Happy Birthday America!

Today is Independence Day!  The 238th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.  I'm hoping there may be time for a viewing of 1776 today - but there are also birthday festivities to be attended to today - it is the Brave Astronaut's father's 85th birthday!

Here's a list of weirdness regarding the 50 states that make up our great country.  From BuzzFeed.

1. In Alabama, it is illegal to salt a railroad track.
2. Alaska has a cat serving as honorary mayor of Talkeetna.
3. Arizona has the most well-preserved meteor crater.
4. Arkansas is the home of the World Duck Calling Championships.
5. Fortune Cookies were invented in California.
6. Colorado has almost as many ghost towns as it does live ones.
7. Lollipops were named in Connecticut.
8. Delaware is the only state without a national park.
9. Florida is home to the psychic capital of the world (but you already knew that, right?)
10. Georgia hosts the largest poultry convention in the world.
11. Hawaii is the only state that is rabies-free.
12. Idaho hosts the world championship porcupine race (being held this very day!).
13. The official language of Illinois is American, not English.
14. Indiana has the first successful goldfish farm.
15. In Iowa, it is illegal to kiss for longer than five minutes.
16. Kansas is the home of the first Pizza Hut.
17. Kentucky was the site of the nation's first hand transplant.
18. Louisiana holds an international joke-telling contest.
19. Until 2003, Maine produced 90% of the country's toothpicks.
20. The official state cat of Maryland is the calico, because it matches the state flag.
21. Frozen Food was invented in Massachusetts (thanks, Clarence Birdseye!)
22. In Michigan, you are never more than six miles from a lake.
23. The State Flower of Minnesota, the pink and white lady's slipper, can live for a century.
24. Shoes were first sold in pairs in Mississippi.
25. Missouri sold the first loaf of sliced bread.
26. In Montana, humans are outnumbered by elk, deer, and antelope (no word if they are playing or not).
27. Arbor Day began in Nebraska.
28. In Las Vegas, Nevada, more than 6,000 pounds of shrimp are consumed each day.
29. The first potato was planted in New Hampshire.
30. New Jersey has the most diners (duh).
31. The first atom bomb was tested in New Mexico.
32. Packaged toilet paper was first produced in New York.
33. North Carolina is also known as the Furniture Capital of the World.
34. North Dakota is the least visited state.
35. Ohio is home of America's Best Bathroom Contest.
36. Oklahoma is home to more astronauts than any other state (really?).
37. Oregon houses the largest collection of carousel animals.
38. Pennsylvania produces the most mushrooms in the US.
39. The State Drink of Rhode Island is Coffee Milk.
40. The State Dance of South Carolina is The Shag.
41. South Dakota is home to the Mashed Potato Wrestling Contest.
42. The Architect of the Tennessee State Capitol is buried in the walls.
43. Texas produces most of the country's helium.
44. Utah consumes more Jell-O than anywhere else.
45. Vermont is the only state whose capital does not have a McDonald's.
46. More Presidents came from Virginia than any other state.
47. Father's Day began in Washington.
48. West Virginia shipped the world's largest shipment of matches.
49. Wisconsin is home of the Hamburger Hall of Fame (and museum).
50. Wyoming is the state with the fewest people.

See The USA!

The Brave Astronaut Clan is on Spring Break this week.  Time to see the USA - or at least a little corner of it.  The Huffington Post put out this list of the ONE thing that you need to see in each state.

