Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest

Recent waves in protecting the environment have made deforestation a popular topic among environmentalists  and environmentalists alike. Deforestation has largely occurred near the Brazilian portion of the rainforest. Much of the land torn down is used for cattle ranching and while measures have been taken to decrease the amount of land town down, parts of the rainforest can not be salvaged.

Ever wonder wonder what deforestation looks like and how fast it occurs? View how rapidly it has changed the states of Mato Grasso, Rondonia, and Maranhão near the Amazon Rainforest and in Brazil via Google Earth.

Mato Grosso

Rondônia

Maranhão

What do you think about these videos? Do you think more can be done to save the Amazon Rainforest?

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Comparing UIC and UIUC by the Numbers

The University of Illinois at Chicago has recently made headlines for it’s increase in enrollment and success despite struggles among other state schools. Increase in enrollment has pushed for improvements to the school and overall experience for students.

For years, UIC has been largely lived under the shadows of its sister school in Urbana-Champaign. So how does UIC’s latest enrollment boom compare to its sister school over at Urbana-Champaign? Below are some number via The University of Illinois System Data Portal from Fall 2017 enrollment and brief comparison of the school’s graduation rate and tuition.

View the interactive inforgraphic here.

Do you think UIC will one overtake UIUC? Leave a comment below and let us know why.

Do the Timberwolves need Jimmy Butler?

Jimmy Butler recently made headlines as he reportedly defeated Minnesota Timberwolves starters alongside Wolves’ reserve players and later that day went on a one-on-one interview with Rachel Nichols.

Throughout the scrimmage, Butler reportedly yelled at the coaching staff and players repeatedly telling them they needed him on the team, He later explained to Nichols that he just wanted to be appreciated by the team.

So how true are Butler’s statements that the Wolves need him on the team? Butler averaged 22 points in 59 games with the Wolves during the 2017-18 NBA season. The Wolves went 47-35 that year and 8-7 after Butler was out with a knee injury in March.

Data from Basketball-Reference also shows a close relationship between PPG from Butler and the Wolves throughout the season. Particularly notable after Butler returned for the last few games of the regular season in April. During the 15 game stretch that Butler was out in March due to surgery, the Wolves went 8-7, leaving many fans wondering whether the team could play without Butler.

View the interactive chart here

A relationship between PPG by both Butler and the team can be viewed below:

 

Do you think the data above supports Butler’s claim? Should the Wolves trade Butler due to this? Share your thoughts below.

US Unemployment Net Change

With the unemployment rate at its lowest in years at 3.7 percent, not many are concerned about it. However, a decade ago in 2008 the United States saw its unemployment rate drop at one of the lowest since the Great Depression.

Take a look at this graph below to see how drastically the U.S. Unemployment Net Change occured between 2008 and 2009 (the lowest drops on the graph).

What do you think of the trend? Do you think the U.S. is doomed for another drop soon? Let us know in the comments!

Chicago Pride Parade Attendance

Chicago celebrated its 49th LGBT Pride Parade this year in Boystown, the city’s largest gay neighborhood. With the annual parade nearing its 50th anniversary, take a look at the attendance since 1985.

The parade has seen an overall increase in attendance with the years 2005 through 2010 remaining the same. Note that the data does not reveal attendance after 2015, when gay marriage was legalized in all 50 states.

View the chart below to see the increase in attendance since 1985.

 

What do you think about the data? Do you think attendance increased after 2015?

Leave a comment below to let us know!

10 Best Trails and Parks for Runners in Chicago

Are you currently training for the Chicago Marathon and looking to switch up your routine or are you looking to step out of your comfort zone on your next run? Fitt Chicago has compiled a list of the best running trails and parks in Chicago that every runner should experience.

Unsure how to get there or afraid of what you may encounter? The map below features starting and exit points, lengths of the trails and a short description of what you might find and see on your run–making you even want to slow down to see them!

The miles and level of difficulty were taken from All Trails‘ criteria.

Have you ever run through these trails and parks or know of any hidden gems in the city? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Chicago’s Population Loss

By Emily Karns and Areli Quintana

Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau released updated numbers that showed Chicago would hold on to its position as the third largest city in the country with a population of 2.7 million.

However, the data also alarmed many. The numbers showed that Chicago was the only major city in the country to lose residents. In the year 2016, more than 66,000 people left Cook County.

A History of the World Cup

With soccer being one the most followed sports in the world, it’s no surprise that the FIFA World Cup reaches billions every four years.

The World Cup has a rich history filled with suspense and drama. Take a look back at some of the most vivid moments in World Cup history with the help of this timeline.

Are there any other moments worth noting? Let us know in the comments!

10 Cities in America with a Drinking Problem

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of drinking in America, Men’s Health magazine created a list of the top 10 cities in America dealing with a drinking problem.

The list is based on liver disease, bing drinking, DUI laws, arrests, and crashes.

Check out this map to see what cities made the list.

What do you think? Did Men’s Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention get anything wrong?

Top 10 Vegan Restaurants for Everyone in Chicago

The Chicago Diner in Logan Square (Photo by Marnie Ann Joyce via The Alcohol Professor)

When transitioning into a vegan diet and lifestyle, many struggle to make their own food and find the proper nutrients to supplement their bodies with. Luckily, Chicago ranks 8th in cities in the United States with the most vegan restaurants. Making the search for delicious and nutritional vegan food easier.

Vegans will also find themselves struggling to eat out with their non-vegan friends and family members. Vegans will often find that not many people are willing to venture out of their regular diet. While many of these restaurant are 100 percent plant-based, they try to mimic foods as closely as possible so that non-vegans will enjoy as well. Many of these restaurants offer options for both meat and non-meat eaters.

The following map shows where to find the best vegan restaurants for those beginning their vegan journey or those trying to find a place to eat with their friends that accommodates both their needs.

The list was compiled through the top-rated vegan restaurants on Yelp and based off personal experience.

Thanks to these restaurant, the struggle to find great vegan places to eat is a lot easier.

Are you willing to try out these vegan restaurants? Leave a comment below and tell us which you’re most likely to try out.