1

Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

Image: Adam Sherez

Let’s kick off this list with a day that nobody ever imagined would be a thing, but here we are nonetheless! Have you ever heard of cows taking to the skies? Well, in 1930, that became true. A cow named Elm Farm Ollie became the first to fly in an airplane and be milked while airborne! This curious day, observed on February 18th, honors Ollie’s mile-high milking session.

You might be wondering why they did this in the first place. It was actually a scientific experiment to test the cow’s ability to produce milk during flight. And it was great publicity for the aircraft they used to do it. A classic win-win, and a quirky holiday on the side!

2

Namesake Day

Image: Jamie Street

Do you know that feeling when you walk up to a certain group for the first time and, among the introductions, you discover someone shares your name? You may not have anything else in common with that person, but the invisible string is there and that’s thanks to having the same name.

In our country, there’s even a day dedicated to celebrating our namesakes . That is every first Saturday in March, though the reason or origin behind this day remains unclear. However, it is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our shared identities.

3

Sock Monkey Day

Image: Denisse Leon

This list is getting crazier and crazier and don’t say you weren’t warned! But isn’t it fun to learn that there is a National Sock Monkey Day in our country? This holiday celebrates one of America’s quirkiest homemade toys: the sock monkey!

Traditionally made from Rockford Red Heel socks, these little guys have been around since the 1890s, although some also say that they were the result of the Great Depression.

Regardless, when can you celebrate this charming tradition? March 7th is the official day to honor this cheerful craft. It’s a day for making, gifting, or simply hugging a sock monkey in appreciation. With a little patience and a pair of old socks, you might even make one yourself! Embrace your inner child and get crafty on Sock Monkey Day!

4

National Senior Citizens Day

Image: Clay Banks

This one is not crazy at all! If anything, this one should be a must-celebrate for everyone! August 21st is all about recognizing the wisdom and experience that come with age. Established by President Reagan in 1988, National Senior Citizens Day encourages respect and appreciation for older generations.

Now, what motivated this holiday? As medical technology improved over time, life expectancy increased dramatically. While it was common to live for 30 years in the Late Middle Ages, by the 20th century, people were reaching 50 or even 60 years. That progress alone was reason enough to celebrate—and thus, this special day was born!

5

National Fried Chicken Day

Image: Tyson

If we gave you thirty seconds to name the most American things you can think of, how long would it take for fried chicken to make your list? It would probably be the second or third item on your list, right? Well, now you can see why fried chicken has a national day too!

July 6th is National Fried Chicken Day, a day to revel in one of America’s tastiest comfort foods! From crispy Southern-style to spicy Nashville hot, fried chicken has a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. The origins of fried chicken are a blend of Scottish and West African cooking traditions, but today it’s an American staple.

Not that we need much of a reason to have a nice bucket of fried chicken, but isn’t it extra special to indulge on its very own day?

6

Put on Your Own Shoes Day

Image: Nathan Dumlao

Don’t we all do that every single day of our lives? So, what makes this a special holiday? Put on Your Own Shoes Day on December 6th may seem simple, but when you read into it, you’ll find it’s a subtle nod to independence.

The truth is information regarding the origins of this day is not abundant, but we can confidently say that it’s more of a symbolic celebration. It’s a day to help our little ones learn how to tie their shoes, or maybe take their first steps. It’s also a metaphor that, adults as we are, we have made it this far, after all, independence comes in many forms, even lacing up your shoes! So, walk proudly on this quirky holiday and celebrate your strides toward independence!

7

National Ghost Hunting Day

Image: Erik Müller

No, this is not the same as Halloween, of course. But, if you may, it’s kind of a warm-up for the spooky season, since this one takes place on the last Saturday in September, exactly a month before Halloween, making it the perfect prelude to all things eerie.

For those who enjoy a good scare , National Ghost Hunting Day was created in 2016 and is perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of the paranormal. Groups often venture to "haunted" spots armed with flashlights, cameras, and a lot of curiosity. It’s also a chance to explore local legends and folklore about ghosts and spirits. Even if you stay home, you can participate by watching a ghost-hunting show. Get your flashlight ready and have a ghoulishly good time!

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National Nothing Day

Image: Edwin Splisser

What? That’s right, this one is indeed a National Day and it has been ever since 1973 when Harold Coffin, an American newspaper columnist suggested that there were too many useless commemorative days . This is getting meta, don’t you think?

Anyway, National Nothing Day is celebrated every January 16th, and it is, quite literally, a day to do absolutely nothing! It was originally conceived as a way to avoid celebrations, this day offers a "holiday from holidays." There are no obligations, no parades, and no need to mark the occasion in any way. In short, this day is a license to relax. You may be wondering what should you do to celebrate and the answer is right there: Nothing!

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National Spaghetti Day

Image: Jeswin Thomas

Spaghetti is not exclusive to America, it’s a dish gifted to the world by the Italians. But America, with its classic intense feelings about the things that make it great, felt the need to create a day specifically designed to have a delicious bowl of Spaghetti . And honestly? We love it!

