Culture Culture 5 min read

Music legends

Rock all night with these 10 American rockstars!

Image: Kenny Eliason

Rock music is considered by many to be the most groundbreaking genre of the 21st century. It has spawned countless iconic songs, and almost 80 years since its inception, it shows no sign of slowing down. In that sense, America has produced its fair share of iconic rockstars throughout the decades. These revolutionary musicians have helped shape the music of their time, so we decided to pay homage to 10 of the most innovative and influential American rockstars in history. With that in mind, there’s only one question left to ask: Are you ready to rock?!

1
Chuck Berry

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Let’s begin with the man known as the "Father of Rock and Roll." To label Chuck Berry as a pioneer would definitively misrepresent the legacy of this amazing musician; Berry was almost solely responsible for introducing the key elements that would eventually define rock music.

Songs like "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," and "Johnny B. Goode" influenced countless musicians through the ages. Legendary artists like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones famously covered some of his songs, while Bob Dylan once defined Berry as "the Shakespeare of Rock n’ Roll."

2
Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Up next, we have a boss that anyone would love to have in their office. Bruce Springsteen is undoubtedly one of New Jersey’s favorite sons. Known as "The Boss," Springsteen has dazzled the American public since his first album in 1973, earning a myriad of awards and recognitions in the process, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Known for his insane charisma and distinctive voice, Springsteen has performed with his iconic "E Street" band since 1972. Rolling Stone magazine has described him as "the embodiment of rock and roll" and included him in its list of "100 Greatest Artists of All Time."

3
Jimi Hendrix

Image: Aditya Wardhana

Can the ‘60s be summarized by one musician? Many believe they can even summarized by one performance: Jimi Hendrix’s jaw-dropping rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock. In a way, this legendary guitarist embodies the innovation and freedom that characterize this era, but make no mistake: Hendrix’s contributions to rock and roll can’t be limited to a single decade. Suffice it to say that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame considers him to be "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music."

Born in Seattle, Hendrix showed interest in music from an early age. He bought his first guitar at age 15 and practiced daily, imitating the styles of blues musicians like B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf. While he sadly passed away at age 27, his legacy continues to live on in every single one of his amazing songs.

4
Elvis Presley

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Chuck Berry might have been the "Father of Rock and Roll," but Elvis Presley was this genre’s undisputed "King." This musician’s legacy is as timeless and eternal as his songs are, earning him a well-deserved spot among America’s most beloved pop culture icons. Just think of all the countless Elvis impersonators around the world to realize how iconic Elvis’s music and style were.

Elvis received his first guitar at the age of 7. Little did anyone know that this birthday gift would be the first step in a meteoric musical career. From his amazing dance moves to his unbelievable charisma, Elvis will forever be remembered as an American icon.

5
Tom Petty

Image: Samuel Ramos

In the 1980s, when Tom Petty joined the musical supergroup "The Traveling Wilburys," he stood shoulder to shoulder with juggernauts like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Roy Orbison. While Petty was relatively a newcomer when he joined what many believe to be the biggest supergroup in history, time would prove that he had what it takes to become one of the most memorable rock stars in history.

According to the man himself, Petty’s love for rock 'n' roll first started when he met Elvis Presley at age 10. This love for music would eventually lead him to form his most iconic band, "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers," with which he performed for almost 40 years.

6
Jon Bon Jovi

Image: Simon Weisser

It takes talent to make your last name synonymous with rock 'n' roll, but John Francis Bongiovi Jr., better known as Jon Bon Jovi , was able to turn his last name into the name of one of the most groundbreaking bands of the ‘80s.

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Jon formed Bon Jovi when he was still in his teens, quickly rising to fame and becoming an undisputed rock star. While he is still very much active in music, he has also built a very successful acting career, appearing in TV shows like Sex and the City and The West Wing .

7
Jim Morrison

Image: Markus Spiske

Take it to the world of rock 'n' roll to produce a nickname like "the Lizard King" to describe one of the most emblematic vocalists of the '70s. Regardless of whether there was someone who could pull off such a strange nickname, it was Jim Morrison . In fact, this singer chose the nickname himself, as it perfectly described both his fascination with reptiles and Native American culture.

Morrison’s deep voice and magnetic persona were among the main reasons behind The Doors' rise to prominence, quickly making them the first American band to achieve eight consecutive Gold LPs. While his life was unfortunately cut short at the age of 27, his songs, poetry, and journals will forever celebrate the Lizard King’s legacy.

