text:
\section{Introduction}
The superconformal index is one of the efficient tools in the study of non-perturbative aspects of supersymmetric field theory providing the most rigorous mathematical check of supersymmetric dualities. Recent progress in superconformal index computations have significant implications for mathematics.

A rather striking example is the observation made by Dolan and Osborn \cite{Dolan:2008qi} that the superconformal index of four-dimensional theories is expressible in terms of elliptic hypergeometric integrals. Such integrals are a new class of special functions  \cite{Ros1,Rains,Spir} and they are of interest both in mathematics and in physics. The identification of superconformal indices of supersymmetric dual theories is given by the Weyl group symmetry transformations for certain elliptic hypergeometric functions on different root systems. The computations of the superconformal indices of supersymmetric dual theories in four dimensions have led to new non-trivial integral identities for elliptic hypergeometric functions \cite{Spiridonov:2009za, Spiridonov:2011hf, Sudano:2011aa, Kutasov:2014wwa}.

Superconformal indices of three-dimensio\-nal theories have attracted much attention recently \cite{Hwang:2011qt,Kapustin:2011vz,Gahramanov:2013rda,Krattenthaler:2011da,Gahramanov:2013xsa}. Their exact computation yields new powerful verifications of various supersymmetric dualities as mirror symmetry, Seiberg-like duality etc. Since a three-dimensional superconformal index can be expressed in terms of basic hypergeometric integrals \cite{Gasper, Gasper2}, by studying supersymmetric dualities one can get new identities for this type of special functions. In this work we consider a special type of such identities, namely five term relations or the so-called pentagon identities. The pentagon relations are interesting from different aspects, see, for instance, \cite{Faddeev:1993rs, Gahramanov:2013rda, Kashaev:2014rea, Kashaev:2012cz}. Here we present some examples of integral pentagon relations related to the three-dimensional superconformal index.

The rest of the paper is organized in the following way. In Section 2 we make a brief review of the superconformal index in three dimensions. We present some examples of the integral pentagon identities in Sections 3 and 4 and briefly discuss some open problems in Section 5.

\section{The superconformal index}
In this section we give a short introduction to a three-dimensional superconformal index and refer the reader to \cite{Imamura:2011su, Krattenthaler:2011da}  and references therein for more details.

Before proceeding, it would be useful to recall the well-known Witten index. Consider a supersymmetric quantum mechanics
\begin{align}
	  & \{Q,Q^{\dag}\} \  = \ 2{ H} \;, \\
	  & \{Q,(-1)^F\} \ = \ 0 \;,
\end{align}
where $Q$, $H$ and $(-1)^F$ are the supersymmetric charge, the Hamiltonian and the fermion number operator\footnote{A fermion number $F$ takes the value zero on bosons and one on fermions.}, respectively. In order to check whether the supersymmetry is broken or not, Witten introduced the topological invariant of a theory \cite{Witten:1982df}
\begin{equation} \label{Wittenindex}
\text{I}_W=\text{Tr}(-1)^F e^{-\beta H} \;,
\end{equation}
which tells us that supersymmetry is not spontaneously broken if $\text{I}_W \neq 0$. The sum in the definition (\ref{Wittenindex}) runs over all physical states of the theory. The Witten index is independent of the parameter $\beta$ and counts the difference between the number of bosonic and fermionic ground states. It is an analogue of the Atiyah--Singer index \cite{Atiyah}.

In the case of a supersymmetric field theory one can generalize the Witten index\footnote{The original Witten index for supersymmetric gauge theories gives the dual Coxeter number for the gauge group.} by including to the index global symmetries of a theory commuting with $Q$ and $Q^{\dagger}$ \cite{Kinney:2005ej, Romelsberger:2005eg, Romelsberger:2007ec}. For a $d$-dimensional supersymmetric theory the superconformal index is the following partition function defined on $S^{d-1} \times S^1$,
\begin{equation}
\text{I}(\{t_i\})=\text{Tr} (-1)^F e^{-\beta \{ Q, Q^{\dagger}\}} \prod t_i^{F_i} \;,
\end{equation}
where the trace is taken over the Hilbert space on $S^{d-1}$, $F_i$ are generators for global symmetries that commute with $Q$ and $Q^{\dagger}$, and $t_i$ are additional regulators (fugacities) corresponding to the global symmetries. The superconformal index counts short BPS operators of the theory. We refer the reader to \cite{Romelsberger:2007ec, Spiridonov:2009za, Gahramanov:gka} for more details and references.

We will restrict ourselves to three-dimensional theories with ${\mathcal N}=2$ supersymmetry\footnote{There are many interesting results in this direction also for theories with ${\mathcal N}=4$ \cite{Kapustin:2011jm}, ${\mathcal N}=6$ \cite{Bhattacharya:2008bja,Kim:2009wb} and ${\mathcal N}=8$ \cite{Bashkirov:2011pt} supersymmetry.}. These theories have four real supercharges which we organize into complex spinor $Q_{\alpha}$ and its conjugate $\bar{Q}_{\alpha}$ with $\alpha=1,2$. We focus on theories in the far IR, where the symmetry is enhanced to the superconformal symmetry and therefore there are four additional supercharges $S_{\alpha}$ and $\bar{S}_{\alpha}$ with $\alpha=1,2$. We choose one of the supercharges, say, $Q=Q_1$. For the theory on $S^2 \times S^1$ we have $Q_1^{\dagger}=S_1$ and the following commutation relation (for the full superconformal algebra, see \cite{Dolan:2008vc})
\begin{equation} \label{Ham}
\{Q,Q^{\dagger}\}=\Delta-R-j_3 \;,
\end{equation}
where $\Delta$, $R$,  $j_3$ are the energy, the generator of the $R$-symmetry and the third component of the angular momentum on $S^2$, respectively. Note that, because of conformal symmetry, $R$-symmetry appears explicitly in the commutation relations\footnote{In the case of ${\mathcal N}=2$ supersymmetric theories without conformal symmetry, the $R$-symmetry is only an automorphism group and does not appear in a direct way as in (\ref{Ham}). For details see, for instance, \cite{Aharony:1997bx}.}. The superconformal index of this theory is defined as \cite{Bhattacharya:2008bja}
\begin{equation}
\text{Tr}\left[(-1)^F e^{-\beta \{Q,Q^{\dagger}\}} x^{\Delta+j_3}\prod_i t_i^{F_i}\right] \;,
\end{equation}
where  $F_i$ are generators for flavor symmetries of the theory.

Using the localization technique \cite{Pestun:2007rz} it was shown that the superconformal index of  a three-dimensional theory has the form of matrix integral (see, for instance, \cite{Kim:2009wb, Imamura:2011su}) which is a basic hypergeometric integral\footnote{In the literature it is also called $q$-hypergeometric integral.} \cite{Gasper, Gasper2}. For instance, the chiral multiplet with components being a complex scalar field $\phi$, a Weyl fermion $\psi$ and an auxiliary complex scalar $F$,
\begin{equation}
\Phi=\phi+\sqrt{2} \theta \psi +\theta^2 F
\end{equation}
($\theta$ is a Grassman coordinate),
and with $R$-charge $r$ in the fundamental representation of the gauge group $U(N)$, contributes to the index as
\begin{equation} \label{chiral}
\prod_{a=1}^{N_c} \frac{(x^{2-r+|m_a|} z_a^{-1}; x^2)_{\infty}}{(x^{r+|m_a|} z_a; x^2)_{\infty}} \;,
\end{equation}
where the $q$-Pochhammer symbol is defined as
\begin{equation}
(z;q)_\infty=\prod_{i=0}^\infty (1-z q^i) \;
\end{equation}
and the integer parameters $m_i$ stand for the magnetic charges corresponding to the gauge group $U(N)$ and run over integers; the fugacities $z_i$ correspond to the gauge group.

One can also compute the superconformal index by using representations of the superconformal algebra \cite{Krattenthaler:2011da}, i.e. by the so-called Romelsberger prescription \cite{Romelsberger:2007ec}.

From now on we will use the notation
\begin{equation}
x^2=q,
\end{equation}
and express the superconformal index via the so-called tetrahedron index \cite{Dimofte:2011py}
\begin{equation}
{\mathcal I}_q[m,z] \ = \ \prod_{i=0}^{\infty} \frac{1-q^{i-\frac12 m+1}z^{-1}}{1-q^{i-\frac12 m} z}, \;\;\; \text{with $|q|<1$ and $m \in Z$.}
\end{equation}
The contribution of a chiral multiplet in terms of tetrahedron index has the following form
\begin{equation}
 \prod_{i=0}^{\infty} \frac{1-q^{i+\frac12 |m|+1} z^{-1}} {1-q^{i+\frac12|m| }z} \ = \ (-q^{\frac12})^{-\frac12(m+|m|)} z^{\frac12(m+|m|)} {\mathcal I}_q[m,z].
\end{equation}
We defined the tetrahedron index for the free chiral with zero $R$-charge, but one can write the index for general $R$-charge by the shift $z \rightarrow z q^{r/2}$.

The three-dimensional index can be factorized into vertex and anti-vertex partition function \cite{Krattenthaler:2011da,Pasquetti:2011fj,Hwang:2012jh} and all results presented in the next section can be written in this fashion; however, this subject is beyond the scope of the present work.

It is worth to mention here that we will consider theories with $U(1)$ gauge group only in order to obtain pentagon identities which we will study in the next section.

\section{Integral pentagon identities}

Our main interest is the five-term relation for the superconformal index. Let us consider the  $d=3$ ${\mathcal N}=2$ supersymmetric quantum electrodynamics with $U(1)$ gauge group and one flavor. The superconformal index of this theory is
\begin{equation}  \label{mirrorsym1}
I_e \ = \  \sum_{m \in Z} \oint \frac{dz}{2\pi i z} z^{-m} \; {\mathcal I}_q[m;q^{1/6}z^{-1}] \; {\mathcal I}_q[-m;q^{1/6}z] \;,
\end{equation}
where the integration is over the unit circle with positive orientation. For simplicity we switched off\footnote{See, for instance, \cite{Krattenthaler:2011da, Kapustin:2011jm}. We consider the influence of the topological $U(1)_J$ symmetry to the index in the next chapter, where we define the so-called generalized superconformal index.} the topological symmetry $U(1)_J$.

The dual theory is the free Wess--Zumino theory\footnote{In the literature this theory sometimes is called the XYZ model.} \cite{Intriligator:1996ex, deBoer:1997ka, Aharony:1997bx} with three chiral multiplets $q,\tilde{q}$, $S$ interacting through the superpotential\footnote{The permutation symmetry of the superpotential fixes the $R$-charges, but one can write the index for more general $R$-charge like in \cite{Imamura:2011su}.} $W=\tilde{q} S q$.  The index of this theory has more simple form, since we do not need to integrate over the gauge group,
\begin{equation}
I_m \ = \ \left( {\mathcal I}_q[0;q^{1/3}]  \right)^3 \;.
\end{equation}
These two theories are dual under the mirror symmetry, i.e.\ under exchange of the Higgs and the Coulomb branches \footnote{In three-dimenisonal supersymmetric theories the Coulomb and the Higgs branch are both hyper-K\"ahler manifolds.}. The mirror duality leads to the following integral pentagon identity
\begin{equation} \label{firstpentagon}
 \sum_{m \in Z} \oint \frac{dz}{2\pi i z} z^{-m} \; {\mathcal I}_q[m;q^{1/6}z^{-1}] \; {\mathcal I}_q[-m;q^{1/6}z] \ = \ \left( {\mathcal I}_q[0;q^{1/3}]  \right)^3 \;.
\end{equation}
This is the first example of a pentagon identity for the tetrahedron index. The identity (\ref{firstpentagon}) was obtained in \cite{Krattenthaler:2011da} by using the superconformal index technique. In \cite{Krattenthaler:2011da} the authors also presented the mathematical proof of the integral identity (\ref{firstpentagon} by using Ramanujan summation formula for basic hypergeometric series.

