texascavers Digest 21 Apr 2011 18:29:40 -0000 Issue 1293
Topics (messages 17626 through 17629):
Re: Bear DNA is clue to age of Chauvet cave art :
17626 by: caverarch
Re: Caving Brochures
17627 by: Fritz Holt
Re: Government Canyon
17628 by: Josh Rubinstein
OT -- receptionist position available at BCI
17629 by: Jim Kennedy
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--- Begin Message ---
Well, Werner Herzog is certainly famous in his own right as a movie director,
most recently for Grizzly Man:
Director. Writer. Producer. Has studied history, literature and theatre, but
hasn't finished it. Founded his own production company in 1963. Has staged
several operas, besides others in Bayreuth, Germany, and at the Milan Scala in
Italy. Herzog has won numerous national and international awards for his films
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001348/
He's one of them there European awtoor- (auteur)-type film-makers who does
everything on most of his projects.
Roger Moore
-----Original Message-----
From: Stefan Creaser <[email protected]>
To: Geary Schindel <[email protected]>
Cc: Geary Schindel <[email protected]>; [email protected]
<[email protected]>
Sent: Wed, Apr 20, 2011 9:04 am
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Bear DNA is clue to age of Chauvet cave art :
The book Herzog wrote about that expedition, Annapurna, is a must-read for any
explorer.
Stefan
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 20, 2011, at 8:58 AM, "Geary Schindel"
<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>
wrote:
Sorry,
It was Maurice Herzog who climbed Annapurna, the first summit over 8,000 meters
to be climbed and the 10th highest mountain in the world. He climbed it in
1950
along with a couple of other folks including a Frenchman named Gaston Rebuffat
pronounced Gastly Rabittfat in Texan.
Geary
From: Geary Schindel [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 7:50 AM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>;
<mailto:[email protected]>
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [Texascavers] Bear DNA is clue to age of Chauvet cave art :
On NPR’s Fresh Air program, to air today in San Antonio at 11 am, Werner Herzog
will be interviewed about his new film and about the Cave of Forgotten Dreams.
I wonder if this is the same Warner Herzog who is/was the famous mountain
climber.
Geary
From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 11:19 PM
To: <mailto:[email protected]>
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Subject: [Texascavers] Bear DNA is clue to age of Chauvet cave art :
Bear DNA is clue to age of Chauvet cave art
19 April 2011 by Michael
Marshall<http://www.newscientist.com/search?rbauthors=Michael+Marshall>
EXPLORING a gorge in south-east France in 1994 for prehistoric artefacts,
Jean-Marie Chauvet hit the jackpot. After squeezing through a narrow passage,
he
found himself in a hidden
cavern<http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14519621.400-cave-art-work-of-great-talent.html>,
the walls of which were covered with paintings of
animals<http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14519621.400-cave-art-work-of-great-talent.html>.
But dating the beautiful images - which featured in Werner Herzog's recent
documentary film Cave of Forgotten
Dreams<http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/culturelab/2011/03/ancient-paintings-unlocked-from-history.html>
- has led to an ugly
spat<http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3631-doubt-cast-on-age-of-oldest-human-art.html>
between archaeologists. Could the bones of cave bears settle the debate?
Within a
year<http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg15020281.000-passions-run-high-over-french-cave-art.html>
of Chauvet's discovery, radiocarbon
dating<http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14619820.400-ancient-masters-put-painting-in-perspective.html>
suggested the images were between 30,000 and 32,000 years old, making them
almost twice the age of the famous Lascaux cave
art<http://www.lascaux.culture.fr/?lng=en#/en/00.xml>
in south-west France (see map). The result "polarised the archaeological
world",
says Andrew Lawson, a freelance archaeologist based in Salisbury, UK.
Lawson accepts the radiocarbon findings. "Nowhere else in western Europe do we
know of sophisticated art this early," he says. But Paul
Pettitt<http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/archaeology/staff/pettitt.html>
of the University of Sheffield, UK, is adamant that the paintings cannot be
that
old. The dating study doesn't stand up, he claims, insisting that the
paintings'
advanced style is enough to mark them as recent. To suggest otherwise, he says,
would be like claiming to have found "a Renaissance painting in a Roman villa".
Despite a comprehensive radiocarbon study published in 2001 that seemed to
confirm that the paintings were indeed 30,000 years old (Nature, DOI:
10.1038/35097160<http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/35097160>), Pettitt and his
colleagues were unconvinced. Two years later they argued that the cave walls
were still chemically active, so the radiocarbon dating could have been thrown
out by changes over the millennia to the pigments used to create the paintings
(Antiquity, vol 77, p 134).
