Introduction of rielmajr

rielmajr · Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2002 7:36 pm Post subject: Introduction of rielmajr

What a nice Christmas gift to return from a trip to find a message about what looks to be a provocative website.

I am a 60 year old retired federal executive whose degree is in philosophy and whose efforts now are directed principally at archaeology (president of the board of a small arch firm, president of the county arch society). Between hikes and digs and such, my passion is reading: science, politics, philosophy, linguistics, religion (an agnostic fascinated by the fascination of religion). Haven't read any Bloom but will.

Edited by: Chris OConnor at: 3/17/03 2:51:14 am

Chris OConnor · Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2002 12:37 am Post subject: Re: Introduction of rielmajr

rielmajr

Welcome to BookTalk!

Your background is going to prove to be very valuable here at BookTalk. It would be great to hit on more philosophical issues. Right now we're concentrating on science/evolution, but who knows what will happen as we gain more members with varied interests.

I'm interested in talking to you about archaeology. Perhaps we could start a thread on "The Roundtable" for that. For a long time I have thought about volunteering on some sort of archaeological dig...but there are some catches I've learned. Usually, as a volunteer, you have to pay your travel expenses, room & board, and food for the project. This can be quite expensive. If you have any information on the subject I sure would appreciate it. I could only volunteer for maybe 2-weeks.

So how did you find out about BookTalk?

Chris

ZachSylvanus · Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2002 12:48 am Post subject: Re: Introduction of rielmajr

Welcome aboard!

Do you actually participate in the archaelogical digs, or do you just plan and/or fund them?

Regardless, it's great to have you here, and I'm sure you'll be amazing to talk to.

NaddiaAoC · Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2002 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: Introduction of rielmajr

Welcome Rielmajr! You seem to have an interesting background. I look forward to your input. Where are you from?

Cheryl

rielmajr · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2002 9:50 pm Post subject: archaeology and evolution

Nice to get such civil replies to a posting. Quite different from my previous experience.

I have recently reviewed a book for the local Mensa group in El Paso that is an archaeological approach to evolution: The Prehistory of the Mind: The Cognitive Origins of Art, Religion and Science. It's by Steven Mithen, who has taught at Cambridge University and directed archaeological excavations. It was published in 1996 by Thames and Hudson Ltd., London. I would highly recommend it to round out the usual books on evolution by Gould (R.I.P.), Eldredge, Dennett, Pennock, et.al. Notably absent from my little list is Bloom (whom I'll read as soon as the books arrive from Amazon) -- so many books, so little time.

Concerning my participation in archaeology (strictly an amateur, you understand) I have a varied role. As president of the Dona Ana Archaeological Society I plan and work on surveys. I also cobble together the newsletter. As president of the board of directors of Human Systems Research, Inc., a non-profit contract archaeological firm, I am responsible -- in concert with the other board members -- for the company's policies and direction. Right now that includes work on a new vision statement that will take us more in the direction of becoming a research center. I also participate, from time to time, on excavations and surveys. Our current, and most significant, excavation will play a role in helping to chart the migration of the Anasazi when they abandoned the Chaco region of Northern New Mexico.

This is enough for now. Thanks for your replies.

Chris OConnor · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2002 11:17 pm Post subject: Re: archaeology and evolution

rielmajr

I suggest registering an EZBoard account or you won't be able to enter the chat room on January 2 for the Howard Bloom chat. To register just go to our Join page and follow the brief instructions. You have already done #2, which is post an Introduction, so do #1 and #3 and you are all set.

Chris

rielmajr · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2002 12:24 am Post subject: ezboard acct

I got an ezboard acct yesterday, so I would be set for the chat if I had only read the Bloom book.

Also, I forgot to answer one of your questions. I heard about Book Talk from your solicitation of Intertel members.

Chris OConnor · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2002 1:04 am Post subject: Re: ezboard acct

rielmajr

You don't have to have read the book to attend the chat so please come on Jan 2. We would love to have you there. And you can meet the other members in a more personal way than on the boards here.

Chris


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