DECEMBER 14, 1989

Full News Archive

• Headline: Artistry of Sailors' Handmade Storage Boxes. Impact: The meticulous craftsmanship of old-time sailors' handmade boxes led to an explosion of storage solutions in the modern era. Now, thanks to their obsession with boxes, we have everything from elaborate jewelry boxes to those tiny organizers that help you find your missing socks – a truly monumental achievement for humanity.. Fact: Did you know that the average person spends 10 minutes a day looking for misplaced items? Maybe if those sailors had included a 'find my sock' feature, we wouldn't be in this mess!.
• Headline: Celebrating Black Bravery in the Civil War. Impact: The bravery of black Civil War regiments not only contributed to the abolition of slavery but also kickstarted a long, winding path towards civil rights. Who knew that a few brave souls in blue would lead to the civil rights movements of the 1960s and all that jazz?. Fact: Did you know that the first African American regiment was formed in 1863? Talk about being ahead of the curve while everyone else was still trying to figure out how to make a decent cup of coffee!.
• Headline: Currents; New Campus Complex Designed by a Master. Impact: As universities adopted architectural design from the stars, they began to resemble art galleries more than places of learning. Now, students spend more time admiring the buildings than actually studying – whose bright idea was that?. Fact: Did you know that the more beautiful a campus is, the less likely students are to go to class? If only they could build a library that looks like a beach resort!.
• Headline: BUSINESS PEOPLE; Chief of Consolidated To Retire Next Month. Impact: James M. Guinan's retirement from Consolidated Stores Corporation opened a floodgate for a new wave of executives who believe that corporate retirement means 'finally living the dream' – which usually involves golf and complaining about the younger generation.. Fact: Did you know that most CEOs retire with enough golf clubs to open their own golf course? It's like a rite of passage for them!.
• Headline: BUSINESS PEOPLE; BP America Names Head For Its New Operation. Impact: BP America's decision to create an independent subsidiary set off a chain reaction of corporate restructuring, leading to an era where everyone is just a little bit more confused about which company owns what. Thanks, BP, for adding to the chaos!. Fact: Did you know that BP's rebranding efforts have included more logo changes than a fashion runway? At this point, they might as well hire a stylist!.
• Headline: Currents; Humble Materials And a Polished Result. Impact: Tod Williams and Billie Tsien's use of humble materials led to a trend where everyone now believes they can make a masterpiece with nothing more than recycled paper and some glue. Spoiler alert: not everyone can be an architect.. Fact: Did you know that Pinterest was practically invented for people to showcase their 'masterpieces' made of humble materials? Just don't ask about the structural integrity!.
• Headline: Currents; Architects' Show Focuses on Lighting. Impact: The focus on lighting in furniture design turned every living room into a potential Instagram backdrop. Now, if your lighting isn’t 'on point,' your followers will assume you’re living in a cave.. Fact: Did you know that the average person spends 4 hours a day scrolling through lighting trends? It's like the new version of window shopping, minus the windows!.
• Headline: Currents; Japanese Crafts: No Junk. Impact: The scarcity of quality Japanese crafts in American stores has led to a mass proliferation of 'cheap knock-offs,' thus ensuring that the fine art of craftsmanship remains a well-kept secret – or a really bad inside joke.. Fact: Did you know that the word 'junk' has been used so often in craft descriptions that it might as well be a brand name? Welcome to 'JunkCrafts: The Art of Mediocrity!'.