NOVEMBER 29, 1990

Full News Archive

• Headline: Currents: Boomerang in Design History. Impact: The boomerang's influence on furniture design accidentally birthed a new trend of 'throwable furniture'—pieces that were meant to be tossed around and then miraculously returned to their original spot. Spoiler: it didn’t catch on.. Fact: Fun fact: boomerangs were originally created for hunting, not as your next interior design inspiration. I guess furniture designers just took a wrong turn somewhere..
• Headline: Celebrate Hanukkah's Artistic Menorah Designs. Impact: As the menorah designs evolved, they sparked an unexpected boom in candle-making industries worldwide. Who knew that a little wax and some creativity could keep the flames of tradition (and profit) alive?. Fact: Interestingly, the menorah's seven-branched design dates back to ancient times. So, lighting one of these bad boys is basically like participating in a historical reenactment every Hanukkah!.
• Headline: BUSINESS PEOPLE; S.E.C. Picks New Chief For Investment Division. Impact: Marianne K. Smythe's appointment triggered a chain reaction that led to a decade of 'Smythe Effect'—a phenomenon where everyone suddenly wanted to invest in whatever was trending on Instagram. Because, you know, financial advice from influencers is totally a great idea.. Fact: Did you know that the SEC was actually created to protect investors? How quaint—it's almost like they thought people would always act rationally with their money!.
• Headline: Currents; Think of It: Parking. On the Street.. Impact: The guide to parking in Manhattan led to an unexpected surge in urban planning courses, as suddenly everyone thought they could solve the city's parking woes. Spoiler alert: they couldn’t.. Fact: Did you know that in Manhattan, there are more cars than parking spots? It's like a game of musical chairs, except nobody wins and everyone gets honked at..
• Headline: Currents; The Spare And Dense On Display. Impact: Franco Albini's architectural style inspired future generations to embrace minimalism. Little did they know, minimalism would eventually lead to a global crisis of people hoarding everything they own just for the sake of 'keeping it real.'. Fact: Fun fact: 'spare' and 'dense' are exactly how I feel when trying to read architecture critiques—endlessly confused with a side of existential dread..
• Headline: Windfalls for English Furniture Makers. Impact: The exhibition at Kew Gardens sparked a renaissance for traditional furniture making, which inadvertently led to a trend of hipster cafes being decked out in 'vintage' furniture that was actually just grandma's old stuff. Thanks, Kew!. Fact: It’s said that a good piece of furniture can last for generations. But if you ask my family, they’ll tell you it’s just a game of 'which piece will break first during family gatherings?'.
• Headline: Currents; Rooms That Would Fit in a Corner. Impact: Creating miniature rooms for auction led to the rise of reality TV shows where designers compete to create the smallest livable spaces. Spoiler: it turns out cramped living is not exactly the next big thing.. Fact: Did you know that tiny homes are all the rage now? Because nothing says 'I've got my life together' like living in a glorified shed!.
• Headline: BUSINESS PEOPLE; S.E.C. Picks New Chief For Investment Division. Impact: The S.E.C.'s new chief, once again, made headlines, leading to an endless loop of appointing new chiefs every few years, all while investors collectively sigh, 'Here we go again'.. Fact: Ever wonder how many different chiefs the SEC can have before they just run out of names? At this rate, we might start seeing SEC heads named after fruits..
• Headline: Currents; As Snug as a Morris Chair on a Rug. Impact: William Morris’s designs became the go-to for hipster homes, leading to an unforeseen rise in plaid and floral patterns, making every coffee shop look like your great-aunt's living room.. Fact: Did you know that the Morris chair was designed for comfort? It’s basically the laziest chair ever invented—perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows while feeling all artsy!.