8
Prince

Image: DJ Johnson

Prince's first live band was called "The Revolution," and we believe that this is one of the most aptly named bands in history. After all, this Minneapolis-born musician brought forward a revolutionary and fresh take on music, fashion, and art in general. Known for his amazing falsetto voice and flamboyant persona, Prince is considered to this day one of the very best musicians in history.

You would think that such a flashy and daring musician would take a more ostentatious stage name, but Prince Rogers Nelson performed under his first name throughout his entire career. Actually, that’s not entirely true: while in the midst of a contractual dispute, he performed as " The Artist Formerly Known as Prince " for approximately a decade.

9
Steven Tyler

Image: Matt Botsford

Steven Tyler might have the nickname that every rock singer probably covets: known as "the Demon of Screamin’," Aerosmith’s frontman is recognized for his powerful voice and vast vocal range.

Tyler has been at the helm of Aerosmith since its beginning in Boston in the early ‘70s, producing such hits as "Dream On" and "Walk This Way." While the band is currently on hiatus due to Steven injuring his vocal cords, Aerosmith still hopes to return to performing soon.

10
Kurt Cobain

Image: Panos Sakalakis

The '90s introduced the world to a new take on rock music: for many, grunge was the quintessential sound of this decade, characterized by its raw and angry tone. In that sense, there’s no band that represents the '90s better than Nirvana, and this legacy is in no small part due to Kurt Cobain.

Known for his scruffy yet powerful voice, Cobain led this iconic trio since its inception in 1987. While his untimely death deprived the world of his incredible talent, his legacy still lives on in amazing songs like "Smells like Teen Spirit" and "Come as You Are."

General General 3 min read

Eat your greens!

Debunking 12 common myths about healthy eating habits

Image: Anh Nguyen

Dieting is not a perfect science with ideal outcomes or easily traceable numbers. As such, it is prone to false claims, myths, and fads that have been repeated enough to be deemed as right by many people. Take a look at these 12 myths about healthy eating and dieting. Which ones have you heard?

1
Give up your favorite food to lose weight

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Small amounts of your favorite high-calorie foods can be included in a weight-loss plan . Just remember to keep track of your total calorie intake. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume.

2
Avoid bread, pasta, and rice

Image: Eaters Collective

Grains themselves aren’t necessarily bad or unhealthy. Consuming whole grains—such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, cereal, and pasta—as part of a healthy eating plan is a good idea because whole grains provide iron, fiber, and other important nutrients .

3
Choose gluten-free foods

Image: mohamed hassouna

Gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthier if you don’t have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. If you don’t have these health issues but avoid gluten anyway, you may miss out on important vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

4
Avoid all fats

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Despite all the bad press, not all fats are bad. Fat provides essential nutrients and should be an important part of a healthy eating plan. However, because fats have more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates (or "carbs"), it is important to limit fat intake to avoid consuming extra calories.

5
Avoid dairy products

Image: Kenny Eliason

Dairy products are an important food group because they provide proteins needed to build muscles and support organ function , as well as calcium to strengthen bones.

Most dairy products, such as milk and some yogurts, have added vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium, since many Americans don’t get enough of these nutrients.

6
Go vegetarian to lose weight

Image: Anna Pelzer

Embracing a fully vegetarian diet only leads to weight loss if you reduce your total calorie intake . As often happens, some vegetarians may make food choices that could lead to weight gain, such as eating large amounts of foods high in sugar, fat, and calories.

Eating small amounts of lean meats can also be part of a healthy plan to lose or maintain weight.

7
Don’t snack between meals

Image: Shreyak Singh

There is nothing wrong with snacking. It can help prevent overeating at meals , provided the snacks are healthy —like apples, peanut butter, low-fat cheese, or whole-grain crackers.

8
Healthy eating is expensive

Image: Louis Hansel

Healthy eating can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and smart shopping , you can enjoy a much healthier diet on a budget . Many people think produce is too costly, but there are plenty of examples that prove otherwise. For instance, a large bag of lettuce is affordable and lasts a long time.

9
Avoid late-night snacks

Image: nrd

Late snacking isn’t inherently a problem. The real issue is when your late-night snacks are unhealthy . The time of day is not as important as what you eat. If you’re eating ice cream or chips and dip, you’ll gain weight—no matter what time it is.

10
Diet soda is better than regular soda

Image: Kenny Eliason

Multiple studies have linked diet soda to an increased risk of diabetes , metabolic syndrome, and obesity, though causation is still debated. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a healthier soda alternative, try flavored water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea.

11
Non-nutritive sweeteners are healthy

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

The increasing demand for low-calorie, low-carb, sugar-free foods has led to a larger portion of products containing non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS).

