1

Ray Bradbury

Image: Rod Long

Perhaps the most emblematic name in American science fiction, Ray Bradbury was an author and screenwriter best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451 , and his short story collections The Martian Chronicles , and The Illustrated Man .

His works not only imagine what extraterrestrial colonies might be like but also explore how such experiences would affect humans on a deeply personal level. His prose is both poetic and informative, making it accessible to both young and adult readers alike.

2

Philip K. Dick

Image: Filip Filkovic Philatz

If you’ve ever seen the movie Blade Runner or the TV series The Man in the High Castle , then you’ve been exposed to the work of Philip K. Dick. This prolific novelist wrote numerous novels and short stories that explore philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, human nature, and characters struggling against illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, and authoritarian governments.

His novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was the basis for Blade Runner and his works have earned him countless awards all over the world.

3

William Gibson

Image: Brian McGowan

The creator of the now-ubiquitous term "cyberspace," William Gibson was a speculative fiction writer whose works explore the effects of technology, cybernetics, and computer networks on humans (fans of Black Mirror will likely find this author to their liking).

His first novel, Neuromancer , was credited with revitalizing science fiction literature in the 1980s, and he was described in 1999 as "probably the most important novelist of the past two decades.

4

L. Ron Hubbard

Image: Luna Wang

"While he is now more famous for founding Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard was a genuine science fiction writer who authored works such as Battlefield Earth, To the Stars, Buckskin Brigades, and Death’s Deputy , among other titles.

Hubbard was quite a prolific pulp science fiction and fantasy writer in his early career and, in 1950, he published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health , establishing organizations to promote and practice Dianetics techniques.

5

Theodore Sturgeon

Image: Rod Long

A critic turned writer, Theodore Sturgeon wrote over 120 short stories, 11 novels, and even a handful of scripts for the original Star Trek television series. His first science fiction novel, More Than Human , won the 1954 International Fantasy Award for that year's best novel.

Though he was not as well known to the general public as contemporaries like Isaac Asimov or Ray Bradbury, Sturgeon gained recognition among readers of mid-20th-century science fiction anthologies. At the height of his popularity in the 1950s, he was the most anthologized English-language author alive.

6

Alfred Bester

Image: Steve Johnson

One of the few writers credited with inventing modern science fiction, according to one of his colleagues, Alfred Bester was an author, TV, radio, and comics scriptwriter, and magazine editor. His novel, The Demolished Man , was the first winner of the Hugo Awards in 1953.

While working as a scriptwriter for DC Comics, he created the supervillain Solomon Grundy and also wrote extensively for television, magazines, and radio.

7

H. P. Lovecraft

Image: Alejandro Piñero Amerio

An author whose work is as famous in the science fiction genre as it is in horror, H. P. Lovecraft was a writer of science fiction, fantasy, horror fiction, and a mixture of all these genres. His most notable work is the Cthulhu Mythos .

Some of his more popular works include The Call of Cthulhu, At the Mountains of Madness, The Shadow over Innsmouth , and The Shadow Out of Time . The central theme of his books is cosmicism, a theory dictating that "there is no recognizable divine presence, such as a god, in the universe, and that humans are particularly insignificant in the larger scheme of intergalactic existence."

8

Frank Herbert

Image: Pierre Bamin

Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. is best known for writing the best-selling science fiction novel of all time, 1965's Dune , along with its five sequels. He also wrote short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist, photographer, book reviewer, ecological consultant, and lecturer.

His famous saga, set in the distant future and spanning millennia, explores complex themes, such as the long-term survival of the human species, human evolution, planetary science and ecology, and the intersection of religion, politics, economics, sex, and power in a future where humanity has long since developed interstellar travel and colonized thousands of worlds.

9

Ursula K. Le Guin

Image: Karsten Klemme

With a literary career spanning nearly sixty years, Ursula Kroeber Le Guin is another legendary name on this list. She is best known for her works of speculative fiction, including science fiction works set in her Hainish universe and the Earthsea fantasy series.

Frequently described as a science fiction author, Le Guin has also been called a "major voice in American letters," though she once said she would prefer to be known as an "American novelist."

10

Orson Scott Card

Image: Greg Rakozy

The only person to have won a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award in consecutive years, both for his novel Ender’s Game , and its sequel, Speaker for the Dead , Orson Scott Card is a science fiction writer who often features characters with exceptional gifts who make difficult choices with high stakes. Since 1979, he has published over 50 novels and 45 short stories.

During his childhood, Card read children's classics and popular novels, his favorite book being Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper . He often refers to works by Robert A. Heinlein and J. R. R. Tolkien as sources of inspiration.

