User talk:Simon Burchell/Archive 4

DYK for Zaculeu

On February 11, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Zaculeu, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 00:00, 11 February 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Huehuetenango Department

On February 16, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Huehuetenango Department, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 00:27, 16 February 2010 (UTC)

Hello

I found a page User:Swargin which tells of a culture which deleveloped in mesoamerica before the Olmecs. Is it real information? JuanJose (talk) 14:43, 16 February 2010 (UTC)

Hi JuanJose - it appears to be genuine, although there is very little information available on the Mokaya in English (and significantly, The Cambridge History of the Native Peoples of the Americas doesn't give them a mention); there are some academic references in Spanish-language web sources after a search on Google Scholar. Mokaya seems to be a lable of convenience instead of refering to different ceramic styles, see The Formation of complex society in southeastern Mesoamerica by William Roy Fowler on Google Books for a summary of the term (footnote on page 13). The book is talking about the origins of Mesoamerican civilization, so the culture probably wasn't nearly as advanced as the Olmecs. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 14:57, 16 February 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Motul de San José

On February 16, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Motul de San José, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Ucucha 18:13, 16 February 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Cuello

On February 18, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Cuello, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 06:07, 18 February 2010 (UTC)

Thanks

Thanks for the appreciation. It was particularly flattering since I didn't even know we had a specific press barnstar.

Peter ^Isotalo 11:46, 18 February 2010 (UTC)

Thank you for your extraordinary effort to better the encyclopedia. I have for some time been considering approaching archeologists directly to see if they would be willing to release some photos - your action has encouraged me to do so! Simon Burchell (talk) 12:34, 18 February 2010 (UTC)

That's fantastic to hear. I can recommend that you butter them up by pointing to an article about their topic of research that you've improved recently. Or you could just show them a beefed-up and improved lead section in an e-mail. That was enough for me to convince the Trust to prick their ears. If you show them something of B-level or higher (like Tikal) they'll probably be really impressed. Even academics out there have a very low opinion of Wikipedia that is very easy to surpass if you're an experienced editor.

Peter ^Isotalo 19:33, 18 February 2010 (UTC)

Thanks Peter - I'll give it a try, they can only say "no" (or, indeed, "yes")! Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 20:15, 18 February 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for the barnstar, a nice surprize! Mjroots (talk) 19:18, 20 February 2010 (UTC)

No problem! Simon Burchell (talk) 19:55, 20 February 2010 (UTC)

DYK

Thanks for your comments on DYK of Christian meditation. I will accept your decision. I have never done a WP:GAN and I am not sure how it works, but if you think it is suitable and know how to do it and it is not too much trouble, could I ask you to nominate it please? It will be appreciated. Thanks. History2007 (talk) 19:21, 20 February 2010 (UTC)

No problem - I'll do it now. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 19:42, 20 February 2010 (UTC)

All done. Simon Burchell (talk) 20:06, 20 February 2010 (UTC)

Thank you so much, and no problem with backlog. Cheers. History2007 (talk) 20:29, 20 February 2010 (UTC)

DYK for A. Ledyard Smith

On February 21, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article A. Ledyard Smith, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 00:20, 21 February 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Altar de Sacrificios

On February 22, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Altar de Sacrificios, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 12:09, 22 February 2010 (UTC)

Infobox pre-Columbian site

Hi. I noticed you using a location map on the above article and wondered what you would think of an infobox. I was thinking a jade green color and with parameters such as the map/coordinates/ location/date established etc. It could also be designed to have a better pin, like a customised ancient marker rather than the red dot. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 13:15, 22 February 2010 (UTC)

I think an infobox would be great - these maps with dots tend to look a bit bare, although I've just seen that multiple markers are possible (as on Quelepa). It could include culture, period, region etc. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 13:30, 22 February 2010 (UTC)

It would be good if there were a way to put 2 different types of pin on the map, so we could mark archaeological sites and modern settlements diffently. Simon Burchell (talk) 19:08, 22 February 2010 (UTC)

Excuse me for butting in but I would love to see an infobox template for sites.... let me know when there is one ready to go.Thelmadatter (talk) 22:43, 22 February 2010 (UTC)

OK cool. Could you guys offer some ideas for what parameters we should include? Like Location, Date of Origin, Area, Dates excavated etc. I'm thinking of a jade green color with white text I think it will look really good. the same as the navigation template Would be nice to see the site marked on a modern pin map too. I'll find a suitable customised marker, something like File:Piedra del Sol central disc.jpg ....

