Multiple Slogans

Fang and I have this odd game. It originated at the time I started working in Connecticut. I always refer to Connecticut as The Nutmeg State. One day he surprised me by saying, "It's not The Nutmeg State. It's the Constitution State." Well, that's what it says on the license plates but it's also known as The Nutmeg State. In fact, if you want to get technical about it, it's also known as The Provisions State and The Land of Steady Habits. (I know--don't touch it, people. It's too easy).

I'm a native Californian and that was also a state that lent itself to multiple slogans. The license plate says The Golden State but it's also called The Sunshine State and The Land of Raging Liberals. Well, that's what my Connecticut friends call it. (And by the way, I am one those raging types).

I know New York is The Empire State because that's what it says on Angus' license plate. But we also call New York The Neurotic State, The Only State That Matters and Altered States.

I know that Hawaii is The Aloha State and Georgia is The Peach State. Florida is The Sunshine State (and The State of Retirement). Mississippi is The Magnolia State; Nebraska is The Cornhusker State (you couldn't come up with anything more original?) and New Jersey is The Garden State. Clever New Mexico thought The Land of Enchantment worked for them (are Munchkins involved?).

Perhaps due to their smaller size and/or perceived insignificance, some states have an inferiority complex and need many names. North Dakota has several names: They are known as The Peace Garden State, The Flickertail State and The Roughrider State. Sparsely populated Nevada is also known as The Silver State, The Sage State and The Sagebrush State. And poor old Tennessee--they really need some self actualization therapy. They are known as The Volunteer State, The Big Bend State, The Hog & Hominy State (that's a winner for the plates) and my favorite, The Mother of Southwestern Statesmen.

I know Delaware feels insignificant. No one can locate them on a map and hence, they have a plethora of aliases: The First State, The Diamond State, The Blue Hen State, and most revealing, Small Wonder. Tsk.

I worry about New Hampshire. They have that imposing "Live Free or Die" mantra on their plates--yet it's actually considered The Granite State. For a place that sells antiques and cider, New Hampshire is assuming a fair amount of street cred.

And what's up with Missouri? The Show Me State? Show you what? I have to assume it's a state overrun with bitter skeptics.

While I could go on, I have to nod to Alabama. While it's known as The Yellowhammer State, the license plates poetically invoke the chorus lyrics of one of my favorite songs: Stars Fell on Alabama. On the other hand I've also heard "Alabama--Yes, We Have Electricity."

Do you have a favorite state slogan?