SEPTEMBER 9, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Journey of Agave to Tequila. Impact: If only people knew that the first sip of tequila would eventually lead to countless karaoke nights and regrettable decisions, they might have reconsidered the agave planting strategy. Who knew a plant could bring about such global party culture?. Fact: Did you know that tequila is the only spirit that must be made from the blue agave plant? So, next time you drink, just remember: you're basically sipping on a fancy cactus juice..
• Headline: A Table For Very Close Friends. Impact: Michael Jordan's Steak House turning into a cozy nook led to a surge in 'intimate dining' concepts, so now we have restaurants where awkward first dates thrive in a bubble of privacy. Thanks, MJ!. Fact: Did you know that Michael Jordan is not just a basketball player, but also a restaurateur? Because apparently, slam dunks don’t pay the bills forever..
• Headline: Waiter, There's an Elbow in My Soup. Impact: As more elbows made their way into soups, restaurant owners began to think that squeezing patrons together was the secret to a 'vibrant atmosphere.' Now we have communal tables where strangers bond over their mutual discomfort.. Fact: Did you know that dining in a crowded restaurant can actually increase your food's flavor? Just kidding; it just makes your meal a game of 'who's elbow is that?'.
• Headline: Greyhound Unveils Its Plan To Serve the Disabled Fully. Impact: Greyhound's plans to help the disabled led to a nationwide movement for accessibility, which in turn made everyone realize that public transport should be for EVERYONE, not just the spry. Who would have thought a bus could be revolutionary?. Fact: Did you know that for years, buses were basically giant metal boxes that only served the able-bodied? Welcome to the 21st century, where everyone gets to ride, unless you’re stuck in traffic!.
• Headline: As Ruble Crashes, Hangover Hurts a Lot. Impact: The ruble crashing created an economic hangover so bad that it made the middle class rethink their spending habits, leading to a whole generation of Russians who learned the hard way that money doesn’t grow on trees. Or rubles.. Fact: Did you know that 'ruble' comes from a word meaning 'to chop?' So basically, when the currency crashed, it was just a reminder that chopping down trees isn’t the only way to ruin your finances..
• Headline: Beleaguered Illinois Senator Accuses a Critic of Racism. Impact: Senator Carol Moseley-Braun's emotional outburst became a turning point in political discourse, leading to a new era where politicians realized that losing composure might actually win them more votes. Who knew chaos could be a strategy?. Fact: Did you know that the political landscape is like a reality show? Sometimes, the more outrageous you are, the more screen time you get!.
• Headline: Urgent Messages as Swissair Flight Systems Failed. Impact: The tragic crash of Swissair MD-11 marked a turning point in aviation safety regulations, resulting in stricter measures that led to the most tedious pre-flight safety briefings known to mankind. Thanks, but no thanks.. Fact: Did you know that the black box on an airplane is actually orange? Because if it were black, it would just blend in with the rest of the wreckage. Talk about a design flaw!.