1. ALABAMA - Go to space camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Aspiring astronauts ages 9 to 99 come to Huntsville for a chance to sleep in bunks, spin in the Multi-Axis Trainer, and handle a crisis on simulated intergalactic missions - I've been to Huntsville.  I've seen the Rocket Center.  The rest of my time in Alabama is a story for another time.
2. ALASKA - Hang with polar bears in their real home at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge The villages of Kaktovik and Barrow, located on Alaska's 19 million-acre wildlife refuge, are especially spectacular spots to stay the night, meet a guide, and watch polar bears live wild and freely. polar bears - I've not been to Alaska
3. ARIZONA - Spend a night on the floor of the Grand Canyon Yes, you could settle for a standard daytime walk around the rim. But that way, you wouldn't see Havasu Falls - I've been to Arizona, but not yet to the Grand Canyon.
4. ARKANSAS - Visit Anthony Chapel in Garvan Woodland Gardens Nestled within 210 acres of flowers, streams and waterfalls is a sky-high (okay, six stories high) chapel made of pine beams and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You can practically hear Mother Nature singing - I haven't been to Arkansas.
5. CALIFORNIA - Drive State Route 1 through Big Sur Nothing is more California than a coastal road trip, and this one will take you past some of the most precious views on Earth. Stop at Nepenthe for sunset cocktails on cliffs over the water - I have not been to Northern California
6. COLORADO - Go sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park If you thought Colorado's mountains were shreddable, wait till you speed down the tallest dunes in North America on a fiberglass board. Don't worry; you can usually still see snowcapped peaks in the background - I've been to Colorado, but only to Denver, and I'm not really a "boarding" guy.
7. CONNECTICUT - Order the white clam pizza at Frank Pepe Pizzeria "Pepe's" is one of the oldest pizza joints in the country. It was Frank Pepe himself who invented apizza -- now a New Haven delicacy -- by subtracting mozzarella, adding oregano, and thinning the crust of the average slice. Pepe's white clam apizza has been called the best pizza in America - I've been to Connecticut, I've been to New Haven, I may have even been here - but I'm not sure.
8. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Go paddle boating on the Tidal Basin There's something about seeing D.C.'s biggest monuments from the water. On a warm spring day, you can paddle past the Jefferson Memorial and catch sun between the cherry trees - check
9. DELAWARE - Walk the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Finally, a U.S. boardwalk that hasn't lost its vintage vibe. At precisely one mile long, your stroll will last the perfect amount of time to finish a Kohr Brothers cone. Stop at Arena's Deli for a sandwich if you're still hungry - check
10. FLORIDA - Climb the Shark Valley tower Take a tram tour or brave the humidity and bike around this zone of Everglades National Park. Halfway through, there's an observation tower you can climb-- it lets you realize, from above, just how many zillions of alligators have been lurking in the swamps all along - been to Florida but not into the Everglades
11. GEORGIA - Eat at the Olde Pink House in Savannah This refined Southern restaurant has played many roles as a residence, a bank and an army headquarters - this is something James Habersham, the home's original owner, is apparently not happy about. Patrons have reportedly seen Mr. Habersham's ghost hanging around the bar... so take your spiked raspberry lemonade to go and walk along the Savannah River outside - I've been to Savannah, but maybe I can check this off the list when we are back this summer.
12. HAWAII - Climb the Stairway to Heaven Ok, we can't exactly promote this hike, since it's technically illegal. But the view is actually spectacular - not been to Hawaii. 
13. IDAHO - Drive Interstate 90 across the Panhandle This fast, furious, 75-mile zoom across Idaho's top portion will remind you why driving is an American pastime. Stop in scenic Coeur d'Alene for a cold PBR - I've haven't been to the Potato State.
14. ILLINOIS - Have a drink at the top of the Hancock Building Whether it's the sunset hour or late at night, the best way to see Chicago is from a table at The Signature Lounge on the 95th floor... with an esquire martini in hand - I've done most of the sights in Chicago but not this one. 
15. INDIANA - Try the tenderloin sandwich at Ivanhoes This family-run restaurant in Upland has 100 shakes and sundaes to choose from. For a total Midwest experience, complement yours with thin-pounded, deep-fried pork loin on a hamburger bun - I haven't been here but it sounds like I should.
16. IOWA - Visit the Butter Cow at the Iowa State Fair A dynasty of five master artists have sculpted the Butter Cow over the years... he's been a State Fair tradition since 1911. At 600 pounds, the Butter Cow could butter 19,200 slices of toast - I would like to see a butter cow. 
17. KANSAS - Sample the No. 6 Oatmeal Stout at Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. One day, Gerald Wyman's wife told him to please stop brewing beer in their kitchen. A few years later, Wyman had a charming-yet-modern storefront and a Gold World Beer Cup Award for his Oatmeal Stout - I haven't been to Kansas.
18. KENTUCKY - Drive and drink (but don't drink and drive!) along the Bourbon Trail This pre-planned route leads you past eight of Kentucky's distilleries, from Jim Beam to Maker's Mark. If you can't be trusted to operate a motor vehicle, hire a party bus - I don't do the brown liquor and I haven't been to Kentucky. 
19. LOUISIANA - Go to the French Quarter Festival New Orleans's classic neighborhood hits its prime during this free three-day music festival every spring. It's also the best way to fit every local delicacy into your stomach at once: restaurants sell little sample-size plates at the "world's largest jazz brunch" - I've been to New Orleans a few times, but never for the jazz festival.
20. MAINE - Watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain Most of the year, this is the first place the sun comes up in the whole United States. It's also the most famous hike in beautiful Acadia National Park - check, well not the sunrise, but I've been to the top of Cadillac.
21. MARYLAND - Crack a crab at Cantler's You can drive your boat directly up to this "riverside inn," where they sort crabs in a wash basin right before your eyes. Accompany with LOTS of Old Bay seasoning - I've been meaning to go, this summer it will happen.
22. MASSACHUSETTS - Dance at The Beachcomber on Cape Cod This rollicking, old-school dance bar is parked right on the beach in a former lifesaving station. After a few mudslide cocktails, the live reggae and rock will make you feel supercharged enough to sprint into the ocean - been to the Bay State, but not to the Cape. 
23. MICHIGAN - Visit the Shinola Store Shinola is aiming to "reinvigorate the storied American brand" - and reinvigorate Detroit in general - by manufacturing quality watches, bikes and leather goods right in the heart of the city. At their hipster-licious storefront, you can shop for timepieces and watch the bicycle assembly line - I've not been to Michigan.
24. MINNESOTA - Canoe the Boundary Waters There are over a thousand individual lakes in this slice of Superior National Forest. Many of them are only reachable if you paddle past majestic pine groves and hulking rock formations - I've not been to Minnesota.
25. MISSISSIPPI - Listen to blues at The Lyric in Oxford When you need - if you need - a break from the beer bars and battle cries of the Ole Miss students in Oxford, hide out in this movie-theater-turned-concert-hall. It first served as a stable for William Faulkner's family - I can spell it, but I haven't been there.
