1

Bob Dylan

Image: Rowland Scherman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As if he weren't talented enough, Bob Dylan not only captivates us with his lyrics and music but also excels in the world of visual arts . The musician is a skilled metal sculptor, creating impressive pieces from welded metal objects. Did you know it?

2

Bob Barker

Image: Rebecca Roth, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bob Barker wasn't just a beloved media personality and the unforgettable host of The Price Is Right ; he also knew how to throw a punch. It turns out that Barker was a skilled martial artist who trained for years under action star Chuck Norris and even earned a black belt in Karate.

3

Johnny Cash

Image: Heinrich Klaffs, via Wikimedia Commons

Johnny Cash wasn't just gifted with his voice and guitar; he also had a surprising skill: Morse code. He served in the US Air Force in Germany during the Cold War, working as a radio-intercept and Morse code operator. It’s said that his decoding talent enabled him to be one of the first Americans to learn of Joseph Stalin’s death.

4

Christopher Walken

Image: By Tabercil, via Wikimedia Commons

Christopher Walken gave us iconic film roles, but it wasn't just the big screen he mastered. As a teenager, he took on a peculiar summer job: lion-taming. Believe it or not, it's true! The famous actor performed tricks with a large lioness, which, according to him, taught him stage presence, confidence, and, of course, a lifelong love for cats.

5

Geena Davis

Image: Alan Light, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to starring in blockbusters like Thelma & Louise (1991), A League of Their Own (1992), and Beetlejuice (1988), Geena Davis is also a skilled athlete. That's right! She took up archery around 1997 and performed so well that she competed in the US Olympic trials for the 2000 Sydney Games, coming very close to qualifying!

6

Mark Ruffalo

Image: Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons

Beloved Mark Ruffalo is much more than a leading man and a superhero. The actor also has a talent many would envy: he can ride a unicycle! He showcased this skill on The Graham Norton Show in 2014, riding both a standard unicycle and an extra-tall one. As he explained, he dreamed of joining the circus as a child, which inspired him to learn this unique skill.

7

Steve Carell

Image: Sgt. Michael Connors, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Steve Carell has long proven himself as one of America's finest actors, excelling in both comedy and powerful dramas. As if that weren't enough, he’s also a skilled ice hockey player. In college at Denison University, he was a goaltender for the club hockey team, even earning the nickname "Backbone of the Defense"!

8

Terry Crews

Image: Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons

While he’s delighted us countless times with comedic roles, Terry Crews is also a writer, TV host, book illustrator, furniture designer, flute player, and even a former NFL player! Yet his most remarkable talent lies in the fine arts: he earned a college art scholarship before his football scholarship, and his paintings and drawings are said to be seriously impressive. Without a doubt, Crews is pure charisma, muscle, and talent!

9

Lucy Liu

Image: Bryan Berlin, via Wikimedia Commons

The incredible Lucy Liu was born in New York in 1968 and was destined to become a star. But she is much more than one of Charlie's Angels ; Liu is also a talented and accomplished painter. And it's not just a hobby! She has a professional art studio and has exhibited her work over the years.

10

Zac Efron

Image: Ivo Duran from Brazil, via Wikimedia Commons

Over the years, Zac Efron has proven he's more than just a teen star, taking on major and diverse film roles. But that's not his only talent; Efron also masters a skill that's both sensual and challenging: pole dancing! He trained for the film The Greatest Showman , and his athleticism helped him master the strength and precision the art requires.

1

Texas barbecue

Image: Andrik Langfield

Texas barbecue is heavily influenced by central European traditions . German and Czech immigrants settled in the state in the mid-nineteenth century introducing new ingredients. That is the main reason we find pork products like sausages in Texas-style barbecue, in addition to the classic beef brisket. In order to preserve fresh meat longer, they used to smoke it and cook it for a very long time. Over the years, this traditional barbecued meat, which originated in central Texas, spread throughout the state, so today we can enjoy not one but four different styles !

Central Texas BBQ is generally very straightforward, the meat is smoked over pecan, mesquite, or oak wood with just a salt and pepper dry rub. South Texas BBQ has Mexican influences and uses a molasses-based sweet sauce. East Texas BBQ is marinated in a sweet tomato-based sauce and slowly cooked via indirect heat. Finally, West Texas BBQ is prepared over an open flame using mesquite wood.

2

Memphis barbecue

Image: Philipp Kämmerer

No doubt about it, Memphis is one of the BBQ capitals of America . Unlike barbecue styles in other states, in Memphis, the meat is cooked using charcoal instead of hardwood logs. Pork ribs and pork shoulder are the signature cuts prepared with a tangy and sweet sauce based on molasses and tomato. Classic sides for the Memphis barbecue are sweet baked beans and slaw.

Barbecue originated in Memphis at the beginning of the 20th century , when African Americans began to populate the state. Often found in lunchtime pork sandwiches and late-night treats in nightclubs, Memphis BBQ style soon became a staple in the area. Many entrepreneurs opened new restaurants during this time, including John H. Mills, considered Memphis’s First Barbecue King. Rumor has it that even the great Bing Crosby was a regular at Mills’s place whenever he was in town.

