DECEMBER 30, 1990

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tea Parties: A New Catering Controversy. Impact: The tea party trend ignited a nationwide obsession with themed gatherings. Fast forward a few decades, and now we have a reality show where people compete to throw the most extravagant tea party, while a global tea shortage looms due to all the over-brewing.. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'tea party' once just referred to sipping tea and gossiping, not a political movement or a way to dodge actual issues..
• Headline: Challenging Stereotypes of Violence. Impact: As perceptions of murder shifted, so did crime dramas. We now have countless shows where the rich and educated are the villains, leading to a societal belief that only those with money commit crimes. Spoiler alert: it's everyone.. Fact: Did you know that not every murder mystery involves a butler? Shocking, I know..
• Headline: More Cutbacks Expected in 1991 As Economy Sags. Impact: The anticipated budget cuts led to a nationwide panic that resulted in 'Survivor: City Budget Edition.' Contestants now must find creative ways to stretch their city's funds, all while ensuring the local park remains open.. Fact: Fun fact: Budget shortfalls have existed since the dawn of civilization. Turns out, it’s hard to keep track of finances when you’re busy inventing the wheel..
• Headline: Oh, Start Already, Brave New '91, We Can't Wait. Impact: The mention of Saddam Hussein and Bart Simpson in the same breath somehow created a parallel universe where political decisions were made based on cartoon logic. Spoilers: it didn't end well for anyone.. Fact: Did you know that in an alternate timeline, Marla Maples actually became president? The world was confused but entertained..
• Headline: With 3 National Titles, Young Rider Is Rising to the Top of His Sport. Impact: Ray Texel's ambitions inspired a generation of young athletes to believe that they, too, could make it to the Olympics. This led to a dramatic increase in participation in sports, resulting in a global shortage of energy drinks.. Fact: Fun fact: Every Olympic athlete has a secret weapon. For some, it's training; for others, it's a really good nap..
• Headline: Campus Life: Lehigh; Frank Drama Highlights Effort To Prevent Rape. Impact: The effort to prevent rape on campus started a long-overdue conversation that rippled through universities, with the ultimate result being the eventual creation of mandatory consent workshops. Progress, right?. Fact: Did you know that consent is like wifi? You know it's there, but you'd better check the connection before you get too comfortable..
• Headline: 'Flights of Fancy': Birds in Folk Art. Impact: The 'Flights of Fancy' exhibit started a national obsession with birds in art, leading to a rise in avian-themed tattoos, and subsequently, a global increase in birdwatching. Who knew feathers would become fashionable?. Fact: Fun fact: Birds are now more popular in art than most celebrities. Take that, Hollywood!.
• Headline: Parking Problem Belies Village's Name. Impact: The parking problem led to the rise of car-free villages, which, ironically, became the most congested spots for people walking in circles trying to find a place to stand still.. Fact: Did you know that many villages pride themselves on being quaint? But nothing says quaint like fighting over a parking spot..