The Weirdest Law in Every State: Part 4

New Mexico: Redefining indecent exposure

Let’s take a break to focus on what’s not illegal: walking around with your butt out. In New Mexico, “indecent exposure” is defined as “intentionally exposing [one’s] primary genital area to public view.” Buttocks are nowhere to be mentioned!

New York: Sales tax for sliced bagels

If you order a sliced bagel in New York City, fuhgeddabout getting a square deal: “altered” bagels (sliced, toasted, served with cream cheese) carry an 8-cent sales tax. This is one of the funny laws in the U.S. because the joke is that uncut bagels are typically tax-exempt.

North Carolina: Be careful with your doggie bag

In North Carolina, it’s a felony to steal more than $1,000 worth of grease, and a misdemeanor to steal under $1,000 worth. A USA strange law indeed. Grease theft, it turns out, was a big problem in the state before this law was passed in 2012, with midnight grease-bandits persistently preventing biodiesel companies from purchasing restaurants’ excess oil to convert into fuel.

North Dakota: No non-holiday fireworks

If you want to make a splash with your proposal or celebrate something big, you’d better plan it for the 4th of July or New Year’s Eve, because in West Fargo, North Dakota, those are the only two days in the year when you’re allowed to set off fireworks. Sparking a fuse the other 363 days in the year may result in “a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both.”

Ohio: Toilet paper in coal mines, please!

Operators of underground coal mines in Ohio must provide “an adequate supply of toilet paper” with each toilet. If they don’t, their operation can be shut down and they can receive a fine of up to $2,000. (Too bad the letter of this odd American law stops at coal mines.)

Oklahoma: No cutting your own bangs

Want to help a friend with an at-home haircut? Not so fast. The state of Oklahoma demands that anyone who cuts hair have a cosmetology license. Otherwise, they may have to pay a fine of $50. So put the scissors down!

Oregon: No “tests of physical endurance” while driving

It is considered a speed racing offense in Oregon if you participate in any “test of physical endurance” while on the highway. Sorry, y’all: No more seeing how long you can work the steering wheel with your teeth. While a “test of physical endurance” is subjective, driving laws are pretty strict, so this one may result in you getting pulled over and cited with a ticket.

Pennsylvania: No bingo for kids

Planning a bingo night birthday party? Think again. According to this dumb law, any person “17 years of age or younger may not be permitted to operate or play games of chance.” The same rule applies to anyone who’s been convicted of a felony within the past five years. If you roll the dice, so to speak, you risk up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Rhode Island: Don’t impersonate an auctioneer

Rhode Island’s “false personification” laws deem it illegal to impersonate an auctioneer. Choose your Halloween costume accordingly, or you may be fined between $20 and $100.

South Carolina: Kids can’t play pinball

If you’re a kid at the arcade in South Carolina and see a pinball machine, just know that it’s technically illegal to play it unless you’re over the age of 18. Fortunately, this is a rule that’s never enforced.

SOURCE: READERSDIGEST.COM

Happy National Penuche Fudge Day!

I have never heard of this fudge before, but it looks scrumptious!! I am definitely putting this on the TRY list!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for buttering parchment

2 cups packed brown sugar

½ cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 ½ to 4 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans, plus more for topping if you like

Instructions

Prepare your workspace by lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. Butter the parchment generously to prevent sticking.

Melt the unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Once completely melted, add the brown sugar and stir until thoroughly combined.

Pour in the whole milk and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Maintain a constant stir to prevent scorching — the mixture should bubble vigorously for exactly 2 minutes by the clock.

Remove the saucepan from heat immediately after boiling and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

Add the sifted powdered sugar gradually, starting with 3½ cups. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and loses its glossiness — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes of solid stirring.

Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the fudge mixture. The batter should be thick but still pourable at this point.

Transfer the fudge mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional pecans on top if desired, pressing them gently into the surface.

Allow the fudge to set completely at room temperature, about 2-3 hours. When firm, lift out using the parchment overhangs and cut into 24 squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Watch that boil time: Set a precise timer for the 2-minute boil – even 30 seconds too long can make your penuche too firm, while undercooking creates fudge that won’t properly set.

