1

Beware of the banana peel!

Image: SHVETS production

It might sound like a scene straight out of The Three Stooges , but we assure you, this was once a legitimate concern. It’s no myth that residents of Waco, Texas are forbidden from eating bananas and tossing the peels into the street. Lawmakers feared horses could slip on the peels and injure themselves.

This is also true for Elmira, New York. A city ordinance from 1899 stated that no person could throw any banana peels—or any other fruit skins—onto the sidewalk. As it happens, back when bananas were introduced to the northern states, they were very cheap and people usually bought them in bulk. The surplus was huge and the waste was becoming a problem. In fact, in 1893 a woman sued the city after slipping on a banana peel, falling on the sidewalk, and breaking her leg.

2

Dueling candidates

Image: various illustrators, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It may sound old-fashioned, but this law is still in effect in West Virginia. To be eligible as governor, a candidate must not only be at least 30 years old and have resided in the state for at least five years preceding the election, but they must also never have participated in a duel.

According to §6-5-7 of the West Virginia Code, any citizen who sends or accepts a challenge or participates in a duel with deadly weapons "shall ever thereafter be incapable of holding any office of honor, trust or profit in this state." By the end of the American Civil War dueling had become almost obsolete, but for some reason, The Mountain State is one of the few states that still hasn’t repealed its dueling laws.

3

Extraterrestrial exposure

Image: Bradley Dunn

Despite popular opinion, Title 14, Section 1211 of the Code of Federal Regulations did not make it illegal for Americans to have contact with extraterrestrials or their vehicles. Instead, the law was enacted just before the Apollo 11 mission to give the government authority to quarantine astronauts in case they became contaminated with an alien virus during their moonwalk.

This regulation, best known as the Extra-Terrestrial Exposure Law was adopted by NASA in 1969. It stipulated that astronauts be kept in isolation for 21 days after their liftoff from the Moon in case there was a remote possibility that they were harboring "unknown lunar organisms that might endanger life on Earth." The rule was revoked in 1977 and formally repealed in 1991.

4

Women vote

Image: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that although American women were not universally granted the right to vote until 1920, state laws in New Jersey allowed them to vote as early as 1776 ? In 1790, when the New Jersey State Constitution was reformed, it formalized what the previous constitution had only implied: that propertied women could vote.

A few years later, a law expanded the previous election reforms and allowed women without "clear estate" to vote too. So, after the adoption of this 1797 law, the number of women voters at the polls significantly increased. New Jersey women enthusiastically exercised their rights until 1807, when the state finally restricted voting to white men.

5

Keep it classy

Image: Clay Banks

If you want to live in North California, you have to follow some rules of good taste. In 1998, the city of Wilson outlawed the keeping of upholstered furniture on front porches, on the basis that the practice was unsightly and tacky.

A year later, the town of Morganton followed suit, outlawing couches, recliners, and similar indoor furniture from verandas and yards. Mel Cohen, the city mayor at the time, said that outdoor furniture was drawing many complaints, so the city embarked on a quest to "beautify" the neighborhoods. Violators of the ordinance could be fined up to $300 for their offense.

6

Three-second hugging

Image: Mary Taylor

By the beginning of the 21st century, the rules of public displays of affection seemed to be changing and left previous generations in a state of confusion. In 2009, after noticing an increasing number of students embracing in the hallways, school officials in Hillsdale, New Jersey, implemented a "three-second hugging" rule. Apparently, adults were concerned that the constant displays of affection could disrupt the flow of hallway traffic.

Teenagers argued that the gesture was entirely unromantic and merely a way of saying "hello." However, schools preferred to go back to the old handshake in order to maintain an atmosphere of academic seriousness and to prevent any instances of unwanted physical contact.

7

Blue sundaes

Image: Markus Spiske

Ever heard of "blue laws"? Blue laws are rules that once banned certain activities on Sundays, adopted originally for religious reasons. Blue laws often restricted business and recreational activities to encourage observance of the Christian day of worship.

