Factoids

Peculiar State Flags

2007-11-11T00:49:00Z

Close to a NASCAR ad, the state flag of Arkansas depicts a diamond to symbolize that Arkansas is the only place in North America where diamonds have been discovered and mined. The twenty-five white stars around the diamond mean that Arkansas was the twenty-fifth state to join the Union.

Aloha Austin Powers! The Hawaii state flag features a British flag to symbolize the islands' history of friendly relations with the British. It's eight stripes represent the eight islands that compose the state.

The title for trippiest flag goes to Maryland. This mesh of bizarre patterns and shapes stems from the family crests of the Calvert and Crossland families that helped found Maryland back in 1634.

The award for the most boring flag goes to Nevada, a real surprise given the images Las Vegas conjures. But the flag came well before Vegas and any depiction of Sin City would violate its own code of "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

The flag most likely to end up tattooed on a women's upper ass is New Mexico's. Like us, she'd have no idea what the symbol means but would be oddly attracted to its Native American feel and simplicity.

Oklahoma's flag is the most likely result of a dream of a young, school boy, as noted by the 5 legged dancing baseball covered in pens, plus and minus signs, and a piece of tree. In actuality, the flag is a hodgepodge of Native American symbols.

Energy Tidbits

2007-11-11T00:05:00Z

Texas generates more wind power than any other state.
Solar and wind power comprise 2.4% of U.S. electricity power sources.
A gallon of gas costs $8 in Britain currently.
Japan has been weaning itself off oil for years. It now imports 16 percent less oil than it did in 1973, though the economy has doubled.
Texas produces more oil than Alaska.

Products from a barrel of crude oil:

U.S. Currency Treasures

2007-11-11T00:00:00Z

Between the Fort Worth, Texas and the Washington, DC Facilities approximately 18 tons of ink per day are used to print currency.

On the back of all U.S. bills, The eagle holds an olive branch, which symbolizes peace, with 13 berries and 13 leaves. In the left talon, the eagle holds 13 arrows, which represents war. The 13 leaves represent the original 13 American colonies. The eagle’s head is turned toward the olive branch, showing a desire for peace.

Martha Washington is the only woman whose portrait has appeared on a U.S. currency note. It appeared on the face of the $1 Silver Certificate of 1886 and 1891, and the back of the $1 Silver Certificate of 1896.

The inclusion of “In God We Trust” on all currency was required by law in 1955. The national motto first appeared on paper money in 1957 on $1 Silver Certificates, and on all Federal Reserve Notes beginning with Series 1963.