Cool before adding sugar: Those 5 minutes of cooling after removing from heat are crucial – adding powdered sugar to mixture that’s too hot creates unwanted crystallization and graininess.

Perfect your pouring consistency: If your mixture becomes too thick after adding powdered sugar, adding an extra tablespoon of warm milk helps restore the perfect pourable texture.

Toast those pecans: Spending just 5 minutes toasting the pecans in a dry skillet brings out their natural oils and dramatically enhances their flavor.

Master the stirring technique: When incorporating powdered sugar, stir in one direction only – this creates fewer air bubbles and gives your fudge that professional, silky-smooth finish.

ENJOY!

Pennsylvania’s Famous Foods

Now that you’ve discovered great place to visit in PA, how about discovering some of our great foods?

Philly Cheesesteaks (hold the cheese and onions on mine please!)

Scrapple (not one of my favorites…lol)

Hoagies

Stromboli

Roasted Pork Sandwiches

Pretzels

Funnel Cakes

Shoo-Fly Pie

Banana Splits

Doesn’t that all sound yummy??? And that doesn’t even include Hershey’s Chocolate and TastyKakes!!

SOURCE: NOMADSUNVEILED.COM

Happy National Pennsylvania Day!

If you’re planning a trip to Pennsylvania, Trip Advisor recommends these must-see places!

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.

Longwood Gardens

In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,077 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and 4.5-acre conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by Mr. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education and the performing arts, through programming that includes exhibitions, musical performances by leading artists, renowned horticulture education programs, horticulture research, environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Independence Hall

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.

Sight and Sound Theaters

Sight & Sound® is a ministry on a mission to bring the Bible to life through live theater in Lancaster County, PA. What started 45 years ago as a traveling multimedia show has today become a destination for over 25 million people. This inspiring family experience includes a majestic 2000-seat theatre, a massive 300-foot wrap-around stage, a professional cast, spectacular sets up to 40 feet high and a variety of live animals. Go back in time and witness the greatest stories of the Bible as they come to life right before your eyes!

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War, was the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee’s second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion,” Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address.”

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Indiana State Motto

The Crossroads of America” (Official)

The Indiana state motto was adopted in 1937. The Indiana Department of Administration explains the meaning behind the Indiana motto as such:

“‘The Crossroads of America’ signifies the importance of waterways, railroads, highways and other transportation facilities in the state, viewed by many as some of the finest in the nation.”

The importance Indiana puts on paths of transportation has roots all the way back to the early 1800s when the major cross state Cumberland Road (today US Route 40) was built.

What Shall We Bake Today?

Mounds Bars are one of my favorite candies and this recipe, Mounds Cookie Bars, is supposed to taste just like them!  I have not tried them yet, but I will update this if I do before it posts.

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup white sugar

½ cup melted butter

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups flaked coconut

1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl; mix to combine and pat into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Keep the oven on.

Combine condensed milk and flaked coconut; spread over the crust and continue to bake for 15 minutes.

Spread melted chocolate over coconut layer. Set aside to cool and let chocolate harden, about 1 hour. Cut into squares.

ENJOY!

The Weirdest Law in Every State: Part 3

Massachusetts: No remixing the national anthem

It is prohibited to change the “Star Spangled Banner” in Massachusetts, thanks to an excessively patriotic 1917 law. The statute reads that playing the national anthem as anything “other than as a whole and separate composition or number” or “as dance music, as an exit march or as a part of a medley of any kind,” comes with a fine of up to $100. Sorry, DJs!

Michigan: No seduction allowed

Sorry, singles. Michigan has a law on the books that states “any man who shall seduce and debauch any unmarried woman shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 5 years or by fine of not more than 2,500 dollars.” Luckily, this is one that’s never enforced, so swoon away!

Minnesota: No pig greasing

Winter in Minnesota can be long, but that’s no good reason to hold a greased pig contest in your parlor. Since 1971, it has been considered a misdemeanor in the state to operate, run or participate in any activity where a pig is oiled up and released with the object of being recaptured—and the same goes for “turkey scrambles.” Violation of this rule is considered a misdemeanor and may result in a small fine.

