Andy Brockman
@andybrockman.bsky.social
Reporting from where politics and money meet archaeology and heritage at http://thepipeline.info/
YouTube: Watching Brief
Co-Author: The Buried Spitfires of Burma-A fake history
Tips/Gossip/Commissions: PipeLineNews@protonmail
Signal: AndyBrockman.25
YouTube: Watching Brief
Co-Author: The Buried Spitfires of Burma-A fake history
Tips/Gossip/Commissions: PipeLineNews@protonmail
Signal: AndyBrockman.25
The EAA Gaza Debacle, CIfA’s CEO Who [Maybe] Never Was and Not the Nuclear Steal: a look back at some of thePipeLine’s Top Stories in 2025.
The EAA Gaza Debacle, CIfA’s CEO Who [Maybe] Never Was and Not the Nuclear Steel: thePipeLine’s Top Stories in 2025
Thank you for your support of thePipeLine during 2025. Before we throw the old year onto the spoil heap of history PipeLine editor Andy Brockman looks back on five of the the most read, and perhaps…
thepipeline.info
December 31, 2025 at 11:15 PM
The EAA Gaza Debacle, CIfA’s CEO Who [Maybe] Never Was and Not the Nuclear Steal: a look back at some of thePipeLine’s Top Stories in 2025.
Reporting via the Information website($) that ChatGPT's theftbot is being prepared to punt sponsor placed adverts ahead of its copyright compromising, bullsh*t hallucinations.
OpenAI Reportedly Planning to Make ChatGPT "Prioritize" Advertisers in Conversation
OpenAI employees working on ChatGPT report plans to unleash sponsored advertisements above organic results.
futurism.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Reporting via the Information website($) that ChatGPT's theftbot is being prepared to punt sponsor placed adverts ahead of its copyright compromising, bullsh*t hallucinations.
Likud MK Amit Helevy introduces a bill, the first clause stating,
“...the purpose of this Law is to establish the direct responsibility of the State of Israel for the care of antiquities, heritage and archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria,”
The bill is also intended to extend to Gaza.
“...the purpose of this Law is to establish the direct responsibility of the State of Israel for the care of antiquities, heritage and archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria,”
The bill is also intended to extend to Gaza.
New bill seeks to give Israel authority over antiquities in West Bank’s areas A and B
* * *
www.timesofisrael.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Likud MK Amit Helevy introduces a bill, the first clause stating,
“...the purpose of this Law is to establish the direct responsibility of the State of Israel for the care of antiquities, heritage and archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria,”
The bill is also intended to extend to Gaza.
“...the purpose of this Law is to establish the direct responsibility of the State of Israel for the care of antiquities, heritage and archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria,”
The bill is also intended to extend to Gaza.
Part Archaeology Quiz, Part Chat Show, All #Archaeosoup Festive Trivia...
(But as one baffled archaeologist please don't ask me how the scoring works, I am still trying to work it out.)
(But as one baffled archaeologist please don't ask me how the scoring works, I am still trying to work it out.)
‘Souptacular Festive History Trivia Quiz 2025
YouTube video by Archaeosoup
youtu.be
December 30, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Part Archaeology Quiz, Part Chat Show, All #Archaeosoup Festive Trivia...
(But as one baffled archaeologist please don't ask me how the scoring works, I am still trying to work it out.)
(But as one baffled archaeologist please don't ask me how the scoring works, I am still trying to work it out.)
The least surprising election result since Vladimir Putin won the Russian Presidency.
Myanmar is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture and and it has been turned into the plaything of oligarchs, thugs and ethnonationalists in the military, who are often interchangable.
Myanmar is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture and and it has been turned into the plaything of oligarchs, thugs and ethnonationalists in the military, who are often interchangable.
🇲🇲 🗳️ Myanmar's dominant pro-military party claimed an overwhelming victory in the first phase of the country's junta-run elections, a senior party official told AFP, after democracy watchdogs warned the poll would entrench military rule.
➡️ u.afp.com/S87f
➡️ u.afp.com/S87f
December 29, 2025 at 10:33 AM
The least surprising election result since Vladimir Putin won the Russian Presidency.
Myanmar is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture and and it has been turned into the plaything of oligarchs, thugs and ethnonationalists in the military, who are often interchangable.
