Did You Know?

[Guardian Angel]

NOTE:  I did not verify any of these statements below – just thought they were pretty neat and decided to send them on!

ALABAMA: Was the first place to have 9-1-1, started in

ALASKA: One out of every 64 people has a pilot's license.

ARIZONA: Is the only state in the continental U.S. that doesn't follow Daylight Savings Time.


ARKANSAS: Has the only active diamond mine in the U.S.

CALIFORNIA: Its economy is so large, if it were a country, it would rank 7th in the world.

COLORADO: In 1976 it became the only state to turn down the Olympics.

CONNECTICUT: The Frisbee was invented here at Yale University.

DELAWARE: Has more scientists and engineers than any other state.

FLORIDA: At 759 square miles, Jacksonville is the US's largest city.

GEORGIA: In 1886, that pharmacist John Pemberton made the first vat of Coca-Cola.

HAWAII: Hawaiians live, on average, five years longer than residents in any other state. 

IDAHO: TV was invented in Rigby, Idaho, in 1922.

ILLINOIS: The Chicago River is dyed green every St. Patrick's Day.

INDIANA: Home to Santa Claus, Indiana, receives half million letters to Santa every year.

IOWA: Winnebagos get their name from Winnebago County. Also, it is the only state that begins with two vowels.

KANSAS: Liberal, Kansas, has an exact replica of the house in The Wizard of Oz.

KENTUCKY: Has more than $6 billion in gold underneath Fort Knox.

LOUISIANA: Has parishes instead of counties because they were originally Spanish church units.

MAINE: It's so big, it covers as many square miles as the other five New England states combined.

MARYLAND: The Oujia board was created in Baltimore in 1892.

MASSACHUSETTS: The Fig Newton is named after Newton, Massachusetts.

MICHIGAN: Fremont, home to Gerber, is the baby food capital of the world.

MINNESOTA: Bloomington's Mall of America is so big, if you spent 10 minutes in each store, you'd be there nearly four days. 

MISSISSIPPI: President Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear here. That's how the teddy bear got its name.

MISSOURI: Is the birthplace of the ice cream cone.

MONTANA: A sapphire from Montana is the Crown Jewels of England.

NEBRASKA: More triplets are born here than in any other state.

NEVADA: Has more hotel rooms than any other place in the world.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Birthplace of Tupperware, invented in 1938 by Earl Tupper.

NEW JERSEY: Has the most shopping malls in one area in the world.

NEW MEXICO: Smokey the Bear was rescued from a 1950 forest fire here.

NEW YORK: Is home to the nation's oldest cattle ranch, started in 1747 in Montauk.

NORTH CAROLINA: Home of the first Krispy Kreme doughnut.

NORTH DAKOTA: Rigby, North Dakota, is the exact geo-graphic center of North America.

OHIO: The hot dog was invented here in 1900.

OKLAHOMA: The grounds of the state capital are covered by operating oil  wells.

OREGON: Has the most ghost towns in the country.

PENNSYLVANIA: The smiley, was first used in 1980 by computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University.

RHODE ISLAND: The nation's oldest bar, the White Horse Tavern, opened here in 1673.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Sumter County is home to the world's largest gingko farm.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Is the only state that's never had an earthquake.

TENNESSEE: Nashville's Grand Ole Opry is the longest running live radio show in the world.

TEXAS: Dr. Pepper was invented in Waco back in 1885.

UTAH: The first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant opened here in 1952.

VERMONT: Montpelier is the only state capital without a McDonald's.

VIRGINIA: Home of the world's largest office building... the Pentagon.

WASHINGTON: Seattle has twice as many college graduates as any other state.

WASHINGTON D.C.: Was the first planned capital in the world.

WEST VIRGINIA: Had the world's first brick paved street, Summers Street, laid in Charleston in 1870.

WISCONSIN: The ice cream sundae was invented here in 1881 to get around Blue Laws prohibiting ice cream from being sold on Sundays.

WYOMING: Was the first state to allow women to vote.

[Guardian Angel]

Alaska

More than half of the coastline of the entire United States is in Alaska.

Amazon

The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% the world's oxygen supply. The Amazon River pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that, more than one hundred miles at sea off the mouth of the river, one can dip fresh water out of the ocean. The volume of water in the Amazon river is greater than the next eight largest rivers in the world combined and three times the flow of all rivers in the United States.

Antarctica

Antarctica is the only land on our planet that is not owned by any country. Ninety percent of the world's ice covers Antarctica. This ice also represents seventy percent of all the fresh water in the world.   As strange as it sounds, however, Antarctica is essentially a desert. The average yearly total precipitation is about two inches Although covered with ice (all but 0.4% of it, i.e.), Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.

