1

Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe

Image: William P. Gottlieb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Strange as it may sound, Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe developed a beautiful friendship in the 1950s. Hollywood's favorite blonde was a big fan of Fitzgerald's music and went to see her perform in Los Angeles in 1954. When they met in person they became inseparable.

Monroe helped her land a gig at the famous Mocambo nightclub in Los Angeles, which had previously turned Fitzgerald down. These performances were a turning point in the career of the Queen of Jazz. Marilyn used to say that Ella was her favorite person and that she loved her as a person and as a singer. They remained friends until Monroe's death at the age of 36.

2

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

Image: Tholey, A. (Augustus), artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are perhaps America's most famous pair of "frenemies". Their historic relationship began in 1775. Despite their very different political views, the two Founding Fathers maintained an on-and-off relationship for five decades, tinged by a mixture of mutual respect and contempt.

Their relationship began to crack when George Washington decided not to run for a third term, and Adams and Jefferson had to compete for the presidency. They stopped speaking to each other for 12 years, but finally, in 1812, they resumed contact. Perhaps as proof of their troubled but strong friendship, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died just a few hours apart on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

3

Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot

Image: Flybynight

One was a comedian of the absurd, the other a melancholic poet and Nobel laureate. Believe it or not, Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot were friends and admired each other. In 1961, Eliot wrote to Marx, telling him he was a fan and asking for an autographed photo. Marx agreed to the request and asked the same of Eliot. For the next three years, the two became pen pals, exchanging many letters.

According to Groucho Marx, they shared three things: an affection for good cigars, a love of cats, and a weakness for puns. However, when they finally met in person in 1964 they realized that they didn’t have that much in common after all and their relationship started to fade.

4

Ulysses S. Grant and James Longstreet

Image: Mathew Benjamin Brady, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ulysses S. Grant was the commander of the Union Army during the Civil War. James Longstreet, on the other hand, fought for the Confederate Army and became one of General Robert E. Lee's most trusted officers. That should make them enemies, right? Well, not exactly.

Grant and Longstreet became friends as young officers in the US Army and served together in the Mexican-American War. Years later they went their separate ways but were reunited after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. In fact, it was Longstreet who convinced General Lee to surrender, knowing that Grant would offer him generous terms. As soon as Grant saw Longstreet, he shook his hand warmly and asked him to play a game of cards for old time's sake.

5

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Image: DawesDigital, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Susan B. Anthony is known for having been a tireless activist who dedicated most of her 86 years to achieving women's suffrage. In 1851, Anthony met suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, with whom she developed a lifelong friendship. Together they launched a national women's suffrage movement, published a newspaper called The Revolution , and gave many lectures.

Stanton died in 1902 and Anthony in 1906. It was not until 1920 that women were allowed to vote legally for the first time in U.S. federal elections, yet the legacy of these two friends was certainly invaluable.

6

Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla

Image: Marija Zaric

Can a literary genius and a giant of science become good friends? In the case of Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla, the answer is definitely yes. Although the professions of writer and inventor seem very different, they actually have something very strong in common: creativity.

Tesla, who had been bedridden for nine months because of cholera, found in Twain's work a refuge that made him completely forget his state of despair. Meanwhile, Twain was fascinated by technological innovations and, in particular, by electricity. When the two men finally met in the 1890s, they became close friends. Over the years they maintained an assiduous correspondence and supported each other both professionally and personally.

7

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett

Image: ENERGY.GOV, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the richest men in the United States, have been friends for more than 30 years. They met in 1991 at a Fourth of July celebration, and although they thought they had nothing in common, they spent 11 hours discussing business and philanthropy.

Bill and Warren played ping-pong together, traveled the world for business and pleasure, and shared several initiatives to encourage billionaires to invest their money in social and charitable endeavors. The creator of Microsoft also claims that Warren Buffett's advice and business vision were indispensable for the growth of his company.

