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Most peaceful states

by Shazy | 12:32 AM in , , , , , , , , , , |

Most peaceful states
The Institute for Economics and Peace recently issued the first ranking of peaceful states in the United States. Rankings were based on factors such as violent crime, incarceration population and the costs associated with violence. Check out the 10 most peaceful states in the nation.

Washington
Known for its picturesque mountain views, Washington rounds out the 10 most peaceful states at No. 10. A leader on the West Coast, Washington ranked most peaceful in the Pacific division.
Iowa
Once mistaken for heaven in an Oscar-nominated film, Iowa ranks as peaceful state No. 9. In the 18 years of conducting the study on peaceful states, Iowa has never fallen out of the top 10.
Rhode Island
The small coastal state of Rhode Island saw a decrease in homicides from 4.28 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 2.94 in 2009. This helped land the state at No. 8 on the most-peaceful list.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts, ranking seventh, showed significant decreases in both violent crime and homicide rates, and the incarceration rate has remained one of the lowest in the country. It’s home to a peace-promoting organization.
Utah
Widely known as the Friendly State, Utah ranked most peaceful in the West region and the Mountain division and No. 6 overall.
North Dakota
The Peace Garden State, named after the state’s treasured International Peace Garden, was ranked the most peaceful state for the first nine years of the study. Slight increases in violent crime moved North Dakota into the No. 5 spot.
Minnesota
Ranked fourth peaceful, Minnesota has the third-lowest incarceration rate and fifth-lowest number of homicides. It recently launched a new system to notify violent-crime victims when offenders are released from prison.
New Hampshire
Though the study indicated that peace was not linked to political affiliation, New Hampshire is famous for its role in the U.S. political process. The No. 2 most peaceful state has the lowest homicide rate in the country.
Maine
Vacationland is the perfect nickname for the most peaceful state, which ranked first on three of the tested indicators of peace.
Vermont
Vermont attracts visitors and residents alike with its beautiful scenery and inviting ski slopes, not to mention this sweet industry. This peaceful state ranks third based on low homicide rates and a decreasing violent-crime rate.
Source:Specials

Weird State Laws

by Shazy | 1:07 AM in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Weird State Laws

Weird state laws

Check out this array of crazy codes of conduct from across the nation. Some are no longer on the books (thank goodness), some might be urban legends and others are truly letter-of-the-law lunacy.
Scroll down to read about:
Florida’s door law
New Hampshire’s seaweed law
South Carolina’s pinball law

Louisiana

In the Bayou state, it’s illegal to pull the pizza prank (having a pie delivered to an unsuspecting person).
State trivia:
It’s the birthplace of gumbo.
HBO put its largest city in the spotlight.
Its state bird is the mascot for this school.

Florida

What qualifies as a public nuisance in the Sunshine State? Doors that open inward, instead of outward.
State trivia:
It’s the home of a popular sports event .
Watch some feisty local celebs.
Home to the world’s largest resort.

Wisconsin

All you restless adolescents in the Badger state take note: There’ll be no throwing rocks at passing trains.
State trivia:
It’s the birthplace of a children’s apparel company.
The state is known as “Dairyland”.
It’s the home of current Super Bowl champions.

New Hampshire

Don’t even think about collecting seaweed at night in the Granite state.
State trivia:
Every four years, the state’s an international celebrity.
A Grammy-winning singer is a native.
“Live Free or Die” is the state motto.

North Carolina

Tarheel state residents who want to know their futures should stick to Ouija boards, because palm-reading parlors are banned.
State trivia:
It’s the home of delicious treats.
Hear one famous singer’s ode to the state.
See the state flower in bloom.

Ohio

Buckeye state crooks must’ve been living for the weekend —no arrests were allowed on a Sunday.
State trivia:
The state’s name has Native roots.
It houses rock-and-roll regalia.
Listen to the state rock song.

South Carolina

Hey, minors in the Palmetto state, there’s no playing with pinball machines until you’re 18.
State trivia:
It was the inspiration for an American opera.
Watch funny clips of a famous “favorite son.”
Which romantic film hit takes place here?

Wyoming

If you run a junkyard in the Equality state, you’d better not buy any scrap from a seller who’s been boozing.
State trivia:
See the state’s vibrant flower.
Did you know there’s a state dino, too?
Watch an explosive attraction in action.

Arkansas

Don’t just hold the mayo, hold the horns, too. In the Natural state, there’s no honking outside of sandwich shops.
State trivia:
Which big box mega-chain was born here?
Learn to do the state dance.
Take a relaxing dip at this national park.

West Virginia

No matter how dapper it may have looked, it was once a misdemeanor to wear a hat inside a theater in the Mountain state.
State trivia:
Hollywood paid tribute to a local tragedy.
It’s the site of a historically-significant raid.
The state motto is "Montani semper liberi".

Nevada

Silver state residents, no matter how tired you get in "The Biggest Little City in the World," you’d better think twice about lying down on a city sidewalk.
State trivia:
It is home to one of the world’s largest hotels.
Listen to Elvis’ tribute to Sin City.
See the brilliant state bird.

Maine

Take those billboards and fliers elsewhere because the Pine Tree state wants to keep its cemeteries ad-free.
State trivia:
Try some of the state drink.
Which spooky scribe calls it home?
It’s the setting for this TV classic.

Texas

Until 2008, it was illegal to sell sex toys in the Lone Star state.
State trivia:
It is home to America’s team.
Watch clips from its “Live Music Capital.”
Learn how to make a Tex-Mex delicacy.

Alabama

Spray string — that’s this party favor — is taboo in the Heart of Dixie.
 
State trivia:
 
Visit a solemn historical site.
 
Find out why it’s called the “Yellowhammer State.”
 
Hear the state’s unofficial anthem.
Source:Specials

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