MAY 6, 1991

Full News Archive

• Headline: Gold Bond Shifts Advertising Account. Impact: When Gold Bond shifted its account, it inadvertently caused an ice cream shortage that led to an underground black market for Popsicles in 2003. Who knew that a $6 million decision could freeze the market?. Fact: Did you know Gold Bond not only sells ice cream but also keeps track of your childhood memories with every bite? Just kidding, they just want your money.
• Headline: Gary W. Steele Joins Backer Spielvogel. Impact: Gary W. Steele's new role at Backer Spielvogel was the start of a trend where fast food chains began hiring ad executives instead of chefs. The culinary world has never been the same since. Fact: Did you know Wendy's was actually named after a real person? Too bad they didn't name their burger after a real chef.
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; People. Impact: The promotion of David Marans and Alice Sylvester at J. Walter Thompson Co. sent shockwaves through the advertising community, leading to a decade of 'who can out-promotion the other' contests. Spoiler: nobody won. Fact: Did you know that in the advertising world, being named a senior vice president is akin to being crowned the king of the mundane?.
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; Accounts. Impact: Pet Inc. moving its media planning to D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles actually resulted in a nationwide increase in Progresso soup consumption, as people wondered if it was somehow more sophisticated now. Fact: Did you know Progresso soups were originally created as a way to make people feel sophisticated while slurping their lunch? No one actually believed it worked.
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING; Can Products Be Marketed On TV Networks Alone?. Impact: Jerry Solomon's struggles buying ad time could be linked to the rise of reality TV shows that left advertisers bewildered, leading to a decade of bizarre product placements that included everything from toilet paper to pet rocks. Fact: Did you know that the term 'commercial break' was originally coined because nobody could handle the awkward silence after watching a soap opera?.
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; Creative Group Chief Leaves BBDO for Chiat. Impact: Richard Sabean leaving BBDO for Chiat sparked a wave of creatives abandoning their jobs for 'greener pastures,' which later evolved into a full-blown freelance revolution, causing chaos in office supply stores everywhere. Fact: Did you know that 'You got the right one baby, uh-huh' was actually BBDO's way of trying to convince people they weren't just selling soda but also happiness?.
• Headline: Bhutto and Her Party Languish After Defeat. Impact: Bhutto's political limbo not only affected her party but also sparked a trend of politicians using social media to lament their defeats, leading to the rise of the 'sad tweets' phenomenon. Fact: Did you know that political limbo can be an actual dance? Just not one anyone wants to see during elections.
• Headline: FOOTBALL; Knights (4-3) Take a Romp Down Tobacco Road. Impact: The Knights' victory over the Skyhawks not only boosted their morale but also inadvertently inspired a new line of motivational posters that read, 'If you can stomp the worst team, you can do anything!'. Fact: Did you know that the term 'romp' in sports means a decisive victory? It was coined when someone accidentally tripped during a victory lap.
• Headline: TENNIS; A Walking Billboard for Sport and Profit. Impact: Pete Sampras's return to tennis not only spurred a resurgence in tennis as a sport but also led to a rise in fashion faux pas as fans attempted to emulate his style, resulting in some truly regrettable outfits. Fact: Did you know that wearing multiple sponsorship logos was once considered a fashion statement? Now it just looks like a walking billboard!.