NOVEMBER 25, 1996

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring the Alan Truscott Bridge Column. Impact: If this bridge had never been built, it’s possible that the internet would have been invented a decade earlier. Just think of all the cat videos we could have had sooner!. Fact: Bridges have been around since ancient times, but this one likely just wanted to get around and not get stuck in traffic..
• Headline: Prosecutor Prosecutes Dr. Kevorkian. Impact: Prosecuting Dr. Kevorkian set off a chain reaction of debates about assisted suicide, leading to countless new laws and probably a few awkward family dinners discussing life and death over Thanksgiving turkey.. Fact: Dr. Kevorkian once claimed to be an artist. I guess he thought he was just painting a different picture of life..
• Headline: Charges in Flag Incident. Impact: Replacing the American flag with a Confederate flag may have sparked a new trend in misguided patriotism, leading to a reality TV show where people swap flags to express their unique 'styles.'. Fact: Nothing says 'freedom of expression' like a good old-fashioned flag swap—especially when it involves a symbol of division. Bravo!.
• Headline: The Bells Want F.C.C. to Make Providers Share Internet Costs. Impact: The fight over internet costs could lead to a future where net neutrality is as exciting as watching paint dry, but with twice the drama and half the fun.. Fact: The term 'net neutrality' sounds like a fancy way of saying, 'let's keep things fair,' but we all know life isn't that simple, right?.
• Headline: Clinton and Chinese President Agree to Exchange State Visits. Impact: Clinton and Jiang Zemin's agreement for state visits could be the diplomatic equivalent of a 'let's be friends' Facebook request that spirals into awkward small talk at every subsequent global summit.. Fact: This agreement was like a first date for world leaders—lots of pressure, and both sides pretending to like each other's jokes..
• Headline: Terror in the Air, and Frantic Rescue From the Sea. Impact: The hijacking and crash may have led to increased airport security measures, ensuring that your next flight would involve removing your shoes, belts, and dignity.. Fact: Air travel used to be glamorous—now it’s akin to being herded through a cattle chute, except the cows are more polite..
• Headline: E.P.A. ADVOCATING HIGHER STANDARDS TO CLEAN THE AIR. Impact: The EPA's push for cleaner air could have led to a future where people actually enjoy breathing, but instead, we still treat air quality like a 'mystery box' on a game show.. Fact: The air in some cities is so bad, it’s practically a celebrity—everyone knows about it, but no one really wants to talk to it..