Culture Culture 3 min read

Necessary troublemakers

Meet 10 of the least favorite characters on American TV: Do you agree?

Image: Piotr Cichosz

We naturally cheer for the heroes in our favorite shows, but every great story needs a villain, a schemer, a troublemaker, or just a truly hateful character. Some of these are so cunning or exasperating that they become impossible to forget. Let’s take a look back at 10 iconic TV characters we love to hate.

1
J.R. Ewing (Dallas)

Image: Toglenn, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If ambition had a face, it would probably be J.R. Ewing, the slick oil tycoon from the TV show Dallas . Manipulative, calculating, cold, incredibly greedy, and even treacherous, he checks all the boxes for one of TV’s most hated—and most memorable—villains.

2
Ross Geller (Friends)

Image: Philippe Berdalle, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

David Schwimmer brought to life one of the most memorable characters in American sitcoms. We’re talking about Ross Geller from Friends , a character who could easily land on both the "most beloved" and "most hated" lists. And that’s the charm of Ross: fans who adore him point to his generosity and intelligence, while those who can’t stand him blame his jealousy and tendency toward constant drama. Which side are you on?

3
Mr. Burns (The Simpsons)

Image: Erik Mclean

The millionaire Mr. Burns is the perfect example of a cartoon villain. And maybe it's not just his cold, calculating, and greedy nature that makes him so unlikable, but also his total inability to relate to or understand the problems of ordinary people. While it's hard to truly "hate" any character from The Simpsons , we can safely say he does not exactly inspire affection.

4
Kimmy Gibbler (Full House)

Image: Jason Leung

Kimmy Gibbler, played by Andrea Barber on Full House , is one of those characters who sparks mixed feelings. Some viewers find her loud, quirky, and intrusive behavior charming. However, for others, those same traits can be a bit too irritating. Whether you adore her or can’t stand her, no one could imagine the show without Kimmy.

5
Janice (Friends)

Image: Chester from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Those of us who watched Friends need just three words to remember this character: "Oh. My. God!" That’s Janice's trademark line, repeated almost every time she appears on the show. It’s not malice that gets under our skin, but her shrill voice, endless energy, and constant drama. And of course, she won’t leave Chandler alone, who does everything but be upfront about his feelings.

6
Livia Soprano (The Sopranos)

Image: HBO, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Livia Soprano, mother of none other than Tony Soprano, manages to make us hate her from the very first season, and that’s part of what makes her such a compelling character. Bitter, cold, distrustful, manipulative, and calculating, Livia helps explain much of the protagonist’s behavior; through her, we glimpse the roots of Tony’s twisted mind.

7
Pete Campbell (Mad Men)

Image: Peabody Awards, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Arrogant, manipulative, and always chasing status, these traits make Pete Campbell, played by Vincent Kartheiser, one of the least favorite characters on the iconic Mad Men . His hypocrisy and relentless ambition often lead him to overlook ethics and empathy, which is exactly why he earns a spot on this list.

8
Negan (The Walking Dead)

Image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

A villain so terrifying that he earns the hatred of viewers definitely deserves a spot on this list. We’re talking about Negan, the ruthless leader played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan on The Walking Dead . His brutality, arrogance, and need to control everything make him one of the show’s most frightening and unforgettable antagonists.

9
Nellie Bertram (The Office)

Image: Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Played by the iconic Catherine Tate, Nellie Bertram joins The Office in the finale of the seventh season, and her excessive arrogance and pushy personality quickly make her one of the most irritating characters on the show. However, we have to admit it: on The Office , even the characters who get on our nerves often manage to make us laugh out loud.

10
Connor Roy (Succession)

Image: Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

A mix of wealth, eccentricity, vanity, greed, and a misplaced sense of power make Connor, the eldest Roy sibling in Succession , one of the least favorite characters in the series. His habit of taking advantage of others and expecting rewards he hasn’t earned is one of the key reasons he lands on this list.

General General 4 min read

HIDDEN GEMS

America’s best-kept secret: 10 small towns worth the trip

Image: Rosan Harmens

New York, Las Vegas, Hollywood, and other big cities are great, but there is something to small towns that is unique and can’t be found anywhere else. Our country is full of small towns worth visiting, and in this article, we will be talking about 10 little villages and the great things they have to offer. Ditch the crowds and discover the charm of these small yet amazing towns in our country!

