Abstract
This paper examines how trends and fads in the US reveal numerous details about the way in which cultures that are inherent within society both mix and coincide. In particular, the paper points out these trends and fads mix within the various ethnic groups eventually forming a new culture altogether. Additionally, the paper explores the traditional definitions and characteristics of fads and trends, further positing a theory about how events are changed rather unexpectedly, whether that be fads or trends. The paper concludes with a comparison between trends and fads and some generalizations about the way fads and trends share, impact, and propel culture. This paper contains a figure.

From the Paper
"What then, are some examples of long-term intellectual and sociological trends that have significantly impacted contemporary society? Certainly, one can look at several political trends: democratization, movement towards globalization. The acceptance of racial and ethnic differences have, as well, become a trend in the developing world, to the point where the United States now has an African-American President, a female speaker of the house, and several ethnic minorities in both high positions in the government, and as elected officials in Congress and the Senate. So, too, has the corporate world evolved acceptance of individual differences and ideologies if far more acceptable than at anytime during recorded history. Trends in what is moral and immoral have shown peaks and valleys during the century, and yet, society is far more tolerant of individual differences than ever, almost setting a socio-cultural trend itself."

Tags:contemporary society, ideologies, Malcolm Gladwell, mainstream culture

Abstract
This paper explains why most popular fad diets, particularly Atkins, are based on faulty, unproven theories. It also describes some of the health problems that may accompany such diet programs.

From the Paper
"It has been commonly known for ages that the food we eat provides us with energy in the form of calories. We consume these calories in our bodies for our body functions - the amount of calories burnt depending mainly on the nature and duration of physical activity and to a lesser degree, on metabolic differences in individuals due to genetic reasons. If our calorie-intake is greater than our calorie-consumption, we put on weight; if our intake is less than our consumption we lose weight. Low carb diets such as Atkins' purport to circumvent this basic fact of nutrition and attribute the weight loss to factors such as insulin resistance, ketosis, and increased fat burning. On closer scrutiny, however, it becomes apparent that such claims have no scientific basis and the low carb fad diets carry significant health risks."

Tags:low-carb, reduced, carbohydrate-intake, proteins, fats, weight, loss, induction, phase

Abstract
This paper explains that the many changes such as the fall of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany and many other events of the decade have left the world spinning, the fin de siecle (or "end of century") phenomenon. The author points out that Barbie's have made a comeback, having been transformed from her previous cultural role as a candy stripper and housewife in the sixties to become "Astronaut Barbie" and "Dr. Barbie," reflecting that women have becoming an increasing part of the work force across the country in every type of career. The paper relates that even the traditional school is changing with the growing popularity of the charter schools, a concept in which a public school operates under a special contract, a charter, arranged between a group of school organizers and a sponsor, which sets forth how the school will be run, what will be taught and how success will be measured, giving it some freedom from the traditional school.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Culture and Thought in the 1990s
Entertainment
Theater
Hobbies
Fads
Schools
Science and Technology
Telecommunications
Tools
Economics
Business
Manufactured Items
World Events
End of the Cold War
Persian Gulf War
Reunification of Germany
Indian/Pakistani Nuclear Tests
International Food Production
Brief Cultural Observations Through the Nineties
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Tools. While an increasing number of Americans purchasing hand and power tools during the 1990s as Black & Decker and other consumer tool manufacturers targeted niche audiences with home appliances and tools, clearly the most powerful tool of the 1990s must be the personal computer. According to the literature, by 1990 some personal computers had become small enough to be completely portable; they included laptop computers, which could rest in one's lap; notebook computers, which were about the size of a notebook; and pocket, or palm-sized, computers, which could be held in one's hand. At the high end of the PC market, multimedia personal computers equipped with CD-ROM players and digital sound systems allowed users to handle animated images and sound (in addition to text and still images) that were stored on high-capacity CD-ROMs."

Tags:computer, internet, globalization, china, century

Abstract
The paper outlines the Atkins' Diet, the Weight Watchers program, and the diet pill supplements that guarantee a dramatic weight loss. The paper discusses the pressure in society to be super slim, but reveals that most of the diets that guarantee the most benefits are usually the most dangerous. The paper argues that the only way to lose body weight is to reduce calorie intake and increase energy expenditure through exercise.

From the Paper
"There is much debate nowadays on the best method of weight loss. Every day there is a
new diet craze sweeping the nation and the notion of the "fad diet" has given hope to the idea of losing as much as as possible, as quickly as possible. There are so many diets on the market to pick from, as well as plenty of supplements and modern surgical procedures to help fight body fat. While some have positive results, others have lead to illness or death. With so many methods to lose weight, it is hard for those of us in the Western world to fight the temptation of quick weight loss. What is the problem with the traditional weight loss methods that include a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen?"

