1

Super Bowl Sunday

Image: Caleb Woods

More than just a football game, the Super Bowl is a cultural phenomenon combining sports, entertainment, and food. Since its debut in 1967, the event has grown into a day-long spectacle featuring extravagant halftime shows, iconic commercials, and gatherings filled with buffalo wings and nachos, offering something for both diehard football fans and casual viewers alike.

2

Black Friday shopping

Image: freestocks

The day after Thanksgiving, shoppers race for deals in a retail frenzy, marking the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season. The busiest shopping day of the year in the United States, Black Friday originated in the 1950s when stores began slashing prices to kick off the holiday season, but it has since evolved into a major economic and cultural phenomenon.

3

Presidential Turkey Pardon

Image: Tyler Donaghy

Each Thanksgiving, the President pardons a turkey, sparing it from becoming dinner. This whimsical tradition began informally with Abraham Lincoln in 1863 and was made official by George H.W. Bush in 1989. It’s a lighthearted custom that adds a touch of humor to the holiday—and is certainly life-changing for the lucky turkey!

4

Groundhog Day

Image: Camerauthor Photos

Celebrated each February 2, Groundhog Day began in Pennsylvania in 1887 and is rooted in German folklore. Punxsutawney Phil, arguably the world's most famous groundhog, "predicts" an early spring or six more weeks of winter based on whether he sees his shadow upon emerging from his burrow.

5

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Image: James Genchi

Every December 31, Times Square in New York City transforms into the epicenter of New Year’s celebrations. A specially designed time ball descends a flagpole at the stroke of midnight, marking the start of the new year. This tradition, celebrated since 1907, draws thousands of revelers who come together to ring in the year with a shared sense of hope and renewal.

6

State Fairs

Image: Matthew Miner

State fairs originated in the 1800s to showcase various advancements in farming and agriculture. Today, they have evolved into family-friendly celebrations featuring fried foods, roller coasters, and livestock competitions. The Iowa State Fair, for example, is renowned for its intricate butter sculptures.

7

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Image: Thomas Park

A blend of French, Spanish, and Creole traditions has created this vibrant celebration that attracts millions of visitors to New Orleans. Mardi Gras, meaning "Fat Tuesday," marks the final day of indulgence before Lent. Parades, masks, and beads are central to this centuries-old tradition, which has been embraced in Louisiana since the 18th century.

8

Alaska’s Iditarod

Image: Ugur Arpaci

A 1,000-mile sled dog race through the frosty landscapes of Alaska, the Iditarod is a grueling journey through one of America’s harshest regions. According to some sources, the race honors the 1925 serum run to Nome, when dog sled teams transported diphtheria medication that helped save lives. However, sled dog races have been held in the area since at least 1908.

9

Hometown parades

Image: Gene Gallin

Small towns across the U.S. host parades for nearly every holiday, from St. Patrick’s Day to Christmas. These events bring communities together with floats, marching bands, and festive pageantry. However, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade stands out as one of the largest and most iconic parades in the country.

10

The Kentucky Derby "Run for the Roses"

Image: Pietro Mattia

Held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby is a long-standing tradition known for its pageantry. The "Run for the Roses" began in 1875, and it's not just about the race but the elaborate hats, luxury, and the signature mint julep cocktails. The event unites horse racing enthusiasts and Southern culture in an exciting spectacle.

11

Maine’s Lobster Festival

Image: April Walker

The Maine Lobster Festival, held annually in Rockland, is a seaside celebration of all things lobster. Honoring the state’s lobster industry, the festival features an all-you-can-eat feast, cooking contests, and live music. It serves as both a tribute to Maine’s maritime heritage and a recognition of the vital role lobster fishing plays in the local economy.

12

The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race

Image: Oleksii S

Every October in Natchez, Mississippi, a colorful spectacle unfolds as hot air balloons take to the skies above the Mississippi River. Known as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, this event has been a beloved state tradition since 1972. In addition to the breathtaking balloon displays, the festivities include live music, delicious local food, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a fun celebration for both locals and visitors.

