaeology but I think there is a deeper issue which needs to be considered. Your piece makes a basic assumption, one which I find myself wrestling with, the assumption that archaeology is valuable and how it is valuable. I would just like to take a step back and look at the archaeology market form a slightly different perspective.
On way one look at it is that a Market for archaeology exists because PPS5 (and PPG16 before) translates / transforms the true value of archaeology into something which works in the current market economy – but it's an imperfect translation – it loses something of the true meaning and value of archaeology in the process, and the way archaeology is practiced has changed in light of this.
It is essential to remember that this economic value system is artificial and 'downstream' of the true value of archaeology. By focussing on the economic value I think we may be in danger of missing the point and to continue the river analogy in danger of choking off the headwaters.
I am a little wary of this statement in your piece.
'we need to restore trust in competitive spirit by barring the archaeology market to all but the suitably qualified and experienced'
I appreciate what you are talking about is the archaeology market – but what's being traded is the past and it doesn't belong to professional archaeologists, it's not ours or the developers or the IFA's to 'bar' people from – You have assumed that because professional archaeologists are suitably qualified and experienced in the economic market of archaeology then that is adequate, and it may well be but we need to demonstrate that, we need to demonstrate that what we do actually appeals to those upstream values. Something I believe we have failed to do.
To take your Wild West analogy a little further its worth remembering that the west was actually won by killing tens of millions of native Americans and destroying a largely misunderstood existing culture and value system and replacing it with something which has at least as many problems as any other system, all in the name of free market capitalism.
This is not JUST high minded philosophy (in fact it's not high minded philosophy) there is a practical aspect. When the ConDem government push through there cuts and everyone is fighting their corner we are going to need to demonstrate the true value of archaeology and the true value of archaeology is not clearing Planning Condition no 4 for Hamburger Homes, That is just a way archaeology has been forced to function and it's not ideal. The true value is way upstream form that and we need to try to re connect what we do with those values otherwise people will stop caring and stop fighting for heritage and even worse what we do becomes pointless and I really don't like that Idea!
Its worth noting one of Winston Churchill's slightly better know quotes
'……democracy is the worst form of government except all the others 'that have been tried'
Tiny Bitgreen
Clint (did you know you have the same name as a famous actor?)
Thanks for taking the time to respond, I have some thoughts.
1, I appreciate your physician argument but it doesn't entirely work for me. Most people can have a good stab at what the true values a physician's work relates to (the pun was intended) and would broadly agree with them. This isn't necessarily the case with archaeology:
Choosing a Physician
I value not being in unnecessary pain and not losing my life, therefore I would like a physician who is adequately trained and has a demonstrable track record in working towards these values.
Choosing an archaeologist in the commercial environment
I value having my planning permission as cheaply and efficiently as possible therefore I would like an archaeologist who is adequately trained and has a demonstrable track record in working towards these values.
I would suggest a more appropriate formulation and one that brings it in line with your physician analogy.
I value (the true values of archaeology) therefore I would like an archaeologist who is adequately trained and has a demonstrable track record in working towards these values.
2, I agree up to a point, but it will have a serious effect on English Heritage and local authority archaeologists. This reduction in capacity of the local authority archaeologists to argue in the face of competing political interests in planning departments may be seriously detrimental to us all.
I am a democrat at heart and don't necessarily see that out sourcing capacity from a democratically elected body to business a good thing.
I think I made my point badly here – I do not advocate a 'throw the doors open policy' I advocate that archaeological work should be carried out in relation to the real value of archaeology not to economic values. If an independent group or academic archaeologist demonstrate abilities and qualifications in this respect then yes they have as much right as OxSex Archaeology (I wonder if that's what stopped that particular merger?)
3, I was attempting and obviously failing to suggest that your metaphor was a little ironic – The 'Wild West' was built at the expense of an existing and competing value system. Free marketeers at the time branded this system as backward and believed it could be improved upon, this included 'barring' indigenous people from the process. We have since realised that this was done at the expense of something we would now see as valuable although not in economic terms.
It been a long day and I just cant think of a Churchill comeback.
Interesting article – Sort of.
I would like to know why anyone thinks archaeology is of any "useful" value.
What does an archeologist do that makes one bit of difference to the average guy on the street making a daily living?
I question where does any finding resulting from an archeologist work make a difference any anything in today's working world?
Can anyone produce documentation or papers where one can find an actual "Return on Investment" on an archeological site?
Since it appears that no one even reads "written" history current or otherwise) to apply lessons learned in order not to repeat mistakes why would anyone think that archeological history is of value? Since most archeological work is "educational guess work" any way!
