DECEMBER 22, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: Year-End Advertising Assignment Changes. Impact: The constant reshuffling of marketing dollars has led to the rise of influencer culture, where a well-placed cat meme can now fund your local economy. Thanks to this, we now have a world where brands hire kittens to sell everything from cars to insurance.. Fact: Did you know the first marketing campaign involved a cave drawing? Spoiler alert: it didn't sell very well..
• Headline: Antitrust Showdown: Gates vs. Klein. Impact: The epic showdown between Gates and Klein led to Microsoft being forced to innovate instead of just monopolize. This ripple effect ultimately birthed the smartphone era, but only after a few awkward years of everyone pretending to love flip phones.. Fact: Did you know that the antitrust battle was so intense that some speculate it was the inspiration for the next Avengers movie? Too bad Bill Gates isn’t superhuman..
• Headline: Revitalizing Somerville's Downtown Charm. Impact: This trend of revitalizing downtowns has since spiraled into hipster havens, where artisanal pickles are sold at prices that make gold look cheap. Talk about a time-traveling journey from 'mall culture' to 'I swear this is better because it’s local!'. Fact: Did you know that the term 'local' has now become synonymous with overpriced and underwhelming? Thanks, downtown revitalization!.
• Headline: Only Severely Impaired Children Need Apply. Impact: This headline underscores the complexities of welfare reform, leading to ongoing debates about social safety nets. The ripple effects are still felt today, as policymakers grapple with the balance between support and incentivizing independence.. Fact: Did you know that welfare laws have evolved so much that they could fill a library? Too bad most people only read the headlines..
• Headline: Washington Talk; Elegance Is Out -- And Chef Shuts Door. Impact: The retirement of formal dining brought about a culinary revolution, where gourmet food trucks now serve haute cuisine on wheels. Who needs a reservation when you can eat gourmet tacos in a park?. Fact: Did you know that formal dining was once so serious, it required a degree in etiquette? Now we just need a degree in 'how to hold a taco without it falling apart.'.
• Headline: Stemming Drugs and Graft Is Mexican's Daunting Task. Impact: This ongoing battle against drugs and corruption continues to shape Mexico's political landscape, influencing everything from policy to pop culture. So next time you watch a narco-drama, just remember—it's based on a very real struggle.. Fact: Did you know that Mexico's fight against drug trafficking has become so complicated it could fill a season of a reality show? 'The Real Narcos of Mexico'—coming soon!.
• Headline: Adviser to Chief Executives Finds Himself in Odd Swirl. Impact: The fallout from Sonnenfeld’s petty antics contributed to the ongoing discussion about ethics in academia. Who knew that one man's vandalism could lead to a nationwide lecture series on integrity?. Fact: Did you know that petty vandalism is now considered a valid career move in academia? Just kidding—please don’t try this at home..
• Headline: Gaining Something in Translation. Impact: The global expansion of magazines led to the rise of a world where everyone thinks they’re an expert on health and fitness, thanks to a few translated articles. Now, everyone can be an authority on avocado toast, regardless of their actual culinary skills.. Fact: Did you know that the first translated magazine was actually a cookbook? It didn't sell very well, mostly because no one could read it!.