The tetrahedron index can be written in the following form:
\begin{equation}
{\mathcal I}_q[m,z] =\sum_{e \in Z} {\mathcal I}(m,e) z^e \;,
\end{equation}
where
\begin{equation}
{\mathcal I}(m,e) =\sum_{n=\frac{1}{2}(|e|-e)}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n q^{\frac12 n (n+1)-(n+\frac12 e)m}}{(q)_n (q)_{n+e}} \;.
\end{equation}
This index was introduced in \cite{Dimofte:2011py}. It is also interesting from a mathematical point of view \cite{Garoufalidis3d, Garoufalidis:2013axa}. The index ${\mathcal I}(m,e)$ obeys the following pentagon identity
\begin{multline} \label{DGGpentagon}
{\mathcal I}(m_1-e_2,e_1){\mathcal I}(m_2-e_1,e_2) \\
 = \ \sum_{e_3} q^{e_3} {\mathcal I}(m_1,e_1+e_3){\mathcal I}(m_2,e_2+e_3){\mathcal I}(m_1+m_2,e_3).
\end{multline}
The proof of the identity (\ref{DGGpentagon}) is given in the Appendix of \cite{Garoufalidis3d}. This pentagon relation is a counterpart of the integral pentagon identity (\ref{firstpentagon}). In order to distinguish between this type relation and the identity of the form (\ref{firstpentagon}) we use the terminology ``the \textit{integral} pentagon identity'' for the latter one.

As another example, we consider the following three-dimensional duality. The electric theory is the $d=3$ ${\mathcal N}=2$ superconformal field theory with $U(1)$ gauge symmetry and six chiral multiplets, half of them transforming in the fundamental representation  and another half transforming in the anti-fundamental representation of the gauge group. Its mirror dual is a theory with nine chirals and without gauge degrees of freedom (the gauge symmetry is completely broken). The mirror symmetry leads to the following identity
\begin{equation} \label{prepentagon}
\sum_{m \in Z} \oint \frac{d z}{2 \pi i z} \; (-z)^{-3 m} \prod_{i=1}^{3} {\mathcal I}_q[-m,q^{\frac16}\xi_i z] \; {\mathcal I}_q[m,q^{\frac16}\eta_i z^{-1}] = \prod_{i,j=1}^3 {\mathcal I}_q[0,q^{\frac13}\xi_i \eta_j] \; ,
\end{equation}
where the fugacities $\xi_i$ and $\eta_i$ stand for the flavor symmetry $SU(3)\times SU(3)$ and there is the balancing condition $\prod_{i=1}^3 \xi_i = \prod_{i=1}^3  \eta_i =1$. Note that we again dropped the topological symmetry $U(1)_J$. The identity (\ref{prepentagon}) was introduced in \cite{Gahramanov:2013rda}, to where we refer the reader for the details and the mathematical proof of it.

Following \cite{Gahramanov:2013rda} we introduce a new function
\begin{equation}
{\mathcal B}[m;a,b]=\frac{{\mathcal I}_q[m,a] \; {\mathcal I}_q[-m,b]}{{\mathcal I}_q[0,a b]} \; ,
\end{equation}
and rewrite the equality (\ref{prepentagon}) in terms of this function. The final result is a new integral pentagon identity in terms of ${\mathcal B}[m;a,b]$ functions
\begin{equation} \label{pentagon}
 \sum_{m\in Z} \oint \frac{d z}{2 \pi i z}  \; (-z)^{-3 m} \prod_{i=1}^3 {\mathcal B}[m; \xi_i z^{-1}, \eta_i z]= {\mathcal B}[0; \xi_1 \eta_2, \xi_3 \eta_1] \; {\mathcal B}[0; \xi_2 \eta_1,  \xi_3 \eta_2]
\end{equation}
where we have redefined the flavor fugacities  $\xi_i \rightarrow q^{-1/6} \xi_i$ and $\eta_i \rightarrow q^{-1/6} \eta_i$ and the new  balancing condition\footnote{We have a misprint in our previous paper \cite{Gahramanov:2013rda}.} is $\prod_{i=1}^3 \xi_i = \prod_{i=1}^3  \eta_i =q$.

\section{Generalized superconformal index}

One can also find a similar pentagon relation for the \textit{generalized superconformal index} \cite{Kapustin:2011jm}. Unlike four-dimensional gauge theories, in three dimensions there are no chiral anomalies, therefore there is no obstruction for considering a theory in a non-trivial background gauge field coupled to the global symmetries. Then one gets new discrete parameters for global symmetries in the expression of the superconformal index. The index with new integer parameters corresponding to the global symmetries is called the generalized superconformal index.

One can apply the above techniques similarly to the generalized superconformal index and obtain more general integral pentagon identities.

The expression (\ref{prepentagon}) in terms of the generalized index has the following form
\begin{eqnarray}  \nonumber
\sum_{m \in Z}  \int_{\mathbb{T}} \frac{dz}{2\pi i z} \prod_{i=1}^3 (-1)^{m} z^{-3m}\frac{((\xi_i z)^{-1} q^{1+m/2};q)_{\infty}(z/\eta_i q^{1-m/2};q)_{\infty}}{(\xi_i z q^{m/2+{ M_i}};q)_{\infty}(\eta_i/z q^{-m/2+{ N_i}};q)_{\infty}} \\
 = \ \frac{1}{\prod_{j=1}^3 q^{\binom{M_j}2+\binom{N_j}2}\xi_j^{M_j}\eta_j^{N_j}} \prod_{i,j=1}^{3} \frac{(q/\xi_i \eta_j;q)_{\infty}}{(\xi_i \eta_j q^{{M_i+N_j}};q)_{\infty}}
\end{eqnarray}
where we switched on background fields coupled to the flavor symmetry and therefore the index has additional integer parameters $M_i$ and $N_i$ with the condition $\sum_i M_i=\sum_i N_i=0$. There is also the balancing condition $\prod_{i=1}^3 \xi_i = \prod_{i=1}^3  \eta_i =q$ for flavor fugacities. The new discrete parameters are analogous to the magnetic charge $m$ for the gauge symmetry.

The analogue of the first pentagon identity (\ref{firstpentagon}) in terms of the generalized superconformal index is the following pentagon identity
\begin{eqnarray} \nonumber
\sum_{s \in Z} \int \frac{dz}{2 \pi i z}  z^{2n-s} \omega^m \alpha^{-m} q^{\frac14 m} {\mathcal I}_q[m+s;q^{\frac14}\alpha z^{-1}] {\mathcal I}_q[m-s; \alpha z q^{\frac14}]\\ \nonumber
=  \omega^{-m} \alpha^{n+2m} q^{\frac14 n} {\mathcal I}_q[m;q^{\frac14}\alpha^{-1} \omega^{-1}] {\mathcal I}_q[-m; q^{\frac14} \alpha^{-1} \omega ] {\mathcal I}_q[2m;q^{\frac12}\alpha^2],
\end{eqnarray}
where we switched on the background gauge field coupled to the topological $U(1)_J$ global symmetry. Here $\alpha$ and $m$ denote the parameters for the axial $U(1)_A$ symmetry, $\omega$ and $n$ denote the parameters for the topological $U(1)_J$ symmetry and the discrete parameter $s$ stands for magnetic charge. Note that this identity was proven only for the case $m=0$ \cite{Kapustin:2011jm}.

\section{Concluding remarks}

There is a recently proposed relation called \textit{$3d-3d$ correspondence} \cite{Dimofte:2011py, Dimofte:2011ju} (see also \cite{Terashima:2011qi, Terashima:2011xe, Terashima:2012cx, Galakhov:2012hy, Dimofte:2013iv, Gang:2013sqa, Chung:2014qpa}) that connects $d=3$ ${\mathcal N}=2$ supersymmetric theories and triangulated 3-manifolds. Namely, the independence of the invariant of the corresponding 3-manifold on the choice of triangulation corresponds to the equality of superconformal indices of mirror dual theories \cite{Dimofte:2011py,Garoufalidis:2013axa}. In this context the interpretation of the integral pentagon identities discussed here is the 2--3 Pachner move \cite{Pachner1,Pachner2} for triangulated 3-manifolds, which relates different  decompositions of a polyhedron with five ideal vertices into ideal tetrahedra. Much work remains to be done in this direction.

Note that one can write such pentagon identities also for partition functions on $S^3$ \cite{Kashaev:2012cz}, i.e.\ for hyperbolic hypergeometric integrals \cite{Bult}.

As an aside comment, we would like to mention that the pentagon identity (\ref{pentagon}) may represent the star-triangle relation for some integrable model.

\bibliographystyle{amsalpha}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


