General General 2 min read

Which one is your favorite?

People voted the best sandwich in each state: Can you guess these 10?

Image: Mae Mu

Visiting another state is always an invitation to try its culinary goods! Based on that principle, online conversations have long been debating which sandwich is a must-have in their city or state. From fried seafood to cheese-filled burgers, a variety of staple foods have made it to the list. How many of these would you try, and which one would you call your favorite?

1
Wild Alaskan salmon sandwich

Image: Thomas Mertens

In Alaska, the sandwich of choice comes straight from its icy waters . The wild Alaskan salmon sandwich features freshly caught salmon, often grilled or lightly smoked, served on hearty bread with crisp lettuce, tomato, and a tangy dill sauce.

2
Frybread "Navajo Taco"

Image: Bob LaCour

Tacos with a twist: Arizona’s beloved frybread "Navajo taco" is a sort of open-faced sandwich. A variety of taco fillings served on pillowy frybread ; golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside.

It’s generously topped with seasoned ground beef or shredded meat, beans, lettuce, cheese, and sometimes salsa or sour cream.

3
Deep-Fried catfish sandwich

Image: Jonathan Borba

In Arkansas, a true taste of home often comes between two buttered buns. The deep-fried catfish sandwich features flaky catfish fillets, breaded in cornmeal and fried to a golden crisp. It usually contains a smear of tartar sauce, a few pickles, and maybe some shredded lettuce.

4
Italian Beef Sandwich

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Chicagoans take their beef seriously, and nothing embodies the city’s flavor like the Italian beef sandwich. Thinly sliced roast beef is simmered in its own seasoned jus, piled high on an Italian-style roll, and often topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.

5
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Image: Jacinto Diego

Indiana’s pride comes between two buns: the legendary pork tenderloin sandwich. This oversized, breaded, and deep-fried pork cutlet, often wider than the bun itself, is served with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

6
Hot Brown

Image: Natalia Gusakova

The Hot Brown is Louisville’s indulgent favorite. This open-faced marvel layers roasted turkey and crisp bacon atop toasted bread , smothered in creamy Mornay sauce, and baked until golden. It was created in 1926 at the Brown Hotel, designed as a late-night supper for hotel guests.

7
Jucy Lucy

Image: Juan Santos

Burgers count! Minneapolis is home to a burger with a deliciously molten secret: the Jucy Lucy. This cheese-stuffed masterpiece hides gooey American cheese inside two patties of seasoned beef. Today, it’s a must-try for any visitor seeking a twist on a classic American burger.

8
Pastrami Sandwich

Image: Akhil Pawar

Few sandwiches are as iconic as New York’s pastrami on rye, and Katz’s Delicatessen is the reigning champion. Brined, smoked, and expertly sliced pastrami piled high on fresh rye bread , often with mustard, has been a favorite since the deli opened in 1888.

9
The Elvis Sandwich

Image: Dexter McQueen

Tennessee claims a sweet-and-savory creation forever linked to its most famous son: Elvis Presley. The Elvis sandwich combines peanut butter, banana, and crispy bacon . Would you like to try it?

10
Lobster Roll

Image: Jesse

This one was an easy choice: no Maine culinary list is complete without the lobster roll. Bursting with fresh, tender lobster meat lightly dressed in butter or mayo and nestled into a soft, toasted roll, this sandwich is a staple of seaside shacks .

Culture Culture 4 min read

Wear it with pride!

From Jackie to Cher, American fashion revisited!

Image: Giorgio Trovato / mintchipdesigns

Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s an expression of personality, confidence, and culture. Over the years, certain American icons have set trends, broken rules, and defined entire eras with their unmistakable style. From Hollywood royalty to music legends, these individuals didn’t just follow fashion they made it . Let’s take a look at some of the most unforgettable American fashion and style icons.

1
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – Timeless elegance

Image: Florida Memory

Few women have left as lasting a mark on fashion as Jackie Kennedy. She was known for her bouffant hairstyle, pillbox hats, tailored coats, and sleek shift dresses, all of which became defining styles of the 1960s.

After leaving the White House, her style evolved into something more relaxed yet equally chic. Her fashion sense was never flashy; it always exuded class.

2
Grace Kelly - The Princess of sophistication

Image: Pixabay

Grace Kelly’s name alone evokes timeless glamour. Before she became a real-life princess, she was already Hollywood royalty , known for her elegant, understated fashion choices.

She was known for her simple yet sophisticated silhouettes, often wearing A-line dresses, pearls, and classic handbags.

When she married Prince Rainier of Monaco, her bridal gown—one of the most famous of all time—sealed her status as a style icon. The Hermès "Kelly" bag was even named after her, cementing her influence in the fashion world. Talk about an influencer!

3
Elizabeth Taylor - The Queen of diamonds and drama

Image: WikiImages

Known for her lavish gowns, dramatic accessories, and love of bold colors, Elizabeth Taylor always commanded attention. She had a lifelong love affair with jewelry, particularly diamonds, and owned one of the most famous collections in the world. Whether on-screen or off, her style was glamorous, extravagant, and unapologetically feminine .