Right then. I've started Template:Infobox Pre-Columbian site but it is just the bones. I need you to add whatever paramaters you require. Zaculeu is an example, but more parameters of info will need to be added. What do you think? Actually if you like I'll see if I can create location map Central America so it will display location in central America without the modern territorial borders, whatever is to your taste.The old location map we used for Mexico would work for most of them except Honduras I think.. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 12:24, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Excellent start. Can we have the option to put in a couple of extra pointers with a different maker option, so we can mark important nearby modern settlements, or country capital etc., as well as other relevent archaeological sites that it might be appropriate to mark? Also, some ideas for possible parameters, take or leave them as you think best:

Culture1, Culture2 etc.

Period1, Period2 etc.

Director of excavations1 etc.

From1 etc.

To1 etc.

Responsible body: (INAH or whatever)

Municipality

Divisiontype (Department, State)

Division (e.g. El Petén, Chiapas, La Libertad etc.)

Country

Nearest town

First occupied

Abandoned

Conquered

Actually, perhaps we'd better start taking this to the template talk page... but carry on here if it's more convenient. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 13:24, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Here will do. OK I'll try to add these shortly. I've also just created Template:Location map Northern Central America and Template:Location map Central America. You may prefer to use the more open maps the northern one for Mexican sites and the central one for Guatemala/Belize/Honduras whatever takes your fancy. Try the Zaceleu one with pushpin map =Central America. Your choice whether you want to use the modern country locator or regional one.. Actually I will see abuot creating a Template:Location map Mesoamerica using File:Quelepa location.png. That would be better eh? ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 14:20, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Actually, I originally modified another map, which might be easier to work on since it doesn't have Quelepa and the star. You can find it at File:ES-Mesoamérica.png. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 14:24, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Funny I had already spooted that two minutes before you said! I'll get the coordinates hopefully and it will work. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 14:27, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Oh for multiple sites I'm not sure how that can be done in the template. It will require advanced programming. I'll have to ask Plastikspork. I'm not a template expert but I have an intermediate undertstanding of how they work... ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 13:28, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

OK I've added some to here. Rather than culture 1 or 2 etc you list the civilisations that used the site underneath each other and for the periods occupied you do the same you'll have to type in e.g like 4th century BC - 1st century AD ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 13:44, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Maps sorted. Let me know what you think of Zaculeu. There are still plenty of paramters for you to fill in.. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 15:17, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Default size is 280 px for both picture and map OK. I found that works best for the meso map than 250.. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 15:36, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

It's looking very good! Perhaps where it says "conquered" it should be changed to "conquered by", at the moment it is ambiguous "Conquered: K'iche' Kingdom of Q'umarkaj" immediatly brought to mind that it had conquered the K'iche' rather than the other way around.

Are maps available for other countries/regions outside of Mesoamerica? This infobox could be used on any pre=Columbian site from Canada to Argentina in theory. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 16:20, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 16:20, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Of course. You can use Canada, Argentina, Peru etc in the infobox. Whatever location map you want. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 16:58, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

I've added some more info, but some of the text formatting looks a bit messy and could do with a bit of cleaning up. Regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 16:43, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

BTW, I've just found a great new online source for Zaculeu at the website of the Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, can't understand how I've missed it. In Spanish of course, I'll drop it into the refs and get to work at some point. Simon Burchell (talk) 16:47, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Nice find! ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 17:40, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

