Until there was a pay raise in 1814, US Congressmen were paid $6 per diem when Congress was in session.
Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine are the four states in the U.S. that do not allow billboards.
Wetaskiwin, Alberta from 1917: "It's against the law to tie a male horse next to a female horse on Main Street."
When traveling in Japan, there is important chopstick etiquette by which visitors must abide. Never use chopsticks to point at somebody, and do not leave the chopsticks standing up out of the food. On the other hand, it is quite acceptable in Japan to pick up one's rice or miso soup bowl and hold it directly under the chin while eating to prevent the food from falling.
When traveling in Poland, tourists should know that Polish hospitality calls for ample food being offered and woe to the guest who declines. Yet the guest who grabs food without being encouraged disgraces himself. It's a delicate balance to maintain courtesy. In Podhale, Poland, a host plays the role of nukac, "the one who urges."
When traveling in Russia, gift giving is different than in North America or Western Europe. Women appreciate receiving cosmetics, because they also are scarce in almost all Eastern European countries. When giving flowers, avoid giving those that are yellow, as this is a sign of grieving or separation. When invited to a home, it is proper social etiquette for a guest to bring a bottle of wine or chocolate, but nothing too expensive. Vodka is always an acceptable gift.
In South America, it would be rude not to ask a man about his wife and children. In most Arab countries, it would be rude to do so.
In Sparta during the fourth century, if you were male and over 20 years of age, you were required by law to eat 2 pounds of meat a day. It was supposed to make a person brave.
In the 1940s, California law made it illegal to serve alcohol to a homosexual or to dress as a member of the opposite sex. Drag queens avoided the latter restriction by attaching pieces of paper to their dresses which read "I'm a boy." The courts accepted the argument that anyone wearing such a notice was technically dressed as a man, not a woman.
In the country of Tibet, it's good manners to stick out your tongue at your guests.
In the state of Queensland, Australia, it is still constitutional law that all pubs (hotel/bar) must have a railing outside for patrons to tie up their horse.
In the fifteenth century, the handkerchief was, for a time, allowed only to the nobility; special laws were made to enforce this. The classical heritage was rediscovered during the Renaissance.
In the U.S., federal law states that children's TV shows may contain only 10 minutes of advertising per hour and on weekends the limit is 10 and one-half minutes.
In Turkey, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, anyone caught drinking coffee was put to death.
Internet access in the country of Burma is restricted by anti-modem laws. Illegal possession of a modem can lead to a prison term. Public typists work at typewriters charging about 14 cents per page. On a good day, a public typist earns about $3.50.
It is against the law to remove your shoes if your feet smell bad while you're in a theater in Winnetka, Illinois.
When visiting Japan, it is important to know that it is considered polite to initially refuse someone's offer of help. The Japanese may also initially refuse your offer, even if they really want or need it. Traditionally, an offer is made three times.
Women were banned by royal decree from using hotel swimming pools in Jidda, Saudi Arabia, in 1979.
Women were not allowed to vote in France until 1944.
Wyoming was the first state to allow women to vote.
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