1

Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Image: Aman

Los Angeles’ hellish traffic is world-famous and every experienced driver in this city has her or his own shortcuts to save time. But this one is a universal one for sure.

When driving through Hollywood, never take Hollywood Boulevard . Take, instead, Franklin or Fountain to get around the tourist mayhem. And, if you want to avoid the awful traffic of a Hollywood Bowl show, try Mulholland Drive.

2

Getting to the airport in Los Angeles, California

Image: Lukas Souza

Nobody likes missing a flight. Or, at least, most of us don’t care for that particular situation. And, when driving in the terrible Los Angeles traffic, that possibility is always looming in the background.

A sound advice from frequent flyers is to avoid the freeway altogether and take Crescent Heights until it dead-ends. Then, drive through La Cienaga to La Tijera all the way to the symbols that point to the airport.

3

Leaving New York is never easy, New York City, New York

Image: Matteo Catanese

Caught at the right time, New York City traffic can be as bad as LA traffic. And, as it usually happens, commute hours are the worst. The endless crowds and vehicles getting in and out of Manhattan through the different bridges and tunnels can create some serious delays.

Brooklyn Bridge, George Washington Bridge, and the Lincoln Tunnel are some of the most congested routes during rush hours. So, if you have no other options, make sure to schedule extra time just in case the traffic is as bad as it can be.

4

I-95, Miami, Florida

Image: Baron Alloway

Another city with legendary traffic is, without a doubt, Miami. And, as usual, commute hours can be a nightmare. I-95 is a major Interstate Highway on the East Coast and the Miami section is usually very congested . If you are trying to go south from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or north from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., you have to expect delays, since those are the peak times for commuters who work downtown.

The High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes run from north of Miami to north Dade. You can only enter these lanes before 112/I-95 and you can only get off at the Golden Glades exit. Don’t take these lanes if you are trying to go anywhere between downtown and Northwest 183rd Street as there are no exits. Also, HOT lanes only accept SunPass as payment.

5

Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Image: Neal Kharawala

Continuing with another one of the monster-traffic cities of America, we can’t avoid the Windy City. Locals say that the city has two seasons: winter and construction , as the number of blocked streets, avenues, and roads can be nerve-wracking.

A shortcut locals use when driving through Lake Shore Drive to get off on Michigan Ave, heading southbound with a final destination past Illinois Ave, is to take Inner Lake Shore Drive and avoid the heavy congestion on Michigan Ave, as well as the occasional standstills on southbound Lake Shore Drive.

6

San Felipe instead of Westheimer, Houston, Texas

Image: Kevin Hernandez

Houston locals are familiar with busy Westheimer Avenue and know better than to fall into its trap during rush hour. They’d get stuck between multiple METRO bus routes, potholes, and never-ending construction sites.

The savvy drivers instead use San Felipe to get downtown or to the Galleria in a much shorter time.

7

Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, Phoenix, Arizona

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Even the widest highway will become congested once everyone finds out about it. We are looking at you, Los Angeles. But, for a while at least, new roads offer a smooth and quiet ride to the lucky few who discover them first.

This is the case with Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. The 22-mile-long portion of the Valley beltway from 59th Avenue on the west side to Ahwatukee , which opened in late 2019, is a smooth drive. Rolling through a part of the Valley unspoiled by development, this freeway has light traffic and no, or very few, holes –for now.

8

San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California

Image: Justin Wolff

It may seem calmer compared to neighboring Los Angeles, but San Diego can have its traffic congestion, like any big city. Getting to the airport on time is always paramount and locals have tricks up their sleeves for this ride.

Drivers can take Washington Street to Pacific Highway and get to the airport that way, or they can also take Pacific Highway north to Barnett, then Lytton, then Rosecrans, then Nimitz, which can be better than going through Sassafras if there’s traffic.

9

LBJ interchange, Dallas, Texas

Image: Zack Brame

Dallas, Texas, is a major city with major traffic jams during rush hours. Trying to get to the LBJ interchange can be a recipe for disaster if you are in a hurry but there is a shortcut that can save quite some time.

If you are on the Central Expressway, you can get off at Coit Road , which will allow you to bypass the interchange. Instead, you'll wind around a corner and find yourself right back at the entrance ramps for LBJ. From there, you just wait for a light and merge back onto LBJ, having skipped over the whole mess.

10

I-35 alternatives, Austin, Texas

Image: MJ Tangonan

Texas’ hippest city, Austin has some major highways, including the I-35, Mopac Expressway (Loop 1), and Highway 183. These big highways can cause big delays if taken from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

But the city provides alternatives. Lamar Boulevard and Burnet Road provide time-saving options for I-35 . During rush hour and special events, knowing these lesser-used routes can save time.

