Historic Maps of Armenia Book Review

Historic Maps of Armenia The Cartographic Heritage
Rouben Galichian

I.B. Tauris & Co. Ltd.
London and New York
ISBN 1-86064-979-3, March 2004, 220 pages, £49.50

Armenia has a history spanning 2,500 years. Throughout this time, its size and shape have changed dramatically in response to political forces. Once as large as France and Germany combined, it now occupies an area roughly the size of Belgium. Cartography has also undergone many changes, since the earliest lines were drawn on clay tablets or etched in stone. Rouben Galichian brings both of these elements together in his book Historic Maps of Armenia: The Cartographic Heritage (I.B. Tauris), presenting a history of Armenia through the history of its maps.

The earliest map in this collection is a Babylonian tablet dating from 600 BC. Coming forward in time we see Greek and Alexandrian, Christian, Ottoman, and Islamic maps, presented in chorological order, and ending with a satellite photo taken in 2002. This book includes 127 colour maps and 36 detailed ones. Each is accompanied by a detailed explanation showing its origin and use, date, cartographer, size, and location today. According to the publisher, “The author has produced a work of reference and artistic distinction, which should prove a valuable tool to all who follow the history of Armenia, the Caucasus, the Ottoman and Iranian worlds, as well as to collectors and enthusiasts of cartography.

A unique feature of the book is its page layout and printing. Even though the publisher is British, they’ve chosen to have the production completed in Armenia. If you thought that this might mean shoddy materials and poor standards – this is not the case. The colour renderings are magnificent, the paper is heavy duty, and the book itself is just top notch – and at £49.50 it is worth every penny.

You may not have the time to go to the British Museum, the Bibliotèque National de France, or the other libraries and museums around the world – as Mr. Galichian did to see these maps himself. Now you don’t have to.

© 2005 Susan Smith Thompson
This review was originally published in the Geographical magazine in the United Kingdom. February 2005

Here’s a picture of it!


Book review published in Geographical Magazine

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Relocating to Charlotte, NC?

In 2005, 36,000 newcomers called Charlotte, NC home. Are you planning to relocate? Just moved to the Queen city? Need some help figuring it all out?

Here are a few tips to help you find your way in Charlotte:

  • Visit Main Street Charlotte, the official visitor and relocation center located on the corner of Second and Tryon in Uptown (that’s the Center City/downtown area). It’s definitely worth the trip. I stopped in on a pre-move visit and purchased a Relocation Packet, perused the branded items, and picked up information about housing, schools, neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, and more. You can order the Relocation Packets and sign up for the Newcomer Newsletter online. The website also includes links regarding the Quality of Life in Charlotte with a Cost of Living Index, Real Estate Statistics, Property Taxes, and information about Healthcare. There are even walking tours – try it with a guide or follow the self-guided tour.

Tip: Parking in the garage on Second Street is validated. If you’re unfamiliar with Charlotte’s Uptown streets, ask the parking attendant or the Main Street Charlotte guide for directions on how to get to where you want to go. While it’s easy to get to, the one-way streets and no right turns (that’s right, I said no right turns) at some intersections can make for a confusing return trip.

  • Every October the Charlotte Observer publishes their Living Here guide. It’s full of information about the area including an interactive map of the different regions highlighting features about each (I found a walking tour of Uptown I hadn’t seen before). There are sections titled Resources for seniors, Finding quality child care, Ten ways to know you’re from Charlotte, Calendar of Festivals, Demographics, Major news publications, On the Radio Dial, and more.
  • Familiar with all the “Peach” Streets in Atlanta? That’s how Charlotte feels about “Queen” Street. You’ll find several. To make it even more of an adventure, the roads twist and turn on themselves and change names frequently. Get yourself a city map and keep it in your car. You never know when it will come in handy.
  • Not sure which neighborhood you want to live in? Charlotte is a suburban city, a collection of neighborhoods, with a small urban center in the Uptown area. Finding the right neighborhood needn’t be confusing.
    • Check the Charlotte Quality of Life Study to find out if your potential neighborhood is listed as stable, transitioning, or challenged. The study evaluates social, crime, physical and economic conditions in Charlotte’s neighborhoods.
    • The Charlotte Official Visitors Guide, published annually by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, has a wonderful listing of Charlotte’s neighborhoods plus a plethora of information about Charlotte. Click here to download a .pdf version or to order a free copy by mail.
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The Diaper Debate: Cloth vs. Disposable

New parents are faced with many decisions, one of them choosing whether to use cloth or disposable diapers. There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Some parents compromise and use a combination of both, others use one or the other exclusively.

 

On the plus side, cloth diapers are better for the environment as they don’t end up choking landfills. Deposits can be shaken out into the toilet and processed properly instead of leaking into the ground. There are new styles with Velcro fastening diaper covers meaning more comfort and fewer leaks. Some are “all in one” and resemble a disposable in ease of getting on and off baby.

 

But, you’ve got to wash them. When you’re out and about, you’ll have to carry the soiled diaper with you instead of pitching them in the closest trash can. The initial cost can be expensive, though you’ll save money in the long run. If you elect to use a diaper service, that will cost you money but there’s an environmental cost to consider as well with the use of bleach and detergents on such a grand scale.

 

In addition to being used as burp cloths and washcloths, cloth diapers can be used for other things such as dust cloths, hand & kitchen towels, to wash windows and cars, and to polish silver when your baby is done using them for diapers. Obviously, get rid of the worst looking ones. Considering dyeing some of the others for variety or to match your décor.

 

You can’t beat disposable diapers for convenience. Use it. Toss it. If you’re visiting a new location and run out of diapers at midnight, most corner stores and gas stations will have them for sale. 

