MARCH 11, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Japan's Economic Revitalization Plan. Impact: Japan's economy was like a bouncy ball – one bad bounce and it hit the wall of stagnation. This $80 billion plan? It was just the start of a fiscal rollercoaster that would eventually lead to a decade-long 'Lost Era' where everyone asked, 'Where did our money go?' Spoiler: It went into a black hole called 'economic policy.'. Fact: Did you know that Japan's economy wasn't just ill, it was practically on life support? Good thing they didn't try to fix it with ramen noodles and karaoke!.
• Headline: Clinton's Grand Jury Testimony in Question. Impact: Clinton's grand jury testimony became a time bomb, ultimately leading to impeachment. Imagine if he had just taken up knitting instead of embroiling himself in scandal – the world might have been entirely different. Or at least, there would have been fewer awkward family dinners.. Fact: Did you know that the real scandal was how many people tuned in to watch this soap opera unfold? Forget reality TV; this was peak 'must-see' drama!.
• Headline: Exploring the Allure of Risky Sports. Impact: Bruce Weber's article on risky sports inspired a generation to take up extreme sports. Suddenly, everyone was skydiving and base jumping, leading to a great market for insurance and an even greater market for 'Don't Try This at Home' warnings.. Fact: Did you know that before risky sports were popular, people just sat on couches eating chips? Now, there's a risk of injury just from getting off the couch too fast!.
• Headline: Ward Turns the Knicks Around. Impact: The Knicks' victory over the Magic was a pivotal moment in sports history, proving that even a team in turmoil can rise from the ashes. This set off a decade of 'The Knicks are back!' headlines, which only served to increase the disappointment levels of their loyal fans.. Fact: Did you know that this win was celebrated like a national holiday in New York? Because, you know, winning is a rare event for the Knicks, like finding a unicorn in Times Square..
• Headline: If You've Got the Nerve, South Africa Has the Test. Impact: South Africa's high-risk sports attractions became a global trend, leading to the rise of adrenaline junkies everywhere. Who knew that jumping off cliffs in the name of fun would become a lucrative industry? Thank you, South Africa, for the new way to test survival instincts.. Fact: Did you know that before this, the most adrenaline-pumping activity for many was waiting for their Wi-Fi to connect? Now, that's real suspense!.
• Headline: Footlights. Impact: The 25th anniversary of the Ensemble Studio Theater reminded everyone that theater is like fine wine – it only gets better with age unless it turns to vinegar. This milestone inspired a surge in nostalgia and box office flops trying to recapture that 'classic' magic.. Fact: Did you know that Kevin Bacon's face can make anything look good? Just look at those early roles; he was practically the poster child for 'I was young and confused.'.
• Headline: 6 Iraqis Who Aided C.I.A. Are Ordered Deported From U.S.. Impact: The deportation of Iraqis who aided the CIA was a moment that sent shockwaves through the intelligence community. This decision led to a dramatic rethinking of how to handle informants, ultimately resulting in a few more spy movies that glorified the 'good old days.'. Fact: Did you know that this court ruling was so secret that even the lawyers were like, 'Can we get a hint?' It's the legal equivalent of being left out of the coolest party in town..
• Headline: Man With Past Speculates on Future; Without Renters in Place, Macklowe Plans a Manhattan Office Tower. Impact: Macklowe's ambitious plans for a Manhattan office tower became a cautionary tale about developers with a history. His journey led to a series of construction mishaps that made future investors think twice before throwing money at questionable ventures.. Fact: Did you know that real estate developers are the only people who can turn a pile of dirt into a skyscraper and still complain about the weather? It's like they think Mother Nature owes them a favor!.
• Headline: Sports of The Times; A Retro Look To Madness: Amateurism. Impact: Vecsey's column lamenting the state of college basketball became the catalyst for a wave of nostalgia for 'the good old days,' ultimately leading to a resurgence in retro-themed sports events. Because nothing says 'let's fix the game' like a trip down memory lane.. Fact: Did you know that college basketball has become so nostalgic that some fans now wear jerseys from the '90s like they're vintage wine? Spoiler alert: they're just as sour!.