3

Kansas City barbecue

Image: fstop314.com

According to the Visit KC website, "Barbecue in Kansas City is more than a menu item or a method of preparation. It’s an institution." The fact is that Kansas barbecue has a long history and is central to the city's culinary culture . Not for nothing is it called the "BBQ Capital of the World". With more than 100 restaurants, there’s even a Kansas City Barbeque Society in charge of promoting this style of cooking around the world.

Kansas City’s love for barbecue started in the early 1900s when a man called Henry Perry began selling slices of hickory smoked meat wrapped in newspaper. Soon after, others followed and started developing their own barbecue recipes. Nowadays, the Kansas City barbecue style involves grilling or smoking different kinds of meat seasoned with a dry rub, then finished with a tomato-based barbeque sauce. Sides include bread, pickles, baked beans, and slaw.

4

North Carolina barbecue

Image: Peter Bravo de los Rios

Whether at a backyard grill, or a traditional wood fire pit at a local restaurant, North Carolina has a proud barbecue tradition. This particular method of smoking and cooking meat has its roots in the emergence of hog cultivation . In the 1500s, Spanish settlers brought pigs to the region and natives on Roanoke Island contributed with their wood-fired slow-cooking method. Over the years, barbecue in North Carolina became a special feature in every celebration and special occasion.

Although recipes may vary between different regions in the state, pork is always the main ingredient . While in the East people cook the whole hog, western Carolinians prioritize the pork shoulder. The sauce is a matter of controversy too. The Eastern tradition calls for a thin vinegar and pepper sauce, whereas Western recipes add tomato or ketchup. Geographical customs aside, if you happen to visit North Carolina, order a local barbecue in one of the many great restaurants and you won’t be disappointed!

5

South Carolina barbecue

Image: @felipepelaquim

Some argue that South Carolina is "The Birthplace of Barbecue" . We won’t be able to settle this debate here and now, but what is certain is that the Palmetto State's barbecue tradition goes back at least five centuries. As with North Carolina, South Carolina barbecue also has its origins in the cultural exchange between Spanish settlers and American Indians . Europeans brought and raised pigs on the islands off the Atlantic coast and the natives knew exactly how to cook them.

The South Carolina barbecue style means cooking and smoking meat —preferably pork— low and slow over hardwood coals. Sometimes pulled from a whole hog, sometimes chopped from a shoulder or ham, South Carolina barbecue comes with a signature sauce depending on the region . You can find a blend of vinegar, salt, and some red pepper to spice things up or a yellow sauce made of cider vinegar, brown sugar or honey, and mustard. No matter which one you get, be prepared for an exceptionally tender and flavorful dish!

6

St. Louis barbecue

Image: Rachel Bramlett

Did you know St. Louis is said to consume more BBQ sauce per person than anywhere else in the country? St. Louisans are big on spare ribs, which may have been introduced in the local culinary tradition more than a century ago. As the legend goes, a steamboat cook named Henry Perry used to slow smoke discarded slabs of ribs from the Kansas City stockyards using locally harvested hardwood trees.

Nowadays, the St. Louis barbecue style includes a variety of seasonings and cooking methods . From grilling to slow smoking, ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends, and pork steaks are smeared with a sauce made from ingredients such as salt, vinegar, black pepper, brown sugar, tomato, and even apricots. Unlike other types of barbecue, St Louis style does not require a dry rub and it cooks a lot faster. White bread is the side of choice, especially if you want to make the most out of all that BBQ sauce!

7

Hawaiian barbecue

Image: Tirza van Dijk

Yes, they have barbecues in Hawaii. Although you won’t get the traditional ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, the Aloha State is home to a delicious kind of barbecue. Influenced by its many immigration waves —primarily from China, Korea, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines—, it has labor origins dating back to the late 19th century . While modern Hawaiian barbecue includes various cooking techniques, such as roasting, smoking, and grilling, the traditional way requires an imu , an underground oven lined with hot rocks, and banana and ti leaves.

Barbecues from the Paradise of the Pacific are often sweet, tangy, and tropical . You can find chicken, beef, pork, and even seafood. Marinades and sauces incorporate Asian flavors and ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Side dishes range from sticky rice to macaroni salad, complementing and balancing the bold flavors of the meats.

8

Alabama barbecue

Image: Rachel Bramlett

In the South, barbecue is synonymous with any meat that's cooked over the fire. Although pork is often the protein of choice, some restaurants in Alabama also feature brisket, chicken, and beef ribs. Barbecue became popular in Alabama during the early 19th century when difficult economic times required a clever way for the working class to bring flavor and tenderness to cheap cuts of meat.

Sauces involved in the Alabama barbecue style are as diverse as they come . Influenced by the neighboring states of the so-called "barbecue belt", you can find variations of tomato-based sauces, spicy marinades, mustard dressings, and even a white sauce made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Across Alabama, these mouth-watering smoked meats are often served on hamburger buns filled with dill pickles and topped with coleslaw.