26. MISSOURI - Explore the Ozark Caverns Out of thousands of caves in Missouri, the most famous feature is Angel Showers, where water constantly flows from the ceiling like a waterfall. During your tour, you might also encounter the rare blind salamander - Haven't been to the Show-Me State.
27. MONTANA - Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road You'll feel like you're in one of those nature-themed IMAX movies during this 50-mile drive through Glacier National Park - haven't been to Big Sky Country 
28. NEBRASKA - Throw horseshoes during Popcorn Days in North Loup At this festival, Nebraskans pay tribute to their state's most prosperous crop with three days of polka dancing, turtle racing, bull riding, and UNLIMITED FREE POPCORN! - one of the flyover states, that I haven't been to.
29. NEVADA - Order a late-night Awful Awful Burger at The Nugget Gamblers say they're coming to Reno for the refreshingly low-key vibe at Peppermill Casino. What they're actually after, however, is probably just The Nugget's world-famous Awful Awful Burger, served with a "mountain of fries" - Haven't been to Nevada. 
30. NEW HAMPSHIRE - Add your pumpkin to the wall at the Keene Pumpkin Festival Every year, people from far and wide lug pumpkins to Keene-- they're battling to either defend or win back the official world record for "most jack-o'-lanterns in one place." Last year, they successfully snagged the title back from Boston - I've been to New Hampshire but haven't done this. 
31. NEW JERSEY - Climb Barnegat Lighthouse on Long Beach Island There are 217 steps in this tower, which locals affectionately refer to as "Barney." It's clearly not the tacky Jersey shore you've seen on TV - I've climbed New Jersey lighthouses, but not this one. 
32. NEW MEXICO - Watch a Balloon Glow at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta At the biggest balloon rally in the world, hundreds of hot air balloons hit the big blue sky at once. When they light up for a Balloon Glow night ascent, you feel all magical and ticklish inside - I've been to New Mexico, but not amongst the balloons.
33. NEW YORK - Go wine (and pie) tasting on Long Island's North Fork You'd never guess that 30 picture-perfect wineries were so close to the city - or so insanely cheap to tour. A strawberry pie from Briermere Farms will further alter your life - check
34. NORTH CAROLINA - Tour the Biltmore Estate Exploring the largest private residence in the United States feels like being at the Palace of Versailles . . . except you're in America. And you can rent bikes to whiz freely around the gigantic property - This is on the list of things to do - but it hasn't happened yet. 
35. NORTH DAKOTA - Climb White Butte This massive hill outside the town of Amidon is the highest point in the whole state, at 3,507 feet above sea level. The hike (or "wilderness stroll," shall we say) to the top only takes about an hour, but climbers from all over the world come to conquer it because the trail is littered with dangerous rattlesnakes. Pack a celebratory picnic in case you survive - I've not been to either of the Dakotas. 
36. OHIO - Get a scoop of black raspberry chocolate chip at Graeter's Ice Cream This adorable store in Cincinnati has been selling its famous, ultra-thick ice cream (made in tiny two-gallon batches) for well over a hundred years . . . and it's sooo good - I will travel pretty far for ice cream - I could get there in about 8 hours, DAY TRIP!
37. OKLAHOMA - Go to the Norman Music Festival What started in 2008 as a tiny, one-day music fest has exploded into a three-day concert experience with multiple stages, art walks, and local food tastings... all for free. That's the Oklahoman way - Not been to the Sooner State 
38. OREGON - Get lost in Powell's City of Books This bookstore in Portland claims it's the largest one in the world . . . and considering 1.6 acres of bookshelves and nine color-coded rooms, we're inclined to believe them - it's a bookstore - but it's somewhere I haven't been.
39. PENNSYLVANIA - Go to a mud sale in Lancaster County Mud sales (named for the wet ground in springtime) are the live auctions and craft sales that happen every year in Amish Country. Pennsylvanians - both Amish and not - haggle with each other to score a handmade quilt or home-baked pie. Take a tour of the quaint Amish countryside afterward! - Been through most of PA, and the Amish country, but not to a Mud Sale. 
40. RHODE ISLAND - Take the Cliff Walk in Newport Ocean on one side, gigantic Gilded Age mansions on the other. Your only problem in life will be deciding which view to look at - check.
41. SOUTH CAROLINA - Taste the barbecue hash at Sweatman's BBQ They call this 100-mile barbecue because it's totally worth the long drive to Bub Sweatman's house-turned-buffet-room in the town of Holly Hill - Been to South Carolina, but not for this BBQ
42. SOUTH DAKOTA - Visit the Mitchell Corn Palace This multi-use facility isn't all that interesting on the inside. But the outside, it's truly a sight. The building is actually decorated with crop art and is redesigned each year with a new theme! - This over Mount Rushmore? Someday maybe. 
43. TENNESSEE - Spend a day in Dollywood It's the most awesomely kitschy and fabulously delicious experience in all of Tennessee. The park, in Pigeon Forge, is run in a partnership between the great Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. Think food, waterslides and all things Dolly - Haven't been to Tennessee and don't feel the need to visit this particular amusement park. 
44. TEXAS - Tube the Guadalupe River Nothin' says Texas like drifting down the river on a toasty summer day with all your best friends and a massive floating cooler of Coors - been to Texas, but not to tube 
45. UTAH - Hike to Delicate Arch It's the most famous sandstone formation in Arches National Park and the same one you'll see on Utah's license plates. The Olympic torch even passed through the arch in 2002, making this hike both beautiful and historic - Haven't been to Utah.
46. VERMONT - Take a brewery tour For a small state, Vermont packs an alcoholic punch-- it has the most breweries per capita of any state. Visit as many breweries as possible, without having to travel very far! The Vermont Breweries Association offers a full list of options. Make sure to check out Magic Hat Brewery in South Burlington and take a free guided tour - been to Vermont, and to Ben and Jerry's factory but not for beer.
47. VIRGINIA - See a movie at The Byrd Theater in Carytown, Richmond's cutesy shopping district, and The Byrd is the big, glamorous old-time movie palace that's been showing films since 1928 - on Saturdays, you can still hear an organ performance before your movie. Tickets are $1.99, which means you have more than enough spare change for a french toast donut from Dixie Donuts - Been to Richmond and other places in Virginia, but not to the movies here. 
48. WASHINGTON - Hike the Ape Caves They're actually ultra-long lava tubes near Mount St. Helens, one of our country's "highest threat" volcanoes. Wander through the dark, cold tubes with a headlamp, and pop out in a sunny forest on the other side - Haven't been to Washington. 
49. WEST VIRGINIA - Eat a pepperoni roll from Country Club Bakery Never heard of a pepperoni roll? That's because they're basically only in West Virginia. The Country Club Bakery in Fairmont is where it all began, when Italian immigrant Giuseppe Argiro first stuffed freshly-seasoned pepperoni into a warm roll - Been to Charleston but not for pepperoni rolls.
50. WISCONSIN - Shop the Dane County Farmer's Market Everyone in Madison - from hippies to soccer moms - shops the Saturday smorgasbord that sets up around the Capitol building (they're open almost all year round!). Be sure to pick up some classic Wisconsin cheese curds - I've been to Wisconsin but not to Madison. 
51. WYOMING - Go to Cheyenne Frontier Days On your way to Cheyenne, pass through Wyoming's seven national parks to get a feel for the state's supreme scenery. Then, meet their supreme people at "The Daddy of 'em All," a 10-day rodeo-meets-small-town-bonanza with free pancake breakfasts and concerts from the likes of Brad Paisley - Haven't been to Wyoming.

