JUNE 22, 2002

Full News Archive

• Headline: FDA Panel Supports Over-the-Counter Heartburn Drug. Impact: The relaxation of heartburn drug rules led to an explosion in self-diagnosis. People began treating their heartburn without proper consultation, resulting in a nationwide epidemic of overconfidence and unsolicited medical advice at dinner parties.. Fact: Fun fact: If you had saved every dollar spent on heartburn medications since this headline, you could have bought a small island... or at least a decent-sized inflatable pool..
• Headline: US Soccer Team Exits World Cup Gracefully. Impact: Americans' exit from the World Cup became a badge of honor, inspiring a generation to embrace mediocrity in sports. This culminated in a surge of popular memes, leading to the invention of the 'Participation Trophy' as a global phenomenon.. Fact: Did you know that losing in the World Cup is like a rite of passage for American sports? It’s practically a tradition at this point!.
• Headline: G.O.P. DRUG PLAN FOR ELDERLY NEARS PASSAGE IN HOUSE. Impact: The passage of the drug plan for the elderly led to a newfound appreciation for prescription drugs, which spiraled into a culture where people thought they could fix everything with a pill. Hello, America’s love affair with pharmaceuticals!. Fact: Here’s a fun fact: The very idea of a drug plan for the elderly was revolutionary—because nothing says 'we care' like a government bill on pills!.