[VIDEO] I was always curious about Michigan. It's almost as if it's two separate halves an upper and lower peninsula. Of course the lower peninsula has major cities such as Detroit, Flint, Lansing - Michigan's state capital, Grand Rapids, etc. So what is the difference between the upper and lower peninsulas of this state. In fact why was Michigan's map drawn this way.
Well I hope Mr. Beat can answer those questions.
[VIDEO] Well when was the last time we saw two states compared. It feels like it's been a minute.
I'm not that familiar with both states but have been numerous times. I view Virginia as more of a southern state though I've never been anywhere else other than northern Virginia. As far as Maryland I remained int he Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Actually it's probably true for both Virginia and Maryland.
We hear about the Mason Dixon line which marks the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was also the line that had divided slave states and non-slave states. We learn how Maryland got it's odd shape. We see that West Virginia was actually once part of Virginia.
One thing I know from history is that Maryland was an English colony for Roman Catholics and even now has a significant Catholic population while Virginia is more evangelical Christian. Maryland is more densely population compared to Virginia and thanks to Baltimore Maryland has a higher crime rate.
I could go on and on, but it's better if you watch the video. Perhaps you've also been to both states and have your own commentary?
[VIDEO] How about some geography today. Mr. Beat compares the southwestern states Oklahoma and Texas.
As you know Texas - known as the Lone Star State - for a variety of reasons has become the next hot state along with Florida and has seen growth in population in recent years. I think at some point in the past two decades Texas surpassed New York at the second most populous state in these United States.
The Sooner State - Oklahoma - is known for having a large number of American Indians, Native Americans, or Indigenous Americans. Many of those tribes who reside there were part of the "Trail of Tears" when the US Gov't in the 19th century forced them from their lands in the southeast - states like North and South Carolina, Georgia, etc.
I've spent some time in Texas over the years and have visited cities as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Amarillo. Dallas is known as the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy - I've been to the exact site near Dealey Plaza where this horrific event occurred.
I also want to add that I've only passed through Oklahoma going through Oklahoma City and Tulsa and at that my last visit to that state was over 30 years ago. Probably about time to visit again!
[VIDEO] A while ago I shared a comparison video between Nebraska and Iowa two midwestern states. Now how about another comparison between another pair of midwestern states Kansas and Nebraska - wait there was a Congressional act named for those two states right?
Anyway Mr. Beat didn't release a video last Friday so today I will offer this treat for you all. In the more recent comparison video Mr. Beat didn't discuss the Runza sandwich. In this one he does and you might have heard about it from Geography King also.
Also both states I've passed through on the way across the country. I noted that Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral legislature. Kansas has some very well known political figures such as the late Bob Dole. Both states trend Republican.
I could go on and on however once you watch the video, hopefully you learn something new.
[VIDEO] On the heels of Mr. Beat's Iowa and Nebraska compared let's look at Geography King's profile of Nebraska. He hasn't yet done a profile on Iowa as he has other states such as Oregon, Wisconsin or even Illinois (I mention those specifically because I shared those vids on this blog). However, add this 17 min. video to your knowledge about this Midwestern/Great Plains state.
[VIDEO] This video is about two days old and I figure this is a blog of learning just as much as it is anything else so how about a geography blog this morning.
I like to call Wisconsin dairyland and as I'm watching this video that hasn't come up yet. Wisconsin has been known for dairy such as milk or cheese. However, noted in this video is how general manufacturing is a major part of Wisconsin's economy.
As I share this Geography King is talking about some of the state's largest cities such as Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Fond du Lac, Racine, and Kenosha (hard hit by rioting last summer).
I'm somewhat familiar with Milwaukee as I've got distant relatives there. I haven't visited with them for many years, however, I knew what part of town they lived on and it could be somewhat comparable to some neighborhoods in Chicago. I've always viewed Milwaukee as a nice city with a nice lakefront.
Outside of Kenosha were outlet malls that I used to often visit. The last time I was there, the Pleasant Prairie Outlet mall had significantly expanded.
I hope you learn something new about our neighbors to the north.
[VIDEO] This is a live video which will begin streaming at 9:00 PM C.S.T. Mr. Beat will look at the design of state flags and will certainly look at the new Mississippi flag. I would be very curious about how he ranks the flags as opposed to Geography King.
And sorry about the Mr. Beat overdrive especially before the election which while there is a declared winner - mostly from the media - we see there are some disputes. It might be a minute before it settles.
[VIDEO] The Geography King on YouTube is discussing what he considers the worst to best designed state flags and including the District of Columbia - the flag of our nation's capital. I think Illinois ranks in the middle somewhere ahead of Iowa as he thinks the Illinois flag seemed designed by a professional. He seems to think a few of the state flags were designed by elementary school students. His opinion of course.
And I share this video with you for a good reason and by about 7:00 PM you will see why. I hope you enjoy this video and perhaps you might have state flags you might consider your favorite.
BTW, since this video was published last year one state - Mississippi - has changed their flag from the design you see here. Rightfully the flag of the Confederacy is considered by Geography King as a symbol of rebellion against the US. Many popularly consider the Confederacy a racist notion, however, I'm not really trying to start a debate over it. Just note that the flag of Mississippi has since been changed during the course of 2020.