November 2011
3 posts
October 2011
7 posts
Infographics
If you follow me on twitter (@mamakoid), you are acutely aware of my most recent obsession - infographics. I absolutely love them! I feel that they are a great way to present complex information in a simple graphic format.
What is an infographic? According to Wikipedia, (yes, I know… a highly reputable, peer-reviewed source…) “an infographic is a graphic visual representation of information, data...
Environmental documents tend to be highly complex, large and extremely burdensome for an average member of the public. When an Environmental Impact Statement is posted electronically, you will typically see disclaimers like “Due to the size of the Draft EIS files…” or “for additional supporting technical documents, please contact the agency directly.” Agencies have the responsibility to report...
To take it one step further, the environmental document could be interactive with sounds. Here’s an example of an interactive infographic that I found online from KCET.org. It is interactive and helps to not only describe noise impacts from the helicopter, but it also visually compares the noise impacts to real-life examples; examples that most people can relate to, such as: vacuum cleaners,...
My first transit memory
I didn’t grow up using transit. I grew up riding in the back of my mom & dad’s station wagon, mostly to and from school. My younger brother and I would race each other to the hatchback door for the opportunity to ride in the ‘way-back.’ Our home was a single story, brick ranch, circa 1960, located in an older, tree-lined, inner-ring suburban neighborhood in Raleigh; now...
What I learned from TEDxCharlotte
“ Take something & expand it into the community #tedxcltmamakoidOctober 15, 2011“ RT @TEDxCharlotte: Did you know that other families can do the @TwelveInTwelve!? Their blog tells more: http://t.co/EwA7SRwM #tedxclttrishrohrOctober 15, 2011“ Max Wallace On smart phones: our desire to learn & be correct is greater than our desire to actually know info ourselves. #tedxcltmamakoidOctober 15,...
August 2011
17 posts
The Makoid Experience - East Coast Tour (Pt. 2)
After DC I packed up the car, loaded the dog and continued up the road. Luckily, it was a short drive to Philly.
I picked up my husband at the Convention Center, where he was attending a conference, and maneuvered my way through Center City. We then headed over to my friend’s house in Fishtown for the next stop on my East Coast Tour.
I was quickly reminded of the fact that I rarely drive,...
Nose to Armpit
I’m always amazed when I travel to other cities and ride their public transportation to observe exactly what is accepted/tolerated as the ‘norm’ for personal space on public transportation. Sure, in larger cities one would expect that personal space would differ from smaller cities or systems. At least I go in with the expectation that my space will be limited to the bare...
What is it about transit?
As I approached the District on 66 on my drive to DC last night, I found myself immediately drawn to the structures in the center of the highway. The blue lights lining the corridor drew my gaze like bugs to a bug zapper. I counted at the trains pulling in and out of the stations. I thought about how the platforms, bridges and structures; how something as simple as steel and concrete could...
“I do not really like vacations. I much prefer an occasional day off when I do...”
– Robertson Davies
The Makoid Experience - East Coast Tour (Pt. 1)
Vacation inspired me to revive the blog. While I do not often take the time to enjoy a vacation, it always inspires me to see the transportation world in a new light. I like to step out of my norm, away from my computer, and explore the world around me. I use my vacations as inspiration for my work. I see, critique, and learn from the transportation world. I take back what I learn and apply it to...
March 2011
1 post
5 tags
"Begin at the beginning..and go on till you come...
I had a lot of time to think while I was sick at home for two days.
You know, the only thing I hate more than daytime TV is being home sick; having to stare at a messy house, but not having the energy to do anything about the mess is so frustrating!
Instead of attempting to clean or watch the soaps, I thought… A LOT!
I thought a lot about work. I must have thought about work so much...