General General 5 min read

ANIMATED TREASURES

Relive the good old days with 10 of the most iconic cartoon characters!

Image: Taha

Let’s take a trip back to your childhood : It’s Saturday morning, you made yourself a bowl of your favorite cereal and you sit in front of the TV screen to watch some cartoons. What’s the first character that comes to mind? It might very well be one of the 10 cultural icons we have selected for this list. These timeless characters truly transcend all generations, since they have been able to thoroughly entertain and inspire countless Americans throughout the decades. So, without further ado, let’s pay homage to these 10 American cartoon characters! Enjoy!

1
Mickey Mouse

Image: Kadyn Pierce

We’ll start strong with what’s probably the most famous cartoon character in the world. When you think about it, it’s rather uncanny how instantly recognizable Mickey Mouse is: It only takes drawing three small circles for virtually anyone in the world to identify Disney’s iconic mascot.

However, while nowadays Mickey acts more like a spokesperson for Disney, he got his start as a groundbreaking cartoon character, featured in now legendary shorts like "Steamboat Willie", "The Plow Boy", and "The Barn Dance". Perhaps more famous is Mickey’s short included in the feature film "Fantasia", in which he plays a clumsy sorcerer’s apprentice.

2
Charlie Brown & Snoopy

Image: Joshua Carl

We couldn’t possibly add the main character of the "Peanuts" newspaper strips without including his iconic black and white dog. Charlie Brown and Snoopy have been featured in several TV shows, including many fondly remembered Christmas specials.

Charlie Brown’s "aw-shucks" attitude and Snoopy’s mischievous charisma have truly cemented them as two of the most popular cartoon characters in history. Since their first TV appearance in 1965, this duo is still featured in new specials and films, with their latest show premiering in 2021.

3
Garfield

Image: Jason Yuen

Another newspaper strip-turned-animated character, Garfield is one of the most relatable characters in this list. Now, you might be thinking "What on God’s green earth do I have in common with a cartoon orange cat?" Well, more than you think: Garfield’s smarts, love for food, and utter disdain for Mondays truly turned him into one of America’s favorite cartoon pets.

Garfield’s jump from Jim Davis’ comics to TV first came in the early 80s, through a number of Emmy-nominated specials that included "Here Comes Garfield", "Garfield on the Town", and "Garfield in the Rough". In 1988, our favorite feline debuted in his very own TV show called "Garfield and Friends".

4
Scooby-Doo

Image: Brandon Salabarría

Is your town haunted by strange apparitions, dastardly creatures, or terrifying monsters? Then it sounds like you need the help of four meddling kids and their dog! Scooby-Doo revolutionized cartoons by adding crime-solving to a mostly comedic genre. Every week, the amateur detectives of "Mystery Inc." would solve a mystery, unmasking a no-good villain pretending to be some sort of fantastical creature.

The gang was aided by Scooby, their cowardly yet lovable Great Dane. Although he preferred eating snacks over solving mysteries, he ultimately always helped his friends whenever they needed him. Fun fact: Did you know that Scooby’s name was inspired by a Frank Sinatra song?

5
The Flintstones

Image: Bekir Uğur

Did you know that our favorite prehistoric family was the very first animated series featured in a prime time slot? That goes to show how much America loved the Flintstones : Every week, millions of families turned to their TV screens to laugh away with Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty’s adventures.

Set in the fictional town of Bedrock, "The Flintstones" featured a rather imaginative depiction of the Stone Age, mixing prehistoric elements with modern issues. Perhaps most famously, the show depicted prehistoric versions of modern appliances, like an octopus dishwasher or a dinosaur-can opener.

6
The Jetsons

Image: Rock'n Roll Monkey

While in "The Flintstones" Hannah-Barbera showcased the adventures of a Prehistoric family, the iconic animation studio went in the opposite direction with " The Jetsons ": For this show, the studio asked the question "How would the typical Space Age American family be?"

This show follows the everyday life of the Jetson family, comprised of George, Jane, Judy, and Elroy Jetson. Just like "The Flintstones", the show is fondly remembered for reimagining everyday technology: It predicted video calls and automated helpers decades before the first iPhone was produced.