Shuffle Up and Deal!

Tomorrow night the Brave Astronaut will be tending bar at LBA and SoBA's school fundraiser, Casino Night!  This is the fourth year I have been making drinks for parents, and this year the event has a Mardi Gras theme and one of the drinks that will be served up will be lots of Hurricanes.

So based on where you live, what should you be drinking (from BuzzFeed - where you can get all the recipes for the drinks below as well)?

1. Alabama - The Alabama Slammer (Amaretto, Southern Comfort, Sloe Gin, and orange juice) Why?: Legend has it that the drink originated in the state in the 1970s and is known as the signature drink of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
2. Alaska - The Smoked Salmon Bloody Mary (Smoked Salmon Vodka, V-8 Juice, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper) Why?: Alaska Distillery has recently produced a vodka made with a secret recipe of smoked salmon caught in the Gulf of Alaska.
3. Arizona - The High and Dry (Mandarin Vodka, Triple Sec) Why?: During the prohibition era, Phoenix featured a “secret bar” behind a bookshelf in the Arizona Biltmore, where “every self-respecting gentleman” had access to a decent highball.
4. Arkansas - The Arkansas Razorback (Rum, vodka, amaretto almond liqueur, Kahlua coffee liqueur) Why?: This popular cocktail shares its name with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. You can even buy cocktail glasses embellished with the Razorback mascot! 
5. California - The Mai Tai (Light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curacao, orgeat syrup) Why?: This fruity beverage is said to have been created by Victor “Trader Vic” Buergon at his Polynesian-style restaurant in Oakland, Calif.
6. Colorado - The Snowball (Vodka, Fresca, and lime juice) Why?: The interesting combo of vodka and lemonade is also popular in the U.K., but this combo of Colorado Premium Vodka and Fresca makes this drink uniquely Coloradan.
7. Connecticut - The Limonata (Vodka, sparkling lemonade, blood-orange juice) Why?: Available exclusively at Ballo at the Mohegan Sun in Monteville, Conn., this drink features a sphere of frozen blood orange that adds sweet flavor to the cocktail as it melts.
8. Delaware - Blueberry Vodka Tonic (Vodka, blueberries, and lots of time) Why?: Unlike typical vodka tonics, Delaware’s blueberry version features a vodka infused with fresh blueberries for over a month.
9. Florida - The Rum Runner (Captain Morgan, blackberry liqueur, creme de bananes, and orange juice) Why?: Rum Runners are said to have been invented in the 1950s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Fla.
10. Georgia - The Scarlet O’Hara (Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and a lime wheel) Why?: There are several varieties to “The Scarlet O’Hara”, but in Georgia, they typically feature Southern Comfort.
11. Hawaii - The Blue Hawaiian (Light rum, vodka, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and sweet & sour mix) Why?: This tropical cocktail was invented by Harry Yee, a legendary bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.
12. Idaho - Spring Whiskey Sling (Blended whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and water) Why?: The Red Feather Lounge in Idaho features a famed Spring Whiskey Sling that was featured in the “Best of List” in The New York Times.
13. Illinois - The Chicago Fizz (Dark rum, ruby port, lemon juice, sugar, club soda, and egg whites) Why?: While New Orleans is credited with the origination of the fizz, the Chicago variation’s claim to fame was its popularity at the Waldorf-Astoria bar in New York during the pre-prohibition era.
14. Indiana - The Refined Janet Guthrie (Sweet Tea Vodka, Refined Mixers margarita mix) Why?: In honor of the Indy 500, this beverage was created to commemorate the first woman that qualified and drove in the race.
15. Iowa - The Iowa Sunrise (Bacardi white rum, vodka, lemonade, sprite, orange juice, and grenadine) Why?: While similar to many cocktails in composition, the Iowa version is said to represent the beautiful sunrise over Iowa in winter mornings.
16. Kansas - The Pendergast (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and Angostura bitters) Why?: This cocktail is named for Thomas Pendergast, a Kansas City politician famed for his populist touch and connections with the Mafia during the Prohibition. 
17. Kentucky - The Mint Julep (Bourbon, sugar, and water) Why?: The origins of the drink are murky, but the mint julep was introduced by US Senator Henry Clay during the 18th century.
18. Louisiana - The Sazerac (Rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and absinthe) Why?: In June 2008, the Louisiana Legislature proclaimed the Sazerac as New Orleans’ official cocktail.
19. Maine - Dust to Dust (Cold River Vodka, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, Aperol, and ginger syrup) Why?: The bar Grace, located in Portland, Maine, is famous for this unique ginger cocktail.
20. Maryland - The Black-Eyed Susan (42 Below Vodka, Early Times Kentucky Whiskey, sweet & sour mix, and orange juice) Why?: The cocktail, named after Maryland’s state flower, is the official drink of the Preakness Stakes. 
21. Massachusetts - The Cape Codder (Vodka and cranberry juice) Why?: The drink was conceived by the Ocean Spray cranberry growers under the name “Red Devil,” which was later changed to “The Cape Codder” in the 1960s.
22. Michigan - The Golden Cadillac (Creme de cacao (white), Vodka, Galliano, blueberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice) Why?: While the cocktail was created in California, it’s famed name (Cadillac, of the Motor City origin) and taste has made it a popular beverage in many bars in Michigan.
23. Minnesota - The Bootleg (Bootleg mix, gin, vodka/light rum, and club soda) Why?: Bootleg cocktails are made specifically from Bootleg Mix, which can only be purchased from the Woodhill Country Club in Wayzata, Minn.
24. Mississippi - Mississippi Punch (Dark rum, bourbon, brandy/cognac, fresh lemon juice, and sugar) Why?: This cocktail recipe was first printed in Jerry Thomas’ The Bon Vivant’s Companion, attributing its location in Mississippi.
25. Missouri - The Missouri Mule (Bourbon, Applejack, lemon juice, Campari, and Cointreau) Why?: The cocktail was created for President Harry S. Truman, with its name representing his home state of Missouri and the donkey mascot of the Democratic Party.
26. Montana - The Montana Tornado (Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey, gin, tequila, and 7 Up) Why?: Unlike other tornadoes, the Montana Tornado features 7 Up instead of the commonly used Coca-Cola. The drink is also served in a mason jar instead of the typical cocktail glass.
27. Nebraska - The Kool-Aid Caddy (Orange vodka and Kool-Aid) Why?: Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings, Neb, by Edwin Perkins. Naturally, the state boasts a beverage in his honor.
28. Nevada - The Nevada Cocktail (Light rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sugar) Why?: In honor of Nevada Day, which falls on the last Friday of October, many drink this cocktail to celebrate.
29. New Hampshire - The Gin-Esaisquoi (Lillet blanc, Velvet Falermum, egg whites, and orange bitters) Why?: This drink was originated at the White Mountain Cider Company in Glen, NH by bartender Jeff Grdinich for his friend Kevin Ginestet, who, ironically, is allergic to eggs and does not drink alcohol.
30. New Jersey - The Applejack (Applejack brandy, lemon juice, and grenadine) Why?: During the colonial period in New Jersey, the Applejack was used as currency to pay road construction crews. New Jersey also boasts the oldest licensed distillery, Laird & Company, which continues to produce applejack.
31. New Mexico - La Paloma (Tequila and grapefruit soda) Why?: This cocktail was first recognized in Evan Harrison’s Popular Cocktails of the Rio Grande. Known as “The Dove” in Spanish, it’s origins are claimed to be somewhere along the Rio Grande. 
32. New York - The Moscow Mule (Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer) Why?: The cocktail is said to have been invented in 1941 by John G. Martin of G.F. Heublein Brothers, Inc., an East Coast spirit producer and Jack Morgan, President of Cock ‘n’ Bull Products.
33. North Carolina - Dirty Beetz (Vodka, beet juice, lime juice, and orange juice) Why?: The Fiction Kitchen, a local Raleigh haunt, features this cocktail. Created by Christopher Tamplin, the use of beets creates a vibrantly colored cocktail when garnished with a lime and orange peel.
34. North Dakota - The Howlin’ Wolf (White Creme de Menthe, blue curacao, vodka, and Sprite) Why?: It’s no surprise that this drink is named after North Dakota’s state animal, the coyote (AKA prairie wolf).
35. Ohio - The Black Gold (Captain Morgans, Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Sierra Mist, and Grenadine) Why?: The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes have specialty cocktails, naturally the folks in Thistledown wanted to create a drink to represent the Ohio Derby. The Black Gold is named after the only horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Ohio Derby.
36. Oklahoma - The Farmer’s Daughter (Vodka, fresh strawberries, basil leaves, and simple sugar) Why?: Lobby Bar, located in Oklahoma City, specializes in maintaining the tried-and-true nature of cocktails while adding an individual twist, crafting each individually with added, natural ingredients. Each of their Farmer’s Daughter cocktails is made with fresh fruit. 
37. Oregon - Flaming Ring of Fire (High proof rum, whiskey, and tabasco sauce) Why?: Named after Oregon’s location in “the Pacific Ring of Fire”, this shot turns up the heat with added Tabasco sauce.
38. Pennsylvania - The Bronx (Gin, Sweet red vermouth, dry vermouth, and orange juice) Why?: Strangely, this cocktail was created by Joseph S. Sormani in Philadelphia, a retired Bronx restaurateur. 
39. Rhode Island - Rhode Island Red (Partida Blanco tequila, chambord, lemon juice, agave nectar, orange bitters, and ginger beer) Why?: While hailing from California, this drink was created to salute the 350th anniversary of Rhode Island’s reception of a Colonial Charter. 
40. South Carolina - The Hemingway Mojito (Bacardi, sunset-red Italian Campari, muddled mint & grapefruit, soda water, and grapefruit juice) Why?: Amen Street’s, located in Charleston, mixologists created a cocktail to match the colorful like of Ernest Hemingway. The drink boasts beautiful colors to reflect Hemingway’s love for Key West’s sunsets.
41. South Dakota - The President (Light rum, grenadine, and orange juice) Why?: Over 2 million people visit South Dakota annually to visit this befitting cocktail’s dedication, the Presidents of Mount Rushmore.
42. Tennessee - Lynchburg Lemonade (Jack Daniel’s whiskey, Triple sec, sweet & sour, and Sprite) Why?: This famous cocktail got its name from the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Alabama restaurateur Tony Mason brought JD to court, alleging that the distillery stole his recipe, but a judge declined his request for $13 million in damages.
43. Texas - The Mexican Martini (Tequila, Cointreau orange liqueur, sweet & sour mix, lime juice, orange juice, and Sprite) Why?: This cocktail variation of a margarita is served straight up in a cocktail glass and can be served extra spicy. This drink was created and continues to be incredibly popular in Austin, TX.
44. Utah - The Mountain Derby (Woodford Reserve, grapefruit juice, honey, and lemon juice) Why?: This interesting cocktail was created by Dave Wallace and beat out other cocktails in a competition held in Park City, UT. As a result, his concoction is now featured on drink menus at bars and restaurants all over the city for six months.
45. Vermont - The Old Vermont (Gin, maple syrup, lemon juice, orange juice, and bitters) Why?: For a true version of an Old Vermont, a bartender needs to use Barr Hill Gin from Vermont.
46. Virginia - The Copper Barley (Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water) Why?: The Copper Barley is a cocktail that uses malt exclusively from the Virginia Highland Malt distillery.
47. Washington - The Washington Apple (Vodka, Sour Apple Schnapps, and apple juice) Why?: This can be served as a martini, a shooter, or on the rocks, but its main ingredient is Washington apples from, well, Washington.
48. West Virginia - The Persephone (Bourbon, whiskey, triple sec, lemon juice, and egg whites) Why?: This holiday inspired, champagne-based cocktail was featured in the West Virginia Gazette by its style team.
49. Wisconsin - The Tom and Jerry (Rum/brandy/whiskey, egg whites, vanilla extract, sugar, nutmeg, and powdered milk) Why?: This Christmastime cocktail was originally created by journalist Pierce Egan in the 1820s, but continues to be most popular in Wisconsin. 
50. Wyoming - The Boiler Maker (Light draft beer and whiskey) Why?: Similar to Old Faithful in Wyoming, The Boiler Maker is a geyser of sorts. To consume this cocktail, you first have to drop the shot of whiskey into the beer, then down the entire thing in one gulp.
51. Bonus: Washington D.C. - The Rickey (Gin, lime juice, and carbonated water) Why?: While the drink was created in the 1880’s, the drink maintains its popularity as one of the most popular gin cocktails in the area and even has a virgin version called the “lime rickey”.

Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, etc.

For the final post of this series, I will take a look at those areas of the United States that are not states.  C in DC made it very clear when I started this - that I better not forget DC.  I pointed out that it's not a state (yet) as none of these others are.  There's some chance that DC and Puerto Rico may make statehood someday.

I hope you've enjoyed this series.  I'm taking 2013 off from the weekly series but will be back with a new one in 2014.

Washington, District of Columbia
The District has more people than the state of Wyoming, but fewer than the state of Vermont, the 49th most populous state in the Union.  It is, of course, the nation's capital and the primary "industry" is the United States government, which in part governs the district in financial matters.

The site was chosen by George Washington (and named in his honor) - the city was laid out by Pierre Charles L'Enfant.  I have the sketch of a book in the Brave Astronaut brain about the road scheme (why certain state roads are where they are and the naming convention of the "letter" streets) that I might get around to writing someday.

• Area - 68.3 sq mi
• Population (2011 est.) - 632,323
• dc.gov - the Official Website of the District, Mayor Vincent Gray (D)
• The DC Tourism site - washington.org
• Wikipedia 
• DC Guide from the Library of Congress

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico was "discovered" by Christopher Columbus and stayed in Spanish hands for several centuries.  Ceded to the United States as a result of the Spanish-American War, it has been a territory of the United States since the beginning of the 20th Century.

• Area - 3,515 sq mi
• Population (2012 est.) - 3,667,084
• Capital - San Juan
• pr.gov (in Spanish) - the Official Website of Puerto Rico, Governor Luis Fortuno (R), although he was defeated for reelection and will be replaced by Alejandro Padilla (D)
• Informational site - Welcome to Puerto Rico
• The Puerto Rico Tourism site - See Puerto Rico
• Wikipedia 
• CIA Factbook for Puerto Rico
• Puerto Rico Guide from the Library of Congress

United States Virgin Islands
The United States Virgin Islands are comprised primarily of three main islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.  The islands were formerly known as the Danish West Indies, and were ceded to the United States in 1916.

• Area - 133.73 sq mi
• Population (2010 census) - 109,750
• Capital - Charlotte Amalie
• vi.gov - the Official Website of the USVI, Governor John P. DeJongh, Jr. (D)
• The USVI Tourism site - Visit USVI
• Wikipedia 
• CIA Factbook for the USVI
  

American Samoa
This territory in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Cook Islands chain has been a protectorate of the United States since the days just prior to World War I.

• Area - 76.10 sq mi
• Population (2010 census) - 55,519
• Capital - Pago Pago
• americansamoa.gov - the Official Website of American Samoa, Governor Togiola Tulafono (D)
• The American SamoaTourism site - American Samoa Travel
• Wikipedia 
• CIA Factbook for the USVI

Northern Mariana Islands

Like Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana are a commonwealth.  It is located in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines.

• Area - 179.01 sq mi
• Population (2010 census) - 53,833
• Capital - Saipan (the entire island is incorporated as a municipality)
• gov.mp - the Official Website of the Northern Mariana, Governor Benigno Fitial (R)
• The Northern Mariana Tourism site - My Marianas
• Wikipedia 
• CIA Factbook for the Northern Mariana

Guam
Guam is the 32nd largest island of the United States.  Like most of the US territories, it became part of the United States as a result of the treaty ending the Spanish American War.

It gets the majority of its income from tourism, primarily from Japanese tourists.  Its second major source of revenue is from the United States military, which has a large presence on the island.

• Area - 209 sq mi
• Population (2010 census) - 159,358
• Capital - Hagatna
• guam.gov - the Official Website of Guam, Governor Eddie Calvo (R)
• The Guam Tourism site - Visit Guam
• Wikipedia 
• Guampedia
• CIA Factbook for the USVI

Hawaii - #50, August 21, 1959

To begin on a personal note, today is the Brave Astronaut's birthday.  So if you've forgotten to send me some birthday wishes - there's still time.  For those who have - my thanks.

Our final state, Hawaii, was once an independent kingdom between 1810 and 1893.  At the request King Kamehameha I, the territorial flag was designed, with eight stripes of white, red and blue that represent the eight main islands. The flag of Great Britain is emblazoned in the upper left corner to honor Hawaii's friendship with the British. Hawaii is one of four states, besides the original thirteen, that were independent prior to becoming part of the United States, along with the Vermont Republic, the Republic of Texas, and the California Republic.  Its status as an independent kingdom led it to enjoy, along with Texas, formal diplomatic recognition internationally.

Hawaii is one of two states that do not observe daylight saving time, the other being Arizona. Hawaii is also one of two states that are not in the Contiguous United States, the other being Alaska.

Hawaii was first settled by Polynesians sailing from other Pacific islands between 300 and 600 AD.  In the late 18th century, in 1778, Hawaii was visited by British captain James Cook, who called the area the Sandwich Islands.

The current Governor of Hawaii is Democrat Neil Abercrombie. In the new Congress in January, the state will have only its sixth and seventh Senators in its short state history.  Senator Daniel Akaka (D) is retiring at the end of this Congress, he will be replaced by Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D).  On Monday, Senator Daniel Inouye died at the age of 88.  The Congressional delegation has two members, both Democrats.

• 1st District - Colleen Hanabusa (D)
• 2nd District - Tulsi Gabbard (D) (Representative-elect) - Gabbard will be the first Hindu member of Congress when sworn in.