Myanmar is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture and and it has been turned into the plaything of oligarchs, thugs and ethnonationalists in the military, who are often interchangable.
"Preservation campaigners say they face unscrupulous developers who knock down listed buildings, corrupt officials and a governing class indifferent or hostile to the city’s rich architectural history."
Not only the War. The Guardian on familiar issues also facing campaigners for Kyiv's heritage.
Not only the War. The Guardian on familiar issues also facing campaigners for Kyiv's heritage.
Saving Kyiv’s heritage: a city rebuilding itself in the shadow of war
Volunteers and neighbours are restoring the century-old homes as an act of defiance against Russia’s assault
www.theguardian.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
"Preservation campaigners say they face unscrupulous developers who knock down listed buildings, corrupt officials and a governing class indifferent or hostile to the city’s rich architectural history."
Not only the War. The Guardian on familiar issues also facing campaigners for Kyiv's heritage.
Not only the War. The Guardian on familiar issues also facing campaigners for Kyiv's heritage.
Archaeology sometimes seems to go out of its way to avoid difficult issues.
In 2025 perhaps the most difficult was the ongoing human and ethical catastrophe caused by the actions of the Government of Israel in Gaza and the Occupied Territories, presented here as a timeline by Everyday Orientalism.
In 2025 perhaps the most difficult was the ongoing human and ethical catastrophe caused by the actions of the Government of Israel in Gaza and the Occupied Territories, presented here as a timeline by Everyday Orientalism.
Archaeologists and Antiquity Scholars on Palestine in 2025: An Archive
cover art and post: Katherine Blouin How are Antiquity scholars and organizations responding to Israel’s campaign of annihilation of Palestine’s past, present and future? What do archaeologists and…
everydayorientalism.wordpress.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Archaeology sometimes seems to go out of its way to avoid difficult issues.
In 2025 perhaps the most difficult was the ongoing human and ethical catastrophe caused by the actions of the Government of Israel in Gaza and the Occupied Territories, presented here as a timeline by Everyday Orientalism.
In 2025 perhaps the most difficult was the ongoing human and ethical catastrophe caused by the actions of the Government of Israel in Gaza and the Occupied Territories, presented here as a timeline by Everyday Orientalism.
Wherever you are and whatever midwinter festival you are celebrating, or is going on around you, all very good things.
thePipeLine is taking a few days off, but Twixtmas I will be sharing again a few of 2025's most significant stories and, just for fun, look out for the #Archaeosoup Christmas Quiz.
thePipeLine is taking a few days off, but Twixtmas I will be sharing again a few of 2025's most significant stories and, just for fun, look out for the #Archaeosoup Christmas Quiz.
December 25, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Wherever you are and whatever midwinter festival you are celebrating, or is going on around you, all very good things.
thePipeLine is taking a few days off, but Twixtmas I will be sharing again a few of 2025's most significant stories and, just for fun, look out for the #Archaeosoup Christmas Quiz.
thePipeLine is taking a few days off, but Twixtmas I will be sharing again a few of 2025's most significant stories and, just for fun, look out for the #Archaeosoup Christmas Quiz.
"And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake they shouted, reveling. Down all the frosty ages you can hear them echoing behind us. Listen."
Susan Cooper: Shortest Day
Susan Cooper: Shortest Day
Thousands welcome winter solstice as Sun rises over Stonehenge
In the northern hemisphere, it's the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
share.google
December 21, 2025 at 11:57 PM
"And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake they shouted, reveling. Down all the frosty ages you can hear them echoing behind us. Listen."
Susan Cooper: Shortest Day
Susan Cooper: Shortest Day
Clearly the DOJ's Training Module "Coverup 101" omitted the section on the Streisand Effect.
The photo below was included in DOJ's data dump yesterday. Once people noticed that Trump was pictured with young girls--children--the photo was deleted.
Not only is Trump's DOJ flagrantly violating the Epstein files law, this shows how cynical they are, and how stupid they think Americans are.
Not only is Trump's DOJ flagrantly violating the Epstein files law, this shows how cynical they are, and how stupid they think Americans are.
December 20, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Clearly the DOJ's Training Module "Coverup 101" omitted the section on the Streisand Effect.