Just asking
Eli Wallach
your conceit is belaboured by your pieces misnomer (bet you cant say that the same twice on trot)as you should replace won with lost
otherwise shame it aint the smoking gun it should have been
To answer DWMACK's comment on what is the 'useful value' of archaeology….
You could equally ask what is the 'useful value' of Aires rock, or mount Everest. What possible value could the ozone layer or a rain forest or a blue whale give (other than from their destruction).
Not everything valuable can be assigned a monetary value or an immediate return. Some things are just priceless.
But as to archaeology……cultural diversity is just as important as biodiversity. We just can't see it at the moment.
Another important and immediate current use of archaeology is in politics, whether its to justify ethnic cleansing (In Bosnia, Albania and during the second world war), or in arguments of national identity (BNP, Israel, Lebanon etc).
Most of the human race find their ethnic background (their cultural heritage) very important as it defines who they are and where they came from. It gives them a history, a place in the world and a sense of pride in 'their' collective past.
You seem to be in the minority
Archaeology is the science from which questions about peoples past can be asked, and theories challenged. Hitler's 'airian culture' theory can be disproved by archaeology.
Racist claims that native English people are only the 'White Anglo-Saxon Prodestant' is nonsense when faced with the archaeological evidence of thousands of years of immigration, changes in ethnic identity and multi-racial contact.
The combined evidence collected through archaeology is a vital dataset that is used in other disciplines including anthropology and medical science.
Recently I read a little news snippet of how scientists have used skeletons excavated during archaeological digs to study the history (going back 12 000 years or more) of cancer. You see for most scientific study a long dataset into the past is really useful in studying patterns and finding solutions/causes.
Archaeological information can also been used in anything from climatology, evolution, sociology etc etc etc. the list is endless (but space here isn't)
I haven't even touched on tourism…..
Eli Wallache
Meesta Wilkins
The PPG16 industry boomed and is busted. Its conceite was to create a market for a product nobody wanted. The National Planning Policy that is swinging in from the right like Tarzan in spandex, will spatchcock whats left. The shame is that even though the wall still drips dayglo paint the soldiers of PPG16 fortune will still be lined up against it. Prima facie that on Boot Hill.
Billy The Kid
Not sure I totally agree with you there cowboy.
Archaeology is not a product that 'no body wants.' The tenor of this piece is the nature of competition in the cultural heritage market, and the problems that follow when those who pay for the product have no other 'buy-in' apart from the requirement to discharge a planning condition.
In the best of times, developers are not necessarily immune to our aspirations as archaeologists, and value our commercial insight above our competitive rivals (i.e. competition can be good). In the worst of times, the market needs strong regulation, with barriers to entry at the very least.
On past form, we have about 2 more years of this recession left, after which it will be business as usual – as long as those Tarzan clad spatch-cocks don't dismantle the only regulatory body we currently have – the council curatorial archaeologists.
Eli Ballache
Hey Kid
I'm not saying nobody wants archaeology, i'm just sayin the archaeology industry was ill-served and mis-lead by PPG16 and that the future will require different skill-sets and probably different deliverers.
And when i said …..'not the smoking gun it should have been'… i meant that it was a brilliant article that needs a wider audience.
Keep up the excellent work
I don't think that using a quote from Churchill, to back an argument about the relative merits of differing socio/economic and political systems, adds to an argument. This was a man who, after all, spent time in the Liberal party, was responsible for Gallipoli, refused to negotiate over Indian independence, his views on Ghandi are legend. In addition his main electoral (disastrous) gambit in the 1945 election was to predict that under Labour it would be like living under the Gestapo. A great war leader he may have been, and his tenacity was amazing. His political judgement however was not.


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In a close vote Monday night and after three rounds of voting, Billings School District 2 trustees elected Teresa Stroebe 5-3 to be the next board chairwoman.
Both Stroebe and Lindy Graves had been nominated at the meeting to take over for Barbara Bryan, who resigned from the board on Tuesday.
Graves was nominated by trustee Travis Kemp and Stroebe was nominated by trustee Greta Besch Moen.
Earlier in the meeting, trustees decided they would undergo five rounds of voting if the election were tied. And for the first two rounds of voting, it was.
Trustees were split 4-4, with Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Pam Ellis and Graves voting on one side and Kathy Aragon, Connie Wardell, Moen and Stroebe voting on the other.
Finally, Smith broke the deadlock, voting for Stroebe in the third round.
"I could go with either one," Smith had said earlier in the meeting.