1
Williamsburg

Image: Mateus Campos Felipe

In terms of population, Williamsburg is a bit larger: 15,000 people live there. It is located in the state of Virginia, and it was the state capital until 1780 . Williamsburg was a key location in the American Revolution and that’s the magic behind it.

Around the Colonial District, you’ll find actors dressed in clothes of the time! You can also visit the National Historic Park, where the Yorktown Battle took place.

But Williamsburg is not only about history, it’s also about fun. If you get tired of the history lessons, head over to Water Country USA, one of the best waterparks in the country.

2
Telluride

Image: Mick Kirchman

Do you feel like waking up to this view? You have to visit Telluride, in Colorado. With a population of only 2,500 , this small town draws visitors for one simple reason: the breathtaking scenery.

Telluride is located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, in a box canyon with snowy mountain peaks. Despite its size, it is full of shops, restaurants, and hotel accommodations to welcome visitors.

From festivals, cultural events, and exclusive golf resorts, Telluride offers something for everyone. Would you add it to your bucket list? We know we would!

3
Lake Tahoe

Image: Peter Hulce

Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada. It is home to approximately 20,000 people, and it is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Why is that? Because it adapts to both summer and winter trips.

During the winter, skiing is the preferred sport for both locals and visitors, but, during the summertime, visitors can enjoy the lake and the water activities just as much.

And if that is not enough, you can always step into the Nevada side and enjoy a good time at the casinos, right?

4
Dahlonega

Image: Brandon Carson

With nearly 300 years of history, Georgia has a rich culture and is known for more than one thing: peaches, nine natural wonders, Martin Luther King Jr, and more. But it’s also home to Dahlonega, a beautiful little village of only 7,500 people.

In Dahlonega, visitors can tour regional vineyards, and taste wine around the Public Square. The Dahlonega Gold Museum narrates the gold mining chronicles and the downtown area is filled with local shops and restaurants.

5
Sitka

Image: E Orlando

Sitka is home to 8,500 people and it is located in the state of Alaska, so you can imagine what the views are up there: Snowy mountains with gorgeous (yet freezing) waters surrounding the coastal town.

This village belonged to Russia until 1876 and its name derives from Tlingit, a language part of the Na-Dené family. By its literal translation, it means "People on the outside of Baranof Island," the group of islands to which Sitka belongs. Would you visit it?

6
Sedona

Image: Anthony Melone

Located in the Arizona desert, this place combines adventure with comfort and relaxation. Similar to Lake Tahoe, it caters to a variety of people. For example, nature enthusiasts can enjoy over 200 hiking trails . But if you are feeling fancy, you can always book a visit to the luxurious spas.

Moreover, visitors can enjoy wine tastings or go on a classic retail therapy at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Now, whatever you choose, you cannot miss the views along the Red Rock Scenic Byway—it's a must!

7
St. Augustine

Image: Michael J. Vega

Florida has great places to visit, and St. Augustine is one of the best. This small town is home to 15,000 people and in it, you can enjoy both historic sites and unspoiled beaches.

Visitors can take a walk along the Colonial Quarter, where you’ll find the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. After that, the beaches in St. Augustine have pristine waters and they are just the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

Are you a fan of the paranormal? Then consider saving some time for the haunted spots around the town!

8
Bar Harbor

Image: Ran Ding

If you’re looking for a retreat on the East Coast, Bar Harbor in Maine is the perfect destination. This coastal town is, according to many, the best small town in America and that is because of all the outdoor fun it has to offer.

Probably the best activities are the boat tours to get to know the harbor. The main attraction, however, has to be Acadia National Park, where you can hike, kayak, and enjoy various other activities. Of course, no visit is complete until you have a lobster! Do you like them?

9
Gettysburg

Image: Devonshire

There are natural spots, there are foodie spots, and there are those kinds of spots that take you back in time : Gettysburg is one of those. Visiting Gettysburg is like stepping back into one of those pivotal moments of the nation, the Civil War.

In this small town, you’ll find well-preserved monuments and markers that vividly bring the 1863 battle to life. Gettysburg also has a lovely downtown full of cozy coffee shops, unique shops, and that vibe only small towns have. What do you think?

10
Martha’s Vineyard

Image: Andy Fluet

Who is this Martha, and why is her town so popular? Martha’s Vineyard, in Massachusetts, is actually an island and it was frequently considered a gateway spot for the wealthy. However, it receives visitors from all walks of life who seek pristine beaches and a laid-back vacation.

Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and various water sports are the preferred choice by many. But if that is not for you, or if you’re looking for an alternative plan, you can always enjoy the company of the animals at Island Alpaca Company or visit the cottages in Oak Bluffs.

