Emergency response starts with values, priorities, and goals. Our values, on which we try to reflect when we’re not in the middle of an emergency response, emphasize the importance of life and of the public good. From our values emerge priorities in an emergency. Protect people, including the responders, protect communities, protect the infrastructure that…
The appeal of pseudoarchaeology: The possible and the impossible in von Däniken’s Chariots of the Gods?
Thanks to the distinctive voice of Robert Clotworthy, narrator of the television series Ancient Aliens and Curse of Oak Island, the question “is it possible?” has become indelibly associated with archaeological mysteries for millions of people. Before becoming so meme-worthy, the question was already at the root of the pseudoarchaeological system of thought. The radical…
Oak Island archaeology update : Just how surprising is the coconut fiber?
The coconut fiber most recently highlighted on S07 E15 (Surely Templar) of Curse of Oak Island has long been discussed as a surprising find that requires some rethinking of local history. Why would coconut fiber end up in an archaeological context on an island in Nova Scotia, far from any area where it naturally occurs?…
Oak Island archaeology update : What do we know about the paved area in the swamp?
This year, much of the Curse of Oak Island focus has been on an apparently paved area in the swamp area. According to the show’s speculations, this would have been created for transport of treasure to the original money pit. Ian Spooner, an environmental scientist from Acadia University, who has worked with archaeologists in the…
Addressing pseudoarchaeological claims, a practical guide (eventually)
Note: For the past few months, as I work on them, I have been posting sections of what will eventually be part of a collaborative work on addressing pseudoarchaeology in the classroom, in public, and online. As the text nears readiness, I will start assembling these pieces into rough drafts of the main chunks, hopefully…