1

Fact: Presidents can drive

Image: Jessica Furtney

It sounds fun to imagine the president taking the wheel for a spin around town, right? Maybe a quiet drive to clear their head or grab a meal in secret behind the tinted glass. But can they really do that?

2

Answer: False

Image: Rolando Garrido

Presidents haven’t been allowed to drive on public roads since Lyndon B. Johnson, but they can still enjoy a little time behind the wheel inside fenced areas like Camp David or their own ranch. George W. Bush often drove around his property in Texas, with the Secret Service keeping a close watch, of course!

3

Fact: Presidents can’t attend their kids’ plays or games

Image: Philip White

Yes, we know presidential tasks are of utmost importance, but we can all agree family moments matter just as much, even in the White House. So, do you think the president can really attend a school play or a kid’s soccer game?

4

Answer: True

Image: Ludo Poiré

It’s true, they can’t unless it’s under very controlled conditions . Public outings cause too much security chaos, so these events usually happen privately. Some presidential kids even had classrooms right inside the White House so their parents could drop in for a visit without turning it into a national operation.

5

Fact: Presidents can open the windows whenever they want

Image: Da-shika

Opening a window is one of the most innocent acts one can carry out, and surely, after long meetings and speeches, a little fresh air would be nice. Can the president roll down a window in the White House or a car?

6

Answer: False

Image: Gabriele Proietti Mattia

That simple act is off-limits for security reasons , of course. Michelle Obama once said her security team gave her a five-minute "window treat" on a drive to Camp David, and it felt like freedom. The rest of the time, those windows stay shut tight.

7

Fact: Presidents can’t use commercial airlines

Image: Shutr

You know Air Force One is specifically designed for the President, and you also know that every president travels constantly , but can they ever hop on a regular American Airlines flight like the rest of us?

8

Answer: True

Image: avid Lusvardi

They absolutely can’t fly commercial, but they do take plenty of flights on Air Force One and Marine One. These aircraft are packed with communication systems , security measures, and comfort most travelers can only dream about. It’s safe to say they don’t miss boarding lines.

9

Fact: Presidents can use regular gadgets from the store

Image: Azwedo L.LC

Whoever the president is, when they get to the White House, they already have a phone. So, they must be able to use regular phones . Or, for example, a brand-new iPhone or tablet seems harmless enough. Surely the president can pick one up and start scrolling. Do you think this is true or false?

10

Answer: False

Image: Eirik Solheim

Standard devices aren’t secure enough. Presidents use specially modified versions that can’t be hacked. Barack Obama had a limited-access BlackBerry, and Joe Biden’s smartwatch and the Peloton were both customized for safety. Even the leader of the free world has tech limits.

11

Fact: Presidents can block people on social media

Image: Swello

Alright, so a new president is in office, and they get a brand new secure phone. But with millions of online followers, it must be tempting to block a few loud voices . Surely the president has that right.

12

Answer: False

Image: Daniel Romero

Nope. A federal court decided that official social media accounts are public forums , which means blocking users violates the First Amendment. Presidents have to let everyone speak their mind, even if the comments section gets a little rowdy.

1

Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: "Endless Love"

Image: Ethan Smith

Did you know that this pop music classic was actually composed for a movie? Diana Ross and Lionel Richie recorded "Endless Love" for the Motown label, and it was used as the theme song for the 1981 film of the same name, starring Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt.

Produced by Richie, the song was released as a single from the film’s soundtrack. Although the film was a flop, the song became the top hit single in the United States that year. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for nine consecutive weeks.

2

Sonny & Cher: "I Got You Babe"

Image: Joop van Bilsen / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

"I Got You Babe" is arguably the biggest hit by Sonny & Cher, one of the most iconic musical duos in history . Sonny Bono wrote it late one night in their basement for his wife, Cher.

Recorded in 1965, the song became a smash hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "I Got You Babe" is a beautiful hymn to love and loyalty , and it has been covered by various artists over the years.

3

Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer: "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"

Image: Gritte

Considered one of Donna Summer’s standout songs , "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" was recorded with Barbra Streisand in 1979. The song became so popular that several vocalists have recorded their own versions over the years.

