Lists

I make lists. I like to read lists. Evidently many people do since almost any magazine a person might pick up probably has an article with a list of something. Either a list of things to get done before Christmas or a list of items to never forget when leaving for a trip to the beach, like sunscreen.

The personal lists I make are usually practical, you might say. Things I need to get done around the house. Things I'm thankful for or lists of potential gifts for friends and family. But the lists I like to read are sometimes just interesting and not especially useful.

For instance some time ago I received an email with a list of these United States and what each is famous for. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the list. But diamond lovers and fans of the old Marilyn Monroe movie, Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend, might find the first one interesting.

Arkansas – only state with an active diamond mine.

Arizona – only state in the Continental US that does not follow Daylight Savings Time.

California – state whose economy is so large that if it were a country it would rank 7^th in the entire world. (Aside: also in about the same condition as some of those countries.)

Connecticut – home of Yale University, where the Frisbee was invented.

Georgia – State where Coca-Cola was invented

Iowa – Winnebago campers get their name from Winnebago County. And also the only state name that begins with two vowels.

Louisiana – has parishes instead of counties because they were originally Spanish church units.

Maine – so big it covers as many square miles as the other five New England States combined.

Michigan – home of Gerber, is the baby food capital of the world.

Missouri – birthplace of the ice cream cone. (personal aside: Hail to Missouri!)

Montana – a sapphire from Montana is in the Crown Jewels of England.

That's a dozen, only thirty-eight to go, despite the confusion of some officials in high places.