FEBRUARY 27, 1999

Full News Archive

• Headline: Creating a Day of Reconciliation. Impact: The Day of Reconciliation sparked a movement that led to a national obsession with healing days. By 2025, there were 'National Hug Days' and 'Day of Apologies for the Past Decisions of Our Youth' that really just turned into excuses for long brunches.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing Americans reconcile faster than their political differences is their brunch bills?.
• Headline: Microsoft Antitrust Case Shockwaves. Impact: Microsoft's courtroom antics inspired tech companies everywhere to take a more theatrical approach in legal battles. By 2005, courtroom dramas had become a new genre, leading to the series 'Law & Order: Tech Edition.'. Fact: Did you know that shouting in court is actually a legal strategy? Just ask Judge Jackson..
• Headline: Pilot Testifies He Saw Ski Cable Too Late to Avoid Fatal Accident. Impact: Capt Ashby's testimony led to stricter regulations on aviation safety. However, it also inspired a line of ski resort safety campaigns, which eventually led to the infamous 'Don’t Be a Captain Ashby' slogan. It was just as effective as it sounds.. Fact: Did you know that if you see something suspicious on the slopes, it’s probably just someone trying to avoid eye contact with their failed ski career?.
• Headline: Jose Quintero, Director Who Exalted O'Neill, Dies at 74. Impact: Quintero's passing led to a resurgence in interest in O'Neill's plays, resulting in an overabundance of dreary performances in community theaters across America. By 2000, local productions of 'Long Day's Journey Into Night' became the go-to for every high school drama club's bleakest nights.. Fact: Did you know that Eugene O'Neill’s works are often referred to as the ultimate way to ruin a good evening?.
• Headline: ECONOMIC GROWTH IN LAST PART OF '98 WAS ROBUST 6.1%. Impact: This report on economic growth resulted in a national obsession with GDP numbers. By 2005, coffee shops began offering 'GDP lattes,' with prices fluctuating based on the latest economic reports.. Fact: Did you know that a 6.1% GDP growth is about as exciting as your uncle's stories at Thanksgiving?.
• Headline: Cora Partridge, Episcopal Priest And Children's Book Author, 82. Impact: Cora's passing prompted a wave of feminist literature that flooded the market, eventually leading to the 'Feminist Children’s Book Club,' which was half great and half just books about how to get back at your ex.. Fact: Did you know that being an Episcopal priest and a children’s author is basically the ultimate combo for getting free cookies?.
• Headline: Rangers Lose Gretzky to Injury, Then Beat Coyotes. Impact: Gretzky’s injury triggered a series of bizarre superstitions in the NHL, leading to an annual 'Avoid Gretzky’s Curse' day where players wore socks on their hands to ward off bad luck. It didn't work, but it did make for hilarious photo ops.. Fact: Did you know that Wayne Gretzky is so good that even when he’s injured, the whole sport has to change its rules?.
• Headline: Glenn Seaborg, Leader of Team That Found Plutonium, Dies at 86. Impact: Seaborg's death sparked a renaissance of interest in nuclear chemistry, which inspired a wave of conspiracy theories about secret elements that could power time machines. Spoiler alert: they were just made-up.. Fact: Did you know that Seaborg was so influential that even his name is now synonymous with 'Nobel Prize-winning genius'... or at least it should be?.