AUGUST 23, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: Invalidation of Teamster Election Results. Impact: If Ron Carey's election had been valid, we might have seen a Teamsters Union that actually cared about its members instead of just caring about caring. Imagine a world where truck drivers got decent wages, and the phrase 'driving for dollars' meant something entirely different. It’s like a butterfly flapping its wings in the logistics industry.. Fact: Did you know that every time a Teamster gets invalidated, a freight truck driver sheds a tear? It's true. They just can't help but get emotional over the loss of valid elections..
• Headline: Mercury, Mostly Gone From Bay in Japan, Still Poisons Town's Life. Impact: The environmental disaster of Minamata has led to a global awakening about industrial pollution. If only the fish could talk, they might have started a podcast about their traumatic experiences with mercury. Maybe they'd call it 'Tales from the Toxic Deep.'. Fact: Did you know that Minamata Bay fish are now safe to eat? Too bad nobody told the fish, who are still trying to figure out their life choices after decades of mercury exposure..
• Headline: Jean Westwood Is Dead at 73; Led Democrats in Rout of '72. Impact: Jean Westwood’s death marks the end of an era, but it also reminds us that every time a woman shatters a glass ceiling, a man somewhere starts sweating about his job security. The ripples of her leadership are still felt in today's political landscape.. Fact: Did you know Jean Westwood became the first female chair of a major political party? She must have had some great stories about how to navigate a room full of men pretending they know what they’re doing..
• Headline: Bridge. Impact: Alan Truscott’s column on psychic bidding may have led to a new breed of bridge players—those who think they can read minds. This inspired a generation of players to play cards as if they were in a game of 'Guess Who?' with a side of fortune-telling.. Fact: Did you know that psychic bidding is frowned upon in tournaments? Apparently, the ghosts of card players past do not appreciate being used as strategic aides..
• Headline: A Perky 'Macbeth' With Girlish Witches. Impact: This production of Macbeth could have ignited a renaissance of Shakespearean plays performed in parks across America. Instead, it likely resulted in more people wondering why they weren't just watching a superhero movie instead.. Fact: Did you know that witches in Macbeth were originally played by men wearing dresses? So, if you thought your middle school production was tragic, it was just staying true to tradition!.
• Headline: GINGRICH PROMISES TO FIGHT CLINTON ON WELFARE LAW. Impact: Gingrich's insistence on fighting Clinton on welfare laws led to a protracted political battle that probably made the phrase 'bipartisan agreement' feel like a cruel joke. The impact of this fight echoes through every government shutdown since.. Fact: Did you know that arguing about welfare laws is just a fancy way of saying 'let's not actually help anyone'? It’s like bickering over the toppings on a pizza while forgetting to order it..