Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON July 5, 2014
Full News Archive
- Headline: Examining American Identity This Fourth of July. Impact: The emphasis on 'blue' sparked a nationwide obsession with color-coordinated celebrations. Fast forward a few decades, and we find ourselves debating the merits of teal versus navy in political campaigns. Thanks a lot, Fourth of July.. Fact: Did you know that the Fourth of July was almost celebrated in the colors black and orange? Just kidding, but wouldn't that have been a sight?.
- Headline: Californians Struggle to Reduce Water Usage. Impact: The refusal to cut water usage in California led to a nationwide trend of ignoring basic ecological responsibilities. This eventually sparked a new reality TV show called 'Keeping Up with the Conservationists,' which was canceled after one season due to lack of drama.. Fact: Did you know that Californians use more water to keep their lawns green than they do to drink? Cheers to that, right?.
- Headline: Refugee Camp for Syrians in Jordan Evolves as a Do-It-Yourself City. Impact: The transformation of the Zaatari camp into a DIY city led to a new trend in urban planning that encouraged people to build their own homes from scrap. This trend, ironically, resulted in a housing crisis in hipster neighborhoods across the globe.. Fact: Did you know that Zaatari's DIY approach was so successful that it inspired a new reality show called 'Camp Builders'? No one watched it, but it was a hit among the construction worker community..
- Headline: Obama Weighs Steps to Cover Contraception. Impact: Obama's contemplation of contraceptive coverage opened the floodgates for debates that would last for generations, leading to a future where every politician had to take a stance on whether jellybeans should be considered contraceptive.. Fact: Did you know that 'contraceptive coverage' is just a fancy term for 'we’re trying to make sure you don’t have to pay for your own birth control'? Mind-blowing, right?.