History History 3 min read

We can all get along

You will not believe these 12 unexpected friendships between celebrities

Image: Roberto Nickson

For some reason, odd friendships always seem so satisfying, and that is especially true when it comes to celebrities and famous people. Think Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg sharing laughs in the kitchen, or Britney Spears turning to Mel Gibson for support. These unlikely duos prove that friendship doesn’t always follow the rules of fame or personality. Sometimes, the most different people make the best connections. Did you know about these 12?

1
Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart

Image: Sigmund

When Snoop Dogg joined Martha Stewart on her show to make mashed potatoes, no one expected a lasting friendship. But their bond grew through TV appearances, comedy roasts, and countless collaborations .

Stewart once said working with Snoop is like having a sidekick: he helps her loosen up and feel free.

2
Helen Mirren and Vin Diesel

Image: Cook aynne

Dame Helen Mirren met Vin Diesel while filming Fate of the Furious in 2018, later joining him in F9 , Hobbs & Shaw , and Fast X .

"The most random people just have chemistry," she said. "And I adored Vin from the moment I met him."

3
Ellen DeGeneres and George W. Bush

Image: René DeAnda

In 2019, Ellen DeGeneres and former President George Bush were photographed together at a Dallas Cowboys game with their wives, Portia de Rossi and Laura Bush.

On her talk show, DeGeneres addressed their friendship, saying, "I’m friends with George Bush… and a lot of people who don’t share my beliefs. We’re all different, and I think we’ve forgotten that it’s okay."

4
Timothée Chalamet and Larry David

Image: ayumi kubo

Timothée Chalamet and comedy legend Larry David were spotted having lunch together at Sant Ambroeus in New York City.

Fans were delighted by the unlikely pairing, watching two very different Hollywood stars share a casual meal and a surprising connection.

5
50 Cent and Bette Midler

Image: Joel Muniz

In 2008, Bette Midler reached out to 50 Cent for fundraising advice , praising his G-Unity Foundation for donating millions to nonprofits.

She later shared how much his support meant, saying, "He’s really made my life worth living" and had stood by her "through thick and thin."

6
Britney Spears and Mel Gibson

Image: Mathew Browne

Mel Gibson reached out to Britney Spears in 2007, concerned about how the media was treating her .

"I just thought, ‘Is anyone reaching out to her?’" he told Jimmy Kimmel. He later took her on a trip to Costa Rica in 2008 to help her escape the spotlight.

7
Elton John and Eminem

Image: TopSphere Media

Eminem and Elton John struck up an unexpected friendship after performing together at the 2001 Grammys.

Eminem later turned to Elton for support during his struggles with addiction and even sent him a gift after his civil union.

8
Diane Keaton and Justin Bieber

Image: Barbora Dostálová

Diane Keaton starred in Justin Bieber's "Ghost" music video and soon became one of his closest confidantes .

Reflecting on the experience, Keaton said, "I couldn’t believe it. This was one of those moments when you think, ‘I’m what?’"

9
Russell Crowe and RZA

Image: Chase Fade

Russell Crowe and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA have worked together on several films, including The Man with the Iron Fists , American Gangster , and The Next Three Days .

Their bond goes beyond work, with Crowe sharing that they have deep conversations . "It’s no effort for me to give a friend advice," he said.

10
Harry Styles and Stevie Nicks

Image: Illia Horokhovsky

Harry Styles and Stevie Nicks’ friendship began in 2015 when Styles gave Nicks a birthday cake after a Fleetwood Mac show.

Styles admires Nicks deeply , calling her a "beacon" and saying, "She is everything you’ve ever wanted in a lady, in a lover, in a friend." Nicks, in turn, considers Styles like a son , praising his rock & roll album for its 1970s vibe, saying, "He could have made a pop record, but he chose the harder path."

11
Ed Sheeran and Courteney Cox

Image: Mahrous Houses

Ed Sheeran and Courteney Cox formed an unexpected friendship when he moved into her LA beach house .

In a show of support, Sheeran wrote on Instagram, urging fans to vote for Cox for a People’s Choice Award, saying, "She’s never won one, and she lets me live in her beach house, so let’s win her the damn thing."

12
Stella McCartney and Johnny Depp

Image: Christopher Zenzel

Fashion designer Stella McCartney has known Johnny Depp since her student days at Central Saint Martins.

During her graduate show, Depp and Kate Moss stayed at her London home. Last year, McCartney shared a photo with Depp from the set of her father Paul McCartney's Queenie Eye music video, celebrating their long friendship.

