Eight Weird and Wacky U.S. Laws

While the vast majority of United States laws are in place to preserve safety and order among citizens, there are a number of laws whose purpose is a little more confounding. Here are eight laws — some archaic, some still enforced — that will leave you scratching your head.

1. In Texas, it's against the law to sell your eyeball.

2. In Denver, Colorado, it's considered illegal to loan your next door neighbor your vacuum.

3. If you're a resident of Florida who also happens to own an elephant, make note: If you leave your elephant left tied to a parking meter, then you have to pay the meter.

4. Do you enjoy walking backwards after sunset? You'd be well-advised to steer clear of Devon, Connecticut, where it's illegal to do so.

5. In Gainesville, Georgia, you must eat fried chicken with your hands. Using utensils is against the law!

6. If you happen to cross paths with Bigfoot while hiking in Washington state, don't attempt to harass the creature. Doing so could land you in jail.

7. Love the combo of pretzels and beer? Bad news if you live in North Dakota: It's illegal for beer and pretzels to be served at the same time in any bar or restaurant.

8. In Alabama, it's against the law to drive a vehicle while blindfolded.

Bizarre Regional Laws In the U.S. Are Even Weirder Than You Thought [Gizmodo]
Weird U.S.A Laws [Information Central]
United States Weird Laws [Law Guru]

Beeps: Where to Shop for the Person Who Has Everything

Beeps is where Albuquerque residents shop when they don't know what it is they're looking for. That's because this Nob Hill gift boutique is known for stocking quirky items that can appeal to a broad range of recipients — even if that recipient is a cat in the market for an inflatable unicorn horn.

Gag gifts represent a good chunk of Beeps's inventory, that's true, but there's more in store here than novelties. You're likely to encounter locally-made, hand-crafted jewelry on the displays, as well as hand-crocheted hats and retro-inspired toys for little ones. Pens and stationery sets are as pretty as they are practical, while cheekily titled parenting books give new moms and dads a chuckle. If you need wrapping paper and a card to complete your gift, Beeps has you covered there, too.

Beeps is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Look for it in the Nob Hill Business Center.

Beeps
Nob Hill Business Center
3500 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 262-1900
www.yelp.com/biz/beeps-albuquerque

Get a Jump On Things at Cool Springz Trampoline Park

There are few kids who would turn down a chance to go to Cool Springz Trampoline Park. And why would they? This family-owned trampoline park, the largest of its kind in New Mexico, promises ample opportunity for fun across its 18,000 square feet.

Five thousand of those square feet are devoted entirely to trampoline surface, which stretches from wall to wall — sometimes even up the wall, so visitors can perform flying slam dunks on Cool Springz's multiple basketball hoops. Elsewhere in the climate-controlled facility, amateur stuntmen and women can practice flips and twists into a pit filled with soft bricks of blue foam, while pint-sized visitors can safely get in on the fun in an area reserved for smaller children.

Cool Springz Trampoline Park is open daily. Entry fees are based on height, and kids 2 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

Cool Springz Trampoline Park
4320 Yale Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 345-5867
coolspringz.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cool-springz-trampoline-park-albuquerque

Happy Spring!

Everything is starting to bud and bloom! What are you doing to enjoy this lovely change in weather?

Enjoy an Affordable Meal of Latin American Fusion Fare at Sharkey’s

Sopas, tostadas, and more are expertly prepared at Sharkey's in Albuquerque. This casual, family-friendly eatery specializes in Mexican and Latin American fusion fare that's not too hard on the wallet.

While the menu spans tacos to Sonoran-style hot dogs, fresh seafood takes center stage here. Regulars recommend the sea bass tacos and the Chili Caribe, meat-stuffed peppers that are wrapped in bacon and deep-fried. Ceviche and aguachile are made to order, and soups arrive piping hot and well-seasoned. Landlubbers can choose from burgers, carne asada, and fries.

Sharkey's is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Live music takes the stage most weekends, and both indoor and outdoor seating are offered.

Sharkey’s
5420 Central Avenue Southwest
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505) 831-8905
www.facebook.com/pages/Sharkys-fish-and-shrimp/161886367303379
www.yelp.com/biz/sharkys-albuquerque

You Might Be Surprised That These Common Foods Are High in Sugar

Some foods are obviously high in sugar, such as cakes, sodas, and ice cream. But did you know that there are sneaky high-sugar foods that may be sabotaging your diet without you even knowing it? Here are a few foods that are surprisingly high in sugar.

