The Weirdest Law in Every State: Part 5

South Dakota: Fireworks approved to help with farming

Farmers in South Dakota have the green light to set off fireworks or explosives to protect their sunflower crops … as long as they are at least 660 feet away from the nearest church, home or schoolhouse.

Tennessee: You can’t lasso a fish

It should come as no surprise that if you’re fishing, you can use a rod and reel, hook and line or trotline. But in Tennessee, “use or possession of any other instrument for the killing, catching, or taking of fish or other aquatic life is expressly forbidden,” meaning a lasso, a basket, your hands or any other method is a no-go. You may get a warning, a written citation or a small fine if you’re caught (pun intended).

Texas: Keep litter on aircraft

It is illegal in Galveston, Texas, to throw litter out of an aircraft. Besides, using the blue bins is so much easier.

Utah: No missiles in bus terminals

Hurling a missile into a bus terminal is a felony in Utah—unless you are an appointed officer of the peace or commercial security personnel (see: mall cop).

Vermont: You can’t get rid of clotheslines

Vermont passed a dumb law just to say there would never be a law prohibiting the use of clotheslines. With the aim of preserving energy use from dryers, the law says that any landlord or homeowner who breaks the law may be subject to a citation or fine. Good to know.

Virginia: No skunks as pets

It’s illegal to have a pet skunk in more than 30 states in the U.S., and Virginia is one of them. No matter how sweet and cute they might be, you may get a visit from animal control if your neighbors see you feeding a skunk or walking it around on a leash. Man, this dumb law in the U.S. really stinks.

Washington: No Sasquatch poaching

It is illegal to poach a Sasquatch in at least two Washington counties. In 1991, Whatcom County declared its roughly 1 million acres of land an official Sasquatch Protection and Refuge Area, giving our nation its first Bigfoot sanctuary. While you may want to capture a Sasquatch if you manage to spot one, hunting Bigfoot is “punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a year in jail.”

West Virginia: No drones for bird hunting

Though a new law passed in West Virginia allowing hunters to use drones and hunting dogs to find wounded animals, this strictly applies to wild game and is prohibited for birds. Using a machine bird to hunt a real bird will most likely result in a hefty fine or a temporary suspension of your hunting license.

Wisconsin: Better make that butter delicious

Giving credence to its reputation as “America’s Dairyland,” Wisconsin’s bid for the dumbest law in the states demands that all cheese and butter produced in the state be “highly pleasing.”

Wyoming: Don’t buy junk from a drunk

Like Mama always said, “Don’t buy junk from a drunk.” In Wyoming, purchasing scrap “metals, rubber, rags or paper” from an intoxicated person is prohibited. The junk dealer may be fined a minimum of $50 or receive a sentence of no more than 60 days in jail. Take that junk to the junk yard!

SOURCE: READERSDIGEST.COM

Jimmy Hoffa

From Allthatsinteresting.com:

The mystery of what happened to union leader Jimmy Hoffa has baffled the public ever since his disappearance from a Michigan parking lot 42 years ago.

Now, CBS Detroit reports that James Buccellato, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Northern Arizona University, has a new theory that Hoffa was murdered at a home in Bloomfield Hills near where he disappeared on July 30, 1975.

He believes that Hoffa was lured from the parking lot where he was to meet with mafia leaders and taken to a nearby property owned by mafia member Carlo Licata. Buccellato claims that Hoffa was then murdered at that property before he was transported to a nearby crematorium.

“I believe he was taken immediately, his body, to either a funeral home on the east side — I don’t want to mention it because it’s still a prominent funeral home on the east side that was once upon a time owned by the mafia,” Buccellato said, “or possibly to a sausage factory in Detroit.”

These scenarios would account for the fact that Hoffa’s body was never recovered.

However, long before Hoffa made headlines because of his mysterious disappearance, he did so for other reasons altogether. Hoffa was a Detroit labor union leader and activist who was well known for his involvement in the Teamsters Union as well as the criminal charges that he faced while president of the organization.

These crimes originated from Hoffa’s involvement with organized crime, and consisted of improper use of union funds, and then attempting to bribe a grand juror when he was indicted for that first crime. Nevertheless, Hoffa’s criminal convictions, as well as the growing political power of his union, fueled his rise to prominence and fame.

However, his connections with the mafia were what would ultimately bring him down.

The FBI investigation of his disappearance failed to find his body, or to identify his killers, and the exact nature of his fate remained a mystery.

