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Getting Democrats and Republicans to agree on just about any issue is an exercise in frustration, which is one of the reasons the U.S. government has been stuck in gridlock the past couple of years. Yet one issue both parties agree upon is this: the national debt poses a grave threat to the future health of the United States. Of course, both parties vehemently disagree on how to balance the budget and pay down the debt. Democrats favor such solutions as tax increases on higher income individuals and cuts to military spending; Republicans are pushing for cuts to domestic spending and tax reform to spur the economy. Meanwhile, the national debt, which stands at almost $16 trillion as of this writing, continues to grow. How did the U.S. get into this situation? Here’s a look back at 10 milestones in the growth of the U.S. national debt.

Once upon a time, most people thought of plastic surgery only when they stood at the supermarket checkout line, scanning sensational tabloid headlines (“Hollywood’s biggest plastic surgery failures!” “Did she or didn’t she get a lift?”) In recent years, however, advances in surgical techniques, lower prices and favorable media coverage through shows such as Extreme Makeover have helped popularize plastic surgery for the masses. Almost 10 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures were carried out in the United States in 2009, according to the United States Census Bureau. Here’s a look at the top five most common plastic surgeries in the United States, according to estimates by census.gov and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Unidentified flying objects have been around since ancient times, although they didn’t get the tag “UFO” until the early 1950s, after a number of sightings in that era. The so-called field of ufology has conducted numerous studies investigating the phenomenon, but in many cases the research has created more questions than answers. Complicating the issue, the field has also lent itself to hoaxes ranging from faked photographs and videos of “flying saucers” to claims of bogus government agencies investigating alien activity. Here are five of the most intriguing UFO and alien-related hoaxes that went a bit further.

The Human Genome Project (HGP), which concluded in 2003, has been hailed as the equivalent of the Manhattan Project to build the atom bomb, and the Apollo missions to the Moon. Sequencing the human genome led to many surprises. For example, humans have just 20,000 to 25,000 genes, far less than previously thought, and scientists will be examining their role via the exciting new field of Epigenetics for decades to come. This breakthrough promises to revolutionize medicine, and perhaps in our lifetime we’ll see cures or effective treatments for such scourges as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and more. But like any new scientific discovery, modern genetics is fraught with ethical dilemmas. Who owns your genes? Should a corporation be allowed to patent a gene discovery? Should we manipulate genetics, and will this technology soon be available to “basement tinkerers” as well as major institutions? Just as in the cyber-world, the genetics revolution rolls on as litigation struggles to keep up. Here are some of the major dilemmas facing modern genetics today.

New technologies were everywhere in the 1950s and 1960s. The Atomic Age had hit full stride, jet engines and interstate highways had revolutionized travel and televisions had become common in most homes. People talked excitedly about emerging technologies, when they could heat food in seconds in space-age microwave ovens, or buy a $5,000 home computer … why, some experts predicted that people would one day use portable telephones. Auto manufacturers found themselves enamored with the future as well, building or designing sleek concept cars that included some options we now take for granted — cruise control, anti-lock brakes — along with some features that seem laughable in retrospect, such as cars powered by jet turbine or nuclear-powered (!) engines. Here’s a look back at 10 concept cars from that golden era.

If you have spent any time in gyms, then you’ve probably encountered someone who ruined your experience. Maybe someone started talking to you, and wouldn’t stop, despite your hints. Or maybe you spent 20 minutes on a treadmill beside someone with the volume on their iPod cranked so loud you couldn’t hear yourself think. Those of us who visit the gym on a regular basis have seen most of these annoying characters before.

You’ve probably seen the lists: “Best Cities to Start a Business.” “Friendliest Towns in America.” “Safest Cities in the U.S.” And on and on. But many times, these lists feature communities that while safe, or inexpensive, are sorely lacking in culture, entertainment and other amenities. We've compiled a list of 10 small towns and cities that won’t break the bank, but are also very livable, loaded with character, history and plenty of amenities. Our list of well-rounded communities all boast around 100,000 or fewer residents — in keeping with a U.S. government definition that “mid-sized cities” exceed 100,000 in population. Regardless of whether you call them a “city” or a “town,” these places offer all, or most, of the attributes — a good economy, low crime, culture, entertainment and activities — that people generally look for when putting down roots.

When our not-so-distant ancestors wanted to get a bird’s-eye view of the world around them, they climbed the nearest tree, or if they were lucky, a nearby hilltop or mountain. Today, spaceflight, aerial photography and advances in computer graphics have given us some interesting and insightful new looks at our planet. Here are a few videos, maps or simulations of the Earth that are sure to spark your imagination.

There are literally thousands of great experiments awaiting the scientifically curious. And while the days of chemistry sets containing such chemicals as sulfur and potassium may be long gone, there are still plenty of fascinating experiments from the world of chemistry and physics waiting to be tried. What follows are 10 science teacher favorites. Some of these are classics and straight out of the high school science lab, while others are hidden gems that instructors can add to their repertoire. And while some may require access to exotic chemicals or specialized equipment, some can be done with simple materials found around the house. Here’s a quick rundown, with accompanying videos, of 10 of our favorites. A quick disclaimer: Attempt these experiments at your own risk.

Film critics may serve a valuable purpose for moviegoers, but even more helpful is hindsight — especially for critics. Not one of the motion pictures listed below as the best of the ’00s won the Oscar for Best Picture, although most were at least nominated for something. But these are the movies people are still talking about, and watching, years later. The below films are listed in alphabetical order. This is the first of a five-part series on top films of the past five decades.