MAPS, AND CRAZY MAPS!

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

Do you like maps as much as I do? Antique and otherwise.

To me, this is one of the coolest world maps. It's from around 1630, so clearly the continents are not quite as we know them to be. But so pretty.

But apart from those invaluable, early maps--- fun, silly maps can be pretty enlightening too, like this one that shows which countries drive on the left, and which on the right.

And this one that shows the frequency of red hair! I always thought that that originated with the Scandinavian countries, which through Viking invasion, etc., took it to the British Isles.

It's interesting that there's that isolated little "hot spot" of redheads over in what looks like central Russia? Siberia maybe?

This one is really fascinating-- shows incidence of lightning strikes in the world. Looks like we in North America get quite a range:

Here are the most common surnames by country, in Europe. I wouldn't have known that "Almeida" was the commonest surname in Portugal....

....And, here are the most common surnames, shown by how large the print is, in the U.S. You might want to use your "enlarge" feature to be able to read them all:

I don't know why, but I love maps that show all the many rivers that make up the HUGE Mississippi River Basin. Look at it, all the way up to Saskatchewan in Canada! The Mighty Mississippi!

And of course, the map that shows most popular Christmas movie by state, is deeply edifying, ha:

which-christmas-movie-is-most-popular-in-your-state-map.jpg

As far as "serious" maps go, I only have one framed vintage map. It's of southern Ontario, Canada, (where a big chunk of my family's from), very old and sepia-toned, that I found in an antique shop in New Orleans. It has pride of place in my hall way, and I'd love more maps, if only my little house had more wall space for them.

Edited to add: That Christmas movie map seems "off" to me. I wonder what year it represents? Haven't any of these people heard of "It's a Wonderful Life" or "The Bishop's Wife" or "Christmas in Connecticut".? I might have to check that one out again-- maybe it's a hoax?!

Edited to add, again: Well, I checked, and that's a relief. The map I posted is strictly for different states' favorite holiday movies of THE LAST 6 YEARS!

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

@Oznell I can always count on you for such interesting posts! My hubby is a map maniac.......he is so funny, all of our vacations we have taken have some sort of map involved in our photo's of the journey. I have to say though, it really helps you remember exactly where you were at the time. Fascinating!

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

I love this @Oznell!

I think that first map is so nice too.

I like to read the geography, the floral, the state birds, who does what, everything and anything!

The only thing I don't like maps for is directions! Looking at one is like looking in a mirror backwards.

I thank the man who invented the gps everyday!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

I love the 1st map you showed. Only I like it in sepa color. Like they are old ones. Just love those. Someday, Maybe I'll own one.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

Beautiful and interesting maps!

I've always loved looking at world maps, even as a child.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I love maps, too! I was so interested in them so I took a college class about maps (cartography). The prof's name was Dr. Exline...can you believe it?!...LOL! It was such a great class.