Take a look at this impressive animated county-level map of unemployment rates in the United States from January 2007 to September 2009. Watch as the unemployment rate really expands around mid-2008.

National Geographic reports on the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, which was the most tranquil hurricane season in quite some time. Although the Atlantic hurricane season doesn't end until December 1, with such a quiet year it is safe to say a major hurricane in the next week is unlikely. There were a mere nine named storms of the season, while the average is fifteen. There were three hurricanes and two of those became major hurricanes. National Geographic says, "Totals were well below yearly averages since 1995, when meteorologists think an ongoing period of increased hurricane activity began in the Atlantic. Hurricane seasons since 1995 have averaged 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes."

The U.S .Board on Geographic Names and Province of British Columbia Geographic Names Office have defined a new sea - the Salish Sea. The Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest and is connected to the Pacific Ocean. The new sea consists of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound, and the inland waterways in the region. The name, proposed in 1988, is a tribute to the native Coast Salish people who inhabited the region.

Geography graduate student Michalis Avraam at the University of Washington has compiled a fantastic listing of skills needed to obtain a job in GIS or career in GIS. He includes key aspects of GIS skills, programming skills, database skills, project management skills, and more. Check it out, you'll be glad you did!