Lewisham Council's solution to most planning issues is let a developer build a tower, but here at least they are persevering with trying to find a partner to take on in a sympathetic way the management of one of Britain's most at risk Victorian buildings, the Ladywell Playtower.
Council looking for new development partner on scrapped transformation of listed Victorian baths
Conversion of Lewisham's grade II-listed Ladywell Playtower into cinema fell through in September
www.bdonline.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Lewisham Council's solution to most planning issues is let a developer build a tower, but here at least they are persevering with trying to find a partner to take on in a sympathetic way the management of one of Britain's most at risk Victorian buildings, the Ladywell Playtower.
Livescience Talks Sh*t
What could be more appropriate to the season of partying and the excessive consumption of food and drink than the publication of new research about...parasitic worms found in Roman latrines.
What could be more appropriate to the season of partying and the excessive consumption of food and drink than the publication of new research about...parasitic worms found in Roman latrines.
Diarrhea and stomachaches plagued Roman soldiers stationed at Hadrian's Wall, discovery of microscopic parasites finds
Analysis of latrine sediments at the Roman fort of Vindolanda has revealed that at least three parasites were widespread among Roman soldiers.
www.livescience.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Livescience Talks Sh*t
What could be more appropriate to the season of partying and the excessive consumption of food and drink than the publication of new research about...parasitic worms found in Roman latrines.
What could be more appropriate to the season of partying and the excessive consumption of food and drink than the publication of new research about...parasitic worms found in Roman latrines.
Undoubtedly good news that a significant brutalist building has been listed GII by Historic England.
Although cynics might observe that the Wolverhampton School of Art is in [checks notes], Wolverhampton in the West Midlands and not a developer friendly hotspot like central London or Birmingham.
Although cynics might observe that the Wolverhampton School of Art is in [checks notes], Wolverhampton in the West Midlands and not a developer friendly hotspot like central London or Birmingham.
The Brutalist Wolverhampton School of Art building, home to England’s first National Black Art Convention, has been granted Grade II listed status, saving it from demolition.
buff.ly/e6W4PM4
buff.ly/e6W4PM4
December 19, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Undoubtedly good news that a significant brutalist building has been listed GII by Historic England.
Although cynics might observe that the Wolverhampton School of Art is in [checks notes], Wolverhampton in the West Midlands and not a developer friendly hotspot like central London or Birmingham.
Although cynics might observe that the Wolverhampton School of Art is in [checks notes], Wolverhampton in the West Midlands and not a developer friendly hotspot like central London or Birmingham.
@c20society.bsky.social name the Sheringham bus shelter protesters activist of the year.
In 9 days the protest to protect a 1950's modernist bus shelter from unnecessary demolition reminded us that, in a system which often seems stacked against proper scrutiny, local voices can still cut through.
In 9 days the protest to protect a 1950's modernist bus shelter from unnecessary demolition reminded us that, in a system which often seems stacked against proper scrutiny, local voices can still cut through.
🏆 Our C20 Activist of the Year 2025 award goes to…
The protectors of the Sheringham Bus Shelter!
Their 9-day occupation of the humble 1950s shelter earlier this month thwarted an attempted demolition by Norfolk County Council, attracted nationwide media coverage and even drew support from the PM.
The protectors of the Sheringham Bus Shelter!
Their 9-day occupation of the humble 1950s shelter earlier this month thwarted an attempted demolition by Norfolk County Council, attracted nationwide media coverage and even drew support from the PM.
December 19, 2025 at 12:01 PM
@c20society.bsky.social name the Sheringham bus shelter protesters activist of the year.
In 9 days the protest to protect a 1950's modernist bus shelter from unnecessary demolition reminded us that, in a system which often seems stacked against proper scrutiny, local voices can still cut through.
In 9 days the protest to protect a 1950's modernist bus shelter from unnecessary demolition reminded us that, in a system which often seems stacked against proper scrutiny, local voices can still cut through.
Translation: #AI will f*ck up, producing an unreliable translation which may be, has to be, "revised" by a skilled human translator, the kind of person whose expertise was probably stolen to "train" the theftbot, but for less money than they would have got for producing an accurate translation.