text:
Watson Tate Savory Receives Four AIA Columbia Design Awards
Adaptive Reuse, Mayor Steve Benjamin, New Construction, Divine Detail, Historic Preservation
Watson Tate Savory (WTS) is delighted to report that our projects received four design awards from the Columbia chapter of the American Institute of Architects on Thursday, November 1, at the biennial awards ceremony held at 1208 Washington Place.
WTS received the inaugural "Divine Detail" Award for Coastal Carolina University's Kenneth E. Swain Hall. WTS was also recognized with two Merit Awards: a Merit Award for New Construction for the University of South Carolina's Spurrier Indoor Football Practice Facility, and a Merit Award for Historic Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation for Western Carolina University's Brown Dining Hall Renovation and Expansion. Toward the end of the evening, WTS was presented with an Honor Award for Historic Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation for the City of Columbia's Water and Wastewater Distribution Facility completed last year. The Honorable Mayor Benjamin was in attendance to receive the AIA Honor Award on behalf of the City of Columbia.
Gene Bell, Mayor Steve Benjamin, and Tom Savory receiving the AIA Columbia Honor Award for Historic Preservation/Adaptive Reuse for City of Columbia's Water and Wastewater Distribution Facility project
The Honor Award for Historic Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation was presented to WTS and Mayor Benjamin for the City of Columbia's Water and Wastewater Distribution Facility. Margaret Butler, AIA LEED AP, Vice President at McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects & Interior Designers, and this year's AIA Columbia Jury Chair shared:
"This is a great high-level design for this type of municipal client. It sets an admirable standard for future public works projects. We were impressed by the city's investment in the site. Taking over the brownfield and giving it back to the City sets a high standard for other public buildings in the city and the state. Client and the owner should both be commended in this project.
It is beautifully executed beginning from the community-focused and environmentally sustainable site masterplan down to the well-detailed envelope system and handsome interiors. Thoughtful and deliberate moves on each building signal a hierarchy of entry. The jury commended the care, thought and attention to detail in all, especially the sun shading. This project crushed it!"
Honor Award for Historic Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation: City of Columbia's Water and Wastewater Distribution Facility
Butler shared the following comments about the University of South Carolina's Spurrier Indoor Football Practice Facility project:
"With a modest budget the architect admirably elevates a pre-engineered metal building as it dramatically terminates this major campus space. We found this to be a very sound solution at all levels and commend the refined detailing which leaves nothing to chance. The jury felt the scale of the facade is in balance with the scale of the space and particularly liked the translucent panels which bring daylight in and allow the building to glow at night. We applaud the campus for prominently positioning this typically utilitarian structure in a way that enriches the campus plan and provides a wonderful backdrop to football tailgating."
Merit Award for New Construction: University of South Carolina's Spurrier Indoor Football Practice Facility
Butler continued with the following comments about Western Carolina University's Brown Building Renovation and Addition project:
"The jury felt this was a successful design to complex challenges. The functions were artfully reorganized on the site to create a dynamic and inviting campus amenity which allows views to soar beyond to the mountains. The building is well grounded and invites students to enjoy beautifully detailed interior and exterior spaces. It works well with the steep topography. This building has changed the narrative of good architecture on campus and sets a high benchmark for future university buildings."
Merit Award for Historic Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation: Western Carolina University's Brown Dining Hall Renovation and Expansion
Butler said of the Coastal Carolina University project winning a "Divine Detail" Award:
"We loved the trellis – very well designed – as well as the deeply punched windows which recognize the appropriateness of this type of detail in a traditionally inspired design. The study of the historic precedents was key to the success of this project!"
Divine Detail Award: Coastal Carolina University's Swain Hall
Watson Tate Savory is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with these fantastic clients on exceptional projects.
Awards + Publications, Blog
Watson Tate Savory Wins Three AIA South Carolina Design Awards
Watson Tate Savory (WTS) is delighted to report that our projects received three design awards from the SC chapter of the American Institute of Architects on April 19, at the annual awards gala held in Lake City. The only Honor Award…
WTS Presents at SCTEA 2014 Conference
WTS presented "Transformation Through Renovation" at SCTEA 2014 which touched on the challenges and potential benefits that come with renovations.
AIA Columbia Honor Award Being Presented to Gene Bell, Mayor Steve Benjamin, and Tom Savory for the City of Columbia Water Facility Project

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Episode 39 of inPsight Radio with Danielle Egnew: Part 2 of a two-part year-end broadcast, Danielle casts a predictive light on 2019 starting with stepping outside the box to rebuild our current society: How will we see the year of Re-Construction work itself out in our government, our President, our Congress? What is the first, second, and third phase of life? What is the "age of the grandmothers", and are we more powerful or less powerful, over the age of 60? Plus, what do we learn about money in 2019? Tune in and receive today's best inPsight!
This entry was posted in podcast and tagged Consciousness, femini..., government, Politics, Psychic. Bookmark the permalink.


The ADCO 64864 Winnebago Class C RV Cover with no overhang fits a 26'1" to 29' size. This tan cover features a breathable top with multi-layered polypropylene side panels. It gives protection from all kinds of weather and stands up to UV rays. The strapping system cinching at the top and bottom creates a tight fit, which helps deter wind damage. The ladder cap and reinforced corners minimize wear and tear on the stress points that come in contact with the RV. The side panels are zippered on the passenger's side for access to the RV during storage. This cover also accommodates rooftop air conditioners, vents, and other roof mounted accessories. Storage bag included. When measuring your RV, include the bumpers, ladder and spare tire. Cover comes with a 2 Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty.


text:
#pragma once
#include <aws/ec2/EC2_EXPORTS.h>
#include <aws/ec2/EC2Request.h>
#include <aws/core/utils/memory/stl/AWSVector.h>
#include <aws/core/utils/memory/stl/AWSString.h>
#include <utility>

namespace Aws
{
namespace EC2
{
namespace Model
{

  /**
   *
Contains the parameters for AttachClassicLinkVpc.

See Also:

   * AWS
   * API Reference

   */
  class AWS_EC2_API AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest : public EC2Request
  {
  public:
    AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest();
    Aws::String SerializePayload() const override;

  protected:
    void DumpBodyToUrl(Aws::Http::URI& uri ) const override;

  public:
    /**
     *
Checks whether you have the required permissions for the action, without
     * actually making the request, and provides an error response. If you have the
     * required permissions, the error response is DryRunOperation.
     * Otherwise, it is UnauthorizedOperation.

     */
    inline bool GetDryRun() const{ return m_dryRun; }

    /**
     *
Checks whether you have the required permissions for the action, without
     * actually making the request, and provides an error response. If you have the
     * required permissions, the error response is DryRunOperation.
     * Otherwise, it is UnauthorizedOperation.

     */
    inline void SetDryRun(bool value) { m_dryRunHasBeenSet = true; m_dryRun = value; }

    /**
     *
Checks whether you have the required permissions for the action, without
     * actually making the request, and provides an error response. If you have the
     * required permissions, the error response is DryRunOperation.
     * Otherwise, it is UnauthorizedOperation.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithDryRun(bool value) { SetDryRun(value); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline const Aws::Vector<Aws::String>& GetGroups() const{ return m_groups; }

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline void SetGroups(const Aws::Vector<Aws::String>& value) { m_groupsHasBeenSet = true; m_groups = value; }

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline void SetGroups(Aws::Vector<Aws::String>&& value) { m_groupsHasBeenSet = true; m_groups = std::move(value); }

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithGroups(const Aws::Vector<Aws::String>& value) { SetGroups(value); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithGroups(Aws::Vector<Aws::String>&& value) { SetGroups(std::move(value)); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& AddGroups(const Aws::String& value) { m_groupsHasBeenSet = true; m_groups.push_back(value); return *this; }

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& AddGroups(Aws::String&& value) { m_groupsHasBeenSet = true; m_groups.push_back(std::move(value)); return *this; }

    /**
     *
The ID of one or more of the VPC's security groups. You cannot specify
     * security groups from a different VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& AddGroups(const char* value) { m_groupsHasBeenSet = true; m_groups.push_back(value); return *this; }

    /**
     *
The ID of an EC2-Classic instance to link to the ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline const Aws::String& GetInstanceId() const{ return m_instanceId; }

    /**
     *
The ID of an EC2-Classic instance to link to the ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline void SetInstanceId(const Aws::String& value) { m_instanceIdHasBeenSet = true; m_instanceId = value; }

    /**
     *
The ID of an EC2-Classic instance to link to the ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline void SetInstanceId(Aws::String&& value) { m_instanceIdHasBeenSet = true; m_instanceId = std::move(value); }

    /**
     *
The ID of an EC2-Classic instance to link to the ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline void SetInstanceId(const char* value) { m_instanceIdHasBeenSet = true; m_instanceId.assign(value); }

    /**
     *
The ID of an EC2-Classic instance to link to the ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithInstanceId(const Aws::String& value) { SetInstanceId(value); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of an EC2-Classic instance to link to the ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithInstanceId(Aws::String&& value) { SetInstanceId(std::move(value)); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of an EC2-Classic instance to link to the ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithInstanceId(const char* value) { SetInstanceId(value); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of a ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline const Aws::String& GetVpcId() const{ return m_vpcId; }

    /**
     *
The ID of a ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline void SetVpcId(const Aws::String& value) { m_vpcIdHasBeenSet = true; m_vpcId = value; }

    /**
     *
The ID of a ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline void SetVpcId(Aws::String&& value) { m_vpcIdHasBeenSet = true; m_vpcId = std::move(value); }

    /**
     *
The ID of a ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline void SetVpcId(const char* value) { m_vpcIdHasBeenSet = true; m_vpcId.assign(value); }

    /**
     *
The ID of a ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithVpcId(const Aws::String& value) { SetVpcId(value); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of a ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithVpcId(Aws::String&& value) { SetVpcId(std::move(value)); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The ID of a ClassicLink-enabled VPC.

     */
    inline AttachClassicLinkVpcRequest& WithVpcId(const char* value) { SetVpcId(value); return *this;}

  private:
    bool m_dryRun;
    bool m_dryRunHasBeenSet;
    Aws::Vector<Aws::String> m_groups;
    bool m_groupsHasBeenSet;
    Aws::String m_instanceId;
    bool m_instanceIdHasBeenSet;
    Aws::String m_vpcId;
    bool m_vpcIdHasBeenSet;
  };

} // namespace Model
} // namespace EC2
} // namespace Aws

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
São Tomaz é um bairro da Região Norte de Belo Horizonte.

Bairros vizinhos
 São Bernardo
 Itapoã
 Jaraguá.

Bairros de Belo Horizonte

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Well, after the NEC gigs in late December, not much has been happening. Sabbath itself is supposed to be "done", but you know how these things go – they'll probably do something together next year. :) There are no "secret plans" to play somewhere, and I beg of you PLEASE STOP WRITING ME ASKING IF THERE ARE MORE TOUR DATES!IF I HAD ANY, I WOULD POST THEM! I AM NOT HOLDING BACK INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC (as I've been accused of doing in a few nasty emails).
Tony Iommi – His solo album is supposed to be done, or close to it. I keep hearing a Feb/March launch, but if it is that close, we probably would have more concrete information by now, I would think.
Geezer Butler – The most secretive/private member in the band. Donut is known here, except a remark I heard before the last Sabbath tour that he's "writing material with Pedro (Howse – his guitarist, friend).
Ozzy Osbourne – Well, Ozzy has been rumoured to have a new solo album in the works since the release of his Greatest Hits album a year ago or so. There's no concrete news other than a short clip on the Epic Records Ozzy page that says simply, "Ozzy is currently working on his next solo album, due out in Spring 2000! Pre-production begins as soon as Ozzfest is done."
Bill Ward – Bill's got some more concrete news – here's some stuff I wrote last month for Bill's site after talking with his production manager. The long awaited reprint of Bill's second record "When the Bough Breaks" is completed, and will be available shortly. It will be made available directly off this web site – details will be made available shortly. The details need to worked out insofar as payment, credit cards, and the lot, but there should be direct order sales from the Official Bill Ward site shortly. Regarding Bill's third studio album, "Remembering", Bill gave it a listen last month, and then set up some studio time to finish it up, and get it out this year. A date is not yet available, as Bill hasn't looked at the record since the Black Sabbath reunion tour. A decision needs to be made as to how much work is left to do on the record – but you should expect a new Bill Ward solo record in 2000!
To your right is a scan of the reprint's new cover art. The old "two roses" art was never supposed to be there, it was a mistake that it was released – this art is what it should have been all along.


