NOVEMBER 1, 1999

Full News Archive

• Headline: Revival of Massenet's Le Cid at Washington Opera. Impact: Had this warrior not resurfaced, who knows? The Spanish Inquisition might have made a comeback, and we’d all be practicing flamenco in secret.. Fact: Fun fact: This performance was so riveting, it caused several audience members to reconsider their life choices... and their taste in opera..
• Headline: Tragic Crash of Egyptair Flight 990. Impact: This tragic event spurred significant advancements in flight safety regulations. Because who knew planes could fall from the sky? Oh wait, everyone.. Fact: In a bizarre twist, the crash led to the creation of the phrase 'flying by the seat of your pants'—which is exactly how that flight felt..
• Headline: Runners Embrace Slow Pace at NYC Marathon. Impact: The slow movement of these runners would eventually inspire future generations to embrace the idea that finishing is more important than winning—who knew participation trophies would have such deep roots?. Fact: Interestingly, this is the only marathon where 'I just want to finish' is a valid training strategy..
• Headline: For Bush, an Adjustable Speech Of Tested Themes and Phrases. Impact: Bush's speech patterns were so predictable that they inadvertently sparked a new trend in political speeches—'just repeat the same thing until it becomes true'—a tactic still in use today.. Fact: If you played a drinking game where you took a shot every time he said 'freedom,' you'd be passed out before he even got to the good parts..
• Headline: As if by Decree, Woods Wraps Up Yet Another Title. Impact: Tiger Woods winning again solidified his status as a golf deity, leading to the creation of countless memes and a generation of kids believing golf is actually cool. Spoiler: it’s not.. Fact: Legend has it that every time Woods wins, a golf ball somewhere in the world feels an inexplicable surge of joy—followed by a long wait in a dark hole..