MAY 24, 1991

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring 'Backdraft' and Firefighting Heroics. Impact: When 'Backdraft' hit theaters, an unprecedented surge in firefighter admiration led to a nationwide increase in firetruck-themed birthday parties. The fire department's popularity skyrocketed, making it the leading choice for children's heroes—sorry, Batman!. Fact: Did you know that firefighting has been around since ancient Rome? They didn’t have fancy CGI flames, just buckets and a lot of hope!.
• Headline: The Girl, The Horse, and The Carnival. Impact: The tale of a runaway girl and a horse inspired an entire generation of kids to believe they could join a carnival and avoid adult responsibilities. This led to a significant rise in failed attempts at escape, particularly in suburban backyards.. Fact: Fun fact: The average horse can sleep standing up. But I doubt they’d approve of the carnival life—too many clowns!.
• Headline: Mom, Monsters, and Young Love. Impact: The film about a mama's boy meeting a girl influenced future generations to believe that emotional attachment to mothers is a prerequisite for romantic success. Thus began the era of over-shared family photos on dating apps.. Fact: Did you know that 'mama's boy' is just a euphemism for 'I'm not ready to adult yet'?.
• Headline: Review/Film; Homeboys Hangin' Downtown. Impact: After 'Homeboys Hangin' Downtown,' urban comedy became a staple of Hollywood, leading to the rise of countless buddy comedies that shaped the genre—and gave rise to more characters who inexplicably leave the house wearing socks and sandals.. Fact: Did you know that the Bronx is home to the largest park in New York City? Too bad none of these homeboys ever visited it!.
• Headline: Review/Film; On the Run With 2 Buddies And a Gun. Impact: The escapades of two women on the run inspired a wave of 'road trip' films, leading to a significant uptick in gas station snacks and questionable roadside attractions. Experts say it also caused a spike in 'bad decisions' amongst college students.. Fact: Ever heard of a 'road trip?' It's just an elaborate excuse to eat junk food and listen to the same song on repeat for hours..
• Headline: HOUSING IN NEW JERSEY; A Bergen Suburb Gets Town Houses. Impact: The construction of townhouses in Norwood marked the beginning of suburban sprawl, which would eventually lead to the creation of mandatory neighborhood association meetings—because nothing says 'community' like enforced lawn care.. Fact: Did you know that townhouses are just fancy apartments with slightly more walls and a lot more homeowner drama?.
• Headline: Can Nameless Jurors Be Impartial?. Impact: Bruce Willis as a hip cat burglar rekindled America's love affair with heist films, leading to an unfortunate increase in amateur thieves attempting to recreate his antics—resulting in a surprising number of arrests for 'poor planning.'. Fact: Did you know that cat burglars often rely on stealth? Which is ironic, considering how many of them end up in jail for being anything but subtle..
• Headline: New Front in Marijuana War: Business Records.