DECEMBER 14, 1998

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fool's Gold: The Blue Room Review. Impact: This review inspired a generation of theater-goers to think they could be critics too. Fast forward twenty years, and now everyone has a blog and an opinion, regardless of their actual experience. You're welcome, internet.. Fact: Did you know that Nicole Kidman has played more roles than there are types of gold? Just like Fool's Gold, some of them are shiny but not worth much..
• Headline: The Battle for Times Square's Free Speech. Impact: By banning sidewalk preachers, we inadvertently created a vacuum that led to an influx of costumed characters and aggressive selfie-takers. Thanks, Giuliani, for giving us the weirdest tourist traps in history.. Fact: Did you know that Times Square was once a hub for actual street performers? Now it's just a stage for people in giant mascot costumes trying to make a buck. Progress!.
• Headline: In Jerusalem, Clinton Visits A Fellow Embattled Leader. Impact: Clinton's struggle with impeachment and peace negotiations in the Middle East led to a trend of leaders multitasking through scandals. Now, it's practically a requirement for politicians to juggle crises like they're in a circus.. Fact: Did you know that juggling crises is a skill that politicians have perfected? It's almost as if they went to clown school instead of law school..
• Headline: Samaranch Vows Cleanup if Needed. Impact: Samaranch's vow to address Olympic corruption opened the floodgates for all sorts of scandals in sports, leading to the creation of 'The Olympic Games: Scandal Edition'—a show that never gets canceled.. Fact: Did you know that the Olympics have had more scandals than a reality TV show? And yet, we still keep tuning in for the 'drama.'.
• Headline: With Obesity in Children Rising, More Get Adult Type of Diabetes. Impact: The rise of childhood obesity and diabetes led to a generation of health campaigns that often seem to confuse kids more than help them. Now we have 'educational' commercials that kids tune out faster than their parents.. Fact: Did you know that kids are now more likely to recognize the McDonald's menu than the food pyramid? Thanks, fast food!.
• Headline: If Microsoft Loses Case, Remedies Are Thorny. Impact: The Microsoft trial created a precedent where tech companies became the new governments—powerful and frequently sued. Now, we live in a world where every software update feels like a legal battle.. Fact: Did you know that Microsoft is essentially the world's largest software landlord? Just try uninstalling Windows, and you'll see who really holds the power..