click for larger version

This is so cool. Via Strange Maps @ Big Think.

The map’s link to Sus domesticus [1] is via the company that produced it: H.W. Hill & Co. This Decatur, Illinois outfit were the sole manufacturers of Hill’s hog ringers, Hill’s triangular rings, calf and cow weaners, stock markers &c. On the map, we see one pig per state or territory, each with one of H.W. Hill’s trademarked triangles through its nose.

But that is as far as product placement goes. Even though it was printed in [H.W. Hill’s] own advertising department, the map is a deft example of oblique advertising – a clear-cut case of 19th-century viral marketing.

For its main attraction were not H.W. Hill’s markers, weaners and rings. It was mailed out – for five one-cent stamps – as a tableau entitled: “Nicknames of the States”. It’s always interesting, and perhaps a little titillating, to see what names you’re being called by others, and to know how to return the mockery [2]. And it helps that all involved are portrayed as that most unloved of domestic animals, the pig.

For us, the map holds one extra appeal: in the almost 130 years since its publication, the nickname landscape has shifted somewhat. A few have remained popular, but many have fallen into disuse. Curiously, next to the sobriquets that are insults or compliments, a few are merely descriptive, and some states and territories don’t even get one. Somehow, that feels like the worst option.

Included in this post, are close ups of the more interesting areas taken from a high res version of the map downloaded from the Library of Congress.

On to the links…

CH2.0: The reports of Mitt Romney’s “inevitability” have been greatly exaggerated.
The Eye: Rightward Ho an Electoral No? Edition
TBA (formally GTBTBA) has a new look and the same great content: What do they mean by ‘choice’?
LaS: Recess? Don’t Talk About Recess!
WyBlog: Pipeline Dreams Busted By Green Schemes

MTTM: Rep Walberg Responds To Administration’s Rejection Of Keystone Pipeline
Moonbattery: Gear Up for Maximal Mudslinging
LD Jackson: Democrats Want a Reasonable Profits Board for Gas and Oil Companies
FCBZ: Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho… Obama Shuts Down Disney World to Talk to 150 Special Invitees about Tourism
RR: Newt Gingrich “The Establishment is Right to Be Worried About a Gingrich Nomination”

Pundette: Call off the coronation
Zilla: Quick Resister Update
SJ: Newt Gingrich- Once again the left is trying to manipulate the right
Spellchek: U.S. seeks to expand its role as global cop
TMGGB: Ron Paul’s concession speech sounded more like a clarion call to the American people than a concession speech
theCL: Ron Paul — The Spirit of 76!

Gator: *VIDEO* The Newtster Delivers Victory Speech Following South Carolina Primary Blowout
The Other: Why is Romney doing such a lousy job defending his record at Bain Capital?
Republican Mother: Not a Dime’s Worth of Difference 
Wade: The Defence of Fort McHenry
WWTFT: Michigan – A Canadian State

Hmmm….