General General 3 min read

Go beyond baking

Did you know about these 12 unexpected uses for baking soda?

Image: Clint Patterson

As the name suggests, baking soda can be used for, well, baking. But, as it happens, there are many other uses for this wonder product. From cleaner to pesticide remover, to air freshener and beyond, baking soda can do it. Did you know about the following 12 uses?

1
Fridge odor neutralizer

Image: Ello

Baking soda can help a fridge get rid of bad odor particles. To achieve this, you must fill a cup with baking soda and place it in the back of your fridge . The baking soda will absorb any smell in a few hours.

2
Air freshener

Image: A. L.

Unlike most commercial air fresheners, which only release fragrance molecules that mask other smells instead of actually eliminating bad odors, baking soda does neutralize smells .

To achieve this, simply put ⅓ cup of baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a small jar. Cover it with a piece of cloth and secure it with a string. Place the jar wherever you need to eliminate the bad odors.

3
Laundry whitening agent

Image: PlanetCare

Baking soda can help remove stains from clothes in the washing machine. That is because it is a soluble salt, which removes dirt and stains .

To try it out, add half a cup of baking soda to your regular amount of laundry detergent. It also helps soften the water, so you may need less detergent than usual.

4
Kitchen cleaner

Image: Le Creuset

When mixed with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, baking soda can also help control the growth of harmful microorganisms .

To use baking soda in your kitchen, make a paste by mixing baking soda with an equal amount of lemon juice and a bit of water. Apply the paste to the desired surface with a sponge and scrub thoroughly.

5
Garbage odor eliminator

Image: YoNeKeN

As we have seen, baking soda can serve to eliminate smells, and garbage cans are no exception . This can be accomplished by simply throwing some baking soda every few days into the garbage can to neutralize the odors and prevent microbacteria from growing.

6
Multipurpose bathroom cleaner

Image: Steven Ungermann

Just like it can be used to clean kitchens, baking soda can also serve as a natural cleaner for bathrooms. This product comes in handy because it whitens and disinfects many bathroom surfaces .

Make a paste using baking soda and a bit of water, and rub it over the surface you wish to clean.

7
Pesticide remover for fruit and veggies

Image: Jacopo Maiarelli

Pesticides are used to protect crops from insects, germs, rodents, and weeds, but many have harmful effects on human health. A baking soda wash is a good way to remove pesticides from fruits and veggies by soaking them in baking soda and water for 15 minutes.

8
Scorched pot cleaner

Image: Markus Winkler

A scorched bottom in your pot or pan can be a nightmare to clean, but adding baking soda and water and bringing it to a boil will soften up the burnt particles . After the water is boiling, empty the pot and clean it with a bit of washing liquid to remove whatever is left.

9
Oil and grease fire extinguisher

Image: Piotr Chrobot

Believe it or not, baking soda can be used to extinguish some small house fires. Dry chemical fire extinguishers, used to extinguish oil, grease, and electrical fires, contain baking soda. Baking soda reacts with the heat to produce carbon dioxide, which smothers the fire .

10
Neutralizing cat odors

Image: Manja Vitolic

To avoid unpleasant smells on the kitty litter and add a little time between box changes, try sprinkling baking soda inside it . This will eliminate bad odors in your house.

11
Soak up oil

Image: Alexandra Lowenthal

Sprinkling baking soda on top of spilled oil will soak up the liquid. Once the baking soda is in the targeted area, use a stiff-bristled brush to work it into the stain in a circular motion. Then rinse away with hot water.

Culture Culture 3 min read

Powerful styles

How can a beard change history? 10 US presidents with iconic facial hair!

Image: Library of Congress

Can you guess how many US presidents have had beards? And how many grew a mustache? Which one comes to mind first? For some, it's Lincoln's unmistakable beard; for others, Roosevelt's distinguished mustache; and some will remember John Quincy Adams' sideburns. From the most classic mustaches to eccentric beards, today, we're taking a look at 10 unforgettable presidential styles!

1
Abraham Lincoln

Image: Library of Congress

Probably one of the most remembered presidential beards is that of the 16th US President and author of the unforgettable Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln. But, while his image is forever linked to his top hat and distinctive, mustache-free beard, he actually didn't always have it.

Before he was elected president, an 11-year-old girl wrote him a letter suggesting he grow a beard. Fortunately, Lincoln took her advice! Thus, he became the first president to grow a beard while in office.

2
Theodore Roosevelt

Image: Library of Congress

Another iconic style was that of Teddy Roosevelt. His handlebar mustache is not only seen in photos and portraits from his time in office but is also forever etched on the imposing Mount Rushmore. Many men of his era imitated his dramatic, thick, and bushy mustache, which perfectly matched the vigor and toughness that defined the 26th US president.

3
Ulysses S. Grant

Image: Sergei Starostin

Beard? Yes! Sideburns? Of course. Mustache? That too! That is the case with Ulysses S. Grant, a president with a full look, fitting for a Civil War hero.

Grant's beard and mustache were thick -though not long- covering his jawline and also much of his cheeks. Thus, the 18th US president set a fashion trend that would be followed by several other presidents of the 19th century.