1

American Alligator

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Let's start with a powerful one. While they say not to judge by appearances, only one look at an American alligator's face can confirm it might not be the friendliest creature around.

Populating freshwater habitats in the southeastern U.S., males can grow up to 15 feet long. In addition to their impressive size, they have incredibly strong jaws , one of the most powerful in the animal kingdom.

American alligators are also excellent hunters, as they know how to blend into their surroundings while waiting for prey to approach. Clever tactics!

2

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Image: Amber Wolfe

The American alligator is not the only reptile on this list. We also have the stellar presence of the impressive Western diamondback rattlesnake. With a name like that, how could it possibly go unnoticed? But believe us, its name is not the only surprising thing about it.

This reptile has particularly large fangs compared to other snakes, and what's even more fascinating is that they are quickly replaced if one breaks or gets damaged. When this carnivorous predator confronts its prey —generally rodents, birds, or some other reptiles— it uses those fangs to inject its venom , a toxin capable of hindering coagulation and even causing tissue damage.

3

Grizzly bear

Image: Becca

This huge creature is far from a cuddly care bear. We are talking about the fearsome grizzly bear, a giant that can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and reach 10 feet tall when standing on its hind legs.

And as if its size were not enough, the great strength of this beast and its territorial nature make it a threat to other species. In addition, despite being omnivores, their sharp claws and large teeth make them tough predators.

One more scary detail: Don't be fooled by its size; grizzly bears can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour!

4

Cougar

Image: Robert Sachowski

"Cougar" is a nicer name for the creature also known as a mountain lion, an impressive feline that ranks as the second-largest cat in the Americas, just behind the jaguar.

The cougar can weigh up to 220 pounds and measure up to 8 feet long. Can you imagine a kitten that size? With its claws, teeth, and pointed ears! Despite its name, the mountain lion can adapt to different environments: cold mountains, forests, and even deserts.

But what truly distinguishes this animal is its stealthiness. This solitary creature is an intelligent and cautious predator, approaching its prey slowly and quietly until it's time to attack.

5

American bison

Image: Leslie Driskill

If you got shocked by the 220 pounds of the cougar or the 1,500 pounds of the grizzly bear, just wait until you hear how much the American bison can weigh.

Males of this imposing animal can reach 2,000 pounds! In addition, some specimens reach 6.5 feet from hoof to shoulders. Despite its size and strength, the American bison is an herbivore , which means it doesn't attack other animals for food.

But wait, if this beautiful animal gets angry, its defense can be truly intimidating; just picture a horned creature of that size approaching. It can also run at a speed of up to 35 miles per hour! Definitely an incredible animal.

6

Black widow spider

Image: Jared Subia

The black widow is not only a comic book character but also one of the most feared creatures on this list. This arthropod lives throughout the southern and western United States, as it prefers warm, dry climates.

Unlike other animals, the black widow is a threat to other species and also to its own. This spider's name comes from its notorious behavior: sometimes, the female devours the male.

In addition to this creepy detail, its appearance is also spooky. It has a shiny black body with a bright red marking on its abdomen. But that's not all; this spider also has potent venom used to immobilize its prey. Fortunately, experts say it typically only bites in self-defense.

7

Great white shark

Image: Gerald Schömbs

5,000 pounds , 20 feet long, and several rows of sharp teeth capable of delivering a bite force of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch; this is the impressive great white shark.

Despite its size, it can swim agilely with a speed of up to 25 miles per hour. This fearsome predator, found along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States, uses all its advantages to attack its prey quickly and surprisingly.

While their visibility is low, they rely on their ability to perceive the electromagnetic fields of other creatures! Looks like an invincible predator, doesn't it?

8

Black bear

Image: Greg Johnson

While slightly smaller than the grizzly bear, the black bear is still intimidating. With an average weight of 450 pounds , it's a large animal, equipped with sharp claws and teeth that can quickly appear if it or its cubs feel threatened.

In addition to their speed of up to 30 mph, these agile animals can also climb trees! And yes, the myth is true: they do love honey (who wouldn't, right?).

Here's another fun fact: despite their name, black bears can have black, brown, or blond fur.

9

Coral snake

Image: MART PRODUCTION

The rattlesnake isn't the only snake making this list. The coral snake definitely earned its spot, too.

Famed and feared worldwide, this snake species possesses a potent venom that can immobilize and cause respiratory failure in its prey. In addition, its small size (about 2 to 3 feet in length) helps it go unnoticed by other animals before it bites them.

