Meet the Man Behind “Brochet”: The Wild, Woolly Art of Steven Borzachillo
From Nation, For Nation - Pulse of the Nation
A Functioning Theme Park... 400 Feet Underground: From Salt Mine to Theme Park
World Beard Day: Top 5 Most Influential Beards
From philosophers and presidents to rock stars and even wizards, these beards aren’t just facial hair; they’re iconic symbols of power, wisdom, and style. So, without further ado, here is our quintessential most influential beard list!
1. Abraham Lincoln
Honest Abe wasn’t always so hairy. In fact, he ran for president clean-shaven! It wasn’t until 11-year-old Grace Bedell wrote him a letter suggesting he grow whiskers to look more distinguished that Lincoln embraced the beard. He debuted his iconic beard during his campaign, and the look stuck.
Lincoln became the first U.S. president to wear a full beard in office, and it quickly became part of his iconic image. Statues, portraits, even the penny in your pocket, all trace their inspiration back to that one young girl’s suggestion.
2. ZZ Top
When it comes to legendary facial hair, few can compete with Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top. Their long, flowing chest-length beards became as famous as their bluesy guitar riffs.
3. Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci didn’t just invent machines, paint masterpieces, and sketch futuristic ideas; he also wore one of the most recognizable beards in history. His long, flowing beard gave him the air of a wise sage, perfectly fitting for a man often called the ultimate Renaissance genius.
Da Vinci’s likeness, with his long beard, remains one of the most reproduced images in the world. For centuries, his beard has symbolized creativity, brilliance, and vision.
4. Confucius
The Chinese philosopher Confucius shaped the way millions view morality and society, and his facial hair was just as legendary as his teachings. He is often depicted with a long, wispy beard and drooping mustache, symbols of wisdom and authority in ancient Chinese culture.
Confucius taught that one’s body was a gift from their parents and should never be altered. He urged followers not to tattoo their skin or cut their hair, beards, or fingernails, preserving their form as received.
5. Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking theory of evolution changed the way we see the world, but his facial hair changed the way we see him. Later in life, Darwin grew a thick, full beard that became almost as famous as On the Origin of Species.
The scientist’s wild mane gave him an aura of eccentric genius, and his portrait with piercing eyes and that snowy-white beard has become a staple of biology textbooks and museum walls. Some scientists even claim Darwin helped make beards fashionable again in Victorian England!
→
From Globe, For Globe - Pulse of the Planet
Ah, pound cake. A staple at picnics and family gatherings, this cake is as tasty as it is simple. Every seasoned baker has a pound cake recipe etched into their memory, as this dessert only requires the most basic of ingredients: flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and salt. Sure, there have been some variants over time, but the standard recipe for pound cake has not changed since it was created in 1747!
Tastiness aside, how did this classic cake earn its name? Did it cost a pound to make back in 1747? Did the final baked treat weigh a full pound? Nope, the name’s true origin is a bit more simple and calorie-packed.
The Origins
According to the first known recipe for the pound cake in Hannah Glasse’s The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy, the cake required exactly one pound of the aforementioned ingredients: one pound of flour, one pound of eggs, one pound of sugar, and one pound of butter and salt.
Why Simplicity is Key
If you think about the context of the 18th century, though, the recipe made total sense. Unless you were a member of the aristocracy, there was a strong chance that you could not read or write.
A recipe requiring exactly one pound of each ingredient made for one that’s easy to remember and bake at the drop of a hat. It also meant that you could easily halve the recipe if you didn’t feel like baking a massive cake for just your immediate family.
A Fan Favorite
The 1:1:1:1 recipe portions were extremely popular in Britain, the pound cake’s country of origin, and soon that popularity would quickly make its way to the colonies.
American Cooking by Amelia Simmons was the first cookbook published by an American, and it contained a recipe for the baked British export.
→
Referred by ripleys.com - where the world’s most extraordinary stories are discovered and celebrated.