JULY 12, 1990

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fun Road-Trip Tapes for Kids. Impact: The invention of road-trip tapes sparked the rise of the 'are we there yet?' phenomenon. As parents distracted their children with endless mixtapes, the phrase became so annoying that it led to the creation of 'silent road trips', which ironically resulted in an upsurge in the popularity of car karaoke.. Fact: Did you know that the first recorded mixtape was actually just a confused DJ trying to figure out how to keep the kids entertained while stuck in traffic? True story!.
• Headline: Currents: Framing the Future of Art. Impact: As art prices soared, people began framing literally anything, leading to a bizarre trend where everyday objects like pizza boxes and old shoes became 'art'. This movement eventually morphed into the 'framed trash' art installations we see today, which critics still can't decide if they love or loathe.. Fact: Fun fact: The art world once featured a famous piece titled 'Framed Regret', which was just a blank canvas with a frame around it. Critics called it 'deep'..
• Headline: Update: Snack Stand at Heckscher Field!. Impact: The introduction of snack stands at ball fields led to a nationwide obsession with overpriced snacks, paving the way for gourmet food trucks. In a twist of fate, this also contributed to the invention of the 'foodie' term, which has now become synonymous with pretentiousness.. Fact: Did you know that the first hot dog sold at a baseball game was actually a failed experiment to see if people would buy anything if it was served in a bun? Spoiler: they did..
• Headline: Use Light Touch to Repair Furniture Fret. Impact: The advice to use a light touch in furniture repair resulted in countless DIY enthusiasts thinking they could fix anything. This led to a series of failed furniture restoration shows, where viewers could only watch in horror as a wooden chair turned into a modern art sculpture.. Fact: Fun fact: The most common furniture repair technique is still 'slap some glue on it and hope for the best'..
• Headline: CURRENTS; Leaves, Flowers And China. Impact: Embracing nature in design set off a trend where everything from buildings to toilet seats began to sport floral patterns. This eventually led to the rise of 'nature chic', where urban dwellers tried to recreate forests in their apartments, resulting in countless lost potted plants.. Fact: Did you know that the first urban garden was actually just a dude trying to impress his date with a 'natural' vibe? Spoiler alert: it didn't work..
• Headline: CURRENTS; For a California Winery, Franco-American Design. Impact: The collaboration between French and American wineries created a wine culture that reached such heights that it led to the invention of wine 'sommelier' lingo, leaving ordinary people lost at dinner parties. Now, asking for a 'glass of red' can feel like a faux pas.. Fact: Fun fact: The first wine expert was just a guy who really liked grapes and decided that he should probably make it a profession. Cheers to that!.
• Headline: CURRENTS; Where Bauhaus Embraces the Desert. Impact: The convergence of Bauhaus architecture with the desert landscape inspired a movement that led to homes designed to blend in with their surroundings. This eventually resulted in homeowners thinking their beige boxes were art pieces, causing confusion in the local art scene.. Fact: Did you know that Bauhaus literally means 'building house'? So basically, it's like naming your dog 'Doggy McDogface'..
• Headline: A Man's Place Is in Home Economics, Home Economists Say. Impact: The push for gender equality in home economics led to an unexpected wave of men trying their hand at knitting and baking. This not only made for some questionable holiday gifts but also inspired countless reality shows about 'Dads Who Bake'.. Fact: Did you know that the first male home economist was actually just a husband trying to avoid doing the dishes? He’s now a legend in the ‘Home Hero’ community..