1

Arizona

Image: Amber BC

There’s a blend that can please almost any palate: the fusion of American comfort food and bold Mexican flavors. If you like this combination, you've probably already tried Arizona's delicious Sonoran hot dogs.

Tucson and Phoenix are the two most recommended cities to try this tasty street food. Here's a description that will make your mouth water: a Sonoran hot dog is a sausage wrapped in bacon, served in a soft, slightly sweet bolillo roll, which is a Mexican-style bread.

And if that wasn't enough, the toppings are equally incredible. You can choose from iconic guacamole, spicy jalapeños, creamy pinto beans, hot sauce, and more!

2

New Mexico

Image: Alyson McPhee

If you're looking for unique and original flavors, we recommend making New Mexico your next destination.

It turns out that the Land of Enchantment is the home state of one of the most beloved dishes in terms of taste: green chile stew. What makes this hearty, comforting dish specialis right there in its name— New Mexico's green chile . This type of chile is less bitter than other varieties and has a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Chile is so deeply ingrained in New Mexico culture that the state has an official question related to it: "Red or green?"

3

Texas

Image: Luis Santoyo

If barbecue is your thing, this recipe is gonna be one of your favorites on this list. Be warned: you’ll want to head straight to Texas to try it.

The star dish in the Lone Star State is brisket. You've probably heard of it! Brisket is a cut of meat from the cow's lower chest, which is traditionally smoked low and slow until it becomes tender.

But wait—it’s not a dish for when you're in a hurry: Texas Brisket cooks for no less than 12 to 16 hours!

4

Hawaii

Image: Luke McKeown

Whether it’s music, dance, sports, or food, Hawaii has a lot to offer. One of its most recommended dishes is Huli Huli Chicken.

What makes this chicken dish so special? Let’s take a look. First, the chicken is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger (our mouths are watering just talking about it!). Then, it's cooked over a wood fire, which gives it that special smoky touch. During cooking, the chicken must be turned several times—a technique that gives the dish its name: "Huli" means "turn" in Hawaiian. This method creates pieces perfectly caramelized on the outside but tender on the inside. An authentic delicacy!

5

Alaska

Image: Mandy Bourke

We promise you one thing: you won't regret trying Alaskan smoked salmon! Whether you're planning a trip to the Last Frontier or you're simply a seafood fan, this flavor is for you.

Alaska is famous for its spectacular landscapes, beautiful lakes, vast distances, and, of course, a characteristic flavor: salmon. While many fish and seafood are popular in this northern state, salmon is among the most recommended by those who understand good food. It’s often said that its exceptional taste may be due, in part, to the cold temperature of the water in which this fish thrives.

6

South Dakota

Image: Todd Quackenbush

A dish doesn't have to be complex to be flavorful, and South Dakota's chislic is proof of that.

Chislic typically features cubed lamb, mutton, or beef that's seasoned and either fried or roasted. Its simplicity and versatility make it a dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions.

The meat cubes are served hot, often accompanied by delicacies such as hot sauce or ranch dressing on the side. Have you tried this recipe?

7

Massachusetts

Image: Dylan Ferreira

If you have a sweet tooth, you'll have no choice but to visit The Bay State. Ice cream is more than just a treat in Massachusetts; the state has a whole tradition built around this tasty dessert.

Massachusetts isn't just the birthplace of many iconic ice cream brands and chains; it also holds the crown for having the highest per capita ice cream consumption in the country. And there’s a simple explanation for this: ice cream there is simply scrumptious! Plus, you can find a variety of flavors rarely seen elsewhere.

8

Connecticut

Image: Nadya Spetnitskaya

If you love both pizza and seafood, you don’t have to choose between them; you can enjoy both at the same time with Connecticut’s iconic white clam pizza.

This unique pizza originated at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, a legendary spot in New Haven. But what makes it special? Well, let’s call it a rebel pizza—it breaks a few of the traditional "rules" you might expect a pizza to follow. Instead of tomato sauce, it has an olive and garlic base , topped with fresh clams , a staple in Connecticut cuisine. What do you think of this recipe?

9

Illinois

Image: Sergey Kotenev

American food offers something for everyone, even blending the best of different flavors into one dish. If meat and bread are your thing, you’ll love Illinois’ Italian beef.

First, a broth seasoned with delicious ingredients such as garlic and oregano is prepared. Then, the thinly sliced beef is simmered in the broth to absorb all the flavor. Once cooked, it's served on crusty bread.

An important part of the dish is its topping options: you can choose between a rich, spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers to add flavor and texture.

10

New Hampshire

Image: Nikldn

Now let’s go with a classic : pancakes with maple syrup. And we’re not talking about just any syrup, but the one from New Hampshire.

The Granite State is known for its pure, high-quality maple syrup, which is a key part of the state’s identity. And what better to pair with this sweet delight than a good stack of pancakes, right?