4
Grover Cleveland

Image: Dave Sherrill

Another president with a well-remembered mustache was Grover Cleveland, the first US president to serve two non-consecutive terms.

Cleveland's mustache was fluffy and extended just past the edges of his mouth. Although this might have been a problem when dining with guests, his mustache always looked neatly trimmed.

5
William Howard Taft

Image: Ronaldo Guiraldelli

Now, it's time to talk about the only person in the history of the US to have served as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court: William Howard Taft.

Taft sported a bushy mustache, like Teddy Roosevelt, who served right before him. But, unlike his predecessor, the tips of Taft's mustache didn't point downward; instead, they bent upward, making it much more theatrical.

6
John Quincy Adams

Image: Library of Congress

John Quincy Adams didn't need a mustache to stand out with his style. His hallmark was something quite original: sideburns.

Remembered for being bushy and always well and neatly groomed, the 6th president's memorable sideburns extended down the sides of his face, even connecting beneath his chin!

7
Rutherford B. Hayes

Image: Nikolaos Dimou

Rutherford B. Hayes was another 19th-century president known for sporting a full beard. In addition to being thick, his beard and mustache were quite long and even joined together, fully covering his lips, as seen in portraits from the time. While the 19th President looked really distinguished, we can't help but wonder how he handled summer with that style!

8
James A. Garfield

Image: Sean Foster

James A. Garfield had a look strikingly similar to that of his predecessor, Rutherford B. Hayes.

Also sporting a thick, long, full beard, Garfield's mustache was slightly shorter than Hayes', and his beard extended further onto his cheeks. It seems that you had to put some serious effort into perfecting your facial hair to be trendy in the late 19th century!

9
Martin Van Buren

Image: Jack Bulmer

"Mutton chops" is the term for the thick, bushy sideburns worn by Martin Van Buren, the 8th president of the United States, a style known more for its volume than its tidiness.

As seen in portraits from different moments of his life, Van Buren had sideburns from a young age, but they definitely stood out during his presidency. In fact, political cartoons of his time often emphasized that very feature, making his sideburns exaggeratedly large.

10
Zachary Taylor

Image: Josh Sorenson

Before Lincoln, the dominant fashion was a clean-shaven look. But Zachary Taylor -just like John Quincy Adams and Martin Van Buren- came to revolutionize things with his sideburns.

We have to admit Taylor's sideburns were far more modest than those of his predecessors, but he remains one of the few presidents to have worn any facial hair before Honest Abe made it a trend!

Geography Geography 6 min read

Lights, cameras, cities!

Cities as movie characters: have you seen these 10 great examples?

Image: Teitur Hansen / Andrew Adams

Our country produces countless quality movies every year, drawing inspiration from a vast range of places, people, and events. One of the most classic sources of inspiration is the array of wonderful cities scattered across the nation. For example, Gone With the Wind wouldn’t be the same if set anywhere other than Atlanta, and the same goes for movies like Rocky , set in Philadelphia, or Casino , in Las Vegas. These movies take us on journeys through cities that are as much characters as the actors themselves. Let’s take a look at 10 films that are closely tied to the cities that inspired them.

1
Atlanta - "Gone with the Wind"

Image: Brad Huchteman

We can’t think of a film that captures the South quite like Gone with the Wind , can you?

In this sweeping epic that tells the story of love, war, and survival during the Civil War, Atlanta plays a crucial role as the backdrop for Scarlett O’Hara’s turbulent life and relationships, especially with Rhett Butler, played by the great Clark Gable.

The brilliance of the film and Scarlett’s story, iconically portrayed by Vivien Leigh, mirrors the history and transformation of Atlanta itself, a city that goes from bustling to ravaging due to war.

If you’re from Atlanta, cheer proudly—your city made it to the top of this list!

2
St. Louis - "Meet me in St. Louis"

Image: Chris Hardy

Some movies make us wonder: Which came first—the city’s popularity or the movie’s? In any case, we can’t deny that some movies and cities share equal popularity, regardless of which one started it. That is the case of Meet Me in St. Louis a charming, feel-good musical that transports us to turn-of-the-century St. Louis.

The film follows the Smith family as they experience love, heartbreak, and the excitement of the 1904 World’s Fair. The one and only Judy Garland stars as Esther, and her unforgettable performance of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" makes this film a holiday favorite. St. Louis shines as the backdrop, from the family’s cozy home to the city’s festive atmosphere, giving the story an old-fashioned warmth.

3
New York City - "12 Angry Men"

Image: Jason Briscoe

Movies that were inspired by The City that Never Sleeps? Well, that could be an article in itself. From The Godfather to Taxi Driver to Do the Right Thing , the list is truly endless. But for the sake of this article, we’ve committed to only one and that’s 12 Angry Men .

This classic courtroom drama follows twelve jurors as they decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. Set in the heart of New York City, 12 Angry Men contrasts the pressure and intensity of city life, against the claustrophobic jury room, where tempers flare. The cast is led by Henry Fonda, who plays a calm and reasoned juror who slowly persuades the others to see the case in a different light.

