error in Maphead

[becker]

Has anyone yet mentioned the error on page 3 of Maphead? It is mentioned that Ardmore, Alabama is 100 feet from Ardmore, Lousiana. I knew that Alabama and Louisiana aren't next to each other, so I was scratching my head on that one. Actually, Ardmore, Alabama is 100 feet from Ardmore, TENNESSEE. I was sort of disappointed to find a mistake already on page 3...

[Ken Jennings]

Only three or four times, not including Amazon, Twitter, and private email. Search feature is your friend.

Yeah, that's an egregious mistake that was fixed in the new paperback. I guess what I'm saying is you paid twice as others for much for a copy of the book with a couple dozen more typos and errors of fact in it. Sucker!

[becker]

Actually, I got the book from the library so maybe I am not quite as big a "sucker" as you say. Just wondered if you had made this mistake or the publisher did. Sorry I didn't do all my research to find out the several times this has been discussed...that is my mistake, that I will own. In any event...and not of interest really--but yes, I am a "Maphead", too...and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. And will actually purchase a book--the paperback I guess--to have in my collection.

[Ken Jennings]

Hey, I've just been surprised that so many people from Alabama read chapter books!

[becker]

I don't personally know anyone from Alabama so I can't comment on your comment. On a completely different topic--besides your childhood atlas, do you now have a favorite world atlas, or is it the same?

[Ken Jennings]

I think the conventional wisdom is that the big three are the National Geographic, Times, and Oxford University Press atlases of the world. Price range is more or less the same (Oxford is a little cheaper) but I think the end decision just comes down to what kind of maps you like looking at--style choices like color, fonts, and layout might mean as much as factual content. I've been a NG guy my whole life but you can't go wrong with any of them.

[becker]

Thanks for the reply regarding atlases. I was actually a geography major--in the mid-70's--and the suggested atlas at school was Goode's, which I have used ever since (with updated versions of course), I also have a National Geographic, but have wondered about other options.
One anecdote; whenever a state is mentioned I automatically "know" the "color" of the state. I must have obviously had a puzzle map of the United States when I was little (though I don't really remember it)--therefore, New Mexico is yellow, Missouri is purple, Montana is pink/red, Mississippi is green. Not that interesting maybe, but curious how I think I will never forget the color I associate with each state...with immediate recall.
Again--I enjoyed your book very much--

[Ken Jennings]

Ha, I do the same thing re: colors. That's a telling little detail that could have gone in the book if I'd thought of it.

Goode's is a Rand McNally imprint geared at classrooms...more of an educational choice than an actual high-end home atlas.

[becker]

A question: You mention in your book the odd zigzag border between Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Do you know why the border is that way?