Why does the earth look like this?

[livi]

Because otherwise you Americans would fall off.

[frogger]

Originally Posted by livi

Because otherwise you Americans would fall off.

I'm feeling a bit light headed today. Hmmmm?

[KFC911]

I've often wondered why the equator wasn't verticle

[KFC911]

This one is for the Neocons (it'll kill 'em being on the left):

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by KC911

I've often wondered why the equator wasn't verticle

Isn't the earth a little wider at the Equator because of the centrifugal force of the spinning?

Regarding the "north-cerntric" view...Can't that be determined by relation to other planets and the sun? (Assuming those aren't upside down as well).

Regarding maps....I did some driving in Europe. All the maps have the "local names" for the cities...it was brilliant!

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

Isn't the earth a little wider at the Equator because of the centrifugal force of the spinning?

Not wider, taller

[billwagnon]

comparison of land area by country

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area

[cgarr]

Why is a turd tapered at the end?

[dhoward]

So your butthole doesn't slam shut.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by sjf911

"North-centrism" Which hemisphere did the majority of modern civilizations and therefore maps develop in?

this is the correct answer

[sammyg2]

The top picture is the correct orientation, for now. After december 21st 2012, the second picture will be right

[stevepaa]

Originally Posted by KC911

I've often wondered why the equator wasn't verticle

Because when you try to depict the solar system, you need a great distance between mercury and neptune and it is easier to depict it horizontally on a piece of paper than vertically from floor to ceiling.

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by dhoward

So your butthole doesn't slam shut.

This is a perfect example of reversal of cause & effect. Your truds are tapered because your butthole didn't slam shut.

[Moses]

Originally Posted by sjf911

"North-centrism" Which hemisphere did the majority of modern civilizations and therefore maps develop in?

Nah. The first instrument ever developed for determining geographic orientation was a simple compass. Do you imagine the little compass needle points north because of "North-centric" cultural bias or maybe racist cartographers?

Every map contains a compass rose with the map oriented in the direction the little magnetic needle first pointed.

[cgarr]

OK, so when I am going north in my suv, the little compass says N in the mirror, now I stop and start backing up, it still says N not S? Why? Is it because I have to poop?

[Moses]

Originally Posted by cgarr

OK, so when I am going north in my suv, the little compass says N in the mirror, now I stop and start backing up, it still says N not S? Why? Is it because I have to poop?

Yes.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by stevepaa

Because when you try to depict the solar system, you need a great distance between mercury and neptune and it is easier to depict it horizontally on a piece of paper than vertically from floor to ceiling.

I do all my depicting outside, and the sky's the limit

[tcar]

Always assumed that it's because over 80% of the land mass on earth is North of the equator.

[motion]

Originally Posted by tcar

Always assumed that it's because over 80% of the land mass on earth is North of the equator.

Wouldn't that make the earth automatically turn upside down so the land mass was to the south? Gravity, ya know.

[tobster1911]

Originally Posted by Moses

Every map contains a compass rose with the map oriented in the direction the little magnetic needle first pointed.

My vote as well. Lines of magnetic field and all....