JULY 25, 1999

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Factory Girls: Voices of Change. Impact: This courageous act of speaking up might just have been the spark that ignited a thousand factory protests. Imagine a world where every factory had its own version of 'The Factory Girls'—possibly leading to a musical revolution, or at least, more catchy protest songs. Fact: Did you know that the more you speak up against unfair practices, the more likely you are to end up in a Broadway musical? Just a thought!.
• Headline: New Jersey's Film Boom of 1998. Impact: The success in New Jersey’s film industry led to a slew of questionable sequels and remakes, proving that if you throw enough money at a project, you can convince anyone to watch anything—like a movie about the life of a potato. Fact: 605 films in one year? That's right about the time when Hollywood decided that originality is overrated and sequels are the path to riches!.
• Headline: Rock Group Takes Center Stage in Civic Advocacy. Impact: REM’s advocacy might have inspired countless bands to think they have the power to change the world—leading to a future where every concert is a political rally. Can you imagine the chaos at Coachella?. Fact: Turns out, rocking out can actually involve more than just playing loud music. Who knew that advocating for civic issues could lead to more fans than just playing 'Losing My Religion'?.
• Headline: The Rat Patrol. Impact: The decline in rat complaints might have inadvertently led to the resurgence of other pests, like raccoons, which now think they own the streets. Thanks, NYC, for just swapping one problem for another!. Fact: Rats are like the cockroaches of the animal kingdom. If they ever decide to unionize, we're all in trouble!.
• Headline: On North Fork, an Outstanding Newcomer. Impact: The opening of Bistro Blue might have sparked a culinary renaissance in the area, leading to an explosion of hipster cafés and artisanal avocado toast that no one asked for. Fact: If you think the food is overpriced, just wait until you see the bill for the ambiance. That's where they really get you!.
• Headline: Making Up Beds And Home Pages. Impact: The Internet's impact on bed-and-breakfasts likely set in motion a future where everyone started thinking they could run their own B&B. Spoiler alert: not everyone is cut out for hospitality—especially when they can’t find their own bathrooms. Fact: Did you know that the first online B&B booking was probably made by someone who thought they could impress their date with a quaint getaway? The date probably ended with 'I’ll just stay at a hotel, thanks.'.
• Headline: Sony's Builds a Mall. But Don't Call It That.. Impact: Sony’s Metreon might have opened the floodgates for tech companies to rebrand malls as 'entertainment complexes,' leading to a future where every shopping experience is accompanied by a VR rollercoaster ride. Welcome to consumerism 2.0!. Fact: Remember when malls were just places with stores? Now they have more attractions than a theme park. Next up: a VR experience where you can shop from the comfort of your couch!.
• Headline: Slaying of Serbs Sets Back Effort for Kosovo Peace. Impact: This tragic event deepened the cycle of violence in Kosovo, showing how each act of aggression can unravel years of diplomatic efforts. It serves as a sobering reminder of the fragile nature of peace. Fact: The Kosovo conflict is a stark reminder that peace is often just one terrible event away from collapse. It takes years to build trust and mere moments to destroy it.
• Headline: Historic Cemetery Cited. Impact: Recognizing Stony Hill Cemetery helped preserve the legacy of black Civil War soldiers, ensuring that their contribution to history isn’t forgotten. This, in turn, may have sparked future movements to honor and recognize other overlooked histories. Fact: Did you know that many cemeteries hold stories that could rival any bestseller? If only the gravestones could talk, right? They’d probably tell us to pay more respect!.