#158 The End of Google Reader

Google announced today that it will be retiring Google Reader on July 1, 2013. They listed Google Reader among other changes on their blog today:

We launched Google Reader in 2005 in an effort to make it easy for people to discover and keep tabs on their favorite websites. While the product has a loyal following, over the years usage has declined. So, on July 1, 2013, we will retire Google Reader. Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including their subscriptions, with Google Takeout over the course of the next four months.

For such a significant announcement it was fifth down on the list of eight things mentioned in the post. Google says the use of the service has declined, however, among the crowd I associate with, Google Reader is used every single day to keep up on blog posts. I have over 30 subscriptions in my GReader account and I always have plenty to read.

The end of Google Reader was reported just about everywhere. You can read about it on Wired, App Advice, Geek Beat, and CNET.

So, we have about three and a half months to figure out what to do with our RSS subscriptions. Personally, I’m going to wait until June to worry about it. My ideal RSS reader will be available on my phone, iPad, and on the Web and will sync across all those devices. It will also be able to send posts to Evernote, Dropbox, Twitter, and Facebook. The ability to email posts would be nice as well.

There are probably hundreds of RSS readers on the market right now. I use Feeddler Pro on my iPhone and iPad and it does all the things, and more, that I mentioned above. It has one flaw - it is linked with Google Reader. Most RSS readers are linked to Google Reader and on July 1st they will all stop working. That’s why I’m waiting. I need these app developers to come up with options. If you jump ship right now you might not get the best options for your situation.

I was considering providing you with current options at the end of this post but decided against it. Like I said above, best to wait a few months while the developers sort it out.

UPDATE: 

There is a petition on Change.org to keep Google Reader running. As of 10:05 AM PST on March 14, 2013, there were almost 60,000 signatures! Sign the petition here.​

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the field!

#157 ArchaeoTech: Field Data Storage Options

HyperDrive ColorSpace for iPad (120-750GB), $399

With the increasing use of tablets and smart phones in the field there is a growing need for field data storage. You might ask why you’d need field storage if you’re uploading data at the end of everyday and maybe in a few years you’d be right. However, today people are still a bit skittish about having all their data on a “fragile” tablet with no backup. Enter WiFi field storage devices and the HyperDrive ColorSpace for iPad.

Now, there are certainly comparable devices out there that don’t have all the bells and whistles of this one but this device has a few tricks up its sleeves that leave the others wanting.

Let’s get the details out of the way first. The basic model sells for $399 and has a 250GB capacity. That alone is more than enough storage for an entire several-field-crew unit to upload everything to. But, if that’s not enough you can slip in any 2.5 in SATA hard drive (120 to 1TB). You can also carry extra batteries, although, the battery it comes with can backup 250GB of data on a single charge. More than adequate for the typical field crew.

The unit is small at only about 5 in by 3 in by 1 in with a weight of 10.5 oz. The HyperDrive has a 3.2 in color LCD screen with a high resolution display. There are two memory card slots that support 12 different card formats ranging from Compact Flash to SD to xD and others. The data transfer to an iPad is 20MB/s which is pretty quick. Operating temperatures range from 41F to 104F so there might be a problem with use in the winter or in the South ANY time of the year.

The major selling point of this unit that makes it different from most others is the ability to see and manipulate all your files on the color LCD screen. At any point you can check and see what you have and what you need. It might be nice to have in the field at the end of a session when you weren’t sure if you took overviews at that one site several days ago. You can check the photo logs but you can also check the photos directly on the hard drive. That’s way easier than going back to the truck and getting the laptop out.

The other option from HyperDrive is the HyperDrive Hard Drive for iPad. It’s a small hard drive that connects to the iPad using the Apple Camera Connection kit. On the website you can buy up to a 1TB hard drive. It doesn’t have a screen so to see what’s on it you have to be connected to the iPad. That might be a hassle down the road, but, for most operations it’s probably OK.

The hard drive costs $199.95 for the 320GB version and goes up to $399.95 for the 1TB version. There is also a casing only option for $99.95. This allows you to have multiple hard drives that you can insert into the casing and use when you need.

The ColorSpace model would be best for a totally digital operation. You’d be able to plug in the tablets and transfer data anytime you want. You’d also be able to take the memory cards out of the cameras and upload the photos. It’s a full-service backup option for the entire field crew.

Have any other field storage options? Let me know in the comments or on the contact form to the right (if you’re actually on the webpage and not reading this on Feedler or Flipboard or something).

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the field!

#156 Pigments on Arrow and Dart Shafts in Southern NV

In a recent paper from Eerkens, et al. (2012) titled, "Chemical Composition, Mineralogy, and Physical Structure of Pigments on Arrow and Dart Fragments from Gypsum Cave, Nevada" the authors analyze pigments found on arrow and dart fragments to determine their chemical composition, mineralogy, and physical structure. They show that green, red, pink, brown, and black pigments were created using a variety of minerals:​

The combined analyses reveal that the pigments from Gypsum Cave were produced from a variety of different minerals. None of the five subjectively-defined colors was characterized by a homogenous/standardized compositional or mineralogical recipe. This indicates that the individuals who used Gypsum Cave exploited a wide range of minerals and blended them in varying amounts to create the palate of colors seen in the weaponry fragments recovered during the archaeological investigations.

…the study demonstrated that interesting patterning existed within colors and between color and substrate type, but produced more questions than it answered. For example, analyses revealed the presence of many other non-pigmenting minerals within the paint, such as quartz, feldspar, gypsum, and various alumina-silicate minerals. It is unclear whether these were contaminants from sediments within the cave or were intentionally added to the pigments.

The authors speculate on the reasons for the different chemical compositions for the same colors on wood and can shafts. They suggest several possibilities ranging from availability during seasonal rounds and religious or traditional beliefs.

Read the paper here.​

Thanks for reading and I'll see you in the field!​

References Cited​

Eerkens, Jelmer W., Amy J Gilreath, Brian Joy

        2012     Chemical Composition, Mineralogy, and Physical Structure of Pigments on Arrow and Dart Fragments from Gypsum Cave, Nevada. Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology​ 32(1):47-64.

#155 CRM Archaeology Podcast - CRM Wages

In case you don't know, I host a panel-style CRM Archaeology podcast. I've hosted a podcast for over a year now but this new format, and the reason for the re-numbering, is way better than the old one. ​

On this episode my panelists and I talk about a couple of news items and have a great conversation about the current state of CRM wages in the United States.​

I like to have a listening question section on the podcast so if you have questions leave them in the comments or use the contact form on the right side of this page. You can also Tweet questions using #CRMArchPodcast.​

Check out the episode by searching "CRM Archaeology" on iTunes or Stitcher Radio. ​

You can also click HERE to go to the podcast's website.​

​Thanks for reading, and listening, and I'll see you in the field!