Author: sudo

7 Tantalizing Tidbits About the World’s Favorite Pie: Pizza

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of pizza as we serve up seven scrumptious facts about everyone’s favorite comfort food. From its humble beginnings to its global impact, these tidbits will leave you craving a slice and appreciating the rich history behind this irresistible culinary creation. So, grab a piece of pizza and join us on this mouth-watering journey!

1. Beware of surprise pizza deliveries in Louisiana! Sending a pizza to someone’s house without their permission is illegal and can result in fines up to $500 or even jail time. So, make sure the recipient is expecting that delicious surprise.

2. Pizza gained popularity in Italy only after it became a hit in America. Originating as a cheap street food in Naples, it wasn’t until Southern Italian Americans created more elaborate pizzas that it gained traction in Italy. Nowadays, Neapolitan pizza must meet specific ingredient requirements to be considered authentic.

3. The New York Times played a role in introducing pizza to the American public. In 1944, an article in the newspaper presented pizza as an exciting new food, paving the way for its widespread popularity.

4. Domino’s Japan once attempted a Reindeer Delivery Program in 2016, but the initiative was short-lived. After just one week, the program was halted due to the reindeer’s refusal to cooperate and issues with pizza transportation.

5. Pizza has a place in the history of e-commerce. In 1994, Pizza Hut’s PizzaNet was one of the first online services to offer pizza ordering, starting in Santa Cruz, California. Impressively, the website is still up and running today.

6. Did you know that the CIA has a penchant for pizza? On the night before Iraq invaded Kuwait, there was a spike in pizza orders made by the CIA, possibly indicating a long night of intelligence work.

7. Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s, acquired half-ownership of the now-global pizza chain in 1961 by trading his used Volkswagen Beetle. Today, Domino’s is one of the largest pizza companies in the world, a testament to Monaghan’s business acumen.

Nokia’s Rubber Roots: The Evolution of Nokian Footwear

Established in 1865, Nokia has enjoyed a long-standing presence in the business world. Nokia boots, originating from the brand’s early focus on rubber products, are a notable product in their history. Nokian Footwear, a Finnish rubber boot manufacturer, was a division of Nokia—now renowned for mobile phones—from 1967 until 1990, when it became a separate entity. In 2005, the Finnish company Berner acquired Nokian Footwear.

Thanksgiving Nuptials: NYC’s Chinese Immigrant Wedding Rush

In New York City, Thanksgiving holds the distinction of being the preferred wedding day for Chinese immigrants, given that it’s typically the one day when entire families aren’t working. Due to the high demand, restaurants must be reserved a year ahead, and it’s not uncommon for a single venue to accommodate up to 10 wedding receptions in a day.

Chicago Onion Monopoly: The 1955 Market Manipulation and Subsequent Legislation

The Onion Futures Act is a piece of legislation in the United States that prohibits the trading of onion futures contracts. In 1955, a pair of traders acquired a substantial amount of onions and futures contracts, ultimately gaining control over 98% of the onions in Chicago. To compel growers to buy their inventory, these traders threatened to inundate the market with onions.

Benjamin Franklin’s Fugio Cent: A Call to Focus on Affairs

The initial U.S. coin to officially circulate, known as the Fugio Cent, featured the phrase “Mind Your Business” rather than “In God We Trust.” Benjamin Franklin is thought to have designed the coin, according to some sources. As a prominent and accomplished entrepreneur, historians theorize that Franklin used the term “business” in its literal sense. The intended meaning was not the later idiomatic expression “mind your own business,” but rather “focus on your matters.”

Salisbury Steak: American Dish Inspired by European Tastes and Health Advocacy

Originating in the United States, Salisbury Steak was created to cater to the preferences of European immigrants and was named in honor of Dr. James Salisbury, an advocate of a meat-centric diet for improved health. Since 1897, the term “Salisbury Steak” has been associated with a main course featuring a ground beef patty.

James Salisbury, the creator of Salisbury steak, served as a physician during the American Civil War. He firmly believed that vegetables contributed to heart disease and mental health issues, and promoted the consumption of Salisbury steak thrice daily as a means of fortifying the body and facilitating weight loss.

Cadillac’s 1930s Policy Reversal: Embracing Diversity and Boosting Sales

In the beginning of the 1930s, Cadillac had a policy that prohibited the sale of cars to African Americans. However, in 1933, Nicholas Dreystadt, a mid-level manager at General Motors, boldly interrupted a GM executive committee meeting and persuaded them to abandon this policy, advocating for marketing efforts targeting the African American community. As a result, within just one year, Cadillac experienced a remarkable sales increase of 70%.

Bicycles: Catalyst for Women’s Liberation and Fashion Shift

Bicycles emerged as a key factor in the early women’s liberation movement, providing women with the opportunity to break free from their reliance on men for transportation. This sense of autonomy also played a part in the gradual shift away from corsets and long skirts during the early 20th century.