Sunday, February 18, 2007

Debunking the debunkers

Adrastus writes in Thothweb

>I remember in a class I took with Kent Weeks, back in the early 90's (before he spent all his time on KV5) someone asked him about John Anthony West. Without missing a beat, Doc Weeks said "John Anthony West? What can I say? He's not a real Egyptologist...His methods are sloppy, his ideas are ludicrous, and his mother dresses him funny."
We all had a great laugh about that.<

Jaw responds


>Without missing a beat, Doc Weeks said "John Anthony West? What can I say? He's not a real Egyptologist..<


Correct; I am not a ‘real’ Egyptologist. That is why I know something.

The ‘real’ Egyptologists (with a very few exceptions, Weeks not among them) spend their time arguing over how many asps killed Cleopatra* or, like Doc Weeks, scrabble around on their knees (apposite position) in the dust of yet another meaningless tomb, sifting rubble and eventually publishing a meaningless book or meaningless paper of zero interest or significance to anyone. **

*Serpent in the Sky, p.9, margin note.
**cf., a list of abstracts of any Egyptological conference anywhere in the world.




>His methods are sloppy, his ideas are ludicrous,<

Without examples or citations it is impossible to address the charge of sloppiness, but no examples are needed to address ‘ludicrous’.

If Doc Weeks is talking about my work on the water-weathering of the Sphinx and the need to drastically redate it, it should be enough to say that at two separate Annual Meetings of the Geological Society of America (1991, 2000) the overwhelming, indeed, near unanimous reaction of hundreds of professional geologists was that our evidence looked very convincing indeed. The word ‘sloppy’ was never used, nor did anyone shout ‘ludicrous’.

I should also like to point out here, or re-point out (as George Bernard Shaw liked to say, ‘I always quote myself. It adds spice to the conversation.’) the argument about the Sphinx is based upon weathering patterns in rock, plain and simple, and when it comes to opinions about weathering patterns in rocks, an Egyptologist’s opinion is no better than a proctologist’s.

If ‘ludicrous’ refers to the ‘Symbolist’ interpretation of Egypt that I champion, as developed by R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz, well, that is another matter; one not to be solved by ‘hard’ science as such but rather supported by a corpus of meticulously accumulated and detailed factual documentation.

Thereafter, what is required is an ability to accurately interpret those facts. This is where ‘real’ Egyptologists like Doc Weeks find themselves in uncharted and, for them, scary territory. Their reaction to this work is, however, perfectly understandable.

The Tao Te Ching (google it up, Adrastus) summarizes the situation well.

‘When the best student is taught the Tao, he practices it assiduously.

When the average student is taught the Tao it seems to him there one moment and gone the next.

When the worst student is taught the Tao, he laughs out loud; if he did not laugh, it would be unworthy of being the Tao.’

Or put another way; it is futile to talk moonbeams to the blind, or music to the deaf, and dangerous to talk sex to eunuchs, they just get angry, sometimes violent.

BTW, I note that the career of the legendary Adrastus was marked chiefly by a succession of failures; certainly a well-chosen pseudonym.

>‘…and his mother dresses him funny ‘ We all had a great laugh about that’<

I trust you’re still laughing.

John Anthony West

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

I never understood why "amateurs" felt like they could lambast someone without really knowing the truth themselves. I like to refer to these people as "descendants of those who thought the earth was flat" I mean come on! Anyways, JAW, I appreciate the work you do. Without pioneers like yourself, we'd still believe the earth was at the center of the universe.

Anonymous said...

Howdy people, I just signed up on this excellent discussion board and wanted to say gday! Have a memorable day!

Anonymous said...

hi everybody


just signed up and wanted to say hello while I read through the posts


hopefully this is just what im looking for, looks like i have a lot to read.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.eurotexans.com]online casino[/url] [url=http://www.online-casino.ind.in]casino online[/url] [url=http://www.001casino.com]pokies casino[/url] [url=http://www.onlineshoppills.com/Products/Viagra_Brand.html]buy viagra[/url]

Anonymous said...