  1. Fat-free yogurts. Sure, fat-free yogurts don’t contain fat, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re low in sugar, too! In fact, the majority of low-fat and fat-free yogurts overcompensate by adding quite a bit of sugar to sweeten up the taste. Be sure to check the label on your favorite sweet side, because some 0% yogurts can contain as many as 20 grams of sugar.
  2. Marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is often viewed as a healthy alternative to creamy Alfredo sauces, but this savory pasta topping can be packed full of sugars. Beware of store bought cans and jars especially, as they’re the most common culprits.
  3. Bread. Even supposedly healthy breads, like whole grain and wheat, can contain about three grams of sugar per slice. Processed breads are usually much higher in sugars than freshly baked options, so opt for a loaf from the bakery or a sprouted wheat bread from the health food store.

6 Surprising Sources of Sugar [Eating Well]
6 Hidden Sugar Mines in Your Diet [Next Avenue]
Sugar: Five Foods Surprisingly High in Sugar [BBC]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May the luck of the Irish be with you! How will you be celebrating today?

Sip a Foamy Latte at Espresso Fino in Albuquerque

The alluring aroma of hand-crafted coffee, tea, and fresh pastries welcomes you to Espresso Fino in downtown Albuquerque. This comfortable, friendly coffee house boasts an upbeat vibe and indoor and outdoor seating.

The cafe offers a large beverage menu with a variety of drinks but the owner, Greg, and his family will gladly customize any drink to your liking. Coffee drinks run the gamut from cappuccinos and lattes to frozen coffee and, of course, espresso. Pastries are brought in daily from top bakeries in the area, including scones from Scones Gone Wild, and sweets change on a daily basis depending upon what's available.

Espresso Fino is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends. Bring your laptop to catch up on some emails over the free Wi-Fi!

Espresso Fino
222 Gold Avenue Southwest
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(575) 779-6078
www.facebook.com/espressofinoabq
www.yelp.com/biz/espresso-fino-albuquerque

Resume Writing Tips for Job Seekers

Making a good first impression plays a huge role in landing your dream job, and, for most people, that first impression begins with a resume. Here are a few simple tips to help you write a resume that’s equal parts smart, savvy, and interesting.

  1. Make it easy to read. While you want your resume to look aesthetically pleasing (even more so if you’re in a creative profession), it should first and foremost be easy to read. Choose a simple font, place the most important points at the top, and limit your resume to just one page.
  2. Include up-to-date contact information. This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most important parts of the whole resume. Be sure to include your cell phone number, home phone number, email address, and physical address.
  3. Add an objective. Before listing your experience, state an objective that clearly defines your career goals.
  4. Include popular keywords. Consider the increasingly digital state of the job market and treat your resume like any other online content. Include keywords related to your chosen field so that you’ll increase the chance of employers finding it online.
  5. Take it to the streets. Once your resume is complete, don’t be shy about handing out physical copies anywhere and everywhere you go—you never know where your big break will come from.

Top 10 Resume Writing Tips [About Careers]
6 Tips for Writing an Effective Resume [ASME]
Resume Writing Tips [Yale University]

Cafe Lush: Dine Locally and Sustainably

Cafe Lush is a wonderfully sustainable, environmentally friendly addition to Albuquerque’s food scene, offering creative dishes made with organic ingredients and fresh, local produce whenever possible. The restaurant is housed in a modern building with an umbrella-covered patio on one side for dining under the New Mexico sunshine, and its interior is a sparsely furnished minimalist’s dream.

Regulars enjoy dining on Cafe Lush’s healthy breakfast tacos, tofu scramble and famous Lushaladas each morning, while the lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes packed with veggies and whole grains. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are also available for non-meat eaters. If you’re visiting for the first time, Cafe Lush regulars recommend the weekend brunch, which includes decadent entrees with your choice of morning beverage for just $11.25.

Cafe Lush is open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The restaurant is closed Sundays.

Cafe Lush
700 Tijeras Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 508-0164
www.cafelushabq.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-lush-albuquerque

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