Facts

• State Capital and largest city - Honolulu
• Date of Admission - August 21, 1959
• Area - 10,931 sq mi (43rd) 
• Population (2011 est.) - 1,374,810 (40th) 
• State Motto - "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono" "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness" 
• State Nickname - The Aloha State
• State bird - nene
• State flower - hibiscus
• State tree - kukui (candlenut)
  
• State University - The University of Hawaii
• Hawaii State Archives
• Hawaiian Historical Society 

Links

• hawaii.gov - the Official Website of the State of Hawaii
• The Hawaii Tourism site - Go Hawaii
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for Hawaii
• InfoPlease entry for Hawaii
• USDA Fact Sheet for Hawaii
• Hawaii State Guide from the Library of Congress
• Hawaii Statehood Documents from the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Libary

Prominent Hawaiians - (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two)

• Former Governor (3rd Governor) George Ariyoshi
• First non-Japanese Sumo Wrestling Champion Salevaa Atisanoe (Konishiki) 
• Angela Perez Baraquio, Miss America (2001)
• Former Senator (R-CT) Hiram Bingham 
• Philanthropist Charles R. Bishop 
• Actress Tia Carrere 
• AOL Co-founder Steve Case
• Missionary Samuel N. Castle 
• Missionary Amos S. Cooke 
• Father Damien, leper colony worker
• Territorial Governor Sanford B. Dole 
• Choreographer Jean Erdman 
• Former Senator Hiram L. Fong (first Chinese-American senator)
• Don Ho 
• Advisor to King Kamehameha Gerrit P. Judd 
• Queen Kaahumanu 
• Olympian athelete Duke Paoa Kahanamoku 
• King Kamehameha I 
• Author, journalist, poet George Parsons Lathrop
• Queen Liliuokalani, last Hawaiian monarch
• Bette Midler
• The President
• Challenger victim, Astronaut Ellison Onizuka 
• Bond Villain actor Harold Sakata 
• Actor James Shigeta (Mr. Takagi!)
• Mammalogist Merlin Tuttle (the man likes bats)

Alaska - #49, January 3, 1959

Alaska was purchased from Russia in March 1867, for the bargain price of $7.2 million equaling approximately two cents per acre, the sale negotiated by Secretary of State William Seward (and called Seward's Folly).  The first official census (1880) conducted after the purchase of Alaska reported a total of 33,426 Alaskans, all but 430 being of aboriginal stock. The Gold Rush of 1898 resulted in a mass influx of more than 30,000 people.

Our 49th State is also the largest of all of the states (twice the size of Texas, the #2 state in size) and one of the most least populated (ranking 47th in people).  Most of the state's residents live in the Anchorage metropolitan area.  The state has the longest coastline of all of the other states combined (it is surrounded by water on three sides).

The current Governor of Alaska is Steve Parnell (R). The Alaska Senators are split by the ideological aisle, Mark Begich is a Democrat and Lisa Murkowski is a Republican.  Begich won his seat from longtime Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, who later died in a plane crash in the state. Murkowski's father, Frank, was Governor of the state and also served as Senator.  Alaska has only one at-Large Congress Member, Don Young (R).

Facts

• State Capital - Juneau
• Largest city - Anchorage
• Date of Admission - January 3, 1959
• Area - 663,268 sq mi (1st) 
• Population (2011 est.) - 722,718 (47th) 
• State Motto - "North to the Future" 
• State Nickname - The Last Frontier / Land of the Midnight Sun
  
• State bird - Willow Ptarmigan
• State fish - king salmon
• State flower - the Forget-me-not
• State gem - jade
• State mineral - gold (duh)
• State sport - dog mushing (duh)
• State tree - Sitka spruce
  
• State University - The University of Alaska
• Alaska State Archives
• Alaska Historical Society 

Links

• alaska.gov - the Official Website of the State of Alaska
• The Alaska Tourism site - Travel Alaska
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for Alaska
• InfoPlease entry for Alaska
• Alaska Statehood Documents from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library
• USDA Fact Sheet for Alaska
• Alaska State Guide from the Library of Congress

Prominent Alaskans - (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two - as one might expect, very few people are from Alaska)

• Author Clarence L. Andrews (born in Ohio)
• Fur trader Aleksandr Baranov, born in Russia 
• Author Margaret Elizabeth Bell 
• Designer of the state flag (at age 13) Benny Benson
• Danish explorer Vitus Bering 
• "Father of the University of Alaska Charles E. Bunnell 
• Champion dog musher Susan Butcher
• First state governor William A. Egan
• Pioneering pilot Carl Ben Eielson
• Territorial governor B. Frank Heintzleman
• Former Governor and former Secretary of the Interior Walter J. Hickel
• Missionary, educator Sheldon Jackson
• Prospector Joe Juneau
• Industrialist Austin Lathrop, whose biography (click link) ends with the line, "On July 26, 1950 he fell beneath the wheels of a railroad car at his Healy coal plant, which killed him. He was 84."
• Artist Sydney Laurence
• Actor Ray Mala
• Cartoonist Virgil F. Partch
• Joe Redington, Sr. - you may recall a week or so ago, I mentioned Dorothy Page, the "Mother of the Iditarod"? - this guy was known as the "Father of the Iditarod"
• Episcopal Bishop and Missionary Peter Trimble Rowe

Arizona - #48, February 14, 1912

The 13 rays of red and gold on the top portion of the Arizona state represent both the 13 original colonies and the rays of the Western setting sun.  The bottom half of the flag is in the same liberty blue color as the United States flag.  Arizona was once the largest producer of copper in the nation so a copper star was placed in the flag's center.  Arizona was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union.

A Spanish Franciscan friar, Marcos de Niza, was the first European to explore Arizona. He entered the area in 1539 in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. Following the end of the Mexican War, most of the Arizona territory became part of the U.S., and the southern portion of the territory was added by the Gadsden Purchase in 1853.

Arizona history is rich with legends of the Old West. The great Indian chiefs Geronimo and Cochise led their people against the frontiersmen in Arizona.  Tombstone featured the West's most famous shoot-out, the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.  Arizona has one of the largest U.S. Indian populations; more than 14 tribes are represented on 20 reservations.

Arizona is a recognized center of Native American art, with a number of galleries showcasing historical and contemporary works. The Heard Museum, located in Phoenix, is a major repository of Native American art. The Heard Museum has about 250,000 visitors a year.

The current Governor of Arizona is Jan Brewer, a Republican. Both Senators for Arizona are also Republicans - 2008 Presidential Candidate John McCain and John Kyl, although Kyl is leaving the Senate at the end of this year - the new Senator will be Congressman Jeff Flake (R). As a result of the 2010 decennial census, the Arizona Congressional delegation grew from eight to nine.