To try to settle the controversy, Jean-Marc Elalouf of the Institute of Biology
and Technology in Saclay, France, and his team have turned to the remains of
cave bears. Along with mammoths and other huge mammals, cave bears (Ursus
spelaeus) dominated the European landscape until the end of the last ice age.
The Chauvet cave contains several depictions of cave bears, and Elalouf argues
that these must have been painted while the bears still thrived in the area. To
pin down when the bears disappeared, his team collected 38 samples of cave bear
remains in the Chauvet cave and .
They found that almost all the samples were genetically similar, suggesting the
cave bear population was small, isolated and therefore vulnerable. Radiocarbon
dating showed the samples were all between 37,000 and 29,000 years old, hinting
that by the end of that period they were extinct, at least locally. Samples
from
a nearby cave, Deux-Ouvertures, gave similar results (Journal of Archaeological
Science, DOI:
10.1016/j.jas.2011.03.033<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WH8-52HS637-2&_user=8862779&_coverDate=04%2F02%2F2011&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=gateway&_origin=gateway&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000000593&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=8862779&md5=fb69e1ba22fe4c584a43fff8cc7404de&searchtype=a>).
Given the age of the cave bear remains, "it is clear that the paintings are
very
ancient", says Elalouf. Michael
Knapp<http://anatomy.otago.ac.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=544&Itemid=46>
of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, who also studies cave
bears,
says he has no doubts about the DNA analysis.
While we do not know exactly when cave bears became
extinct<http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1502-3885.2008.00071.x>,
all reliably dated remains in Europe are at least 24,000 years old, says
Martina
Pacher<http://www.oeaw.ac.at/kfq/pacheren.html> of the Commission of Quaternary
Research in Vienna, Austria. "So the results at Chauvet are not surprising, and
I agree with their conclusions," she says.
"We now have an independent line of evidence that the bears [in Chauvet] date
to
before 29,000 years ago," Lawson says. "That bolsters the case for an early
date."
Pettitt remains unconvinced, calling the new research "sloppy". He says that
the
team is trying to extrapolate the regional spread of the bears over time by
relying on evidence from just two caves.
Pettitt also questions whether the paintings show cave bears at all: brown
bears
lived in the area long after the cave bears were gone. But Elalouf says the two
species can be distinguished by skull shape, and that the paintings definitely
show cave bears.
<http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21028093.900-bear-dna-is-clue-to-age-of-chauvet-cave-art.html>http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21028093.900-bear-dna-is-clue-to-age-of-chauvet-cave-art.html
-- IMPORTANT NOTICE: The contents of this email and any attachments are
confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient,
please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the contents to any
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--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
The layout of a well done generic brochure should last for years without the
need for revision if membership amounts are not mentioned, only the address to
get an application.
Fritz
________________________________
From: Linda Palit [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 6:02 PM
To: Carl Kunath
Cc: Texas Cavers
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Caving Brochures
Some things are worth doing again. Some aren't.
Via clumsy I-thumbs
On Apr 19, 2011, at 4:26 PM, "Carl Kunath"
<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
Such things have been done in the past. Abilene Grotto and Dallas Ft. Worth
Grotto spearheaded those efforts.
See 50 Years of Texas Caving, pages 188, 268, and 275.
===Carl Kunath
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Bentley<mailto:[email protected]>
To: Texas Cavers<mailto:[email protected]>
Some well made brochures would be nice to hand out to new cavers at grotto
meetings.
Just a thought.
Bill
________________________________
From: <mailto:[email protected]>
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 11:30 AM
To: Texas Cavers
Subject: Ask Not What You Can Do For The TSA...
But, what can the TSA do for you!
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Marvin asked me to post this.
The next Government Canyon trip - and the last before taking a break for
the summer – will be held on May 7. May 8 is Mother’s Day. Come caving on
Saturday but go visit your mother on Sunday.
Tasks scheduled for this next trip are:
- Work to get into the bottom of a virgin dome in Lost Pothole. There is
always good airflow through this hole. This is a vertical trip.
- Continue the dig in Dancing Fern Cave – also following good air.
- Work on leads in the newly discovered Government Canyon Blow Hole.
- Ridgewalk
- Investigate surface sinks
*Directions to the Government Canyon Karst Project:*
Find the intersection of U.S. 16 and Loop 1604 in northwest Bexar County
(clearly shown on any state highway map). Drive 2 miles north on U.S. 16 to
the third traffic light and turn left onto FM 1560 (there is a Shell station
on the corner). Follow 1560 for 3 miles till you see the sign for GCSNA.
