Imagine a land of tidal marshes, oak-chestnut forest, and rocky streams. A land with black bears, elk, brook trout, and passenger pigeons flying over head. This land is Mannahatta which is present-day New York.
The Mannahatta project is an effort to recreate the "land of many hills" as it looked when Henry Hudson arrived almost 400 years ago. The effort is on going but maps and some aerial recreations have been published. For a good background on what the land was like read Mannahatta: An Ecological First Look at the Manhattan (PDF).
Neat New York trivia: The island of Manhattan has grown about three square miles because of human geoenigneering efforts. (Hat tip: La Cartoteca)
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Google Earth Continues to be Used for All the Wrong Reasons
And now a guest post by Catholicgauzette
Last week protestors against an expansion at Heathrow airport in the United Kingdom were able to breach security and gain access to the rooftop of Houses of Parliament. From there they managed to stay for a few hours, draping large banners over the building. The noteworthy news is that the protestors, planning this endeavor since the fall of 2007, used
Google Earth to plan each step along the roof as well as in the interior of the building.
Fear of Google’s products because of use by terrorists or simply car drivers is an old phenomenon in the neogeography world. The Department of Defense just decided to prevent Google from putting military bases on street view. Terrorists could plan out and even do test runs online.
And just think – James Bond still has to rely on intelligence reports and stolen blueprints to do his job.
Last week protestors against an expansion at Heathrow airport in the United Kingdom were able to breach security and gain access to the rooftop of Houses of Parliament. From there they managed to stay for a few hours, draping large banners over the building. The noteworthy news is that the protestors, planning this endeavor since the fall of 2007, used
Google Earth to plan each step along the roof as well as in the interior of the building.
Fear of Google’s products because of use by terrorists or simply car drivers is an old phenomenon in the neogeography world. The Department of Defense just decided to prevent Google from putting military bases on street view. Terrorists could plan out and even do test runs online.
And just think – James Bond still has to rely on intelligence reports and stolen blueprints to do his job.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Remembering the Alamo in Historical Geopolitical Context
One hundred seventy-two years ago today, forces under Mexican dictator Santa Ana seized control of the Alamo Mission. Today the battle is viewed as a key event in the Texan Revolution. While true, it played a small role in the greater contemporary geopolitic of Mexico and the United States.
In 1823 the Mexican government invited Americans to move into Mexican Texas if they accepted Mexican citizenship, converted to Catholicism, spoke Spanish, and freed any slaves under their possession. Texas at that time (under the constitution of 1824) was part of the state Coahuila y Tejas. When Santa Ana established a dictatorship in 1835 and changed the federal republic to a centralized one under his authority the state of Coahuila y Tejas went into rebellion along with other parts of northern Mexico. In late 1835 a provisional government was formed in Texas to oppose the central Mexican government while staying true to the 1824 Constitution. They also supported slavery, remain Protestant, and the ability to conduct government in English.
Texas was ripe for war. 30,000 Anglos or simply “Texans” (Texans of American origin) and 15,000 Tejanos (Texans of Mexican origin) were torn between the 1824 constitution or the more radical choice of independence. A few quick Texan victories in late 1835 scared Santa Ana so much that the full force of his army was brought down upon the rebellion.
The Battle of the Alamo itself began started February 23, 1836. Before the end of the battle on March 6, Texas declared independence as the only way to “preserve the liberties” originally promised by the Mexican government. While mostly signed by “Texans” a few Tejanos also signed the declaration. The first (interm) vice-president was a Tejano named Lorenzo de Zavala.
The Alamo fell, Texas won its independence, and the republic then state became part of the vernacular American South. Most “Texans” were from the American South and made sure that the land was made in their image.
With the success of the rebellion and a few years of development other Mexican states rebelled against Santa Ana. In 1840 the Republic of the Rio Grande was established and crushed. In the 1840s the Republic of the Yucatan was established and temporally fought off Mexican reconquering attempts. The rebellion inspired the native Maya to launch their own war against the Hispanos of the Yucatan. The Indians nearly won and the United States was promised by the republic that if it would put down the Maya that the republic would recognize American annexation. Congress failed to act and the republic accepted reunion with Mexico in exchange for military aide.
The Alamo itself remained a rally cry for both Tejanos and “Texans.” Legal tussels were fought over how it should be restored (the now day “look” of the curved top of the Alamo is much different than the original Spanish mission look – the Catholic and Spanish design was abandoned for a more “American look”).
