r is for random facts

For 'R' I've compiled a list of random facts that start with the letter - all about the things outsiders to America notice upon arrival.  Let's dive straight in:

- red birds: ok, so these birds are called cardinals but they're my favourite birds and I was really just looking for an excuse to throw in a pic!

Photo taken by my talented cousin

- road: 

• traffic moves in the right direction
• rule 1: most States allow you to turn right at a traffic light, if the way is clear.  This is called 'right on red"
• rule 2: some States don't require motorcyclists to wear protective leather or helmets!

- religion: it's more obvious that religion is a big business in America.  You'll see billboards, TV commercials and pamphlets promoting different churches and denominations almost everywhere you go. (Especially in the South).

Yes, that is a church sign beside a strip-club sign
No there's nothing wrong with your eyes.  Thanks to abc.news for this image

Just couldn't resist sharing this one as well! Thanks postkiwi.com

- ratings: that is, TV ratings.  These are (compared to Australia) higher for movies that have sexual references and swearing, but are actually lower for violent movies!  (Also, swearing is still largely unacceptable (unlike Australia) in the media so most channels will bleep out swear words or simply do a voice over - over the swears.  Even words like 'boobs' are considered rude). 

- railway: apart from America's very large cities, travel by railroad is not a popular option.  Most trains you'll see within the country itself are transport ones.

- radical regulations: some of the country's founding laws are either still in place in many states, or have only recently been abolished - whether residents know of them or not.  Will told me about a law that has only been revoked within the past decade, that allowed a man to beat his wife with a stick, as long as was: (a) on the steps of the courthouse (b) on a Wednesday and (c) with a stick no thicker than the width of his thumb!  This law was actually written down in documents and was allowed in many Southern states.