8

Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley

Image: National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 1860s, Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave who had managed to buy her freedom and start a sewing business, landed an important position in the White House as Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln's personal dressmaker. Despite their different upbringings, the two women developed a close relationship. In fact, the first lady came to describe her as her best friend.

Over the years Keckley became a confidant of Mrs. Lincoln; the two women traveled and worked together to raise money for the war effort. Unfortunately, their friendship ended when Keckley published her memoirs in 1868. Keckley had wanted the book to celebrate Mrs. Lincoln's legacy, but the First Lady felt betrayed as it revealed some private conversations.

9

Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bob Hope

Image: NBC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Throughout his long career, comedian Bob Hope was a frequent White House visitor who had the honor of entertaining 11 different commanders-in-chief. In fact, he considered them the best possible audience. But of all the presidents who laughed at his jokes, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the one with whom he formed the most enduring relationship.

They met in Algeria in 1943 when Eisenhower was a General for the U.S. Army and Hope was performing at a United Service Organization show. They immediately hit it off. Even when Ike became president 10 years later their friendship continued. They often exchanged letters and played golf together.

10

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Image: Bill Ingalls, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck met in the 1980s in Cambridge, Massachusetts when they were still young children. They bonded over their passion for basketball and acting, and have been friends ever since. In fact, while in high school, they often traveled together to audition.

Damon and Affleck's partnership is arguably one of the most successful in Hollywood. They not only acted in movies together several times, but they also co-wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting , which earned them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1997.

11

Truman Capote and Barbara "Babe" Paley

Image: Eric Koch for Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another controversial friendship was that of author Truman Capote and New York socialite Barbara "Babe" Paley. This odd couple met in the late 1960s after Capote published In Cold Blood and became something of a celebrity. They quickly became close friends and confidants.

However, when in 1975 Capote published a preview of his forthcoming book Answered Prayers in Esquire magazine airing some of his friend’s secrets, their relationship was forever ruined. Although the writer admired Babe and considered her perfect, he could not resist the temptation to betray her.

12

John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra

Image: FotoshopTofs

No one knows exactly when and how they met, but it is not surprising that US President John F. Kennedy and music legend Frank Sinatra were friends. In addition to their mutual admiration, their relationship was beneficial to both. Sinatra gained access to the halls of power, while Kennedy relied on The Voice's charm and popularity to win votes in the 1960 presidential election.

When Kennedy won, the president-elect publicly thanked Sinatra for his campaign efforts. Unfortunately, the friendship fell apart after JFK entered the White House. According to lore, First Lady Jackie Kennedy didn't like the singer. And, let's be honest, Sinatra's alleged connections to organized crime weren't a good look for a head of state anyway.

1

Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

Image: Rémi Müller

The first mushroom in our list is also the most toxic in the world. It was originally found only in Europe until imported trees transported it to America and everywhere else. Over time, Death Caps adapted to native trees, enhancing their ability to proliferate.

These unassuming-looking mushrooms have tinted green caps, white stems, white gills, and a white partial veil . They grow around oak, beech, chestnut, birches, hornbeams, spruce, and pine. Death Caps fruit in summer through fall underneath these trees, and are responsible for more than 90% of all mushroom poisonings and fatalities worldwide.

2

Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera)

Image: Sai Kiran Belana

Another member of the Amanita species with an ominous name, the Destroying Angel is the number one toxic mushroom in North America and is extremely widespread. Its all-white cap and stem often lead to mistaken identity with button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms.

The Destroying Angel grows from a white volva egg-like sac, features gills, and has a tall, slender stem . Its stems typically range from 3 to 8 inches in length, making it stand out in the forest like an all-white apparition. None of the common lookalikes grow this tall.

3

Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata)

Image: Lucas van Oort

The Funeral Bell appears somewhat harmless, and most poisonings are from mistaken identification. This "little brown mushroom" closely resembles several edible species, including the widespread Sheathed Woodtuft.

Funeral Bells grow on rotting wood, preferring conifer species, though they are not limited to them. They are found across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. This mushroom features a cone-shaped brown cap, light brown gills, and a tan to rusty-brown stem . A key distinguishing feature is a membranous ring around the upper part of the stem.

