General General 5 min read

FROM THE DUMB TO THE BIZARRE

10 Weird Laws in the United States that Still Exist Today

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

Ever since the beginning of the nation, America has stood out for many reasons and it has adapted to societal changes and technological advances. People are not the same today as they were back in the 18th century, for example. This only makes it more shocking to learn that some laws in the country are as old as that or even older and they are still operating today!

Due to its state configuration, laws and regulations are sometimes left to each state. From the prohibition of driving blindfolded to no sweets for people over 14, let’s go through the dumb, the weird, and the bizarre!

1
Alabama - Driving Regulations

Image: Ed 259

We have all tried to ride a bike with no hands when we were kids. You probably got to the point of taking the challenge one step further and driving with no hands on an empty road. Now, driving blindfolded is a bit extreme, right?

Alabama has a law that forbids drivers from driving blindfolded and that is not all, drivers aren’t allowed to drive if they can’t see what’s to the sides or in front of them. Now, if the law exists, that must mean it was needed at some point, right?

2
Louisiana - Pizza Party

Image: Kelvin T

Sending gifts is a great way to say "I love you" or "I’m sorry." Whatever the situation, we’ve seen it a million times: a knock on the door, a pizza delivery guy handing a pizza box, and a cheesy, but loving message as a topping: "I love you."

Well, if those were your plans but you live in Louisiana, you might as well think twice before you do it. This state has a law that forbids inhabitants from sending unsolicited pizza, no matter how considerate this gesture might be. If you do, be ready to pay a $500 fine. How much is your love worth?

3
Virginia - Halloween Arrangement

Image: Szabó János

All across America, when October comes, millions of people get their costumes ready for the spookiest night of the year. And we are not talking only children here. How many Adults-only Halloween parties have you been to?

However, the Halloween fun is limited in Chesapeake City, Virginia. Dress up all you want and party all night long, but don’t you dare go trick-or-treating alone if you are over 14 . Not because you might get haunted by ghosts, but because the law forbids you. And for the under-14s you know, let them know they have to be home by 8 pm according to the curfew. Quite a bummer, huh?

4
South Caroline - Pinball Limitations

Image: Senad Palic

Ah, to be young and play games again, right? The possibilities were endless, board games, card games, pinball… Well, not anymore, not for everyone, at least!

In South Carolina, pinball is forbidden for people over 18 years of age. And it has nothing to do with maturity, it is not that they don’t allow the fun in adults. The reason behind this regulation has to do with the fact that the game is considered addictive and dangerous for some reason we can’t figure out! Can you imagine what it is? If this sounds bizarre, wait until you read the next one!

5
Vermont - Permission to Get Teeth Done

Image: engin akyurt

Now, this is where America gets a bit bizarre. For a very long time, women have needed men’s permission to get all sorts of things done around the house and about their health. But as we said, society has changed and America has adapted to those improvements.

Surprising as it may be, Vermont has a law that requires women to ask for their husband’s permission before they get false teeth. You heard that right!

It must have been a surprise for the government itself as it is a law that is not enforced anymore, but it still hasn’t been overturned!

6
Kentucky - Marriage restrictions

Image: Samantha Gades

Speaking of husbands and wives, Kentucky must have seen the weirdest things when it came to marriages. That is fair, relationships are a complex business.

You fall in love and you get married. You fall out of love and you get a divorce. But love, funny thing, huh? You might fall back in love and want to get married again to the same person. Well, that is about it in Kentucky.

The state’s legislators have limited marriage so that no man can marry the same woman more than three times . This is just bizarre, even if you were allowed to do so, why would you? Right?

7
Oregon - Cemeteries Are Off the Limits

Image: Sandy Millar

Hunting is a very much praised activity in the United States. However, for different reasons, such as animal protection or nature conservation, some aspects of the hobby have been banned across the country.

In the state of Oregon, for example, you cannot hunt within the limits of a cemetery. Now, this sounds just about right, doesn’t it? After all, it is sacred soil. Well, as morally obvious as this may sound, the case of a specific hunter carrying his business in a cemetery led legislators to forbid the activity. Wait for it, this is nothing compared to the last prohibition!

8
Ohio - Mind Your Gas

Image: Juan Fernandez

Driving can be quite soothing, although it requires a high level of attention. You must check your tires, turn the lights on, and place the mirrors in the right position. And of course, you have to get the tank full before anything else.

Even if it seems quite unlikely that anyone would run out of gas intentionally, Youngstown, Ohio has a law that forbids drivers from running out of gas. If this happens, it is considered a misdemeanor offense. Running out of gas in the middle of your driving is bad enough, add a ticket to it!

9
Indiana - Horses Are Just Horses

Image: Holly Mandarich

Even if these majestic animals were used for transportation for a very long time , we can all agree that they have served their purpose and now is time to let them be. Well, Indiana must have been a place where this wasn’t the case until a law forbidding horse racing was passed.

The law actually says that horse-based travels are not allowed to run over 100mph . Even if the reasons are not so clear, one can only assume this was a nuisance for the inhabitants of the state.