For example, buying ice cream on Sundays was once illegal in Ohio because it was thought to be frivolous and luxurious. To circumvent this law, ice cream vendors began adding fruit toppings to disguise the frozen treat below and make it appear more "nutritious." This clever workaround ultimately led to the creation of the ice cream sundae.

8

Poking turkeys

Image: RDNE Stock project

Finding the perfect Thanksgiving turkey can be an artistry or a real challenge. How can you ensure that the well-rounded breast you pick up in the supermarket’s poultry section will turn into a delicious, juicy treat?

Everyone has their own strategy, but depending on which state you are in, your method might actually be illegal without you even knowing it. For example, did you know that in Los Angeles, California, it is prohibited to poke a turkey for sale in a meat market to check its tenderness? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

9

Permanent marks

Image: Linda Xu

Carrying a marker in your pocket, purse, or backpack while walking the streets of California could land you in trouble. In the Golden State, it’s illegal to possess "broad-tipped indelible markers" —a.k.a. permanent markers—in a public space. Any person carrying a chisel, an awl, an aerosol paint container, or a harmless felt tip marker can be accused of committing vandalism.

The law is in place to curb graffiti and other forms of unauthorized street art. It is considered a misdemeanor and can be punished with up to 90 hours of community service, typically scheduled outside of school or work hours.

10

Go nuts!

Image: Vladislav Nikonov

Nuts can be a real problem for many people with food allergies. But even so, these laws prohibiting the consumption of nuts in public places may surprise you. For instance, in Boston, Massachusetts, it’s illegal to eat peanuts in church . Meanwhile, in Charleston, South Carolina, eating nuts on a public bus can result in a fine of up to $500 and as much as 60 days in jail.

If you thought it couldn't get any more specific than that, hold your horses! In Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, people are not allowed to eat peanuts while walking backward in front of the Barnstormers Theater during a performance. Probably the craziest law on this list, don’t you think?

1

The Searchers

Image: Tobias Keller

We’ll begin with what many critics believe to be the best Western ever made. Not only that: this 1956 movie is considered among the 100 best American films of all time, and it was selected for preservation in its National Film Registry in 1989. John Ford’s masterpiece truly marked a turning point in the history of the genre and influenced an entire generation of American filmmakers.

2

"The Searchers" stars John Wayne as Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran who searches for his abducted niece all throughout Texas and New Mexico. The gorgeous shots in Technicolor (a huge leap at the time) helped cement this Western as a completely revolutionary film.

3

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Image: Scott Warman

The archetypical example of the subgenre known as "Spaghetti Western", this 1966 Sergio Leone film tells the story of three gunslingers competing to find a hidden treasure amid the chaos of the Civil War. The three characters’ personalities are more than the traits described in the film’s title: "The Good", Clint Eastwood’s character, is definitively more of an antihero than a regular protagonist.

Considered by many to be Leone’s masterpiece, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is a tension-filled, thrilling experience , and credited with launching an American icon like Eastwood to stardom.

4

The Quick and the Dead

Image: Taylor Brandon

Few Westerns feature female gunslingers , so let’s take a second to showcase an excellent example. The 1995 movie "The Quick and the Dead" tells the story of "The Lady", an unnamed gunfighter who enters a deadly tournament to face off against an outlaw-turned-mayor named Gerrod, played by the iconic Gene Hackman.

Sharon Stone plays an extremely compelling protagonist, driven only by the desire to avenge the death of her father. The film features a star-filled cast , including Russel Crowe, Keith David, and then-newcomer Leonardo Di Caprio.

5

True Grit

Image: Taylor Brandon

Sharon Stone’s "The Lady" is not the only strong female lead on this list. Granted, the character of Mattie Ross in the 1969 classic "True Grit" is only a young girl, but don’t be fooled by her age: Mattie is a strong and determined character, hell-bent on apprehending the man responsible for her family’s death.

"True Grit" is also responsible for bringing us one of the most amazing cowboys ever portrayed on film. John Wayne’s legendary depiction of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn earned him a well-deserved Oscar.

