JANUARY 25, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring NYC's Transformative Fourth Decade. Impact: The chronicling of NYC events from the 1928-1937 period inadvertently kickstarted a time-traveling Instagram account that now influences the fashion choices of hipsters in 2023. Yes, thanks to that chronology, we now have a resurgence of 1930s styles complete with suspenders and fedoras.. Fact: Did you know that while people were focusing on major events, fashionistas were busy trying to resurrect the 1930s style? Spoiler alert: they succeeded, and now your uncle thinks he’s trendy in a vintage suit..
• Headline: Armory Center Rededication Celebration. Impact: Mayor Giuliani's rededication of the Armory Center led to a secret underground network of competitive armory sports that eventually influenced the creation of bizarre Olympic events, such as competitive hot-dog-eating track races.. Fact: Did you know that the Hispanic Games were just a warm-up for the Olympic events we see today? Because nothing says 'world unity' like competitive track events in a repurposed armory..
• Headline: Mussolini's Missing Medallions Found. Impact: The discovery of Mussolini medallions at a cattle ranch led to an outrageous conspiracy theory that cows are, in fact, the true rulers of the world, secretly controlling the economy from behind the scenes.. Fact: Did you know that these medallions were thought to be lost forever? Turns out, they were just taking a long vacation at a ranch. Who knew Mussolini's memorabilia would be part of a bovine retirement plan?.
• Headline: Tough Times for a City of Tenants. Impact: Grace Paley's reflections on tough times for tenants inadvertently sparked a movement where hipsters romanticized the idea of living in 'vintage poverty' as a lifestyle choice for Instagram likes.. Fact: Did you know that the economic struggles of the 1930s are now seen as 'vintage chic'? Because nothing says 'I’m an artist' like posing in front of a dilapidated tenement..
• Headline: Mighty Tomatoes From Little Seeds Do Grow. Impact: Joan Lee Faust's gardening tips somehow led to an international tomato-growing competition that now has everyone questioning whether they can win gold with their heirloom varieties.. Fact: Did you know that every time you plant a seed, it could lead to a world-class tomato? Well, probably not, but people still believe they can grow the next 'Big Tomato'..
• Headline: He Did It His Way, Or Else. Impact: Robert Moses' empire-building efforts created a butterfly effect of urban planning disasters, leading future generations to believe that all roads should lead to overpriced parking lots.. Fact: Did you know that Robert Moses built so many roads that they could circle the Earth multiple times? And yet, we still can’t find a decent parking spot in New York City..
• Headline: Parents Turn to Schools To Curb Unruly Youths. Impact: The parental plea for schools to control unruly youth catalyzed an unending cycle of 'it takes a village' debates that still have parents googling 'how to raise a perfect child' in 2023.. Fact: Did you know that parents in Westchester are now looking to schools to solve all their parenting issues? Next up: hiring teachers to babysit on weekends. But hey, they’re trained professionals, right?.
• Headline: Italy's New Fiscal Rigor Fails to Reassure Europe. Impact: Italy's fiscal rigor created an unexpected effect where budget meetings became the new spectator sport in Europe, complete with commentators and fan clubs.. Fact: Did you know that the Maastricht Treaty was supposed to be serious business? But instead, it has become a punchline in the EU’s ongoing saga of 'who can balance their budget better?'.
• Headline: After House Fire, Mutual Aid Setup Stirs Controversy. Impact: The controversy surrounding the mutual aid setup after a house fire led to a secret society of firefighters who now meet in basements to discuss how to make their systems even more confusing.. Fact: Did you know that mutual aid systems are like a poorly organized potluck? Everyone brings something, but nobody knows who’s in charge, and it often ends in chaos..
• Headline: Opera Without Frills Like Sets or Costumes. Impact: Eve Queler’s no-frills opera led to a global trend where minimalist performances became the norm, causing audiences to wonder if they were witnessing art or just an excuse to skip the set design budget.. Fact: Did you know that minimalist opera is now a thing? Because who needs costumes when you can just belt out arias in a plain t-shirt and jeans? So avant-garde!.