7
Tom & Jerry

Image: Teresa Jang

Who says rivals can’t make up a good duo? If anything, Tom and Jerry’s legacy was built in this constant and neverending bickering, resulting in hilarious and exciting confrontations that don’t usually end up good for this beloved tomcat.

Another animated treasure conceived by the minds of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry made use of these two characters’ insane charisma: Although they were mostly silent, their expressions and resourcefulness truly made them unforgettable. Several "Tom & Jerry" shorts received Academy Awards, including the fan-favorite episode "The Cat Concerto."

8
Popeye

Image: thomas RICHARD

If Garfield made us love lasagna, then Popeye had the slightly more difficult mission of making kids enjoy eating their spinach. And yet, this iconic sailor made such a daunting task look easy by showcasing the Herculean strength this simple vegetable gave him.

Popeye made his big screen debut in 1933 after Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer adapted the character’s adventures into a series of shorts. Fleischer was the first to include Popeye’s love for spinach, turning it into the character’s most famous trait. Whenever he was in trouble, Popeye would turn to a can of spinach that would always give him the strength needed to save his beloved Olive Oyl from the hands of the villainous Brutus.

9
Yogi Bear

Image: Jessica Weiller

If you ever find yourself enjoying a gorgeous day in the beautiful (although fictional) "Jellystone Park", keep an eye on your picnic basket! Just a small lapse is all Yogi Bear (and his trusted companion, Boo-Boo Bear) need to take your delicious refreshments. Created by Hanna-Barbera in 1958, Yogi first appeared as a supporting character in "The Huckleberry Hound Show", but he soon found his way into the hearts of the American public.

Yogi was as charming as he was mischievous: He would often speak in rhyme and come up with elaborate plans that ultimately blew up on his face. Yogi was constantly evading Ranger Smith, the overworked park ranger tasked with keeping visitors' food safe from this beloved bear.

10
Looney Tunes

Image: Portuguese Gravity

We’ll end this article with a bit of a pun since this cartoon series is known for its send-off message " That’s all Folks! " Just like Mickey Mouse and Tom & Jerry, the Looney Tunes come straight from the Golden Age of American animation, and it truly shows: Not only are their cartoons insanely funny, but they have remained relevant and inspiring since their debut in the 1930s.

Looney Tunes introduced the world to iconic characters like Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Dug, Wile E. Coyote, and the Road Runner. Their charming personalities, wacky adventures, and quirky manners truly marked a turning point in the history of American cartoons.

Culture Culture 5 min read

Winning words

Fuel your fire with these 10 inspiring quotes by American sports legends!

Some sports quotes have left an unforgettable mark on national and international sports history. Today we're taking a moment to remember those iconic words. To become a champion, you need more than just strength, agility, speed, or endurance; you also need a lot of wisdom . If you're looking for some inspiration, who better to learn from than the champions themselves? Join us to discover these 10 quotes from American sports legends!

1
Babe Ruth

Image: Jose Francisco Morales

To become one of the best in baseball history, you must not only be a talented and dedicated athlete but also a wise person. Babe Ruth was a perfect example of this. This baseball legend inspired us when he said, "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

Often, we let fear win out by imagining worst-case scenarios before making a decision. But as Babe Ruth taught us, we shouldn't let that fear hold us back. If you dare to play the game, you might find that things turn out even better than you expected! You know, the next time you hesitate to take a chance, give it a try!

2
Vince Lombardi

Image: Melissa McGovern

If being an excellent athlete is difficult, imagine managing a team full of them. Knowing how to lead a group of talented people to the greatest victories is not for everyone, but it is for Vince Lombardi, one of the most iconic coaches in American football history.

Lombardi shared his vision of success when he said, "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." This simple but powerful phrase carries a very important message: To achieve our goals, it's vital to know what we want and how deeply we want it. Even if you don't win every game, you should always begin with a winning attitude as a guide to success!