But nature abhors a vacuum, and in the absence of evidence, conspiracy theories, urban legends, and rumors filled the public’s imagination.

One famous theory claimed that Jimmy Hoffa was dismembered and that parts of his body were buried underneath Section 107 of the New York Giants’ stadium in New Jersey. This theory was disproven by the Mythbusters in 2010 when the TV show investigated the newly razed New York Giants’ stadium and found no evidence of a body.

Others believed that Hoffa was buried in the foundation of Detroit’s Renaissance Center, which was being built around the time of Hoffa’s disappearance.

Unlike these outlandish ideas, Buccellato’s theory seems much more plausible, albiet far less exciting. However, if his theory is correct, there would be little to no evidence available to prove it, as there would be no body to recover.

This ensures that even if Buccellato is right, the mystery of Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance will continue to endure.

SOURCE: ALLTHATSINTERESTING.COM

*NOTE: This article was written in 2017.

Weird Wednesdays: Cabin Home & Garden of Eden

This is a most unusual home, Garden of Eden, in Lucas, Kansas.

The following is from the Garden of Eden website:

Samuel Perry Dinsmoor…

…was born on March 8, 1843, in Ohio. He served in the Civil War as a nurse in the Union Army. After the war, Dinsmoor returned to Ohio and soon joined the Masonic Lodge. Joining this organization was a significant development in his philosophical outlook on life. He had grown up in a very religious home, but, like many who witnessed the inexplicable slaughter of the Civil War, began searching for other ways to understand humankind.

These were the days when the free-thought movement and a multitude of secret societies proliferated throughout the United States. Lectures on free-thought and scientific theory often were held in Masonic halls. Ohio was considered a “hotbed” of free-thought activity. Free-thought was the end point in the evolution of deism, a philosophical movement that developed in Europe in the eighteenth century. Deism gained a strong foothold on North American thought from about 1790 to 1840. Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Ethan Allen, among others, were adherents of its tenets. Freethinkers, although widely divergent in individual group focus, believed that any issue in life should be dealt with in a rational manner without resorting to emotional responses or to the dictates of tradition or religion.

Late in 1866, Dinsmoor moved to Illinois, where he taught school. In 1870, he married Frances Barlow Journey, a widow with two children. Frances and S.P. had five more children. In 1888, the Dinsmoor family moved to Lucas, Kansas, area and began to farm southeast of town.

When Dinsmoor Retired…

… from farming and moved to town, he build a house, the Cabin Home, intended to be both a residence and a source of income. For the exterior, he chose postrock limestone, the fine-quality building stone used in many commercial buildings, houses, barns, and fence posts in the area. His construction technique was unique, however. He had the stone quarried in long narrow lengths, some up to twenty feet long. The stone was then laid up with dovetailed corners in the manner of a log cabin. He designed the main floor with a mind to entertaining visitors, incorporating 3,000 feet of oak, redwood, and walnut to elaborate moldings and baseboards. To add to the unique look, he built no two windows or doors the same size. 

Dinsmoor, the artist and social commentator, spent the years between 1907 and 1928 creating the Cabin Home and the Garden of Eden. He located his sculptural environment in a residential area, within walking distance of Main Street businesses and visible from the principal railroad track. It appears that Dinsmoor selected the location with the public in mind. The environment was a popular attraction; income from visitors’ admission fees provided a degree of financial security for Dinsmoor and his family. He welcomed visitors and led tours of the site while the work was in progress.

SOURCE: GARDENOFEDENLUCAS.ORG

Indiana State Tree: Tulip Poplar

The state tree of Indiana, also known as the tulip poplar or yellow poplar, however, is actually more closely related to the magnolia family than the poplar family. It is easily identified by its large, simple tulip shaped leaves held alternately on long leaf stems. The leaves, which feature three lobes, including the top lobe which is widely notched in the middle, turn from glossy green to a golden yellow in the fall.

The bark on young trees is smooth and gray with streaks of white between the ridges, while the bark of older trees is gray-brown and features deep, long running ridges. The trunk is very straight and column-like as it grows toward the sunlight and the tree self-prunes lower branches.

In the spring, the tulip tree produces colorful green and yellow, tulip like flowers with an orange band at the base of each petal, which bloom in May or June, but are often found high up on the tree.

The cone-shaped fruit is a collection of winged seeds that resembles a small, dry pineapple, approximately two-inches in length, which sits upright on the branches.

