Maryland, My Maryland

Yesterday, BuzzFeed (my favorite useless news site) posted this article on 20 reasons why Maryland is the "Coolest" State.  Now I've never quite figured out exactly how BuzzFeed works.  Do they have a staff that writes for them?  Or do they have contributors?  Because I think I've seen this article at least 10 times already substituting 10 other states/cities/countries/colleges/etc.  However, I must admit, it's fun to see my everyday in a nationwide story.  But, I'm not sure I agree with their reasons.  Maryland is pretty cool, as much as I complain about it, but their reasons why it's the coolest, are a little weak, quite honestly.  I'm not sure I'm creative (or invested) enough to think up 20 reasons why we Marylanders rock, but I bet I can dream up at least the top 10.

1.  Have to agree with the article on this one, the Ravens are the reigning Super Bowl Champions.  There is nothing we love more than our boys in purple!

2. We claim Cal Ripken, Ray Lewis, Michael Phelps, Edgar Allen Poe, Bryan Voltaggio and Josh Charles as our own.  

3. Not to be outdone by the Ravens, the Orioles began their own hot streak at the end of last season, and contrary to the last few games, have been continuing on that streak this season as well.  It's been quite a while since we've seen it, but we just might have another pennant soon.

4. Maryland Seafood.  Yeah, we're pretty famous for those little blue spidery things that everyone just loves (i.e. Maryland Blue Crabs) but the oysters, shrimp, and fish shouldn't be counted out.  

5.  We are home to Natty Boh (which is apparently a thing to be happy about) and Old Bay which BuzzFeed is correct in saying "we put that on everything!"

6.  Our weather rocks at least half of the year.  Sure it's hellishly humid in the summer and we could quite possibly get up to 4 feet of snow in the winter, but you have to admit autumn and spring are pretty nice.

7. Annapolis - A drinking town with a sailing problem.  There's really nothing to complain about when you're surrounded by boats and water, restaurants and shopping, historic monuments and present day houses of government.  It's the tourist heart of Maryland and I'm pretty fond of it.

8.  We can go down the ocean, hon.  Not many states (well, aside from all the ones that have a coast line, I suppose...) can boast an actual beach and boardwalk.  When you pile on the availability of Thrasher's French Fries, Dumser's Ice Cream, Boog's BBQ and Fisher's Popcorn, you're looking at one world class destination.

9. On our very own Ft. McHenry, Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner.  The fort still exists today and plays host to multiple patriotic celebrations each year, as well as field trips and tours.

10. Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the Carolinas, are drivable within a few hours time.  If we really wanted to, we could leave the country (Canada) without jumping on a plane or train.

See that?  Contrary to what all food TV hosts that come here ramble on about, it is possible to talk about how great Maryland is without mentioning "The Wire"...