By Brett Tannehill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wual/local-wual-878967.mp3
Pasadena, CA – Thousands of Alabamians are soaking up Calfornia culture this week as they attend college football's National Championship game. The two states are separated by two thousand miles and there are some big differences and similarities in between. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports
Marketplace Morning Report host Steve Chiotakis lived in Birmingham for three decades before moving to his current job in Los Angeles last year. Chiotakis says it's been interesting to see the similarities in residents of Alabama and California. He says they share a strong work ethic, pride in the natural beauty of their home state and a laid back attitude about life.
He says the biggest difference he's noticed is sharp social contrast between Southern conservatism and West Coast liberalism. He also says many still see the Alabama of 50 years ago and the progress, socially and economically, has yet to penetrate outside perceptions. And that's one reason many Crimson Tide fans say the team's presence at the national championship game in Pasadena is so significant, because it allows the chance for Alabama to present itself in a positive light regardless of who wins and who loses.