1

Desert Blaze

Image: Manda Hansen

The Mojave Desert spans California, Nevada, and Arizona and is home to Death Valley, where the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F in 1913. Despite these hostile conditions, the region still hosts a great diversity of wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and desert tortoises, all adapted to survive with minimal water.

The desert’s extreme heat and arid landscape are also home to unique flora such as the Joshua tree, which thrives in spite of the poor soil and dry air.

2

Arctic Frontier

Image: Yuval Zukerman

Alaska's tundra is a cold desert with freezing temperatures and long winters. Permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen ground, covers much of this region, making habitation challenging. However, beneath the ice lies a wealth of natural resources, including vast oil reserves.

During the summer—due to its latitude—the tundra experiences 24-hour daylight, known as the "midnight sun," though the landscape remains largely frozen and treeless. Wildlife, including caribou, arctic foxes, and polar bears, have adapted to survive these extreme conditions.

3

Rocky Peaks

Image: Joshua Woroniecki

The Rockies feature a high-altitude alpine climate, where temperatures drop with elevation, often resulting in snowfall even in the middle of summer. Hikers and tourists from all over the world come to this region to appreciate the striking mountains and its beautiful forests.

These snow-covered peaks are also a crucial part of America’s water supply, as the snowpack feeds major rivers like the Colorado River that provide drinking water to millions in the Southwest.

4

Great Plains Winds

Image: Raychel Sanner

Stretching across the center of the country, the Great Plains is known for its fierce winds and severe weather, particularly tornadoes. Tornado Alley, which covers states like Kansas and Oklahoma, experiences more tornadoes than anywhere else in the world, thanks to the collision of warm Gulf air and cold Arctic fronts.

The region’s semi-arid climate also makes it prone to droughts, as seen during the infamous Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Despite these harsh conditions, the Plains are known as America’s breadbasket, producing massive amounts of wheat, corn, and soybeans that feed the whole nation.

5

Humid South

Image: Michael Sanchez

The Southeast’s humid subtropical climate means long, hot summers with high humidity levels, often reaching over 90%. Frequent thunderstorms and hurricanes are also common in this area, with states like Florida and Louisiana bearing the brunt of some of the most powerful storms in U.S. history, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The warm and wet environment fosters lush and thick vegetation where cypress trees, Spanish moss, and dense wetlands create unique ecosystems. The region is also known for its rich diversity of wildlife, which includes alligators, turtles, and numerous bird species.

6

California Sunshine

Image: Spencer DeMera

Southern California's Mediterranean climate features mild winters and hot, dry summers, with Los Angeles receiving an average of just 15 inches of rain annually. This climate has made the area a global hub for agriculture, especially in the Central Valley, where crops like almonds, avocados, and citrus thrive.

The sunny weather also makes California a popular tourist destination, attracting millions to its beaches and outdoor activities. However, this climate also brings challenges, such as frequent droughts and devastating wildfires that can sweep across the dry landscape.

7

Pacific Northwest Rain

Image: Dave Hoefler

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its temperate rainforests, with areas like the Hoh Rainforest receiving over 140 inches of rain annually. This constant rainfall supports some of the largest and oldest trees in the country, including towering Douglas firs and redwoods.

While the cool air and consistent moisture nourish its rainforests, it also contributes to cloudy skies that block sunlight for much of the year. This prolonged overcast weather is linked to a high incidence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as the lack of sunlight affects mood and energy levels for many residents.

8

Tropical Keys

Image: Hector Falcon

The Florida Keys are one of the only regions of the U.S. with true tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and rainy and dry seasons rather than the traditional four seasons. Key West, the southernmost point in the country, never experiences freezing temperatures, making it a popular escape during the colder months.

While the tropical breezes make for a laid-back island vibe, the area is also vulnerable to hurricanes, which have historically caused significant damage. Yet, the Keys’ coral reefs, the only living coral barrier reef in the U.S., attract divers from all over the world to explore its colorful marine life.

9

Appalachian Fog

Image: Rachel Davis

The Appalachian Mountains have a temperate climate with heavy rainfall, often shrouded in fog, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains. But the iconic fog of this region isn’t just moisture; it’s actually caused by volatile organic compounds released by the dense forests. These compounds then mix with moisture and sunlight, creating the characteristic blue-tinged haze that gives the Smokies their name.

This consistent moisture also supports the rich biodiversity of the region. The thick forests, often cloaked in mist, provide an ideal environment for countless plant and animal species, making it one of North America's most ecologically diverse areas.

10

New England Winters

Image: Robert Thiemann

New England’s cold, snowy winters have been immortalized in literature and art, and it’s no wonder—states like Maine and Vermont regularly see seasonal snowfalls exceeding 100 inches!

