JULY 23, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Remembering Alan B. Shepard Jr.. Impact: If Alan B. Shepard hadn't ventured into space, we might still believe the Earth is flat and that the Moon is just a projection from a giant disco ball. Thanks, Alan, for setting the bar high for future astronauts who would later moonwalk like it was just a casual Tuesday.. Fact: Shepard’s first flight was so short that it was over before you could finish your coffee. Talk about a quick trip to the next level!.
• Headline: The Meaning of '@' in Emails. Impact: The '@' symbol in emails sparked an entire digital revolution, leading us to a future where we can't escape spam and unsolicited cat memes. All thanks to a simple question that changed the way we communicate forever. Who knew an 'at' could mean 'at your inbox, forever'?. Fact: Before the '@' symbol became trendy, people actually used to just send letters by 'snail mail'. Imagine the horror!.
• Headline: Windows 98: A User's Frustration. Impact: Windows 98’s little quirks led to a generation of tech support calls that were more like therapy sessions. The frustration laid the groundwork for the development of countless memes and the phrase 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?'. Fact: Windows 98 was so popular that it made people forget how to do basic math. But hey, who needs math when you can BS your way through a tech support call?.
• Headline: One Appeal Left as Justice Refuses to Delay Sex-Shop Law. Impact: Justice Ginsburg's decision to enforce zoning laws on sex shops was a pivotal moment that ensured that American puritanism continued to thrive. The sex shops' decline directly correlated with the rise of awkward conversations about 'adult entertainment'.. Fact: RBG was known for her strong opinions, but let's just say, in this case, she felt the need to keep it classy. Who knew zoning laws could be so riveting?.
• Headline: State Line City Journal; Two States Divided by One Town. Impact: The oddity of State Line City became a tourist attraction, where people literally walked across the line to feel like they were in two places at once. This led to a surge in 'time zone tourism'—a concept that sounds absurd until you realize people will pay for anything.. Fact: Imagine the confusion during daylight savings time—everyone's calendars must look like a game of Twister, just with more frustration!.
• Headline: A Post-Apartheid Agony: AIDS on the March. Impact: The AIDS epidemic in post-apartheid South Africa highlighted systemic failures and spurred international health initiatives, showing that sometimes it takes tragedy to unite people for change. The ripple effect? A global consciousness about health and equity that still echoes today.. Fact: South Africa had a chance to lead in AIDS prevention, but instead, it became a cautionary tale. A heartbreaking reminder that timing is everything..
• Headline: Metro Matters; Taking On Steinbrenner In Math Game. Impact: Steinbrenner's antics over the Yankees kept the Bronx in the headlines, turning a baseball team into a political football. This not only increased the number of baseball fans but also the number of heated arguments at family gatherings across America.. Fact: In the grand scheme of sports, Steinbrenner was like a soap opera villain—always scheming and keeping everyone on their toes. Who needs reality TV?.
• Headline: DuPont Profit Fell by 12% In 2d Quarter. Impact: DuPont's profit drop was like a canary in a coal mine for the corporate world, warning others that even the giants can stumble. This event led to a wave of corporate cost-cutting that ultimately affected everything from R&D to the number of free snacks in the break room.. Fact: When companies report profit losses, everyone suddenly becomes an expert in accounting. It's like watching a bunch of toddlers argue about who gets the last cookie..
• Headline: Who Said Computers Have to Be Square?. Impact: The iMac's design revolutionized the computer industry, proving that style over substance can actually work—just like high heels. This led to an era where people cared more about the color of their computer than what it could actually do.. Fact: Apple’s iMac was so stylish that it made people forget about productivity. Who needs to save files when you can have a computer that looks like a piece of modern art?.