Every now and then, I stop by Terrapin Cafe, which has a large map of the US on the wall. A strange thing about this particular map is that the time zones are divided by bold lines compared to the state borders.
It fascinates me because those lines are not "fought" for. Except in weird little circumstances like how Gary Indiana is included in the Chicago time zone (Central Standard Time), but the rest of the state is in the Eastern Standard Time along with Ohio, New York and most of the east coast of the US.
What smoke filled room made that decision? Who "fought" for that line and why?
There are many, many distinctions like that on this map and on this map those borders are highlighted by thick black lines. The us and them on each side of each line is both insignificant in importance and profound at the same time.
Thanks for your beautiful article. Very thought provoking.
You dredged up a memory from my childhood, when I spoke to my grandmother about Czechoslovakia. She was angry. There IS no Czechoslovakia! It had not occurred to me that countries and borders change. Years later, I sought out old globes to see who was where and what they were called. She was Czech, not some kind of hybrid, although they were also legit Bohemians.
I am so very glad to hear from you, my friend, and with such a great story about your Gram!
I'm wonder how the demise of paper maps/globes and the rise of AI/google maps et al will impact how we perceive borders and nations. It's mind-numbing (along with everything else these days).
Erin - thank you for this gem! Started with a kids puzzle and, for me, sums up most of what I’m feelings these days. The truth, the lies, the joy, the sorrow - it is complete!
Your writing is profound!
Moira
My son married an O’Brien woman (from a very large Columbus clan) last year. He married a really good one!
Pretty brilliant.
I love how you bring all these elements together - the O'Brien story, the puzzle, our world today.
(I too think that The Things They Carried is one of the most amazing stories of all time.)
Thank you so much, Mary.
Every now and then, I stop by Terrapin Cafe, which has a large map of the US on the wall. A strange thing about this particular map is that the time zones are divided by bold lines compared to the state borders.
It fascinates me because those lines are not "fought" for. Except in weird little circumstances like how Gary Indiana is included in the Chicago time zone (Central Standard Time), but the rest of the state is in the Eastern Standard Time along with Ohio, New York and most of the east coast of the US.
What smoke filled room made that decision? Who "fought" for that line and why?
There are many, many distinctions like that on this map and on this map those borders are highlighted by thick black lines. The us and them on each side of each line is both insignificant in importance and profound at the same time.
Thanks for your beautiful article. Very thought provoking.
Thank you for this evocative comment, Peet. You've given me an excuse to got to Terrapin and get one of those sinful doughnuts.
Take care, my friend, and give my love to A.
You dredged up a memory from my childhood, when I spoke to my grandmother about Czechoslovakia. She was angry. There IS no Czechoslovakia! It had not occurred to me that countries and borders change. Years later, I sought out old globes to see who was where and what they were called. She was Czech, not some kind of hybrid, although they were also legit Bohemians.
I am so very glad to hear from you, my friend, and with such a great story about your Gram!
I'm wonder how the demise of paper maps/globes and the rise of AI/google maps et al will impact how we perceive borders and nations. It's mind-numbing (along with everything else these days).
Erin - thank you for this gem! Started with a kids puzzle and, for me, sums up most of what I’m feelings these days. The truth, the lies, the joy, the sorrow - it is complete!
Your writing is profound!
Moira
My son married an O’Brien woman (from a very large Columbus clan) last year. He married a really good one!
It is wonderful to hear from you, Moira, and with such kind words.
Sounds like you've got a good amount of O'Brien in your life. Sláinte!
Welcome back
I’ve missed your words, thoughts, and viewpoints. You make me think and that’s a good thing.
Joe
So great to hear from you, Joe. Thanks for your comment.