DECEMBER 1, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Fate of Old Film Stock. Impact: The destruction of old film stock inadvertently led to the rise of digital media. If those films had survived, Hollywood would still be churning out remakes of films from the 1920s instead of running out of ideas completely by the 2010s.. Fact: Did you know that some of these old films may have been so bad that their destruction was a mercy? Thank you, recycling!.
• Headline: Questions on Consumer Behavior and Marketing Trends. Impact: The culinary apathy of McDonald's patrons sparked a global trend of fast food chains prioritizing convenience over nutrition, leading to the rise of 'food' that’s barely recognizable as such. The world’s diet has never been the same.. Fact: The phrase 'you are what you eat' might need a revision. At this point, many are just blobs of trans fats and regret..
• Headline: Jets Take a Beating, and Then They Lose. Impact: The New York Jets' loss contributed to the ongoing cycle of disappointment that defines their existence. This loss added to the legend of the 'Cursed Jets', which will be told to future generations as a cautionary tale.. Fact: Ever notice how the Jets seem to lose in spectacular fashion? It's almost like they're auditioning for a tragic soap opera..
• Headline: Updates/Media and Technology; Thanksgiving Tradition Is Now Turkey, Dressing And a Video Movie. Impact: The video rental boom during Thanksgiving set the stage for the couch potato lifestyle we all know and love today. It’s hard to imagine a world without binge-watching marathons on holidays.. Fact: Ah, the Thanksgiving tradition of stuffing yourself with turkey and then stuffing your brain with movies. Truly the American way!.
• Headline: Updates/Media and Technology; Media Giant Scoffs At European Demand To Stop TV Box Sales. Impact: Kirch Group's refusal to comply with EU demands led to even more convoluted media regulations, shaping the future of broadcasting in a way that left viewers more confused than ever. Who knew a box could spark such chaos?. Fact: The more they scoffed, the more convoluted our media landscape became. Thanks, Kirch, for making TV watching a puzzle game!.
• Headline: Reno Poised For Decision On Naming A Prosecutor. Impact: Janet Reno's decision-making process on naming a prosecutor turned into a historical footnote that showcased the endless dance of political maneuvering, setting a precedent for future investigations that would leave the nation bewildered.. Fact: Prosecutors: the unsung heroes of political drama. Their names might not be in lights, but their impact is felt in every courtroom and scandal..
• Headline: Metro Matters; Island Needs A Dollar And a Dream. Impact: The indecision over Governors Island became a metaphor for New York’s political gridlock and inability to utilize valuable resources, which led to decades of missed opportunities and a lingering sense of 'what if'.. Fact: Governors Island: the place where dreams go to die, or at least to wait for bureaucratic attention. Good luck with that plan!.
• Headline: Updates/Media and Technology; Westinghouse to Switch Home City and Name Today. Impact: Westinghouse's rebranding and relocation marked a significant shift in the media landscape, paving the way for corporate giants to prioritize image over substance. Now the focus is more on brand than on what they actually produce.. Fact: Changing names doesn’t change the game! The only thing that really moves is the money—right out of your pocket..
• Headline: GLOBAL WARMING; Environment and Industry: Clashing Views on the Kyoto Talks. Impact: The clash of views on global warming at the Kyoto Talks revealed the deep chasm between environmentalists and industry titans, a divide that set the stage for the endless debate that continues to this day, impacting climate policies worldwide.. Fact: Global warming discussions: where scientists and businessmen argue over who gets to ruin the planet first. Spoiler alert: it’s a tie!.