Wednesday, January 05, 2005

A couple new items that just came across the wire. . .

Another article on the late Robson Bonnichsen Renown archaeologist from Filer dies

Rob Bonnichsen, a Filer native who went on to spur major advances in molecular archaeology and was a huge player in the controversial fight over the so-called "Kennewick man," died in Oregon on Christmas Day. He was 64.

Bonnichsen's research into the ancient inhabitants of North America made him somewhat of a scientist-celebrity. His work was often cited in the New York Times and other major publications.

Bonnichsen's calling was evident early on, said Steve Kohntopp, a close colleague who graduated with Bonnichsen in the same class at Filer High School.

"In high school he was always interested in archaeology," Kohntopp said. "He was absent from school a lot in the South Hills or Owyhee desert digging for artifacts."


Archaeology / A home fit for a prince?

When Alexander Zeid - who in 1909 founded Hashomer, the first armed Jewish defense force in modern times - began to build his home in the hills of Sheikh Abrik in the late 1920s, the remains of an ancient wall were unearthed. Zeid invited archaeologist Benjamin Maisler - who subsequently changed his name to Mazar - to examine the wall. Mazar determined that it dated to the Roman period, and in 1939 and 1940 he led a team that exposed a large and well-established settlement that peaked between the end of the second century and the middle of the fourth century of the Common Era.


Eek! Jordan Foils Terror Plot Against U.S.M

Prosecutors leveled charges against two suspected Jordanian terrorists after police foiled a plan to kill four American archeologists, security officials said Wednesday.

Jamil Mohammed Kutkut, 27, and Ibrahim Mohammed Zein al-Abedeen, better known by Jihad al-Qashah, 36, were charged with plotting to commit terrorist acts, illegal possession of automatic weapons and infiltrating Jordanian territories.


This seems like good news RWAs to get govt aid to protect monuments

Residents Welfare Associations interested in adopting ‘neglected’ monuments will receive financial help from the Delhi government. But before providing the aid, the government will check the credentials of the Associations.

‘‘These monuments have been neglected for long, now they are in such a state that they need extra protection. We are, therefore, ready to help RWAs monetarily,’’ said a senior official in the government’s Department of Archaeology today.

RWAs would be provided Rs 1 lakh per year for one monument and in return, they are liable to provide a guard for the protection of the monument. The Associations are also expected to look into their cleanliness and maintenance.