Brazil

Brazil got its name from the nut, not the other way around.

Canada

Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. Canada is an Indian word meaning "Big Village."

Chicago

Next to Warsaw, Chicago has the largest Polish population in the world.

Detroit

Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, carries the designation M-1, named so because it was the first paved road anywhere.

Damascus, Syria

Damascus, Syria, was flourishing a couple of
 thousand years before Rome was founded in 753 BC, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in existence.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey, is the only city in the world
located on two continents.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles's full name is El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula --and can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its size: L.A.

New York City

The term "The Big Apple" was coined by touring jazz musicians of the 1930's who used the slang expression "apple" for any town or city. Therefore, to play New York City is to play the big time - The Big Apple. There are more Irish in New York City than in Dublin, Ireland; more Italians in New York City than in Rome, Italy; and more Jews in New York City than in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Ohio

There are no natural lakes in the state of Ohio, every one is manmade.

Pitcairn Island

The smallest island with country status is Pitcairn in Polynesia, at just 1.75 sq. miles/4,53 sq. km.

Rome

The first city to reach a population of 1 million people was Rome, Italy in 133 B. C There is a city called Rome on every continent.

Siberia

Siberia contains more than 25% of the world's forests.

 S.M.O.M.

The actual smallest sovereign entity in the world is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M.).  It is located in the city of Rome, Italy, has an area of two tennis courts, and as of 2001 has a population of 80, 20 less people than the Vatican. It is a sovereign entity under international law, just as the Vatican is.

Sahara Desert

In the Sahara Desert, there is a town named Tidikelt, which did not receive a drop of rain for ten years. Technically though, the driest place on Earth is in the valleys of the Antarctic near Ross Island. There has been no rainfall there for two million years.

Spain

Spain literally means 'the land of rabbits.'

St. Paul, Minnesota

St Paul, Minnesota, was originally called Pig's Eye after a man named Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant who set up the first business there.

Roads

Chances that a road is unpaved in the U.S.A.: 1%, in Canada: 75%

Texas

The deepest hole ever made in the world is in Texas.   It is as deep as 20 empire state buildings but only 3 inches wide.

United States

The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one-mile in every five must be straight These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.

Waterfalls
The water of Angel Falls (the World's highest) in Venezuela drops 3,212 feet (979 meters) They are 15 times higher than Niagara Falls.

[Guardian Angel]

PREAMBLE OF THE STATES


            Do you know the Preamble for your state? ..



            Important commentary at the end.

            Alabama 1901  , Preamble . We the  people of the State of Alabama , invoking  the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the  following Constitution.

            Alaska  1956, Preamble . We, the  people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

            Arizona  1911, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Arizona , grateful  to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

            Arkansas  1874, Preamble  We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful  to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of  government...

            California  1879, Preamble . We, the  People of the State of California , grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom.

            Colorado  1876, Preamble . We, the  people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.

            Connecticut  1818, Preamble. The People  of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God  in permitting them to enjoy.

            Delaware  1897, Preamble . Through  Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshiping and  serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

            Florida  1885, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Florida , grateful  to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this  Constitution...

            Georgia  1777, Preamble . We, the  people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

            Hawaii  1959, Preamble . We , the  people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance .. Establish this Constitution.

            Idaho  1889, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Idaho , grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

            Illinois  1870, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to  enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

            Indiana  1851, Preamble We, the  People of the State of Indiana , grateful  to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of  government.

            Iowa  1857, Preamble We, the  People of the State of Iowa, grateful  to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our  dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this  Constitution.

            Kansas  1859, Preamble . We, the  people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

            Kentucky  1891, Preamble. We, the  people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil,  political and religious liberties...

            Louisiana  1921, Preamble We, the  people of the State of Louisiana , grateful  to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we  enjoy.

            Maine  1820, Preamble. We the  People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the  Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And  imploring His aid and direction.

            Maryland  1776, Preamble  We, the  people of the state of Maryland , grateful  to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

            Massachusetts  1780, Preamble . We...the  people of Massachusetts ,  acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator  of the Universe .. In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and  devoutly imploring His direction.

            Michigan  1908, Preamble. We, the  people of the State of Michigan , grateful  to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

            Minnesota,  1857, Preamble We, the  people of the State of Minnesota , grateful  to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate  its blessings:

            Mississippi  1890, Preamble . We, the  people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His  blessing on our work.

            Missouri  1845, Preamble . We, the  people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. Establish this Constitution .   
 
