beTech :: Evolve Already

On November 19th at 4pm in Harrison-Small Auditorium, noted map collector DAVID RUMSEY will present “Giving Maps a Second Life with Digital Technologies.”

Mr. Rumsey will show how technology has transformed his work as an historical map scholar and collector. Using imaging software, GIS, and popular applications like Google Earth and Second Life, Rumsey has given new life to old maps, both in their dissemination and in our ability to analyze and understand them in a variety of disciplines. He will demonstrate how he offers rare maps and innovative software tools on his free, public website:

http://www.davidrumsey.com/

Come early to the talk for a guided tour of the Seymour I. Schwartz collection of North American maps: “On the Map,” beginning at 3pm in the main gallery of the Harrison Institute / Small Special Collections Library:

http://www2.lib.virginia.edu/exhibits/onthemap/

And stay late for a reception to follow Mr. Rumsey’s presentation!

This lecture is co-sponsored by CERSA (the new Center for Emerging Research, Scholarship, and Arts) and the Scholars’ Lab at the University of Virginia Library.

The Scholars’ Lab is also hosting a luncheon, open house, and other map-related events on November 19th, which is International GIS Day:

http://www.gisday.com/

A typically lengthy Slashdot discourse is taking place over identity, data theft, and corporate responsibility. These are hard times for identity. In Texas, a 14-year old girl is suing MySpace for $30 million for not protecting hers. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 88 million Americans have had their identities and personal data compromised since February 2005. It seems like every time we turn to the news, there’s a new report about a stolen laptop containing thousands of sensitive records. How soon will it be until your identity is compromised? Or has it already been?

It’s time to start asking tough questions.

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There are two distinct reasons to take a look at Dick Hardt’s Identity 2.0 presentation (from OSCON 2005):

1. Identity 2.0 as framed by Hardt is a necessary next step in the evolution of the Web and this is as good an introduction as any.
2. His presentation style is one of the most unique you’ll ever see. Where some technical presentations get bogged down with fact-filled slides, this one dances along with a lively, hip-hop tempo.