She embraced figure-hugging dresses, plunging necklines, and luxurious fabrics, making her a standout in any crowd. Taylor didn’t follow trends—she created them.

4
Marilyn Monroe - The Ultimate Bombshell

Image: pure julia

When you think of iconic American fashion, Marilyn Monroe’s name is bound to come up, right? She made hourglass silhouettes, red lipstick, and platinum blonde hair synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour.

Whether it was the iconic white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch or a curve-hugging gown dripping in sequins, no one can deny that she knew how to make a statement. Her fashion choices exuded confidence, sensuality, and star power. She was all about the how , not just what to wear!

5
David Bowie - The chameleon of style

Image: David Preston

Fashion is for men too, you know? Take David Bowie, for example. He wasn’t just a music legend—he was a walking fashion revolution. He reinvented himself countless times, from the glittering, androgynous Ziggy Stardust to the sleek and sophisticated Thin White Duke.

He pushed boundaries with bold makeup, avant-garde suits, and dramatic costumes , never afraid to embrace the unusual. Bowie understood that fashion is a performance, a statement, and an extension of identity.

6
Diana Ross - Disco diva and glam goddess

Image: Gideon Hezekiah

Diana Ross took fashion to dazzling new heights. As the lead singer of The Supremes and later as a solo star, she embraced glitzy gowns, feather boas, and over-the-top glamour.

She was the definition of confidence and star power, making every sequin shine just a little brighter. In the 1970s, her big hair (isn’t that the first thing you think of?), bold colors, and dramatic silhouettes became legendary. But she also knew how to rock chic, tailored suits and exude effortless elegance when the occasion called for it. To put it simply, she was the blueprint for diva style.

7
Prince - Fashion without limits

Image: Doyoun Seo

Another man on the list, and he has truly earned this spot. Prince didn’t just wear clothes; he made them an extension of his art. Known for his purple suits, ruffled shirts, and sky-high heels, he redefined masculinity in fashion.

He blurred the lines between romantic, edgy, and flamboyant , making everything he wore feel iconic. Lace, sequins, metallic fabrics—whatever it was, he embraced it all with confidence. His signature color, purple, became an essential part of his brand. But more than anything, he made it clear that personal style should have no rules.

8
Cher - The Queen of reinvention

Image: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Did you think we would forget about her? Of course not! Cher is the original risk-taker in fashion. From iconic dresses to extravagant feathered headpieces , she’s never been afraid to push boundaries. She turned glamorous, bohemian, and rockstar styles into her signature looks.

In the ’60s, she rocked hippie-chic bell bottoms. By the ’70s and ’80s, she had become a daring fashion powerhouse on the red carpet. Even today, she continues to surprise with her bold choices. If anyone has proven that fashion is about having fun and embracing drama, it’s definitely Cher.

9
Lauren Bacall - Effortlessly cool and always classy

Image: Gabrielle Henderson

Lauren Bacall’s fashion was the epitome of effortless sophistication. She mastered the art of sharp tailoring, wide-leg trousers, and classic silhouettes . With her deep voice and signature smirk, she radiated cool confidence in everything she wore.

She made menswear-inspired fashion incredibly chic long before it became trendy. Her style was all about clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and understated glamour. If you want to channel timeless elegance, look no further—she’s the one to look up to!

10
Katharine Hepburn - The queen of trousers

Image: Khaled Ali

Speaking of power suits, before that was even a thing, Katharine Hepburn was redefining women’s fashion. She was known for her love of menswear-inspired looks , often sporting tailored trousers, crisp button-down shirts, and structured blazers.

At a time when women were expected to dress in delicate, feminine styles, Hepburn’s bold, no-nonsense aesthetic was revolutionary. She proved that style isn’t about following trends—it’s about confidence, and that a ball gown has nothing on tailored trousers!

Culture Culture 5 min read

Rite of passage

Journey of a lifetime: 12 essential adventure films for the bold at heart

Image: Alex Kropp

Good movies show us that, through cinema, we can experience adventures that help us escape our daily boring routines. From fantastic creatures and hidden treasures to cowboys and aliens, adventure films have captivated audiences from the golden age of Hollywood to the present day. In this article, we’ve selected 12 movies that prove you don’t always need a cape and sword to be a hero. Are you up for the ride?

1
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Image: Couleur

E.T. , released in 1982, is undoubtedly one of Steven Spielberg's best films and one of the most iconic in the history of cinema. The story follows an alien lost on Earth who forms a pure and heartfelt friendship with a human boy, who will go to great lengths to help him return home.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is an endearing adventure film that marked the ‘80s and taught us the importance of empathy and embracing each other's differences.

2
The Wizard of Oz

Image: MGM, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Somewhere over the rainbow is one of the most iconic films we’ve ever seen: The Wizard of Oz (1939). This film marked a turning point in Hollywood , with the angelic Judy Garland leading a troupe of magical beings on a journey to the Emerald City and the dreaded Oz.

