back to maps. yes, i wash my hands 37 times a day too. the first map relates the U.S. states in terms of economies compared to countries around the world. As 'one nation' it is possible to allow state lines to become abstract containers for societal types or sub-cultures, with each state's individual financial standing to become obscured, this map shows our individual economic power but also gives a sense of our 'neighbors' in the world.

This one is simple. Just turning the map upside down. The added detail of the country and ocean labels being applied right way up gives a sense of realness and ability to reconsider the world when we are not 'on top'. Suddenly Argentina seems a lot more important.


Abstract mapping to convey population is an often tried attempt to show the disparity of population to power or representation. On this map China almost squeezes Russia out of the picture and India rivals Africa in terms of spread.


Mother Earth Menopause
Earlier than anticipated in the lunacy cycle but still fun to come across, the story about impending "global cooling" comes with a somewhat intelligent possible correlation of solar activity to climate variation. The recent report on the BBC's bias in reporting and insertion of "gobal warming" stabs into stories that barely touch the topic is another example of a jaded media and news reporting structure that thrives on scandal, fear and big "ifs" masqueraded as forgone conclusions.

Keep The Change. The Change is Good..
I like this idea. Launched last year and succeeding in providing a currency of 'local value' rather than "fast money", Berkshares are local currency for an area of Southern Massachusetts. The Berkshare notes come in denominations of 1,5, 10 and 20 are even exchangeable at local banks at an exchange rate of US90¢ giving locals using them the incentive of a 10% discount as businesses and retailers accept them in equivalence to U.S. dollar value. Over three quarters of a million U.S. dollar's worth of Berkshares are now in circulation. More information on local scrip is floating around the net as well as an article in the U.K. Guardian newspaper about ethical money. For Berkshares see berkshares.org.

Stretch
Today is the longest day of the year. Well, it's still just the usual 24 hours (23.934 to be precise) but daylight is at it's maximum length for northern hemisphere latitudes. The Summer Solstice used to be a time for celebration and rituals. No doubt most reading this will have gone to work today, paid bills, dealth with crap and hassle and bitched about gas prices/traffic/tv/life. So take a moment to bring something back in to your life. Stop and smell the roses and get outside, enjoy the light and get a better life for gods' sakes. We all deserve that, and that's all i'll say about it.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 3:35 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.