16 Astonishing Facts You Were Unaware Of About Pizza

Historical Beginnings of Pizza: While pizza is now famously Italian, its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Greeks and Egyptians used to bake flatbreads garnished with olive oil and various spices. The version of pizza we recognize today, featuring tomato toppings, began to appear in Naples around the late 1700s.

Pizza Consumption in America: According to the National Association of Pizza Operators, Americans consume pizza at an astonishing rate of 350 slices per second, which equates to about 100 acres of pizza each day.

Monthly Pizza Enjoyment: A Mintel survey found that an impressive 93% of Americans eat pizza at least once a month.

The Priciest Pizza in the World: The most expensive pizza can be found at Luis XIII in Salerno, Italy, with a price tag of $12,000. This extravagant pizza is topped with three kinds of caviar, Norwegian lobster, buffalo mozzarella, and Australian sea salt.

Pizza for Breakfast: Surprisingly, 36% of Americans consider pizza an appropriate breakfast choice, often opting for leftovers from the previous night.

Favorite Pizza Topping: According to a Harris Poll®, pepperoni is the most favored pizza topping, closely followed by sausage.

Record-Breaking Pizza: On December 13, 2012, in Rome, Italy, Dovilio Nardi and his team made the largest pizza ever, covering a staggering 13,580.28 square feet, as verified by Guinness World Records.

Space Pizza Delivery: In 2001, the Russian Space Agency made history by delivering a six-inch pizza to Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachov aboard the International Space Station, at a cost exceeding one million dollars.

Top Pizza Sales Day: Super Bowl Sunday holds the record for the highest pizza delivery sales in the U.S., followed closely by Halloween, the day before Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

The Name "Pizza": The term "pizza" first appeared in recorded history around 997 AD in Gaeta, Italy, though its exact origin remains a mystery.

The Cornicione: The outer edge of the pizza crust is known as the "cornicione." It is often left uneaten, particularly by children.

Post-World War II Pizza Popularity: World War II played a significant role in the global popularity of pizza. American soldiers stationed in Italy developed a taste for it and brought their appreciation for pizza back home, spurring its widespread adoption.

National Pizza Month: October was declared National Pizza Month in 1984 by Gerry Durnell, the publisher of Pizza Today magazine, in celebration of this beloved dish.

America’s Oldest Pizzeria: Papa’s Tomato Pies in Trenton, New Jersey, established in 1912 by Giuseppe Papa, is the oldest continuously operating pizzeria in the U.S. and is still run by the Papa family.

Pizza Industry Economics: In the U.S., the pizza industry is a $37 billion enterprise, providing over a million jobs across approximately 73,000 pizzerias.

Pizza Eating Record: Cristian Dumitru of Romania set an astounding record by consuming 200 pounds of pizza in just one week, a feat that amazed pizza enthusiasts worldwide.

6 Gorgeous Coastal Towns Worldwide

Explore enchanting seaside towns that blend history, culture, and natural beauty.

1.                 Polperro, England

Tucked away in Cornwall, Polperro enchants visitors with its traditional 16th-century fishing cottages along narrow lanes. Despite its serene appearance, this village was a bustling smuggling hub in the 18th century. Dive into this fascinating past at the Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing before wandering through local boutiques and galleries.

2.                 Saint George’s, Bermuda

Saint George’s, founded in the early 1600s, is home to the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere, St. Peter's, established in 1612. Its charming streets are lined with brightly colored buildings and white limestone roofs. Be sure to visit the Lili Bermuda Perfumery in historic Stewart Hall, where you can craft your own perfume or relax in the picturesque gardens.

3.                 Manarola, Italy

Sitting 230 feet above the Ligurian Sea, Manarola is part of the beautiful Cinque Terre region. This medieval village is famous for its cliffside houses overlooking crystal-clear waters. Known for its production of white wine and olive oil, Manarola is perfect for relaxing beach days or daring cliff jumping adventures.

4.                 Camden, Maine, USA

Camden epitomizes the classic New England coastal town with its scenic Penobscot Bay setting and views of Mount Battie. After a devastating fire in 1892, Camden's downtown was rebuilt and is now a historic district with elegant brick buildings like the Camden Opera House. Explore the harbor filled with historic windjammers and enjoy walks along streets lined with white clapboard houses.

5.                 Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, established over 2,000 years ago, is Montenegro’s oldest town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its historic district features narrow alleys, stone buildings, and medieval churches such as St. Luke's Church. Set against the stunning Bay of Kotor and Mount Lovcen, this town combines rich history with breathtaking natural beauty.

6.                 Lunenburg, Canada

Situated on Nova Scotia’s southern coast, Lunenburg is a UNESCO-listed town known for its historical importance. Established in 1753, it was a key shipbuilding and fishing port. Traditionally painted in black and white, its colorful homes and vibrant community reflect its maritime heritage and cheerful atmosphere.

These coastal towns not only offer stunning scenery but also provide a glimpse into rich histories and vibrant cultures, making them perfect destinations for those seeking relaxation and exploration by the sea.

Dashing into the Future: The Progression of Sports Cars Through Time

Sports cars boast a storied history that spans over a century, evolving from modest beginnings into today's sleek, advanced machines. Let's explore their transformative journey.

Early Beginnings

In the early 1900s, sports cars emerged as modified versions of standard automobiles. These stripped-down roadsters featured lightweight frames, powerful engines, and minimalistic designs, appealing to racing enthusiasts and affluent drivers alike. The Bugatti Type 35, introduced in 1924, exemplifies this era with its open-top design and a 2.0-liter engine capable of reaching speeds around 100 mph.

