Now that the new year has begun there are a number of new laws on the books in many states that have officially taken effect.  Here are a few you should know:

 - In California, driverless cars are now legally permitted to operate on state roads.  There must be a rider in the passenger seat, however.

 - Also in California, the use of dogs while hunting black bears and bobcats is now illegal.

 - In Florida it is no longer against the law to flah your headlights to warn oncoming traffic of speedtraps.

 - The theft of used cooking oil in North Carolina is a misdemeanor.  Unless the value of the grease and its container is more than $1,000; then it is a felony.

 - It is now illegal to release pigs into the wild in the state of Kentucky.

 - Anyone selling an electronic cigarette to a minor in New York can be fined up to $1000.

 - In Illinois it is now illegal to pop a wheelie on a motorcycle.  However, motorcycles are permitted to run red lights in certain situations. Just don't do it while popping a wheelie.

 - Also in Illinois it is against the law to sell, possess or distribute shark fins.

In fact there are more than 150 new laws now in effect in Illinois, and more than 800 new laws now on the books in California. So know the laws before you travel.  And by the way, if you'd like to save a little money, ambulances will no longer be charged tolls on the Illinois Tolway. 

I'm not sure who did this first, but it cracks me up every time I see this. Hope it puts a smile on your face, too.

Remember: if you write it, eventually someone is going to read it. I got this from George Takei's Facebook page. 

Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots do "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

You might remember they did something similar earlier this year with Carly Rae Jepson and her song "Call Me Maybe."

Just a quick word or two about the Jerrod Niemann concert this past Sunday night at Turner Hall Ballroom.  Jerrod is one good entertainer.  He puts on a fun show and always comes up with a few surprizes.  His latest is a 3-piece horn section in his band.  They call themselves "Three-Skin" and not only are they fun on their own (they played the theme from "Family Guy" and nailed it) they blend well with the rest of the band.  The cover of "Ring Of Fire" would have made Johnny Cash proud.  

The rest of Jerrod's set combined some of his hits like "One More Drinking Song" and "Lover Lover" with stuff off of his new album "Free The Music" including "Shining On Me" and "Only God Could Love You More."  Jerrod and the band also tore it up with a covers of "Mountain Music" and "Louisiana Saturday Night."  I hope he comes back our way soon.  If he does, don't miss him.