Monday night's meeting got off to a contentious start as trustees tried to figure out who had called the meeting and why Aragon, vice chairwoman, had not known about it until after the agenda had gone out.
Moen was especially vocal, verbalizing her distaste for special meetings. She had to drive back from Washington on Monday to make the meeting.
"There's no predictability," she said.
Given that Aragon could lead the district until a new chair was voted in, she said there was no emergency.
"I think this was an egregious error," she said.
Monday night's meeting had been called by Pam Ellis and Lindy Graves — first when Ellis had tried at the beginning of the month to force Bryan to step down from the chairmanship and then again on Tuesday when Bryan announced her resignation.
It was the fifth special meeting called since September and the fourth to actually happen.
The first special meeting was called by Bryan early in September to vote on a contract extension for Superintendent Keith Beeman. The motion failed and led to Beeman's accelerated departure from the district.
The following meetings — the first called by Ellis and the second set by the board — terminated Beeman's employment and secured his buyout package.
Aragon asked Monday night that in the future trustees are asked about availability first before any more special meetings are called. Moen, Graves and Stroebe were all out of town Monday morning.
Following the vote, Stroebe said she was just happy everyone "was at the table." For a while it looked like that might not happen.
With the chairmanship now secured, Stroebe sees it as her job to heal the board and get it functioning again.
"At this point in time, consensus is important to me," she said. "The healing of this board is important to me."
In her view, the chairwoman's job is to aid the board in getting its business done.
"I really believe a chair's biggest responsibility is to run the meetings, not run the district," she said.
Trustees praised Stroebe's peaceful nature and her ability to work with any trustee whatever their viewpoint. In fact, Stroebe is so averse to conflict that many times at past meetings she could be seen rubbing her face or burying her head in her hands, visibly uncomfortable at whatever bickering was transpiring.
"It's been stressful, tumultuous," she said. "I've got my work cut out for me."


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Option Action Lacks Conviction
Option traders were treated to an unusually active end of summer. According to the Options Clearing Corp., option volume during the week before Labor Day, usually among the lightest of the year, saw 28.7 million contracts trade, or some 5.6 million contracts a day. That's a 39% increase over the same week a year ago and greater than the year-to-date average daily volume of 5.5 million contracts.
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text: Singer songwriter and folkstress Mirel Wagner takes us on a haunting journey with her latest track 'The Road.' As if her gloomy voice was not enough, this intimate soul bearing piece is perfect for a day like this. We'd highly suggest you keep an ear out for this surfacing talent. Stream the track below.


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Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Best of
When it comes to good time R&B played by top class musicians, you can't beat the sound of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. After Bill quit the Rolling Stones in 1993, the bass player set about forming his own all-star band. As well as touring the world, the Rhythm Kings released a succession of fine albums, beginning with 'Struttin' Our Stuff' in 1998. We have selected the hottest tracks from this debut album, as well as songs from subsequent albums 'Anyway The Wind Blows', 'Double Bill', 'Groovin' and 'Just For A Thrill'.
The Kings have included some right royal players over the years, notably - keyboard players Gary Brooker and Georgie Fame, guitarists such as former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, vocalist Paul Carrack, and blues artist Beverley Skeete. Although the line up has changed constantly, rock legends Eric Clapton and Peter Frampton have also jammed on some Rhythm Kings recordings. Don't miss this rockin' CD compilation, which jumps from the 'Jitterbug Boogie' to 'Tobacco Road', amongst an entertaining flow of R&B faves.....You know, when Bill's on fire, the joint is jumping!


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It's a tiny plane. You have to give your weight to the desk agent. I wrote it down on my phone and showed it to her, thank you very much.
The Wings of Alaska charter pilot stuck his head into the cabin to give the safety briefing, which included info about how to use the sick bags. ("Have good aim, and take the bag with you when you leave the plane.") I wasn't worried as the weather was basically fine, and I'm not prone to air sickness.
Then it's 80 miles up the Lynn Canal to Skagway, which is not a canal at all but an inlet, or a fjord, and the deepest in North America. It's not high altitude, and the view out the window is one of the prettiest I've ever seen, even though, as you'll see, I was right under the wing.
[All photos courtesy of my iPhone in airplane mode. Safety first!]
© Perceptive Travel Blog, part of the PerceptiveTravel.com webzine: the best travel stories from authors on the move.
