NOVEMBER 18, 1996

Full News Archive

• Headline: Understanding Sports Transactions in History. Impact: Little did anyone know, these sports transactions would lead to a future where fans would spend more time tracking player trades than actual games. The butterfly flapped its wings, and now we have fantasy leagues that make us question our social lives.. Fact: Did you know that in 2023, one fan traded their pet iguana for a rare player card? Clearly, priorities are in order!.
• Headline: Magazines Expand Brand Beyond Print. Impact: This trend of magazine branding led to an explosion of bizarre products, from 'Vogue' scented candles to 'National Geographic' camping gear. Who knew that a magazine could make you feel like an outdoorsy fashionista?. Fact: Fun fact: The first product ever branded with a magazine name was a 'Reader's Digest' flavored toothpaste. They couldn't sell it though, turns out nobody wants to taste summaries of boring articles..
• Headline: Bernard Telsey: Master of Unconventional Casting. Impact: Bernard Telsey’s casting decisions would eventually lead to the creation of a thousand memes, as people everywhere would ask, 'Wait, that’s who they cast?' in shock and disbelief. The butterfly effect? More like the meme effect.. Fact: Did you know that casting directors have the power to make or break a film? Which explains why so many movies feel like a car crash waiting to happen..
• Headline: C.I.A. Employee Is Accused Of Giving Secrets to Russians. Impact: This arrest unveiled a tangled web of espionage that would change diplomatic relations for decades. The chaos that ensued could have inspired a thriller novel, except it was all too real.. Fact: Did you know that the CIA has a history of undercover operations that could make your average spy movie look like a children’s bedtime story? .
• Headline: The likely new sheriff in Broadcast Town is less industry friendly than the last.. Impact: With McCain at the helm, broadcasting would soon become a battleground where industry giants would wage war over regulations—who knew that politics could be this entertaining?. Fact: Fun fact: John McCain once famously said, 'The only thing more boring than watching paint dry is listening to a Senator discuss broadcast regulations.'.
• Headline: Speak Softly But Carry A Big Wallet. Impact: Ronald S Lauder’s venture into term limits would ripple through the political landscape, leading to a future where billionaires could influence local elections with their wallets. Thanks, Ronald!. Fact: Did you know that Lauder once tried to run for mayor? His campaign slogan was 'More Money, Less Problems.' Spoiler: It didn’t work..
• Headline: B. J. Magness, 72, Is Dead; Company Became Cable Giant. Impact: Bob John Magness’s passing marked the end of an era for the cable industry, but it also sparked a revolution in streaming services. Ironically, his legacy would lead to the very thing that made cable less relevant.. Fact: Did you know that Magness started his company with just a handful of customers? Today, we'd call that a 'niche market'—which is a fancy term for 'good luck making a profit.'.
• Headline: An Odd Rift Develops Between an Author and Borders, a Chain Promoting His Book. Impact: Michael Moore’s spat with Borders would foreshadow the decline of brick-and-mortar bookstores. Who knew that a disagreement over a book signing would lead to the rise of online shopping?. Fact: Did you know that Borders once had a chance to go digital but decided against it? They thought 'e-books' were just a phase. Oops..
• Headline: Springsteen Makes Amends. Impact: Springsteen's charity concert would inspire future artists to give back, creating a trend of musicians hosting benefit shows, which would eventually lead to the phenomenon of 'celebrity charity fatigue'—who knew helping others could be so exhausting?. Fact: Did you know that Bruce Springsteen once tried to give away free tickets to his concert but was met with a line longer than the DMV? Turns out, not everyone wants to see him live!.