When ‘Scared Straight’ Shocked 1970s Television Viewers
The profanity-laden documentary managed to win both Emmys and an Oscar. But it didn't reduce juvenile delinquency.
2023-11-24 02:27
Furry Road: Remembering the Krushed Kitty Novelty Toy Scandal
In the late 1980s, thousands of cars were adorned with a seemingly crushed stuffed cat. Not everyone found it funny.
2023-11-10 02:25
One Minute of Music: Remembering the HitClips Fad of the Early 2000s
The tiny chips held just 60 seconds of pop music, but kids still couldn’t get enough.
2023-10-27 01:25
When Pepsi Tried Giving Away $1 Billion With the Help of a Chimp
The soft drink company teased consumers with a giant contest offer. But could they really pay it out?
2023-09-22 05:23
Think Pink: How Mattel Built Barbie’s Dreamhouse
The vivacious doll has held an expansive real estate portfolio since 1962, when her first (foldable) Dreamhouse was unveiled.
2023-07-19 22:21
May Cause Anal Leakage: The Olestra Fat-Free Snack Controversy of the 1990s
After decades of development and $200 million spent, Procter & Gamble thought they had the perfect snack food additive with olestra. Too bad it caused “rectal urgency.”
2023-06-06 02:24
Dye Hard: How Blue Man Group Took Performance Art Mainstream
The Smurf-colored trio came up in the counterculture. Then Intel came calling.
2023-06-02 05:57