3
Billie Jean King

Image: John Fornander

Some people say the key to being a winner is never giving up . Keep going until you make it! This is what Billie Jean King, one of the greatest players and a pioneer in women's tennis, conveyed when she said, "Champions keep playing until they get it right."

Billie Jean King never gave up, even when some people told her to. With her powerful message, BJK redefines the idea of a champion. She sees the long-awaited victory as the final step in a journey that a champion has been pursuing for a long time. Inspiring!

4
Michael Jordan

Image: Markus Spiske

The incredibly talented Michael Jordan didn't hold back when telling the secret behind his success in sports: "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

While it's true that watching these spectacular athletes may feel like witnessing magic, their excellence is actually the result of countless hours of hard work , moments of failure, and the perseverance needed to overcome all that and achieve glory.

5
Serena Williams

Image: Mario Gogh

How do you handle tough situations? Whether it's in sports or in life, it's important to get back on your feet, recover from mistakes or defeats, and keep moving forward.

But what do you do right after a setback or defeat? Well, this is precisely what Serena Williams was referring to when she said, "I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall." Common wisdom tells us that we can see a person's true character during hard times . According to Serena, our response to huge challenges or troubles also defines who we are.

6
Tom Brady

Image: Dave Adamson

In difficult times, the words of the wise can be incredibly helpful. And who better to inspire us than a true champion ? Someone who led his teams to win 7 Super Bowls surely knows things, right? You guessed it: we're talking about the incredible Tom Brady!

This great athlete said, "Nothing happens to you; it happens for you." At first, it might not be entirely clear, but this quote has a powerful message. Shifting our perspective to change the way we see negative events can be the key to overcoming challenges and reaching our goals. With Tom Brady's mindset, every inconvenience becomes an opportunity to be better every day. Go for it!

7
Shaquille O'Neal

Image: Patrick Fore

How we live each day, our actions, choices, the way we handle situations, and the people we interact with are the things that define us. Shaquille O'Neal, a basketball legend, once said, "Excellence is not a singular act but a habit . You are what you repeatedly do." And it's clear that Shaq embodied this excellence!

With this powerful quote, Shaquille O'Neal reminds us that reaching our goals and becoming who we aspire to be depends largely on our daily habits rather than on a unique major act. It's something to remember every day: we are what we do!

8
Magic Johnson

Image: jesse orrico

Magic Johnson is undoubtedly one of the greatest names in basketball. He's someone who achieved incredible success, not just because of his natural talent and skills but also due to his dedication and respect for every member of his team .

In this sense, Magic Johnson once said, "Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates ." Echoing JFK's famous 1961 quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," Magic reminds us that success often requires setting aside ego and individual interests to focus on collaboration and support for others.

9
Muhammad Ali

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

Dreaming about our goals is just the beginning; it is also necessary to work a little bit every day to achieve them. Making the most of our time to grow and improve different areas of our lives is always time well spent.

That is probably what Muhammad Ali meant when he said, "Don't count the days, make the days count." Instead of letting anxiety or worry get the better of you while waiting for something to happen, it's far better to take action and make it happen! Muhammad's words are an excellent way to encourage us to keep trying and never give up.

10
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Image: MontyLov

The great and successful basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is credited with the phrase, "One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team." A great message about collaboration and companionship.

In sports, as in life, knowing how to work as a team is critical. Where would we be without those who stand by us every day? Family , friends, coworkers, classmates, and even pets, all help us through life's challenges and joys. The same goes for every sports team, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar understands this perfectly.

History History 3 min read

Homebrewed ingenuity

The weirdest things Americans once thought were great ideas

Image: Johnny Briggs

From genuine problem-solving to baffling overengineering, American inventors have produced some truly strange creations. From electric spoons to fragile glass instruments, many of these bold designs were patented, tested, or even briefly sold. Below are 10 inventions that prove innovation isn’t always a hit—even when it comes from brilliant minds.

1
The horse diaper

Image: Lucia Macedo

Designed to catch manure in crowded cities—a problem once so severe that it shaped public infrastructure as well as the entrances to houses—the horse diaper was an invention meant to be strapped beneath working horses pulling carts and carriages.