4

Pholiotina rugosa (previously Conocybe filaris)

Image: Kadri Võsumäe

A common lawn mushroom prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, this deadly fungus contains amatoxins, which destroy the liver and can cause death. Pholiotina rugosa is slender, petite, and rather innocent-looking. The cap is smooth, brown, and conical, with rusty brown gills underneath . The stem is also brown and features a distinctive, prominent ring around the middle—a key identification feature.

This deadly mushroom isn’t picky about habitat. It will grow on the lawn, soil, compost, and woodchips. P. rugosa is easily transported to new locations through woodchip and compost deliveries and adapts to new environments with little trouble.

5

Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa)

Image: Hoejin Iwai

Fool’s Funnel grows across North America in meadows, lawns, and other grassy areas from summer through autumn. It often grows in fairy rings, and accidental consumption by children or pets is a significant concern. These toxic mushrooms are small, white, and benign-looking . The caps are white and funnel-shaped, with crowded white gills underneath. Fool’s Funnel stems are also white and lack distinctive markings.

While this fungus rarely causes death, its ingestion will cause severe pain. This mushroom contains high levels of muscarine which acts as a nerve agent when ingested.

6

Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus)

Image: Markus Spiske

Another mushroom with a foreboding name, the Deadly Webcap, is found in coniferous and mixed forests across North America. It contains a toxin called orellanine, which can cause severe kidney failure when ingested.

The Deadly Webcap bears a close resemblance to edible species like the Chanterelle , making it especially dangerous for foragers.

7

False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta)

Image: jaStra

As the name implies, the False Morel is a toxic mushroom closely resembling the highly prized Morel mushroom . It contains a toxin called gyromitrin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, seizures, and even death if ingested in large quantities.

There are multiple species of False Morels, and current evidence suggests that many are safe to eat, while Gyromitra esculenta should still be foraged with caution. Many people consume this mushroom, but only with proper preparation. This is not a mushroom you can simply sauté and eat; proper preparation is necessary to remove most of the toxins, making it "safe.

8

Common Conecap (Pholiotina rugosa)

Image: Oliver Fetter

This small brown mushroom contains the same deadly amatoxins found in the Death Cap and Destroying Angel. It is commonly found on or around wood mulch , particularly in landscaped areas. Its tendency to appear in yards makes it especially dangerous. Ingesting even a small amount of this toxic fungus can result in severe illness or death.

9

Amanita Muscaria

Image: Егор Камелев

Probably the most recognizable mushroom shape in the world is Amanita muscaria . Its stereotypical toadstool stands out in the woods thanks to its bright red cap with white spots and a white stem . These mushrooms are considered toxic and can cause pain but are unlikely to cause death.

Few mushrooms share the same scarlet hue that makes them so visible in green and brown underbrush. The white bumps on the cap also create a distinct, eye-catching pattern.

10

Green-Spored Parasol

Image: Timothy Dykes

Known as "the vomiter" for the effects it can have on anyone who consumes it, the Green-Spored Parasol has the same general shape as the Death Cap and Destroying Angel. Its stem is tall and thin, with a skirt that sits just under the cap . This cap ranges from rounded downward to wide and flat, depending on the mushroom’s age.

The symptoms from its ingestion range from extreme stomach irritation to bloody diarrhea, as well as the aforementioned vomiting. Therefore, caution is advised.

1

James Dean’s red jacket in Rebel Without a Cause

Image: visualsofdana

James Dean owned the screen in Rebel Without a Cause while wearing a red Harrington jacket . Jim Stark’s rebellious spirit resonated with a generation of teenagers, turning the jacket into a symbol of youthful defiance. That cool, casual style caught on in the ’50s and influenced menswear for years to come.

2

Tom Cruise’s aviator sunglasses in Top Gun

Image: Nitin Dhumal

When Top Gun soared into theaters in the ’80s, sales of Ray-Ban Aviators took off like a jet fighter, reportedly increasing by 40%. Tom Cruise’s confident Maverick made these shades the ultimate symbol of effortless cool .