 

Disposable diapers use up space in landfills adding plastic, chemicals, and sewage often wrapped in another plastic bag. Disposable diapers are expensive and since they are often purchased at grocery stores, the cost is hidden in the grocery bill. Children wearing disposable diapers often potty train later, which increases the amount of diapers the child will wear through infancy.

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Natural Childbirth

Childbirth is the most natural act a woman can go through. Women have been pushing out babies since the dawn of time. In our society, natural childbirth refers to the birthing process without painkillers, medicines, pelvic floor physiotherapy or surgical intervention, or at least minimizing their use. While natural childbirth is a worthy goal, having a healthy baby is most important, no matter how it comes into this world. Many people feel that medicine intrudes too much into the birthing process, but modern medicine has saved countless lives. The trick is finding a middle ground so that the family is happy with the process and the outcome is positive.

 

When considering natural childbirth, there are many aspects to consider.

 

Where do you want to give birth? In the hospital? At home? At a birthing center? There are advantages and disadvantages to each.

 

Who do you want to deliver the baby? An obstetrician or a midwife? You may not have a choice in this matter depending on your health and the status of your pregnancy. Midwifes have specific parameters that they will work within, generally healthy women with low risk pregnancies.

 

Do you want pain relief? Giving birth at home or in a birthing center may make it difficult (or impossible) to change your mind later, though even at the hospital you may not have the option if you wait too long in the process. 

 

Who do you want to be in attendance? A home birth is limited by the space available in the birthing room. A birthing center birth is limited by the rules of the center, though they are generally more accommodating than in the hospital.

 

Have you considered hiring a labor support doula? A doula is a support person trained in the labor and delivery process and can help with the emotional and physical aspects, such as positioning and massage. Doulas can also assist in the post partum period as well.

 

What is your comfort level and is your pregnancy high risk? Many women would never dream of giving birth outside of the hospital setting, while others would prefer not to go anywhere near one, trusting that their midwife will recognize problems early enough to transport to the hospital in a timely fashion.

 

Do your research, talk with your family and medical professional, and come up with a birth plan that works for you. Then be prepared to abandon it, if necessary.

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Make Your Own Baby Sling, It’s Easier than you Think

Many types of baby slings are easy to make. You’ll save money as well as have the satisfaction of doing it yourself and getting exactly what you want. It’s also an inexpensive way to test out different types of slings to see which is best for you, or to have different ones on hand for different situations. Some slings can be made without sewing a stitch, others with minimal sewing, and still others with pouches and pockets and zippers.

 

Slings can be made from silk, cotton interlock, wool, a bed sheet, and even crocheted. Any fabric that is strong and breathable will work. To test it, hold it up to your mouth and try to breath through it. If you can, so will baby. This is more important for small infants who will be tucked in the folds. You can use denser fabrics for older children who will hold their heads outside the sling.  Some moms even have summer slings and winter slings.

 

Wrap slings are the easiest to make, as they are a flat panel of fabric. Wrap slings can either be tied across the body to secure (there are even some methods of wrapping and tucking the sling that no knots are needed) or secured by looping one end of the fabric through a ring. Depending on the fabric chosen, you’ll need to hem the edges and secure the ring. The easiest to make would be a simple wrap made from a fabric that does not need hemming. Just cut and go!

 

Tube and pouch slings, Asian-style slings, and padded wrap slings do require some sewing, some more complex than others. There are excellent patterns available, many of them free. Here are two sites to get you started.

 

1) http://www.mammasmilk.com/pages/makeyourown.php has patterns for free and for sale. It’s very informative with pictures, difficulty levels, and information about each type of pattern.

 

2) http://www.thebabywearer.com/lists/Sewing.htm is another wonderful resource offering patterns for free and for sale. You’ll find a pattern to make a doll/child’s sling, information about fabric choices, and even instructions on how to make a poncho and a zipper insert for your coat to keep both baby and mom warm.

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Make Your Own Baby Food, Feeding Your Baby Naturally

Making your own baby food can sound overwhelming, but with a little planning, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your baby. Baby food is simply grown up food that’s been smashed or ground up so that the baby can eat it.

There are many benefits to making your own baby food. Want organic? Want to avoid potential allergens in commercial foods? Want a specific mixture not available in those little jars? Don’t want to be recycling (or spending the money in the first place) on those little jars and metal lids? No problem. You are in control.

Most of the equipment you need is probably already in your cabinets. Adding what is missing is not expensive and may actually save you money in the end when you factor in the cost of the commercial food you won’t be buying.

You’ll need:

  • food mill, sieve, potato masher, or baby food grinder to puree
  • grain mill or food processor to grind your own rice, barley, and oatmeal for hot cereals
  • blender or hand blender
  • ice cube trays to freeze extras
  • freezer storage bags or containers
  • storage jars or containers
  • vegetable steamer
  • plus pots, pans, colanders, etc.

A portable baby food grinder will help take the hassle out of eating at a restaurant or at grandma’s. They are inexpensive and easy to use and most restaurants will be happy to bring you a plain baked potato or sweet potato or any other steamed veggies.

Infants start out eating cereals and pureed fruits and vegetables. Steaming the veggies makes them soft and easy to smash and retains vitamins and minerals lost in the boiling process. As baby grows, she can eat the same meals as the family, just mashed or pureed to her needs, allowing her to learn the family’s tastes. There won’t be any issues introducing table food to her since the flavors will match what she’s eaten all along, not the flavors of the little jars in the grocery store.

Making your own baby food is a rewarding experience. Knowing that you are in control of the product and your baby’s nutrition will make the small hassles worthwhile. When you make your own baby food, you always have options.

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