AUGUST 4, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Toyota's Leadership Shift and Future Vision. Impact: This attempt to revitalize Toyota's image led to a series of marketing campaigns that resulted in a global obsession with bland, reliable cars. Fast forward a decade, and we find ourselves in a world where even the most adventurous souls are driving beige minivans.. Fact: Fun fact: Toyota's motto is 'Let's Go Places,' which ironically is what everyone says when they're trying to avoid driving one of their cars!.
• Headline: Concerns Rise Ahead of Afghan Elections. Impact: The doubts surrounding the election not only affected voter turnout but also led to a slow but steady decline in trust in democratic processes worldwide. This rippled into future elections, where conspiracy theories became the main course at political discussions.. Fact: Elections in Afghanistan have been so fraught with issues that they almost considered adopting a 'Rock-Paper-Scissors' format for determining winners. At least that way, the outcome would be more transparent!.
• Headline: Cabbies Stay on Their Phones Despite Ban. Impact: The lack of enforcement on this ban led to a generation of cab drivers who think they are the CEOs of mobile multitasking. This had a ripple effect on the rise of distracted driving, ultimately inspiring tech companies to create even more distracting apps 'for safety'.. Fact: Did you know that the ban on cell phones in taxis has been about as effective as a speed limit sign in a NASCAR race? Just another reminder that rules are often just suggestions in the wild world of NYC!.
• Headline: Keeping Their Eggs in Their Backyard Nests. Impact: The backyard poultry trend caused a surge in urban farming, leading to a bizarre future where people began to barter eggs for artisanal soap and organic kale. The butterfly effect? Chickens became the unofficial mascots of hipster neighborhoods.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more hipster than having backyard chickens is naming them after obscure indie bands? 'Eggbert' and 'Cluck Norris' are just the tip of the iceberg!.