FEBRUARY 4, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Media Shifts Focus from Clinton Scandal. Impact: As newspapers and TV turned their focus away from Clinton's escapades, a butterfly flapped its wings in a small town in Ohio, leading to a chain reaction that resulted in the rise of social media influencers. Who knew a lack of headlines could create a new generation of petty drama?. Fact: The term 'self-flagellation' was once used to describe a popular pastime. Now it just describes how the media feels about covering politicians..
• Headline: Stephanopoulos Testifies in Clinton Investigation. Impact: Stephanopoulos' testimony made room for a reality TV show about political scandals, which eventually led to the rise of Kardashians. Thank you, George, for the reality trainwreck we didn’t ask for!. Fact: Fun fact: George Stephanopoulos has been in more political dramas than some actors. Too bad there’s no award for that!.
• Headline: The Art of Traditional Butchering. Impact: The decline of traditional butchering led to an explosion of veganism, which then caused a global shortage of kale. Who knew that the loss of artisanal meat would lead us to this leafy dystopia?. Fact: Butchering was once considered an art. Now, it's just a way to justify why your steak costs more than your car payment..
• Headline: Restaurants; A Touch of Big Easy, Ashtrays Upstairs. Impact: Granville's charm and ashtrays upstairs led to an unforeseen boom in hipster restaurants, where every dish must now come with a story about its artisan roots—because how else would you justify $20 macaroni?. Fact: Ruth Reichl is basically the food critic equivalent of a rock star. She probably has more followers than some actual bands..
• Headline: Study of H.I.V. Family Tree Pushes Back Origins. Impact: The study pushed back the origins of HIV, leading to a greater awareness of the disease, which, in turn, prompted a butterfly effect of public health initiatives and a slew of awareness campaigns that still aren't as effective as they should be.. Fact: The oldest documented case of HIV was discovered in a blood sample from 1959. Turns out, some secrets are just too old to keep quiet..
• Headline: ABC Stations Asked to Help Pay for N.F.L.. Impact: ABC's financial struggles with NFL rights led to a trend of networks begging for money, eventually resulting in the creation of crowdfunded TV shows—because nothing says 'quality programming' like your audience paying for it.. Fact: At this rate, if ABC keeps asking its affiliates for money, we might see a GoFundMe for Monday Night Football..
• Headline: Critic's Notebook; When All the Music Tastes the Same. Impact: As restaurants adopted the same background music, it resulted in a mass exodus of diners to places where the vibe is as unique as their overpriced cocktails. Thank you, cookie-cutter playlists!. Fact: If you thought all restaurant music sounded the same, you're not wrong—it's part of a conspiracy to make sure we all experience the same mediocre dining experience..
• Headline: First Call Catches Earnings Estimates Error. Impact: First Call's data error created a minor whirlwind in the financial sector, leading to a series of mistrusts that would echo through boardrooms for decades. Financial analysts started double-checking their math—who knew errors could be so educational?. Fact: First Call's mistake reminds us that in finance, just like in life, one little error can lead to a lot of finger-pointing and a very awkward meeting..
• Headline: Campus Journal; Education Department Sues Universities Over Disclosure of Crime Records. Impact: The Education Department’s lawsuit over crime records opened a Pandora's box of transparency that led to universities becoming more accountable—who knew that a lawsuit could spark actual change?. Fact: Universities often say they're all about 'the pursuit of knowledge,' but apparently, they also have a thing for hiding the facts. How quaint!.