Behind Jugemu's unassuming facade hides a first-class sushi experience.
Jugemu is the new sushi restaurant tucked under Zakkushi Izakaya at the corner of Carlton and Ontario. After Zakkushi's previous venture in the space, also a sushi restaurant, closed several years ago, the lower level lay vacant. However, the dream of opening a serious, chef-centric sushi restaurant clearly never died, because the next move was to contact chef Koji Tashiro, formerly of Ja Bistroand Sushi Ya, and offer him the role of headchef, giving him free rein to choose the identity and menu of the new restaurant.
Chef Tashiro decided he wanted to make a sushi restaurant that was authentically Japanese yet still accessible for people in the neighbourhood.
Jugemu gets its name from an old story, one of the classics of a style of traditional Japanese storytelling called rakugo. It is a funny story about a child with a ridiculously long but very auspicious name. Chef Tashiro, who is a fan of rakugo, explains that the ridiculous name actually signifies long life and eternal happiness. The silly origin of Jugemu's name seems like a bit of an enigma when you first descend the stairs and enter the minimal space. Beyond the simple white curtain that marks the entrance, a sense of seriousness and calm pervades. The clean lines, soft lighting and natural wood of the dining room signal that the food is the focus here above all else.
Alone behind the counter, Chef Tashiro may feel some affinity with rakugo performers, who sit alone on a sparsely decorated stage and work to hold the rapt attention of an entire audience. However, the chef most closely resembles a technician as he executes quick, precise movements, his black-rimmed glasses pushed up high on his head and a look of stern focus on his face. Once he is ready to serve you, his look softens as he presents you with a fresh piece of nigiri. You take a bite and the amazing flavour and texture of the sushi at Jugemu unfolds.
Then, before you have a chance to thank him, he is back to intently preparing the next piece: tuna from Japan or Mexico depending on the season, white shrimp from Japan whose sweetness blends beautifully with oral yuzu rind, marinated grouper (also from Japan), sea bass served with only salt and lemon. The seasonal striped jack is a vibrant, summery treat. Its firm flesh has a fresh, almost grassy flavour. The fish is served on a sparing amount of delicately seasoned rice that elevates the meat without covering up its flavour or texture.
That's when the connection between the restaurant and its name becomes apparent: while one is silly and the other serious, both conceal a promise of eternal happiness.
The goal of Jugemu was to create a restaurant that welcomed the local community, but its excellent sushi is definitely worth a trip.
Jugemu has a great selection of small tasting plates. They're all packed with flavour, but for something extra satisfying, top off your meal with this signature super-savoury fish broth and red miso soup.
These beautiful, house-made pickles are bright and crunchy—seasoned with a house blend of vinegar. They're a light snack that's a great way to wake up your tummy before eating lots of sushi!


Location! Location! Location! This location is the crème de la crème of Douglas Park. The tree lined double wide roadway, with tennis courts across the street and luscious green park space right in front only steps away. This location boasts an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle, yet minutes from shops and restaurants. The house is in need of TLC with strong bones of 10' ceilings on the main level and various wood floors throughout. This is a great family location and be prepared to soak in the vitality from the energy of the park near by. Make the move that keeps you on the finger of the pulse to the city and yet stay peaceful and relaxed with the majestic tree lined street giving that certain freshness in every breath you take. A little piece of heaven.


Building your personal brand on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube isn't as easy as it looks. Behind every picture-perfect selfie, cheerful video, snappy tweet, and subtle product placement, people are working hard to create consistent, compelling content that keep their audiences captivated and coming back for more.
If you want to be an influencer, but aren't sure where to start, Skillshare's got a library of classes taught by social media mavens to help you grow your personal or professional brand. Want a sneak peak into what they have to offer? Check out our round up of their best advice and you'll be on your way to better posts in no time.
In his class, Instagram for Business: Build an Engaged Community, Tyler McCall talks about how important it is to visualize your ideal Instagram audience, their personalities, psychological profiles, and social activities so you can build content that speaks to them. When you are intentional about the kinds of people you want to reach, you can more effectively craft the kinds of messages and visuals that will connect with (and grow) your community.
Tyson Wheatley developed an interest in Instagram after moving to Hong Kong and using the platform to share images with his American friends and family. In his class, Mobile Photography Basics for Instagram Success, he says that the most compelling Instagram feeds are those that either gives insight into a far-flung locales, showcases the visual details of an exciting job, or expresses the creative instincts of a particularly artistic individual.
In her class on Social Media Stardom: Making the Most of Instagram, Olympian-turned-Social Media Personality Lolo Jones talks about the practical ways that she employs Instagram's features to push her content, craft her message and hone her voice. As an influencer with legions of followers, it's critical to her to ensure that her content is always on-brand, and she uses Stories, among other tools, to track and adjust her content accordingly.
As a professional Designer and Illustrator, Sophia Chang has had a ton of experience using Instagram to find clients, grow her brand, and build her following. In Analytics & Authenticity on Instagram: Crafting Your Digital Presence, she teaches practical lessons on how to set goals, track analytics, and create searchable content so that you can use Instagram in a more polished, professional way.
Kate Arends is a lifestyle blogger who began her social media journey as a way to find freelancing opportunities. Today, she has a personal brand with strong corporate relationships, a growing product line, and fans around the globe. As a part of her class, Building Your Online Presence: Personal Branding through Social Media, Arends talks about ways to be intentional about your social media goals, content, and channels so that you can grow your following and attract business partnerships.
In his class, Instagram Best Practices: Grow Your Community, Work with Brands, Tyson Wheatley talks about the importance of creating original content that attracts and builds your audience organically. Post uniquely engaging images with a fresh perspective, he says, and you'll be much more valuable to companies that want to partner over the long term.
Have you used social media to promote your professional or personal brand? Give us your tips and tricks in the comments below!


text:
Rain could play spoilsport in India versus NZ Cricket World Cup semi
ANI | Updated: Jul 08, 2019 20:01 IST
Manchester [UK], July 8 (ANI): Rain could play a spoilsport in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semi-final match between India and New Zealand, scheduled for July 9 at Old Trafford.
There is a possibility of gloomy weather as rains are close to the venue in the morning. It could be drier by the afternoon. The match will take place but there are expectations of some delays and interruptions.
"The weather could be playing a part for India against New Zealand. It is going to be gloomy as there is rain close by Old Trafford. It looks slightly going to be rainy, drizzly, on and off for the morning," the Met Office told ANI.
"It does look a bit drier for the afternoon. We should get a game on but expect interruptions, expect some delay. It's going to be humid as well and overcast. The ball could be swinging around if you are going it's not going to be warm," the forecast added.
India finished at the top on the World Cup standings with 15 points from nine fixtures, while New Zealand settled in the fourth position with 11 points from nine matches.
Following are the squads:
India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, MS Dhoni (wk), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. (ANI)
Commonwealth TT C'ship: Indian men's, women's teams proceed to semis
Cuttack (Odisha) [India], July 18 (ANI): Indian men and women team booked their semi-final slots after winning their super eights group matches in the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday.


text:
The state of the art New Bugesera International Airport
The Government of Rwanda, through Aviation Travel and Logistics Holdings (ATL), signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construcao Africa to develop the Bugesera International Airport.
The airport will features state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to meet the requirements of the rapidly developing air transport sector of Rwanda. It will also offer maximum flexibility to meet the operational requirements and support the future expansions.
The airport will be completed in two phases, with the phase one involving the construction of a passenger terminal and a cargo terminal building, a 4.2km-long runway, an airfield. The runway is designed to handle the big commercial aircraft.
Key infrastructure to support the airport's operation, including air traffic control tower building and airport rescue and fire-fighting facilities, will also be built under the first phase.
Phases two through four will further expand the airport to increase its passenger and aircraft handling capacities. The phases will involve the construction of a second runway and additional passenger and cargo terminals. Future expansions will increase the airport's capacity to 4.5 million passengers a year.


text:
NFL attendance issues not just for also-rans
FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2013 file photo, an Atlanta Falcons placard sits in the stands after the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, in Atlanta. As TV ratings stay strong, the number of people showing up for games even in places that are traditionally hot tickets is dwindling. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) - photo by Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin isn't much on public gratitude. Still, the perpetually focused Pittsburgh Steelers coach went out of his way to thank the fans who showed up at Heinz Field to watch his team drum the Buffalo Bills 23-10 on Sunday for its third win of the season.
"It's not something we take for granted," Tomlin said.
A crowd of 60,406 turned out to watch two teams with a combined 5-12 record play on a cold, blustery day more suited for late-December than three weeks before Thanksgiving. The 5,000 or so who bought their tickets but chose to not make it through the turnstiles were conspicuous, their absence marked by pockets of open gold seats in certain portions of the stadium tucked tight against the Allegheny River.
Welcome to life in the new NFL, where "sellouts" are the norm but full houses are becoming the exception, and not just in places like woeful Jacksonville.
Blame it on mediocre teams. Blame it on rising ticket prices. Blame in on the comfort of your couch, where it doesn't cost hundreds of dollars to sit, and the cold beer in your fridge, the one that doesn't cost $8 a bottle.
The Steelers (3-6), who have six Vince Lombardi Trophies in the lobby at team headquarters, are in danger of posting their lowest average attendance since 2003, when they limped to a 6-10 record and missed the playoffs.
The franchise is on a similar trajectory this fall in a place that can be tough — by NFL standards — to completely fill even when times are good. Pittsburgh is averaging 61,465 through four home dates, the lowest over the same span since Heinz Field opened in 2001.
It's a trend hitting the league regardless of market size or on-field success. In 2008, only five teams played to stadiums less than 95 percent full. That number has doubled this season at a time when TV ratings are at their best since 2006.
The Washington Redskins have one of the NFL's rising stars in quarterback Robert Griffin III and are playing to just 88.9 percent capacity this season. The surprising New York Jets have the nation's largest metropolitan area to pull from and only 93.3 of those with tickets are showing up.
Then again, New York can be a tough market.
Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was on the 2007 Jets that limped to a 4-12 record. As the season wore on and the losses mounted, things got weird.
"Pittsburgh came to town but it felt like an away game," Cotchery said. "It was so loud in there. I remember us doing silent count and all of that stuff at home. But we were a bad team. I probably wouldn't want to take my kid out in the cold and watch a bad team play football."
It can lead, in some instances, to the unnerving realization that players can't simply rely on the juice — or the vitriol — from the crowd to get amped up.
"When we play on the road, certain places are just known for being quiet," Cincinnati left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. "It's almost like in the huddle, you have to keep reminding yourself to keep your energy up and realize that some of these places are really quiet and you have to create your own energy a little bit."
The NFL amended its TV blackout rule last year, allowing teams to sell only 85 percent of its prime tickets to meet the threshold necessary to have home games broadcast locally. While the decision has done nothing but goose TV ratings even further, getting folks into the stadium on a regular basis in some cities remains a tough task.
Oakland and Jacksonville swath their stadiums in massive drapes that cover entire sections. It reduces capacity but hasn't exactly increased demand. While the atmosphere has improved with the Raiders, only 81.4 percent of ticket holders make it to their seats. More than 10 percent of those with tickets in Jacksonville don't bother to get an eyeful of one of the league's worst teams.
Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer is prepping the Cardinals for an "interesting atmosphere" when they visit the Jaguars (1-8) on Sunday, where tickets are going for as low as $8 on StubHub. To be honest, he's going to miss the opportunity to quiet a hostile environment, mostly because there likely won't be one.
"You can't worry about any of those outside distractions," Palmer said. "You've just got to focus on doing your job each and every play, and do what it takes to win the game, regardless of how many people are watching or who is in the stands."
Commissioner Roger Goodell continues to stress the in-game fan experience remains important to the league. It also remains important to the bottom lines of owners, if only to fatten their wallets.
When Personal Seat Licensing came into vogue, it created a new revenue stream by making fans plunk down thousands just for the right to buy tickets. It priced some longtime season ticket holders out of the market and as the U.S. economy sputtered, so did interest in making a significant financial commitment to get in the door when the living room can be just as inviting and significantly cheaper.
And owners continue to press for new stadiums even as evidence mounts that less might be more. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has turned AT&T Stadium into a virtual ATM since it opened in 2009. Dallas averages more than 86,000 fans a game, well over 100 percent capacity, even as the team continues to hover around .500.
The Falcons have barely been in the Georgia Dome two decades and already they've struck a deal on a new $1 billion building that will be ready by 2017.
The Steelers aren't greedy enough to ask for new digs, but they are planning to add an additional 3,000 seats at Heinz Field, even though they've never averaged more than 63,458 per game since its debut in 2001. All that's left is deciding who picks up most of the tab. The issue remains in the Pittsburgh courts, though whenever the expansion is complete, the same factors that fans face every Sunday will remain in place.
"It's just how it works," Cotchery said. "When you're losing like (we did in New York), those decisions have to be made. Do I go to the game or do I not go to the game? I know it's tough. "
AP Sports Writers Joe Kay in Cincinnati and Doug Ferguson in Jacksonville, Fla., contributed to this report.


