Why Nebraska is #1!

If you didn't know already, Awesome Inc. is headquartered in Nebraska and for good reason: It's the Good Life! While we have branches outside of Chicago and in Nicaragua now, and future branches are always possible, the home base will always be Nebraska. For this reason, I felt it was necessary to explain why Nebraska's awesome despite many claims to the contrary. (Hell, some people in this country don't even know it exists!) So here we go:
1. Husker football - This is usually the first thing people think of if they even know what Nebraska is and it's understandable why they would. One of the most dominant programs in college football, the Huskers have garnered respect across the country and around the world.
2. Kool-Aid - Yeah that's right Kool-Aid! Invented in the Cornhusker State and it is good stuff. A great product with one the greatest mascots of all-time.
"Oh Yeah!" indeed.
3. Where's the Beef? - In Nebraska that's where! Definitely a state that is known for it's excellent meat with most people recognizing Omaha Steaks as probably the best steaks in the world. Take a trip to Misty's in Lincoln and get the prime rib. Thank me later.
4. College World Series - A 10-day event in June that takes over Omaha, especially if the home state Huskers make it there. RVs come from all over the country to stake out a spot around the stadium to tailgate for a whole week. Zesto's is a staple restaurant near Rosenblatt. It's grown so much that EA Sports is now making the first college baseball video game.
5. Henry Doorly Zoo - Right next to Rosenblatt is one of the greatest zoos in the world. The Henry Doorly Zoo is huge! They keep adding to it as well, so it's getting even better. And zoo's in general kick ass because you might see something like this:


6. Famous People - Yeah it's a small state population-wise, but a number of famous faces call Nebraska their birthplace. (Yeah most usually leave and live elsewhere, but that's there loss!) The likes of Johnny Carson, Warren Buffet, Fred Astair, Marlon Brando, Henry Fonda, Bob Gibson, and Malcolm X to name about half all were born in Nebraska. Gerald Ford was born in Omaha and he was such a great president he didn't even need to be elected!
7. Ogallala Aquifer - Water water everywhere! The world's largest underground aquifer is primarily under Nebraska, so take that everyone else! Nebraskans won't ever be thirsty.
8. 911 - Although rarely used in the idyllic, nearly crime-free paradise that is Nebraska, the 911 emergency system was invented in the state and first used in Lincoln. I believe the first call was either a cat stuck in a tree or trouble down at the old mill.
9. SAC - Without the Strategic Air Command, we'd all probably be speaking Russian right now. How can you read this when you're drinking this? But at least we could have looked awesome! SAC #1!
10. Unicameral baby! - The only state in the country to have just one house in the government and that's something special.
11. Arbor Day - We here at Awesome Inc. (except MP) love trees and we've got the designated day and city for trees on lockdown. Nebraska City is the home to everything Arbor Day-related, not to mention home to some of the best apple donuts around!
12. Haymarket Park - Back to sports for a minute and the new baseball stadium in Lincoln is one of the finest minor league parks in the country. The Huskers and Lincoln Saltdogs share the stadium, which has garnered awards from all around. It's a definite upgrade over the Buck, but we all still love that dump.
13. Strobe light - Another great invention by a native Nebraskan. Without the strobe light how would we get our rave on?
14. Chimney Rock/Oregon Trail - Although I've never personally seen it, Chimney Rock is the state's best known natural landmark. I have stopped and looked around near there though after fording the Big Blue River and on my way to Fort Cheyenne. The Oregon Trail goes right through the state as well and is the basis for one of the greatest games ever invented.
15. Sandhills - Out Chimney Rock way are the scenic Sandhills known for their cranes and sandy hills. Also, the best new golf course in the country is built in the area, so that's a plus.

Well that's a nice little summary of 15 different reasons why Nebraska kicks ass, but there are so many more. I'm sure my fellow Awesome Inc.-ers will add their two cents as well, but this gives everyone an idea as to why Nebraska is the Good Life!

BBL