Category Archives: Tirades

The Iniquity of Unpaid Labour

Posted on March 19, 2014 by

When I began my life in archaeology in the early 1960s, I worked for several groups of amateurs as a volunteer. I had zero experience, even less knowledge, but boundless and ill-directed enthusiasm. Looking back on those times I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Archaeology, Tirades | Tagged , , ,

More Words on the Weirdness of the Season

Posted on February 11, 2014 by

At last I now understand why politicians have invented Quangos (Quasi-autonomous non-governmental  organizations). It is of course to avoid blame. More to the point it’s to avoid having to make long-term decisions. So you tie the Quangos’ hands with stupid … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Tirades | Tagged , , , , , ,

Of This, of That (and the Other)

Posted on February 3, 2014 by

Living as I do a mere metre and a half above sea level (which at this time of year means several metres below high tide levels), I was astonished to hear that the chairman of the Environment Agency has written in … Continue reading →

Posted in Archaeology, books, Tirades | Tagged , , , , , , ,

My offering for the archaeology blogging festival.

Posted on December 12, 2013 by

For many years I used to be a member of the Society for American Archaeology, largely because I found its journal, American Antiquity a constant source of ideas and enlightenment. Eventually my groaning bookshelves couldn’t cope any longer, so reluctantly … Continue reading →

Posted in Archaeology, Tirades | Tagged , , , , ,

The Long View: from the Floor

Posted on March 5, 2013 by

Introductory Note This is the original version of the item I posted in the Independent blog. As ever, I over-wrote and then had to cut it back to 800 words, which is what they’d requested in the first place. Trouble … Continue reading →

Posted in books, In the Long Run, Tirades | Tagged , ,

Media Luvvies Are So Sad

Posted on January 27, 2013 by

I can’t believe it. Yesterday evening I attended the party to celebrate the end of Time Team and its twenty years of broadcasting history. And I make no apologies – it has been a wonderful success. As an archaeologist, if … Continue reading →

Posted in Broadcasting, Time Team, Tirades | Tagged ,

This Time it’s Pink

Posted on December 21, 2012 by

Yesterday Twink was taking me for my morning walk through the woods when we came across this tasteful day-glow pink balloon, in the now familiar S-shape. No maker’s label and a bit weather-beaten. I honestly can’t be bothered to blog … Continue reading →

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