The idea was to reduce disease and street filth during the horse-powered urban era. While the device saw limited use before automobiles rapidly replaced horses, similar designs are still occasionally used in modern veterinary practice.

2
The baby cage

Image: Taylor Flowe

Built as wire cages attached to apartment windows, so-called "baby cages" allowed infants to get fresh air when outdoor space was unavailable. Some models were guaranteed to safely hold over 30 pounds.

While alarming today and ultimately abandoned due to obvious safety concerns, the designs likely inspired some of the baby-proofing nets used today.

3
The pneumatic subway

Image: Eddi Aguirre

In the late 1860s, American entrepreneur and inventor Alfred Ely Beach set out to prove the feasibility of a human-sized pneumatic subway system beneath New York City, capable of moving both people and cargo using nothing more than air pressure.

The prototype was set up as a public attraction and carried passengers along a tunnel just over 300 feet long, from a station to a dead end. Despite its initial success, bureaucratic obstacles and high costs halted expansion, leaving it as a functional but largely forgotten underground experiment.

4
The mechanical horse

Image: Gabriel Tovar

Created for exercise and riding practice, the mechanical horse used a system of gears, cranks, and pedals to simulate walking and trotting motions while the rider sat in a saddle-like seat. It was marketed to urban riders and cavalry trainees who lacked access to stables or live horses.

Though bulky and impractical for widespread use, the device anticipated modern fitness machines by replicating real-world movements for conditioning and skill retention, rather than simple repetitive exercise.

5
The first metal detector

Image: Fer Troulik

After a failed assassination attempt on President James Garfield, Alexander Graham Bell hastily built an early metal detector in an effort to locate the bullet lodged in his body. The device functioned as intended, but it was unable to find the bullet because metal bed springs interfered with the signal.

Despite this setback, Bell’s early design proved the concept and directly influenced the development of modern metal detectors.

6
The pet-powered butter churn

Image: Matt Bero

In an inventive twist on animal-powered machinery, some 19th-century American farmers rigged small treadwheels for dogs, cats, or even goats to generate kinetic energy for churning butter. The animal ran inside the wheel, turning a rope or pulley connected to the churn.

While technically functional, the system was limited by the animal's willingness to cooperate and the small amount of power it generated.

7
The umbrella hat

Image: Claudio Schwarz

Robert W. Patten, often called the "Umbrella Man," patented one of the first commercially successful hands-free umbrella hats. It strapped a small umbrella directly to the wearer’s head, providing both sun and rain protection while keeping the hands free for work or walking.

His original design even included a mosquito net attached to the canopy. Patten didn’t enjoy much commercial success but became somewhat of an eccentric and comical popular figure, partly due to a series of comics that were inspired by his unusual invention.

8
The one-wheel motorcycle

Image: CJ Toscano

In 1971, American inventor Kerry McLean built and refined a monowheel—a one‑wheeled motorized vehicle in which the rider and engine sit inside the wheel’s circumference.

Since then, various attempts have been made to build on his original design, but it remains a niche vehicle used primarily for entertainment rather than practicality, as riders must be highly skilled simply to turn or even stay upright.

9
The first talking doll

Image: Holly Ward

In 1890, Thomas Edison embedded miniature versions of one of his most popular inventions —the phonograph—inside dolls so they could recite nursery rhymes.

While the idea was innovative, the technology was not yet there. The recordings were fragile, distorted, and often failed to work properly. The dolls were pulled from the market within weeks due to customer complaints, making it one of Edison’s rare commercial failures.

10
The glass harmonica

Image: Francesco Bovolin

Faithful to his eccentricity and inventive spirit, Benjamin Franklin redesigned the existing glass harp into a rotating spindle of glass bowls, played by touching the spinning rims with wet fingers, which he called the "glass harmonica."

The instrument produced eerie, sustained tones unlike anything else of its era. However, its fragile nature made it somewhat impractical, and the rotating mechanism posed a potential danger to the player if anything went wrong.

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