Image by y subarcticmike. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
We travel not to escape life,
but for life not to escape us.
~Anonymous
Nov19
Nov13
Map Making Resources
Image by Curran. Kelleher. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
I am not sure if it’s my passion for travel or the trained geographer in me, but, I am drawn to maps. The weathered, even torn, vintage variety seems to have the strongest allure for me.
A new take on an old classic are digital maps. So when I ran across a post by Open Education Database (OEDb), I knew I wanted to pass it on to my readers. This summer, OEDb created a link for “Do-It-Youselfers” to 20 free open source tools and data resources to help non-GIS (Geographic Information Systems) users, create maps. Click here to begin!
Nov11
Robert Frost
Image retrieved from Pinterest Diego Esparza Esparza
Nov11
Travel Season Tips
Image by Matt Hutchinson. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
U.S. Travel Association estimated that U.S. residents took 1.6 billion person‑trips for leisure purposes last year. Respondents listed the number one reason for travel was to visit relatives (March 2013.) With the largest travel season approaching, I thought a friendly reminder of what to do (and not to do) would be helpful. RCompass points to an article by Amy Farley, written for Travel + Leisure. Farley includes tips and tricks on how to cope with noisy hotel neighbors, wild taxi drivers, mission impossible plane changes, and more… To add some levity to your pending travel season; click on Farley’s full article , Travel Etiquette Dos and Don’ts (October 2013.)
Oct18
Virtually Inspiring
Image by TheEverlastingFallout. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Would you be interested in traveling to the Louvre in Paris, France? RCompass’ recommended app Sphere 360 can take you there.
After downloading this free iOS based app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod; you will be able to search locations around the world. Select a site and by holding your device, you can view that specific spot in 360 degrees-simply rotate!
Click here to download this app and begin traveling to some of the worlds most breathtaking locations-virtually.
App demonstrated at the 2013 Minnesota Library Association (MLA) Conference by LeAnn Suchy.
Sep23
Some travel to reflect, others to discover, and some are merely running. A wise traveler comprehends the distinction.
RCompass
The Wise Traveler
Sep12
The World of Online Resources!
Sep10
Free Access to Maps
If you are investigating new locations, you might be interested in traveling to, check out Britannica online. They offer a free, interactive map on places (country, city, state, and/or providence) around the world. This resource provides the basic demographic information, including the flag, land area, people, etc., that you might find of interest.
Simply click to begin your search.
Tip: If you have a child, that is still in school, this might be the perfect start to his/her research paper.
Image by Dirkb86. Retrieved from Flickr and used under Creative Commons Licensing. Some rights reserved.
Aug30
Bon Voyage!
Wikivoyage Logo
Wikipedia is adding “Wikivoyage” to their long list of free services. Following the traditional platform input is gathered from the audience which means it can be edited by all. I think of it as a public travel blog. Check out what another fellow blogger Jon Mitchell has said about this Wikivoyage in a recent post.
Aug7
Interpretive Writing Workshop Opportunity
The Art of Interpretive Writing
Image provided by Alan Leftridge. Some rights reserved.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
3815 American Blvd East
Bloomington, Minnesota
Saturday, September 14, 2013
9 am to 4:30 pm
Write compelling interpretive messages! This workshop offers you the basics of interpretive writing that apply to signage, exhibit labels, brochures, websites, public service announcements, books, and magazines. You will understand how to create clear, dynamic, and concise interpretive texts, reveal meanings, and ways to excite visitors about your site, whether it is a museum, park, zoo, nature center, or aquarium.
Topics include: The Interpretive Writing Process · Concept Mapping · Universal Concepts · The Five Elements of Interpretive Writing · Meeting Your Audience’s Needs · Concise Wording · Keeping Your Reader’s Attention · The Importance of Fluency · Redundant Wording · Understanding Readability Indexes · Using a Human Interest Scale ·Capturing Your Reader’s Attention · What to Avoid · Connecting with a Narrative · The Editing Process · Evaluation
The fee is $295 and includes instruction, refreshments, handouts, and a copy of the Interpretive Writing textbook.
Contact Alan Leftridge, leftridge@blackfoot.net, 406.754.2940 to register.
Alan Leftridge, Ph.D., is the author of Interpretive Writing, and specializes in interpretive
training seminars across North America. Access leftridge.com for additional information.
RCompass 