Mental Maps - How We See the World

Mental Maps - How We See the World A persons perception of the world is known as a mental map. A mental map is an individuals own internal map of their known world. Geographers like to learn about the mental maps of individuals and how they order the space around them. This can be investigated by asking for directions to a landmark or other location, by asking someone to draw a sketch map of an area or describe that area, or by asking a person to name as many places (i.e. states) as possible in a short period of time. Its quite interesting what we learn from the mental maps of groups. In many studies, we find that those of lower socioeconomic groups have maps which cover smaller geographic areas than the mental maps of affluent individuals. For instance, residents of lower-income areas of Los Angeles know about upscale areas of the metropolitan area such as Beverly Hills and Santa Monica but really dont know how to get there or where they are exactly located. They do perceive that these neighborhoods are in a certain direction and lie between other known areas. By asking individuals for directions, geographers can determine which landmarks are embedded in the mental maps of a group. Many studies of college students have been performed around the world to determine their perception of their country or region. In the United States, when students are asked to rank the best places to live or the place they would most like to move to, California and Southern Florida consistently rank very high. Conversely, states such as Mississippi, Alabama, and the Dakotas rank low in the mental maps of students who dont live in those regions. Ones local area is almost always viewed most positively and many students, when asked where theyd like to move, just want to stay in the same area where they grew up. Students in Alabama rank their own state as a great place to live and would avoid the North. It is quite interesting that there are such divisions in the mental maps between the northeast and southeast portions of the country which are remnants of the Civil War and a division over 140 years ago. In the United Kingdom, students from around the country are quite fond of the southern coast of England. Far northern Scotland is generally perceived negatively and even though London is near the cherished southern coast, there is an island of slightly negative perception around the metropolitan area. Investigations of mental maps show that the mass medias coverage and stereotypical discussions and coverage of places around the world has a major effect on peoples perception of the world. Travel helps to counter the effects of the media and generally increase a persons perception of an area, especially if it is a popular vacation destination.

Homemade Shampoo From Scratch

Homemade Shampoo From Scratch There are a lot of reasons why you might want to make your own shampoo from scratch. The big two probably are wanting to avoid the chemicals in commercial shampoos by controlling the ingredients, and wanting to save a few bucks by making it yourself. Back in ye olden days, shampoo was soap with additional moisturizers so that it didnt strip the natural oils from your scalp and hair. Although you can make shampoos that are dry or solid, it is easier to use if there is enough water to make a gel or liquid. Shampoos tend to be acidic because if the pH gets too high (alkaline) the sulfur bridges in the hair keratin can break, causing damage that no detangler could repair. This recipe for making your own gentle shampoo is chemically a liquid soap, except vegetable-based (many soaps use animal fat) and with alcohol and glycerin added during the process. Make it in a well-ventilated room or outdoors and be sure to read all of the safety precautions on the ingredients. Ingredients 5 1/4 cups of olive oil2 7/8 cups of solid-type vegetable shortening2 cups of coconut oil1 1/4 cups of lye (sodium hydroxide)4 cups water3 tablespoons glycerin  (glycerol)1 tablespoon vodka (or another food-quality ethanol, but do not use methanol)3 tablespoons castor oilOptional: Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, or lavender for fragrance and therapeutic properties Directions In a large pan, mix together the olive oil, shortening, and coconut oil.In a well-ventilated area, preferably wearing gloves and eye protection in case of accidents, mix the lye and water. Use a glass or enameled container. This is an exothermic reaction, so heat will be produced.Warm the oils to 95 F to 98 F and allow the lye solution to cool to the same temperature. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to set both containers into a large sink or pan full of water that is at the correct temperature.When both mixtures are at the proper temperature, stir the lye solution into the oils. The mixture will turn opaque and may darken.When the mixture has a creamy texture, stir in the glycerine, alcohol, castor oil, and any fragrance oils or colorants.You have a couple of options here. You can pour the shampoo into soap molds and allow it to harden. To use this shampoo, either lather it with your hands and work it into your hair or else shave flakes into hot water to liquefy it.The other option is to make liquid shampoo, which involves adding more water to your shampoo mixture and bottling it. You may have noticed that many shampoos are pearlescent. You can make your homemade shampoo glittery by adding glycol distearate, which is a natural wax derived from stearic acid. The tiny wax particles reflect light, causing the effect.