1

Kentucky's got more bourbon than people

Image: javier kober

If Kentucky’s barrels of bourbon had voting rights, they’d outnumber the citizens by over two million. Yep, the state has around 5 million people, but more than 7 million barrels. That’s over one barrel per person! Bourbon is big business down there, and the aging process means those barrels are just hanging out, soaking up the Kentucky air. Cheers to that!

2

Lake Superior could soak two continents

Image: Riley Crawford

Try this on for size: Lake Superior holds so much water that it could cover all of North and South America with a foot of water, that’s more than three quadrillion gallons. It’s not just "superior": it’s the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world! No wonder it looks like an ocean when you stand on the shore.

3

New York City beats 40 states in population

Image: Thomas Habr

Think your state is crowded? New York City alone has more people than 40 of the 50 US states. That’s over 8 million people packed into five boroughs; more than the entire population of states like Nebraska, Idaho, or even Kentucky. It’s one bustling, never-sleeps kind of place, right?

4

Oregon talks the fastest, Mississippi takes it slow

Image: Marek Studzinski

According to a speech analysis study, Oregonians zip through their words quicker than anyone else in the country. On the other hand, people in Mississippi take their sweet time, probably because there's no need to rush when you’ve got good company and a rocking chair.

5

Washington squirrels have their own skywalks

Image: Ilnur Kalimullin

In Longview, Washington, squirrels cross the street using adorable little bridges built specially for them. Locals kept seeing critters get flattened, so they constructed a series of rope walkways in the trees. Now, that’s a whole network called the " Nutty Narrows ." Proof that even squirrels get special treatment in small-town America.

6

You can legally hunt unicorns in Michigan

Image: Gary Meulemans

Well… sort of. Lake Superior State University in Michigan offers a whimsical "Unicorn Hunting License" as part of a long-running campus tradition. It’s all in good fun, of course, but the license is real; you can request one. Just don’t expect to catch anything other than smiles.

7

Las Vegas hotels could host you for four centuries

Image: David Lusvardi

If you stayed one night in every hotel room in Las Vegas, it would take you over 400 years to get through them all. That’s around 150,000 rooms, more than any city in the world. Sin City isn’t just flashy; it’s enormous. You could retire three times over before seeing them all.

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9

Michigan's lavender maze is visible from space

Image: Léonard Cotte

In western Michigan, there’s a sprawling lavender labyrinth so big that it can be seen on Google Earth. Grown by Cherry Point Farm & Market, this fragrant puzzle isn’t just beautiful, it’s relaxing too. Imagine strolling through acres of blooming purple under a summer sky. Have you added it to your bucket list yet?

10

The Hoover Dam’s concrete could pave the nation

Image: Gerda

Here’s a mind-boggling fact: engineers poured enough concrete into the Hoover Dam to build a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York. How much is that? That’s 4.4 million cubic yards, give or take. It’s a concrete colossus. And it's still standing strong after nearly a century.

11

Boston drivers are the worst, Kansas City’s the best

Image: todd kent

According to insurance data, Boston has more fender-benders and claims than any other large city. Drivers there can be a bit... spirited. Meanwhile, Kansas City drivers, apparently, are so courteous and careful, they top the charts for safety. Beep beep!

12

Kansas could feed the world at least once

Image: Samuel Myles

Each year, Kansas produces enough wheat to bake a whole lot of bread—enough to feed everyone on Earth for about two weeks. That’s nearly 300 million bushels annually. No wonder it’s called the Breadbasket of America. If bread ever becomes currency, Kansas would be rich.

13

Crater Lake is Statue-of-Liberty deep

Image: Jeff Hopper

Oregon’s Crater Lake is no shallow pond—it’s the deepest lake in the US, plunging down 1,943 feet. That’s enough depth to stack six Statues of Liberty, one on top of the other, with room to spare. Yes, you read that right! Formed in the crater of an ancient volcano, it’s as dramatic as it is stunning.

