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Utah

December 28th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

Utah is known for being one of the most religiously homogeneous states in the Union. The state is a center of transportation, information technology and research, government services and mining as well as a major tourist destination for outdoor recreation. Utah features a dry, mostly desert climate, although its many mountains feature a large variety of climates, with the highest points in the Uinta Mountains being above the timberline. Utah’s temperatures are extreme, with cold temperatures in winter due to its elevation, and very hot summers statewide (with the exception of mountain areas and high mountain valleys).

The center of population of Utah is located in Utah County in the city of Lehi.Utah has a high total birth rate, and the youngest population of any U.S. state. It is also one of the few non-Southern states that has more males than females. Tourism is a major industry in Utah and is well known for its year-round outdoor and recreational activities among other attractions. With five national parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion), Utah has the third most national parks of any state after Alaska and California. Utah government, like most U.S. states, is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The current governor of Utah is Gary Herbert, who was sworn in on August 11, 2009.

For more information, please visit http://www.utah.gov

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City of Newport Beach

December 27th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

Travel from the east to the west side of the city - or the north end to the south end - and you will get a flavor of the distinct residential and commercial areas that combine to make the City of Newport Beach one of the most attractive communities on the west coast. Newport Beach is known for its villages, each with its own distinct character and appearance. The permanent, year-round residential population of Newport Beach is 86,252 and the summertime population increases to approximately 100,000.

Located in the center of coastal Orange County, Newport Beach is known for its vast recreational opportunities and outstanding shopping, dining and lodging. The city surrounds Newport Bay and more than 9,000 boats of all types are docked within the 21-square-mile harbor area. The bay and the citys eight miles of ocean beach offer outstanding fishing, swimming, surfing and aquatic activities. The Newport Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau is a non-profit organization under contract with the City.

For more information, please visit http://www.newportbeachca.gov

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West Virginia

December 26th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

West Virginia, one of the smallest states in the United States, is also one of the hilliest and most scenic. Most of the state is marked by the highlands and rolling hills of the west, and Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region located in the eastern one-sixth of the state. Distinguished by two panhandles, one in the north, the other the east, much of West Virginia falls below the Mason-Dixon Line, and considered part of the South.

Part of Virginia until 1863, the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountain Ranges acted as a natural barrier to exploration. British settled the fertile valleys in the 1730, providing a natural buffer to Native Americans and French to the west. West Virginia became the 35 th state in the nation on June 20, 1863. West Virginias economy today is coal and manufacturing based. One of the nations biggest producers of bituminous coal, manufacturing grew in importance in the early 20 th century, spurred on by WWI and WWII. Natural gas, stone, cement, salt and oil also contribute to the state economy; agriculture activity is limited by the mountainous terrain.

For more information, please visit http://www.wv.gov

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Washington

December 25th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest, is referred to as The Evergreen State, evoking the lush forested land the state is popularly known for. Bordered by Canada to the north, the Pacific Ocean the west, Oregon to the south and Idaho to the east, the state is marked by mountainous ranges, lowlands and plateaus: the Olympic Mountains, the Coast Range, the Puget Sound Lowlands, the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia Plateau, and the Rocky Mountains.

Human habitation of Washington dates back 11,500 years to the migration of peoples from Asia across the Bering Land Bridge (a 1,000 mile landmass that disappeared at the end of the Ice Age). Native American tribes populated the Pacific Coast of Washington and east of the Columbia Plateau. Spaniards were the first to explore the region in search of a Northwest Passage providing a water route from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean. While present-day Washington is home to the iconic coffeehouse Starbucks, agriculture, the lumber industry, and railroad expansion were important influences on economic growth. Visitors are attracted each year to the states rich history and outdoor recreation: Mount Rainier, the Lewis & Clark trail, skiing winters and fishing whenever.

For more information, please visit http://www.access.wa.gov

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Maine

December 24th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

A mix of economic and agricultural strengths set Maine apart from the other 49 states. Blueberries are a commodity. The short bushes grow everywhere and the state leads in production of blueberries. Products advertising Maine blueberries are sold across the country. Another strength is the lobster business. Not far from Freeport, Bath, Maine is the site for Bath Iron Works. The company occupies a large chunk of the visual space of the town as it probably has for the last 120 years. The shipyard has been a viable piece of the states economy and continues to build military warships.

Much of Maine remains uninhabited or loosely populated, particularly the northern most region. The lumber business is significant and the wood goes to creating any number of products. Acadia National Park is a popular tourist destination. Visitors often come for the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, usually from a windswept cliff high above the rough and chilly surf. This area of New England coastline features craggy drops, wind and salt carved conifers, and smooth rocky outcroppings.Also located in this same Atlantic Coast region is the Old Sow Whirlpool. Oceanographers claim this is one of four other significant whirlpools located at various places around the globe.

