Geography Geography 4 min read

ICONIC CITYSCAPES

City Heights: A Look at America's Most Spectacular Skylines

Image: Jonathan Roger

America’s cityscapes offer a striking counterpoint to its lush and vast landscapes. Their vibrant skylines not only define the cities themselves but also serve as physical manifestations of the dreams and ambitions of our nation. Join us on this tour of the country’s most iconic skylines , from the Big Apple's stunning brightness to the futuristic elegance of the Emerald City.

1
New York City, NY

Image: Laurenz Heymann

As anyone who has ever visited the "City of Dreams" knows, the skyline of New York City is unparalleled worldwide. Dominated by the Empire State Building and the One World Trade Center, it also features the bluish-green notes of its central monument and foundational symbol, the Statue of Liberty.

A constantly evolving city, New York transforms into a sea of lights after the sun sets, embodying the relentless spirit of the American dream.

2
Chicago, IL

Image: Pedro Lastra

Chicago's skyline, with its mix of historic and contemporary skyscrapers, is truly a visual feast. The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center are its most prominent features, but the contrast that Lake Michigan’s deep blue imposes on its numerous skyscrapers is hypnotic, blending natural beauty and architectural marvels.

One of its most famous monuments is the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, popularly known as "The Bean," which adds a charming touch to the urban landscape.

3
San Francisco, CA

Image: Landry Gapangwa

When one thinks of San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge is what often comes to mind first, its majestic span frequently shrouded in fog. However, there's more to the city than Strauss’ magnum opus. San Francisco’s architectural style blends the past and future, with its skyline defined by the iconic Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower.

Fortunately, the city's hilly terrain offers unique vantage points to enjoy its skyline, providing breathtaking perspectives of the Golden City.

4
Seattle, WA

Image: Zhifei Zhou

Seattle's skyline, crowned by the Space Needle, exudes a futuristic vibe. The city's setting between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains enhances its visual appeal, with the natural beauty of Mount Rainier perfectly complementing the urban landscape.

Interestingly, the most modern-looking feature of its elegant skyline, the Space Needle, is one of its oldest parts, built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Many of Seattle’s actual modern skyscrapers are more recent additions, stemming from the city’s tech boom in the 1980s.

5
Las Vegas, NV

Image: Andraes Arteaga

A neon oasis in the desert, Las Vegas is renowned for its dazzling skyline, dominated by replicas of global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, all glittering under impossibly bright lights.

While some may find its architectural exuberance tacky and the scenery bordering on surreal, the city's inherent extravagance is part of its charm. Las Vegas is one of the liveliest hubs in the country, and its vibrant, over-the-top style attracts millions of visitors seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

6
Pittsburgh, PA

Image: Katherine Hanlon

Pittsburgh's skyline, marked by PPG Place and the U.S. Steel Tower, reflects its industrial heritage and modern transformation. Once an industrial powerhouse, Pittsburgh has evolved into a hub of education and healthcare, telling a compelling story of growth and reinvention.

Its main landmarks showcase its architectural evolution, while the picturesque confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers connects the city to its natural landscape and humble origins.

7
Washington, D.C.

Image: Vadim Sherbakov

With the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building as its most recognizable structures, what’s not to love about Washington, D.C.'s skyline? The city's height restrictions on urban development have preserved the prominence of its historical monuments and maintained its vital connection to the nation’s political heart.

Landmarks like the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial remain focal points, inspiring visitors from all over the country to honor and respect its rich heritage.

8
Atlanta, GA

Image: Joey Kyber

A major business and transportation hub, Atlanta reflects its history and ambitions in its skyline. The Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in the city, stands as a beacon of its economic vitality and a testament to the rapid development of the "Hollywood of the South."

Another focal point is the Peachtree Center, a district almost entirely designed by local architectural legend John C. Portman Jr.

9
Miami, FL

Image: Denys Kostyuchenko

Framed by its iconic palm-laden beaches along Biscayne Bay and a pink-hued sky, Miami's skyline is a blend of sleek high-rises and Art Deco buildings, with the iconic Panorama Tower, the Aston Martin Residences, and Four Seasons Hotel Miami rising above all.

Evoking luxury and leisure, the city's skyline captures the vibrancy and dynamism of Miami, making it a top destination for tourists and investors alike.

10
Philadelphia, PA

Image: Nick Fewings

Even without considering Philadelphia's pivotal role in America's industrial and cultural history, its skyline speaks volumes. Known as "The Birthplace of America," Philadelphia seamlessly blends historical and modern architecture. The Liberty Place complex and the Comcast Technology Center stand out prominently in a truly delicate skyline.