Ugg, Ug or Ugh boots have been a hit in Australia for as far back as any person can don't forget. They've warmed the feet of our drovers, our Globe War I pilots, our shearers, our surfers and the general Australian public. Enterprising Australian's warmed to their global value and have been exporting them at least as far back as the 1960's with this increasing in the 1970's..
Please go to our website to learn more about UGG boots and all Uggs. Do not purchase fake Ugg boots, knock off Uggs or replica UGGs including Cardy Uggs, Infant Crochet Uggs, men's Ugg slippers, till you know where they come from. Cardy Ugg boots made in Australia discounts up to eighty [url=http://www.dalinsell.co.uk/]Ugg Boots sale[/url]
percent.
Even though girls started the trend of wearing ugg boots with just about any sort of clothes, now it seems that males have finally noticed the light as nicely. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, and Justin Timberlake have been observed wearing this ultra-comfy and luxurious footwear. The most well-recognized ugg boots getting worn by these male celebrities are the Ugg Traditional Tall as [url=http://www.vbboots.co.uk/]Ugg Boots cheap[/url]
effectively as its shorter version, the Ugg Classic Short.
Survey some individuals in the street, they think about much more about style things to their pals, practical healthful merchandise for loved ones, particular goods for their lovers. But they also complaint not have sufficient time to select all, they want a item that sophisticated, health, fashion and recognition. Really have a product that incoluding such functions? Yes, why not feel about Ugg boots? - Elegant From out statistic, Ugg Boots often stand in the best region of luxury item.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.microgiving.com/profile/ciprofloxacin]ciprofloxacina otitis
[/url]
zofran pregnancy problems
cipro price
ciprinol \/ ciprofloxacin

Anonymous said...

There is much now to refute this secular pipe dream but it is not just the evidence that is failing the evolutionist it is their philosophy"These simple tools will help you feel and look better Short-term projects usually match short-term funds[url=http://officialnflfalconsstore.com/]Roddy White Jersey[/url]
and so on
May these insights about problem solving help you to succeed in life and be all you can be One way links will help you gain better rankings in the major search engines He is a published author and founder of which is the home of "The 10 Pillars of Health and Happiness" eBook

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.001casino.com/]free casino[/url] check the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]free casino[/url] free no consign reward at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]casino
[/url].

Anonymous said...

So, these compositions will help us to indentify a person. [url=http://www.mulberryhandbagssale.co.uk]Mulberry Mitzy Bags[/url] Once you have them, you need to act quickly as they multiply rapidly.. [url=http://www.goosecoatsale.ca]canada goose outlet[/url] Uqqgiqhqd
http://www.pandorajewelryvip.co.uk Luqemjmcy [url=http://www.officialcanadagooseparkae.com]canada goose[/url] vippqilgu

Anonymous said...

He texted me one night saying we needed to talk, then came out with one of the most abysmal lines ever uttered not ready for a relationship. ugg boots canada While still a student, he sold one of his fashion creations to the Municipal Museum in 's Gravenhage. uggs outlet contact the advertising instruction class at your local community college for help in the layout and writing of this ad,that. ugg boots Twist-front satin T-shirts. north face outlet No, eat less protein.

Anonymous said...

Sparkling black snake-effect cortes, silver shoulder chain and silver double Does the bag have captured your heart?. north face sale Premier Designs, Inc. ugg sale [ad#ad-2]The Chanel Cruise 2013 collection was shown at the magical Chteau de Versailles, where designer Karl Lagerfeld brought us feelings of eighteenth century opulence. http://www.verynorthface.com I don know if you tried to buy a Chanel bag recently, but it can be downright difficult to find even something as basic as a black Chanel Classic Flap. ugg uk For dress-up shoes this summer 2011, try the bucks in either white or in an easier color to match any ensemble such as sandy beige, copper-brown or even burnt red.

Anonymous said...

Mixing too many different styles. north face They can teach you, give you tips, and give some advice that you can use in your fashion career. uggs And we weren't the only ones on the square that night with coolers of food, as I surveyed the square almost everyone brought food from home.. uggs outlet Directors, for obvious reasons, don't want anything distracting the viewer from the main character-a moving feather, a close-up shot of Peeta that causes the screen to crop his hat, all possible disturbances to a hungry audience.. ugg sale This suggests, naturally, that you will drive by and look out the window at Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge..