So now you know: if you want to take your breakfast to the next level, you have to visit New Hampshire. We recommend going in early spring , right at the peak of maple syrup season.

1

Dolly Parton – "Jolene," Glastonbury 2014

It’s hard to pick one iconic Dolly Parton live performance, as the Queen of Country knew exactly how to win over an audience with her extraordinary voice and charisma. But her unforgettable 2014 "Jolene" performance at Glastonbury Festival in England certainly has a special place in our hearts.

Playing in front of more than 180,000 people on the Pyramid Stage, she turned her 1973 classic song into a full-on spectacle, moving around the stage and joking as she and the audience belted out the chorus together. Only Dolly Parton could turn a British rock festival into a joyful country singalong.

2

Queen – Live Aid, 1985

Queen needed only 20 minutes at 1985 Live Aid to deliver one of the most memorable live performances in history. The band played "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Radio Ga Ga," "Hammer to Fall," and "We Are the Champions" at the massive charity concert, with 72,000 people filling every corner of Wembley Stadium in London.

Frontman Freddie Mercury delivered a spectacular musical performance, masterfully commanding the crowd and making them part of the show.

3

Elvis Presley – ’68 Comeback Special, 1968

After seven years away from the stage, the King of Rock and Roll made a legendary comeback on December 3, 1968, when NBC aired Elvis Presley’s television special. Wearing a black leather outfit in an intimate sit-down session, Elvis marked his return to live music after years of focusing on Hollywood movies.

He performed some of his most popular songs, including "That’s Alright," and closed the show with "If I Can Dream," a song inspired partly by the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. earlier that year.

4

Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison, 1968

The "Man in Black" had long been fascinated by prison life, and on January 13, 1968, he performed two concerts inside Folsom State Prison in California — and the inmates were animated throughout the show, especially when Cash performed "Cocaine Blues" and "Folsom Prison Blues."

Beyond the unusual location, the Folsom Prison concert, recorded for a legendary album, epitomized Cash’s iconoclastic stance as he entertained fellow outlaws and outsiders.

5

Whitney Houston – Super Bowl XXV, 1991

Whitney Houston's exceptional voice was already legendary, and she was one of the most famous and successful singers on the planet in 1991. But she stunned everyone when she sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Tampa Stadium in Florida, during the ongoing Gulf War.

The patriotic performance was a soulful showcase of Houston's vocal range and power in front of 73,000 people plus hundreds of millions more watching from home. The song reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and all the revenues went to the Gulf Crisis Fund.

6

Tina Turner – "Proud Mary," Amsterdam Arena in 1996

Tina Turner's explosive performances of "Proud Mary" had long been a signature number in her live shows, a song where she showed off everything that made her such a fantastic performer. But her performance of "Proud Mary" at Amsterdam Arena in 1996 was something else.

Her nonstop dancing and roaring voice at the peak of her solo superstardom tore the roof off the place and drove the audience crazy.

7

The Beatles – Shea Stadium, 1965

In front of roughly 55,600 fans in New York City at the peak of Beatlemania , John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr performed one of the first major stadium rock concerts in history.

The audience got so loud during the show that The Beatles later reported they had trouble hearing themselves, as the band’s regular amplifiers weren’t enough for that crowd.

8

Madonna – Blond Ambition Tour, 1990

Madonna’s remarkable 1990 Blond Ambition Tour had it all: singing, choreography, costumes, and provocative themes and imagery that ruffled some feathers. She was at the peak of her global fame, and her hypersexual performance of "Like a Virgin" raised some eyebrows, especially the choreography involving an iconic cone bra design by Jean Paul Gaultier.

The Blond Ambition Tour was a theatrical full-scale visual production that influenced generations of performers who followed.

9

Goo Goo Dolls – "Iris" in the rain, 2004

Although the Goo Goo Dolls are technically not one-hit wonders, the ballad "Iris" is by far the band’s most iconic song. And if anything could make it even more memorable, that was the epic 2004 performance in the rain in Buffalo, New York.

Just as the band began to play "Iris," a massive thunderstorm rolled in, pouring rain onto the stage ; but instead of stopping, lead singer John Rzeznik simply embraced the weather and used it to his advantage to deliver a cinematic performance in which the rain actually enhanced the song’s emotional climax.

10

Beyoncé – Coachella, 2018

On April 14, 2018, during a nearly two-hour concert packed with dancers, musicians, and even a marching band, Beyoncé became the first Black woman to headline Coachella . She played songs from throughout her career, including "Crazy in Love," "Formation," "Drunk in Love," and, of course, "Single Ladies."

The performance was so famous that fans even renamed it " Beychella " and turned it into a celebration of Black American musical tradition.