Differences Between Texas and Tennessee

Texwisgirl at http://run-a-roundranch.blogspot.com/ asked me the other day what I have seen in the way of differences between Texas and Tennessee.  I thought that was a good question, and I have given it some thought the past few days.

Here is a partial list of observations:

---Texas is 90% flat.  Tennessee is 90% hilly. 

---Texas roads are generally straight.  On some of them you can just drive and drive all day long and seldom even move the steering wheel.  Tennessee roads are winding and hilly and DANGEROUS.  Many roads here in east Tennessee don't even have shoulders.  If you are not payin' attention---or if you are multi-tasking---you can go off the road and die just like that.  This is particularly troubling because we've got these good ole boys who drink to excess who like to get out in their pick-up trucks and drive recklessly.  I try to stay off the roads after 5:00 PM if possible.

---Food costs more here in Tennessee.  I have been shocked at some of the prices.  Shrimp (which we love) cost two and a half times more here in Tennessee.  I couldn't believe it.

We also love sushi.  In Texas, all the supermarkets had a sushi counter.  Here in Tennessee, we finally found one market that offers sushi.

---In north Texas, it seems all the churches were mega-churches, with thousands of members each.  Here in Tennessee, it seems there is a small church on every corner. 

---In north Texas, zoning laws are enforced.  In Tennessee, if there are zoning laws, they are not enforced.  You see expensive homes next to single-wide trailers next to body shops next to apartments next to gas stations next to car dealerships. 

---Neither Texas nor Tennessee have state income taxes, but the property taxes in Texas were FOUR TIMES what they are in Tennessee. 

---My auto insurance and homeowner's insurance are Half what they were in Texas.

---If you join a workout facility in Texas, it'll cost you a minimum of $25 a month (usually more), a start-up fee of at least $75, and an agreement that has a penalty if you try to terminate it.  Most Spas in Texas keep regular office hours---you can only work out when they are open.

I joined one here in Knoxville three weeks ago that is $15 a month, no contract, and allows me towork out anytime, 24/7.  Each member has a card key that is programmed with his/her code.  Wanna work out at 11:00 PM?  No problem.  3:00 AM? No problem.

---In Texas, a big orange "T" stands for the University of Texas.  In Tennessee, that orange T stands for the University of Tennessee.  "This is Big Orange Country!!!" the locals loudly proclaim.

---Here in east Tennessee, the accents are slightly country and slightly hillbilly and slightly twangy.  In Texas, the accents were a drawl.

---There are a whole lot more trees  in Tennessee than in Texas.

These are a few of the things I have noticed in my short time here so far.

Are You Kiddin' Me?.......

Two things that baffle and befuddle have recently come to my attention.  They are beyond comprehension.  They are an illustration of why human beings make no sense in nature.

The first is my discovery that my new home state of Tennessee has not one....not two....but NINE official state songs.  I kid you not.

I thought the official state song was "Tennessee Waltz".  
http://youtu.be/_Ek3eCbfqp0

Sure enough, it is.  But so are eight others!

---My Homeland, Tennessee (1925)
---When it's Iris Time in Tennessee (1935)
---My Tennessee (1955)
---Rocky Top (1982)
---Tennessee (1992)
---The Pride of Tennessee (1996)
---Smoky Mountain Rain (2010)
The latest song to be voted as "the official state song" is entitled "Tennessee", written by John R. Bean of Knoxville in 1984.


I guess politicians just feel good when they can vote "yes".  One lawmaker quipped that if they can vote for one more official state song, they will have enough to cut an album.

The second unbelievable fact I have uncovered in my readings is the incredible fact that there actually exists a Phallological Museum in the Icelandic village of Husavic.

Yes, my friends.......this glorious museum has on display the world's largest collection of male sexual body parts.  There are 276 exhibits.  You have GOT to be kiddin' me.  One of the "highlights" of this vast collection is a 170 centimeter (67") penis of a sperm whale.  Another prized item is an unusually large member from a Canadian walrus.  Another item is a set of lamp shades fashioned from bull testicles. 

Why?