And unlike many other cities, these massive structures are recognized not just for their size but for their elegant beauty and striking presence in the cityscape.

General General 3 min read

All hail the cheeseburger!

Happiness is a warm bun: 10 mouth-watering, all-American hamburgers

Image: Isaac Taylor

America loves burgers, and burgers love America. This match made in the U.S. became official when Lionel Sternberger decided to slap a slice of American cheese over a cooking hamburger in 1924 . Or at least, that’s what most historians seem to agree on. Cheese has since become an almost inseparable item on most hamburgers, but it is not the only ingredient added to the concoction—far from it. Our nation’s cooks’ ingenuity has created some amazing variations of the humble meat patty. Take a good look at the following 10. Have you tried any of these? And if you haven’t, are you tempted to?

1
Double-Double Animal-Style, In-N-Out

Image: Nathan Dumlao

In-N-Out is a well-known fast-food chain with many celebrated products and fans all over the country. But this particular menu item holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many of its visitors.

The Double-Double Animal Style burger with caramelized onions has the flavor and texture any burger with high hopes would dream of attaining. The crunchy pickles and lettuce, the soft buns, fresh tomatoes, and delicious cheese complete this culinary wonder.

2
Smoked Bacon Burger, SilverLake Bistro

Image: Arabi Ishaque

Miami, a town with many great eateries, is home to SilverLake Bistro, a mom-and-pop-style restaurant that walks the line between casual and refined. This burger sanctuary creates gourmet-grade burgers from scratch, complete with all the classic toppings.

The classic SilverLake Burger features premium-quality double patties , cheddar cheese , porcini mayo , homemade steak sauce , and smoked bacon , creating a sublime culinary experience.

3
Nasty Burger, Laha’s Red Castle

Image: amirali mirhashemian

It may sound like strong words, but for many who have tried them, Kentucky’s Laha’s Red Castle makes the "best cheeseburgers in the world."

One of its most cherished menu items, the Nasty Burger , is topped with caramelized onions and cheese scrapings from the griddle , creating a flavor experience that evokes the taste of onion soup mixed with a very, very good burger.

4
Dry-aged Burger, Bludorn

Image: Dennis Lorente

Bludorn’s Dry-Age Burger is a perfect example of simple ingredients done right and tasting incredible. The aged cheddar , short rib patty , Dijonnaise mustard , and caramelized onions come together to create a hamburger that isn’t overstuffed, allowing each ingredient to express its flavor.

5
Wagyu Burger, Ada’s Place

Image: Chris Tweten

The name itself gives a hint of what to expect when tasting Ada’s Place’s Wagyu Burger. The ultra-premium quality of the meat provides a tender and flavorful taste and texture.

The hamburger is served with American cheese and caramelized onions, which complement the meat and add a layer of crispness and creaminess to the experience.

6
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Brasil

Image: Fidel Fernando

Good, simple burgers can be hard to find in an age where beastly, gourmet patties seem to be the crowd's prevalent choice. But when browsing through the menus, these options do exist and sometimes make for the best experience possible.

Brasil’s aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of those cases. The double burger comes with caramelized onions , a delicate touch of jalapeño sauce , and crispy bacon , all lovingly wrapped between toasted potato rolls. All the best. Nothing more, nothing less.

7
Nancy’s Burger, Nancy’s Hustle

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Everybody knows that the menu item carrying the name of the location is bound to be something special, and the namesake burger at Nancy’s Hustle is no different.

The double-meat cheeseburger comes with house-made pickles skewered on top and is embraced by a soft inside, crispy outside English muffin . A simple treat that explodes with flavor in your mouth.

8
Mother Rucker, River Twice

Image: Howard Bouchevereau

Sometimes, the most experimental places also offer simple items that are just perfect. Such is the case with River Twice, a sophisticated restaurant with multi-course menus featuring exotic ingredients.

River Twice’s burger option, the Mother Rucker, might seem like an odd item on such a refined menu, but those who have tried it swear by it. This hamburger features perfectly cooked patties with crispy edges and a pink interior, topped with high-quality American cheese , pickled red onions, and mayo .

9
Lancaster Burger, Hill East Burger

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Hill Burger East is a well-known establishment among burger lovers, offering decadent takes on the classic patty. Its many options have something for everyone, but one stands out as the king: the Lancaster Burger.

This premium beef burger is topped with bacon , smoked cheddar , fresh arugula leaves , pickled onions , and a homemade hot sauce (optional, of course), combining its flavors into a mouth-watering treat for carnivores.

