DECEMBER 29, 1997

Full News Archive

• Headline: Patriots Triumph Over Dolphins in Playoffs. Impact: This Patriots win sparked a rivalry so intense that it led to countless memes, and eventually, an entire generation of kids believing they're better athletes than they actually are. Thanks, Tom Brady!. Fact: The only thing more inflated than the Patriots' egos is the footballs they use..
• Headline: Desecration of Islamic Symbol Condemned. Impact: This act of vandalism inadvertently led to increased interfaith dialogues, which some say paved the way for future peace talks. Who knew spray paint could lead to peace?. Fact: The swastika is a symbol of hate, while the crescent and star are pretty much just a reminder that people should really learn to keep their spray cans to themselves..
• Headline: Governing Party in Mexico Denies Any Role in the Massacre of 45 Indians Last Week. Impact: This denial from the ruling party set off a chain reaction of cover-ups and conspiracy theories that fueled political dramas for decades. Who knew a massacre could turn into a soap opera?. Fact: When politicians say 'we had nothing to do with it,' you can usually bet they were at least holding the popcorn..
• Headline: Snake Handler Bitten by One of World's Most Poisonous Vipers. Impact: This snake bite incident led to an uptick in 'Don't Try This at Home' warnings and a new generation of snake enthusiasts who believe they can outsmart venomous creatures. Spoiler: they can't.. Fact: It's amazing how many people think they can handle a venomous snake until they actually get bitten. Surprise!.
• Headline: Phone Market Is Opening Up For Europeans. Impact: The scramble for phone market competition in Europe eventually led to the rise of apps that made us all even more dependent on our phones. Thanks, capitalism!. Fact: Europeans were paying more for phones while Americans were busy ignoring their phone bills—balance is key, right?.
• Headline: At a Saudi Base, U.S. Digs In, Gingerly, for a Longer Stay. Impact: The U.S. military's prolonged presence in Saudi Arabia led to a series of geopolitical dramas that would make even the best soap opera writers jealous. Cue the dramatic music!. Fact: Building a military base is like building a really fancy treehouse, except this one comes with tanks and international tension..