Mississippi: No limits on Big Gulp size

Mississippi believes in a person’s inalienable right to consume a Big Gulp. Following former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s contentious attempt to restrict the size of soft drinks sold throughout the city, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a law preventing his state’s lawmakers from enacting rules that limit portion sizes. Though this is a law, it isn’t enforceable, and patrons can only consume the sizes available at each establishment.

Missouri: Tarzans are not welcome

Prankish Tarzans, be warned: In University City, Missouri, it is illegal to “swing upon” another person’s motor vehicle and honk their horn for them.

Montana: No unauthorized “folfing”

Anyone who’s driven through Montana has inevitably wondered, “How far could I throw a Frisbee over the plains?” Those who seek answers should avoid Helena, where it is illegal to play “folf” (that’s “Frisbee golf”) anywhere not deemed a sanctioned “folf course.” Curiosity could cost you $500 or six months jail time.

Nebraska: No marriage if you have an STD

Technically, no person afflicted with a venereal disease is allowed to get married in Nebraska.

Nevada: Be selective with X-rays

Say what you will about the vice and commercialism of Las Vegas—at least they’re looking out for your feet. In Nevada, it is illegal to use an X-ray device to determine someone’s shoe size. Those who don’t comply may be looking at up to six months in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. You could use that money to hit the casino instead!

New Hampshire: No moonlight seaweed collecting

In New Hampshire, it is forbidden to collect seaweed from the beach at night, with the law stating: “If any person shall carry away or collect for the purpose of carrying away any seaweed or rockweed from the seashore below high-water mark, between daylight in the evening and daylight in the morning, he shall be guilty of a violation.” Yes, it’s unfair, but you should’ve thought about that before becoming a nocturnal sushi chef. Fortunately, it appears that breaking this rule won’t get you more than a warning.

New Jersey: No pumping your own gas

The Garden State has barred pumping your own gas since 1949 under the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. To this day, it’s the only state in the U.S. that strictly prohibits non-gasoline operators from pumping gas. It may be considered one of the dumbest laws in America, but at least you can relax behind the wheel or pick up snacks while someone fuels up for you. And if you do manage to somehow handle the pump yourself, it’s the gas station that’ll be fined—not you.

SOURCE: READERSDIGEST.COM

Happy National I Love Horses Day!

From: National Day Calendar:

On July 15 we recognize the love of one magnificent creature on National I Love Horses Day! With over 200 breeds, these spirited animals give humans much to love. Their loyalty and devotion throughout history may only be a fraction of the reasons to love them.

#NationalILoveHorsesDay

Horses are not just a means of transportation, horses cleared fields, fought wars, and moved cattle. They are also companions on indispensable on long lonely trails, including the trail of life. Cattlemen, pioneers, and more recognize horses as cornerstones of survival in a burgeoning nation. We recognize horses as a majestic animal that brings joy to horse lovers.

Horse Breeds

The tallest horse breed is the Shire. The stallions of this draft horse breed tower at 17 hands above the tiny Falabella, which grows to only eight hands and is the smallest breed of horse.

The phrase “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” is a reminder to be grateful for the gifts, opportunities or kind gestures that come our way. The phrase comes from inspecting a horse’s teeth to determine its health and value. If the horse was a gift, such an inspection would be considered an insult.

The quarter horse, named for its speed on a short track, is one the of three fastest breeds of horses. Thoroughbreds follow quarter horses for longer distance, but Arabians outlast both breeds for endurance on the longest races.

Horse Facts

A horse can see almost 360° at once. Because of this, it’s difficult to sneak up on a horse. Their only blind spots are directly behind them and in front. However, don’t approach a horse from behind; their powerful hind legs can do serious damage if they decide to defend themselves with a kick. Because horses have such an excellent range of vision, they can be easily distracted or startled. Trainers will place blinders or blinkers on their harness to block the horse’s view from the side. The small piece of leather helps the horse to focus their vision forward.

Just like human hair and fingernails, a horse’s hooves are made of the same protein – keratin. Farriers specialize in caring for horses’ hooves. They not only fit horses with shoes, but they trim their hooves and make recommendations for hoof care and foot health. Since horses spend an enormous amount of time on their feet, the care a farrier provides is instrumental to their overall health.

SOURCE: NATIONALDAYCALENDAR.COM