text:
Travel Impressions Closes a Tough Year at Cancun Event and Looks Toward a Better 2020
by David Cogswell / December 02, 2019
Photo: David Cogswell/TMR
It was a challenging year for Travel Impressions, but when the vacation wholesaler opened its 24th annual "Best of the Best" event at Secrets Maroma on Riviera Maya, Mexico, Nov. 21-24, there was a sense of relief that it was over the hump and on its way to a smoother 2020.
It was a year marked by change, growing pains and a series of external problems that assaulted the company almost nonstop throughout the year.
The "Best of the Best" event, an annual gathering to reward Travel Impressions' top-producing agents, provided an opportunity for executives to reconnect with partners, freshen up relationships, and provide updates on changes and plans. Representatives of 153 agencies attended.
Jacki Marks, executive vice president for Travel Impressions' parent company Apple Leisure Group (ALG), told attendees at the opening session: "It was probably the hardest year of my career. It was the merger; it was the DR media crisis; it was the sargassum seaweed issue; the MAX 8 grounding. I felt like everything that was going to hit us, hit us in 2019. We couldn't catch our breath."
The biggest challenge was the task of migrating to a new booking platform. When ALG acquired the Mark Travel Corporation in early 2018, it also acquired VAX VacationAccess, the internet-based booking system developed by TriSept Solutions, Mark Travel's technology development division.
VAX is acknowledged to be vastly more powerful than the Quest system that Travel Impressions previously used. But gaining its empowering benefits required a learning curve. In the hyper-competitive retail travel industry, every micro-moment counts and some of Travel Impressions' partner agents suffered frustrating setbacks. But now a year after the introduction of the system, the pains are starting to subside and the benefits are rolling in.
Scott Wiseman address the asssembly during Travel Impression's 24th annual "Best of the Best" event at Secrets Maroma on Riviera Maya, Mexico, last week. Photo: David Cogswell
At the opening session, Travel Impressions' President Scott Wiseman apologized for trying the patience of its most loyal partners. But he promised that the pain would be worth the gain and that Travel Impressions will rebuild their trust.
Trust, he said, is like a bank account you build little by little over time.
"I've had lifelong friends and sometimes they disappoint me," he said, "but I don't wipe out that relationship over those issues. We keep powering through. Our relationship's the same. We know the trust account today might be lower than it should be. But we both want it to grow. And we know it's imperative that we deliver on lots of different things and give you more reasons than ever to continue to deposit into that trust bank."
Any migration to a new technology brings difficulties, he said.
"We knew that people loved the previous system," said Wiseman. "But it was like a one-trick pony, if you will. We knew there was so much opportunity for agents to earn more and we wanted to see those rewards. So, we pushed Travel Impressions to get ready for next year's peak season. Everywhere I've ever been, no matter how you plan for the perfect integration of new technology, it's going to have some bumps in the road."
Now the benefits are starting to accrue.
"I can see today that you guys are capitalizing on what we meant when we were pushing through the tough stuff with VAX," Wiseman told the agents. "I can see you making more money with the added commission tool. I can see this expanding domestic and Europe inventory that came through, that helped you capture more share for you clients, and easily booking through VAX things that you maybe wouldn't have touched before."
An uptick in business proves that the transitional hump is passed and advisors are now reaping the benefits.
"We've got two proofs," said Wiseman. "One is the numbers. Particularly in the last eight to ten weeks, we've really taken off. One year that we've lapped on the new system, we're starting to see agents adapting. And we are asking, 'What's your confidence today compared to what it was?' It's a lot more positive this year because there is one more year of stability on the system. The verbal confidence level is very strong compared to last year, and the numbers are proving that out."
Meanwhile, the incorporation of Mark Travel into ALG has brought many benefits, such as the addition of many new hotels into the company's inventory in Europe and the domestic U.S.
Rethinking groups
One of the biggest changes still on the horizon is the way Travel Impressions handles group travel. The company has received a lot of feedback that it needs to improve its systems for handling groups.
Alejandro Reynal, who was appointed chief executive officer of ALG last September, spent a lot of time in his first months on the job talking to travel agents, and "got bombarded with feedback about what we were doing and how we could do it better." After that, Marks was asked to take on the group department.
"I ran the group department at Mark Travel and it was something I was very passionate about. I knew that we could make changes. I knew we had the opportunity to be something really special," said Marks.
So, Travel Impressions' group department is headed for a major overhaul.
"We have a roadmap and I think there are a lot of great things coming for the ALG/TI group department," Marks said.
Travel Impressions' partners stayed loyal as the company went through a series of major changes, beginning with its merger with the Apple Leisure Group in 2013, which closely followed ALG's acquisition by Bain Capital that was announced in late 2012.
Wiseman, who had previously headed Abercrombie & Kent and later Cox & Kings USA, joined Travel Impressions as president in summer 2016, in time to begin to sort out all the changes that were cascading down one on top of the other. Bain sold ALG in December of that year to two private equity companies, KSL Capital Partners and KKR.
Still more major changes came in April 2018, when the Apple Leisure Group acquired the Mark Travel Corporation, one of ALG's strongest competitors. One key element of the acquisitions was Mark Travel's technology division, TriSept Solutions, and VAX VacationAccess.
Marks, as executive vice president of ALG, was part of the development team of VAX. She reassured agents that although change is essential for Travel Impressions and its partners to stay competitive, the period of intense changes will now calm down a bit.
"Some of you may argue that not all the changes Travel Impressions went through were positive," said Marks, "but I will tell you, having learned everything I have learned in the last few years, that every change we made was necessary. Travel Impressions is a better and stronger brand than we were back then. Making TI a profitable, sustainable company for the future that can invest in you – as a travel agent-only brand – we had to go through a lot of changes to get to where we are today."
But now, Marks said, things should settle into more stability.
"We have gone through so many changes that I do believe we are going to slow down a bit, because it has been a lot," she said. "There's been tech changes, process changes, people changes, a lot to digest in a short period of time. But I'll also tell you we won't stop changing. We are going to keep making TI the absolute best brand that it can be so we can fight back against the OTAs, and we can be the company that can support you for the very long, long future."
But, she acknowledged, we owe it all to you, and it's all about the travel advisors. "You've obviously built this company," she said. "You've made this company successful. I'm excited about all we've accomplished, but I'm really excited about where we're going."
The Sitata App Offers Travelers Peace of Mind While Abroad
American Airlines and British Airways to Begin Redevelopment of JFK Terminal
How One Travel Advisor is Dealing with the Fires Raging Across Australia
Delta Air Lines CEO Talks the Future of Free WiFi, AI and More at CES 2020
Boeing CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, Resigns Amid 737 MAX Scandal
JetBlue Airways to Launch Up to 10 Daily Roundtrips Between New York and Boston
Check out travelagentcafe.com for the latest news, incentives & promos to make your business soar!
Award-winning land journeys, river & small ship cruises. Because how you see the world matters.
Save up to $500 per person* on Collette Tours. View Tours.
American Dreams: How to See Washington D.C. History through Tours
A visit to Washington, D.C., and its surrounding historical places, is impactful and uplifting, immersing guests in a treasure trove of American history.
One Agent's 'Nightmare' with Excite Holidays as Wholesaler Suspends Operations
Canceled bookings, a 26-hour wait on chat, and no response from the tour operator's BDM or director of sales made for a ruined holiday vacation abroad.
With a Surge in Thailand Bookings, Avanti Boosts Offerings
Five new customizable itineraries include such experiences as sampling Bangkok's street food by tuk-tuk; a private day in an agricultural village; and a James Bond-themed tour of waterfalls by long-tail boat.
Pleasant Holidays Introduces Cancel for Any Reason, Commission Protection
Pre-departure travel arrangement and waiver benefits begin at $59 per adult.
Globus Rides to a Record Year
The tour operator is already halfway into its best year of the century, and its CMO cites four drivers behind the company's current growth wave.
Perillo Tours on Changing Seasons and New Booking Technology
A conversation with Steve Perillo reveals where the company is headed, how its new booking engine can help agents, and its dream of making FITs the same price as tours.
AAT Kings Guide Donates Artwork Proceeds to Help Australian Bushfires
Intrepid Launches Monthly Subscription for Travelers Who Want to Offset Carbon Footprint
Air Transat Launches 'Vacation Intervention' Campaign
Intrepid Offering $1 Deposits for 2020 Trips
USTOA Extends Deadline For Cox & Kings, The Americas Traveler Claims
New Booking Incentive from Collette


text:
Here's How the Internet Reacted to David Bowie's Death
By Rishi Iyengar
Updated: January 11, 2016 11:01 AM ET | Originally published: January 11, 2016 3:21 AM EST
Music legend David Bowie died Sunday aged 69 following an 18-month battle with cancer. The pop icon's death was announced on his Facebook page early Monday morning, and confirmed by his son Duncan Jones on Twitter soon after.
Social media immediately erupted with messages of mourning, including from several of his contemporaries and peers in the music industry. The German Foreign Ministry thanked for his help in unifying East and West Germany.
His life and work was particularly priased by the musicians he worked with or those who were inspired by him.
https://mobile.twitter.com/IggyPop/status/686487748149121024
Read next: See Intimate Photos of David Bowie Throughout His Career
Other celebrities including actor Bob Saget and Sunday night's Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais also tweeted their condolences, as did British Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon.
Hundreds of other netizens shared tributes in their own way, with many sharing pictures and videos of some of his most memorable performances and flamboyant costumes.
Bowie, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, had marked the occasion by releasing his latest album Blackstar.
Write to Rishi Iyengar at rishi.iyengar@timeasia.com.
David Bowie, Legendary Rock Artist, Dead at 69
Underwater Noise Pollution Is Disrupting Ocean Life—But We Can Fix It


SLINKII Athletic CEO, Pia Muehlenbeck, is the latest brand ambassador for G.H. Mumm at this year's prestigious Melbourne Cup. To celebrate, they have teamed up to create an exclusive SLINKII SWIM piece.
It was such a huge honour to collaborate with G.H. Mumm on their swimsuits for this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival. This was such a natural partnership as the two brands perfectly align through their mutual passion for sports and luxury fashion. For these exclusive SLINKII SWIM pieces, we combined SLINKII's signature sportsluxe feel with the extravagant style of the Melbourne Cup. This year, G.H. Mumm brought the beach to the races with their Club de la Plage (Beach Club) themed marquee. So, a unique collaboration with SLINKII SWIM was the perfect fit! Featuring G.H. Mumm's signature red, the swimsuits embody the bold, daring and luxurious spirit of both brands. Check out the unveiling of the swimsuits below!


