U is for Utah

When I was in 5th grade we had to do state reports. I had Iowa but since we lived in Utah I really actually wanted to do my state report on Utah. Now I think I'll give you my several-year-delayed state report in a list of useful and useless facts. 

• The residents of Utah are called Utahns, but I'm starting to like the term Utahonian instead.  It sounds impressive and explosive (sorta like plutonium).


• In 1896, Utah was the 45th state to gain entry into the union.


• Utah is called the Beehive State.  Since beehives are associated with industry, "industry" is the state motto.


• Utah is host to a very large stinky pond, otherwise known as The Great Salt Lake.  If you smell something awful in the air, you can usually blame it on the "lake stench." 


• The state bird of Utah is the... wait for it... CALIFORNIA gull.  There are logical reasons for this, but I still find it amusing. 


• Utah is reported to have "the greatest snow on earth."  This is supposed to make skiing more fun, but I think it's a hoax.  Skiing is not fun!


• In 2001, Jello was declared to be the "official state snack."  More Jello is consumed per capita here than anywhere else in the WORLD.  I think that's rather impressive. 

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I'm participating in Mrs. Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday! Click the link below to see what sort of other unique things people have posted about.