Much like living in this city, watching the film makes you feel every emotion possible!

4
Washington, D.C. - "All The President’s Men"

Image: Harold Mendoza

Washington, D.C., is the capital of our country, and when you think of it, you think of politics, prominent figures, and government matters. Combine that with the Watergate scandal—an event that shook America’s political class to its core—and you have the foundation for a compelling movie.

Based on a true story, All the President’s Men follows Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate political corruption at the highest level. Washington, D.C., serves as the backdrop to a story that offers a front-row seat to the unraveling of a presidency. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman deliver standout performances as the determined reporters who refuse to give up.

Washington, D.C., is the perfect setting for this high-stakes thriller.

5
Philadelphia - "Rocky"

Image: Jonathan Gong

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up," said Rocky, and with that, Philadelphia became forever associated with persistence, resilience, and, of course, boxing.

Philadelphia is inseparable from Rocky , the story of a down-and-out boxer who gets the chance of a lifetime. Sylvester Stallone stars as Rocky Balboa, whose iconic run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is as legendary as the movie itself. The city’s blue-collar spirit is on full display, making it the perfect backdrop for Rocky’s fight for respect and glory. Philly becomes a symbol of perseverance, where dreams are chased, and grit is rewarded.

Honorable mentions: The Wrestler (2008), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Blow Out (1981) also showcase Philly’s diverse storytelling.

6
Miami - "Scarface"

Image: aurora.kreativ

What do you think of when you think of Miami? For us, it’s not just the beaches or the Everglades—it’s Tony Montana. And not because Miami is exactly dangerous, but because Scarface and its unforgettable anti-hero have been living rent-free in our minds ever since it premiered.

If you’ve seen it, you know it: this film takes us on a wild ride through the rise and fall of Tony Montana , played by Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles.

As for the city, Miami—with its sunny beaches and drug-fueled underworld—serves as the perfect backdrop for Tony’s relentless climb to power. The city itself becomes a symbol of both opportunity and excess, where fast cars, palm trees, and glowing lights mask a darker reality. While we don’t think this is an accurate representation of this beautiful city, we can’t deny it was a supreme one!

7
Chicago - "Home Alone"

Image: Fineas Anton

Chicago has seen some incredible productions, from the namesake musical to _The Untouchables_—each capturing the spirit of this dynamic city in its own way. But since we’ve already discussed crime-related films, let’s dive into comedy. And if we combine Chicago and the comedy category , nothing beats Home Alone .

In the movie, we follow Kevin, a kid left behind in the city while his family heads off on a holiday trip. Alone and loving it, Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, soon has to defend his home from two not-so-bright burglars, portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

The cozy suburban setting is perfectly snowy and festive, making it feel like the ultimate holiday getaway. Well, that is if you can ignore the burglars!

8
Detroit - "True Romance"

Image: Alex Brisbey

Movies that mention Elvis Presley? Yes, please! This movie has action, an Elvis fan, and a great city—Detroit—and we have Quentin Tarantino to thank for it.

True Romance takes viewers on a wild ride through Detroit, following Clarence, played by Christian Slater, and Alabama, played by Patricia Arquette, as they try to outrun the mob.

The streets of Detroit and the industrial vibe of the city perfectly match the film’s fast-paced, chaotic energy. It’s a Tarantino film, one is expecting this kind of rhythm.

It’s a love story wrapped in a crime drama, with a dash of dark humor and a lot of action. The Motor City isn’t just a backdrop, we can consider it a character that adds to the rawness of the film.

9
San Francisco - "Mrs. Doubtfire"

Image: Josh Hild

10

San Francisco has that heartwarming spirit, and the story of a father who would do anything for his kids perfectly matches that vibe—it’s highly relatable, don’t you think?

In Mrs. Doubtfire , we follow Robin Williams although he’s not in his usual clothes. He dresses up as an elderly British woman, Mrs. Doubtfire, to work as a nanny and stay close to his kids.

The hilly streets of the City make it a perfect background for all the shenanigans going on in the family. From the classic foggy mornings to the iconic scene on the Golden Gate Bridge, the movie takes us around San Francisco with a perfectly matched playful spirit.

11
Las Vegas - "Casino"

Image: David Lusvardi

Quite appropriate, don’t you think? When you think of Vegas, you think of card games, gambling, a nice drink in your hand, and a comfortable hotel to return to.

In the movie Casino, we are taken into the neon lights and dark underbelly of Las Vegas, where the lives of casino operators and the mob intertwine . Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci in a dazzling, dangerous story about power, money, and, of course, betrayal.

Las Vegas, with its unique and vibrant spirit, is the perfect setting for this story in which stakes are high and risks even higher. Have you watched it?

Explore more American facts

Choose your favorite category!

General
General

As American as apple pie—the very best America has to offer!

Culture
Culture

Delve into the astounding richness of American lore.

Geography
Geography

Hop in and explore vast and diverse American landscapes.

History
History

Discover the key moments that shaped the United States.