The RWM and Futuresource exhibitions are to be merged into just one show in 2011.
Emap (the owner of both RWM and MRW) has signed an agreement with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Environmental Services Association (the organisers of Futuresource) to work in partnership to hold just one annual recycling and waste management exhibition.
As a result, Futuresource will not take place in June 2011 as planned, but the first joint event will be held at the NEC on 13 -15 September – the date RWM is currently scheduled to take place. Futuresource exhibitors will be invited to transfer their space to the new combined event and details will be provided to Futuresource customers in early January. The joint team from RWM and Futuresource will then talk directly to every customer and a series of roadshows will be organised for the spring.
CIWM will now play an integral role in influencing the shape, content and direction of the event through the joint event advisory board. It will also have a high-profile presence at the show, and make a significant contribution to the marketing and promotion in 2011 and beyond. The aim of the merged exhibition will be to produce an outstanding event that also competes internationally. The show will also be supported by the ESA.
The Resource and Waste Management (RWM) show is to have a sister exhibition run alongside it, focussing on renewable energy.


text:
Sylvanus Griswold Morley (født 7. juni 1883, død 2. september 1948) var en amerikansk arkæolog, epigraf og mayaforsker, hvis arbejde havde stor betydning for udforskningen af den præcolumbianske mayakultur i det tidlige 20. århundrede.

Morley er særlig kendt for sine omfattende udgravninger af mayabyen Chichen Itza, som han stod for på vegne af Carnegie Institution. Han udgav også flere store sammenfatninger og afhandlinger om mayaskriftsystemet og skrev populære beretninger om mayaerne.

Blandt sine samtidige var "Vay" Morley en af sin tids førende mesoamerikanske arkæologer. Selv om nyere udvikling inden for området har ført til genevaluering af hans teorier og arbejde, refereres der stadig til hans udgivelser, særligt dem der omhandler Mayakalenderens inskriptioner. Som leder af forskellige projekter sponseret af Carnegie Institution var han ansvarlig for og opmuntrede mange andre, der senere fik succesrige selvstændige karrierer. Hans engagement og entusiasme for mayaforskningen var medvirkende til at sikre nødvendige sponsorater til de projekter, der senere blotlagde mange oplysninger om den gamle mayakultur.

Morley udførte tillige spionage i Mexico for USA under første verdenskrig, men omfanget af disse aktiviteter blev først kendt længe efter hans død. Hans arkæologiske feltarbejde i Mexico og Mellemamerika gav en passende dækhistorie for hans efterforskning af tyske og anti-amerikanske aktiviteter på opfodring fra USA's flådeefterretningstjeneste, Office of Naval Intelligence.

Barndom, ungdom, uddannelse og første ekspeditioner
Sylvanus G. Morley blev født i Chester i Pennsylvania, som den ældste af seks børn.
Faren, oberst Benjamin F. Morley, var vicedirektør og underviser i kemi, matematik og taktik ved Pennsylvania Military College (PMC). Moren, Sarah, havde også forbindelse til universitet, hvor hendes far, Felix de Lannoy, havde undervist i moderne sprog. Felix (Sylvanus' morfar) var immigreret til USA fra det nyligt uafhængige Belgien, hvor dennes far var dommer ved Højesteret.

Familien flyttede til Colorado da Sylvanus var ti år gammel, og han afsluttede sin skoleuddannelse i Buena Vista og Colorado Springs. I Colorado fik Morley interesse for arkæologi og særligt ægyptologi. Men hans far, der var uddannet inden for naturfagene og tog sin klasses bedste afgangseksamen som civilingeniør ved PMC, støttede ikke sønnens ambitioner. Han mente ikke, at der var muligheder inden for arkæologien, og opfordrede sin søn til at læse til ingeniør. Sylvanus læste til civilingeniør ved PMC og dimitterede i 1904.

Ikke desto mindre fik Sylvanus straks efter sin ingeniøreksamen sit ønske opfyldt om at gå på Harvard University for at tage en bachelorgrad i arkæologi. Under studierne på Harvard ændredes hans fokus fra det gamle Ægypten til de præcolumbianske mayaer på opfordring af direktøren for Peabody Museum, F. W. Putnam og den unge Alfred Tozzer, nyudnævnt professor ved Harvards antropologiske institut. Morleys interesse for mayaerne kan have været vakt tidligere, ifølge hans medstuderende og senere kollega Alfred V. Kidder. H. Rider Haggards roman Heart of the World fra 1895 af baseret på eventyr om "tabte byer" i Mellemamerika, var en af den unge Morleys yndlingsbøger.

Morley blev i 1907 bachelor i American Research fra Harvard. Hans første arbejde i felten gik i januar samme år til Mexico og Yucatán, hvor han besøgte og udforskede flere mayaruinbyer, blandt andre Acanceh, Xtocche, Labna, Kabah, Uxmal, Zayil, Kiuic og Mayapan. Han tilbragte flere uger i Chichen Itza som Edward Thompsons gæst og hjalp med at rense Cenote Sagrado. På hjemturen til USA havde han flere genstande fra cenoten med sig, som skulle indgå i samlingen på Harvards Peabody Museums.

Sommeren 1907 arbejdede Morley i to måneder for School of American Archaeology (SAA) i Santa Fe, New Mexico, hvor han udførte feltarbejde i det sydvestlige USA. Der udforskede han anasazikulturens bosættelser og arkitektur. Blandt andre, der udførte arbejdet, var kunstneren Georgia O'Keeffe. Morley gav betydningsfulde bidrag til definitionen af en bestemt "Santa Fe"-stilvariant af præcolumbiansk arkitektur.

Efter denne opgave blev Morley fastansat ved SAA, og i løbet af de følgende år vekslede hans feltarbejde mellem opgaver i det sydvestlige USA, Mexico og Mellemamerika.

I 1908 blev Morley cand.mag. (Master of Arts) fra Harvard.

Carnegie Institution og Chichen Itza-forslaget
I 1912 annoncerede Carnegie Institution at de ville finansiere et antropologisk institut på opfordring fra medlem af præsidet William Barclay Parsons. Bestyrelsen meddelte i december, at den søgte forslag til egnede projekter; den modtag tre forslag, blandt andre et fra Morley om at udforske og udgave Chichen Itza.

Carnegie Institution godkendte Morleys forslag i december 1913, og en måned senere blev han ansat til at lede projektet, men ustabilitet i Yucatán efter den mexicanske revolution og verdenskrigen medvirkede til at forslaget blev udskudt i ti år. Udgravningsarbejdet ved Chichen Itza begyndte først i 1923- 24-sæsonen.

Mens Chichen Itza-projektet var i bero, foretog Morley flere ekspeditioner i Mexico og Mellemamerika for Carnegie Institution. Han udgav i 1915 sit første større værk, An Introduction to the Study of Maya Hieroglyphs.

Spionage
Under første verdenskrig indsamlede Morley efterretninger om det Tyske kejserrige og rapporterede om, hvad deres agenter foretog sig i området, oplysninger der var af stor interesse for USA's regering. Ifølge nyere oplysninger, var Morley en af flere agenter for ONI, der arbejdede i området under dække af at udføre forskning. Deres opgave var at finde beviser på pro-tysk og antiamerikansk agitation i Mexico og Mellemamerika og at være på udkig efter hemmelige tyske ubådsbaser (der viste sig ikke at findes). Morleys arkæologiske arbejde gav ham god undskyldning for at rejse rundt ude på landet med fotografisk udstyr, og han rejste mere end 3.200 kilometer langs den mellemamerikanske kyst i sin søgen efter beviser på eksistensen af tyske baser.

Flere gange måtte Morley overbevise mistænksomme soldater om, at han var en ægte videnskabsmand, og ved et tilfælde blev han næsten afsløret. I 1917 blev Morley forhindret i at fotografere et gammel spansk fort af en trup honduranske soldater, der mistroisk havde overvåget ham. Han protesterede kraftigt til de lokale myndigheder og erklærede, at hans akkreditiver som arkæolog burde være nok til at holde ham uden for mistanke. De lokale myndigheder lod sig ikke rokke, og først da det lykkedes Morley at fremskaffe et introduktionsbrev underskrevet af Honduras præsident, Francisco Bertrand, fik han lov til at fortsætte.

Morley leverede omfattende analyser (han indsendte over 10.000 rapportsider) med mange observationer i området, bl.a. detaljeret kortlægning af kystlinjen og identificering af politiske og sociale synspunkter, der kunne "true" USA's interesser. Nogle af disse rapporter var nærmest økonomisk spionage med detaljerede oplysninger om om store amerikanske virksomheders lokale konkurrenter og modstandere i området, som United Fruit Company og International Harvester.

Som hans senere arbejde beviste, var Morley en dygtig videnskabsmand og arkæolog med blivende interesse for området. Men hans forskningsresultater syntes i den tid stort set at være sekundære i forhold til hans spionageopgaver. Han var "nok den bedste hemmelige agent USA frembragte under første verdenskrig". Kort efter krigen udtrykte flere af Morleys samtidige bekymring over det bedrageriske spionagearbejde, som Morley og andre af hans kollegaer havde været mistænkt for. En fremtrædende kritiker var den berømte antropolog Franz Boas, hvis protestbrev blev trykt den 20. december 1919 i tidsskriftet The Nation. Uden at nævne de mistænkte arkæologer ved navn, tog Boas i sit brev afstand fra mellemamerikanske agenter, der havde "prostitueret videnskaben ved at bruge den som et dække for deres aktiviteter som spioner". Ti dage efter brevet blev trykt, blev Boas kritiseret af American Anthropological Association ved en afstemning (21 stemmer for og 10 imod) hvor AAA tog afstand til Boas synspunkter. Den etiske debat om sådanne "arkæolog-spioner" fortsætter i dag, hvor nogle kommentatorer bemærker hvilken fare og mistanke, de udsætter dem for, som foretager legitimt arkæologisk feltarbejde, særligt dem der arbejder eller ønsker at arbejde i "følsomme" regeringskontrollerede områder.

Feltarbejde i Mexico og Mellemamerika
De næste to årtier tilbragte Morley det meste af sin tid med at arbejde i mayaområdet, som leder af de sæsonbetingede arkæologiske gravearbejder og restaureringsprojekter, mens han indimellem vendte tilbage til USA for at holde foredrag om sine fund. Selv om han primært var involveret i arbejdet ved Chichen Itza, påtog Morley sig også ansvar for Carnegie-sponseret feltarbejde, der udstrakte sig til andre mayaruinbyer, så som Yaxchilan, Coba, Copán, Quiriguá, Uxmal, Naranjo, Seibal og Uaxactun. Morley genopdagede sidstnævnte (i Petén-bækkenområdet i Guatemala, nord for Tikal). Overbevist om, at der måtte være mange flere ukendte gamle mayabyer i området, fortalte Morley de lokale chicleros, som gennemsøgte junglerne efter udnytbare kilder til naturgummi´, at der ville blive givet en dusør for oplysninger om nye steder. Således fik han oplysninger, der førte til genopdagelsen af Uaxactun. Navnet uaxactun tog han fra mayasprogene efter en steleinskription, han fandt på stedet, hvorpå der var registreret en dato efter mayaernes "lang tælling"-kalender i den ottende cyklus (dvs. "8-tun", hvor tun er en tidsenhed, som svarer til 360 dage; navnet kunne også bogstaveligt betyde "otte sten", og udtalen er måske et ordspil på "Washington", hjemsted for det sponserende institut).