• 1st District - Ann Kirkpatrick (D) (Representative-elect)
• 2nd District - Ron Barber (D) (Barber is a former staff member of  Representative Gabrielle Gifford and was also injured in the attack that killed six and severely wounded Representative Gifford.
• 3rd District - Raul Grijalva (D)
• 4th District - Paul Gosar (R)
• 5th District - Matt Salmon (R) (Representative-elect)
• 6th District - Dave Schweikert (R)
• 7th District - Ed Pastor (D)
• 8th District - Trent Franks (R)
• 9th District - Krysten Sinema (D) (Representative-elect) (Once seated, Sinema will become the first openly bi-sexual member of Congress)

Facts

• State Capital and largest city - Phoenix
• Date of Admission - February 14, 1912
• Area - 113,990 sq mi (6th) 
• Population (2011 est.) - 6,482,505 (16th) 
• State Motto - "Ditat Deus" "God enriches"
• State Nickname - The Grand Canyon State
• State mammal - ringtail
• State bird - cactus wren
• State fish - Arizona trout
• State flower - saguaro cactus
• State reptile - Arizona ridgenose rattlesnake
• State gem - turquoise
• State fossil - petrified wood
• State neckwear - the bolo tie
• State tree - palo verde
  
• State University - The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University are the three main public schools in Arizona
• State Archives - the History and Archives Division is a unit of the Arizona Secretary of State
• Arizona Historical Society 

Links

• az.gov - the Official Website of the State of Arizona
• The Arizona Tourism site - Arizona Guide
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for Arizona
• InfoPlease entry for Arizona
• USDA Fact Sheet for Arizona
• Arizona State Guide from the Library of Congress

Prominent Arizonans - (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two)

• Actor Rex Allen
• The Apache Kid, Old West Outlaw
• Wonder Woman herself, Lynda Carter
• Cesar Chavez
• Presidential Candidate and Senator Barry Goldwater
• Politician Carl Hayden
• First Governor of the State, George W. P. Hunt
• World War I Flying Ace Frank Luke, Jr.
• Musician Charles Mingus
• Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
• Former Chief Justice William Rehnquist
• Musician Linda Ronstadt
• Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug
• The Udalls, Stewart and Morris
• Frontierman Pauline Weaver

New Mexico - #47, January 6, 1912

New Mexico became a territory of the United States following the Mexican War in 1848, with the last piece of the puzzle coming with the 1853 Gadsden Purchase. Since 1945, New Mexico has been a leader in energy research and development with extensive experiments conducted at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and Sandia Laboratories in the nuclear, solar, and geothermal areas.

The state of New Mexico has the highest percentage of Hispanics and the second highest percentage of Native Americans (after Alaska).  The tribes in the state consist of mostly Navajo and Pueblo peoples. The flag of New Mexico is represented by the red and gold colors, which represent Spain, as well as the Zia symbol, an ancient symbol for the sun of that Pueblo-related tribe.

The current Governor of New Mexico is Susana Martinez, a rising star in the Republican Party and the first Hispanic female governor of a state. Both Senators for New Mexico are Democrats, Jeff Bingaman, and Tom Udall. Senator Bingaman is retiring from the Senate and will be replaced by Congressman Martin Heinrich (D).  The New Mexico Congressional delegation has three members, two Democrats and one Republican.

• 1st District - Michele Lujan Grisham (D) (Representative-elect)
• 2nd District - Steve Pearce (R)
• 3rd District - Ben Ray Lujan (D)

Facts

• State Capital - Santa Fe
• Largest city - Albuquerque
• Date of Admission - January 6, 1912
• Area - 121,589 sq mi (5th) 
• Population (2011 est.) - 2,082,224 (36th) 
• State Motto - "Crescit eundo" "It grows as it goes"
• State Nickname - Land of Enchantment
• State animal - black bear
  
• State bird - roadrunner
• State cookie - bizcochito 
• State flower - yucca
• State insect - tarantula hawk wasp
• State gem - turquoise
• State tree - pinon
  
• State University - The University of New Mexico
• New Mexico State Archives are part of the New Mexico Commission of Public Records
• Historical Society of New Mexico

Links

• newmexico.gov - the Official Website of the State of New Mexico
• The New Mexico Tourism site - newmexico.org
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for New Mexico
• InfoPlease entry for New Mexico
• New Mexico State Guide from the Library of Congress
• USDA Fact Sheet for New Mexico

Prominent New Mexicans - (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two)

• Actress Kathy Baker (born in Texas, raised in New Mexico)
• Golfer Notah Begay III
• Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon
• Artist Ernest Blumenschein
• William "Billy the Kid" Bonney
• Nobel Prize winner and diplomat Ralph Bunche (born in Michigan)
• Actor Bruce Cabot
• Kit Carson
• Former Senator Dennis Chavez 
• Apache leader Mangas Coloradas 
• Physicist (Manhattan Project) Edward Condon 
• John Denver (or as he will always be known in the Brave Astronaut's family, John Colorado)
• Lawman Patrick Garrett 
• Astronaut Sid Gutierrez 
• Animator William Hanna 
• Actor Neil Patrick Harris 
• Senator Carl Hatch and the author of the Hatch Act (if you work for the federal government, you understand)
• Conrad Hilton 
• Artist Peter Hurd 
• Gary Johnson, former Governor and 2012 Libertarian Presidential candidate 
  
• Baseball player and broadcaster Ralph Kiner 
• Pueblo potter Maria Martínez of San Ildefonso
• Actress Demi Moore 
• Political cartoonist Bill Mauldin 
• Georgia O'Keeffe
• Dorothy Page, "mother" of the Iditarod
• Actress Kim Stanley 
• Actor Slim Summerville 
• Astronomer and discoverer of the planet Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh 
• The racing family, the Unsers
• NPR journalist Linda Wertheimer

Oklahoma - #46, November 16, 1907

First of all, a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all those out there in the United States.  The Brave Astronaut clan is likely sitting down to our Thanksgiving feast at the beach.  I hope wherever you are, you are enjoying good food, friends and family.  Now on to today's State of the Union - we are down to the final five!

We have arrived at the final five states of the Union (to date) and the first of the states to be admitted in the 20th Century.  When the area was still a territory, on April 22, 1889, the first day homesteading was permitted, 50,000 people swarmed into the area. Those who tried to beat the noon starting gun were called “Sooners,” hence the state's nickname.


In April 1995, the state capital, Oklahoma City, was the site of the worst act of domestic terrorism in American history, when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, killing 168 people, including 19 children. McVeigh was sentenced to death and executed in June 2001 and Nichols was sent to prison for life without the possibility of parole.

The current Governor of Oklahoma is Republican Mary Fallin. Both Senators for the Sooner State are Republicans, Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn. The Oklahoma Congressional delegation has five members, which is also now completely Republican after the retirement of the 2nd District's Dan Boren.

• 1st District - Jim Bridenstine (R) (Representative-elect) / outgoing Congressman - John Sullivan (R)
• 2nd District - Markwayne Mullin (R) (Representative-elect)
• 3rd District - Frank Lucas (R)
• 4th District - Tom Cole (R)
• 5th District - James Lankford (R)

Facts

• State Capital (and largest city) - Oklahoma City
• Date of Admission - November 16, 1907
• Area - 69,898 sq mi (20th) 
• Population (2011 est.) - 3,791,508 (28th) 
• State Motto - "Labor omnia vincit" "Labor conquers all things" 
• State Nickname - The Sooner State
• State animal - bison
• State bird - scissor-tailed flycatcher
• State flower - mistletoe
• State song - "Oklahoma!" (duh)
• State tree - redbud
• State vegetable - watermelon (isn't that a fruit?)
  
• State University - The University of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma State Archives
• Oklahoma Historical Society 

Links

• ok.gov - the Official Website of the State of Oklahoma
• The Tourism site - Travel!Oklahoma
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for Oklahoma
• InfoPlease entry for Oklahoma
• Oklahoma State Guide from the Library of Congress

Prominent Oklahomans - (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two - a lot of astronauts from Oklahoma!)