Today; however, the Alamo is becoming a battle again. The influx of Hispanos from Mexico with no ties to the pro-revolution Tejanos see the Alamo as a symbol of Anglo imperialism against Mexico. The controversy is being played out in Texas history textbooks and even in soccer where the Major League Soccer team Houston 1836 renamed itself the Houston Dynamo after Hispano activists launched protests.
Remember the Alamo.
In 1823 the Mexican government invited Americans to move into Mexican Texas if they accepted Mexican citizenship, converted to Catholicism, spoke Spanish, and freed any slaves under their possession. Texas at that time (under the constitution of 1824) was part of the state Coahuila y Tejas. When Santa Ana established a dictatorship in 1835 and changed the federal republic to a centralized one under his authority the state of Coahuila y Tejas went into rebellion along with other parts of northern Mexico. In late 1835 a provisional government was formed in Texas to oppose the central Mexican government while staying true to the 1824 Constitution. They also supported slavery, remain Protestant, and the ability to conduct government in English.
Texas was ripe for war. 30,000 Anglos or simply “Texans” (Texans of American origin) and 15,000 Tejanos (Texans of Mexican origin) were torn between the 1824 constitution or the more radical choice of independence. A few quick Texan victories in late 1835 scared Santa Ana so much that the full force of his army was brought down upon the rebellion.
The Battle of the Alamo itself began started February 23, 1836. Before the end of the battle on March 6, Texas declared independence as the only way to “preserve the liberties” originally promised by the Mexican government. While mostly signed by “Texans” a few Tejanos also signed the declaration. The first (interm) vice-president was a Tejano named Lorenzo de Zavala.
The Alamo fell, Texas won its independence, and the republic then state became part of the vernacular American South. Most “Texans” were from the American South and made sure that the land was made in their image.
With the success of the rebellion and a few years of development other Mexican states rebelled against Santa Ana. In 1840 the Republic of the Rio Grande was established and crushed. In the 1840s the Republic of the Yucatan was established and temporally fought off Mexican reconquering attempts. The rebellion inspired the native Maya to launch their own war against the Hispanos of the Yucatan. The Indians nearly won and the United States was promised by the republic that if it would put down the Maya that the republic would recognize American annexation. Congress failed to act and the republic accepted reunion with Mexico in exchange for military aide.
The Alamo itself remained a rally cry for both Tejanos and “Texans.” Legal tussels were fought over how it should be restored (the now day “look” of the curved top of the Alamo is much different than the original Spanish mission look – the Catholic and Spanish design was abandoned for a more “American look”).
Today; however, the Alamo is becoming a battle again. The influx of Hispanos from Mexico with no ties to the pro-revolution Tejanos see the Alamo as a symbol of Anglo imperialism against Mexico. The controversy is being played out in Texas history textbooks and even in soccer where the Major League Soccer team Houston 1836 renamed itself the Houston Dynamo after Hispano activists launched protests.
Remember the Alamo.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Panoramas of Civil War Battlefields
Behind the Stonewall is a neat website that features interactive (but small) panoramas of Civil War battlefields. Each battlefield has the panoramas listed by alphabetical order and by a map! Current battlefields include that of Harpers Ferry, First and Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Chickamauga. The under construction page also has panoramas of Shiloh, Anderson Prison, and Perryville.
Sadly the page has not been updated since 2001. However, it is a sight for all history buffs to virtually visit these hallowed grounds which shaped the American nation.
Sadly the page has not been updated since 2001. However, it is a sight for all history buffs to virtually visit these hallowed grounds which shaped the American nation.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Chavez threatens war against Colombia
Hugo Chavez's Venezula and Rafael Correa's Ecuador ares threatening war against Colombia. The two leftist powers are upset over Colombia crossing into Ecuador in order to destroy a Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia aka FARC terrorist camp where FARC number two Luis Edgar Devia Silva aka Raúl Reyes was staying.
Colombia's President Alvaro Urbie has recently stepped up efforts to destroy FARC and other terrorist groups. So far he has been successful in weakening leftist groups and finalizing the disarmament of rightist/drug gangs like the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia aka AUC. The raid which killed Reyes is just the latest step in a methodical war.
The leftists have two reasons to rattle their sabers. First it has been a bad year for Chavez. He lost an important referendum to extend his power, the barely free media mocks him, and FARC is being difficult in hostage negotiations. Only the rising price of oil is keeping Chavez a float. The second reason for the aggression is that Colombia knows the truth: both Ecuador and Venezuela are actively supporting FARC. Colombia is much more likely now to do cross border operations and/or black ops against the two leftist powers.
Colombia's army is better trained and equipped than Venezuela's though Chavez has recently upgraded his air force. Hopefully this is just Chavez making noise trying to distract his people... hopefully.