Tags:weight, loss, eating, disorders, Atkins, Weight, Watchers, pill

Abstract
This paper argues that the seemingly disparate trends in the American construction industry are in fact related by the geography of modern employment. Our booming technology-based economy has focused its growth in urban areas, leading to skyrocketing housing prices and urban sprawl while simultaneously leaving construction employment and nationwide building trends dormant.

From the Paper
"In 1982, total construction receipts for single-family homes totaled $5.3 billion. By 1997, receipts had grown to an inflation-adjusted amount of $7.9 billion. This 60% increase is significantly less than the overall growth in construction in the United States in that time period, which almost tripled from $313 billion to $835 billion(US Census Bureau, 1982, 1987, 1997). The causes underlying this startling difference are hard to pin down, but a large part of the blame can probably be ascribed to the significant depression of the late eighties and early nineties. The high interest rates and high inflation figures of the era scared away new home buyers, while government investment in the private sector spurred other aspects of construction (Econedlink, 2000)."

Tags:construction, residential, housing, inflation, prices, investment

Abstract
The pursuit and maintenance of physical fitness, health and wellness has become, over the past three decades, a national preoccupation for North Americans. This has created a demand for an industry, now at a multi-billion dollar level, geared towards satisfying people's needs to exercise. Focusing on the operation of a fitness center, the author provides an in-depth analysis of the social motivations for participating in the fitness movement, the benefit of exercising, industry trends, the cost and benefit of creating such an operation, and the means necessary to maintain it successfully.

From the Paper
"One area of the fitness industry that has grown and prospered tremendously as a result of the exercise boom of the past three decades is that of health and wellness centers. From 1975, when the Association of Physical Fitness Centers was formed, until 1979 membership in clubs belonging to that association rose to two million people. This trend continued into the 1980s when, in 1987 alone, over 1500 new health clubs were under construction (Stone, 1987, p. 10). The last decade has only marked a steady increase in the popularity and membership in health and wellness centers throughout the United States (Sanford, 1998)."

Tags:exercise, business, operations, dieting, body

Abstract
In this paper the author argues against foreigners coming to South Africa for "in-secret" plastic surgery procedures. This is also known as the "surgery and safari" package. The author cites the low rate of the rand against the dollar as promoting this fad. The paper concludes by discussing the down-side of plastic surgery vacations, especially the health risks.

Rhinoplasy but no rhinos
What's happening in South Africa
The upside of this marketing ploy
The downside
Is this a good marketing idea?
References

From the Paper
"For retired couples or individuals with money and time to spend, the idea of going on a safari adventure at the same time scars are healing sounds like something most appealing, especially top those who obviously have a lust for life (figuring that they want to hide the ravages of age by surgery in the first place). It is also an interesting way of consuming time, waiting for wounds to heal, and being thousands of miles from family, friends and neighbors to whom one might look "wounded" after surgery."

Tags:cosmetic surgery, foreign medicine, travel, medical services

Abstract
This paper discusses the social problems that erupt in response to images portrayed in the media. The paper explores the extent to which the public is affected by what the media presents as beautiful. Trends and fads initiated and perpetuated by advertising and television are discussed. The paper covers the issues of weight problems, diets, and plastic surgery.

From the Paper
"Whether opening a magazine, turning on the TV, surfing the internet or simply driving down the street, people are bombarded with media and advertising portraying the image of beauty. In recent years, media and advertising have defined what is beautiful and what is not. People magazine even has a yearly issue featuring the most beautiful people. According to the media, a beautiful woman is defined as extremely thin with large breasts, full lips, perfectly defined abs, slender lean legs and a round derriere. Men must be tall, muscular, have straight teeth, and display a washboard stomach. So is this really beautiful? According to recent trends, the American public is sucking up this image of beauty and doing whatever it takes to be amongst the beautiful. Everyone wants to be desirable and, due to this unrealistic image of beauty created by the media and TV ads, new trends have swept the nation in people's quest to become "beautiful.""

Tags:beautiful, plastic, diets

Abstract
This paper addresses the development and the functionality of the corset over four specific periods of history. Pictures of corsets are included.

Tags:POPULAR CULTURE / FADS, TRENDS, corset over ages

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of automobiles in the film industry, and how they are impacted by mass media. More specifically, this paper analyzes how mass media influences the use of automobiles and popular culture surrounding their use. The writer explores several books and movies in support of the analysis presented.

From the Paper
"Since the inception of the automobile, significant importance has been placed on its use and look. Young men are conditioned to believe that attracting women is based in part on having the right type of car. Young women are raised to think if a man has a nice car he is a worthwhile pursuit. In addition, media and society have conditioned Americans to place certain values on certain cars. If it's a sedan or a station wagon the owner must be old or boring. If it is sporty or a particular type of car the assumption is made that the owner is modern in thought and action. Autos have importance in all walks of life, including entertainment."

Tags:classic, movies, plot, fads, mindset, advertising, current, issues, trends, clout, promote