The infobox looks really good but Im wondering about the maps. The Tikal example looks really good as Guatamala is a small country and you can see where the site is in relation to modern borders clearly. But the map I see of Mexico dont seem to make the location as clear. Question.... are the two templates going to be used or should I only be looking at the Central American one? Is it possible to get maps that divide modern Mexico into regions, such as Yucatan, Chiapas/Oaxaca, the central highlands, west Mexico (Jalisco etc),the Gulf coast and the north? I realize that is a lot to ask, but we can certainly begin with what we have now!Thelmadatter (talk) 14:37, 25 February 2010 (UTC)

Just thought of something else.... is there something we can do about sites which are also World Heritage Sites like El Tajín There are a number of pages which have two infoboxes such as Tequila, Jalisco which to me looks cluttered at best. Any way to have a version that combines the information into one infobox?Thelmadatter (talk) 14:47, 25 February 2010 (UTC)

If it is a World Hertiage site then I suggest we do not add an infobox. Tikal was not a good example because I doubt we'll be adding an infobox to it. Or if we do we'll have to edit the template so it includes world heritage site. That would probably be best. As for maps, see Zaculeu. We should use the Mesoamerica pin map we made but regional maps or whatever is up to you. SOmeday or other we will get good state maps of Mexico like we have of Tibet etc but for the moment the Mesoamerica and national maps will have to do.. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 15:25, 25 February 2010 (UTC)

I just put in a request for a decent site map of Tikal with the maps team, I'll wait and see how that comes out, then maybe we can start requesting some Mexican state maps. Simon Burchell (talk) 15:34, 25 February 2010 (UTC)

Sure, Ill look into it within a few days. I wouldn't worry about the multiple maps to show like Guatemala City. You can see where it is in relation to other cities anyway by clicking the globe. IN my view the maps look cleaner with just the one indicator. If you really need a mulitple label map I'd recommend creating a set one instead (like your Tikal proposal). If ou and Thelma are happy with the new infobox I'll insert it into the articles when I have some time spare, they will, however have to be filled out in due course like the Zaculeu one. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 19:36, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, it looks great. It might overwhelm shorter articles though (well, with countries like Guatemala anyway - El Salvador, running east-west, doesn't take up so much space). Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 19:44, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

Should be OK, most articles seem a decent length so far even if a lot are in need of the Tikal treatment! If you really need a multiple map for critical commentary on multiple sections to an article you can always add one within the article further down... ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 19:50, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

Hi. I haven't forgotten about your article. First though I plan on quickly inserting the infoboxes into the articles. Or if you like I'll insert them into the articles and hide it so you can gradually fill them out at your own pace. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 12:28, 6 March 2010 (UTC) OK I've inserted the infboxes into the articles, but I've hidden them so you can fill them out gradually. I'm also planning on finding a way to add the world heritage site info within the infobox to make them all consistent. ‡ Himalayan ‡ ^ΨMonastery 13:07, 6 March 2010 (UTC)

That's great - it'll be good to have a consistent Mesoamerica "feel" to the articles. No rush with the article - I've been working on it for years! Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 21:32, 6 March 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Awilix

On February 27, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Awilix, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 00:07, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

Tikal map

Hi

I was thinking of starting work on the map, but not sure how you see improvements being made.

The one there, though sparse, is pretty accurate to widths of walkways etc. There is a reasonable amount of detail also.

How do you see improvements going ahead ?

Also the second link you included (to the belize site) appears to be broken

Chaosdruid (talk) 05:11, 28 February 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for replying on this. I've replaced the broken link with another website (I can get to the original website via google images but not via plain url for some reason).

