Pizza is everything. What should we have for lunch? Pizza. What should we have for dinner? How about pizza? What should we have for breakfast the next day? Definitely leftover pizza.

One of the most popular foods in the world, pizza has become unique and variants have evolved based on culture and preference. There are so many variations, Italy even proposed that it be proclaimed a protected landmark.

On the PBS Idea Channel, Mike Rugnetta delves into the world of pizza, outlining its humble beginnings (in ancient times, people used “bread as a plate”—pizza began as a simple meal that quickly took on a life of its own) and its ever changing, occasionally polarizing ways of being served.

Our historical pizza journey begins with the iconic New York City Slice. In New York City alone, there are an estimated 2,000 pizza shops, the first of which that we know of having made its NYC debut in 1905 at a restaurant called Lombardi’s. This thin slice is designed for quick service—a plus for the diner on the go.

The New York City slice was developed off the template of Neapolitan pizza; the simple combination of bread, cheese, and tomatoes was considered low-class food at the time, even though these days we classify it as fancy pizza. I’d say we can probably blame that on the “less is more” design standard.

As we move through the history of pizza we learn about the focaccia-based square Sicilian slice, which evolves into the Grandma slice, which evolves into deep-dish. In other words, pizza is the Pokemon of the food world. (The video doesn’t say that, I’m just calling it so.)

Chicago style deep-dish pizza arrived on the scene in the 1940s. This evolution of the Sicilian pizza was uniquely localized, and its preference has divided pizza fans throughout the ages.

Pizza’s origins may be in Italy, but the dish has become an all-American pastime, as proved by the proliferation of frozen delivery and pizza delivery. In 1961, Dominick’s Pizza, later renamed Domino’s, invented the idea that “pizza comes to you.” This seemingly obvious idea revolutionized the industry and how we consume the savory pie today.

If we’re learning about the history of pizza, we inevitably end up with leftover pizza, a dish that magically transforms itself overnight into a different meal entirely. As Rugnetta so eloquently puts it, leftover pizza is “an artifact that remains commemorating D&D games, or Netflix marathons, all-nighters, hack-a-thons and various get-togethers.” Mmm, leftover pizza. So many memories, all of them delicious.

The eighth and final slice in this rundown is the international slice. Pizza has become such a global phenomenon that the pie takes on flavors and distinctions characteristically local to its origin. In other countries you’re likely to find toppings as varied as curry, tuna, and even Vegemite.

However you choose to consume pizza, it’s undeniably one of the most popular comfort foods on the planet. So grab a slice and watch A History of Pizza in 8 Slices on the PBS Idea Channel on YouTube.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

source: nerdist.com

Prince Charles plays Hamlet in brilliant BBC sketch alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Judi Dench

The Prince of Wales – briefly – became the Prince of Denmark on Saturday.

Prince Charles appeared on stage at Stratford as part of a stellar cast in Shakespeare Live, a light-hearted tribute to Britain’s most famous writer, 400 years to the day after he died.

Prince Charles uttered Shakespeare’s most famous line “to be or not to be”, managing to achieve not just every actor’s dream, but trump Dame Judi Dench.

His short contribution came as part of a complex and witty homage to Shakespeare and his soliloquy from Hamlet known the world over.

Prince Charles appeared alongside Tim Minchin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Harriet Walter, David Tennant, Rory Kinnear, Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and the RSC’s current Hamlet, Paapa Essiedu.

It was a fitting finale to a day of celebrations in Stratford that mixed solemnity, pomp, quite a bit of low farce – and royalty. William Shakespeare probably would have approved.

Thousands gathered in Stratford-Upon-Avon on Saturday to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of the death of Britain’s most famous writer – and his birthday too.

Tributes were led by the Prince of Wales, who – before his appearance on the Stratford stage – laid a wreath on the grave of the playwright in Holy Trinity Church, and had a tour of New Place, the site where Shakespeare spent the last 19 years of his life and wrote some of his most famous works, including it is believed his last play, The Tempest.

Now an archeological site, in the process of being turned into a garden and visitor centre, Prince Charles inspected some of the finds: medieval dice, dominos and a thimble that could have been used by Shakespeare’s father, who was a leather worker. Or at least that is the optimistic interpretation of the curators.

His wreath was made out of generous sprigs of rosemary — reference to Ophelia’s final act of handing out the herb, “for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.”

A TELJES VIDEÓT ITT NÉZHETITEK MEG: TELJES VIDEÓ 

source: telegraph.co.uk

Princes Harry and William met the cast and crew of Star Wars 8 as they were shown around the super secretive set. William, who has just returned from a tour of India and Bhutan, and his brother were guided by The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley, who plays heroine Rey.

During the tour they chatted to crew, played with lightsabers and Harry met a new best friend in the form of a giant, hairy creature. He broke royal protocol by hugging the huge beast – played by Joonas Suotamo – before his brother had a cuddle too. Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, and John Boyega, who plays Finn, were also on set with director Rian Johnson on hand to answer any questions.

Prince William admitted he was a “total geek” over the franchise, and he challenged his brother to a duel with lightsabers. They also checked out props such as animatronic heads and robot BB8 before posing for a group photo to mark the occasion.

Kensington Palace thanked the Star Wars cast and crew for playing host to the Princes.

They got together for a group picture to celebrate the end of the tour, which the palace said was aimed at recognising the wealth of British creative talent involved in the production of the Star Wars films.

source: mirror.co.uk

They’re one of the most commercially successful music groups in history, with hits that have survived five decades. But ABBA haven’t been glimpsed as a group together for over seven years.

That all changed last night, when the Swedish pop foursome got together for the opening of a new restaurant in Stockholm – where people can eat while watching a show based on the group’s songs.

Agnetha Fältskog, now 65, Björn Ulvaeus, 70, Benny Andersson, 69, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 70, were last pictured together in 2008, when they walked the red carpet at the film premiere of Mamma Mia!, based on the musical of the same name. The hit musical which features the disco group’s songs between 1972-1982 was premiered in London in 1999 and saw the album ABBA GOLD top the charts once more.

The band were initially reluctant for a musical to be based on their greatest hits including Mamma Mia!, Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me, Money Money Money, Knowing Me Knowing You and The Winner Takes It All.

But the show was so successful it spawned a worldwide tour and ran on Broadway for 14 years, making it one of the longest-running productions ever staged there.

A film adaptation starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Julie Walters was released in July 2008, also garnering rave reviews and huge commercial success. Now the group are hoping for their live restaurant experience, called Mamma Mia! The Party, will replicate the reception.

ABBA formed in Sweden in 1972 and topped the charts worldwide from 1975 to 1982. They won the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 at the Dome in Brighton, UK, giving Sweden its first triumph in the contest, and were the most successful group ever to take part in the competition.

The Mamma Mia! restaurant experience will be at the Nikos Taverna at Tyrol, with the experience designed to emulate an evening in a Greek taverna on the island of Skopelos, where the film was made. Guests can expect a three-course Mediterranean buffet – accompanied by entertainment from several acts singing and dancing to ABBA songs. The experience promises ‘daredevil stunts, Greek Gods, flirty waiters, and perhaps a Zorba and an Ouzo or two.’

Tickets start from around £109 per person for an evening at the venue.

source: The Daily Mail