For more information, please visit http://www.maine.gov

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Nevada

December 23rd, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

There is nothing more unique in Nevada than Las Vegas. The city was literally constructed out of the desert in the mid-1900s. Entrepreneur and alleged gangster, Bugsy Siegel was instrumental in the development of the early Las Vegas Strip. His hotel, The Flamingo, was built in 1946. Gambling is legal almost everywhere and even McCarren International Airportthe one near Las Vegasfeatures a large variety of slot machines near the flight gates.

Outside of Las Vegas and gambling, Nevada is well known for its legalized prostitution. In contrast, the state is one of the last remaining that doles out punishments for drug crimes based on the practice of mandatory sentences. An unusual Nevada event is the annual Burning Man festival. This unique celebration features a large image of a wooden man that is set ablaze. The burning effigy flames for hours. The event began in the mid-80s among a group of friends. Today the event draws thousands of visitors and now takes place in the Black Rock Desert.

For more information, please visit http://www.nv.gov

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Massachusetts

December 22nd, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts is largely considered the site where the first Colonists arrived in the New World. This initial boatload of settlers was known as Pilgrims. Massachusetts otherwise is most well known as a key hotbed of Colonial dissension before and during the Revolutionary War. Modern day Massachusetts politicians are the Kennedys. Following a long history of social activism, Massachusetts paved the way for Gay Rights in 2004 when it voted to make gay marriage legal, a first in the U.S. However the current state of this issue could change; it remains a political hot button issue.

During the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, when immigrants were streaming into America, huge communities of Irish immigrants set up residence in Massachusetts. Irish Americans in Massachusetts far outnumber those in other states. The Church of Christ, Science considers Boston home. The Churcha large modern building in downtown Bostonbeckons not only Christ Scientists, but also thousands of tourists. Another popular tourist attraction is Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge Massachusetts. This is a recreation of a Colonial working village. Visitors may see how a small town worked over 300 years ago.

For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov

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Kentucky

December 21st, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

The Kentucky Derby is one of horse racings top annual events. Ladies in titillating derby hats sipping mint juleps are commonplace sights in Louisville each spring. This horse show is one of a few others considered part of the Triple Crown competition. It remains one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events and lasts only a couple minutes. But why is the area a hotbed for horse breeders? Beyond the gently rolling hills, part of the reason is the naturally fortified soilit has a high level of natural calciumfrom which grows the grass that horses eat.

Educational segregation issues have pushed Kentucky to the forefront politically and socially. Like its neighbors, Kentucky was structured around a segregated school system. Most of that changed with the advent of Brown v. Board of Education. When the territory now known as Kentucky was still wild and untamed, a young and rugged scout, Daniel Boone blazed a trail and founded the first town in the territoryBoonesborough. But before any town could be built there had to be a route into the thick and steep wild. Modern day highways over Cumberland Gap reportedly follow fairly closely the profile of the original Wilderness Trail.

For more information, please visit http://www.kentucky.gov

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New York

December 20th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

New York City is an outstanding feature of New York State. The Big Apple, as its affectionately called, is one of the worlds most vibrant and powerful as far as arts and culture, banking and finance, and business and industry go. The Statue of Liberty that stands in New York Harbor has stood as a symbol of freedom and a promise of respite for weary travelers and immigrants. Now it is one of the most recognized monuments in the world. The New York Stock Exchange may also be considered a monument unto itselfits certainly the most influential financial power.

The Hudson River is completely contained within the state and too has become an iconic symbol. Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural sights in North America. The falls are right on the U.S.-Canadian border. Regardless of its ultra-urbanized NYC, New York itself is a huge agricultural contributor to the national economy. Wine production is growing rapidly and already the production levels of fine wine are at or near those of Californias grape growing region. The most notable wineries are located out on Long Island in what has legally been dubbed the Long Island Wine Region.

For more information, please visit http://www.ny.gov

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Alabama

December 19th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 Triad

Alabama lies in the southern tier of the United States in the area often referred to as the Deep South. The state played a crucial role in the Civil War. While South Carolina is renowned for taking the lead in secession, Montgomery, Alabama was where Jefferson Davis set up shop and declared the city the Confederate capital. In the 20 th century Alabama is best known historically as a key Civil Rights battleground.

Ever wonder where all the confiscated personal possessions and luggage end up that are never claimed from airports? Next time youre traveling through Scottsboro, Alabama take a side trip to the Unclaimed Baggage Center, a shoppers paradise for all kinds of stuff. Who would have thought people would carry such an array of items on a plane. Alabama is not at a loss for sports teams. Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile all have their own baseball leagues. Huntsville is home to the Alabama Renegades, one of the nations first Womens Professional Football League clubs. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is one of the worlds leading theatrical events and has now become a permanent troupe with a world class theatrical venue all its own.

For more information, please visit http://www.alabama.gov

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