OCTOBER 30, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: Trailblazing Women in Basketball Refs. Impact: If Violet Palmer and Dee Kantner hadn't shattered the glass ceiling of refereeing, we might still be arguing over the most ridiculous calls made by a guy who thinks 'traveling' means walking to the fridge. The NBA might have even considered introducing a 'referee's choice' award to make things fair.. Fact: Women have been refereeing since the dawn of time; they just weren't given the whistle until now. Who knew it took until the 90s to figure out that both genders can blow a whistle?.
• Headline: Tragic Incident Involving State Trooper. Impact: The death of Samuel B Shipps Jr. led to increased discussions on mental health, gun control, and the influence of violence in society. Who knew that a tragic event could lead to an endless cycle of debates that still circulate today?. Fact: Tragically, real-life drama often plays out like a poorly written script. In this case, the plot twist was just as tragic as the beginning..
• Headline: At Home With; A Hardy Perennial, Her Passions Still Blooming. Impact: Carolyne Roehm's transition from design to flower arranging taught us that no matter how far you stray from your original career path, you can always come back to something that involves less fabric and more foliage. Who knew floral design could be so profitable?. Fact: Flower arranging: the only profession where you can simultaneously be an artist and a florist, and still have people questioning your life choices..
• Headline: A Feel for Siberia And Walden Pond; A Russian at Home in Hollywood. Impact: Andrei Konchalovsky's success in Hollywood opened the floodgates for other foreign directors, leading to a bizarre mix of Russian plots and American budgets that eventually birthed the 'art film' genre. Thanks for keeping the confusion alive!. Fact: Hollywood is the only place where a Russian can make a film about an American transcendentalist and somehow get an Oscar nomination. Only in America, folks!.
• Headline: A Cleopatra More Rowdy Than Regal. Impact: The review of this production led to a resurgence in interest in Shakespearean adaptations, paving the way for more modern interpretations that continued to confuse the masses. Because nothing says 'timeless classic' like a raucous Cleopatra throwing a toga party.. Fact: Shakespeare: the original trendsetter. If only he knew how many people would be confused by his work centuries later..
• Headline: Search Expands for the Sex Partners of a Man Accused of Spreading H.I.V.. Impact: The extensive search for Nushawn Williams's partners led to increased awareness about HIV prevention and the importance of safe sex practices. It might not have been the best way to educate the public, but hey, sometimes tragedy is the best teacher.. Fact: HIV education: because nothing says 'let's talk about safe sex' like a police investigation..
• Headline: Turf; Cleaning Out Those Pesky Old Poltergeists in the Closets. Impact: The rise of spiritual cleansing practices led to a booming market for smudging services, proving that when you can't afford a therapist, you can always hire a shaman to cleanse your bad vibes. Who needs logical explanations, right?. Fact: In New York, it turns out that some real estate agents are more focused on getting rid of 'bad energy' than 'bad deals.' Now that’s what I call a unique selling proposition!.
• Headline: THE 1997 ELECTIONS: PROFILE -- Politics as Lifelong Passion; McGreevey of New Jersey Is a Relentless Competitor. Impact: James E McGreevey's relentless nature reminded us that in politics, it's not about serving the people; it's about winning. This mentality has since evolved into a game show format for elections, where the stakes are higher but the integrity is still questionable.. Fact: Politics: the only field where you can win by losing your integrity. Who knew public service could be so... entertaining?.