January 4th is National Spaghetti Day, a pasta dream come true! The best part is that there are as many variations and toppings as there are people who enjoy it. Whether you love it with marinara, meatballs, or pesto, there’s a recipe for everyone.

Many celebrate by whipping up a pasta dish or visiting their favorite Italian restaurant. Whatever you choose, twirl some spaghetti and toast to this delicious day!

10

National If Pets Had Thumbs Day

Image: Jamie Street

Imagine if your cat could open the fridge or your dog could hitchhike! If only, right?

March 3rd is National If Pets Had Thumbs Day in our country, a humorous look at what life would be like if pets had opposable thumbs.

The day makes us all wonder about the possibilities, and maybe even the mischief if we know our furry friends, of a more skillful pet . What would be the first thing you’d do? Some pet owners share funny stories or create scenarios imagining what their pets might do with that extra dexterity.

This holiday is all about celebrating the quirks and charm of our pets. Get ready to laugh, because a thumbs-up from your pet might be closer than ever!

1

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Image: Dante Muñoz

Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man had been one of the most successful hits of the 2000s . That’s why, when Spider-Man 3 (2007) began production in 2005, it was given the highest budget of any movie in history at the time: around $258 million.

If you’ve seen this movie, you might have guessed that the biggest portion of the budget went into special effects for its three different villains. The New Goblin, Venom, and Sandman were three separate challenges for the visual effects team, particularly Sandman , played by Thomas Haden Church. Groundbreaking technology had to be developed to animate explosive sand fists and parting bodies of sand, making the character’s action scenes cost millions of dollars each.

2

Titanic (1997)

Image: Derek Oyen

To begin with, building the full-scale ship model and massive water tank for Titanic (1997) cost over $150 million. Director James Cameron was very particular about authenticity, so the ship’s interior design was meticulously designed to match that of the original Titanic. At the time, it was also the most expensive movie ever made. But one might argue it was all worth it.

The CGI, stunts, and practical effects used for replicating the sinking sequence were especially costly. Bear in mind that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were already known young talents by the time they were cast for this movie, so they took a small share of the fortune—around $5 million between them. Famously, though, James Cameron forfeited his paycheck to keep the movie under budget, much like Jack climbing down from the door to keep Rose afloat. It worked out in the end because he earned $97 million from backend profits.

3

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Image: André Volkmann

Balancing the stories of all of these superheroes was just as challenging as paying all the corresponding actors. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) had an estimated budget of almost $400 million. Who could forget the battle scenes filled with as many timeless superheroes as A-list actors? Reportedly, Robert Downey Jr. alone took home around $75 million after backend deals.

This two-hour-and-a-half movie had over 2,500 visual effects shots, which included the destruction of a planet and a ship, as well as an epic battle in the fictional Wakanda . Not to mention the advanced motion-capture technology required for Josh Brolin’s portrayal of Thanos, the villain of the film.

4

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Image: Igor Bumba

When Avengers: Infinity War was released, it became the highest-grossing superhero film in history, amassing over $2 billion at the box office. But that title lasted it around a year, until its sister sequel Avengers: Endgame (2019) surpassed it. The sequel cost roughly the same as the previous installment but came just shy of earning $3 billion .

Just like the previous ones, this Avengers installment had a star-studded cast that included Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth. A feast of 3 hours worth of cameos, the movie ended with a climactic final battle scene, where almost every hero from the Marvel Cinematic Universe assembled. Making this movie involved hundreds of extras, an enormous amount of CGI, masterful choreography, and an unprecedented skill for star scheduling .

5

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

Image: cottonbro studio

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End had a budget of around $300 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever at the time of its 2007 release. Whoever watched this film will remember a waterfall at the edge of the world or a massive final battle between two ships over a maelstrom. Those takes relied heavily on CGI, but not entirely. As with previous productions in the franchise, filming required large-scale water sets and multiple ships to be built. The cost of both practical and visual effects for these scenes was astronomical.

Admittedly, a significant portion of the budget went to the ensemble cast, particularly Johnny Depp, who received a notable pay bump following the massive success of the first two films. Keith Richards , the Rolling Stones guitarist, was also famously featured, adding to the film’s star power.

6

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Image: Deepak Rastogi

Surprise! The Avengers movie with the most colossal budget was the least liked of the four. It sometimes puzzles fans to learn that it cost $365 million in 2015, which, adjusted for inflation, would be over $430 million today.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) had to use massive amounts of CGI to create cinematic takes on the levitating fictional city of Sokovia. Destruction, flying characters, drones, and explosions contributed significantly to the costs. More importantly, filming on location and flying so many celebrities around the globe added to the expense. This movie showed scenes filmed all over the world, including the U.S., South Africa, Italy, South Korea, and England.

7

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Image: LJ

Lightsaber battles have never been cheap. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) had a reported production budget of around $275 million. It was the third Star Wars movie produced by Disney, and while the budget had decreased compared to the previous installments, it was still a financial success.

