Archaeology IS Research in the Public Interest

Archaeology IS Research in the Public Interest
In a recent editorial published on Politico’s website, Senator Rand Paul (R-TN) and Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) argue that public funds should only be used on “the highest priority research that is in the national interest.” Paul and Smith cite examples of what they consider to be frivolous research, several of which are anthropological or archaeological in nature. They argue that the first step in rectifying this wasteful spending is transparency and that once the process by which scientific grants are awarded is open for scrutiny then we will be in a better position to redirect public funding to truly important research in biology, computer science, mathematics and engineering. http://huff.to/1B5lqxF – SAA President Jeffrey Altschul and AAA President Monica Heller via Huffington Post

Rand Paul and Lamar Smith’s Editorial Argues for Reevaluating Funding in the Sciences
Since our founding, America’s economic strength and national security have depended on scientists and innovators to promote growth and prosperity. Both public and private investments in research and development fuel the economy, create jobs and lead to new technologies that benefit Americans’ daily lives. http://politi.co/1KTTXEE – Politico

Western Digs Looks at Emiliano Gallaga’s Research on Pyrite Mirrors
Archaeologists exploring the ties between ancient cultures in the Southwestern U.S. and central Mexico have turned their attention to some unusual artifacts excavated in Arizona: more than 50 mirrors encrusted with the brilliant mineral Pyrite, crafted in distinctly Mesoamerican styles. The mirrors were originally unearthed in the 1930s and 1960s, during excavations of a major settlement of the Hohokam culture now known as Snaketown. http://bit.ly/1CDDAWU – Western Digs

130-Year-Old Rifle Found During Archaeological Survey in Nevada
Researchers are trying to crack the mystery surrounding the discovery of a weathered, rusted Winchester rifle in the mountains of remote eastern Nevada. The gun manufactured in 1882 was found leaning against a juniper tree on a rocky outcrop in Great Basin National Park during an archaeological survey in November. Nichole Andler, the park’s chief of interpretation, said officials may never know when the .44-40 rifle was placed there, but it’s possible it could have been left undisturbed since the 1800s.
http://yhoo.it/1Eei5gw – Associated Press via Yahoo News

Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Supporting the Palace of the Governors
The Palace of the Governors, one of Santa Fe’s most treasured, iconic, and recognizable places, has long opened its doors for the community, showcasing its rich history, cultural significance, and unique architectural beauty for locals and visitors alike. From local schoolchildren to lovers of art and history, the Palace has inspired you for decades. Now, it needs your help. The jewel of Santa Fe’s historic plaza is threatened by the lack of budget for capital improvements to address the deterioration and deferred maintenance of the structure. Numerous much-needed repairs and improvements are currently not funded. Left unaddressed, these issues will create an uncertain future for the Palace. Now, more than ever, it’s essential that those who love the Palace join together to work toward a solution, ensuring its continued impact on future generations of New Mexicans. http://bit.ly/1ufUnAo – National Trust via Eventbright

DNA Analysis on Kennewick Man’s Origins Yields No Surprises
Nearly two decades after the ancient skeleton called Kennewick Man was discovered on the banks of the Columbia River, the mystery of his origins appears to be nearing resolution. Genetic analysis is still under way in Denmark, but documents obtained through the federal Freedom of Information Act say preliminary results point to a Native-American heritage. http://bit.ly/15ph5KB – Seattle Times

Reminder: Archaeology Southwest’s January Archaeology Café (Phoenix) Welcomes Jesse Ballenger
On January 20, 2015, Dr. Jesse A. Ballenger (Statistical Research, Inc.) will share a tale of life more than 5,000 years ago in the area that is now Luke Air Force Base. We meet in the Aztec Room of Macayo’s Central, 4001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, near the Indian School light rail stop. Presentations begin after 6:00 p.m. It is best to arrive at about 5:30 p.m. in order to get settled, as seating is open and unreserved, but limited. http://bit.ly/1DO0pZ7 – Archaeology Southwest

Lecture Opportunity – Albuquerque
At 7:30 PM, Tuesday, January 20, 2015, the Albuquerque Archaeological Society will host a talk by Ron Barber entitled Stone Calendars of the Southwest. There are hundreds of stone calendar sites around the southwest located near ancient inhabited areas that were used to mark the annual seasons and important dates. These calendars are made with specific glyphs that align with unique shadows used to mark the time of year, including winter and summer solstice, equinoxes, cross-quarters and many other important indigenous dates. The presentation will be held at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, 2000 Mountain Road NW. http://bit.ly/YhJddr- Southwest Seminars

Thanks to Cherie Freeman for contributing to this week’s newsletter.