NOVEMBER 14, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Wayman Tisdale: From Court to Stage. Impact: Wayman Tisdale's transition to music sparked the 'retired athlete-turned-musician' trend, which eventually led to an influx of former players releasing albums. Who knew that slam dunks could turn into jazz flunks?. Fact: Fun fact: Tisdale's guitar skills were so good that even the basketballs were jealous!.
• Headline: Forbes Challenges Gingrich's Leadership. Impact: Forbes' political maneuvering set off a chain of events that led to a series of increasingly bizarre political alliances, culminating in a game of charades between Congress members. Spoiler alert: no one won.. Fact: Did you know that political snubs are just like high school drama? One wrong move, and suddenly you’re the outcast at lunch!.
• Headline: We'll Run the House, G.O.P. Women Say Nicely. Impact: The rise of women in GOP leadership roles inspired a reality show called 'House of Women,' where the only drama comes from who gets the last piece of pizza. Spoiler: it's always Jennifer Dunn.. Fact: Fun fact: The first rule of GOP leadership is to never let women forget who brought the snacks to the meeting..
• Headline: Paroled Rapist Says He's the Victim Now; Target of Gunman Contends 'Megan's Law' Has Stolen His Freedom. Impact: Penna's claims about being a victim led to a nationwide debate on victimhood, eventually inspiring a new reality competition called 'Who's the Real Victim?' featuring contestants from all walks of life.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more controversial than Megan's Law was the debate about who gets to write the theme song for the reality show?.
• Headline: CIGARETTE MAKERS AND STATES DRAFT A $206 BILLION DEAL. Impact: The $206 billion deal between states and cigarette makers opened the floodgates for lawsuits over everything from fast food to bad haircuts, leading to a booming industry of 'You can sue anyone!' commercials.. Fact: Fun fact: If you squint hard enough, you can see the entire tobacco industry trying to convince you that smoking is just a really expensive hobby..
• Headline: As Center-Field Pool Shrinks, Yanks Think It Over. Impact: The Yankees' indecision about center field led to a series of bizarre trades, resulting in more twists than a soap opera, eventually inspiring a new genre of sports dramas: 'As the Game Turns.'. Fact: Did you know that every time the Yankees hesitate, a free agent somewhere cries? It's a known phenomenon in the baseball universe..