DECEMBER 29, 1999

Full News Archive

• Headline: Iowa's Liver Transplant Controversy. Impact: The Iowa turf war over transplants led to a nationwide organ donation rivalry akin to a high-stakes game of Monopoly, where hospitals are the players and patients are the little plastic thimbles. This competitive spirit spurred a black market for livers, turning hospitals into underground organ bazaar hotspots. Who knew life-saving could be so dramatic?. Fact: Did you know that the first successful liver transplant was performed in 1963? So, clearly, we’ve come a long way since then, but apparently, we still can’t figure out how to play nice with organ allocation..
• Headline: Bush Adapts Campaign Strategy in New Hampshire. Impact: Bush's attempt to loosen his image resulted in a trend of candidates overexposing their personalities to the point where the public began to wonder if they were actually voting for a person or a brand of laundry detergent. This change in political strategy has led to the rise of reality TV politicians who are just a tweet away from a scandal.. Fact: Did you know that George W. Bush once attempted to connect with the youth by riding a Segway? Spoiler alert: It didn’t work, but it did lead to a new generation of memes..
• Headline: At Fox TV, a Hot Spot for a Hotshot. Impact: Sandy Grushow's rise to power at Fox led to a dark age of TV reality shows where people would compete for fame and fortune, all while making questionable life choices on camera. This not-so-charming era gave birth to the phrase 'famous for being famous,' forever altering the landscape of entertainment.. Fact: Did you know that Fox was once known for its edgy programming? Now, it’s just known for giving a platform to people who really shouldn’t have one. Progress?.
• Headline: Despite Woes, An Automaker Posts a Profit. Impact: DaimlerChrysler's profit report sparked a chain reaction that led to other automakers frantically trying to catch up, resulting in some rather embarrassing marketing campaigns. This ultimately culminated in the modern auto industry’s obsession with SUVs, because nothing says 'responsible parenting' like a gas-guzzling vehicle that can barely fit in a parking space.. Fact: Did you know that DaimlerChrysler was once the world's fifth-largest automaker? Now, they’re just a cautionary tale of corporate mergers gone wrong..