Maps
How Far Has Spring Made It?
Spring is the season between winter and summer where temperatures begin to gradually rise. Spring brings forward ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal. Springtime is when flowers bloom and trees bud. Many animals give birth in the spring too. Bunnies, deer, goats, skunks, birds, and more are all born in the spring season. Although it doesn’t arrive on the same day each year, spring always falls on March 19, March 20, or March 21 in the northern hemisphere. The entire process of rising temps and budding trees begins at different times across the United States. Take a look at this map below put together by Redditor u/Jsillin who looked at data from the USA National Phenology Network to create this chart.
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As of April 3rd 2021, you can see where the first buds and small leaves have sprung starting in the southern half of the United States. While much of the south is already in full bloom, the majority of states in the Mideast have buds on their trees outside. About half of Pennsylvania is seeing the first leaves of the season with the rest of the northern half and states above still waiting to see small leaves on their trees. In the western states, spring takes a little bit more time to show up. Even though Colorado does not have leaves on its trees just yet, its neighbor to the East, Kansas, does. As I sit in my home on the east coast, looking out my window, I see the first baby buds on the trees outside, a sure sign that green leaves are not so far away! After the year we have all had in lockdown, this spring rebirth is a poignant reminder of what we have all overcome.
Noise pollution can have a major impact on sleep quality, and NapLab’s latest study sheds light on the noisiest and quietest places to get a good night’s rest in the U.S. Using data from the National Transportation Noise Exposure Map, they pinpointed areas with the highest and lowest decibel levels.
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The three loudest cities were all in Colorado: Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs. These cities experience a mix of factors contributing to the noise, including rapid population growth, which increases traffic and construction noise. Denver International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, adds constant aviation sounds to Denver and Aurora. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs is home to several military bases, where aircraft activity and training exercises raise noise levels even further.
On the other hand, the quietest places for sleep were found in Zephyrhills, Florida, Cape Coral, Florida, and Lakewood Township, New Jersey. These locations benefit from a slower pace of life, less urban development, and fewer transportation hubs. Zephyrhills and Cape Coral are popular with retirees and seasonal residents, leading to quieter neighborhoods. Cape Coral also enforces strict noise ordinances to maintain a peaceful environment. Lakewood Township offers an outdoor-focused, laid-back lifestyle with activities like golfing and canoeing that contribute to its calm atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility or braving city sounds, this map offers insight into how your environment might affect your sleep.
Ever wondered which states are the most daring behind closed doors? A recent Too Timid survey of 1,427 Americans sheds light on the most sexually adventurous states in the U.S. The study ranked states based on four key factors: the average number of sex toys owned, sexual partners, sexual experiences, and fantasies that turn people on.
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Here are the top 10 most adventurous states:
- Montana
- Iowa
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Nevada
- Alaska
- Indiana
Meanwhile, the least adventurous states include Rhode Island, North Dakota, Maine, and South Dakota.
Beyond state rankings, the study uncovered some intriguing trends in American bedrooms. The most common sexual experience is watching porn with a partner, followed by one-night stands. When it comes to fantasies, most people keep it simple, dreaming about sex with their current partner and enjoying some steamy dirty talk.
The Too Timid team highlights the positive effects of sexual openness, noting that people who embrace their sexuality often report better body image, stronger relationships, and more satisfying sex lives.
While this survey offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s intimate habits, more data and future studies could reveal even more surprising trends. Whether your state made the top ten or not, one thing’s clear—America’s curiosity about sex is alive and well!
Homelessness in the United States remains a pressing issue, especially as rates have surged by 18.1% in 2024—a historic high. Vulnerable populations face rising housing costs, mass migration, and evictions, with many renters categorized as “cost-burdened.” Meanwhile, over 14 million vacant homes exist across the country, a number that far exceeds what’s needed to house every homeless individual.
A study by the Mortgage Calculator team maps this disparity, highlighting states with the highest ratio of vacant homes to homeless individuals. Mississippi tops the list with 187.31 vacant homes per homeless person. Despite high poverty levels, the state’s low cost of living and relatively small homeless population contribute to this striking ratio. Southern states dominate the map’s highest ratios, reflecting the availability of vacant housing in rural areas. However, these areas often lack the economic infrastructure and job opportunities necessary to support new residents, complicating potential solutions.
The findings reveal stark contrasts: urban areas, where jobs are more plentiful, tend to have higher homelessness rates but fewer vacant homes, while rural states have the opposite challenge. Advocates suggest that leveraging vacant housing could significantly reduce homelessness, but practical barriers remain. Addressing this issue will require not only repurposing unused housing but also creating sustainable economic opportunities to support vulnerable populations.
This study underscores the urgent need for innovative policies and programs to bridge the gap between empty housing and homelessness, offering hope for a more equitable future.
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