Tulip trees, which grow 70 to 90 feet tall, are often among the tallest trees in Indiana woodland areas as they are shade intolerant and prefer to grow toward the light. They can often be found in woodlands as large as three to four feet in width on the trunk. Tulip trees prefer acidic, moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate alkaline soil.

The natural range of the tulip tree is the eastern United States. Its western reach extends from spots in central Louisiana across the eastern edge of Missouri and Illinois up through Indiana and the southern part of Michigan, and reaches eastward across the gulf states and the panhandle of Florida. It can be found throughout much of the Atlantic coast, reaching northward to Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.

The Morton Arboretum warns that tulip trees are highly susceptible to ice damage and are marginally hard with weak wood and branch structure.

Happy National New Jersey Day!

If you’re planning a trip to the Garden State, here’s some sites you don’t want to miss, according to Trip Advisor!

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Opened on June 26, 1870, the world-famous Boardwalk stretches along six magical and glittering miles of Atlantic City beachfront.

Lakota Wolf Preserve

Ocean City Boardwalk

With its quaint storefronts, amusement rides and Music Pier, Ocean City is everything you’d expect from the real Jersey shore. This family-friendly town boasts a two-mile boardwalk dotted with amusements, pizza parlors, and seaside stores.

Jersey Shore Alpacas

IMPORTANT: OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY WITHOUT VISITING OUR WEBSITE FIRST for complete schedule information. Closed Sundays. Again, OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Fleece and Fun for Everyone! Jersey Shore Alpacas is a small, friendly farm located in Green Creek, just north of Cape May, NJ (about 3 hours from NYC). Please see our website for more information on visiting the farm. 🙂 You’ll love meeting our curious alpacas and browsing in our shop for soft, warm alpaca clothing and cuddly toys! We also carry more than 20 different types of alpaca yarn from Blue Sky Fibers, Alpaca Yarn Company, and farm yarn (when available). We also host occasional adult craft classes in knitting, needle felting, and wet felting! Hope to see you soon!

Liberty State Park

This Park offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

What Shall We Bake Today?

This recipe is another bar recipe instead of cookies, but the name ironically is…Cheesecake Cookie Bars…lol.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped walnuts (or any nuts you prefer)

⅔ cup butter, softened

⅔ cup brown sugar

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

½ cup white sugar

2 eggs

¼ cup milk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix flour, walnuts, butter, and brown sugar together in a bowl. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with half the crust mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 15 minutes. Remove crust and leave oven on.

Mix cream cheese and white sugar together in another bowl using an electric mixer until blended. Add eggs, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix until blended. Pour on top of the baked crust. Sprinkle with remaining crust mixture.

Bake in the hot oven until set, about 25 minutes.

ENJOY!

NOTES: The notes to this recipe offering the following suggestions: An 8×8 pan will increase the amount of filling per bar which a lot of respondents did and liked the results.  Some used pecans instead of walnuts and liked those results as well.  One woman said she doubled the filling ingredients AND used a smaller pan and she liked those results.  I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but will update when I have.

Happy Birthday Matt!

Today is Matt LeBlanc’s birthday (born in 1967) and I found this article on 15funfacts.com that details 15 fun facts about JOEY!

From 15funfacts:

Matt LeBlanc originally studied advertising before switching to acting, which shaped his creative approach.

Before fame, he worked as a waiter and a model in New York to support himself financially.

Despite playing a lovable goof on TV, Matt is an avid car enthusiast and collector.

He once participated in a professional car racing competition, showcasing his driving skills.

Matt’s middle name is Steven, a detail few fans know.

He has a keen interest in motorcycles and owns several vintage models.

Matt LeBlanc voiced the character of Duke in the animated “Cats & Dogs” film series.

He took a break from acting in the mid-2000s to focus on his family and personal life.

Although famous for comedy, Matt LeBlanc has appeared in dramatic roles, proving his range.

He co-hosted the British version of “Top Gear,” blending humor with passion for cars.

Matt is a certified scuba diver, enjoying underwater exploration as a hobby.

He supports various charities focused on children and animal welfare.

Matt LeBlanc once turned down a role that later became a Hollywood blockbuster, a surprising career choice.

His friendship with co-star Jennifer Aniston remains strong, even years after “Friends.”

Matt has a tattoo dedicated to his family, symbolizing his close bonds outside of work.

SOURCE: 15FUNFACTS.COM

Happy Birthday Matt!

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!