The Golden Age

The 1950s and 60s are often regarded as the Golden Age of sports cars, marked by increased power, style, and cultural significance. Models such as the Jaguar XK120, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 356 captivated enthusiasts globally, combining performance with iconic design. The 1964 Ford Mustang redefined American sports cars with its robust V8 engine and bold styling, cementing its status as an enduring classic.

The Modern Era

In the 1970s and 80s, sports cars underwent significant evolution, becoming more refined and technologically advanced. The Porsche 911, introduced during this time and still in production today, epitomized the shift towards blending performance with everyday usability. Innovations in aerodynamics and electronics, including electronic stability control, became standard, enhancing both safety and performance.

Technological Advancements

The 1990s saw sports cars embracing cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced aerodynamics and hybrid powertrains. The McLaren F1, renowned for its speed and innovation, held the title of the world's fastest production car for over a decade. This era marked a turning point, showcasing unprecedented levels of performance and engineering excellence.

Today and Beyond

Modern sports cars continue to push the envelope with unmatched power, efficiency, and innovation. Many now incorporate hybrid or electric powertrains, reflecting a broader trend toward sustainability without compromising performance. Hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg Jesko, and Rimac C_Two set new benchmarks, achieving speeds over 200 mph and commanding multimillion-dollar prices.

Conclusion

The evolution of sports cars is a testament to human ingenuity and a passion for automotive excellence. From their origins as race-inspired roadsters to today's futuristic hypercars, sports cars have always embodied speed, power, and style. As they continue to evolve, they remain at the forefront of automotive innovation, captivating enthusiasts and drivers around the world. Whether for racing, pleasure, or the admiration of fine craftsmanship, sports cars will always hold a special place in the automotive world.

The 5 Most Iconic (Non-Standard) Buses Globally

Explore the world through these five iconic buses that have made lasting impressions on transportation and popular culture:

The London Double-Decker Bus

London's red double-decker buses are synonymous with the city's charm and efficiency. Originating in the 1940s, these buses are not only essential to London's extensive transport network with 673 routes but also seen in countries like Denmark, Turkey, Portugal, and Sri Lanka. Known for their capacity to carry large numbers of passengers, they are perfect for urban tours and city exploration.

The American School Bus

Distinguished by its bright yellow color, the American school bus is instantly recognizable from countless movies and TV shows. Originally introduced in the 1930s by Thomas Built Buses, these buses are designed for student transport across North America, prioritizing safety and visibility. They remain a crucial part of daily commutes for millions of students, including those with special needs, due to their accessible design.

The 1948 Greyhound Bus

Greyhound buses have symbolized long-distance travel across North America since 1914, founded by Erck Wickman. The 1948 model, known for its sleek aluminum design, became an icon of highway travel. Serving over 4,000 destinations in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Greyhound buses are renowned for their reliability, comfort, and affordability, making them a preferred choice for travelers covering vast distances.

Indian Buses

In India, buses are essential for public transport, despite varying comfort levels. Operated by companies like Ashok Leyland Limited since 1948, these buses traverse the country, from bustling cities to rural areas, offering affordable transportation with fares averaging just 5 rupees. While some fleets are modern and comfortable, others may be crowded, reflecting their indispensable role in India's transport infrastructure.

The Triple-Decker Bus (Fictional)

Although not a reality, the concept of a triple-decker bus briefly captured imaginations, notably inspired by the "Knight Bus" from the Harry Potter series. While a three-story bus has never been built, this magical creation in fiction represents the imaginative possibilities associated with unconventional transportation concepts.

These iconic buses, whether real or fictional, have become cultural symbols and integral parts of their regions' identities, highlighting the diversity and innovation in global transportation history.

The Iconic Statues and Monuments of New York City

Amid the bustling pace of New York City, it’s easy to overlook the city's wealth of historic landmarks and artistic masterpieces. Statues and monuments are sprinkled throughout the city, from the prominent Columbus Circle monument to the delightful sculptures lining 5th Avenue on the Upper East Side. Here are a few notable examples:

The Sherman Monument

Prominently situated in Grand Army Plaza, the Sherman Monument honors Civil War hero William Tecumseh Sherman. Sculpted in gold leaf by New York-based artist Augustus St. Gaudens in 1903, this striking piece depicts Sherman on horseback, led by the figure of Peace. The Central Park Conservancy has meticulously maintained the monument, restoring its gold leaf and applying protective waxes to keep its luster intact.

Atlas

Towering over Rockefeller Center, the massive Atlas statue stands 45 feet tall, bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders as per Greek mythology. Designed by Lee Lawrie and modeled by Rene Paul Chambellan in 1937, this bronze art deco sculpture captures the eternal punishment of Atlas for defying the Olympian gods. It symbolizes human endurance and determination amid the city's frenetic energy.

Columbus Monument

At the center of Columbus Circle, a 76-foot monument commemorates Christopher Columbus, the famed explorer who discovered the New World in 1492. Sculpted from Carrara marble by Gaetano Russo and unveiled in 1892 on the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage, the monument features Columbus atop a pedestal, with a male angel symbolizing the spirit of exploration. The base includes sculptures of the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María, evoking the historic transatlantic journey.

Charging Bull

Located in the Financial District's Bowling Green, the iconic Charging Bull sculpture commands attention as a symbol of resilience and determination. Created by Italian artist Arturo Di Modica and installed in 1989, this bronze masterpiece represents the unyielding spirit of New York City and its inhabitants. Initially placed near the New York Stock Exchange as an unauthorized artwork, it has since become a beloved emblem of economic vitality and perseverance.

These statues and monuments not only enhance New York City's landscape but also embody its rich history and enduring spirit. They captivate residents and visitors alike with their timeless symbolism and artistic grandeur, reflecting the city's past and its unwavering resolve.