14

Atlanta is peachy... maybe a little too peachy

Image: Ronny Sison

If you’re driving through Atlanta and see Peachtree Street, don’t assume you’re close to your destination because there are over 70 roads with some form of "Peachtree" in the name. Peachtrees, Peachtree Circle, Peachtree Battle… It's a maze of fruity confusion. Now you know, so bring a map!

1

"The Chairman of the Board" – Frank Sinatra

Image: Ethan Rougon

Frank Sinatra co-founded Reprise Records in 1960, giving him full creative control over his music. The nickname "Chairman of the Board" was first used by radio host William B. Williams and quickly caught on. Although Sinatra didn’t particularly love it, the nickname came to symbolize his power and influence in the music industry.

2

"His Accidency" – John Tyler

Image: Library of Congress

The 10th U.S. president earned this snarky nickname after unexpectedly taking office in 1841, when William Henry Harrison died just one month into his term.

It was the first time a vice president had assumed the presidency due to a president’s death, and many questioned the legitimacy of his authority. His critics called him "His Accidency," a somewhat unfriendly pun that stuck.

3

"The Sphinx of the Potomac" – Calvin Coolidge

Image: Lea Kobal

President from 1923 to 1929, Coolidge was notoriously silent and stoic. His reluctance to speak in public and his poker-faced demeanor earned him the nickname "The Sphinx of the Potomac," a nod to the famous Egyptian statue and his Washington, D.C. post. One oft-repeated anecdote claims he once remarked, "I have nothing to say."

4

"The Boss" – Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Bruce Springsteen earned this nickname in the early days of playing Jersey Shore clubs, where he was responsible for collecting and distributing gig money to his band. Originally an internal nickname within the group, it quickly caught on with the media. Ironically, Springsteen has admitted that he’s never really liked being called "The Boss."

5

"The Mad Stork" – Ted Hendricks

Image: Wynand Uys

This Hall of Fame linebacker for the Raiders stood 6’7" and had a long, lanky build. His towering figure and unpredictable style of play earned him the nickname "The Mad Stork." Despite the unusual moniker, he was a feared and legendary player in the NFL.

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"The Snake" – Ken Stabler

Image: Timothy Dykes

Another Raiders legend, quarterback Ken Stabler, earned the nickname "The Snake" from his college coach after a long, twisting touchdown run. The name stuck because he became known for his slippery, cool-headed play under pressure.

7

"Jane the Grabber" – Hester Jane Haskins

Image: sombre

A dark figure in 19th-century New York, Hester Jane Haskins was a "procuress," luring women with promises of work and then forcing them into brothels. Her nickname, "Jane the Grabber," became infamous in the press.

8

"The Black Swallow of Death" – Eugene Bullard

Image: Heather Wilde

Born in Georgia and later a French WWI pilot, Eugene Bullard was the first African American military pilot. He earned the nickname "The Black Swallow of Death" for his fearless flying and deadly accuracy. Despite his heroism, he still faced racial discrimination upon returning to the U.S.

9

"Little Miss Sure Shot" – Annie Oakley

Image: Jp Valery

Annie Oakley was a folk heroine and a famed sharpshooter from an early age. She earned the nickname "Little Miss Sure Shot" from the Native American leader Sitting Bull, who bestowed it after watching her flawless shooting in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

10

"Kid Gloves" – Benjamin Harrison

Image: Aaron Lefler

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, frequently wore soft kid-leather gloves in public due to hand ailments. Political opponents seized the opportunity to mock his stiff demeanor and perceived elitism, dubbing him "Kid Gloves." The nickname pointed not only to his physical appearance but also to his aloof attitude.

1

Rick Moranis

Image: Erik Mclean

Rick Moranis, one of the biggest comedy stars of the ’80s and ’90s, left Hollywood to focus on raising his children after his wife passed away.

His decision to leave the spotlight has been widely discussed—a rare choice in an industry where few walk away at the peak of their careers. He has since done a few voice roles, and fans are thrilled about reports of his long-awaited return in Spaceballs II.