The final battle sequence on the Sith planet Exegol required a fortune, but it needed to: as it served as the climax of Disney’s trilogy. Special effects even included the scenes of characters like General Leia, played by the late Carrie Fisher . The film faced the unique challenge of incorporating footage of Fisher filmed for previous Star Wars movies after her passing in 2016.

8

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Image: Pixabay

Even though the 4th installment of the Pirates franchise had relatively low reviews, it became the second film in the saga to surpass a billion dollars in box office revenue. Released in 2011, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides had a staggering budget of $379 million.

Mermaids, zombies, splitting ships, boats on fire, and a Fountain of Youth all required the coordination of several visual effects teams. The salaries of new stars like Penélope Cruz , along with filming locations across Hawaii, the UK, California, and Puerto Rico, added to the costs. Also, this was the first movie in the franchise to be shot for 3D screenings .

9

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Image: Nick Wehrli

A movie that revolves around dinosaurs fleeing from a volcanic eruption , Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), received an estimated budget of around $432 million. How are dinosaurs created? Much like the earlier films of the saga, this one used a mix of CGI and animatronics , especially for the more up-close, intimate scenes involving Velociraptors and an Indoraptor.

For the dinosaur auction scene, a whole large-scale set was built. Filming also took place in Hawaii, England, and Spain. The stars of the Jurassic World trilogy, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, reportedly earned around $10 million each.

10

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Image: Rod Long

When Disney acquired the rights to produce movies from Lucasfilm , it proceeded to give the first installment of their Star Wars reboot the biggest budget it had ever given. That was over $447 million in 2015.

With J.J. Abrams directing a Star Wars movie after so long, he could indulge in creating a full-size Millennium Falcon , animatronic creatures, and remote-controlled puppetry. The Starkiller Base destruction sequence was one of the most expensive scenes. Not to mention that the legendary face of Star Wars , Mark Hamill, had a very short cameo at the end of this movie; that one-minute feature alone earned him $3 million .

1

Miami

Image: Avi Werde

Miami’s name comes from the Mayaimi people, who lived around Lake Okeechobee. The name itself is thought to refer to the "big water" of the lake, a defining feature for the region's Indigenous inhabitants.

2

Chicago

Image: Neal Kharawala

The name "Chicago" comes from the Potawatomi word shikaakwa, meaning "wild onion" or "wild garlic." These plants were once abundant along the banks of the Chicago River, and early French explorers who heard this term adapted it into the city's name.

3

Philadelphia

Image: Chris Murray

The name "Philadelphia" comes from the Greek words philos (love) and adelphos (brother). Founded in 1682 by William Penn, the city was intended to be a haven for religious freedom and peaceful coexistence—hence its name.

4

Cincinnati

Image: Matt Koffel

Cincinnati's name comes from the Society of the Cincinnati, a patriotic organization formed in 1783 to honor officers of the Continental Army. The society itself was named after Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a legendary hero of the Roman Republic.

5

California

Image: Vital Sinkevich

The name "California" comes from Las Sergas de Esplandián, a 16th-century Spanish novel by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo. The book describes a mythical island where gold could be found in great quantities. When Spanish explorers reached the Baja Peninsula, they mistakenly believed it was an island and, inspired by the novel, named it after the fictional paradise.

6

Boise

Image: Attorney Sluice

The name "Boise" comes from the French word boisé, meaning "wooded" or "forest." French fur traders were some of the earliest European explorers in the region, and they named the Boise River after observing the thick forests that lined its banks.

7

Albuquerque

Image: Raychel Sanner

Albuquerque was named by the Spanish in the 18th century, but its origins trace back to the Latin words albus (white) and quercus (oak), referring to the white oak trees that are found in the area.

8

Mississippi River

Image: Mathew Benoit

The Mississippi River gets its name from the Ojibwe word Misi-ziibi, meaning "Great River." Certainly a fitting name, given the river’s key role in the development of American trade and transportation, a vital route for settlers and Indigenous people alike.

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Yellowstone National Park

Image: Meina Yin

Yellowstone National Park takes its name from the Yellowstone River, which was in turn named by fur trappers who used the word "yellow" to describe the river’s striking sandstone cliffs . Established in 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park in the U.S., preserving its unique geological and natural wonders.

10

Appalachian Mountains

Image: Elijah Mears

The Appalachian Mountains, among the oldest in the world, take their name from Apalachee , a term used by the Spanish to refer to a Native American tribe in northwestern Florida . Interestingly, the name was later applied to the distant mountain range, despite no direct connection between the two—perhaps they had run out of names?

11

Niagara Falls

Image: Sergey Pesterev

Niagara Falls takes its name from the nearby Niagara River, which derives from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra , meaning "the strait" or "narrow water." Unsurprisingly, given their breathtaking beauty, the falls have long been a significant natural landmark for both Indigenous peoples and European explorers.

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Adirondack Mountains

Image: Ty Finck

The Adirondack Mountains in New York are believed to take their name from the Algonquin word adirondacks , meaning "they eat trees" or "bark eaters." This name likely referred to another group of Indigenous inhabitants who relied on the region’s lush forests for food and shelter.