Some residents are scoffing at the notion of spending millions of dollar to promote a state with little hope of emerging from the shadows of neighboring New York or Massachusetts.

WSJ: Connecticut Aims for Revitalization With New Ad Campaign

There's also an engaging image of the rooftop bar at the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City, where, based on the sparse crowd, long shadows and two female servers in little black dresses chatting idly, the evening cocktail hour is just getting going.

WSJ: Open-Air Status Symbols

He has little charm, and has been lurking far too long in the shadows to acquire the telegenic qualities Poles now seek in a president.

ECONOMIST: Poland