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Journalism of Courage
Popcorn lovers across the globe are in for a treat today as Google celebrates one of the world’s most beloved snacks with a special interactive Doodle. This doodle isn’t just a playful nod to popcorn; it’s a global multi-player, interactive game that pits users against competitors from around the world, making Doodle history with the largest number of players in a single match ever.
Participating in the popcorn game is easy and entertaining. Here’s how you can get started:
– Step 1: Open your Chrome browser and click on the Doodle celebrating popcorn.
– Step 2: You’ll be greeted with a brief introduction explaining the game mechanics. The primary objective? Avoid getting popped and advance through the levels.
– Step 3: Compete with players from around the world or invite your friends to play in squad mode.
– Step 4: For solo players, select “solo mode” and challenge yourself. If you’re playing with friends, opt for “squad mode” to bring the fun to your group.
While today’s Doodle may feel like a playful innovation, popcorn itself has a rich and varied history that spans centuries. Believed to have originated in the early 16th century, popcorn’s roots lie deep within Mesoamerican civilizations, where maize was a staple crop. In these cultures, popcorn wasn’t just a snack; it was often used to decorate ceremonial clothing, demonstrating its cultural importance.
Fast forward to the 1800s in the United States, where popcorn evolved into a staple snack. In fact, popcorn was once eaten as a breakfast food, served with milk. The creation of the first-ever popcorn maker in the 1890s further fuelled its rise in popularity, allowing more people to enjoy the crunchy treat across fairs, markets, and—eventually—movie theatres.
Popcorn’s reach has truly gone global, with different regions adding their own unique flavour to the snack. In Brazil, it’s known as “pipoca,” and often served plain or lightly salted. In Japan, nori-topped popcorn brings a taste of the sea to this timeless treat, while in the Middle East, za’atar-flavored popcorn is a popular variation. Canadians, meanwhile, favour maple popcorn as a sweet homage to the country’s national symbol.
Whether it’s kettle-cooked, caramel-coated, or simply buttered, popcorn has become a go-to snack for all occasions. Its versatility and lightness make it an enduring favourite, perfect for a movie night or a quick treat on the go.
The inspiration behind today’s Doodle? On this day in 2020, Thailand claimed the world record for creating the largest popcorn machine. This milestone, coupled with popcorn’s deep cultural roots, serves as a fitting backdrop for today’s Google Doodle, which has set its own record for the highest number of players competing simultaneously in a Doodle game.
Whether you’re a fan of buttery, salty, or sweet varieties, today’s Doodle invites everyone to take part in the popping fun—just make sure not to get popped yourself!
— with inputs from Google