The latest installment of the franchise once again led to a surge in sales. Worn by pilots and by pop stars, Aviators remain a classic icon of the tough-guy aesthetic.

3

Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel’s haircut in Friends

Image: Ilse Orsel

"The Rachel" wasn’t just a haircut—it was the haircut. Salons were flooded with requests for Jennifer Aniston’s bouncy, layered style .

The irony? Aniston reportedly hated it. But that didn’t stop an entire generation from chopping their locks in pursuit of sitcom-perfect hair .

4

Nancy Sinatra’s go-go boots

Image: Heriberto Jahir Medina

Nancy Sinatra’s "These Boots Are Made for Walkin’"—along with the groovy go-go dancers on "Laugh-In" —made white go-go boots the must-have footwear of the swinging ’60s.

Fun, fashionable, and full of youthful energy , they became a symbol of the era. Every mod girl needed a pair to complete her look and strut her stuff.

5

Marilyn Monroe’s white dress

Image: Stephen Leonardi

A subway grate, a gust of wind, and boom. One of the most famous dresses in movie history was born. Marilyn Monroe’s billowing white halter dress is still a summer fashion inspiration more than half a century later.

Her signature winged eyeliner, red lips, and the Chanel No. 5 she allegedly wore to bed were also picked up by women all over the world.

6

Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox hat & suits

Image: Florida Memory

Jackie Kennedy’s impeccable style captivated the nation. Her elegant suits and perfectly perched pillbox hats turned heads with every public appearance.

Women everywhere sought to emulate her sophisticated, polished look, turning the First Lady into an unexpected fashion icon.

7

Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hair in Charlie’s Angels

Image: Flybynight

An example of one poster that became one million salon appointments. Farrah Fawcett’s feathered waves became the ultimate hair trend of the 1970s, thanks to Charlie’s Angels.

Women flocked to salons, armed with cans of hairspray and dreams of achieving the perfect Farrah flip.

8

Madonna’s lace gloves & layered bracelets

Image: Paolo Sbalzer

Madonna was as much a fashion icon as she was a music sensation. During her Like a Virgin era in the ‘80s , she introduced a bold new style: layered rubber bracelets, rosary beads, lace gloves, and a rebellious attitude. Young girls everywhere embraced her edgy, playful look, making it a defining trend of the decade.

9

Run-D.M.C.’s Adidas sneakers

Image: Rahul Shah

No laces? No problem. Run-D.M.C. turned Adidas shell-toe sneakers into hip-hop royalty . Their song "My Adidas" made the brand explode, and suddenly sneakers with the three stripes were everywhere. Comfortable, stylish, and effortlessly cool—now that’s a trend anyone could get behind.

10

Reese's Pieces in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Image: FlyD

Did you know that in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial , the beloved alien was originally supposed to be obsessed with M&Ms, not Reese’s Pieces ? Luckily for the latter, Mars turned down the offer to feature their product in a Spielberg movie.

The result? After the movie’s massive success, sales of Reese’s Pieces skyrocketed by 65%. A perfect example of how sweet product placement can be.

11

Etch-a-Sketch in Toy Story

Image: Nong

Sure, Toy Story featured dozens of different toys, but one classic that had been around for decades experienced a major resurgence after the movie’s release.

The Etch A Sketch saw a spike in sales in the ’90s, thanks to its memorable cameo in the Pixar movie. Maybe kids were drawn to its simple shake-and-draw magic , or perhaps parents couldn’t resist a wave of nostalgia.

12

Kurt Cobain’s grunge look

Image: Ralph Rabago

Kurt Cobain didn’t dress for the cameras or the music industry, yet he defined an iconic style in the ’90s. His thrift-store flannels, ripped jeans , and round sunglasses became the uniform of a generation.

Ironically, the grunge aesthetic—born from a rejection of mainstream fashion—became one of the decade’s biggest trends.