• Johnny Bench, baseball player
• Poet John Berryman 
• Country singer Garth Brooks 
• Astronaut Gordon Cooper 
• Author Ralph Ellison 
• Jim Rockford himself, James Garner 
• Astronaut Owen K. Garriott 
• Country singer Vince Gill 
• Dick Tracy illustrator Chester Gould 
• Woody Guthrie 
• Boy Band - the Hanson Brothers (Ike,Taylor, Zac)
• Composer Roy Harris 
• This is Paul Harvey - Good Day!
• Actor Van Heflin
• Author Tony Hillerman 
• Ron Howard 
• Karl Guthe Jansky, Radio Astronomy pioneer
• Actress Jennifer Jones 
• Diplomat Jeane Kirkpatrick 
• Astronaut Shannon Lucid 
• Mickey Mantle 
• Reba McEntire 
• Olympic Gymnast Shannon Miller 
• Journalist Bill Moyers 
• New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan 
• Singer Patti Page 
• Brad Pitt 
• Ira Leonard Rosenberg, you may know him as actor Tony Randall 
• Evangelist Oral Roberts 
• Will Rogers 
• Co-creator of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In Dan Rowan 
• Professional Whistler (!) Robert Stemmons 
• Prima ballerina Maria Tallchief 
• Jim Thorpe 
• Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn 
• Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller 
• Actress Alfre Woodard

Utah - #45, January 4, 1896

In 1890, Wilford Woodruff, president of the Mormon Church published his Manifesto reforming political, religious, and economic life in Utah. This led to the admission of Utah as the 45th state in 1896. The first (148) Mormon pioneers had arrived in the Utah territory in 1847. Brigham Young was named as territorial governor by President Millard Fillmore in 1850. Controversy soon arose when word reached Washington that Mormon leaders were disregarding federal law and engaging in polygamy. Young was removed as governor in 1857 by President James Buchanan and sent troops to Utah. After Woodruff's Manifesto renounced the practice of polygamy, the stage was set for Utah to become a state. Utah is the most religiously homogeneous state in the Union. Approximately 63% of Utahns are reported to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS (Mormons), which greatly influences Utah culture and daily life, and it is the site of the Salt Lake Temple.

The first transcontinental railroad was completed with the driving of a golden spike at Promontory Summit in 1869. Utah is the only state that produces gilsonite, a pure form of asphalt used in dark colored printing inks and paints, oil well drilling muds and cements, asphalt modifiers, foundry sands additives, and a wide variety of chemical products.  Utah is a popular vacation destination, with 11,000 miles of fishing streams and 147,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs.  Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The current Governor of Utah is Republican Gary Herbert, who was reelected on November 6.  The Senators for Utah are also both Republicans, newly reelected Orrin Hatch and the junior Senator Mike Lee. The  Congressional delegation now has four members (having picked up a seat in the decennial census redistricting).  Reps. Bishop, Chaffetz, and Matheson were all reelected.

• 1st District - Rob Bishop (R)
• 2nd District - Chris Stewart (R), Representative-elect
• 3rd District - Jason Chaffetz (R)
• 4th District - Jim Matheson (D)

Facts

• State Capital (and largest city) - Salt Lake City
• Date of Admission - January 4, 1896
• Area - 84,899 sq mi (13th) 
• Population (2011 est.) - 2,817,222 (34th) 
• State Motto - "Industry" 
• State Nickname - The Beehive State
• State bird - Common American Gull
• State flower - sego lily
• State insect - honeybee
• State gem - topaz
• State snack food - Jell-O
• State tree - blue spruce
• State University - The University of Utah
• Utah State Archives 
• The Utah State Historical Society 

Links

• utah.gov - the Official Website of the State of Utah
• The Utah Tourism site - utah.com as well as visitutah.com
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for Utah
• InfoPlease entry for Utah
• USDA Fact Sheet for Utah

Prominent Utahns - (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two)

• Bond girl actress Maude Adams 
• Film director and producer Frank Borzage 
• Gunmaker John M. Browning 
• Butch Cassidy (Robert Leroy Parker)
• Barney Clark, first recipient of an artficial heart patient
• Actress Laraine Day 
• Author and historian Bernard De Voto 
• Sculptor Avard Fairbanks 
• Inventor of the TV, Philo Farnsworth 
• Senator (and astronaut) Jake Garn 
• Soap opera heartthrob Anthony Geary 
• Social reformer Howard A. Jarvis 
• Historian David M. Kennedy 
• Hotel magnate J. Willard Marriott 
• Fur Trader and trapper Peter Skene Ogden 
• Football player and actor Merlin Olsen 
• The Osmonds
• Treasurer of the United States (under Dwight Eisenhower) Ivy Baker Priest 
• Artist Lee Greene Richards 
• Composer Leroy Robertson
• Roseanne Barr 
• Former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft
• Senator Reed Smoot, first Mormon elected to U.S. Senate
• Author Virginia Sorensen
• Artist Everett Thorpe
• Actor James Woods 
• Actress Loretta Young 

Wyoming - #44, July 10, 1890

As with so much of the midwest, the US acquired the land comprising Wyoming from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. John Colter, a fur-trapper and part of the Lewis and Clark expedition, is the first white man known to have entered the region. In 1807 he explored the Yellowstone area and brought back news of its geysers and hot springs. Robert Stuart pioneered the Oregon Trail across Wyoming in 1812–1813 and, in 1834, Fort Laramie, the first permanent trading post in Wyoming, was built. Western Wyoming was obtained by the U.S. in the 1846 Oregon Treaty with Great Britain and as a result of the treaty ending the Mexican War in 1848.

When the Wyoming Territory was organized in 1869, Wyoming women became the first in the nation to obtain the right to vote. In 1925, Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman governor in the United States.

The current Governor of  Wyoming is Republican Matt Mead. Both Senators for Wyoming are Republicans, John Barasso and Mike Enzi. Wyoming (like other sparsely populated states) has only one At-Large member, Cynthia Lummis (R).

Facts

• State Capital (and largest city) - Cheyenne
• Date of Admission - July 10, 1890
• Area - 97,814 sq mi (10th) 
• Population (2011 est.) - 568,158 (50th) 
• State Motto - "Equal Rights" 
• State Nickname - The Equality State 
  
• State animal - bison
• State bird - western meadowlark
• State dinosaur - triceratops
• State fish - cutthroat trout
• State flower - Indian paintbrush
• State gem - jade
• State sport - rodeo
• State tree -  cottonwood
  
• State University - The University of Wyoming
• Wyoming State Archives
• Wyoming State Historical Society 

Links

• wyoming.gov - the Official Website of the State of Wyoming
• The Wyoming Tourism site - Wyoming, Forever West
• Wikipedia 
• 50states.com entry for Wyoming
• InfoPlease entry for Wyoming

Prominent Wyomingites - (here's a few lists to peruse, one and two)

• Dick Cheney
• Psychologist June Downey
• Sportscaster Curt Gowdy
• Old West "detective" Tom Horn
• Actress Isabel Jewell
• Author and educator Velma Linford
• First female judge, Esther Hobart Morris
• Jackson Pollack
• Alan Swallow, publisher
• Associate Supreme Court Justice Willis Van Devanter 
• First Governor (and Senator) Francis E. Warren 
• Former Secretary of the Interior (Ronald Reagan) James G. Watt