JUNE 16, 1983

Full News Archive

• Headline: Summer Job Trends for Young Helpers. Impact: Rebecca Lipman’s summer jobs as a mother’s helper led to the rise of 'adult babysitting' services, which eventually morphed into the multi-billion dollar industry we know today as 'nannying'—because who doesn’t want to pay someone to deal with their kids while they sip cocktails on the beach?. Fact: The term 'mother's helper' is just a fancy way of saying 'person who watches your kids while you pretend to relax.'.
• Headline: Economical Small Hot-Water Heaters Rise. Impact: The gradual acceptance of small hot-water heaters in American homes sparked a revolution in minimalist living, leading to an era where people could fit their entire lives into tiny homes. Who knew a hot-water heater could trigger a housing trend?. Fact: In Europe, small hot-water heaters are so common that there are likely more of them than people who can successfully assemble IKEA furniture..
• Headline: Mary McCarthy's Second Appearance on Cavett. Impact: Mary McCarthy's irritable remark on the Dick Cavett show inspired a whole generation of writers to embrace their crankiness, leading to the birth of the 'grumpy genius' archetype in literature and media—because nothing says 'creative' like being perpetually annoyed.. Fact: Mary McCarthy’s irritability was so legendary that it’s rumored her coffee was brewed with tears for extra flavor..