9

Kentucky barbecue

Image: Luis Santoyo

Barbecues in Kentucky have been popular for a long time. In the Bluegrass State pork shoulders are a popular cut cooked on concrete block masonry pits for at least half a day. However, Kentucky is most famous for smoking mutton over hickory coals . Kentuckians also barbecue other meats like chicken, pork tenderloins, cured hams, and turkey breasts for sandwiches.

Kentucky is home to a diverse array of barbecue sauces with almost every county having its own take. For example, Hickman County uses mostly vinegar and cayenne pepper, while McCracken County sauces taste strongly of vinegar and chili powder. Others prefer an allspice Worcestershire-based dip. The signature sides for Kentucky barbecue are toast, vinegar slaw, and pickled eggs.

10

Florida barbecue

Image: Dim Hou

Florida may be best known for its fresh seafood but the Sunshine State also has its own barbecue style . And a soft spot for pork too! A testament to the important place pig meat has in Floridian cuisine is the Cuban twist on the classic BBQ sandwich found at many local joints.

What sets Florida barbecue apart from others is its Caribbean and Latin American influences. Florida BBQ often blends techniques of the Southern United States style barbecues —like the use of sweet tomato sauce or mustard sauce— with Caribbean flavors such as vinegar, fruits, peppers, and spices. It may not be the most traditional barbecue in the country but it is certainly worth a try!

1

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Image: Frankieleon., CC BY 2.0

We’ll begin with an absolute classic. Peanuts is not only one of the most groundbreaking and timeless comic strips, but it also inspired one of the most memorable holiday specials in history. A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired in 1965 and featured the entire Peanuts gang trying to lift Charlie Brown’s holiday spirits. In the end, the kids realize that Christmas isn’t about expensive gifts or impressively decorated trees but rather about spending time with those we love .

2

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Image: Alex Stone

You might think a Christmas special without Santa Claus wouldn’t be popular, but leave it to legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss to create a character so endearing and captivating that he steals the show. For many Americans, 1966’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is the ultimate Christmas special—and for good reason. From the stunning animation to Boris Karloff’s incredible narration , this TV classic is truly a gem of American culture.

3

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Image: Ethan Hu

We all have warm memories (ironically) of building snowmen with friends and family—sculpting funny features while ignoring our increasingly cold fingers. The 1969 TV special Frosty the Snowman took that childhood experience a step further by bringing to life a wish we’ve all had: What if our beloved snowmen suddenly came alive ? The special tells the story of Frosty, a snowman who springs to life when a magic top hat lands on his head.

4

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Image: Tim Gouw

Like many entries in this article, the 1964 stop-motion Christmas special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was inspired by the 1939 poem of the same name. It tells the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer ostracized by Santa’s other reindeer for his bright and shiny red nose. However, Rudolph —and the audience—soon learns that our differences are what make us special. In the end, he earns his place by leading Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve .

5

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Image: __ drz __

Considering he spends 364 nights a year there, you might think Santa Claus would choose a warmer place to live. Case in point: the 1974 stop-motion special The Year Without a Santa Claus tells the story of Santa waking up one cold December morning with a nasty cold . Because of this, Mrs. Claus embarks on a worldwide adventure to try to lift Santa’s holiday spirit .

6

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

Image: Osman Rana

This 1970 Christmas special features an all-star cast , including Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, and Robie Lester . Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town tells the story of how Santa Claus and several holiday traditions came to be. It was inspired by the 1934 Christmas song of the same name, which was extremely popular at the time.

7

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (1974)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

The title of the 1974 TV special ’Twas the Night Before Christmas pays homage to the opening line of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas . However, the special’s plot differs greatly from the original poem. In this version, Santa Claus is offended by a published article claiming he doesn’t exist and refuses to deliver Christmas gifts that year. However, a small mouse known as Father Mouse takes it upon himself to return Santa’s Christmas spirit .

8

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Image: Lee Lawson

Drums aren’t traditionally associated with Christmas and are often overshadowed by softer instruments like bells or pianos. However, would you believe that a drum takes center stage in one of the most popular Christmas specials in history? Based on the 1941 song of the same name by Katherine Kennicott Davis, the 1968 stop-motion special The Little Drummer Boy tells the moving story of Aaron , a boy who, after many hardships, experiences the very first Christmas with his loved ones .

9

"A Christmas Carol" (1971)

Image: Elin Melaas

Many consider A Christmas Carol the ultimate Christmas story, as it has been adapted for film, theater, and television countless times . In that sense, we could have chosen any number of excellent Christmas specials that pay homage to Charles Dickens’s timeless classic. However, we ultimately selected the 1971 version , starring Alastair Sim and Michael Hordern, as it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1972.

10

A Flintstones Christmas (1977)

Image: 1950sUnlimited, CC BY 2.0

When you think about it, a Flintstones Christmas special doesn’t really make much sense—after all, this prehistoric family lived centuries before the very first Christmas. However, if we overlook that small detail, the 1977 special A Flintstone Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable holiday TV specials . The episode follows Fred and Barney as they go to great lengths to bring Christmas to the city of Bedrock .