           Montana  1889, Preamble. We, the  people of Montana , grateful  to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution .. Nebraska  1875, Preamble . We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.

            Nevada  1864, Preamble . We the  people of the State of Nevada, grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution

            New Hampshire  1792, Part  I. Art. I. Sec. V . Every  individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according  to the dictates of his own conscience.

            New Jersey  1844, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil  and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and  looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

            New Mexico  1911, Preamble . We, the  People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of  liberty
 
            New York  1846, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of New York , grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

            North Carolina  1868, Preamble . We the  people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the  Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious  liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance  of those

            North  Dakota 1889, Preamble . We , the  people of North Dakota , grateful  to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do  ordain...

            Ohio  1852, Preamble . We the  people of the state of Ohio , grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote  our common

            Oklahoma  1907, Preamble . Invoking  the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the  blessings of liberty ... establish this

            Oregon  1857, Bill of Rights,  Article  I.  Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..

            Pennsylvania  1776, Preamble We, the  people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of  civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His  guidance

            Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the  People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the  civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy,  and looking to Him for a blessing

            South  Carolina, 1778, Preamble . We, the  people of he State of South  Carolina grateful to  God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

            South Dakota  1889, Preamble . We, the  people of South Dakota, grateful  to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties

            Tennessee  1796, Art. XI.III. That all  men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God  according to the dictates of their conscience...

            Texas  1845, Preamble . We the  People of the Republic of Texas,  acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

            Utah  1896, Preamble . Grateful  to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this  Constitution.

            Vermont  1777, Preamble . Whereas  all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy  their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence  has bestowed on man

            Virginia  1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion,  or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and  that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance,  Love and Charity towards each other

            Washington  1889, Preamble . We the  People of the State of Washington , grateful  to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this  Constitution

            West Virginia  1872, Preamble . Since  through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and  religious liberty, we, the people of   West  Virginia reaffirm  our faith in and constant reliance upon God.

            Wisconsin  1848, Preamble We, the  people of Wisconsin, grateful  to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility


            Wyoming  1890, Preamble . We, the  people of the State of Wyoming , grateful  to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish  this Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is  faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

[Guardian Angel]

Today's history lesson!

1792 - Kentucky was the first state on the western frontier to join the Union

1816 - (first promoted) Mammoth Cave, with 336+ miles of mapped passages, is the world's longest cave. It is 379 feet deep and contains at least 5 levels of passages. It's second only to Niagara Falls as the most popular tourist attraction in the US. It became a National Park on July 1, 1941.

1856 - The first enamel bathtub was made in Louisville

1883 - The first electric light bulb was shown in Louisville. Thomas Alva Edison introduced his invention to crowds at the Southern Exposition.
1887 - Mother's Day was first observed in Henderson by teacher Mary S. Wilson. It became a national holiday in 1916.

1893 - "Happy Birthday to You", probably the most sung song in the world, was written by two Louisville sisters - Mildred and Patricia Hill. Late 19th century - Bibb lettuce was first cultivated by Jack Bibb in Frankfort, Kentucky

1896 - The first (known) set of all male quintuplets was born in Paducah.

1934 - Cheeseburgers were first tasted at Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville.

1937 - The first Wigwam Village Motel, with units in the shape of a "teepee", was built by Frank A. Redford in Cave City.

The world's largest baseball bat, a full one hundred twenty(120) feet tall and weighing 68,000 pounds, can be seen at the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville (Jefferson Co.).

Chevrolet Corvettes are manufactured only in Bowling Green.

Covington (St. Mary's Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption) is home to the world's largest hand blown stained glass window in existence. It measures an astounding 24 feet by 67 feet and contains 117 different figures.

The world's largest crucifix, standing at sixty (60) feet tall, is in Bardstown (Nelson Co.).

Fort Knox holds more than $6 billion worth of gold - the largest amount stored anywhere in the world.

The JIF plant in Lexington is the world's largest peanut butter producing facility.

Kentucky has more resort parks than any other state in the nation.

Middlesboro is the only United States city built inside a meteor crater.

Newport is home to The World Peace Bell, the world's largest free-swinging bell.

Pike County is the world's largest producer of coal.

Pikeville annually leads the nation (per capita) in consumption of Pepsi-Cola.

Post-It Notes are made exclusively in Cynthiana, Ky.

Shaker Village (Pleasant Hill) is the largest historic community of its kind in the United States.

Christian County is 'wet', while Bourbon County is 'dry'.

Barren County has the most fertile land in the state.

Lake Cumberland has more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida.

Kentucky is best known for its beautiful blue grass.

And, let us not forget about the basketball and the Race Horses !!