Rude Island

Continuing our dip into the murky waters of scholarly research, today's entry takes a look at a third way in which a British study has determined that Little Rhody lives on the dark side of mood and personality. Rhode Island ranks 45th in the category of "agreeableness," a personality type defined by people who are "warm, friendly and compassionate."

Only six places ranked lower: Maine (Yankee cold), New York (Yankee fans), Nevada (Vegas vice), Wyoming (Cheney country), Washington, D.C. (lawyers, guns and money) and Alaska (moose for breakfast again). According to the report:

Friendliness, trust and helpfulness are the dominant characteristics of a strong A rating. Social activities that promote tight social relations, such as spending time with friends and entertaining guests at home, are popular. People are more likely to be religious and attend places of worship. Deaths due to cancer and heart disease are lower than many other states. The warm, friendly and altruistic attitude of agreeable people apparently contributes to an environment characterized by social, psychological and physical health.

Yup, that's not us. So where would one find the most agreeable Americans? The survey says...North Dakota.