If you think all state fairs are alike, Jim Kopel has a few choice words for you: "Each one reflects the identity of its state - and some are much more memorable than others." After retiring from his teaching job in Moline, Illinois, Kopel spent the better part of a decade visiting every single state fair in America - evaluating them against more than 100 criteria. The project started in 1999 with Iowa ("Really the best overall," he declares) and wrapped up four years ago in Washington. "These five top my short list, each for very different reasons."
Charles McDonald and Nate Tice's latest mock draft has five quarterbacks off the board in the top 13, a big-time weapon for Aaron Rodgers and some steals in the second half of the first round.
One common thread runs between Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun's departure and the death knell for GE next week: Jack Welch. Veteran financial journalist Allan Sloan notes that of the CEOs Welch mentored, four succeeded while 13 failed.