A tornado sweeps Dorothy into a technicolor dreamscape populated by munchkins, a cowardly lion, a tin man, a scarecrow, and a wicked witch, prompting a journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Their adventure is largely one of self-discovery : the Lion finds his courage, the Scarecrow his brains, the Tin Man his heart, and Dorothy finally returns to Kansas.

3
Back to the Future

Image: dtavres

A time machine in a DeLorean? Sign me up! What would '80s cinema be without this fabulous trilogy, where a teenager (Michael J. Fox) and a scientist (Christopher Lloyd) share all kinds of adventures together?

First, they travel to the past, then to the future, and finally, to the Wild West. Three movies that took the box office by storm and remain great entertainment for all ages .

4
Lawrence of Arabia

Image: Jack de Nijs for Anefo / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

This Oscar-winning epic biographical adventure drama, based on the life of British army officer and archaeologist, T. E. Lawrence, transports us to Egypt in 1917. Released in 1962, Lawrence of Arabia stars Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, and Omar Sharif.

During World War I, Lawrence is sent to support Prince Faisal in his war against the Turks. His adventure across the desert earns him the respect of his army for his courage and his deep appreciation for Arab culture.

5
The NeverEnding Story

Image: _marioosh

For many, this movie left a huge mark on their childhood. Who wasn’t amazed by that enormous flying albino creature called Falkor? Based on the acclaimed novel by German author Michael Ende, The NeverEnding Story (1984) introduces us to Bastian, a shy boy who discovers a mysterious book telling the story of the destruction of the world of Fantasia.

The protagonist’s adventure begins when he realizes he can save this world, inhabited by extraordinary beings, by finding a way to get inside the story.

6
The African Queen

Image: Copyright 1952 United Artists Corp., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Two great classic movie stars, Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, adrift on a small steamboat in German East Africa during the First World War— this is the epitome of adventure .

The African Queen , directed by the brilliant John Huston and released in 1951, earned Bogart the Oscar for Best Actor and the film the status of an instant classic.

7
Stand by Me

Image: Johannes Plenio

This coming-of-age film, based on a Stephen King story , is perhaps one of the best portrayals ever made of the end of childhood.

The adventures experienced by the four friends in Stand by Me (1986) may not be as spectacular as those of the characters in other films on this list. They don’t have to face fantastic creatures or fight in a war, but they do encounter, for example, an angry dog, a speeding train, hungry leeches, and a dead body lying on the riverbank. It’s a journey of discovery and transformation , filled with tension and drama.

8
Ben-Hur

Image: Reynold Brown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This flagship blockbuster of Hollywood’s golden era tells the story of the son of a noble Jerusalem family who is betrayed by a childhood friend and condemned to the galleys, where he is held prisoner for three years. Ben-Hur then vows to regain his freedom and plots his revenge.

Released in 1959 and starring the legendary Charlton Heston, Ben-Hur was one of the most expensive films in cinema history. A classic among classics, its three-and-a-half-hour running time is packed with adventure scenes.

9
Indiana Jones

Image: Intricate Explorer

Who hasn’t fantasized about being Indiana Jones? Traveling to exotic countries, embarking on dangerous adventures involving mythological objects, and wearing a hat that won’t fall off no matter what you do are things no one can resist.

With his unwavering sense of honor, compassionate nature, effortless charm, and witty one-liners, Indiana Jones is the quintessential adventure hero . Along with Harrison Ford’s brilliant performance, this iconic saga showed us just how epic a college professor can be.

10
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Image: Hans

This 1948 modern western, directed by John Huston, is based on an adventure novel set in the United States in the 1920s, long after the California gold rush.

A group of American drifters, including Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart), embark on a journey into the Mexican mountains in search of gold. However, ambition and envy gradually create more problems than any other obstacle along the way. It’s a fun adventure in the desert and a classic fable about man's greed .

11
The Goonies

Image: Nadjib BR

Based on a story by Steven Spielberg , this film is an homage to all adventure films and novels. The possible existence of a great pirate treasure in the depths of an abandoned restaurant seems like the solution to all of Mikey's family problems.

With the help of his inseparable friends, he embarks on an incredible journey. Since its release in 1985, The Goonies has become one of the most influential movies of the genre . Well, let’s be honest: it’s based on an unbeatable formula: friendship, adventure, humor, danger, and reward.

12
Into the Wild

Image: Juho Luomala

This one is a bit different from the rest of the films on this list, but it is an adventure nonetheless. Directed by Sean Penn, Into the Wild (2007) portrays a true story based on Jon Krakauer's novel about Christopher McCandless' diary entries.

Under the name Alexander Supertramp, 24-year-old Christopher sets out into Alaska with a clear purpose: to connect with nature, stripped of his material possessions. While not as flashy an adventure as Indiana Jones, it is a transformative experience that requires great will and courage.

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