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!

1

Marx Bros

Image: Braydon Anderson

We’ll start strong with the family of actors considered by many to be the most groundbreaking comedians of their generation: the five Marx Brothers. They truly took the world by storm, leaving an unforgettable mark that forever changed Hollywood.

Throughout a career that lasted over 40 years, the Marx Brothers starred in 14 films, five of which were included in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest 100 comedies of all time. While it is indeed a gargantuan task to select the best moments from this remarkable career, we feel inclined to select 1933’s Duck Soup and 1935's A Night at the Opera as our top picks.

2

Abbot and Costello

Image: Los Angeles Daily News, CC BY 4.0

In the very likely event that you’ve ever played a game of baseball, we can almost guarantee that someone jokingly asked you, "Who’s on first?" in a marked Jersey accent. After all, any American born after the 1950s knows this legendary Abbott & Costello routine, which is considered by many to be one of the finest pieces of comedy ever conceived.

This iconic duo met in New York City in 1935. After Bud Abbott’s comedy partner fell ill before a performance at the Eltinge Burlesque Theater, Lou Costello substituted for him, marking their first unforgettable performance. Many believe the duo’s groundbreaking chemistry was already present in that very first show. Over the course of their nearly 20-year career, Abbott & Costello produced several hilarious routines, including "Niagara Falls," "The Piano Bit," and, of course, "Who’s on First?"

3

Jerry Seinfeld

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Years before he starred in his groundbreaking Show About Nothing , Jerry Seinfeld was a scrawny and hilarious comedian making appearances on talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman . While this young comedian’s talent was evident, little did anyone know that Jerry Seinfeld would soon become the world’s most famous comedian.

The TV show Seinfeld ran for 9 seasons between 1988 and 1998, winning a myriad of accolades and awards in the process. Part of the charm was that Jerry’s off-screen persona seemed like a carbon copy of his character: he was witty, sarcastic, and hysterically funny. After Seinfeld concluded, Jerry went on to produce several successful comedy specials, as well as the Emmy-nominated show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee .

4

Johnny Carson

Image: Arthur Osipyan

While Johnny Carson was not the first host of The Tonight Show , he is definitively considered a pioneer in late-night TV history. This groundbreaking comedian hosted the iconic talk show for 30 years, earning the well-deserved title of "King of Late-Night Television" in the process.

It’s difficult to describe how immense Carson’s influence was, not only on the history of talk shows but also in American culture in general. It only takes someone mimicking a swing of a golf club for anyone to realize they are paying tribute to this legendary comedian. Johnny received numerous awards during his lifetime, including six Primetime Emmys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5

Conan O’Brien

Image: Jay Dixit, CC BY 4.0

Conan O’Brien is truly a blue-collar comedian. Now, by no means are we trying to convey that other comedians didn’t work hard to get where they are; we are simply pointing out that Conan’s comedy resume dates back to his early twenties when he started writing for groundbreaking shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons .

In 1993, Conan debuted as a late-night host with Late Night with Conan O'Brien . What followed was a 28-year career filled with hilarity and creativity, which only ended after Conan announced he would be retiring and taking a well-deserved break from performing. However, he still continues to host a hilarious series of podcasts called Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend .

6

Jackie Gleason

Image: Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States, CC BY 2.0

If you happen to visit New York City (or if you are a New Yorker yourself), take a stroll to Port Authority Bus Terminal, and you’ll come across an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of a cheerful and lively bus driver. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that this is not a homage to any real-life bus driver. In fact, the man depicted in the statue is none other than the legendary comedian Jackie Gleason , portraying Ralph Kramden, his iconic character from The Honeymooners .

First broadcast in 1955, The Honeymooners was a groundbreaking sitcom that depicted the life of bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife Alice. This show served as the inspiration for countless other sitcoms, including America’s favorite prehistoric family, The Flintstones .

7

Robin Williams

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Robin Williams’ legacy expands throughout several generations: People in the ‘70s adored him in Mork and Mindy , he inspired many ‘80s moviegoers with his films Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets’ Society , and he filled the childhoods of millions of ‘90s kids as the wisecracking genie from Aladdin .

What’s perhaps most astounding about Williams’ acting is the remarkable range he displayed. The fact that his performances in drama could move us to tears doesn’t diminish the effectiveness of his comedy chops. Not only that, but hundreds report that off-screen, Williams was an incredibly kindhearted and warm person, always ready to go the extra mile to make someone smile.

8

Chris Rock

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

Don’t let the title of his Emmy-nominated TV show fool you: Not everybody hates Chris Rock . In fact, we are willing to go even further and state that, despite being known for his crude and sarcastic style, he is still one of America’s most beloved comedians.

Chris Rock's first jump to prominence came when he joined the main cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990. After that, he went on to perform in several stand-up specials and provided hilarious comic relief in films such as Lethal Weapon 4 , The Longest Yard, and Death at a Funeral .

9

Steve Martin

Image: Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0

In 1967, thousands of American families tuned in to watch another episode of the extremely popular game show The Dating Game . While that particular installment came and went without a second thought, it marked legendary comedian Steve Martin ’s first appearance on national television. Little did anyone know that it wouldn’t be by any means his last.

It was only a few years after that appearance on The Dating Game that Martin took the world by storm. By the mid-1970s, he was already showcasing his hilarious routines on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson , The Muppets, and Saturday Night Live . Today, at 79 years old, Martin continues to be as hysterical as ever, starring in the acclaimed show Only Murders in the Building .

10

Charlie Chaplin

Image: Edo Nugroho

While it is true that Charlie Chaplin was English, it would feel wrong not to include such a Hollywood legend in this list. In that regard, we have reserved the last spot for someone who many consider to be the best comedian of all time. Chaplin’s career goes as far back as the early days of cinema, first appearing as his iconic "Tramp" character in the 1914 film Kid Auto Races at Venice .

What’s perhaps most remarkable about Chaplin’s legacy is not only his hilarious and groundbreaking skits but also his unique ability to both inspire and entertain his audience. We’ll close this article by remembering what is probably his most famous line of dialogue (and that’s saying something for a mostly silent actor): the final speech in his 1940 film The Great Dictator .

1

Hedy Lamarr

Image: Geoffroy Berlioz

Best known for her 1930s–40s film career, Hollywood icon Hedy Lamarr also co-invented frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology to prevent enemy jamming in WWII. And if you think it’s no big deal, know it’s the basis for modern Bluetooth and Wi-Fi!

While largely overlooked as an inventor at her time, she was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014.

2

Sybil Ludington

Image: Taylor Brandon

According to many historians, at just 16 years old, Sybil Ludington rode about 40 miles through the night in 1777 to alert American militia of a British attack on Danbury, Connecticut.

This would make her ride roughly twice as long as Paul Revere’s . While some scholars question the veracity of her story, a statue stands in her honor in Putnam County, New York.

3

Bass Reeves

Image: Pramod Tiwari

Born into slavery in 1838, Reeves became one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals west of the Mississippi. He made over 3,000 arrests during his law enforcement career.

Many historians believe his exploits may have inspired the Lone Ranger character, although his name rarely appears in history textbooks.

4

Mary Edwards Walker

Image: David Trinks

A Civil War surgeon and suffragist, Walker treated soldiers on the front lines and was even captured as a prisoner of war.

In 1865, she became the first woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor. Her unorthodox dress style and fearless activism made her a striking figure in 19th-century America.

5

Clara Barton

Image: Kevin Paes

Known as the "Angel of the Battlefield," Barton provided medical care during the Civil War and later founded the American Red Cross in 1881.

Though once a household name, her legacy has faded compared to other, more widely remembered wartime figures.

6

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Image: Chris Chow

A college professor turned Union colonel, Chamberlain famously held Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal moment in the Civil War.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor and later became governor of Maine, but his unexpected battlefield brilliance is often overlooked in Civil War discussions.

7

Robert Smalls

Image: Ian Hutchinson

In 1862, Smalls, a formerly enslaved sailor, seized a Confederate ship and delivered it to Union forces, securing freedom for himself and his crew.

He later served five terms in Congress, advocating for Black education and civil rights.

8

Harvey Wiley

Image: Diana Polekhina

Known as the "Father of the FDA," Harvey Wiley was a chief chemist in the late 1800s whose "Poison Squad" tested various food additives, leading to the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act.

This law laid the foundation for the FDA and led to the removal of many dangerous substances from consumer products. Notably, it prompted Coca-Cola to eliminate cocaine from its formula in the early 20th century.

9

George Washington Carver

Image: Dan Meyers

More than just being associated with peanuts, George Washington Carver developed numerous innovative crop rotation methods and created over 300 uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other plants to help Southern agriculture recover after the Civil War.

10

Joe Medicine Crow

Image: Boston Public Library

The last war chief of the Crow Nation, Joe Medicine Crow, completed several traditional war deeds during WWII—including counting coup and stealing enemy horses —and earned both the Bronze Star and the French Légion d’honneur.

Part of his legacy was bridging Native American warrior traditions with modern military service, honoring both cultural heritage and patriotic duty.