The topography of the site is pretty important for the development of the city. Would it be possible to have two colours merging into each other for high/low ground? The reservoirs also need to be put in and named, my paper map is much clearer than anything I can find on the web, I think you can probably see where they are but may not be able to find their names so:

• Causeway Reservoir is the one immediately south of Complex O.
• Temple Reservoir is between Temple III and the Central Acropolis.
• Palace Reservoir lies between the Central Acropolis and Temple V.
• Hidden Reservoir is east of the Palace Rservoir, NW of Group G, lying against the south side of Mendez Causeway.
• Bejucal Reservoir would be at the extreme north of my map, about 500m west of Complex P.
• Madeira Reservoir is a short way south of the Plaza of the Seven Temples.
• Inscriptions Reservoir is a little to the west of the Temple of the Inscriptions.

A few important locations aren't labelled - the large black block lying between the Plaza of the Seven Temples and Temple V is the South Acropolis. The Ballcourt is poorly represented on my effort - the two small blocks lying between Temple I and the Central Acropolis are the ballcourt, which is unlabelled. The blocks look uneven on my map but should be identically sized, parralel and with the ends aligned with each other. It needs to be labelled, perhaps by a number referring to a legend since the central area there is pretty crowded.

There's a bunch of largish architecture west of the North Acropolis that isn't on my map at all and could do with being filled in... and any other detail you think is appropriate, obviously not every tiny building on the map, but any moderate to large size architecture that I haven't marked.

My scale was quickly done and judged by eye, so might be a little inaccurate (though not vastly so). It could certainly be improved from the bare line I have drawn so distances smaller than 500m can be judged.

Other than that, anything you think can be done to improve it - (and .svg would certainly be better than .jpg is you can do it but no worries if you can't - I don't have the software to do it myself). Thanks for looking at this, any improvements will be most welcome. If there is any text you can't make out on the online maps, just ask. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 07:52, 28 February 2010 (UTC)

No problem ! :¬)

(Well there probably will be a few...)

svg is always my preferred choice but it may be difficult to do this simply. I will aim for a couple of days - am just glad to be able to do something worthwhile on a topic I am interested in

I'll give you a progress report every now and then

Chaosdruid (talk) 08:00, 28 February 2010 (UTC)

Thanks! Simon Burchell (talk) 08:02, 28 February 2010 (UTC)

Sorry I didnt get back to you earlier - had a little bit of a problem with an egg left me down for a cpl days.

I did get half way there though - the main objects are created and it's just a case of checking each one for accuracy before letting you have a look at the first set (main buildings only).

The second image (well third I suppose lol) was pretty unusable as the detail was too low for any useful tracing. I can see what you were saying about the size of the site though so will look into other areas of sourcing for those places to the top (is that actually north I wonder...)

Anyway should be able to complete in couple of days, work that is - not actual days to finish !, so probably looking at five days or so

The big problem is that most maps only give the central view, there don't seem to be any detailed satellite shots avilable readily and so it goes on...

I will keep you updated though...Chaosdruid (talk) 07:55, 3 March 2010 (UTC)

PS - any chance of a scann of the map in high res ?? you can email it to me if you like - anything up to 12 MB in very high quality jpg is fine - I am used to working with images of 200mb (probably a 20 MB jpg is about that size) so will not be a problem at this end

Thanks Chaosdruid - the egg thing sounds pretty messy! I just checked against a reliable book source where north is marked and the top of the map is definitely north. I don't have easy access to a scanner but I'll see what I can do... Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 08:09, 3 March 2010 (UTC)

Its mainly the bits that arent on that first link, anything more north that includes the junction of the Maudsley and Maler causeways...Chaosdruid (talk) 08:22, 3 March 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Jacawitz

On March 2, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Jacawitz, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 07:06, 2 March 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Quelepa

On March 3, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Quelepa, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Calmer Waters 06:04, 3 March 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Cara Sucia (Mesoamerican site)

On March 4, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Cara Sucia (Mesoamerican site), which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Gatoclass 12:04, 4 March 2010 (UTC)

50 DYK Creation and Expansion Medal

		The 50 DYK Creation and Expansion Medal
		Excellent work on all those new Paleo-Mexican articles. Very interesting, and superb additions to the encyclopedia! Binksternet (talk) 21:20, 5 March 2010 (UTC)

