Daily Dirt for Friday, Aug. 24, 2026
Cow emissions and that Wisconsin license plate in Thought Nos. 1 and 3 seem to be a natural connection … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,737 of The Daily Dirt.
1. We put a wrap on our “Strange But True” week some of the wackiest taxes around the world.
Let’s just say there was no doubt which country earned today’s gold medal, although I did admire the creativity in Romania.
Gold medal: Cow fart tax. Denmark is set to become the first country tp officially tax cows for their methane emissions. The tax, which goes into effect in 2030, is part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gases coming from livestock manure, burps and farts. Farmers will be charged on the number of animals they own and their estimated emissions.
Silver medal: Witchcraft tax. In 2011, Romania officially recognized witchcraft as a profession and began taxing it, just like any other job. Self-employed witches and fortune tellers are required to report their income and pay social security contributions. The law was introduced the government as part of an effort to curb tax evasion and increase state revenue
Bronze medal: Bagel tax: In New York, an uncut bagel is tax-free, but slicing it instantly makes it taxable. A bagel is classified as an untaxed grocery item, but once it is sliced and has spreads put on it or is heated it falls under different sales tax rules — all because it is prepared as a ready-to-eat meal. Sounds like just another reason to avoid New York.
2. Did you know (Part 836)
— That if this were a hot afternoon in August 1997, your favorite song was likely one of the following: “Lovefool” by the Cardigans, “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba, “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt, “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans or “Barbie Girl” by Aqua.
— That “pusillanimous” means lacking courage and cowardly. So … the cowardly lion in “The Wizard of Oz” was pusillanimous, right?
— That General Mills just announced a series of new cereals coming soon: Kit Kat, Tres Leches Toast, Lucky Charms Minis and Cocoa Puffs Minis.
— That Dunkin now has a Maple Sugar Bacon breakfast sandwich.
— That Buffalo Wild Wings has brought back the fried garlic mushrooms with southwestern ranch.
3. Senior citizens rule in this week’s Great Plate Debate.
There are two new entries in the latest update of the most creative license plates found across West-Central Illinois, Northeast Missouri and Southeast Iowa — and they’re both elder friendly.
OLDNSLO is our new silver medalist, with IMOLD 2 taking over the bronze medal spot.
OZZYFAN remains atop the heap, now entering its second month in the catbird seat.
This week’s Great Plate Debate medal stand:
Gold medal: OZZYFAN (fifth week as No. 1)
Silver medal: OLDNSLO
Bronze medal: IMOLD 2
Best ‘o the rest from the past week
GOOSEY IMWHLN 2
EFFY PEEPS 15
BAB LA 8
SPTS THUNDER
QUINCY 1 1 PT DVN
BLUE 75 GO JEEP
5 MR GOB
I’ve also been receiving some out-of-state plates from friends and readers doing some traveling outside the Muddy River News coverage area. These plates are not eligible for our awards, but here a few certainly worth taking a look at:
WAKE UP (California)
NIKKISX (Arizona, must be a Motley Crue fan, eh?)
WHAAATT (Pennsylvania)
WAFFLES (New York)
IBNFRTN (Wisconsin)
Steve Thought O’ The Day — If you have an important conversation with your wife or girlfriend, never remember the details. Be a man.
Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Enjoy your bonus license plate fix.