Some Worthwhile Items to Check Out

On a slow news day, heres a few things to check out and bookmark for future reference.

A. Global Warming Taking Toll on Vermont Maple Syrup

This troubling story shows the impact on a vital part of the economy in Vermont. If you have ever tasted real maple syrup, you know how much better it is than the commercial store brands.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/03/us/03maple.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&ref=us&pagewanted=all


B. Comparative State New Economy Data and Statistics Report

A new report released today by the Kauffman Foundation details the latest information about the presence and strength of the New Economy in each of the 50 states. I think it is hard to paint a broad sweep on individual states, particularly ones as large and diverse as those in the American West as well as elsewhere in the nation. There is a huge gap when comparing urban areas to rural areas as one might expect and this report places more emphasis on state boundaries when presenting its analysis instead more more justly and rightly comparing metropolitan areas and regions. Its a large PDF download file with a lot of data and maps, so be prepared to spend some time going through its 92 pages.

http://www.kauffman.org/pdf/2007_State_Index.pdf

C. Pizza, anyone?

Thirdly, a business franchise opportunity for the entrepreneur-inclined among my readers. This Montana firm looks like it has a sure-fire winner for those looking at business opportunities. I know if I had the capital or could get it that this would be among the startups I would seriously consider getting involved in. And there is a lot of territory here in the Central and Northern Rockies, the High Plains, Southwest, and Great Basin for an opportunity like this to be launched.

http://mackenzieriverpizza.com/

A look at the Upcoming NFL Draft

Although it is pretty much meaningless, I do enjoy finding out what players are chosen by which teams in the NFL Draft which is coming up on 28-29 April. Here is an early outlook on how the first round may go:

1 - OAK - Jamarcus Russell QB Louisiana State
2 - DET - Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin
3 - CLE - Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma
4 - TB - Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech
5 - ARIZ - Gaines Adams DE Clemson
6 - WASH- Alan Branch DT Michigan
7 - MINN - Jamaal Anderson DE Arkansas
8 - HTN - Levi Brown DT Penn State
9 - MIA - Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame
10- ATL - Laron Landry S Louisiana State
11- SF - Amobi Okoye DT Louisville
12 - BUF - Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburgh
13 - STL - Patrick Willis LB Mississippi
14 - CAR - Reggie Nelson S Florida
15 - PGH - Leon Hall CB Michigan
16 - GB - Greg Olsen TE Miami FL
17 - JAX - Ted Ginn, Jr WR Ohio State
18 - CINC - Paul Posluszny LB Penn State
19 - TENN - Daymeion Hughes CB California
20 - NYG - Marshawn Lynch RB California
21 - DEN - Adam Carriker DE Nebraska
22- DAL - Dwayne Jarrett WR Southern Californina
23 - KC - Dwayne Bowe WR Louisiana State
24 - NENG - Lawrence Timmons LB Florida State
25 - NYJ - Aaron Ross CB Texas
26 - PHIL - Anthony Spencer DE Purdue
27 - NORL - Chris Houston CB Arkansas
28 - NENG - Robert Meachum WR Tennessee
29 - BLT - Justin Blalock DT Texas
30 - SD - Michael Griffin S Texas
31 - CHI - Tank Tyler DT North Carolina State
32 - IND - Brandon Siler LB Florida

Over half of these players will never really contribute in the NFL and are getting chosen and paid large sums of money based entirely on professional potential. One can also see all the college programs which are basically taxpayer supported developmental and minor league for
the NFL, as there are no obscure or low profile schools listed here.

Obviously, when the draft is conducted, much will change as trades and reconsiderations of needs and players potentials will occur.