Follow the arrow to the right and drive 2 more miles to the sharp left turn
in the road. The gate to GCSNA is straight ahead. Enter at the gate and then
take the first right. There is an unlocked gate that will need to be opened
and then closed behind you. Continue to the Volunteer/Research Station,
where we will meet.
We meet at 9:00 at the Volunteer/Research Station.
Marvin Miller
(210) 415-5190
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
For those of you in the Austin area (or willing to relocate), a position
has just opened up at BCI. Closing date is 4 May 2011. Feel free to
share this announcement with friends and family.
-- Crash
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST
April 2011
Primary Purpose:
As Administrative Assistant/Receptionist, serve as a professional,
helpful and efficient initial contact. Evaluate and direct calls,
inquiries and walk-in visitors. Responsible for all catalog inventory
control processes. Perform administrative and light accounting duties as
required. Provide support to the Director of Administration and Finance.
Reports to: Director of Administration and Finance
Wage/hour Status: Non-exempt
Qualifications/Requirements:
* Ability to communicate effectively with the public in a positive
and friendly manner, demonstrating excellent customer service skills
* Ability to professionally handle multi-line phone system
* Must possess excellent writing and grammar skills and be able to
communicate effectively with a diverse audience
* Excellent (speed and accuracy) typing/data entry and 10-key
skills
* Knowledge of general office procedures; computer experience
required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* Ability to exercise initiative and work independently, as well
as working effectively in a team environment
* A required minimum of three years office experience
* Ability to routinely walk up and down stairs and requires some
light lifting and moving of supplies
* Reliable transportation for running local work-related errands
* High School Diploma required - some college preferred
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST JOB DESCRIPTION
Receptionist Duties:
1. Professionally evaluate and direct all incoming calls, greet visitors
and sign for incoming packages
2. Handle customer service inquiries through to resolution; direct
callers to website whenever possible (must stay up-to-date on website
information)
3. Manage telephone and voicemail system, train new staff on phones, set
up and maintain employee extension list
4. Maintain staff work schedules on the shared drive
5. Ensure staff compliance with sign in/out procedures
6. Assist Safety Committee as needed
Catalog Duties:
1. Fill and ship invoiced orders in an efficient and expeditious manner.
2. Email and/or fax bat house orders to vendors within 24 hours of
receipt - follow-up on ship dates
3. Accurately process house sales orders and maintain monthly log
4. In conjunction with the Accounting Assistant, research freight
claims, issue tracers, and call tags when necessary. Receive returned
merchandise and forward documentation to Accounting Assistant for entry
into inventory system and issuance of customer credit if needed
5. Keep current information on all vendors, including lead time, item
cost and minimum quantity required (this document must be maintained
online so the catalog backup can easily find the information)
6. Ensure postage machine has postage available and is in proper working
condition at all times. Provide Director of Administration and Finance
with monthly postage report
7. Receive and stock merchandise and shipping supplies in an orderly and
timely manner. Received merchandise must be counted and noted on packing
slip. Packing slip must be immediately delivered to Accounting Assistant
for entry into the shopping cart system
8. Maintain inventory stock, and meet with Director of Administration
and Finance to determine if items are to be re-ordered
9. Maintain Catalog room cleanliness
10. Maintain paperwork and follow up for BCI transfers of items from
membership
Administrative Duties:
1. Purchase office supplies, equipment, and kitchen supplies (upstairs
and downstairs), along with preparation of annual budget for these line
items
2. Process 'General Information' requests, along with required second
mailings
3. Collect mail from the post office as well as the outdoor mailbox,
open/distribute as appropriate (endorse all incoming checks)
4. Post all outgoing mail
5. Reconciliation of monthly bank statement by the 15th of each month.
Notify Accounting Assistant of old checks and assist with follow-up each
month
6. Coordinate with Executive Director and schedule staff meetings
monthly. Take staff meeting minutes and distribute via e-mail to staff
along with storing on the shared drive
7. Assist Director of Administration and Finance as necessary with
special projects, reports and provide general clerical support
8. Ensure maintenance agreements are kept current, call for equipment
repairs and report all building maintenance issues to the management
company for handling
9. Maintain office forms, in the admin room as well as on the
organization's shared drive
10. Assist Accounts Payable department with expense reports (reviewing
receipts, etc.), as well as calling vendors as needed
11. Assist other departments with various special projects as needed and
with permission from the Director of Administration and Finance
12. Follow checklist of weekly duties
The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and
responsibilities assigned to the Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties and skills required.
To apply, please email cover letter and resume to:
[email protected]. (No phone calls please). Applications accepted
through May 4th. Bat Conservation International is an Equal Opportunity
Employer.
--- End Message ---