Blizzards and nor’easters are common, with storms bringing fierce winds and heavy snow, sometimes leaving towns isolated for days. The region’s long winters are perfect for skiing, and it is home to some of the oldest ski resorts in America, such as Stowe in Vermont.

1

We Didn’t Start the Fire

Image: Dane Deaner

Although Billy Joel is one of America’s favorite songwriters, he is often very vocal about pointing out the flaws he finds in his early hits. He even found fault with the timeless " Piano Man, " which earned him his nickname, due to a melody he finds repetitive and lyrics he compares to limericks.

He assures that he doesn’t hold grudges against his own songs, but he did point out that he thought the melody of "We Didn’t Start the Fire" was "terrible" and compared it to a dentist’s drill . He says the only redeeming quality of that song is the lyrics—those famous rapid-fire lists of historical events from the ‘40s to the ‘80s.

2

Shiny Happy People

Image: Nathan Dumlao

R.E.M. created "Shiny Happy People" with a satirically overly positive tone . It was a hit back in the ‘90s upon its release, but it always remained a bit of an oddball in the band’s otherwise more introspective and serious records.

The cheerful tune has been quoted endlessly in movies and TV shows. Even the sitcom Friends considered making it its theme song! But singer Michael Stipe expressed little love for what he called "a bubblegum pop song." Stipe went as far as to say that he "hates" the song and sees it as a fluke rather than a reflection of the band’s work. Although other members are less critical, the consensus is that "Shiny Happy People" is not R.E.M.’s proudest achievement.

3

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Image: Firmbee.com

Nirvana’s breakthrough hit, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," is often credited with launching the grunge movement and bringing alternative rock into the mainstream. The song's catchy riff and cryptic lyrics became an anthem of frustration and angst in the youth of the ‘90s. But Kurt Cobain, Nirvana's frontman, quickly grew to resent the famous song.

In a 1993 interview, staying true to his grunge persona, Cobain declared: "I can barely, especially on a bad night, get through ‘Teen Spirit.’ I literally want to throw my guitar down and walk away." He said he felt the song was too "mainstream" and polished, and nothing like the gritty authenticity he had envisioned for Nirvana—something that shone through in the band’s less popular work.

4

What’s Love Got to Do with It

Image: Pixabay

"What’s Love Got to Do with It" was first offered to Donna Summer, but it was Tina Turner who made history with it in the ‘80s. Initially, though, she thought it wasn’t the right track for her. She once confessed: "I didn’t like it at first. It was a pop song. I’m a rock ’n’ roll singer. "

However, her manager convinced her to record it. Her reluctance was such that she only did a few takes of it, convinced it would be a filler track in her album. We now know how wrong she was. The hit ended up redefining her career, so successful that it inspired the title of her 1993 biographical film, starring Angela Bassett as her.

5

(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)

Image: Colourblind Kevin

You would think that the satirical tone of this song would be obvious. It’s not hard to tell that the flatly yelled-out lyrics about hard-partying youth were poking fun at the frat culture of the time. But the joke went over many people’s heads, and it became an anthem of sorts for the culture it meant to make fun of.

This irritated the Beastie Boys, particularly because the song became their breakout hit. Band member Adam Yauch explained that the whole song was "a joke that got out of hand." They felt the song misrepresented their style, which is why they avoided playing it live in later years.

6

Strangers in the Night

Image: Ethan Rougon

Frank Sinatra did not shy away from expressing his distaste for one of his biggest hits. He disliked "Strangers in the Night" from the start, explaining to the writer that he didn’t like the lyrics and requesting that they be changed. But the process was rushed, and he had to record the version as it was. It became an instant award-winning, chart-topping hit.

Still, the singer despised it. He reportedly muttered disparaging comments about it during live performances. People speculated that his famous addition of the scat "doo-be-doo-be-doo" was a spontaneous attempt to add some grace to a song he was so tired of.

7

Dream On

Image: Rombo

"Dream On" was a major hit for Aerosmith and helped the band’s career skyrocket in the ‘70s. It was written by lead singer Steven Tyler long before Aerosmith had formed or signed any record deal: He was 18 years old when he finished writing it. But years later, after the band recorded it, guitarist Joe Perry, in his words, "wasn’t crazy about it" for a long time.

He mentioned in interviews that the song was too soft and slow compared to the rock music he wanted to be playing. He admitted that he would have preferred that the band triumph with a more hard-core rock song, but wasn’t too sad about it, because, as he said, "a hit is a hit."

8

Under the Bridge

Image: Roberto Nickson

"Under the Bridge" is a soft, personal song that stands out in the repertoire of Red Hot Chili Peppers. According to the legend, the album’s producer discovered lead singer Anthony Kiedis’ poem about walking around L.A. when he was feeling down. The producer insisted that the lyrics were worthy of a song, and soon the whole band helped finish arranging it.

