Transcripts

"Last Word"-Helvetica Turns 50

SUSIE GHARIB: And finally tonight, you've seen it, probably used it, but chances are you can't identify it. I'm talking about the Helvetica typeface, which turns 50 this year. In case you don't know the type, it's used in the logos of several companies, including 3M, American Airlines, BMW, Microsoft and Target. Helvetica -- or Swiss, as it is also known -- is widely considered the official type face of the 20th century. Its 50th anniversary is currently being celebrated with an exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Paul, in case you were wondering about the NBR logo, it does not use Helvetica typeface. It's Times Roman.

KANGAS: I don't like that particular type face at this time of the year because the IRS does use it. I get sick of looking at it.

GHARIB: You and millions of other Americans.