Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON June 25, 2014
Full News Archive
- Headline: Indie Labels vs. Major Music Consolidation. Impact: The indie music scene's struggles prompted an underground revolution that, centuries later, led to the invention of 'silent concerts' where you can enjoy music through high-tech headphones, ensuring no one else around you appreciates your taste.. Fact: Did you know that if you play a record backward, it doesn't summon the devil? It just makes you a really annoying party guest..
- Headline: Shinzo Abe’s Corporate Revolution. Impact: Shinzo Abe's meddling with corporate Japan's cozy arrangements set off a chain reaction that eventually led to a global trend of businesses trying to be more transparent—only to realize that transparency is just code for 'everyone can see our mistakes.'. Fact: Did you know that Japan's corporate culture is so complex that even the stockholders need a map and a translator to figure out who's really in charge?.
- Headline: Repercussions of Turkey's Support for Rebels. Impact: Turkey's choice to open the door to rebels inadvertently created a masterclass in how to mismanage a crisis, which future governments would study extensively, though they’d still probably screw it up just as badly.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'what could possibly go wrong?' has a historical context—it's usually followed by a list of regrettable decisions made by various governments?.
- Headline: In Rematch, Rangel Holds Lead in a Tight House Primary Race. Impact: Rangel's relentless pursuit of another term, despite age and controversy, inspired future politicians to believe that as long as you can hold a microphone, you can hold a seat—leading to the rise of social media influencers in politics.. Fact: Did you know that running for office is a lot like running for prom queen? The primary just gets people more invested in who can throw the best parties..
- Headline: Elvis Costello Treats Carnegie Hall to a Solo Show. Impact: Elvis Costello's intimate concert at Carnegie Hall sparked a movement of artists realizing they could just sit down and play music without the theatrics, leading to an unending stream of acoustic coffee shop performances that no one asked for.. Fact: Did you know that every time Elvis Costello plays a guitar solo, a hipster somewhere decides to grow out their beard and start a band?.