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Black Thumbs, This Is For You: 10 Gardening Mistakes To Avoid
Photo: Courtesy of Real Simple
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By Tara Fuller Soup is a classic go-to when the weather cools down, but there are many other ways to warm up from the inside out. Take boozy beverages, for example. Whether served hot or cold, a drop (or five) of alcohol goes a long way when it comes to keeping you toasty. And, if that isn't tempting enough: read
Storage is pretty exciting — said no one, ever. Bins, baskets, and shoe racks aren't exactly the most riveting home buys. But, it certainly doesn't have to be that way. Your scarves, gloves, and hats (and flashy NYE stilettos) deserve to have a colorful place of their own during this season, not crammed in a coat pocket read


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The Party That Changed Peter Stelling's Life
By Brian Turk
By Drew AIles
By Taylor Boylston
By Bree Davies
By Emerald O'Brien
By Backbeat
Chive Fest hopes to win over neighbors
By Gina Tron
How the Hornbuckles overcame heroin
By Jon Solomon
Disclosure time: Sanford Kellogg of the Ism works as a salesman at Westword and stops by my office so often that it's become something of a running gag. So rather than actually reviewing the group's latest project, Sleep, allow me to state that tracks like "7:30" and "Molly" are quieter and more melodic than the group's previous synth-pop offerings, while "Disco Queen" and "Long and Winding Road" are virtually identical to them. That should get you up to speed (Sanford Kellogg, 296-7744). It's a compliment to say that Superstars of the Cricket on the Hill, a compilation devoted to what the CD jacket describes as "Denver's favorite club," is a lot like visiting the joint; just when you're ready to walk out the door, something pulls you back inside again. Given the presence of 22 songs by 22 acts, it's only natural that some items are better than others, but what's surprising is how much of what's on hand is thoroughly entertaining. My favorites were the Throttlemen's "Cowtown," Fox Force 5's "Tri-State Teen Love Spree," MK Ultra's "Lonely," Ruby Hue's "Nullified" and "House of Spooky Love," by the late Jeff Dahl ("Dahl Parts," January 31, 1996). But that's just me (Sixpence/Hip-O Records, 1406 East 14th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Denver 80218).
If you had your interest piqued about 360 Twist! signee Frigg A-Go-Go by "Everything Around Me"/"Pre-Teen Love," a seven-inch reviewed in our October 30 issue, you'll probably enjoy The Penetrating Sounds of...Frigg A-Go-Go, a full-length CD spotlighting the Lafayette, Louisiana, combo. The single's A-side is here, supplemented by twelve other rockers epitomized by grinding guitars, purring organ and snot-nosed vocals. "I Don't Wanna Be Your Man," "Swivel Hips" and "Explosion" are so garagey that you can practically smell the fumes. Yummy (360 Twist! Records, P.O. Box 9367, Denver 80209). Another out-of-towner inked to a Colorado imprint is Melissa Ferrick, a singer-songwriter who has moved from a major label to Boulder's W.A.R.? imprint. Her new CD, Melissa Ferrick + 1, is a compendium of live solo performances that showcase her passionate vocals and awfully familiar approach to modern folk music. "Let Me Go," "Massive Blur" and the rest find her solidly in the Lilith Fair camp, and because there's little to differentiate her from the other competitors in this increasingly crowded field, she may be facing a rough road ahead of her. Despite its attributes, like the feverish "Willing to Wait," I found the platter to be fairly generic--but then again, I haven't worn out any Sarah McLachlan albums lately (available in area record stores).
Come out, come out, wherever you are. On Thursday, December 4, the Velveteen Monster, a new side project of the Czars, appears with, um, the Czars at the Bluebird Theater; the Lovemongers, featuring Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, kneel at the Church, with Elaine Summers; Dee Carstensen headlines at the Boulder Theater; and Men or Monsters offer you a choice at Cricket on the Hill. On Friday, December 5, Human Rights are maintained at the Bluebird, with Majek Fashek, and Fred Eaglesmith supports his new Razor & Tie disc Lipstick Lies & Gasoline at the Swallow Hill Music Hall, with Eric Andersen (Eaglesmith also appears the following night at Nick's in Boulder). On Saturday, December 6, Little Fyodor searches for his sanity at the Lion's Lair, with the Marvel Kind; Persian vocalist Narges visits the Metro Denver Baha'i Center, 99 South Grant (call 470-1057 for details); Westword contributor John Jesitus takes on all comers at the Blue Satellite; and Electric Summer celebrates the release of its new EP (issued by Boulder's Soda Jerk imprint) at the Bluebird. On Monday, December 8, the Boulder Theater hosts the 10th Annual Holiday Cabaret, a benefit for the Boulder County AIDS Project. And on Wednesday, December 10, the Boulder Theater is the place to see Love Generator, Fat Mama, Wojo and DJ Vitamin D; and the Galactix, Chris Daniels, Bad Rufus and many others put on a show at Herman's Hideaway in honor of the late Herman Roth. Life springs eternal.
