An interesting investment in technology came to me just last week as I was searching through Wikipedia’s large assortment of subjects for Wednesday’s homework assignment. A list of state mottos from America’s 50 unique states soon found its way to my computer screen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_slogans). “Sweet,” I thought, “I wonder what Alabama’s is…”. I didn’t have to look very far because the chart is in alphabetical order, and Alabama is # 1 on the list. Surprisingly, this captivating Southern state has three creative sayings, which are Share The Wonder, Alabama the beautiful, and Where America finds its voice. Alabama.

I thought this site was pretty cool, and I couldn’t help but skim my way through the many slogans listed by each state. I looked at states I hope to visit in the future. Places such as Maine, New York, and Rhode Island all grabbed my attention. The title that appears on the license plates of Mainelanders is Vacationland and New York’s is (of course) I Love New York. Rhode Island holds a relaxing, one-word slogan: Unwind.

So, I fear you’re sitting there and thinking, “Okayyyy….so what’s where does the excitement of technology fit in here?” Good question. I want to begin my answer by simply saying that I love the outdoors. I have yet to find an internet hookup in Oak Mountain’s forests of Alabama the or on banks of the Clarion River in Pennsylvania. This does not mean that internet access holds no importance to my outdoor explorations. In fact, it furthers my drive to explore and travel all over America. When I found this page on Wikipedia, the first thing I noticed were the few black and blue sentences above the chart. One of the sentences says the slogans listed below are used for “the promotion of tourism”. There are so many little things I do not know about this World, or even in these United States. The slogan listings cultivate aspirations of road trips and possible living quarters, and in the mean time, it is fun to learn of the different titles that have for so long labeled each providence.

Did you know that Idaho’s slogan, Famous Potatoes, has changed to Great Potatoes. Tasty Destinations.? Ever hear of the Louisiana slogan, Come as you are. Leave Different.? Or do you recall Mississippi being known as The South’s Warmest Welcome? Each of these state dedication phrases are completely new to me. I wish I had learned about them in Elementary school instead of having to memorize each state’s capital!

Anyway, if you’re ever sitting inside on a rainy day or are just in the mood to learn something enjoyable and interesting, I recommend checking out Wikipedia’s “List of U.S. state slogans”. Information such as this is so simple but yet so rewarding. Try starting up a conversation with the question, “Hey, do you know which state has the slogan, Seize the day off?”. If anyone guesses Maryland, then they either have been doing some state slogan browsing on the internet or they just had a really cool 5th grade teacher.