Colombia's President Alvaro Urbie has recently stepped up efforts to destroy FARC and other terrorist groups. So far he has been successful in weakening leftist groups and finalizing the disarmament of rightist/drug gangs like the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia aka AUC. The raid which killed Reyes is just the latest step in a methodical war.
The leftists have two reasons to rattle their sabers. First it has been a bad year for Chavez. He lost an important referendum to extend his power, the barely free media mocks him, and FARC is being difficult in hostage negotiations. Only the rising price of oil is keeping Chavez a float. The second reason for the aggression is that Colombia knows the truth: both Ecuador and Venezuela are actively supporting FARC. Colombia is much more likely now to do cross border operations and/or black ops against the two leftist powers.
Colombia's army is better trained and equipped than Venezuela's though Chavez has recently upgraded his air force. Hopefully this is just Chavez making noise trying to distract his people... hopefully.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Dmitry Medvedev Elected President of Russia
Vladamir Putin won his third term with Dmitry Medvedev being elected President of the Russian Federation. Medvedev won promising to continue Russia oil-fuled rise back towards the top and made sure to meantion that Putin supports him... alot.
Medvedev is a political nobuddy who was endorsed by Putin and backed by the in-power United Russia party. The top "comepitors" include the pro-Kremlin, pro-Putin, pro-Glory Days Communist Party, the pro-Kremlin, pro-Putin, very scarily anti-West while still named the innocent Liberal Democratic Party, and the pro-West token Democratic Party of Russia. Parties such as Another Russia and others had little chance at stopping Putin's machine but were barred anyways.
Putin has promised the people that he will stay on as hopefully the Premier (prime minister). Right now Russia's system has the president as the most powerful spot but Putin is likely to control things either through reform or behind the scenes. Medvedev will continue Putin's policies of having Russia being a stick in the eye against American plans.
The reason Putin allowed the elections is to have the junta system look democratic. It is interesting to note; however, that this is the first time a Russian leader has voluenteraly transfered power without resigning, dying, or being forced out since the rise of the Tsars over 500 years ago!
Medvedev is a political nobuddy who was endorsed by Putin and backed by the in-power United Russia party. The top "comepitors" include the pro-Kremlin, pro-Putin, pro-Glory Days Communist Party, the pro-Kremlin, pro-Putin, very scarily anti-West while still named the innocent Liberal Democratic Party, and the pro-West token Democratic Party of Russia. Parties such as Another Russia and others had little chance at stopping Putin's machine but were barred anyways.
Putin has promised the people that he will stay on as hopefully the Premier (prime minister). Right now Russia's system has the president as the most powerful spot but Putin is likely to control things either through reform or behind the scenes. Medvedev will continue Putin's policies of having Russia being a stick in the eye against American plans.
The reason Putin allowed the elections is to have the junta system look democratic. It is interesting to note; however, that this is the first time a Russian leader has voluenteraly transfered power without resigning, dying, or being forced out since the rise of the Tsars over 500 years ago!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
The Cultural History Behind Calendars
Languages are the blood of culture because it is through language that one thinks about and expresses the world. Calendars then must be the blood of history. For it is through calendars that one thinks about and expresses time.
Some cultures that worshiped the moon like lunar calendars (ancient Arabs and Persians) while Sun worshipers favored solar calendars (Romans). Their pagan preferences live on into today.
When Pope Gregory XII recommended his new calendar most Catholic countries and some Protestant Dutch provinces followed suit. Other Protestant countries rejected the more accuarate calendar because it is a Catholic, Papist invention. It took the United Kingdom and its colonies until 1752 to start a transfer over to the Gregorian calendar (however the tax calendar, based on the Julian, only was align in 1900). British citizens rioted against the new calendar because they though the Pope stole time from their lives. Such were the anti-Catholic feelings back then.
The Julian Calendar continued to live on in Eastern Europe. Civil affairs there were either handled by Russia or the Ottoman Empire (which used the Muslim calendar but allowed for Orthodox churches to use the Julian). When the Balkans became free efforts were launched to Europeanize the countries and that included adopting the Gregorian calendar. Russia adopted the calendar under the Soviet October Revolution (which occurred in the Gregorian month of November). Greece was the last Eastern European country to switch in 1923. The Orthodox Churches though refused the Catholic invention. So some adopted the Revised Julian Calendar which just so happens to be almost exactly the same as the Gregorian. Some Greek Orthodox thought changing the way the church sees time to the Roman way to be heresy and broke off. Today these groups are known as Old Calendarists.
