AKA the “We make stuff” state After a hiatus it’s time to return to the Weakonomics tour of the country. Our tour now takes us to Ohio, a misunderstood and unappreciated state that is nonetheless quite important. When most people think of Ohio, they probably don’t think of anything since many Americans can’t read maps. [...]

AKA the “Long & Lean” State Tennessee always brings to mind an old song written by Jimmy Driftwood and best performed by Doc Watson called “Tennessee Stud“.  The song describes the 19th century south with that explorer’s attitude.  It includes run ins with Native Americans, crossing rivers with horses, and a folksy feel. I imagine [...]

AKA the “Heart of America” state Our tour of the nation’s economy continues with Kentucky. Kentucky was formed after the American Revolution when its residents separated from Virginia (West Virginia would do the same, but much later). From that time on Kentucky was very much like many other southern states, especially the likes of Virginia, [...]

On this blog and many others, the focus is always on news and topics with national or international implications.  Links come from large publications and the scope is usually wide.  But I want to remind you that while the topics people like me cover are important, you can’t ignore your local economy and political system. [...]

AKA “The Leafer State” Vermont is the beautiful New England state that time forgot. You never hear anything about it. Unlike it’s neighbor New Hampshire which hogs all the glory with beach property, primary elections, and an Ivy League school. Vermont was just sitting around smoking pot in college while New Hampshire was scheming to [...]

AKA The “Yes We Are A State” State Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union, with the second state (Delaware) almost twice its size. But they make up for it in the size of their name. The full name for the state is actually Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The is the longest [...]

I don’t have anything against the state of New Jersey (click the link for an economic tour of the state).  I’m sure it’s a fine and beautiful place.  But why are these the two stories I’ve heard about the state in the past few days? Jersey Politician Draws Total Disability Pay yet Runs Marathons New [...]

AKA the “Our Industries Left” state Welcome to North Carolina, home to beautiful coastline, rolling mountains, great people, dying industries, two sources of the financial crisis, and the 10th highest unemployment rate as of March of 2010. North Carolina is a mixed bag of strong growth 21st century industries that’s being held back by the [...]