AUGUST 13, 2002

Full News Archive

• Headline: Japan's Booming Trade Surplus. Impact: Japan's trade surplus skyrocketing led to a nationwide obsession with exporting everything, including sushi-flavored toothpaste and karaoke machines. Fast forward a few decades, and now tourists can't leave Japan without a weird souvenir that they will never use.. Fact: Did you know that Japan's trade surplus is so legendary it has its own fan club? They meet every Wednesday to discuss the latest in surplus trends and how to make the perfect ramen..
• Headline: RWE Sees Profit Growth in First Half. Impact: Germany's utility profits going up has led to an unforeseen side effect: a global obsession with energy efficiency. Now, every time someone turns off a light, they think they're single-handedly saving the planet. Spoiler alert: they're not.. Fact: Fun fact: RWE's profits are so impressive that they once considered selling 'energy stock tips'—but decided it was too risky when they realized their customers might actually follow them..
• Headline: US Airways' Bankruptcy Reorganization Opportunity. Impact: US Airways' bankruptcy may seem like a disaster, but it birthed the concept of 'airline rehabilitation tourism,' where people now pay to watch flailing airlines try to get back on their feet. It's like reality TV, but with more turbulence.. Fact: Did you know that US Airways once tried to rebrand itself as 'Phoenix Airlines' because they wanted to rise from the ashes? Too bad the only thing that rose was their debt..
• Headline: Dockside, the War on Terrorism May Hone Rivalry. Impact: Singapore's involvement in the war on terrorism led to a global increase in container security, which in turn created a booming market for anti-terrorist shipping pallets. Who knew pallets could be so trendy?. Fact: Did you know that PSA Corp is so important that they have a secret handshake with the U.S. Customs Service? Just kidding, but that would be cool, right?.
• Headline: Child-Smuggling Ring Broken Up By the U.S. Immigration Agency. Impact: Breaking up the child-smuggling ring didn't just save hundreds of lives; it also inspired a wave of 'anti-trafficking awareness' campaigns that somehow turned into social media influencers trying to sell awareness bracelets. Because nothing says 'I care' like overpriced accessories.. Fact: It's a sad fact that child smuggling rings exist, but did you know that this particular one had a logo? It was just a sad teddy bear, but hey, at least they had branding down..