Thanks Binksternet! Simon Burchell (talk) 21:31, 5 March 2010 (UTC)

E-mail

Hi

sorry for no news but had a hectic couple of days at work

I thought my temporary e-mail wsa on or I wouldnt have asked you to email me - big DOH! from me then I suppose lol

I'm guessing I didnt do it correctly - it should be enabled now :¬)

Chaosdruid (talk) 02:57, 6 March 2010 (UTC)

DYK for El Puente

On March 6, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article El Puente, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 12:03, 6 March 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Copán

On March 12, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Copán, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits your article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Calmer Waters 00:01, 12 March 2010 (UTC)

Imperial Triple Crown

Your majesty, it gives me great pleasure to bestow these Imperial triple crown jewels upon Simon Burchell for your contributions to Mesoamerican articles in the areas of WP:DYK, WP:GA, and WP:FC. Well done, Casliber (talk · contribs) 12:57, 16 March 2010 (UTC)

Thanks Casliber! Simon Burchell (talk) 20:17, 16 March 2010 (UTC)

Toniná

Toniná is on hold. --Redtigerxyz ^Talk 13:55, 23 March 2010 (UTC)

Please ask your queries in "broad in coverage" section.--Redtigerxyz ^Talk 12:15, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for the review - I've had fairly limited time to go through this over the past few days but hope to answer the rest of your concerns this weekend. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 12:22, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

Was I wasting my time creating an infobox? Dr. Blofeld ^{White cat} 12:45, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

Sorry! I've not had much time online recently and it completely slipped my mind...I've now filled out the infobox. Simon Burchell (talk) 13:46, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

Infobox looks nice. Please fill the other fields too. --Redtigerxyz ^Talk 13:02, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

Though there are no harm in passing it as a GA now, I would like to archive the article version with a completed infobox as GA version. --Redtigerxyz ^Talk 13:09, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

All done. Regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 13:46, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

That's OK. I do anticipate however it being used in all the articles eventually though... Congrats on your front page FA today and the Tonina GA. Excellent work!. Dr. Blofeld ^{White cat} 18:50, 30 March 2010 (UTC)

Thanks! Simon Burchell (talk) 19:27, 30 March 2010 (UTC)

What was the article you wanted me to look at again? I'll definately look at it over the weekend. Dr. Blofeld ^{White cat} 19:51, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

It was Motul de San José - thanks in advance. Simon Burchell (talk) 20:14, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Open chapel or Capilla abierta??

I just looked at Wikipedia:Article titles but didnt get much help. Im working on an article about open chapels/capilla abiertas (the side chapels built in many churchs from the 16th century in Mexico for the indigenous) and Im wondering if the article should be named in English or Spanish (with the other as a redirect). What do you think?Thelmadatter (talk) 14:27, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

I would go with the Spanish since it is referring to specifically Mexican chapels, and an article named "Open chapel" would be likely to be expanded to refer to any other use of the term worldwide. I believe that open chapels were used throughout Latin America so the article would be likely to take in similar chapels in other former Spanish colonies, even if the Spanish title is used - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 14:53, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

Your GA nomination of Copán

Hello, I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know I am glad to be reviewing the article Copán you nominated for GA-status according to the criteria. This process may take up to 3 days. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you might have during this period. Redtigerxyz ^Talk 13:54, 5 April 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for reviewing this - I'll try to take a look at it this evening. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 09:57, 6 April 2010 (UTC)

Copan seems good, though I can pass it only after a detailed re-reading, though I have to give preference to the other article that I have kept on hold as its hold period is coming to an end soon. Please be patient. If needed, I will extend your hold period by the period of days I have not responded. Thanks. --Redtigerxyz ^Talk 13:32, 7 April 2010 (UTC)

Thanks - there's no rush. Best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 13:47, 7 April 2010 (UTC)

Some minor work is needed for a pass. --Redtigerxyz ^Talk 13:16, 8 April 2010 (UTC)

