Unusual animal skills used to save humans

 

They aren't built for speed, but some snails provide an early alert system for pollution.

Weirdest traffic laws in America

   

In one Minnesota town, drivers with muddy tires can be fined up to $2,000.

You know the basic traffic laws — stop at a red light, obey the speed limit, don’t drink and drive.

But this is America, land of the free and home of the make-it-up-as-you-go-along, so in addition to the standard traffic laws, there are some weird and wacky ones out there.

Some of them are specific to activities common in that town or state, and some of them make you wonder why someone had to tell you it’s illegal to do that.

10. Screeeeeeeeeeeech!

In Kansas, it is illegal to screech your tires. That's a state law, but there are also local ordinances to back it up.

In Derby, Kansas, for example, it's part of a standard traffic ordinance that any act which causes or creates "unnecessary rapid acceleration, unnecessary tire squeal, skid, smoke or slide upon acceleration or stopping including the casting of tread, gravel, dirt or other road surface materials from the tires" is illegal. Also any acts that "simulate a temporary race."

The penalty is a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days.

9. Eureka! Wake Up.

In Eureka, California, it is unlawful and an infraction to sleep in any public space. That might make you think park bench, but they go so far as to add that you are not to sleep on any sidewalk, alley or STREET. That’s right, they have to tell you not to sleep in the street.

The offense, should you live to be penalized for it, is classified as a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

Cobra on the loose at N.Y. zoo ignites buzz

 

A lethal species made famous by Indiana Jones triggers an urgent hunt in the Bronx.

Missing Cobra

How to switch fields in under two years

 

Quick training programs can help launch you in one of six rewarding careers.

Quick-Start Careers That Pay

Start getting paid fast with these hot jobs you can train for in 1-2 years.

By Jennifer Berry
Are you feeling stuck in a job you hate? Floundering in a job search that isn't going anywhere?
Don't despair: a quick training program could provide the jolt you need to find the right career.
There is no time like the present to explore your options for going back to school. With many schools offering rolling admissions and even online instruction, it's never been easier to get started.
[Search for career training programs now]
With the right training, you could be prepared for a new career in just one to two years. That's a small investment in time that could reap big rewards over the length of your career.
Check out these six solid careers - and learn how you can train for them.

How Jay-Z built his $450 million empire

 

The music mogul earned more than nearly all the CEOs of public companies last year

Jay-Z’s $450 million Business Empire

This is a superstar economy, in which A-listers live large while minor leaguers struggle. Hedge fund managers like John Paulson may rack up big returns, CEOs like Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman, Sachs bag huge compensation packages, and all-star baseball players like Alex Rodriguez ink nine-figure contracts. But few of them can match the combination of fame, public acclaim and monetary value that Shawn Corey Carter has racked up.