6

Stagecoach

Image: Maddy Weiss

Considering our entry on "The Searchers", it probably won’t surprise you to learn that John Ford’s contributions to Westerns are incommensurable. In that sense, considering his 1939 film "Stagecoach" as anything other than groundbreaking would be a massive disservice to the entire genre.

This movie’s revolutionary shots and character development helped the film industry take a huge leap forward. Not only that, this movie stars John Wayne in his breakthrough role.

7

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Image: Stefan Münz

Legendary actor Humphrey Bogart is not particularly remembered as a Western actor: In fact, he only starred in two movies of the genre. However, the 1948 film "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre", which stars Bogart as drifter Fred C. Dobbs, is considered an absolute Western treasure (no pun intended) and was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress.

The film focuses on Dobbs and fellow drifter Bob Curtin, played by Tim Holt who, along with an old prospector, try to make a living searching for gold in Mexico.

8

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Image: Luis Domenech

The 1962 film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" begins with the funeral of a seemingly unimportant cowboy named Tom Doniphon which is attended by a powerful and influential U.S. senator. What follows is the retelling of an unusual friendship between two men, and their unyielding fight for justice.

This film holds the honor of being the very first film that starred both John Wayne and James Stewart. Under the direction of John Ford, these two acting juggernauts truly gave an unforgettable performance.

9

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Image: JosephHershMedia

Nowadays, the subgenre of a buddy film seems almost exclusively reserved for cop movies: Think about movies like "Lethal Weapon" or "Bad Boys". However, the 1969 Western "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is an outstanding addition to the buddy film subgenre, since it focuses on the adventures of this iconic gunslinging duo.

The movie describes the adventures of these two train robbers, wonderfully portrayed by Robert Redford and Paul Newman, who are trying to escape the law and flee to South America. It was awarded for Oscars, including "Best Story" and "Best Cinematography".

10

Unforgiven

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Besides avenging a loved one or escaping a corrupt sheriff, another powerful staple of the Western genre is the repentant outlaw trying to make amends with his past. In that sense, Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film "Unforgiven" combines both classic elements of the genre, while still providing a refreshing and innovative perspective.

The movie tells the tale of William Munny, an aging and retired outlaw who decides to take on one last job. Portrayed by Eastwood , Munny’s adventures take him on a violent path, seeking a cruel and dangerous cowboy named "Quick Mike".

11

The Magnificent Seven

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll finish this list with one of the most innovative and daring entries to the Western genre. John Sturges’ "The Magnificent Seven" is an Old West remake of a Japanese movie, Kurosawa’s "Seven Samurai". Featuring an ensemble of legendary leads like Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen (The "King of Cool" himself!), this iconic film is to this day considered one of the very best Western films of all time.

The story centers around the titular "Magnificent Seven", a group of gunfighters hired to protect a small Mexican village from a group of bandits led by Eri Wallach, another heavy-hitter of the Western genre. It received an Academy Award for Best Score, and it was included in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

1

Double title

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

Holding an important office is a tremendous honor, but it can also be a stressful experience, right? Well, imagine not only serving as the President of the United States but also becoming the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court! There has only been one person in the entire history of our country who has held both positions.

We are talking about William H. Taft, who was elected as Theodore Roosevelt's successor and served as President of the United States from 1909 to 1913. But another achievement awaited him a couple of years later: he served as Chief Justice from 1921 to 1930, appointed by President Warren G. Harding.

2

Bill cover

Image: Kenny Eliason

Being featured on the front of a banknote is an honor that only a few have received. Today, we can see Presidents, Founding Fathers, and other important figures from our national history on our banknotes and coins. But did you know that U.S. paper money has also featured Supreme Court Justices?

Yes, that's right! Only two Justices of the Court have had their faces on U.S. bills: John Marshall, whose picture appeared on an early version of the $500 bill, and Salmon P. Chase, who was featured on the $10,000 bill. Today, those bills are no longer in circulation.