General General 3 min read

All hail the cheeseburger!

Happiness is a warm bun: 10 mouth-watering, all-American hamburgers

Image: Isaac Taylor

America loves burgers, and burgers love America. This match made in the U.S. became official when Lionel Sternberger decided to slap a slice of American cheese over a cooking hamburger in 1924 . Or at least, that’s what most historians seem to agree on. Cheese has since become an almost inseparable item on most hamburgers, but it is not the only ingredient added to the concoction—far from it. Our nation’s cooks’ ingenuity has created some amazing variations of the humble meat patty. Take a good look at the following 10. Have you tried any of these? And if you haven’t, are you tempted to?

1
Double-Double Animal-Style, In-N-Out

Image: Nathan Dumlao

In-N-Out is a well-known fast-food chain with many celebrated products and fans all over the country. But this particular menu item holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many of its visitors.

The Double-Double Animal Style burger with caramelized onions has the flavor and texture any burger with high hopes would dream of attaining. The crunchy pickles and lettuce, the soft buns, fresh tomatoes, and delicious cheese complete this culinary wonder.

2
Smoked Bacon Burger, SilverLake Bistro

Image: Arabi Ishaque

Miami, a town with many great eateries, is home to SilverLake Bistro, a mom-and-pop-style restaurant that walks the line between casual and refined. This burger sanctuary creates gourmet-grade burgers from scratch, complete with all the classic toppings.

The classic SilverLake Burger features premium-quality double patties , cheddar cheese , porcini mayo , homemade steak sauce , and smoked bacon , creating a sublime culinary experience.

3
Nasty Burger, Laha’s Red Castle

Image: amirali mirhashemian

It may sound like strong words, but for many who have tried them, Kentucky’s Laha’s Red Castle makes the "best cheeseburgers in the world."

One of its most cherished menu items, the Nasty Burger , is topped with caramelized onions and cheese scrapings from the griddle , creating a flavor experience that evokes the taste of onion soup mixed with a very, very good burger.

4
Dry-aged Burger, Bludorn

Image: Dennis Lorente

Bludorn’s Dry-Age Burger is a perfect example of simple ingredients done right and tasting incredible. The aged cheddar , short rib patty , Dijonnaise mustard , and caramelized onions come together to create a hamburger that isn’t overstuffed, allowing each ingredient to express its flavor.

5
Wagyu Burger, Ada’s Place

Image: Chris Tweten

The name itself gives a hint of what to expect when tasting Ada’s Place’s Wagyu Burger. The ultra-premium quality of the meat provides a tender and flavorful taste and texture.

The hamburger is served with American cheese and caramelized onions, which complement the meat and add a layer of crispness and creaminess to the experience.

6
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Brasil

Image: Fidel Fernando

Good, simple burgers can be hard to find in an age where beastly, gourmet patties seem to be the crowd's prevalent choice. But when browsing through the menus, these options do exist and sometimes make for the best experience possible.

Brasil’s aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of those cases. The double burger comes with caramelized onions , a delicate touch of jalapeño sauce , and crispy bacon , all lovingly wrapped between toasted potato rolls. All the best. Nothing more, nothing less.

7
Nancy’s Burger, Nancy’s Hustle

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Everybody knows that the menu item carrying the name of the location is bound to be something special, and the namesake burger at Nancy’s Hustle is no different.

The double-meat cheeseburger comes with house-made pickles skewered on top and is embraced by a soft inside, crispy outside English muffin . A simple treat that explodes with flavor in your mouth.

8
Mother Rucker, River Twice

Image: Howard Bouchevereau

Sometimes, the most experimental places also offer simple items that are just perfect. Such is the case with River Twice, a sophisticated restaurant with multi-course menus featuring exotic ingredients.

River Twice’s burger option, the Mother Rucker, might seem like an odd item on such a refined menu, but those who have tried it swear by it. This hamburger features perfectly cooked patties with crispy edges and a pink interior, topped with high-quality American cheese , pickled red onions, and mayo .

9
Lancaster Burger, Hill East Burger

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Hill Burger East is a well-known establishment among burger lovers, offering decadent takes on the classic patty. Its many options have something for everyone, but one stands out as the king: the Lancaster Burger.

This premium beef burger is topped with bacon , smoked cheddar , fresh arugula leaves , pickled onions , and a homemade hot sauce (optional, of course), combining its flavors into a mouth-watering treat for carnivores.