Nu fik Morley ry for at være pålidelig blandt de lokale yucateker-mayaer i Mérida-området, der stadig led under følgerne af kastekrigen mod den mexicanske regering. I årenes løb blev han nærmest en repræsentant for dem i flere sager, selv om han omhyggeligt sørgede for ikke at udfordre hverken Mexicos eller USA's regering.

Hans ledelse af alle instituttets aktiviteter i mayarområdet løb snart ind i problemer. På grund af kritik af dele af forskningskvaliteten og overskredne budgetter og planer fik Carnegies bestyrelse den opfattelse, at Morleys styrke ikke lå i at lede flere projekter på én gang. I 1929 blev den overordnede ledelse overdraget til A.V. Kidder, og Morley kunne koncentrere sig om Chichen Itza.

Carnegie-planen under ledelse af Morley sponserede også planen også det sammenlignende forskningsarbejde i marken vedrørende de moderne yucateker-mayaers samfund. Denne forskning blev udført i 1930'erne under ledelse af antropologen Robert Redfield som forskningslektor for Carnegie indsamlede oplysninger og undersøgte de kulturelle kontraster som mayaindianerne oplever på fire samfundsniveauer:
 en traditionel indianerbebyggelse,
 en landsby,
 en mindre by og
 en storby

De blev udtrykt socialantropologisk analyseret som "typer" repræsenterende forskellige grader af samfundsmæssig isolation og homogenitet.

Arbejdsårene i de Mellemamerikanske jungler under ugunstige betingelser forværrede den spinkle Morleys helbred. Flere gange var han uarbejdsdygtig af malaria, og han måtte året efter indlægges med tyktarmsbetændelse og senere amøbiasis. I 1930'erne blev det også klart, at han havde hjerteproblemer, som kom til at plage ham resten af livet. Ikke desto mindre fortsatte han sit arbejde med tydelig entusiasme, selv om han "afskyede" forholdene i junglen.

Mellem projektledelse og forskning udgav Morley flere afhandlinger om mayaskrifttegnene og sin fortolkning af deres betydning. Deriblandt en undersøgelse af inskriptioner i Copán (1920) og en større undersøgelse (et stort værk på over 2.000 sider i fem bind) omfattende mange af de ruinbyer, han havde udforsket i Péten-området 1932-38.

Udgravninger i Chichen Itza

Kontekst

Ruinbyen Chichen Itza ligger omkring 120 km sydøst for Mérida på indlandssletterne i det nordligt centrale Yucatán. Stedet har været kendt af europæerne siden besøg af 1500-tallets conquistadores. Under erobringen af Yucatán forsøgte spanierne at gøre Chichen Itza til deres hovedstad, men modstand fra mayaerne fordrev dem efter flere måneders besættelse. Da spanierne vendte tilbage til Yucatán i 1542, lykkedes det dem endelig at etablere en hovedstad i en anden mayaby, T'ho (eller Tiho), som de omdøbte til Mérida.

Længe før de første spanieres ankomst var Chichen Itza tydeligvis forladt, selv om de lokale yucateker-mayaer stadig boede tæt på og endda inden for byens tidligere grænser (men i nybyggede træhytter, ikke i stenbygningerne). Navnet Chichen Itza kendes fra de tidligt registrerede spanske beretninger som Diego de Landas &ndahs; om de lokale beboere, for hvem stedet længe havde været pilgrims- og ceremonielt sted. Navnet (i moderne yucatekerortografi chich'en itza) betyder omtrent "itzaernes brønds mund", hvor "itza" er navnet på det folk, der sagdes at være stedets tidligere beboere, og "brønden" er den nærtliggende hellige cenote (et stort vandfyldt hul). I de næste tre århundreder efter erobringen forblev stedet relativt uberørt til John Lloyd Stephens og Frederick Catherwood ankomst; flere plantager var dog blevet anlagt tæt på.

På det tidspunkt var områdets totale størrelse langt fra sikker, men i dag anses det for at være en af de største mayaruinbyer i Yucatán-området. Hvor længe siden stedet blev funktionelt forladt var ikke indlysende, om end det syntes at være kortere tid end andre ældre forladte byer i det centrale og sydlige mayaområde.

Iværksættelsen af Carnegie-projektet
I 1922 havde den turbulente politiske situation i Mexico stabiliseret sig noget. Det banede vejen for at Carnegie Institutions Chichen Itza-projekt kunne begynde. Morley og Carnegie Institutions formand Charles Merriam besøgte Chichen Itza i februar 1923. Den mexicanske regering var allerede i færd med at restaurere den store pyramide el Castillo. Morley gav Merriam en rundvisning, han mente ville være bedst egnet til udgravning og restaurering: et kompleks af høje kendt som De Tusinde Søjlers Gruppe (deriblandt Krigernes Tempel).

Da Morley og hans hold i 1924 vendte tilbage for at iværksætte deres udgravninger, var Chichen Itza et spredt kompleks bestående af flere store ruiner og mange mindre, de fleste skjult under jordhøje og bevoksning. Nogle dele af området var undersøgt, fotograferet og dokumenteret i slutningen af det 19. og begyndelsen af det 20. århundrede af Desire Charnay, Augustus Le Plongeon, Teoberto Maler, Alfred Maudslay, Eduard Seler og Edward H. Thompson, selv om kun Le Plongeon og Thompson havde udført udgravninger af betydning, og deres arbejde kom til at blegne for Carnegies projekt.

Større fund

Med en fornybar tiårig gravetilladelse fra den mexicanske regering fra 1924 begyndte Morley, hans leder i marken Earl H. Morris, kunstnerne Ann Axtel Morris og Jean Charlot samt flere andre deres første undersøgelser. De udvalgte et område inden for det, der så ud til at være ruinbyens centrale plads, hvor nogle søjlers kapitæler lå blotlagt. Til deres store overraskelse, fritlagde de række efter række af fritstående søjler. Det var overraskende, fordi sådanne søjler næsten aldrig havde været set i klassisk mayaarkitektur. Komplekset, De Tusinde Søjlers Kompleks (selv om der er færre end tusinde) var hverken mayaagtigt i udførelse eller opstilling, bekræftede tidligere spekulationer om at Chichen Itza var noget af en gåde. Opstillingen havde meget mere til fælles med arkitektoniske stilarter blandt kulturer i det centrale Mexico mere end 1000 km væk, end med den klassiske og præklassiske mayakultur. Særligt syntes komplekset og andre, der gradvist blev blotlagt, at have meget mere til fælles med konstruktionerne i Tula, som menes at have været toltekernes hovedstad, og som lå omkring 100 km nord for den nuværende Mexico City.

I de næste sæsoner udvidede holdet deres udgravninger og genfandt anormale bygningsværker i jordhøjen som Jaguarens Tempel og Krigernes Tempel. I 1927 opdagede de et ældre bygningsværk under Krigernes Tempel, som de kaldte Chacmool'ens Tempel, efter endnu et fund af denne karakteristiske billedhuggerkunst. Bygningsværkerne havde frescoer, der var forskellig fra mayaernes, eller i det mindste en hybrid mellem maya og ikke-maya. De arbejdede også på rekonstruktionen af el Caracol, en unik cikulær bygning, der lignede et observatorium. En separat arkæologisk udgravning på vegne af den mexicanske regering var også i gang på stedet; de to projekter delte udgravningsområderne mellem sig og arbejdede i flere år ved siden af hinanden, på en forbeholden, men i øvrigt venlig måde.

Mens Morris havde det daglige ansvar, og Charlot tegnede vægmalerierne, beskæftigede Morley sig med at kopiere de inskriptioner, han kunne finde, særligt de daterede dele. Da de fleste af inskriptionsdatoer var registreret på stedet på en forkortet form, kendt som den "korte tælling", der kun identificerede en begivenhed inden for en periode på omkring 260 år, var det svært at afgøre præcis hvilken periode, det drejede sig om. Ved slutningen af projektet var Morleys arbejde på dette område delvist afløst af en mere omfattende analyse udført af Hermann Beyer i 1937. Beyer fortæller:

Projektets senere år blev i stadig højere grad koncenteret om restaureringsarbejdet på de vigtigste bygningsværker, da Morley altid havde øje for projektets dobbelte formål: forskning og genopbygning for at give turistindtægter.

Resultater

Nettoresultatet ved deres udgravninger viste, at Chichen Itza var en usædvanlig kombination af byggestilarter: ikke blot var der et bredt udvalg af mayastilarter så som Puuc, Rio Bec og Chenes, men også en betydelig tilstedeværelse af mexicansk indflydelser så som El Tajín, men mere fremtrædende toltekisk. Beviserne antydede at stedet havde været beboet mindst siden den midt-klassiske periode, men at en særlig glans opstod i den post-klassiske periode, hvor stedet tilsyneladende var en stormagt. Ud fra de kombinerede resultater af deres og andres arbejde samt nogle dokumenterede beretninger om kontaktperiodens mayafolk dannedes den opfattelse, at Chichen Itza var blevet invaderet og erobret i det 10. århundede af toltekerkrigere fra det fjerne vesten, som opretholdt magten over de lokale mayaer i omkring hundrede år, kun for at blive erstattet af en blandet maya-mexica-gruppe, kendt som itzafolket. Senere beviser antyder, at året for invasionen skete i 987, og at lederen var den legendariske toltekerhersker Topiltzin Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl, efter den mesoamerikanske gud Quetzalcoatl (K'ulk'ulkan på yucatekisk).

Morley var generelt modstander af tanken om, at andre eksterne grupper havde påvirket mayaerne, men fordi erobringen fandt sted i den "degenererede" postklassiske periode, anså han det for acceptabelt. Toltekernes invasion af Yucatán blev den fremherskende blandt flertallet af mayaforskere. Forskning fra midten af 1990'erne har dog betvivlet denne antagelse; mange mener nu, at en egentlig invasion ikke fandt sted, men at lighederne i stilarterne primært skyldes diffusionnisme og handel og det faktum, at der ikke er beviser på at diffusionnismen på den tid gik i begge retninger.

Chichen Itzas kronologi er fortsat et debatemne, og mysteriet om den klassiske mayakulturs nedgang er ikke løst (omfattende "mexicanisering" på grund af invaderende styrker er udelukket på grund af manglende antydninger deraf på sydligt og centralt placerede steder). Dog gav Carnegies udgravninger en betydelig mængde nye oplysninger, og er bemærkelsesværdige alene på grund af deres omfang og så meget mere for deres detaljeringsgrad og den bagvedliggende forskning. Carnegies rekonstruktion af stedet har vist sig at være blivende, og i dag er Chichen Itza en af de mest besøgte precolumbianske ruinbyer i hele Mellemamerika og Mexico, med mere end en million besøgende om året.

Projektafslutning og de sidste år
Efter næsten tyve år blev Carnegis Chichen Itza-projekt færdigt i 1940 med restaurerings- og undersøgelsesarbejdet afsluttet og målsætningerne i det store hele opfyldt. Morley vente tilbage til USA for at blive leder ved School of American Research and the Museum of New Mexico. Han begyndte også at arbejde på et stort værk om oldtidens mayasamfund, som blev færdig og udgivet i 1946. Det blev ud over hans populære magasinartikler et af hans mest succesrige værker, og det er posthumt blevet revideret og genoptrykt flere gange.