While it’s clear that a diet high in added sugar increases disease risk, intake of NNS may also raise the risk of type 2 diabetes by causing negative changes in gut bacteria and promoting blood sugar dysregulation.

12
White potatoes are unhealthy

Image: Lars Blankers

Delicious potatoes are often labeled as "unhealthy" because they are frequently eaten in unhealthy ways. However, these starchy vegetables are highly nutritious , providing potassium, vitamin C, and fiber , and can be included as part of a healthy diet. The key is to cook or bake potatoes, but never fry them.

Culture Culture 4 min read

One role, lasting fame

Forever famous: 10 actors we'll always link to a single role

Image: Josué Reyes

Some characters stay with us forever, and so do the faces that brought them to life. Thanks to TV and movies, these 10 talented actors and actresses became forever linked to the roles that made them famous or defined their careers. Remember Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in Alien or Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather ? Of course you do! So, let's revisit those performances and 8 other iconic roles that we'll never forget!

1
Sigourney Weaver – Ellen Ripley

Image: Олег Мороз

If someone mentions Sigourney Weaver, one character instantly comes to mind: Ellen Ripley. Weaver first played her in Alien (1979) and then returned for three sequels in 1986, 1992, and 1997. Her performance was groundbreaking, redefining female roles in action films. And while Weaver has had many other great roles, none have matched the legendary status of Ripley.

2
Anthony Hopkins – Hannibal Lecter

Image: Josh Mackey

Although Anthony Hopkins has an extensive and varied filmography, one role stands out above all others: the chilling Hannibal Lecter, one of the most iconic villains in movie history. Hopkins first portrayed him in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), alongside the brilliant Jodie Foster. He later returned to the role in Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).

3
Julie Andrews – Mary Poppins

Image: Guillaume de Germain

We'll always love Julie Andrews for bringing the magical Mary Poppins to life in the 1964 Disney classic. Believe it or not, that was her very first film, and it earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress! Just a year later, she captivated audiences again in The Sound of Music , but Mary Poppins remains the role most closely tied to her charming persona.

4
Al Pacino – Michael Corleone

Image: Tibor Pinter

Al Pacino first appeared as Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972) and returned for the sequels in 1974 and 1990. His powerful performance turned Michael into one of the most iconic characters in film history. To this day, it's almost impossible not to think of Pacino as the unforgettable and complex successor to Don Corleone.

5
Marlon Brando – Don Vito Corleone

Image: Maximilian Kopsch

When it comes to exceptional characters, we can't leave out Don Vito Corleone, brought to life by the legendary Marlon Brando in The Godfather (1972). This role was so iconic that it redefined the image of the gangster on screen. When we picture Brando, we often imagine him wearing the prosthetics he used to portray the mob boss. The performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, which he famously declined in protest of Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans.

6
John Travolta – Tony Manero

Image: Paul Zoetemeijer

Although John Travolta has played many roles throughout his career, the one that defined him was the unique Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977). From the moment he appeared on screen in that white suit nearly 50 years ago, Travolta became forever linked to the disco king who ruled the dance floor and captured countless hearts along the way.

7
Lynda Carter – Wonder Woman

Image: Dale de Vera

From 1975 to 1979, Lynda Carter brought Wonder Woman to life in a way that left a lasting mark on television. Her performance was so memorable that it defined the character for an entire generation. For many of us, Lynda Carter is Wonder Woman, and it's hard to imagine anyone else filling those iconic boots.

8
Tom Hanks – Forrest Gump

Image: Yosuke Ota

If there's one thing our generation knows well, it's that "life is like a box of chocolates." That memorable line comes from Forrest Gump , played by Tom Hanks in 1994. With his big heart, kindness, and unexpected wisdom, Forrest won over audiences everywhere. The impact of the character was so powerful that it not only cemented Hanks’ status as a leading actor but also forever linked his image to the role.

9
Harrison Ford – Indiana Jones

Image: Intricate Explorer

If there's one actor forever tied to Indiana Jones , it’s Harrison Ford. He first took on the role in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and then embodied the archaeologist again in sequels released in 1984, 1989, 2008, and 2023. With his iconic fedora and whip, Ford made the character unforgettable, so much so that it's hard to imagine anyone else bringing him to life.

10
Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa

Image: Luisa Frassier

Although some producers wanted to cast another actor, Sylvester Stallone refused to let anyone else bring the story of Rocky Balboa to the screen. As we know, Stallone wrote the script with the intention of playing the role himself, and thank goodness he did! It's hard to imagine anyone else portraying the iconic boxer the way he did. And we're not the only ones who think so; the Academy clearly agreed, as Rocky (1976) earned ten Oscar nominations.

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