Hard no to this: French publisher Harlequin has told translators that their work will now be done by AI. They can ‘revise’ AI translations at much lower rate. It’s a subsidiary of Harper Collins so treat this as a test for rollout elsewhere
"Bradage de la traduction, plan social invisible : Harlequin passe à l’IA"
Faites tourner, parce qu'il va falloir se battre encore plus. :/
#traduction #IA #Harlequin #ATLF
Faites tourner, parce qu'il va falloir se battre encore plus. :/
#traduction #IA #Harlequin #ATLF
December 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Translation: #AI will f*ck up, producing an unreliable translation which may be, has to be, "revised" by a skilled human translator, the kind of person whose expertise was probably stolen to "train" the theftbot, but for less money than they would have got for producing an accurate translation.
More uncomfortable reading for anyone holding that archaeology is not political.
Zeteo profiles the activities of the Heritage Minister in the Government of Israel, Amichai Eliyahu.
Mr Eliyahu is associated with claims archaeology is used as a front for ethnic cleansing in the occupied West Bank.
Zeteo profiles the activities of the Heritage Minister in the Government of Israel, Amichai Eliyahu.
Mr Eliyahu is associated with claims archaeology is used as a front for ethnic cleansing in the occupied West Bank.
You Know Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. Now Meet the Dangerous Israeli Minister You've Never Heard Of
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu is helping lead one aspect of Israel’s ethnic cleansing campaign: the stealing of Palestinian land for “archeological” reasons.
zeteo.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:37 PM
More uncomfortable reading for anyone holding that archaeology is not political.
Zeteo profiles the activities of the Heritage Minister in the Government of Israel, Amichai Eliyahu.
Mr Eliyahu is associated with claims archaeology is used as a front for ethnic cleansing in the occupied West Bank.
Zeteo profiles the activities of the Heritage Minister in the Government of Israel, Amichai Eliyahu.
Mr Eliyahu is associated with claims archaeology is used as a front for ethnic cleansing in the occupied West Bank.
How long before Ministry of Truth Barbie announces from the podium it become official that the Trump White House is renamed just that and we visit (or, in the light of satirical posts like this, are prevented from visiting) the Trump United States?
President Trump to add his own name to the Kennedy Center
The arts institution will be called the Trump-Kennedy Center. The president's press secretary said it comes after a unanimous vote by the center's board, which Trump took over earlier this year.
www.npr.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:16 PM
How long before Ministry of Truth Barbie announces from the podium it become official that the Trump White House is renamed just that and we visit (or, in the light of satirical posts like this, are prevented from visiting) the Trump United States?
Fresh from insulting the recently murdered, the Independent reports the Trump Whitehouse is now graced by a Presidential walk of fame where Joe Biden is represented by an auto pen and 47 is allowed to indulge his seemingly depthless vanity and capacity for toddler tantrum trolling at public expense.
White House adds insulting plaques below Biden and Obama portraits
Newest additions appear to be part of the administration’s ongoing ‘troll’ campaign against former presidents and Trump’s opponents
www.independent.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Fresh from insulting the recently murdered, the Independent reports the Trump Whitehouse is now graced by a Presidential walk of fame where Joe Biden is represented by an auto pen and 47 is allowed to indulge his seemingly depthless vanity and capacity for toddler tantrum trolling at public expense.
Thoroughly deserved...
We've been up in York for @tag2025york.bsky.social conference where 3 of us met, Brenna gave a talk on the challenge of creating an accidental archive, AND... we only went & won the Outstanding Achievement Award for Archaeological Theory In Action 🏆!
Huge gratitude to the entire community ❤️ 🏺
Huge gratitude to the entire community ❤️ 🏺
December 17, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Thoroughly deserved...
“It doesn’t alter the story of Britain...It just alters her story and we owed it to her to put that right.”
The Guardian quotes the Natural History Museum's Dr Selina Brace on the latest findings regarding Beachy Head lady.
That is she was likely a local girl living in multicultural Roman Britain.
The Guardian quotes the Natural History Museum's Dr Selina Brace on the latest findings regarding Beachy Head lady.
That is she was likely a local girl living in multicultural Roman Britain.
Beachy Head Woman may be ‘local girl from Eastbourne’, say scientists
Exclusive: DNA advances show Roman-era skeleton, once hailed as first black Briton, came from southern England
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:13 PM
“It doesn’t alter the story of Britain...It just alters her story and we owed it to her to put that right.”