Morley vendte aldrig igen tilbage til det område, hvor han havde tilbragt så megen tid og hvis undersøgelser han nærmest var blevet synonym med; Sylvanus Morley døde i 1948, i en alder af 65 år, to år efter sin sidste store udgivelse.

Hovedværker
Blandt Morleys udgivelser:

 1915: An Introduction to the Study of Maya Hieroglyphs
 1920: The Inscriptions of Copán
 1938: The Inscriptions of Petén (5 bind)
 1946: The Ancient Maya (revideret 3. udgave udgivet i 1956 af G. W. Brainerd)

Ud over sit videnskabelige arbejde anså Morley det for vigtigt at dele sin entusiasme for mayakulturen med offentligheden. Han skrev en populær artikelserie om mayaerne og forskellige mayaruinbyer til National Geographic Magazine. Flere arkæologer mindedes, at de i deres ungdom at have læste artiklerne, der var "levende illustreret med en farvegengivelse af en påstået jomfru iført en tynd huipil [en klædedragt], som blev kastet ned i den Hellige Cenote"; det var dét der havde gjort dem interesseret i arbejdet.

Morleys bog The Ancient Maya har været anvendt som primær kilde i forsøg på at forfalske manuskripter fra tiden for mesoamerikas erobring, som fx manuskripterne kendt som Historias de la Conquista del Mayab og Canek-manuskriptet. Dokumenterne foregav at være samtidige beretninger skrevet omkring det 17. århundrede, der var blevet "opdaget" i midten af 20. århundrede. Manuskripterne fortæller om forskellige aspekter ved mayakulturen og beskriver hændelser fra den tidlige spansk kolonitid; flere indeholder også tegninger af mayaideogrammer. Selv om nogle først blev accepteret som ægte, har senere analyser påvist slående ligheder med den spansksprogede udgave af Morleys bog, og manuskripterne afsløredes som forfalskninger lavet mellem 1950 og 1965.

Den anden Sylvanus G. Morley
Morley havde en ældre fætter, Sylvanus Griswold (Small) Morley (1878-1970), der underviste i spansk på University of California, Berkeley. I biografier og andre værker bliver deres liv og levned ofte sammenblandet.

Referencer

Litteratur

Arkæologer fra USA
Spioner for USA


text:
const Flint = require('../../../index.js')
const request = require('supertest')
const populateDB = require('../../populatedb')
const mongoose = require('mongoose')
const mocks = require('../../mocks')

describe('Compile templates', () => {
  let server

  beforeAll(async () => {
    const flintServer = new Flint({ templatePath: 'test/fixtures/templates', listen: false })
    server = await flintServer.startServer()
    await populateDB()
  })

  it('returns the index.njk template for the homepage', async () => {
    const res = await request(server).get('/')
    expect(res.text).not.toBe('no-template')
    expect(res.text).toMatchSnapshot()
  })

  it(
    'returns `no-template` when the requested template does not exist',
    async () => {
      const res = await request(server).get('/no-template')
      expect(res.status).toBe(302)
      expect(res.header.location).toBe('/admin/error?r=no-template&p=/no-template&t=template-no-exist')
      expect(res.text).toBe(
        'Found. Redirecting to /admin/error?r=no-template&p=/no-template&t=template-no-exist'
      )
    }
  )

  it('returns 404 when a page does not exist', async () => {
    const res = await request(server).get('/pizza')
    expect(res.status).toBe(404)
    expect(res.text).toMatchSnapshot()
  })

  it('returns a page with variables', async () => {
    const res = await request(server).get('/page-with-vars')
    expect(res.status).toBe(200)
    expect(res.text).toMatchSnapshot()
  })

  it('returns an entry in a section', async () => {
    const url = `/${mocks.sections[0].slug}/${mocks.entries[3].slug}`
    const res = await request(server).get(url)
    expect(res.status).toBe(200)
    expect(res.text).toMatchSnapshot()
  })

  afterAll((done) => {
    mongoose.disconnect(done)
  })
})

describe('Compiler 404', () => {
  let server

  beforeAll(async () => {
    const flintServer = new Flint({ templatePath: 'test/fixtures/templates/empty', listen: false })
    server = await flintServer.startServer()
  })

  it('redirects to `no-template` for the 404 page', async () => {
    const res = await request(server).get('/example')
    expect(res.status).toBe(302)
    expect(res.header.location).toBe('/admin/error?r=no-template&p=404&t=404')
    expect(res.text).toBe('Found. Redirecting to /admin/error?r=no-template&p=404&t=404')
  })

  afterAll((done) => {
    mongoose.disconnect(done)
  })
})

describe('Custom filters', () => {
  let server

  beforeAll(async () => {
    const flintServer = new Flint({ templatePath: 'test/fixtures/templates', listen: false })
    server = await flintServer.startServer()
  })

  describe('field filter', () => {
    it('returns the correct value', async () => {
      const url = `/${mocks.sections[2].slug}/${mocks.entries[4].slug}`
      const res = await request(server).get(url)

      expect(res.status).toBe(200)
      expect(res.text).toMatchSnapshot()
    })
  })

  afterAll((done) => {
    mongoose.disconnect(done)
  })
})


Active Ingredient Menthol (5%), Methyl Salicylate (10%) Purpose Topical Analgesic Inactive Ingredients:Water, Cinnamomum camphora (camphor) bark oil, stearyl alcohol, C13-15 alkane, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, pentylene glycol, glyceryl stearate, cetearyl alcohol, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, microcrystalline cellulose, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, behenyl alcohol, stearyl phosphate, Eugenia caryophyllus (clove) leaf oil, hydroxyacetophenone, Zingiber officinale (ginger) root oil, Arnica Montana flower extract, benzyl alcohol, cellulose gum, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar) gum, xanthan gum, sodium phytate.
Adults and children 2 years of age and older:apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times per day. Consult a physician before applying to children under 2 years of age.


This allows undergraduates, postgraduates and TAFE students access to the exhibition to engage with defence industry companies about career paths within their company. Student Professionals will also have the opportunity to sit in on any of the FREE conferences at LAND FORCES 2018.
This is aimed at students currently pursuing relevant undergraduates, postgraduates, tertiary studies, TAFE courses or career change.
All attendees will need to apply for accreditation and register online.
Attendance at the LAND FORCES 2018 careers forums is free-of-charge but places are limited.
Accreditation and pre-registration are required.
To qualify for accreditation to attend, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
a person with transferable skills developed through applicable experience in the work-place who demonstrates a serious interest in a career change to the civil security sector (and, particularly, cyber security, policing, border protection and defence).


Travel, purse, pocket, home gift: the perfect size!
The newest member of the our L+L Lotion Bar Family: Little Bee!
Designed by local sculptor Bien Irizarry, our 1oz Little Bee is the perfect size for all uses: travel, purse, pocket, home, gift!
The ingredients are the same as our 2.5 oz lotion bar and Anywhere Balm: pure local beeswax, coconut oil, almond oil infused with locally-grown Certified Organic calendula flowers, essential oils.
Our lotion bars are hand-poured and weigh approximately 1 oz.
Ingredients: Pure local beeswax, coconut oil, almond oil infused with locally-grown Certified Organic calendula flowers, essential oils.
Been using your bars for years. They are simply the best. Faye B.
My German mother-in-law swears by your lotion bars as the best remedy to her dry winter hands. Elizabeth C.
Wonderful costumer service and I really love what you guys stand for as a brand. I will definitely be spreading the word to everyone I know. I am very thankful for businesses like this that are very raw with their products and what they make. Very natural and soothing. Thank you so, so much again. Bethany P.
I just want to compliment you on what you're doing. It's hard to find a good, honest company who treats their animals like family. The rest of America should follow in your footsteps. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Stephanie H.


text:
Q: Validation of HTTPClient and HTTPRequest Code I am trying to send a request to Identity verification company. They are asking to send three headers. I added the headers like so:
                HttpClient client = new HttpClient();
                client.BaseAddress = new Uri("https://api.test");
                client.DefaultRequestHeaders.Accept.Add(new
                MediaTypeWithQualityHeaderValue("application/json"));//ACCEPT header
                client.DefaultRequestHeaders.TryAddWithoutValidation("hmac-signature", Hmackey);
                HttpRequestMessage request = new HttpRequestMessage();
                request.Method = HttpMethod.Post;

                request.Content = new StringContent(JSONFile, Encoding.UTF8,
                                    "application/json");
                HttpResponseMessage response = client.SendAsync(request).Result;
                string responseContent = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();

I posted the same JSON file in SOAP UI and I got the response back, but when I send the same JSON file using my code above, I get below error:
{
    "responseHeader": {
        "tenantID": "V2321",
        "requestType": "PreciseIdOnly",
        "clientReferenceId": "PIDInitial-2312313",
        "expRequestId": "",
        "messageTime": "2020-06-09T17:17:49Z",
        "responseCode": "R0302",
        "responseType": "ERROR",
        "responseMessage": "The HMAC validation failed : Invalid Signature or no matching alias found."
    },
    "originalRequestData": null
}

The only difference is that in my code, I have "/r/n" and "/". I can remove "/r/n", but cannot remove "/" because double codes are preceded by forward slash.
Instead of calculating HMAC key, I got the HMAC key from SOAP UI from HTTP logs and put that in my code .  I still get the same error saying  "HMAC validation failed". I just want to make sure that does my code above looks right? I am supposed to add three headers like so:
Accept:application/json
Content-Type:application/json
hmac-signature:<TheCalculatedHMACSignature>

Does my code look right with these three headers. This is my first application where I am sending a request and I am thinking may be something in my code that is causing this error. I am not calculating HMAC key anymore. I am getting that key from SOAP UI Http logs and my  response from SOAP UI looks good.
Any help in validating my code will be highly appreciated.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Slippers don't have to be boring. In fact all the comfy ones here are both plush enough to keep your feet warm and funny enough to get a few laughs from anyone who sees you wearing them. Best of all, they can easily be worn by men or women regardless of age.
These novelty slippers make exceptional gifts for book lovers since your favorite bibliophile will undoubtedly spend a lot of time reading and relaxing.
These plushies are perfect for your next Netflix marathon or making the grueling trek from the bed to the coffee pot.
These funny plush slippers are perfect gift for any unicorn lover you know, which is basically everyone.
Ease into these slippers as you make the arduous journey from your warm, cozy bed to the to the kitchen where your black magic coffee waits!
A great pun turned into comfy, silly slippers will have your favorite psychoanalyst laughing smugly no matter what they are doing.
These great animal slippers are essential for cozying up by the fire with your favorite book, movie, or newest television addiction.
These plush slippers go perfect with an early morning coffee.
For anyone looking for the cute animal slippers, these plushies are going to be doggone perfect.
Classic animal feet slippers with a Where-The-Wild-Things-Go vibe. Great for kids getting ready to romp through the house or your log cabin all winter long.
These exotic pink tiger slippers are perfect if your closet is filled with unique clothes and your coffee from distant lands.
These insanely popular animal paw slippers will have you looking like either the abominable snow man or a great northern polar bear. Either way, your feet will be warm and cozy.