Your GA nomination of Christian meditation

The article Christian meditation you nominated as a good article has been placed on hold . The article is close to meeting the good article criteria, but there are some minor changes or clarifications needed to be addressed. If these are fixed within seven days, the article will pass, otherwise it will fail. See Talk:Christian meditation for things which need to be addressed. Redtigerxyz ^Talk 16:07, 8 April 2010 (UTC)

OK. Informed him too. --Redtigerxyz ^Talk 16:14, 8 April 2010 (UTC)

Thanks! Simon Burchell (talk) 16:15, 8 April 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Tamarindito

On April 13, 2010, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Tamarindito, which you created or substantially expanded. You are welcome to check how many hits the article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check ) and add it to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

Materialscientist (talk) 11:13, 13 April 2010 (UTC)

GA

Thank you. History2007 (talk) 13:55, 14 April 2010 (UTC)

Re San Miguel Escobar

Hello Simon

I haven't done this before so I'm not sure if it should be on my Talk page or yours. I have lived in Antigua for 13 years. San Miguel Escobar isn't a district of Ciudad Vieja. It's a village about 1.5 km from the Ciudad Vieja plaza. It now lies on the outskirts of Ciudad Vieja, but Guatemala's population was 2.8 million in 1950 and 885,000 in 1900 so its adjacency to Ciudad Vieja is very recent. People living there identify themselves as living in San Miguel Escobar.

The Santiago/Ciudad Vieja thing is an urban myth. Almolonga/Cuidad Vieja was an outpost of and separate from the second Santiago. De Alvarado's Mexican troops were quartered there. Indian troops would not have been allowed to mix with Santiago's gentry.

My guess is that, because it was separate, Almolonga survived the mudslide.

All this has been in plain sight for 500 years. The crude hand drawn Spanish maps from that time clearly show Almolonga as separate from Santiago (which is shown to the east of and higher up the slope than Almolonga). When I first came to Antigua, these maps were on view in the Spanish Center in the Jesuit monastery on 6a Calle, but not now. Archeological digs long ago found the plaza of Santiago beneath San Miguel. The archeologists dug there because the evidence pointed there. I saw a dig in San Miguel reported in the Guatemalan press in the 1990s (specifically in Prensa Libre).

When I first came to Antigua I noted the huge rainwater gullies from the top of Agua and wondered if I was seeing the evidence of the 500 year old disaster. These gullies all point towards San Miguel. I have climbed Agua on various occasions and companions wanted to take the quicker route up these gullies, but I pointed out ten minutes of rain would have a torrent pouring down them and the channels contain massive boulders.

One reason I don't want to mention Ciudad Vieja is that the municipality has plaques in the church on the plaza claiming it was the original Santiago cathedral. Problem--it was built in the 18th Century. There is not a single piece of evidence to place the site of Santiago in Ciudad Vieja so the myth needs to be left to die. The travel guides also repeat this but the travel guide writers all crib from each others work and so fiction becomes fact.

By the way if you live in or visit Antigua, CIRMA, the library just east of the park on 5a Calle, has a massive collection on Mesoamerica including the Lutz book I quoted as my reference for San Miguel Escobar. There are many other academic books that speak of Santiago/San Miguel; I used Lutz as my source because he is considered authoritative (worth reading if you can get hold of a copy).

Note the Wikipedia article on Guatemala also lists San Miguel as the site of the second capital (although they may have just copied my changes).

I've just found an interesting document which speaks exactly about this subject. Sorry about the length of the URL, but the link won't load and this is Google's stored copy. The writer did a dig in San Miguel, kills some myths, and promulgates some interesting theories.