Geography Geography 4 min read

Happy campers!

The Great American Outdoors: 10 camping sites worth visiting

Image: Patrick Hendry

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors. Sleeping in a tent while listening to the sounds of nature—the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of a sleepy bird—is the closest most of us can get to the way humans lived and slept for most of their existence. Spending time close to nature is good for our health, and it can be lots of fun, too. America is crawling with beautiful places to visit, and the number of mind-blowing camping spots is almost infinite. The following 10 are just a small fraction of what our country has to offer, but they serve as a sampler to travel with your mind. Do you know any of these places?

1
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Image: Nik Shuliahin 💛💙

Imagine camping beneath the biggest trees in North America and in the whole world . That incredible experience is possible in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, where some of these trees are thousands of years old.

You can choose from 14 scenic campgrounds—including Grant Grove Village, the foothills of Sequoia National Park, the Lodgepole and Giant Forest areas, Cedar Grove, and Mineral King—and make a reservation.

2
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Image: velichor

Open only during the summer months, Crater Lake National Park is home to the country's deepest lake and a dormant volcano , making it an incredibly photogenic location. Campers can pitch their tents or park their RVs in the forest at Mazama Campground.

As locals say, the best views are from the areas looking out over Annie Creek, but the whole place is a no-miss.

3
Olympic National Park, Washington

Image: Scott Goodwill

Camping along the coastline with the sound of the waves in the background is a beautiful experience that can be accomplished in the Olympic National Park, where you can camp right along the beautiful coastline , which is marked by several sea stacks.

There are many different campgrounds, some next to the ocean and others in the rainforest. While most are first-come, first-served, some allow reservations for stays in the summer.

4
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Image: Levi Jones

Few camping experiences beat waking up on the rim of the Grand Canyon . While the South Rim is easier to get to, the North Rim is usually less crowded. There's one North Rim campground inside the park and another just north of the park boundary, both open from mid-May to mid-October.

Several sites along the South Rim are open year-round, including the Mather Campground and Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village. Only two other South Rim spots, Desert View and Tusayan Montane, are open seasonally.

5
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado

Image: Mike Erskine

The Rocky Mountains offer magnificent scenery for a beautiful day and a night out. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests have 56 campsites set in a variety of landscapes, including open meadows and evergreen forests, amid mountains, and on lakeshores .

While most are open seasonally, a select few stay open all year long, so make sure to check the website for road conditions beforehand if you plan to camp during the winter months.

6
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Image: Andreas Rønningen

The Smoky Mountains are a picturesque part of Idaho, with dozens of places to camp. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is a fantastic place to go hiking, canoeing, or cycling, and you'll be treated to awe-inspiring mountain views in every direction.

About half the campgrounds welcome campers on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can also make reservations ahead of time to secure a site. The camping season is open in the summer months.

7
Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Image: Rahul Bhosale

Don’t mind the name, there is nothing bad about the Badlands. Between the many rock formations you'll see throughout Badlands National Park, you'll also find prairies and places to peek at ancient fossils . The Cedar Pass campground is larger and offers more amenities, but the smaller Sage Creek campground puts you in a better position to see bison wandering around .

8
Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

Image: Alex Holt

The Natural State has 1.2 million acres of recreational space including beaches, lakes, and streams, and more than 400 miles of hiking trails , in the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests. Campers can choose between several developed campgrounds for both RV and tent camping, some of which are open year-round.

Other campgrounds are open from May through October. Primitive camping is also permitted within designated areas—just remember to bring your water (or a water filtration device), and leave the place untouched.

9
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Image: Blake Wisz

At Dry Tortugas National Park, in Key West, Florida, you can camp right outside of one of the world’s largest barrier reefs . Visitors can rent snorkel gear, spend their days relaxing on the beach, or check out Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fortress used by the Union army to blockade Confederate shipping channels during the Civil War.

This pristine area, perfect for stargazing and bird-watching, requires campers to bring everything they will need, including water, fuel, ice, and food. Ferry transportation from Key West must also be secured as early as possible.

10
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York

Image: Esther Tuttle

More than 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by rocky terrain, Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers a lot of space to hike, bike, and enjoy the view . Reservations for the Sam F. Pryor III Shawangunk Campground can be made online starting each March, as it is closed during the winter.

The campground features 50 parcels, as well as five car-camping sites, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, coin-operated showers, communal fire pits, and picnic pavilions.

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