Neither Donna nor Barbra ever performed the duet live together, but Streisand sang an excerpt during her Back to Brooklyn concert tour in 2012. At the time, she remarked that if Donna were still alive, she would have loved to perform it with her.

4

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney: "Say Say Say"

Image: Pavel Danilyuk

The former Beatle had already collaborated with the King of Pop on "The Girl Is Mine," featured on Jackson’s Thriller album. The song was so successful that they teamed up again to record "Say Say Say," the lead single from McCartney’s fourth solo album , Pipes of Peace .

Jackson wrote most of the lyrics, and the legendary George Martin produced the track. It was released in 1983 , along with a music video in which the duo plays a pair of con men selling a miracle potion. The video also featured cameos by Linda McCartney and La Toya Jackson.

5

Aretha Franklin & George Michael: "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)"

Image: melojordan94

Did you know this song wasn’t originally written as a duet? It was composed by Dennis Morgan and Simon Climie with Tina Turner in mind . Eventually, Aretha Franklin got the job, and the label later suggested a collaboration with George Michael.

Aretha and George released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" in 1987. Both artists later stated that they had a great time recording the song and the music video that followed. And it shows, because the tune reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts around the world.

6

Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes: "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life"

Image: Chris Duan

Performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" was released in 1987 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Dirty Dancing . This pop ballad, with rock and soul influences, conveys a sense of celebration and joy, highlighting the importance of special moments that leave lasting memories.

The song was such a huge hit that it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the Oscar for Best Original Song , the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

7

Nancy & Frank Sinatra: "Somethin’ Stupid"

Image: Elviss Railijs Bitāns

The original version of this song was recorded in 1966 by C. Carson Parks and his wife, Gaile Foote, but it only became widely known in 1967 when Nancy Sinatra performed it with her father, Frank.

It may seem a little unusual for a father and daughter to sing a romantic duet, but their version of "Somethin’ Stupid" became a massive international hit . Although the song was revived in 2001 by another duo—British singer Robbie Williams and Australian actress Nicole Kidman—Nancy and Frank’s rendition remains the most iconic.

8

Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: "Islands In The Stream"

Image: 42 North

When the anti-disco backlash nearly ended their reign, the Bee Gees shifted their focus to writing hits for other artists. Originally, "Islands in the Stream" was intended as a soul song for Diana Ross or Marvin Gaye. However, it ended up becoming the quintessential country-pop duet—and one of the biggest hits of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s careers.

The song is named after Ernest Hemingway’s posthumous novel, but its lyrics speak to the joy of finding that one person you’ve been searching for your whole life. Pretty romantic, don’t you think?

9

Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder: "Ebony And Ivory"

Image: Osman Rana

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder released "Ebony and Ivory" in 1982, and it was an instant hit. Written by McCartney, the song addresses racial integration , using the black and white keys of a piano—working together to create harmony—as a metaphor.

Fun fact: McCartney and Wonder filmed their parts of the music video separately due to scheduling conflicts, but the final result was seamless nonetheless.

10

Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes: "Up Where We Belong"

Image: Paul Seling

This powerful and emotional ballad, performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, was released in 1982. The song was created for the soundtrack of the movie An Officer and a Gentleman and captures the essence of overcoming challenges and transcending through love.

"Up Where We Belong" won several major awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song . The combination of Cocker’s and Warnes’ passionate vocal performances and the rich instrumentation has made this song an enduring classic.

11

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

Image: AndNowProjekt

There’s nothing like the charismatic and luscious voices of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to convince us of love’s healing power. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" was released as a single in 1967 and became a huge hit.

This romantic anthem is just one of the iconic collaborations by the duo that helped define the Motown era, thanks to their vocal harmonies and onstage chemistry . Their list of great soul duets also includes "Your Precious Love," "Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing," and "You’re All I Need to Get By," among others.

12

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John: "You’re The One That I Want"

Image: Mesh

Anyone who has seen the movie Grease is probably a fan of this iconic tune. Immortalized on screen in 1978 by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, the song transcended the boundaries of cinema, topped charts worldwide, reached number one in several countries, and became one of the best-selling singles of all time .