10
Arizona - Donkeys Belong Elsewhere

Image: Erwan Hesry

This article comes to an end with what is, probably, the weirdest law of them all and it involves bathtubs and donkeys . Just saying it sounds bizarre.

Back in the 1920s, a very much-pampered donkey sleeping in a bathtub caused a home to flood. Don’t worry! The animal made it, although it didn’t quite notice as it was asleep the whole time.

Now, as a consequence, Arizona still has a law that forbids donkeys from sleeping in a bathtub in an attempt to avoid such an occurrence repeating itself! You better go buy a proper bed for your donkey now!

Geography Geography 4 min read

YOU CAN HAVE YOU CAKE AND EAT IT TOO

Mountain holidays for beach lovers: 10 American spots that have it all

Image: Brand Barmore

The eternal argument of whether to spend the holidays sunbathing on the beach or hiking in the mountains can be elegantly avoided if one of the following ten spots enters the discussion. These are magical landscapes where water, beaches, and mountains, or steep, forested hills, create a picturesque environment for the lucky visitor. Read on to find out where your next vacation could be.

1
Ventura County, California

Image: Paul Hanaoka

A place that hosts the annual Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is a sure bet if you are looking for a place that combines mountains and beaches. Mountain hiking and the classic California coastline lie within 26.2 miles of each other. Located northwest of Los Angeles, Ojai sits in a valley, and the village is dotted with art galleries, farmers markets, and high-desert hikes in the nearby Los Padres National Forest.

When the season is right, many trails can be followed through scrubland, sometimes revealing cascading waterfalls along the Rose Valley Falls Trail. But for waves, visitors head downhill to Ventura, a classic coastal town.

2
Westmoreland State Park, Virginia

Image: Alex wolf mx

Westmoreland State Park in Virginia was established in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Covering 1,299 acres, the park offers sweeping vistas of the coastal plain and the Potomac River.

You can hike, boat, swim, camp, or fish in the majestic wilderness. And if you’re looking for an amazing view of the area, you can head to the natural attraction of Horsehead Cliffs, which rests high above the water.

3
Astoria, Oregon

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Oregon is likely one of the first states that come to mind when we think of a combination of beach and mountain. The coastal town of Astoria sits at the estuary of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. It is perhaps most famous as the filming location of the 1980s film The Goonies .

The Pacific Northwest’s beaches have a picturesque quality that is hard to find elsewhere. Hiking trails are just outside the backdoor: the Cathedral Tree-Coxcomb Hill Trail, for example, starts at a 300-year-old Sitka spruce and climbs 164 stairs to offer views of the town, the Coastal Range, and the Pacific Ocean.

4
Herring Cove Beach, Massachusetts

Image: Quino Al

Herring Cove Beach is a national seashore located in Cape Cop and it’s recognized as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s a popular spot among Provincetown locals featuring warm, calm waters flowing from the Atlantic Ocean.

Activities in the area include swimming, walking along the coastal dunes, or exploring the Beech Forest Trail via bike or on foot.

5
Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada

Image: Tim Peterson

A familiar name and for good reason, Lake Tahoe offers a beautiful shoreline without being anywhere near the coasts. Destinations like Sand Harbor Beach feature wide expanses of sand, freshwater swimming areas, and beach coves dedicated to snorkelers and divers.

This is the largest alpine lake in the U.S., so the pine-studded hills of the Sierra Nevadas practically tumble into the waters. This makes hiking easily accessible. The Rubicon Trail traces the shores of Emerald Bay and features incredible panoramic views, cliffs, coves, waterfalls, and even a lighthouse along the 13-mile round-trip route.

6
Fort Wetherill State Park, Rhode Island

Image: Praswin Prakashan

Located in Rhode Island, Fort Wetherill State Park is known for its historical significance in controlling the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. During the colonial era, a strategic battery was established to control this passage.

Because of its coastal location, the fort was also used during World War II. Nowadays, visitors come to explore this park and its coastal fort, which perches high atop granite cliffs.

7
Chimney Bluffs State Park, New York

Image: Frank Eiffert

Chimney Bluffs State Park is the spot where colossal rocky spires meet calm, collected waters. This park in New York sits along Lake Ontario on the south shore. To get a good view of the stunning chimney peaks and formations, you should hike the Chimney Bluffs Trail. The park is pet friendly too, so you can bring along your furry friends for the ride.

8
Calvert Cliffs State Park, Maryland

Image: Gary Cole

Calvert Cliffs State Park is not only one of the few parks with both mountains and ocean but it also displays a prized collection of 600 prehistoric fossil species. Between 10 and 20 million years ago, the cliffs at the park were submerged under the sea. But as the water receded, erosion and exposure of the cliffs occurred, unveiling massive fossils.

Visitors can walk, lounge at the soft sandy beach, investigate these fascinating fossils, trek near forested treelines, or admire the unusual cliffs that extend along the Calvert Peninsula.

9
Echo Lake State Park, New Hampshire

Image: Aaron Burden

Echo Lake State Park boasts two stunning ledges: White Horse Ledge and Cathedral Ledge, as well as a lake called Echo Lake. Each of these spots features scenic views of the area and top-notch sites for a family picnic. You can swim, walk, or hike the White Horse Ledge Loop Trail, a 3.1-mile loop.

