1

Abraham Lincoln

Image: Girma Nigusse

One of the most famous ghosts in the White House is none other than that of Abraham Lincoln. But this is nothing new. Shortly after the president's passing, employees of the Mansion began reporting sightings of a tall, shadowy figure dressed in a black suit. Several First Ladies, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Grace Coolidge, also claimed to have encountered Lincoln's spectral figure.

One of the best stories about his ghost involves a famous statesman from another country: Winston Churchill. During WWII, Churchill visited the White House. The story goes that after a night shower, he encountered Lincoln's ghost standing by the fireplace. Churchill greeted him calmly, saying, "Good evening, Mr. President. You seem to have me at a disadvantage."

2

Andrew Jackson

Image: Peter Oswald

Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the US, was famous for his strong, commanding personality. Perhaps it was this aspect of his character that gave rise to the tales of his loud –some say "angry"– ghost haunting the White House.

Jackson's ghost was said to appear regularly during Theodore Roosevelt's administration. Stories describe his presence as impossible to ignore, with loud footsteps and objects inexplicably falling. Another famous anecdote narrates a dinner party held by President Harry S. Truman at the White House. Many guests allegedly saw Jackson's figure standing in one of the hallways, appearing and disappearing right in front of them.

3

Thomas Jefferson

Image: Dominik Scythe

Thomas Jefferson was not only a Founding Father, the main author of the Declaration of Independence, the 3rd President of the United States, and the man behind the Louisiana Purchase. He was also a skilled violinist.

As a polymath, Jefferson was a wise, educated man with many talents. He played several instruments, but his favorite was the violin. Over the years, several stories have emerged about staff members and even other presidents hearing the haunting sound of a violin, seemingly coming from the Yellow Oval Room.

4

Dolley Madison and the Rose Garden

Image: KaLisa Veer

But paranormal stories aren't just about presidents; First Ladies also star in similar anecdotes.

One such tale is about Dolley Madison, First Lady to James Madison, who lived in the White House from 1809 to 1817 during his two terms. Dolley Madison was known to spend long hours in the gardens during her time at the House, particularly in the Rose Garden, which she loved. After her passing in 1849, many reported seeing a ghostly figure in the Rose Garden, hearing a woman's voice, or feeling as if they were being watched.

5

Abigail Adams

Image: Hugo

John Adams was the first president to ever live in the White House. He was there with his wife, Abigail Adams, during the last year of his term (1800-1801).

After Abigail's passing, many people working in the White House reported sightings of her ghost in the East Room, where she was said to hang laundry. Even today, some staff members claim to smell wet laundry near that room.

6

John Tyler

Image: Madara

Another of the haunted rooms in the White House is the Blue Room, apparently visited by the ghost of President John Tyler.

Tyler married his second wife, Julia Gardiner, in 1844 while still in office. As the story goes, the president had proposed to Julia on several occasions before she finally said yes. Over the years, reports emerged about the Blue Room of the White House, where it is suggested that footsteps are heard, and a man's voice seemingly declaring love or proposing marriage.

7

David Burnes

Image: Vihan Dalal

The White House has stood at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since 1800. But before that, the land it occupies belonged to someone else.

David Burnes was one of the original landowners, living there before the government purchased it. Legend has it that he wasn't totally pleased with the sale of his land. After his death, several residents –including Abigail Adams– reportedly saw a figure resembling Burnes walking near the house, often watching it from a distance.

8

William Henry Harrison

Image: Peter Herrmann

It seems ghosts might be lurking in every corner of the White House. As we've seen, several rooms and even the gardens have been the setting for various paranormal tales. But that's not all: The attic holds its secrets, too.

This story involves William Henry Harrison, the 9th president of the US and the first to pass away during his time in the White House. It's said that his spirit now haunts the attic of the mansion, where footsteps and a wailing voice can be heard at times.

9

The Thing

Image: Steinar Engeland

Legend has it that a mysterious entity has been haunting the White House for some time, one not tied to any known historical figure.

Several members of the White House staff have reported strange experiences attributed to "the Thing." That's the name given to this presence that makes those nearby feel as if they are being watched. But here's the creepiest part: Several employees reported feeling pressure on their shoulders as if someone was lightly leaning on them.

10

The Demon Cat

Image: Abdu Rahman

Now, it's time for a ghost that doesn't take human form. It's the well-known " Demon cat" (or "DC"), a spectral black cat said to haunt several government buildings in Washington, DC.

According to legend, cats were brought to the city to control the rat population in the 19th century. But one of those cats never left. It's now a ghost haunting landmarks like the White House and the US Capitol. Some people say the ghostly cat appears small at first but grows to a creepy large size as it approaches. Some even describe it as reaching the size of a "huge tiger."

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.

1

ALF

Image: Erik Mclean

In case you didn’t know, this beloved TV character’s name is not short for "Alfred." It actually comes from the term " A lien L ife F orm," but don’t be alarmed: This alien is as friendly as they come. ALF is the quirky and lovable adopted family member of the Tanner family, who gained the heart of the American public in the 80s and 90s.

ALF’s story begins after this alien’s spaceship crash-landed in the garage of the Tanner’s, a typical suburban American family. Although his many antics often bring trouble for the entire family, ALF’s big heart quickly makes the Tanners fall in love with him, harboring and keeping him hidden from the U.S. government.