10
Juicy Lucy, Matt’s Bar

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Just as the name implies, the Juicy Lucy is not the kind of burger for someone who prefers their food neat. This creation features grilled beef and onions , topped and enveloped by hot, molten cheese . The flavorful combination is nothing short of delicious, but diners are advised to let the cheese cool off a bit before diving in.

General General 4 min read

Zzzzz…

A better rest makes for a better life: 12 simple tips for a great sleep

Image: Deconovo

We spend a third of our lives sleeping, and the quality of our sleep determines the quality of the time we spend awake. Thankfully, there are a handful of simple things that we can do to improve our resting hours. Do you follow any of these?

1
Sleep routine

Image: Tina Witherspoon

Your body is a routine animal. If you eat at a certain time, you’ll probably feel hungry around that same time the next day. If you go to sleep at a certain hour, you’ll likely feel sleepy at that same hour the next day.

Use this to your advantage by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule , both for going to bed and for waking up. If you do this consistently, your body will embrace this routine, and it will start to come naturally.

2
Food and drinks

Image: Kelsey Chance

Avoid going to bed shortly after a large meal. Your digestive system will stay active for a long period of time potentially keeping you awake until it finishes processing the food and drink you've consumed.

The same goes for alcohol: while it might make you feel drowsy at first, it can disrupt your sleep later in the night.

3
Create a good sleeping environment

Image: Ainur Iman

A dark, quiet, and cool bedroom makes for a good sleeping environment . Your senses will continue capturing and processing any light or sound present in your bedroom, which is why it is important to minimize these distractions as much as possible.

4
Avoid long naps

Image: Tânia Mousinho

This one is quite straightforward: your body only requires a certain amount of sleep , and if you use up a large portion of it during the day, you may find yourself staying awake longer at night. While a short, 20-minute nap during the day can help restore your energy, a longer rest period will subtract from your nighttime sleep.

5
Physical activity

Image: Chander R

Regular physical activity and spending time outside every day are great ways to promote better sleep at night. However, it’s important to avoid physical exercise if you are too close to your bedtime to avoid overstimulation.

6
Avoid going to bed with worries

Image: Yohann LIBOT

Whatever worries you may have in your life, try to avoid thinking about them while you're trying to sleep. Stressful thoughts can delay sleep and create anxiety , leading to less-than-optimal rest. Instead, write down any issues you need to deal with and save them for the next day.

7
Light exposure

Image: Gabe

Spending time in natural sunlight or bright light during the day can help keep your circadian rhythm healthy and, in turn, improve your daytime energy and enhance the quality and duration of your sleep at night.

In contrast, avoid exposure to screens for at least half an hour before going to bed. Nighttime light exposure can have the opposite effect from daytime exposure because it reduces your levels of melatonin, which helps you relax and get deep sleep.

8
No alcohol before bedtime

Image: Vinicius amnx Amano

As mentioned earlier, drinking alcohol before bedtime is not recommended . Alcohol can cause or worsen symptoms of sleep apnea, increase snoring, and disrupt normal sleep patterns. It also alters nighttime melatonin production, which plays a key role in regulating your body’s circadian rhythm.

9
A good bed and pillow

Image: Andrew Neel

Poor-quality bedding can lead to increased lower back pain , making it harder to sleep well. Firm and medium-firm mattresses are available at different price ranges and can be a good choice for comfort and to avoid back pain.

Pillows should not cause neck pain, either. Find a pillow that isn’t too high and offers comfort for your sleep style. It will make for a better rest, and your body will thank you in the morning.

10
No liquids right before bed

Image: Steve Johnson

There’s nothing wrong with being hydrated during your sleep time, but having to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom is not great. If this happens repeatedly, it can negatively affect your sleep quality and daytime energy.

To minimize interruptions, try reducing your fluid intake in the last hour before bed . This can help lower the chances of waking up during the night.

11
Good sleeping temperature

Image: Vin Jack

One way to guarantee uncomfortable sleep is a bedroom that’s either too cold or too hot . The ideal temperature can vary based on the individual, but most research suggests that sleeping in a cooler room—around 65 to 68 degrees—is optimal.

12
At least seven hours of sleep

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Each age group requires a different amount of sleep each night, but for most people, seven hours is the bare minimum to ensure proper rest. If you have a specific wake-up time, calculate a target bedtime that allows for at least seven hours of sleep . Give yourself extra time before bed to wind down and prepare for sleep whenever possible.

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