2024: Year of the Dragon

 Say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and say hello to the Year of the Dragon. Chinese New Year begins on February 10, as over a billion people around the world welcome the start of the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, with each year in that cycle marking a different animal. The 12 zodiac animals in order include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to possess innate confidence and are destined for prosperity.

Wampanoag Tribe

 The Pilgrims celebrated the event that Americans traditionally refer to as the "First Thanksgiving" in October 1621 after their first harvest in the New World. 53 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Native Americans participated in this three-day feast (survivors of the Mayflower). A lesser-known Thanksgiving feast that took place in Virginia in 1619 among English immigrants who had just arrived in Berkeley Hundred on the ship Margaret is less well-known.

In the summer, Massasoit, the leader of the adjacent Wampanoag tribe, forged an alliance with the Pilgrims. Massasoit supported the Pilgrims' food supply for the first few years in return for help in defense against the dreaded Narragansett tribe.

The fourth Thursday in November is recognized as a federal holiday in the United States as Thanksgiving. To differentiate it from the similar festivities in other countries and the Canadian holiday of the same name, it is often referred to as American Thanksgiving outside of the United States. The holiday's focus is on giving gratitude, and Thanksgiving supper continues to be the focal point of festivities. It was first observed as a day of thanksgiving and a harvest festival. Turkey, potatoes (often mashed or sweet), stuffing, squash, corn (maize), green beans, cranberries (generally in sauce form), and pumpkin pie make up the traditional Thanksgiving supper. Observing religious services, donating to humanitarian groups that provide Thanksgiving food to the less fortunate, and watching sporting events like the NFL and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on television are other Thanksgiving traditions. The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is the largest shopping day of the year in the United States. Black Friday is recognized as the start of the Christmas and holiday season.

Key West, Florida

 Key West is a small island city located in the Florida Keys, which is a chain of islands located off the southern coast of Florida. The island is situated about 90 miles north of Cuba and is the southernmost city in the continental United States. The island is only about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, with a population of around 25,000 people.

Key West has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, when it was first settled by Spanish and American fishermen. The island quickly became a popular destination for sailors, and by the mid-19th century, it had become a major port for shipbuilding, fishing, and salvage operations. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Key West was a popular destination for writers and artists, including Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote on the island for several years.

During the 20th century, Key West became a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and laid-back island lifestyle. The island is home to a variety of attractions, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. The island is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with a number of galleries, museums, and performance venues.

Key West is also known for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and music venues that offer live music and entertainment. The island is also home to a number of annual festivals and events, including Fantasy Fest, a week-long street party that takes place each October and features costumes, parades, and live music.

Key West is also a popular destination for water sports like fishing, snorkeling and diving. The island is surrounded by coral reefs that are home to a wide variety of marine life, and the clear waters make it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are also many fishing charter boats that operate out of Key West, offering visitors the chance to go deep-sea fishing and try their hand at catching tuna, shark, and other big game fish.

The island also has a number of state and national parks and preserves, including the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located about 70 miles west of Key West and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century military fort that is now a popular tourist attraction, as well as crystal clear waters, and an abundance of marine life.

"Pink Ladies"-Grease

 The Pink Ladies are a group of teen girls who attend Rydell High School in the film Grease. Betty Rizzo, better known by her surname "Rizzo", is the sarcastic leader of the Pink Ladies. She smokes, has a strong voice, and projects a confident exterior which masks her vulnerability. Faced with an unplanned pregnancy scare, she grapples with her emotions in the powerful ballad "There Are Worse Things I Could Do." In the 1978 film, she is portrayed by Stockard Channing. Other members of the Pink Ladies consist of Jan, Marty, Frenchy, and Sandy.

Bob Hayes

 The only person to win both a Super Bowl ring and an Olympic gold medal is Bob Hayes. Known for his exceptional speed, Hayes earned his Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he set a world record. Transitioning to the gridiron, Hayes made a name for himself as a wide receiver in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. He played a pivotal role in the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl VI, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile athletes in history, with accomplishments spanning across both track and football.

Tom Brady

 Tom Brady stands atop the hierarchy when comparing Super Bowl MVP awards among the pantheon of NFL quarterbacks, including Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Peyton Manning. Brady's illustrious career not only redefined longevity and excellence in the NFL but also cemented his legacy with a record number of Super Bowl MVP awards, a testament to his critical role in the most pivotal games of the sport.

Brady has been awarded the Super Bowl MVP a record five times, showcasing his dominance and clutch performance in the league's most significant games. His MVP honors came from his performances in Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI, and LV. Each of these games highlighted Brady's ability to lead his team under pressure, make crucial plays, and often orchestrate game-winning drives in the dying moments. Notably, in Super Bowl LI, Brady led one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, rallying the New England Patriots from a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to win in overtime. This victory not only secured his fifth ring but also his fourth Super Bowl MVP award, a feat no other player has matched.

Comparatively, Joe Montana, the San Francisco 49ers legend, earned the Super Bowl MVP three times during his career. Montana's calm demeanor and precision passing in critical moments earned him the nickname "Joe Cool." His awards came from his performances in Super Bowl XVI, XIX, and XXIV, where he exhibited flawless execution and leadership.

Terry Bradshaw, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback in the 1970s, claimed the Super Bowl MVP award twice. Bradshaw's powerful arm and fearless play were instrumental in the Steelers' dominance of the era, leading them to victories in Super Bowl XIII and XIV.

Peyton Manning, one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, won the Super Bowl MVP once. Manning's recognition came from leading the Indianapolis Colts to a win in Super Bowl XLI. Despite facing fierce competition throughout his career, Manning's meticulous preparation and exceptional football intellect were on full display in his MVP performance.

Miami Dolphins

 The 1972 Miami Dolphins stand alone in NFL history as the only team to complete an entire season undefeated from the opening game through the Super Bowl. The undefeated campaign was led by third-year head coach Don Shula, alongside renowned players such as Bob Griese, Earl Morrall, Mercury Morris, and Larry Csonka. The 1972 Dolphins went 14–0 in the regular season and won all three post-season matchups, culminating in a Super Bowl VII victory over the Washington Redskins. They remain the only NFL team to complete a perfect, undefeated season. 

Adolf and Rudolf Dassler

 Two of the world's most iconic shoe brands emerged from a bout of bad blood between siblings. In the 1920s, brothers Adolf and Rudolf Dassler were partners in the Dassler Brothers Sports Shoe Company in Herzogenaurach, Germany. In 1949, following a breakdown in the relationship between the brothers, Adolf created Adidas, while Rudolf founded Puma. Thus began a fierce and enduring rivalry between Puma and Adidas, marked by intense competition and bitter animosity. Legend has it that the brothers, once inseparable, never spoke again.

Alfred Hitchcock

 The Birds is a 1963 American thriller-horror film that Alfred Hitchcock both produced and directed. It is loosely based on Daphne du Maurier's 1952 short tale of the same name and centers on a series of violent bird attacks on residents of Bodega Bay, California, spanning a few days.

Along with Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, and Veronica Cartwright, the movie also stars Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, who is making her acting debut. The script was written by Evan Hunter, who was instructed by Hitchcock to include new characters and a more complex storyline while maintaining the title and the idea of mysterious bird assaults from du Maurier.

Ub Iwerks' contribution to the movie earned him a nomination for Best Special Effects at the 36th Academy Awards. However, Emil Kosa Jr. for Cleopatra, the only other candidate, received the prize.

The Birds was chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry by the United States Library of Congress in 2016 after being judged to be "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important."