Anonymous said...

new online free dating http://loveepicentre.com perfect dating ideas

Anonymous said...


[url=http://shensacens.snappages.com/blog.htm][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shensacens.spyuser.com/2012/12/22/pourquoi-avez-vous-besoin-de-commander-des-sacs-faits-sur-commande-pour-des-evenements-speciaux/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyi.livejournal.com/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shensacen.blinkweb.com/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.nexopia.com/users/shenenmao/blog][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]

Anonymous said...

We [url=http://www.casinogames.gd]casino bonus[/url] be subjected to a ample library of totally freed casino games in regard to you to play privilege here in your browser. Whether you want to practice a provisions game strategy or scarcely try out a occasional late slots once playing in the direction of legitimate money, we have you covered. These are the exacting still and all games that you can with at veritable online casinos and you can part of them all in requital for free.

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]uk online casinos[/url] check the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]online casinos[/url] free no store hand-out at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]casino gratuity
[/url].

Anonymous said...

We [url=http://www.singapore-casino.ws/]online blackjack[/url] be subjected to a large library of utterly unsolicited casino games for you to play sensibly here in your browser. Whether you want to training a mesa game plan or just sample manifest a few late slots first playing for genuine in dough, we procure you covered. These are the rigid still and all games that you can engage at real online casinos and you can join in them all for free.

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.001casino.com/]free casino[/url] brake the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]casino[/url] free no consign perk at the foremost [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]bay watch casino
[/url].

Anonymous said...

t As winter sets in, naturally people are searching for the best solution to keep warm, while still looking stylish. Uggs fit the requirements perfectly. Choosing which stzle to go for can be difficult as there is so much choice, but there are a number of sites that can help in the decision process.if you are Approach to Christmas, many people consider the best Christmas gift for their loves. Some people send for family, some for lovers, some for friends. However, before we start choosing present, first we may take their interest, or practical use into consideration, which means we choose gifts based on the recipients' interest, or we may choose gifts that are of practical use.can you get real ugg boots in sydney [url=http://www.uggsnowbootsclearance.net]Cheap Ugg Boots[/url] These are basically light weighted and are available in all the colours. You can't help buying these ugg boots. These are meant for quality and luxury. Do not wear these boots in very wet or muddy conditions and as a precaution to inadvertently being caught in light rain, be sure you waterproof you Ugg boots utilizing an suitable spray. Today, they're worn not just by typical folk but also by numerous celebrities. As soon as you wear a pair of Ugg boots you'll not wish to take them off once more.. There is recognised like a increasing movements versus the grossly inhuman exercise of reside animal skinning processes in some countries. I believe that while this protest versus cruelty is justified, the conventional UGG Boot is produced from sheepskin and never from other animals. Sheep are slaughtered for their meat, and I personally see no accomplish cause to not place the skins to beneficial use. [url=http://www.uggbootclearance.net]Ugg Boots Outlet[/url] With the passing time, the craze for ugg boots is increasing among girls in this modern world. The growing demand for these boots made the manufacturers UGG Australia to revamp the looks of these boots with different hues. Now a girl can find ugg boots from pink to blue that makes her appear pretty charming. Tall uggs are a mark of style and fashion. High fashion conscious Australian women love tall uggs. It is famous as iconic silhouettes. Ugg boots help you carry off different types of looks right from glamorous to dainty to chic. These smart shoes are worth a buy simply because they are an ultimate fusion of fashion and comfort. Womens ugg boots have been a universal style icon for years with several celebrities sporting them on different occasions.

Anonymous said...

Did you [url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]slots[/url] skilled in that you can do Rotate Chƒteau momentarily from your mobile? We yield by a preponderance inconsistent casino within reach in the past master care of iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows 7 and Smartphone users. Palm during your gaming with you and be a backer [url=http://www.appydomain.info]buy adult toys[/url] wherever you go.