10
Acadia National Park, Maine

Image: Peregrine Photography

Alongside Oregon parks, Acadia National Park is a prime example of a place that combines mountainous and seaside ambiance. Situated along the Atlantic coastline in Maine, it’s no wonder this impressive scenery attracts visitors for all types of recreational experiences, especially during the fall.

Rocky beaches, towering granite peaks such as the famous Cadillac Mountain, and miles and miles of natural treasure troves perfect for hikers are among the many features this park has to offer.

General General 4 min read

Lines that stuck

Which brand first said "Just Do It"? How many slogans can you recognize?

Image: Justcreativestock

We might forget many things, but some songs and brand slogans have been living in our brains for years, completely rent-free! From the iconic "Just Do It" to the catchy "I'm Lovin' It," today, we're celebrating these 6 slogans that definitely stood the test of time. Can you match each one to its brand?

1
Just Do it

Image: Peter Aroner

This sportswear brand has been supporting top athletes for many, many years. It was founded in 1964 in the beautiful state of Oregon, though under a different name than the one it has today! Famous for its "Swoosh" logo, it started out making sports shoes, but today, it offers different kinds of apparel and products. We know you know which brand we're talking about!

2
Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands

Image: JACQUELINE BRANDWAYN

For those of us with a sweet tooth, there's one candy that checks all the boxes. It has chocolate, colorful candy, a mix of textures, and a lot of flavor!

Although still one of the most popular candies among Americans today, this brand isn't new; it was actually founded back in 1941. And here's an interesting fact: When it was created, one of the brand's main goals was to make the perfect candy for WWII soldiers! Can you guess which brand it is?

3
Breakfast of Champions

Image: engin akyurt

A good breakfast is one thing, but a breakfast of champions? That's a new level! And we all want to start the day like a champion, don't we?

This cereal brand certainly knows that, and that's why it adopted this unforgettable slogan. It was created in 1924, and since the 1930s, it has featured iconic athletes on its boxes. Guess who was the first? Lou Gehrig, The "Iron Horse" of baseball!

4
I'm Lovin' It

Image: Joyce Panda

When it comes to fast food, this brand is the first that comes to mind. Originally founded as a drive-in restaurant in 1940, it grew by leaps and bounds to become the famous brand it is today, present in more than 100 countries around the world! Both its slogan and logo are hugely recognized worldwide, and it's hard to find someone who hasn't tried something from its menu.

5
There are some things money can't buy. For everything else…

Image: Fabian Blank

This company really knew how to condense their service into a great slogan! And, in fact, they have been using it for almost 3 decades. Founded in 1966 with a different name than the one it has today, this financial services company is not only here in America but you can also find it in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia! What's your guess?

6
Betcha Can't Eat Just One

Image: Tim Mossholder

This brand's slogan is absolutely true! Their snack is so delicious that it's one of the most popular salty treats, not just in America but all over the world.

Surprisingly, this brand is over 90 years old! Its success is likely due not just to its iconic advertising campaigns but also to the delicious "crunch" inside every bag. Do you already know which brand we're talking about?

7
Just Do it- Nike

Image: Domino Studio

Of course! Nike has been encouraging us to "Just Do It" since 1988, when it adopted this iconic slogan, now one of the most famous in the world. With its classic athletic spirit, Nike inspires us to take action with purpose, overcome obstacles, and chase our goals.

8
Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands- M&Ms

Image: Sebastian Gómez

That's right! This iconic M&M's slogan has been around for more than 70 years, and its origin is quite interesting. As we mentioned, the brand aimed to create a candy suitable for WWII soldiers, so they came up with the genius idea of coating chocolate with a thin candy shell to keep it from melting inside the package. Just brilliant (and delicious)!

9
Breakfast of Champions- Wheaties

Image: Andrijana Bozic

With its famous slogan, Wheaties has been associating itself with sporting excellence since 1933, reinforcing this image by featuring elite athletes on each of its orange boxes. Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Muhammad Ali are just some of the great competitors that have been on the cover.

10
I'm Lovin' It- McDonald's

Image: Brett Jordan

Of course you knew it! "I'm Lovin' It" is the legendary and unmistakable slogan of the Golden Arches: McDonald's . Though it feels like it's been around forever, it's actually relatively young! Introduced in 2003 , it debuted alongside a catchy jingle that you probably still have stuck in your head.

11
There are some things that money can't buy; for everything else, there's Mastercard

Image: Markus Winkler

Mastercard's "Priceless" campaign is one of the most successful advertising initiatives worldwide. Focusing on customers' feelings, it highlights the emotional value of things money can't buy, like love and happiness. But it also drives home a key point: for everything that does require money, there's a Mastercard to make it possible.

12
Betcha Can't Eat Just One- Lay's

Image: Mustafa Bashari

If you're craving a tasty snack, Lay's is probably one of the first brands that comes to mind. Known for being one of the most famous potato chip brands, they really know how to tempt us. That's why they rightly say, "Betcha Can't Eat Just One." At least, we definitely can't!

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