MARCH 18, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: IRS Reform Faces Republican Skepticism. Impact: This headline sparked a series of events leading to the IRS being the poster child for bureaucratic inefficiency. Fast forward a few decades, and the IRS became so infamous that it inspired a reality TV show about tax evasion... which, spoiler alert, was a hit!. Fact: Did you know that the IRS has a mascot? It's a sad, little paperclip named 'Deducto' who only shows up during tax season. Talk about a motivational speaker..
• Headline: Cuomo Fights Fraud Against Seniors. Impact: Andrew M Cuomo's crusade against predatory mortgage companies set off a chain reaction that led to the formation of several watchdog groups. These groups eventually evolved into an underground network of elderly ninja warriors fighting back against financial fraud. True story!. Fact: Did you know that many scam artists use the phrase 'I'm just trying to help' as their battle cry? Because nothing says 'trust me' like a high fee for a service you didn't ask for..
• Headline: Time Warner's Tax Break Potential Explored. Impact: Time Warner's tax break maneuvering sent shockwaves through corporate America, inspiring a generation of accountants to dream big. Today, many of them believe they can dodge taxes better than they can dodge their student loans.. Fact: Did you know that in the world of accounting, the phrase 'creative accounting' is basically code for 'we're definitely not paying those taxes?'.
• Headline: Rangers Falter In the Race For Fourth. Impact: This game was just another drop in the bucket of chaos that would eventually lead to the rise of the New Jersey Nets as a powerful force in the NBA. You know, right before they fell back down to mediocrity again.. Fact: Did you know that the New Jersey Nets once considered changing their name to the New Jersey 'Almosts'? It was too accurate to keep..
• Headline: Late Run Helps Fans Get to Know the Mocs. Impact: The Mocs' success led to a surge in college basketball fandom, inspiring countless people to spend too much money on jerseys they’d wear only once. This, in turn, created a booming market for resale platforms dedicated to 'gently used' sports apparel.. Fact: Did you know that the NCAA tournament is the only time of year when office productivity plummets faster than the stock market during a recession? It's a real phenomenon!.
• Headline: Van Gundy Takes the Rap For That Horrid Nets Game. Impact: Van Gundy taking the blame for the Nets' horrid game led to a culture of scapegoating in sports that continues to this day. Now every coach knows the golden rule: when in doubt, throw someone else under the bus!. Fact: Did you know that in sports, the phrase 'taking the rap' is often just code for 'I'm about to look for a new job?'.
• Headline: Bridge Title to Kaplan Team. Impact: The Kaplan team's victory at the bridge championship set off a wave of competitive bridge playing that led to bridge clubs popping up in basements everywhere, ultimately inspiring a reality show about the 'real' lives of bridge players.. Fact: Did you know that bridge players are the ultimate underdogs? They can take a 10-hour game and still make it seem more thrilling than a summer blockbuster!.
• Headline: Not All Presidential Advisers Talk Politics. Impact: Clinton's spiritual advisory circle set a precedent for future presidents, leading to an era where political leaders often consult with everyone from yoga instructors to pet psychics before making decisions. Talk about diverse counsel!. Fact: Did you know that in politics, spiritual advice is often just a euphemism for 'let's avoid facing the facts'? It's all about the vibe, man..