MAY 13, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Innovative Development in Mahwah, NJ. Impact: The innovative law in Mahwah created a ripple effect that inspired cities worldwide to combine living and working spaces. This led to a global trend where people lived in tiny homes above their offices, prompting an alarming rise in 'office pets' and an increase in coffee consumption.. Fact: Mahwah's attempt to create a 'balanced development' led to the birth of the world's first 'work-life blender'—where people literally mixed their office coffee with their home decor..
• Headline: Bernard Sussman's China Photography Exhibition. Impact: Bernard Sussman's photographs of China sparked an obsession with Chinese culture that ultimately led to the rise of fortune cookie philosophy, forever changing how people interpret vague advice.. Fact: Photographers like Sussman often had to dodge confused tourists who mistook their art for a new trend in abstract interpretation of takeout menus..
• Headline: Philharmonic Soloists from Within. Impact: The NY Philharmonic's new soloists brought a fresh sound that inadvertently inspired a wave of amateur orchestras, leading to the phenomenon of 'kitchen symphonies' where people played their pots and pans as instruments.. Fact: Thanks to this headline, the phrase 'playing second fiddle' became synonymous with anyone stuck in the back of the kitchen during family gatherings..
• Headline: Roller Skates: 300,000 Pairs a Month. Impact: The roller skating boom led to the invention of roller derby, which in turn sparked a global interest in extreme sports, ultimately leading to the rise of extreme knitting competitions.. Fact: In the height of roller skating popularity, many people believed that wearing neon leg warmers would give them super skating powers. Spoiler: it didn't..
• Headline: MUSIC VIEW. Impact: Harold C Schonberg's critique of opera staging caused a schism in the classical music world, leading to a fierce battle between conductors and directors that eventually resulted in the creation of reality TV opera competitions.. Fact: Prof A N Nagler's views were so contentious that they inspired a new genre of opera known as 'Survivor: La Traviata Edition'..
• Headline: CONNECTICUT HOUSING. Impact: The experimental housing court in Hartford ignited a nationwide trend of specialized courts, which eventually led to the creation of a 'Pet Custody Court' that was more contentious than any divorce proceeding.. Fact: Judge Arthur L Spada’s experimental approach was so ahead of its time that it inspired a new reality show: 'Courtroom Catastrophes: Housing Edition'..