2

E.T.

Image: Rick L

Are we in the presence of the most famous film alien in history? While we might not be able to answer this question (the remaining entries on this list might very well be as beloved), E.T. is definitively a heavy contender for this highly-coveted title. It’s been over 40 years since this extraterrestrial’s only on-screen appearance, but he still remains as iconic as he ever was.

Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film tells the story of Elliot, a typical American boy who befriends a lovable alien stranded on Earth. Elliot, alongside his family and friends, helps E.T. go back home, leaving us with a few of the most memorable moments in cinematic history.

3

Mork

Image: photo by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Not every alien on this list has to look weird: Leave it to the amazing Robin Williams to portray one of the most beloved TV aliens in history. "Mork and Mindy" shows the adventures of Mindy McConnell, an American teenager who befriends an alien simply known as "Mork from Ork."

Not many know that this now classic TV show was an offshoot of another beloved American show, "Happy Days." Williams's only appearance in a Happy Days episode impressed producers so much that they decided to give this TV legend his first chance.

4

Marvin the Martian

Image: cogdogblog, CC BY 2.0

Marvin the Martian might be the first alien on this list to pose a threat to mankind, but don’t worry: His plans usually backfire in a spectacular fashion, usually thanks to a wisecracking rabbit or to a lisping duck with anger issues.

Originally voiced by the legendary Mel Blanc, perhaps what’s more memorable about Marvin is his unusual design: You wouldn’t expect a creature of outer space to sport a red unitard, green skirt, nor a fashionable broom on his helmet, right?

5

Chewbacca

Image: Kadyn Pierce

If you had to describe Chewbacca to someone who had never seen the film, the image they would form in their head wouldn’t necessarily describe Han Solo’s partner in crime, right? After all, they would probably think of Chewie as some sort of huge and extremely adorable teddy bear, unaware of the danger they would be in if they called this iconic Wookie cute.

However, as ferocious as Chewbacca was to any Storm Trooper that dared to step in his way, he was also an extremely loyal and loving comrade to any of his many rebel friends. Few movie sounds are as memorable as Chewie’s deafening roar.

6

Xenomorph

Image: Hossam el-Hamalawy, CC BY 2.0

First things first: In case you didn’t know, the titular alien species in the " Alien " film series does have a name. Well, sort of. These jet-black monstrosities are actually known as the Xenomorph . However, should you ask an etymology aficionado about what this Ancient Greek word actually means, the answer would simply be "an alien or strange creature." So, in a way, these creatures can simply be called "Aliens.".

In any case, few extraterrestrials have instilled so much fear into the hearts of moviegoers: Their razor-sharp claws, amazing strength, and acidic blood definitively make them one of the most dangerous creatures in film history. In fact, only one fictional alien species has been able to stand their ground against the vicious Xenomorphs and, as luck would have it, they are the next entry on this list!

7

Predator

Image: Anderson Mancini from Sao Paulo, Brazil, CC BY 2.0

Way before the 2001 movie "Alien vs Predator" pitted these two science-fiction juggernauts against one another, the Predator had already established itself as the deadliest hunter in the galaxy. This alien race lives for one thing and one thing only: To prove their skills by tracking and hunting down the most dangerous and exquisite creatures.

The 1987 film "Predator" introduced the world to this cold-blooded hunter by placing him in a terrifying environment: The film follows Vietnam War veteran Major Dutch (played by Arnold Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his efforts to escape the Predator that’s hunting them in the deep jungle. However, the second Predator film saw an even more unnerving scenario: The Predator hunting down prey in the streets of Los Angeles.

8

Mr. Spock

Image: Wonderlane

Is Mr. Spock on this list? It seems only logical. In a list almost entirely comprised of extraordinary and bizarre creatures, it only took a set of pointy ears to turn actor Leonard Nimoy into one of the most instantly recognizable fictional aliens in history.

Mr. Spock has been a staple of the Star Trek universe since the very first episode of the original show aired in the 1960s. Spock quickly became a fan favorite: His highly logical brain, combat skills and passion for science made him extremely interesting to TV audiences. Not only that, Nimoy’s deep voice and magnetic personality added to the depth of this character.

9

Mars Attacks!

Image: Derpy CG

When audiences saw Tim Burton’s 1996 black comedy "Mars Attack!," they were quickly enthralled by the menacing yet funny-looking Martians attacking our country. However, few of them knew that these aliens were actually much older, dating back to a 1960s trading card game produced by Topps.

The lore established by the trading card series and the film is pretty much the same: One day, our planet finds itself invaded by a race of Martians hell-bent on taking over our planet. While the Earth is first unable to defend against their superior technology, our tenacity and grit allow us to battle these hideous space invaders.

10

Superman

Image: Esteban López

We’ll end this article with the last son of Krypton. Sometimes we tend to forget that Superman , a superhero believed by many to be the ultimate American icon, arrived on our planet as a baby from outer space. After his home planet was doomed, Kal-El’s biological father sent him far away across the galaxy, with his small vessel crash-landing into a small farm in Smallville, Kansas.

Baby Kal-El was found by Jonathan and Martha Kent, two farmers who instantly adopted him as their own child. Now known as Clark, the boy that would eventually become the "Man of Steel" found his powers at an early age, and set out to defend our world from all sorts of dangers.