APRIL 15, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Leadership Change at American Airlines. Impact: Crandall's retirement led to a chain of events resulting in the rise of budget airlines, which ultimately made flying so cheap that people now consider it a viable option for a weekend trip to the moon. Thanks, Robert!. Fact: Robert L. Crandall once attempted to convince the public that flying was actually a form of time travel. Spoiler: it wasn't..
• Headline: Rising Tax Evasion Among the Affluent. Impact: The rise of tax cheating among the affluent resulted in a secret society of wealthy individuals who believe that taxes are just a suggestion. This eventually inspired a new reality show: 'Tax Dodgers: The Real Billionaires of America.'. Fact: In 1994, the tax code became so complicated that even tax preparers started using it as a plot device for horror movies..
• Headline: Gillette Launches Mach 3 Razor Innovation. Impact: The Mach 3 razor was so revolutionary that it sparked a global arms race in shaving technology, leading to the eventual creation of the 'Mach 10'—a razor that can also mow your lawn.. Fact: Gillette's marketing campaign spent more money than the GDP of some small countries, proving that a good shave is worth its weight in gold..
• Headline: Vietnam's Cuisine: Echoes of Empire. Impact: Molly O'Neill's article inspired an international culinary movement where people began to associate imperialism with delicious pho. This has led to an odd trend of 'imperial cuisine' themed restaurants worldwide.. Fact: Hue is known for its cuisine, but it also has a solid reputation for being the place where all your favorite food selfies were taken..
• Headline: Men Assuming Bigger Share At Home, New Survey Shows. Impact: As men began to assume greater responsibilities at home, they inadvertently kickstarted the 'Dad Bod' phenomenon, leading to a cultural acceptance of beer bellies and cargo shorts as fashion statements.. Fact: Since the 1970s, the only thing growing faster than men's time spent with children has been the average size of their barbecuing grill..
• Headline: Yankee Stadium's Structure Rarely Checked, Officials Say. Impact: The lack of inspections at Yankee Stadium became a rallying cry for conspiracy theorists who believed it was a front for an underground wrestling league run by disgruntled former players.. Fact: After the heavy steel piece fell, the Yankees were forced to hire a structural engineer who moonlighted as a magician. Spoiler alert: he made the problems disappear, for a price..
• Headline: U.S. Treasury Chief Offers Plan to Avoid Crises Like Asia's. Impact: Robert Rubin's proposal for financial transparency resulted in an international trend of nations unveiling their 'dirty laundry'—not just their financial records, but also embarrassing dance videos.. Fact: After Rubin's speech, countries started hosting 'Financial Disclosure Parties' where they revealed their debts alongside awkward prom pictures..
• Headline: Clemency Denied, Paraguayan Is Executed. Impact: The execution of Angel Francisco Breard ignited a heated debate that ultimately led to the creation of the movie 'Dead Man Walking: The Musical,' which turned out to be less popular than expected.. Fact: The Supreme Court's decision was so close that it inspired an episode of 'The Court’s Got Talent,' where justices showcased their best courtroom performances..
• Headline: A Nasty Family Fight Breaks Out Among Democrats in the Race for Governor in California. Impact: The internal feud among California Democrats led to the emergence of political reality TV, with future candidates vying for votes by competing in outrageous challenges like 'Who Can Pretend to Care More?'. Fact: Al Checchi once claimed he could buy the election, but he couldn't buy a clue about what voters actually wanted..