Found in the southeastern United States, the coral snake is known for its impressive appearance but is generally not very aggressive unless provoked. Did you know other snakes mimic the coral snake's colors to appear more intimidating and keep predators away? You know, nature is wise.

10

Fire ants

Image: oktavianus mulyadi

This list isn't just about huge horns, sharp teeth, and hefty bodies; there are also creatures the size of a rice grain.

We're talking about fire ants, tiny but strong insects with a fearsome reputation. Why is the aggressiveness of such a small creature so scary? Well, because their stings are really painful , something that no animal species would want to experience. But that's not all; fire ants have the ability to sting and bite at the same time, causing pain, itching, and burning.

Like all ants, they have a very organized society . Every time they perceive their colony threatened, they launch a chemical alarm and start defending their home like an army!

1

John Adams

Image: Mark Olsen

Middle name: Quincy

Our sixth president, John Quincy Adams, was the son of the second president, John Adams. He was named "Quincy" after his maternal great-grandfather, John Quincy, and later signed his initials as "JQA" to avoid confusion with his father. A strong mind clearly ran in the family.

2

William Harrison

Image: STEPHEN POORE

Middle name: Henry

William Henry Harrison, the ninth president, was named for both his grandfather and uncle. Sadly, his presidency was the shortest in history, just one month after he caught pneumonia giving a long speech in the rain.

3

James Polk

Image: Daniel Weiss

Middle name: Knox

James Knox Polk carried his grandfather’s name with pride. Born in North Carolina in 1795, he expanded the nation’s territory by more than a third during his single term, finally stretching the U.S. from coast to coast. Quite an accomplishment for one presidency.

4

Ulysses Grant

Image: Jake Blucker

Middle name: Ulysses

Fun fact: "Ulysses S. Grant" wasn’t his real name. He was born Hiram Ulysses Grant, but a paperwork mix-up at West Point changed it forever. The "S" came later as a nickname, "US" Grant, something that fit a general far better than "H.U.G." ever could.

5

Rutherford Hayes

Image: Matt Koffel

Middle name: Birchard

Rutherford Birchard Hayes got his middle name from his mother’s maiden name. Born in 1822, he lost his father before birth but grew up to become the 19th president. He’s remembered for restoring faith in the presidency after a rough patch in American politics.

6

Grover Cleveland

Image: Manisha Raghunath

Middle name: Grover

Stephen Grover Cleveland dropped his first name early in life and stuck with Grover. It worked out well for him: he’s the only president in history to serve two nonconsecutive terms, making him both the 22nd and 24th president. That’s a comeback story.

7

William Taft

Image: Jake Blucker

Middle name: Howard

William Howard Taft’s middle name honored his grandmother’s family, the Howards. He remains the only person to ever serve as both U.S. president and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. That’s two of the toughest jobs in one lifetime.

8

Woodrow Wilson

Image: STEPHEN POORE

Middle name: Woodrow

Born Thomas Woodrow Wilson, he eventually dropped his first name and went by Woodrow instead. It sounded distinguished, and clearly, it worked for him. As our 28th president, he guided the nation through World War I and helped shape modern international relations.

9

Warren Harding

Image: Oz Seyrek

Middle name: Gamaliel

Warren Gamaliel Harding, born in Ohio in 1865, left his mark on American vocabulary by coining the word "normalcy." He wanted life to return to normal after World War I. His middle name, likely biblical, matched his calm, reassuring image.

10

Calvin Coolidge

Image: John Holm

Middle name: Calvin

John Calvin Coolidge, our 30th president, was named for his father but went by his middle name from childhood. Known as "Silent Cal," he led with few words and steady leadership during the Roaring Twenties.

11

Herbert Hoover

Image: Niko Vassios

Middle name: Clark

Herbert Clark Hoover shared his middle name with his father, Jesse Clark Hoover. Born in Iowa in 1874, he was a self-made man long before entering politics. Sadly, his presidency became synonymous with the Great Depression, but he remained known for his work ethic and humanitarian efforts.

12

Harry Truman

Image: Mike Gattorna

Middle name: S.

Harry S. Truman’s middle initial doesn’t stand for anything at all. His parents couldn’t decide between his two grandfathers, Solomon and Shippe, so they settled on "S." It’s a fitting story for a man known for making tough choices, including some of history’s most remembered.

13

Gerald Ford

Image: John Matychuk

Middle name: Lynch / Rudolph

Gerald Ford had two middle names in his lifetime. He was born Leslie Lynch King Jr., but after his mother remarried, his name was changed to Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., in honor of his stepfather. He’s also the only president who never won an election but took office after Nixon’s resignation.