....the largest land mass of any state in the continental United States? 

.....the distinction of having been an independent republic early in its history? Frankly, many Texans tend to think it still is. Not surprisingly, Texas prides itself on the independence of its citizens.

.... the only legal authorizaton of any state in the United States to have its own navy (although of late, it has let the US federal government take care of that responsibility)?

ST

ReloBlogger predicts a win for the Steelers in tomorrow's Super Bowl game.

RH

Relocation to the United States is hardly a new phenomenon. In fact, the history of this country is rooted in relocation. Nearly all of our ancestors came from someplace else, for any number of reasons. The idea of America is based on freedom to do and achieve whatever is within your abilities regardless or your origins. The experiment that is the United States dates back only 229 years but the spirit of America dates back further to the earliest settlers.

One such group of 120 hardy souls boarded the Mayflower in Southampton England in September 1620 bound for the New World. Braving the dangerous North Atlantic in a 90 foot long vessel, two passengers didn't even survive the trip. They laid anchor 65 days later at Provincetown, MA and eventually landed at Plymouth Harbor. The ensuing winter was harsh, food was scarce and only half the original number lived to see spring. Faith and determination sustained these Pilgrims and hard work produced a bountiful harvest by the fall of 1621. To express their faith and give thanks to the native Americans that had helped them, the first Thanksgiving feast was celebrated. The event was not repeated the following year and it was, in fact, many years before it became tradition. We can all give thanks to President Abraham Lincoln who was responsible for making Thanksgiving a national holiday- and our employers for tacking on the day after as a work holiday.

For current relocation professionals as we give thanks for our bounty we may also look to the Pilgrims for perspective. The next time a transferee laments  a policy that only provides 30 days in corporate housing or reimbursement of economy class airfare, recall the trepidation of the original expats at Plymouth Plantation, smile, and be glad you didn't have to manage their move.

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS

After considering publishing this under "Cross-cultural", we decided it deserves to be in a category of its own: "Lighter Fare".

Driving Tips for the Washington D.C. Area

First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name.  It is called DC, or the "District."  Only tourists call it Washington.

The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM.  The evening rush hour is from 1 to 8 PM.  Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during the summer on Route 50 eastbound or I-95 in any direction.

If there is a ball game at the Redskins’ stadium, there is no point in driving anywhere near PG County.  Tip: Never say PG County to anyone from Mitchellville, Upper Marlboro, or Fort Washington.  They'll blow a vessel in their neck and go into a seizure.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at.  If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 "picture" you will receive courtesy of DMV.  Should you not go as soon as the light turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages, none of them English.

Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers.  Snow causes an immediate 100 point drop in IQ and a stampede to the local Giant for bread, milk and toilet paper.

If someone actually has his turn signal on, he is by definition, a tourist.

Car horns are actually "Road Rage" indicators.  Heed the warning.

A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50.  A taxi ride two blocks will cost you $16.75.  (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand.)

The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85.  Anything less is considered downright sissified.  The Beltway is the daily version of a NASCAR reality show.  Strap up and collect points as you go.

The open lane for passing on all area interstates is the far right lane, because no self-respecting Capitol area citizen would ever be caught driving in the "slow" lane.  Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game as well.

Enjoy driving in DC!

RH