Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON December 5, 2013
Full News Archive
- Headline: Gotham Awards Kick Off Award Season. Impact: The Red Carpets rolled so smoothly that they eventually led to the rise of influencers, who now require at least 30 minutes of carpet rolling before every public appearance. The event also set the stage for reality TV stars to win Oscars, which is basically the pinnacle of civilization.. Fact: The first Academy Awards in 1929 had only 12 categories. Now? There are enough to fill a small library, along with a few egos..
- Headline: Rise of Mobile Payments in India. Impact: Mobile payments in India sparked a global revolution, eventually leading to a world where even your pet goldfish can pay for its own fish food with a simple app. Who knew fish could swipe?. Fact: In 2016, India introduced the world's largest biometric ID system, which means they took 'you are what you eat' to an entirely new level—now you are also what you can pay with!.
- Headline: Rising Rentals Amid Home Buyer Shortage. Impact: As renters took over, the dream of home ownership was officially replaced by the dream of owning a vintage couch and a collection of houseplants. This trend caused a surge in 'tiny home' shows, making us all question the size of our aspirations.. Fact: The average American home size has doubled since the 1970s, which means that 'tiny' homes are now just homes that were once considered 'normal.'.
- Headline: $15 Wage in Fast Food Stirs Debate on Effects. Impact: $15 wage debates led to a chain reaction of fast-food restaurants starting to offer 'high-end' items like gourmet burgers, paving the way for the day when we might find truffle fries at the drive-thru. What a time to be alive!. Fact: The fast-food industry is estimated to be worth over $200 billion in the US alone. That's a lot of burgers and a lot of questionable decisions!.