But Kiedis wasn’t so excited about sharing such an introspective song. In his memoir book, he shared that sharing such an intimate, contemplative song made him feel vulnerable, and felt it was too personal to perform on stage. This caused the band some trouble over the years, as fans always had something to say when the band skipped the song during performances.

9

Where Did Our Love Go

Image: Angelina Yan

Before "Where Did Our Love Go" was released, The Supremes were struggling to break into the mainstream. Their label had started referring to them as the "no-hit Supremes." To make matters worse, the trio didn’t like this particular low-energy song and thought nothing would come of it. But the relatable lyrics, amped by Diana Ross's lead vocals, transformed the song into a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Before this, the group was used to performing upbeat, high-energy songs, like "Buttered Popcorn" or "I Want a Guy." In comparison, their first hit had a subdued tempo and a different identity. But, as producers had expected, the song worked. The Supremes went on to become the best-charting female group in history!

10

Sweet Child O’ Mine

Image: Jay Wennington

"Sweet Child O’ Mine" was written by Guns N’ Roses' lead vocalist Axl Rose about his then-girlfriend Erin Everly. The song was originally created from a simple guitar riff by Slash, which he had come up with during a jam session. It went on to become a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

But guitarist Slash was never a huge fan of the song. He admitted that his famous riff was okay, but that the whole song felt like it belonged to another band’s style, not theirs. Of course, the general audience loved it and it became a huge hit compared to their hard rock songs. Over time, though, Slash grew to love it because of the immense impact it had on Guns N’ Roses’ career.

1

Preapproved loan

Image: Alexander Mils

Getting a preapproved loan before going to a car dealer is a good way to be sure of how much money one can spend, and it can also reveal any possible credit issues that were not clearly visible.

2

Safety first

Image: Alexandria Gilliott

It goes without saying; safety is always a top priority when buying your new car. When looking at models, go for vehicles with a high safety rating and features like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC).

3

Driving habits

Image: why kei

What kind of driving you will do should influence what kind of car you will buy . If you do a lot of city driving with stop-and-go traffic, a fuel-efficient car like a hybrid or electric vehicle could save you significant money on petrol in the long run. Do you need a large vehicle for cargo or passengers, or is a smaller, more agile car for local errands and weekend adventures?

4

Cargo space

Image: Andraz Lazic

And, since we are on the subject of driving habits, cargo space is a crucial feature of whichever car you decide to buy. How much space do you really need? Even if you only need a lot of space a couple of times a year, you will want to have that space when the time comes, so don’t neglect this aspect.

5

Mileage and vehicle age

Image: Wesley Tingey

A simple rule to consider when buying a used car is the average mileage a car is supposed to have, relative to its age. That average is 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year . If the car you're looking at has a lower average annual mileage than that, it could be considered a good mileage.

6

Outside look

Image: Parker Gibbs

A quick inspection on the outside is advisable . Check the body for imperfections like gaps, dents, or discolored paint, inspect the windows for chips and cracks, get under the vehicle, and check the wheel wells and underbody for rust, which could lead to future problems.

7

Test drive

Image: Mira Kireeva

When buying a used car, it is always important to take it for a test drive, even if you don’t have a lot of mechanical knowledge. Pay attention to odd sounds or noises coming from the engine, brakes, or transmission . Test the AC and ensure that it cools quickly. Test the electronics, brake lights, headlights, windshield wipers, and see if the tires are not too worn off. And if you see or hear something that you are not sure about, check with a mechanic before buying.

8

Check for water damage

Image: Caspian Dahlström

Water damage can be a real problem for the interior, the engine, and the electrical system . Pull back the carpets in the footwells and check for moisture or signs of water damage. There are many flood-damaged cars on the market, and most of the time, the signs are concealed.

9

Try all the seats

Image: Wade Lambert

Try out all the seats, even if you probably won’t sit in the rear . Upholstery shouldn’t be ripped or badly worn, particularly in a car with low mileage. Try all the seat adjustments to make sure that they work properly and that you can find a good driving position.

10

Service records and possible crashes

Image: Usman Malik

The past history of a used car can predict future issues . Has it been in a crash? If yes, ask about the extent of the damage and who did the work. Does the car have service records? A good, used car has been well cared for. It should have had maintenance done at the manufacturer-specified intervals.

11

Keep it simple

Image: Erik Mclean

Avoid buying add-ons, extended warranties, or very long car loans , since those usually have higher interest rates and a much higher interest component is paid in the first years than the actual loan.

12

Resale value

Image: Hilbert Hill

Research the resale value of any used car you are interested in buying . The resale value can affect the overall cost of ownership and the financial return on your investment.

By researching its resale value, popularity, demand, and potential for retaining its value over time, you can decide whether to proceed with the purchase.