10
Juicy Lucy, Matt’s Bar

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Just as the name implies, the Juicy Lucy is not the kind of burger for someone who prefers their food neat. This creation features grilled beef and onions , topped and enveloped by hot, molten cheese . The flavorful combination is nothing short of delicious, but diners are advised to let the cheese cool off a bit before diving in.

Geography Geography 3 min read

Hidden country

10 places in America that still baffle scientists (and tourists love)

Image: JaZmi

America has no shortage of mysterious places—locations steeped in legend, unexplained science, or just eerie natural beauty. From strange floating orbs to weird geological phenomena, these destinations keep historians, scientists, and thrill-seekers guessing. Whether man-made or naturally puzzling, these 10 U.S. locations refuse to offer simple explanations.

1
Area 51

Image: Michael Herren

Location: Nevada

Shrouded in secrecy, this military base has become synonymous with UFOs and government cover-ups. Its official purpose was testing aircraft like the U-2 spy plane and Stealth Bomber, but its classified nature fueled decades of wild speculation, ranging from secret weapons to actual aliens working for the government.

2
Coral Castle

Image: Audric Wonkam

Location: Florida

This massive stone structure was built by a single man, Edward Leedskalnin, using enormous limestone blocks—some weighing 30 tons. According to him, no heavy machinery was ever used during the construction, and he even claimed to know the secrets of the pyramids . To this day, engineers and historians debate how he moved and placed those stones with such precision.

3
Skinwalker Ranch

Image: Jacob Padilla

Location: Utah

This 512-acre property has long been at the center of UFO sightings, cattle mutilations , and alleged portals to other dimensions. The stories were so compelling that, in the ’90s, a private research organization purchased the ranch to try and make some scientific sense of the claims, conducting extensive field studies. However, after nearly a decade of research, they found no conclusive evidence.

4
Mammoth Cave

Image: Ksenia Kudelkina

Location: Kentucky

The world’s longest known cave system has its fair share of unexplored tunnels, ghost stories, and strange air currents. More than 400 miles have been mapped , yet many passages remain uncharted. Researchers have yet to fully understand the cave’s underground ecosystem, and new chambers are still being discovered today.

5
The Marfa Lights

Image: Alexandra Vo

Location: Texas

Reported since at least the late 19th century, floating orbs of light have been seen near this small town with no consistent explanation. Night watchers continue to gather at designated viewing areas along Highway 90, hoping for a glimpse. While scientific studies suggest that distorted car headlights are the most likely cause, many remain convinced otherwise.

6
The Devil’s Kettle

Image: Andrew Ling

Location: Minnesota

This unusual waterfall splits in two—one half flows normally, while the other vanishes into a deep pothole with no known exit. Scientists poured dye, ping-pong balls, and even GPS trackers into the mysterious hole, all to see where the water ends up. While researchers eventually confirmed it rejoins the river underground, exactly how and where remained elusive for decades.

7
Cahokia Mounds

Image: pcrm Dorego

Location: Illinois

Built centuries before Columbus arrived in the Americas, the ancient city of Cahokia featured massive earthen mounds, wooden palisades, and likely formed part of complex trade networks across the continent. Despite having a population rivaling London in the 1200s, according to archaeologists, the city was mysteriously abandoned in the span of a few years. No written records explain its decline, though environmental stress, resource shortages, and internal social factors are often cited as possible causes.

8
Blythe Intaglios

Image: Alexander Schimmeck

Location: California

Similar to Peru’s Nazca Lines, these giant geoglyphs are etched into the desert floor, seemingly visible only from the sky. Created by scraping away dark rocks to reveal lighter earth beneath, the figures are believed to be between 450 and 2,000 years old, depending on the specific design. While their exact purpose remains a mystery, they are believed to have had a ceremonial function.

9
The Spooklight

Image: Ben Griffiths

Location: Missouri-Oklahoma Border

Also known as the Hornet Spooklight, this floating orb has been seen since at least the late 19th century. It appears along a rural stretch of road near the small community of Hornet, Missouri, and Quapaw, Oklahoma. While some theorize it could be caused by car lights from miles away, some sightings predate automobiles.

10
Roanoke Island

Image: Stephen Crane

Location: North Carolina

In the 1580s, an entire colony vanished overnight, leaving behind only the word "Croatoan" carved into a tree. No graves, no remains—just an eerie disappearance that sparked centuries of theories, from disease and starvation to assimilation with local tribes. Modern archaeology uncovered European artifacts at sites associated with Native groups miles away, but no definitive evidence has ever solved the mystery.

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