--Michael Roberts
Backbeat's e-mail address is: firstname.lastname@example.com. While you're online, visit Michael Roberts's Jukebox at www.westword.com
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Criminals have taken over Seattle light rail trainsJuly 30, 2014 @ 2:09 pm (Updated: 2:52 pm - 7/30/14 )
I think I've decided on my next summer adventure series adventure. I've gone skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding, driven a NASCAR, but this is the most dangerous.
I'm thinking about riding Seattle Light Rail and talking on my cell phone at the same time.
There's an epidemic here of light rail thefts. Seattle police are currently looking for two armed robbers who opened fire after mugging several people near the Columbia City Light Rail Station on Tuesday.
Q13 just did a story on two other incidents of theft from earlier in July where thugs on the light rail snatched phones out of people's hands and then ran off the train.
Here's what one of the victims told Q13:
"I saw a guy getting ready to get off, but it looked as if he spotted me and decided not to get off the train. He was basically trying to shoot the breeze, trying to get a hook up. He grabbed my phone and I was trying to hold onto it because I was like oh my God I'm not letting this phone go, and then he yanked it so hard that it literally pulled me out of the chair."
When we were talking about light rail initially, we told you this was going to be a haven for crime. It was going to be a multi-billion dollar place where criminals would be able to target people rather easily. These victims now know it's just not safe. These guys were just violent. It's nasty out there.
Here's King County Sgt. DB Gates talking about these crimes:
"They understand what your MO is, when you're texting or looking down playing games on your phone, and they're taking advantage of that, that your attention is divided."
I like Sgt. DB Gates with the King County Sheriff's Department, but I didn't like this statement:
"Everywhere in King County, getting an iPhone or a smartphone snatched out of your hands is happening more and more because people aren't paying attention."
No. This isn't happening because people aren't paying attention. This is happening because criminals have taken over the light rail train. People should be able to use their phone on a light rail train without fear of the criminal element snatching it out of their hand.
Remember, the consistent message from every politician here locally is we've got to get people off their cars and onto mass transit. You know what, one reason I don't ride mass transit is because I don't want to be out there with the criminals that you have let take over all the mass transit of the region here.
It's out of control. Criminals have taken over the trains.
Taken from Wednesday's edition of The Dori Monson Show.
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Photos: Inside Denver Defense Megacenter turned urban-exploration site
Last July, we shared photos of demolished Colorado urban exploration sites as originally seen on uer.ca, a fascinating address devoted to documenting urban exploration nationwide. Among the most recent local items is a huge gallery of images from the Denver Defense Megacenter. The "recommendations" section aimed at urban explorers notes, "It's gone" -- but it's not forgotten: This sampling of images suggests a set for The Walking Dead, but real. Check out the haunting photos below, supplemented with excerpts from the Denver Defense Megacenter page.
Big photos below.
500,000+ ft*2 of mostly open office and data processing space.
Basic Information:
Type: Building
Status: Closed
Accessibility: Difficult
Recommendation: It's gone
Continue to see more photos inside the Denver Defense Megacenter turned urban-exploration site.
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A. Withdrawal
A student may, upon written notification to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, withdraw from the Law School and preserve his or her eligibility for readmission.
B. Readmission after Withdrawal
If the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs determines that (1) the student previously withdrew for good cause, and (2) the time since the student last attended UST Law School is no longer than is reasonable under the circumstances, the Associate Dean may readmit the student. Any student readmitted will be bound by all regulations and requirements in effect at the time of his or her readmission. A student who withdraws while on academic probation must apply for readmission according to the policy for readmitting students dismissed for academic reasons (see Policy II-5, Dismissal and Readmission).
C. Leave of Absence
A student may, with the permission of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, take a leave of absence for no more than two (2) semesters. The Associate Dean's permission must be sought before the first day of class of any semester during which the student wishes to take a leave. Should circumstances require a student to seek a leave of absence during a semester, the student shall request the permission of the Associate Dean; if the permission is granted, that semester shall be deemed the first of the two allowable semesters, and the student's record will show a "W" in each course undertaken during the semester.
D. Effect on Degree Time Limit
A withdrawal or leave of absence does not extend the time limit for the completion of requirements for the Juris Doctor degree.


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4 minutes ago
Saturday, November 5, 2011
2 comments:
Name, anyone?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 6, 2011 at 7:42 AM
If he is the "last resort", then I am missing out!ReplyDelete
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