"Minnesota is the best state in the country to watch illustrated commentary!"

My favorite book is Voltaire's Candide because, while I'm an optimist and insist that a proactive attitude can lend itself to the belief that we live in "the best of all possible worlds," I find it important to maintain a healthy sense of critical consciousness and accordingly, to regularly poke fun at myself. Since I often (and on this blog) tout Minnesota as ranking high across the board in quality-of-life indicators, David Gilette's illustrated essay, "Life According to Lists," thumbs its nose at me. And I can't resist sharing the fun. See for yourself: