1

Kool-Aid

Image: Aibek Skakov

Nebraska takes pride in its sweetest invention : Kool-Aid. Created in 1927 in Hastings, the fruity drink became a household favorite. In 1998, Nebraska made it the official state soft drink, much to the delight of nostalgia lovers.

Every August, Hastings hosts the Kool-Aid Days Festival, complete with giant pitchers and endless flavors. The "Kool-Aid Man" himself even made an appearance at the declaration ceremony! Despite some pushback from health advocates, the sugary drink remains an iconic American beverage.

2

Gusty the Cartoon

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Oklahoma’s state cartoon character is Gusty , a little weather-forecasting doodle, do you know him? Created by a Tulsa weatherman in the 1950s, Gusty reflected the day’s forecast, holding an umbrella, bracing for tornadoes, or sweating in the heat.

His hand-drawn charm lasted for decades, earning him a place in the Smithsonian. In 2005, Oklahoma made Gusty the official state cartoon character. For Oklahomans, he’s as much a part of the forecast as the storm warnings!

3

Whoopie Pie

Image: Holly Spangler

Maine takes its desserts seriously. So seriously that in 2011, the state named the whoopie pie its official treat . This fluffy confection consists of two chocolate cake rounds sandwiching a creamy white filling.

It’s been a local favorite since the 1920s, though Pennsylvania also claims to have invented it. Maine, however, celebrates its whoopie pie heritage with an annual festival featuring the world’s largest whoopie pie. The origins of the name are debated, but regardless, it’s a nostalgic, delicious bite of history. And yes, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee!

4

Tully Monster

Image: Jacqueline Martinez

Illinois’ state fossil sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie: the Tully Monster. This strange, ancient sea creature swam in Illinois’ prehistoric waters about 300 million years ago. Discovered in 1958, its worm-like body, stalked eyes, and pincer-like mouth left scientists scratching their heads for decades.

It wasn’t until 2016 that researchers finally identified it as a vertebrate, possibly related to lampreys, a fish. Named after its discoverer, Francis Tully, this oddball fossil became Illinois’ official state fossil in 1989. How weird is that?

5

Clogging

Image: Ahmad Odeh

Forget the square dance, North Carolina’s official folk dance is clogging , and it’s as energetic as it sounds. This fast-paced footwork evolved from Appalachian traditions and is often performed to bluegrass music.

Clog dancers wear special shoes with taps to create a percussive beat while they move. The style has roots in Irish, English, and African dance, blending cultures into a wonderful American tradition. If you ever visit a North Carolina festival, you’ll likely see folks kicking up their heels to some lively fiddle tunes.

6

Brewer’s Yeast

Image: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Oregon took a microscopic approach to state symbols when it named brewer’s yeast its official microbe in 2013. This tiny fungus, scientifically called Saccharomyces cerevisiae , is the secret behind beer and bread. You like it now, huh?

It ferments sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide, making it essential to Oregon’s craft beer scene. The decision wasn’t just for fun; it’s also that beer contributes billions to the state’s economy. Just to follow the trend, Illinois later named a mold used in penicillin production as its own state microbe. Apparently, microbes deserve their moment in the spotlight, too!

7

Jousting

Image: Casper Johansson

In a move straight out of the Middle Ages, Maryland named jousting its official state sport in 1962. Yes, that jousting you’re thinking of, knights on horseback charging at each other with lances.

While modern jousting is more about precision than knocking opponents off their steeds, it still draws a crowd. Today’s version involves riders aiming to spear small rings while galloping at full speed. Don’t worry, in 2004, lacrosse also became the state’s official team sport, but jousting still holds its title.

8

The Teddy Bear

Image: Izabelly Marques

Mississippi’s official state toy, the teddy bear, has an adorable backstory. It all began in 1902 when President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear during a hunting trip. A political cartoon about the event went viral (for its time), inspiring a Brooklyn couple to create "Teddy’s Bear."

The stuffed animal became a national sensation, and the name stuck. A century later, Mississippi made it official, naming the teddy bear its state toy in 2002. It’s a rare example of a state symbol with a direct presidential connection. But cute anyways!

9

Milk

Image: Anita Jankovic

Believe it or not, 22 states claim milk as their official beverage . But it has nothing to do with keeping the bones strong! This dairy dominance started in the 1980s when milk industry lobbyists pushed for recognition.

While it’s a wholesome, calcium-packed choice, it’s not the most exciting. Some states, like Rhode Island (coffee milk) and Alabama (whiskey), took a more unique approach to the state beverage. Now, whether you drink it or not, milk has certainly made its mark on state symbols. And hey, at least it pairs well with cookies!

10

Natchitoches Meat Pie

Image: Patryk Pastewski

When you think of Louisiana cuisine, you probably think of gumbo or jambalaya, but did you know the state also has an official meat pie ? The Natchitoches meat pie is a deep-fried delight filled with seasoned pork and beef.

It dates back to the late 1700s, and it was named after the local Natchitoches Indian tribe. Declared a state symbol in 2003, it’s celebrated every September at the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival. The festival features music, cooking competitions, and, of course, a meat pie eating contest!

1

Being annoying

We all have bad days where our mood goes south, but in Florida, you’d better keep those frustrations to yourself . Ever since 1832, the Sunshine State has had a broad nuisance statute that classifies anything that "annoys the community, injures public health, or corrupts public morals" as a second-degree misdemeanor. Of course, the law was intended to address community hazards like toxic waste disposal or unsafe buildings. Modern enforcement targets environmental hazards and serious health violations. Personal annoyances are off-limits, since what qualifies as "annoying" is completely subjective.

2

Honking with no purpose

We’ve all used our car horn to wave at a neighbor or used it to vent a little frustration in traffic. However, in New Jersey, according to their traffic code, your horn is legally reserved for safety warnings only . In this state, using it for any non-emergency reason is technically a traffic violation since 1968. Unless you are trying to prevent a fender-bender or warn a distracted driver, it is best to keep your hands off the steering wheel's center and just give a friendly wave instead.

3

Dangling car decorations

If you have a pine-scented air freshener or a set of graduation tassels swinging from your rearview mirror, you might be looking at a ticket in some states. Laws vary across the country, but for example, in California, the law states that there cannot be anything obstructing the view through the windshield or side window . This rule is part of the California Vehicle Code, enforced in 1959. In Texas, the regulation is similar according to the state Transportation Code, and Minnesota, in turn, has had a law since 1957 making it strictly illegal to hang anything from the mirror. Nobody has anything against a nice-smelling car or a beautiful lucky charm, but when they obstruct your view , that’s a problem for everyone on the road.

4

Handling a stranger’s mail

It’s not unusual to find a stack of letters addressed to the person who lived in your house three years ago, right? Now, your first instinct might be to toss it in the bin . Believe it or not, that’s a big no-no since 1948, clearly stated in the U.S. Code. Tossing out mail intended for someone else into the garbage is considered a federal felony, and penalties can be severe, including up to five years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. The proper way to proceed is to write "refused" or "return to sender" on the envelope and let the post office take it from there.

5

Forgetting to tell the DMV you moved

Life gets busy and messy when you move to a new house, so it’s easy for updating your driver's license to fall to the bottom of the to-do list. However, in most states, you are legally required to notify the DMV of your change of address within a very short window, usually ten to thirty days . In California, for example, you must do this within ten days. If you get pulled over and your license doesn't match your current address, you could get a fine. Time really flies when moving, but make sure to write this on the very top of your to-do list, and you’ll be fine!

6

Letting the engine on

Isn’t it common to start the car on a frosty morning to let it warm up while you finish getting ready? Well, if you do this, you’re technically breaking the law in some states: since 2004, in Ohio and Colorado, this is actually a citable offense known as "puffing." Leaving an unattended vehicle idling in your driveway is illegal because it invites car theft and contributes to unnecessary exhaust emissions. If you want to get the heater going, the law expects you to stay right there in the driver's seat until you’re ready to pull away.

7

Prank pizzas

In Louisiana, ordering a stack of pizzas to be delivered to an unsuspecting friend as a prank is more than just a lousy joke; it’s a crime. Believe it or not, there’s a reason behind this law. Passed in 2018, the Louisiana Revised Statute was specifically written to protect small businesses from losing time and money on fake orders. Can you imagine how annoying it must be to deal with a pranked customer who doesn’t want the five pizzas they got out of the blue? Even if it started as a joke, the authorities now view it as a form of theft that can result in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

8

Playing hairdresser

If you’ve ever offered to give a friend a quick perm or some highlights in your kitchen, you might be an accidental criminal. In the US, performing any kind of cosmetology service on another person without a professional license is illegal. Forms of enforcement and penalties depend on each state, but most follow the rules established by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, which grants licenses following pertinent examinations. Of course, a bangs cut is not always a problem, but these kinds of regulations were created to ensure that chemicals and sharp tools are handled safely by trained experts.

9

No-hands bike riding

Riding a bike is fun, especially for kids who like to do tricks and take both hands off the handlebars. But in North Carolina, that’s a traffic violation, according to the city code. The statute requires cyclists to keep at least one hand on the grip at all times to maintain control of the bike. Fines for this behavior can go up to $50 and even imprisonment for up to 30 days. Riding a bike without using your hands might feel like a fun way to show off skills, but the consequences can be serious.

10

Tossing out old batteries

When the remote dies, most people are tempted to just drop the old batteries into the kitchen trash can, but you might want to think that over, especially if you live in California. As of 2005, in this state, household batteries are classified as hazardous waste because they contain chemicals that leak into the soil. The California Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act requires you to take them to a proper recycling center instead of the regular landfill. It takes a little more effort to do the right thing, but it keeps the local environment a lot cleaner for everyone.

11

Lending your Wi-Fi password

You’ve just moved, and you ask your friendly neighbor to share their Wi-Fi password until your internet is set up. That’s pretty common, but that’s also been a felony since 1986. The feds view this as unauthorized access to a computer network . Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, jumping on a signal you don't have explicit and formal permission to use is technically a crime. It’s better to stick to the local coffee shop than risk a run-in over a bit of borrowed bandwidth.

1

Construction costs that’d make your wallet faint

Image: Jaime Labra

Back in 1912, the Titanic cost $7.5 million to build, and if you're wondering what that’d be today, it’d be over $400 million. That’s more than some sports stadiums! It took nearly three years to complete and was one of the most extravagant ships ever made.

2

Yes, there were dogs

Image: Yuki Dog

As it turns out, the Titanic wasn’t just for people. At least 12 dogs came along for the ride , lounging in a special first-class kennel. There was even a dog show scheduled for the morning of April 15. Sadly, only three tiny dogs survived, all small enough to sneak onto lifeboats tucked in coats or handbags.

3

The band really did play on

Image: Parizan Studio

Wallace Hartley, the bandleader, went down in history, and with his violin! His group kept playing as chaos unfolded around them, trying to calm passengers with music, just like the movie portrays. He didn’t make it, but his violin was found intact and later sold at an auction for $1.7 million!

4

A pocket watch frozen in time

Image: Otto Hyytiälä

The violin was not the only treasure found. Sidney Sedunary was a young steward whose pocket watch stopped ticking at exactly 1:50 a.m. , just before the ship went under. He was last seen handing out lifejackets to third-class passengers. That same watch, rusted but intact, still tells his story.

5

A survivor with frostbitten legs and Olympic dreams

Image: Shep McAllister

Richard Norris Williams spent six hours in icy water, and doctors on the rescue ship wanted to amputate his legs. He refused . And you may think he was crazy to do so, but thank God he did! He went on to win a Wimbledon title and an Olympic gold medal. How crazy is that?

6

Finding the Titanic by accident

Image: Karl Callwood

In 1985, oceanographer Robert Ballard found the Titanic wreck. But that was just an accident ; he was actually sent by the Navy to look for two lost nuclear submarines and used the Titanic as a cover story.

7

Dishes still stacked neatly on the ocean floor

Image: Jannet Serhan

When explorers visited the Titanic wreck in 1986, they found plates still stacked like someone had just finished doing the dishes. Turns out, the wooden cabinet they were in rotted away , leaving the china perfectly arranged on the sea floor. It’s as eerie as fascinating, considering the many years that passed.

8

The ship is rusting away

Image: NOAA

And speaking of the amount of time the Titanic has been underwater, we have to say that nature is reclaiming the Titanic bit by bit. A newly discovered bacterium is literally eating the ship. Scientists estimate it could disappear completely in 20 to 30 years. The latest expeditions have already shown evidence that pieces that were previously there are gone. So… the clock's ticking.

9

No photos of the grand staircase?

Image: Maria Orlova

You’ve probably seen images of the Titanic’s beautiful grand staircase. We’re sorry to disappoint, but they’re not of the Titanic . They’re from her sister ship, the Olympic. No one thought to take a picture of the real deal before the maiden voyage. And they definitely didn’t think of doing it while it happened!

10

Milton Hershey almost boarded

Image: Janne Simoes

If the name rings a bell, that’s because it’s the same Hershey from the chocolate you love. The man behind Hershey’s chocolate bars almost booked a room on the Titanic . He even wrote a $300 deposit check (big money back then!). But business delayed him, and he skipped the trip. Who do we thank for that?

11

The baker who survived two hours in icy water

Image: Maxim Hopman

Here’s a fascinating fact: Charles Joughin, the Titanic’s chief baker, survived one of the worst parts of the sinking: the freezing Atlantic water. He was reportedly treading water for two hours before rescue. Wanna know how he made it? He had been sipping whiskey to face his fate, and the alcohol in his blood kept him warm enough to survive.

12

The last lunch menu went for a tasty sum

Image: Zoshua Colah

In 2015, a copy of Titanic’s last first-class lunch menu sold for $88,000 . That’s one pricey memento. The menu included grilled mutton chops, chicken à la Maryland, and corned ox tongue. Safe to say lunch on the Titanic wasn’t your average sandwich and chips.