EveryBlock Chicago is a mash-up of government information and Google Maps.  I LOVE the way it pulls together public information from disparate city agencies and departments and adds layers of relevance and accessibility.

You can locate crime reports, restaurant inspection scores, property transfers, street closures and even filming schedules. Search by address, zip code or neighborhood and you'll see a map loaded with the locations of each event. EveryBlock also includes business reviews from Yelp and lost and found ads from Craigslist. You can even look at pictures that have been geotagged in Flickr!  It's a really easy way to explore your neighborhood or your city.

The 2002 Economic Census ranks states by their top industries. Per capita, Illinois is first in "construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers," which may seem a little boring.  But we are second in “beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers”, third in “nonchocolate confectionery manufacturing” and fourth in “Mayonnaise, dressing, and other prepared sauce manufacturing”.  Mmmm, red licorice and jelly beans with a side of  French dressing please!  Should I pair that with a red or white wine?  (We suspect either is fine as long as you are of age and refrain from jumping on a bulldozer afterwards.)

Rounding out our top five is “office machinery and equipment rental and leasing.”  

To see industries in which Illinois ranks first in terms of total sales or receipts, or to check out other information from the 2002 Economic Census, visit Top Ranking Industries Organized by State.  (And yes, per capita,  Wisconsin is still number one in cheese.)

According to the economic research service of the US Department of Agriculture, carrot consumption is on the rise, and highest in the East and Central regions of the country.  The online publication "Factors Affecting Carrot Consumption in the United States" examines where and how much fresh and processed carrots are eaten and links this consumption to various economic, social, and demographic characteristics of consumers."  More consumption reports are available from the USDA at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/consumption/ . 

Don't forget to file your taxes today!  We are excited to bring you further posts highlighting the sometimes unexpected information collected and distributed by official government agencies.