3

Wig: yes or no?

Image: J. Amill Santiago

Towards the end of the 18th century, some judges still kept the tradition of wearing the classic white wigs. During the first session of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1790, only one Justice showed up wearing a wig: William Cushing.

Apparently, his fashion choice was not well received. In fact, one story has it that Thomas Jefferson saw him and allegedly said, "For heaven's sake, discard the monstrous wig!" Thus, Jefferson demonstrated his willingness to distance himself from certain European customs.

4

Justice and sportsman

Image: Melissa McGovern

Serving as a Supreme Court Justice is not a job for everyone, nor is being a distinguished sportsman. Surprisingly, there was one man who did both.

Justice Byron Raymond "Whizzer" White, born in Colorado in 1917, was a lawyer, jurist, professional football player, and Supreme Court Justice. Quite a resume, huh?

White became an NFL player in 1938, but his sports career ended in 1940 due to some injuries while playing for the Detroit Lions. A couple of years later, he decided to pursue a law career, and in 1962, he became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court after being nominated by none other than John F. Kennedy.

5

Better late than never

Image: Tim Mossholder

The U.S. Supreme Court didn't have its own fully functional building until 1935. That means the Justices operated in different locations for 145 years!

The first session of the Court, in 1790, was held in New York City at the Royal Exchange Building. Later, the Court met in Philadelphia's Independence Hall until 1800, when it finally moved to Washington, D.C. However, the capital city at that time didn't have a designated building for the Highest Court, so its members met in different spaces within the Capitol Building, even in the basement!

In the early 1930s, construction on the current Supreme Court building finally began.

6

The Highest

Image: Edgar Chaparro

When someone says "The Highest Court of the Land," they're clearly referring to the Supreme Court. However, it seems there's another "Highest Court" that many of us haven't heard of before.

Located on the fifth floor of the Supreme Court building, you can find another court: a basketball court. Since it's literally on the highest floor, the Justices playfully call it "The Highest Court of the Land." Working is important, but so is exercising!

7

Many appointees

Image: Ben Noble

Among their many other tasks and duties, U.S. presidents are also responsible for nominating justices to the Supreme Court. These nominees must then undergo the Senate confirmation process before they officially become justices.

Throughout U.S. history, some presidents have appointed more justices than others. Want to know who appointed the most? That was George Washington, with a total of 11 justices! The second place goes to Franklin D. Roosevelt, with 9 justices during his time in office. In third place, though a bit further back, is Andrew Jackson, who appointed 6 justices to the Supreme Court.

8

The youngest

Image: Bermix Studio

Among the many names that have served on the Supreme Court, some have stood out for different reasons. That is the case of Joseph Story, who was officially the Court's youngest appointee, nominated by President James Madison in 1811. How old was he? Just 32! Despite his young age, Story served as a justice for 34 years and contributed to our country's justice in many ways.

Most Supreme Court justices reach their positions with a lot of experience, often between the ages of 50 and 55, around 20 years older than the young Story.

9

A long-standing tradition

Image: Constantin Wenning

Have you heard of the famous "conference handshake"? This tradition has been part of the Supreme Court for many, many years. Do you want to know its origin and what it is all about?

The conference handshake is a long-standing practice where the justices of the Court literally shake hands with each other before taking their seats.

This custom originated at the end of the 19th century, and one of its promoters was Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller. From its beginnings, the greeting was intended to demonstrate that, while they may have differences, the justices must ensure harmony and respect above everything else.

10

Quill pens

Image: Pierre Bamin

The black robes and the handshakes are not the only traditions at the Supreme Court. There is another longstanding custom that continues to this day.

Whenever an attorney presents an oral argument before the Supreme Court for the first time, they are gifted a fancy quill pen. That's a nice and thoughtful gesture, don't you think?

This gift symbolizes the importance of their role and their responsibilities. Many choose to keep the quill pen as a souvenir that reminds them of a crucial step in their careers.