2

Macaulay Culkin

Image: Kira Cherkavskaya

Macaulay Culkin rose to global fame as a child star, but the pressure and family troubles made that success a heavy burden. Since the ’90s, he has acted occasionally but has largely stayed out of the spotlight.

In recent years, he’s also performed with a pizza-themed Velvet Underground parody band called The Pizza Underground .

3

Emilio Estevez

Image: Taylor Brandon

While his brother, Charlie Sheen, has often been in the limelight—for better or worse—Emilio Estevez has largely stepped away from it. A core member of the Brat Pack in the ’80s, he’s best known for playing Billy the Kid in Young Guns .

In the last few years, Emilio has focused more on directing and independent projects.

4

Lou Ferrigno

Image: Limor Zellermayer

Lou Ferrigno rose to fame in the late ’70s and ’80s as the Hulk, bringing the comic book character to life with his massive frame.

Despite his TV success, he never achieved the same big-screen fame as his bodybuilding rival, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Born with significant hearing loss —**about 80%**—Ferrigno faced challenges in both acting and studio opportunities, though he remained active in bodybuilding, guest appearances, and voice work.

5

Mara Wilson

Image: Lia Den

Mara Wilson, known for ’90s classics like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire , was a familiar face throughout her childhood. In 2012, she explained her decision to leave acting , calling it "no longer fun," the fame "ridiculous," and auditions "brutal and dehumanizing.

And you can read about her experiences in her book Where Am I Now?

6

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Image: Igam Ogam

Sarah Michelle Gellar rose to fame in ’90s teen hits and earned a devoted fan base with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After starring in Scooby-Doo and marrying her co-star Freddie Prinze Jr., she gradually stepped back from acting , taking on fewer roles over the years.

But those loyal fans will be happy to know she’s set to slay a few more vampires soon with the return of Buffy .

7

Neve Campbell

Image: Jakob Owens

Neve Campbell was a major star in the ’90s and early 2000s, thanks to Party of Five and the Scream films. Her face quickly became instantly recognizable.

Despite her success, she chose a different path. After four Scream movies, she stepped away from the franchise in 2022, citing a salary dispute. But fear not, Scream VII will have her back.

8

Mike Myers

Image: Илья Мельниченко

Mike Myers hasn’t officially retired, but he has slowed his Hollywood career considerably. He rose to fame with Wayne’s World and became iconic for playing multiple roles in the Austin Powers films. Since The Love Guru , he’s kept a lower profile , making only occasional appearances in movies like Inglourious Basterds and Bohemian Rhapsody.

9

Meg Ryan

Image: The Paris Photographer

Meg Ryan ruled ’90s romantic comedies with hits like When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail before gradually stepping back from the spotlight . Media scrutiny of her personal life played a major role in her retreat.

She hasn’t left the industry entirely—Ryan has shifted to directing and now takes on only select roles, focusing on indie projects that genuinely interest her.

10

Matt LeBlanc

Image: Mahrous Houses

Matt LeBlanc will always be remembered as Joey Tribbiani —a role that’s been hard to shake despite his later efforts. He earned critical praise for his performance in Episodes, but hasn’t reached the same level of post- Friends success as his co-star Jennifer Aniston.

These days, he stays far away from the limelight and has decided to take it easy for as long as he wants to.

11

Liv Tyler

Image: D A V I D S O N L U N A

Liv Tyler shone as Arwen in The Lord of the Rings , proving she was much more than just Steven Tyler’s daughter. While she didn’t achieve the same level of critical acclaim as some of her co-stars, she has maintained a steady career, including a standout role in the Emmy-nominated series The Leftovers .

12

Bridget Fonda

Image: René Ranisch

Bridget Fonda, part of the legendary Fonda family, began acting at a young age, appearing in Easy Rider at just five years old.

After graduating from NYU, she quickly built a successful film career and seemed destined for Hollywood longevity. But in 2002, she retired unexpectedly and has remained off-screen ever since.