The Guardian quotes the Natural History Museum's Dr Selina Brace on the latest findings regarding Beachy Head lady.
That is she was likely a local girl living in multicultural Roman Britain.
The Guardian quotes the Natural History Museum's Dr Selina Brace on the latest findings regarding Beachy Head lady.
That is she was likely a local girl living in multicultural Roman Britain.
Archaeology in the draft NPPF
"1. Where a development proposal has the reasonable potential, based on evidence, to affect an archaeological heritage asset, discovered or undiscovered, an appropriate
investigation of the asset’s significance and the potential effect on this should be undertaken
"1. Where a development proposal has the reasonable potential, based on evidence, to affect an archaeological heritage asset, discovered or undiscovered, an appropriate
investigation of the asset’s significance and the potential effect on this should be undertaken
National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system
We are seeking views on a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system.
www.gov.uk
December 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Archaeology in the draft NPPF
"1. Where a development proposal has the reasonable potential, based on evidence, to affect an archaeological heritage asset, discovered or undiscovered, an appropriate
investigation of the asset’s significance and the potential effect on this should be undertaken
"1. Where a development proposal has the reasonable potential, based on evidence, to affect an archaeological heritage asset, discovered or undiscovered, an appropriate
investigation of the asset’s significance and the potential effect on this should be undertaken
"Historic Environment Scotland (HES) must put strong controls in place to prevent fraud and ensure value for money after unacceptable weaknesses were found in its governance."
Audit Scotland has issued a critical report on troubled Historic Environment Scotland.
Audit Scotland has issued a critical report on troubled Historic Environment Scotland.
The 2024/25 audit of Historic Environment Scotland | Audit Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) must put strong controls in place to prevent fraud and ensure value for money after unacceptable weaknesses were found in…
share.google
December 16, 2025 at 8:46 PM
"Historic Environment Scotland (HES) must put strong controls in place to prevent fraud and ensure value for money after unacceptable weaknesses were found in its governance."
Audit Scotland has issued a critical report on troubled Historic Environment Scotland.
Audit Scotland has issued a critical report on troubled Historic Environment Scotland.
The Guardian reports accusations ministers have broken their word as the Labour Government rolls back more environmental protections so that, under new rules, 77% of development sites will be exempted from 10% Biodiversity Net Gain rules.
Ministers ‘break word’ on protecting nature after weakening biodiversity planning rule
Ministers ‘break word’ on protecting nature after weakening biodiversity planning rule
Housing minister announces exemption to 10% net gain rule in England for smaller developments
The government has broken its promise to protect nature by weakening planning rules for housing developers, groups have said.
While developers once had to create “biodiversity net gain” (BNG), meaning creating 10% more space for nature on site than there was before the building took place, housing minister Matthew Pennycook announced exemptions to this rule on Tuesday. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The Guardian reports accusations ministers have broken their word as the Labour Government rolls back more environmental protections so that, under new rules, 77% of development sites will be exempted from 10% Biodiversity Net Gain rules.
With local councils across the UK looking down the back of the sofa for cash and looking for the smallest penny packet of cuts, it looks as if Cherwell Council are trying to railroad through a 100% cut in funding for Banbury Museum.
Consultation ends Friday 19 Dec & the museum asks you to respond.
Consultation ends Friday 19 Dec & the museum asks you to respond.
No Funding = No Museum – Banbury Museum
www.banburymuseum.org
December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
With local councils across the UK looking down the back of the sofa for cash and looking for the smallest penny packet of cuts, it looks as if Cherwell Council are trying to railroad through a 100% cut in funding for Banbury Museum.
Consultation ends Friday 19 Dec & the museum asks you to respond.
Consultation ends Friday 19 Dec & the museum asks you to respond.
Talking about the 20th Century Society, the campaigning group reports that Historic England may be reconsidering its controversial decision not to list the Point Cinema, Milton Keynes, as a Certificate of Immunity from Listing expires in early 2026.
Crucial new evidence in battle to save The Point multiplex in Milton Keynes – The Twentieth Century Society
c20society.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Talking about the 20th Century Society, the campaigning group reports that Historic England may be reconsidering its controversial decision not to list the Point Cinema, Milton Keynes, as a Certificate of Immunity from Listing expires in early 2026.