The Gregorian Calendar like the Julian is centered on Christ's original assumed birth date. B.C. comes after the date and means "before Christ" while A.D. comes before the date and translate to "In the year of Our Lord." Some academics prefer B.C.E "before current era" and C.E. "current era" after the date in an effort to secularize time.
Fighting God in time is not new in Europe. The French Republican Calendar was the pride of the French Revolution. It featured 10 day weeks, 3 week months, 12 months, and a series of special quasi-holidays to fill in the rest at the end of the year. The days were named first day through tenth day and instead of Saints each date was given a fruit name. The calendar started on the Gregorian September 22, 1792 - the date of start of the French First Republic. The calendar lasted thirteen years. The Soviet tried something different after tinkering with the Gregorian calendar. The Soviet Revolutionary Calendar had 5 day weeks, 6 week months, 12 months, and a series of holidays in between. Each day was given a color to correspond with a worker's day off. The calendar lasted in one form or another for about 11 years until 1940. The Soviets lost out to the Orthodox tradition of Sunday being a day of rest with workers taking that off as well.
Other Christians mark time in unique ways. The Copts of Egypt use the ancient Egyptian calendar reformed and sinked in with the Julian calendar by Roman Emperor Augustus. The calendar starts in the Greogiran/Julian year of AD 284, the year Diocletian became Emperor. His reign was marked by tortures and mass executions of Christians. The calendar dates are marked with A.M meaning "After the Martyrs" or "Year of the Martyrs."
Other groups mark time since creation like the Hebrew Calendar of Judaism. Muslim instead mark Muhammad's exile from Mecca. Both these calendars follow the lunar cycle just as their long dead ancient ancestors of Sumeria and Arabia did.
Some cultures that worshiped the moon like lunar calendars (ancient Arabs and Persians) while Sun worshipers favored solar calendars (Romans). Their pagan preferences live on into today.
When Pope Gregory XII recommended his new calendar most Catholic countries and some Protestant Dutch provinces followed suit. Other Protestant countries rejected the more accuarate calendar because it is a Catholic, Papist invention. It took the United Kingdom and its colonies until 1752 to start a transfer over to the Gregorian calendar (however the tax calendar, based on the Julian, only was align in 1900). British citizens rioted against the new calendar because they though the Pope stole time from their lives. Such were the anti-Catholic feelings back then.
The Julian Calendar continued to live on in Eastern Europe. Civil affairs there were either handled by Russia or the Ottoman Empire (which used the Muslim calendar but allowed for Orthodox churches to use the Julian). When the Balkans became free efforts were launched to Europeanize the countries and that included adopting the Gregorian calendar. Russia adopted the calendar under the Soviet October Revolution (which occurred in the Gregorian month of November). Greece was the last Eastern European country to switch in 1923. The Orthodox Churches though refused the Catholic invention. So some adopted the Revised Julian Calendar which just so happens to be almost exactly the same as the Gregorian. Some Greek Orthodox thought changing the way the church sees time to the Roman way to be heresy and broke off. Today these groups are known as Old Calendarists.
The Gregorian Calendar like the Julian is centered on Christ's original assumed birth date. B.C. comes after the date and means "before Christ" while A.D. comes before the date and translate to "In the year of Our Lord." Some academics prefer B.C.E "before current era" and C.E. "current era" after the date in an effort to secularize time.
Fighting God in time is not new in Europe. The French Republican Calendar was the pride of the French Revolution. It featured 10 day weeks, 3 week months, 12 months, and a series of special quasi-holidays to fill in the rest at the end of the year. The days were named first day through tenth day and instead of Saints each date was given a fruit name. The calendar started on the Gregorian September 22, 1792 - the date of start of the French First Republic. The calendar lasted thirteen years. The Soviet tried something different after tinkering with the Gregorian calendar. The Soviet Revolutionary Calendar had 5 day weeks, 6 week months, 12 months, and a series of holidays in between. Each day was given a color to correspond with a worker's day off. The calendar lasted in one form or another for about 11 years until 1940. The Soviets lost out to the Orthodox tradition of Sunday being a day of rest with workers taking that off as well.
Other Christians mark time in unique ways. The Copts of Egypt use the ancient Egyptian calendar reformed and sinked in with the Julian calendar by Roman Emperor Augustus. The calendar starts in the Greogiran/Julian year of AD 284, the year Diocletian became Emperor. His reign was marked by tortures and mass executions of Christians. The calendar dates are marked with A.M meaning "After the Martyrs" or "Year of the Martyrs."
Other groups mark time since creation like the Hebrew Calendar of Judaism. Muslim instead mark Muhammad's exile from Mecca. Both these calendars follow the lunar cycle just as their long dead ancient ancestors of Sumeria and Arabia did.
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