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:_-X1w8E4ekUJ:www.asociaciontikal.com/pdf/28.89%2520-%2520Miguel%2520Valencia%2520-%2520en%2520PDF.pdf+Prensa+Libre+%22San+Miguel+Escobar%22&hl=en&gl=gt&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgiC2NVlxl8LcdGTBLCBtEP5XTzl6iJZusuP5jPrGGvVw-SIoJEBH6Ge19eVxZ5CCY_Fpqk29KT2_w60xAhxKRtiJiThVssOIaUqW88d6xd7s5lWTw_5gij4sz5h_InW81O8VYj&sig=AHIEtbSDSSRGXHBMhjWc60ns8nntB65ttQ

Thanks StonePeter (talk) 02:37, 29 April 2010 (UTC)

Hi, thanks for the interesting info and link - I don't have time to answer properly now, however as I understand it, San Miguel Escobar falls within the municipality of Ciudad Vieja, even if it's a mile or so from the centre, and the website of the municipality certainly lists San Miguel Escobar as a barrio of Ciudad Vieja - and it doesn't possess its own muni (at least as far as I know but then I've never acturally been to San Miguel, just Ciudad Vieja). So, officially, San Miguel Escobar is within the limits of Ciudad Vieja - I've double checked this against various sources so "San Miguel Escobar in the municipality of Ciudad Vieja" would be the most correct way of putting it, I think. I haven't been able to track down a map of the municipality yet but given my sources I have little reason to doubt this. However, if you are in Antigua now it will be easier for you to check this than me - I'm not currently in Guatemala. Certainly, no list of municipalities of Sacatepéquez lists San Miguel Escobar.

To format hyperlinks, put the link within square brackets with a space after the link followed by friendly text. For example, [http://www.google.co.uk Google] gives Google.

I always meant to drop into CIRMA but never had the time (I used to live in Xela and it was a long trip...) but certainly my main reason for visiting Antigua was always to buy books! Maybe next time...

Thanks for taking the time to answer in such detail and best regards, Simon Burchell (talk) 08:48, 29 April 2010 (UTC)

Speedy deletion nomination of File:Dark roasted espresso blend coffee beans 2.jpg

A tag has been placed on File:Dark roasted espresso blend coffee beans 2.jpg requesting that it be speedily deleted from Wikipedia. This has been done under section I2 of the criteria for speedy deletion, because it is an image page for a missing or corrupt image or an empty image description page for a Commons-hosted image.

If you think that this notice was placed here in error, you may contest the deletion by adding {{hangon}} to the top of the page that has been nominated for deletion (just below the existing speedy deletion or "db" tag), coupled with adding a note on the talk page explaining your position, but be aware that once tagged for speedy deletion, if the page meets the criterion, it may be deleted without delay. Please do not remove the speedy deletion tag yourself, but don't hesitate to add information to the page that would render it more in conformance with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines. Sfan00 IMG (talk) 19:24, 3 May 2010 (UTC)

Guatemalan Spanish

I am all in favor of an article on Guatemalan Spanish when & only when it says something. All the info about voseo is covered in that article & voseo is found in half of Spanish Latin America. Thanks, ♫ SqueakBox talk contribs 19:35, 3 May 2010 (UTC)

I don't think blanking a stub is the way to go...even with a few sentences it will encourage someone to come along and expand this article - in fact I'd do it myself if my reference books on the subject weren't on the other side of the Atlantic... Simon Burchell (talk) 08:13, 4 May 2010 (UTC)

Ahh I see you are a fellow Brit in Central America. I know about the "my things are in my parents attic 5,000 miles away syndrome". Thanks, ♫ SqueakBox talk contribs 13:44, 4 May 2010 (UTC)

Mexican map

Hi. This annoying German who barely edits english wikipedia keeps reverting my map updates see this. Which map would you prefer to use? Personally I find the blank Mexico map less professional looking than the relief map which is more realistic and gives the reader an idea of altitude which is very important. The rendering is much more attractive in my view. Which do you prefer, File:Mexico relief location map.jpg or File:Mexico location map.svg?We need to form a consensus over this otherwise this Oboe user is going to continue to revert. Dr. Blofeld ^{White cat} 16:50, 8 May 2010 (UTC)

I prefer the relief map, although it would be even better if the state borders were a bit more obvious. Simon Burchell (talk) 09:36, 10 May 2010 (UTC)