Something in the Water (or Why Rhode Island Rules)

It's quite simple really, my reason for wanting to move to (or at the very least, visit) the ocean state. It's all because of “There's Something About Mary”, and then “Family Guy”. Yes, I am not ashamed to admit it: I want to move to Rhode Island because some of the funniest and smartest people that are influencing popular culture today have connections with that state. It may sound shallow, but hear me out, please.

I believe with all my heart that there is something in the water that pretty much makes Rhode Island the “ocean state” a breeding ground for funny and creative people. There is no way that the Farrelly Brothers AND Seth MacFarlane could be the way they are without the influence of their environment. So obviously, Rhode Island culture and geography would have much to answer for in terms of the contributions to popular culture that both the Farrellies and MacFarlane ensured the world would love and enjoy. Something, I must insist, made them as quirky, irreverent, and intelligent as they are, and I have a feeling that Rhode Island had something to do with it.

This is why I want to move to Rhode Island. Because I want a piece of that SOMETHING that made them special. Granted, it may not be Rhode Island itself that inspires creative genius, but allow me to list down the number of people from Rhode Island who are known for being creative and intelligent: horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, comedian Harry Anderson, America's Funniest Home Videos creator Vin di Bona, actress Debra Messing and actor James Woods. Who can argue with this type of thing? And while I'm very well aware that for the creativity to take full hold on you, you have to stay an extended period of time there (like perhaps most of your childhood and formative years), I'm still pretty sure that even a short vacation may give me the same sense of quirky creativity that these Rhode Island locals seem to exhibit. Also, I want my kids to be that kind of creative, so it's all for the future of entertainment anyway.

Of course, beyond the shallowness of my intentions, I also happen to know that Rhode Island is a very beautiful place that is dedicated to preserving nature. And I am also not ashamed to admit that I'm a bit of a sucker for places like this. While not being really a full-out nature nut who would chain herself to a tree so that it would not be cut down by “those oppressive capitalist pigs” as some of my activist acquaintances may call it, I also think the preservation of the best things about nature is very important. For example, I remember hearing about the State of Rhode Island being a wonderful place for birds of all shapes and sizes, and even though I'm not much of an authority on avians, I also know that I would love to see one or two of the great local birds of Rhode Island flying above.

I also happen to know that living in a place that is not far away from the water can be good for a person's soul. There is just something about living close to the water that is calming, that makes people more relaxed and laid back. This would possibly mean less stress and less likelihood of being unhealthy (work with me here!), or at the very least, the opportunity to be able to unwind by driving up to the nearest shoreline and staring out into the waters. I honestly believe that we are in need of those moments.

And this is why I think Rhode Island rules: because it inspires creativity, because it has a great deal of respect for nature, and because when it all comes down to it, isn't it just a downright lovely place?

Elea Almazora, contributor to RhodeIsland.Com.Mx

Elea Almazora currently works as a contributor to many information-based websites, writing about many subjects ranging from culture to sciences.

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