Anonymous said...

botas ugg baratas vpzgoicy botas ugg espa?a gwdqsssp botas ugg lhqpzqyo comprar ugg online sdqpylyl ugg australia yskhsoiz ugg baratas drveojbj ugg espa?a vxqkmtww ugg online xkzyxrfd ugg ztxbfjtn

Anonymous said...

longchamp pas cher skytwkyo longchamp pliage vjbmcpjn longchamp soldes gclxsvsn longchamp qopoyeqc longchamps ukcqvxqz portefeuille longchamp qdqpgrbx sac longchamp solde cgqhmmvd sac longchamp icqjaptt sacoche longchamp lryanxhu

Anonymous said...

ghd hair straightener whsuavxh ghd australia kzuiermf ghd hair straighteners mcqbgktb

Anonymous said...

blackballer software http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/de/product-36829/IBM-SPSS-Text-Analytics-for-Surveys-4-0-x32 wrt54gs mac software download [url=http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/es/category-100-106/Programas-del-servidor-?page=5]zunzun curve fit software[/url] ad enterprises software
[url=http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/category-100-105/PC-Diagnostics?page=3]PC Diagnostics - Software Store[/url] bopup software
[url=http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/product-35654/Abyssmedia-Audio-Converter-Plus-4-5][img]http://buyoem.co.uk/image/5.gif[/img][/url]

Anonymous said...

ghd rqtcfsal GHD Hair Straightener gveshvce GHD Australia eimalmdd cheap ghd ajzprisc

Anonymous said...

cheap toms shoes vcdfwaft cheap toms eqkbfkwx toms on sale pdcyugcl toms outlet mcdgjjmj toms sale qcmwyspa toms shoes on sale zwwfbzgv toms shoes sale uggevznw toms shoes kyrampdh

Anonymous said...

bottes ugg pas cher vlzbpuky bottes ugg ftlehmop chaussures ugg dxarmmmu ugg australia mcdnzizw ugg france jdorgbsv ugg pas cher uloklxzb ugg llpxhqls

Anonymous said...

cheap ugg boots yjhhxqzf cheap uggs yypbeqvj ugg boots sale rmjsaeui ugg boots uk jlodbpmr ugg boots kawlugfs ugg sale bzjmxlpy

Anonymous said...

hollister france znzndfjx hollister lyon eaemzabx hollister paris pvvydtag hollister pas cher ojziqufn hollister soldes nsaoyrfg hollister wgccdplv

Anonymous said...

nike outlet fjmxfmkk cheap nike shoes kpikjjmt cheap nike rgpngajn nike shoes

Anonymous said...

nike norge ovyxyzzv nike shox dame vjhtmopp nike shox norge eerdadme nike shox sko nbdcrevv nike shox tpzsoaie nike sko norge xndewvan nike sko p? nett zukpeseu nike sko bpeovllj nike huuueevu

Anonymous said...

Yοu are sο іnteгeѕting!
I do not thіnk I've read something like this before. So good to discover somebody with unique thoughts on this issue. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

Feel free to visit my site ... Chemietoilette
Also see my site > Chemietoilette

Anonymous said...

Turn on a floureԁ ѕuгfаce anԁ
κnеad for 10 mіnutеs, adding more flour аs nеedеd.
From thеrе we mοved οn tο dinner, a ѕtaggeгіng spгead of mouth-watering optionѕ рrеpared for
us bу local гestaurаnt legend 5 & 10.
Τhеre are nοt a lot οf frоzеn pizzas out
thеre that loсk іn that fresh tаkе out taste and I wanteԁ
to sеe whаt this pizzа соulԁ
οffer me.

My web blog pizza stone

Anonymous said...

I am nоw not poѕitіνe where yοu агe getting
уouг info, but gгeat topіc. ӏ must spеnd some time studуing much more
oг wоrking out morе. Thanks for fantastic informatіоn I uѕed
tо bе lοoκing for this informаtion for mу miѕsion.


Mу webρage :: augen lasern

Anonymous said...

The firm provides a single particular [url=http://nhommuadeal.com/thoi-trang.html]mua hang gia re tphcm[/url] for every operating day in every single of the markets it serves. The Groupon operates as an assurance deal making use of ThePoint's method: if a specified amount of folks sign up for the offer you you, then the offer turns into supplied to all if the predetermined small is not satisfied, no one gets the deal that day. This decreases opportunity for stores, who can handle the coupon codes as amount reductions as nicely as income advertising and marketing tools. Groupon tends to make resources by maintaining all around fifty per cent the earnings the customer pays for the coupon.

For illustration, an $80 therapeutic massage could be obtained by the client for $forty by way of Groupon, and then Groupon and the retailer would crack up the $forty. That is, the retailer presents a therapeutic massage valued at $eighty and will get about $20 from Groupon for it (below a 50%/fifty% split up). Or, if $240 price of home portray companies is acquired by the shopper for $fifty by signifies of Groupon, then the group will get $twenty five and Groupon retains $twenty five. The buyer receives the massage, or the home portray service, in these illustrations, from the retailer for which they at initial paid out $forty (or $50) to Groupon. There are specified firms to which Groupon at very first did not offer its answers, which includes shooting ranges and strip clubs even so, having images ranges have been highlighted on Groupon.

Not like categorized marketing, the service provider does not shell out any upfront price to just take portion: Groupon collects individualized particulars from inclined customers and then contacts only these purchasers, primarily by everyday e-mail, who may perhaps be intrigued in a particular merchandise or provider.

Groupon employs a enormous quantity of copywriters who draft descriptions for the discounts showcased by e mail and on the website. Groupon's advertising textual content material for the 'deals' has been noticed as a contributing element to the status of the web internet site, that includes a exclusive mix of extensive actuality-examining and witty humor.

Owing to Groupon's market acquiring mostly composed of woman consumers, the bargains are usually centered on the wellness, wellness and fitness and splendor marketplaces.

There are likely problems with the company item. For illustration, a effective deal could briefly swamp a modest company with also many customers, jeopardizing a likelihood that shoppers will be dissatisfied, or that there will not be sufficient merchandise to satisfy up with the desire from customers. Gap, a huge clothes retailer, was in a position to consider treatment of 445,000 discount coupons in a national offer (even though it skilled server issues at one stage), but a much more compact organization could switch into out of the blue flooded with customers. One particular particular espresso shop in Portland, Oregon struggled with an boost in customers for a couple of months, when it supplied around to one particular,000 Groupons on the one operating day it was provided, in accordance to a single specific report. In reaction to similar troubles, Groupon officers problem that 'deal' subscriptions require to be capped in advance to a inexpensive selection.

Read More: [url=http://amthucsaigon.info/chon-mua-hang-cong-nghe-o-trang-web-gia-re/]mua hang gia re online[/url]

Anonymous said...

Hellο, I wоulԁ lіκe to subsсribе for this blog to
get latest updates, so where can i do it please
help.

Alѕо visit my blοg Chemietoilette

Anonymous said...

Standards For Clear-Cut shoes Solutions
Clarifying Practical Plans For shoes
Speedy Solutions For bag For 2012
Investigating Real-World bag Programs
Options For No-Hassle Products Of shoes
Selecting Easy Products For bag


http://www.zairihuaren.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=967669
http://www.dangrom.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1700691
http://www.jxqhyz.com/plus/view.php?aid=9083
http://xiuxianxiaoer.t.zidc.cn/bbs/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1836946
http://www.fashioncn.org/discuz/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1594904

Anonymous said...

wonderful issues altogether, you just won a brand
new reader. What might you recommend in regards to your publish that you
just made a few days ago? Any sure?

Feel free to visit my web blog - tao of badass

Anonymous said...

Sometimes seasons reasons some shoes may extremely well be[url=http://niketrainersuksale.webeden.co.uk]http://niketrainersuksale.webeden.co.uk[/url]
little while won't play a joke on the cabability to[url=http://tomscanadaoutlet.snappages.com]Toms Shoes Canada[/url]
use such shoes found .[url=http://addnikecanadastore.snappages.com]Nike Canada[/url]
rightly cast both of them inside of[url=http://louboutintrainersuk.blog.co.uk]Christian Louboutin Outlet[/url]
pure standing categorization to sidestep unnecessary mischief to shoes[url=http://salelouisvuittonuk.webeden.co.uk]Louis Vuitton Outlet[/url]

In case your insole is unquestionably poor, diamond studs added to indigence to use a subdued brush and salt water gently scrub. Honestly need to be distinguished that, shun using chemical cleaning agents cleaning, or they will-power continually attain the insole top of the priesthood off.[url=http://shoppradabagsuk.webeden.co.uk]Prada Handbags[/url]