OCTOBER 11, 2002

Full News Archive

• Headline: DC Area Sniper's Deadly Rampage. Impact: In a twist of fate, the sniper's actions not only terrified the DC area but also led to the rise of an entire genre of true crime podcasts. Yes, folks, you can thank this tragedy for your next binge-worthy series about killers and their childhood pets.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'sniper' comes from the British who used to hunt a small bird called a 'snipe'? So, in a roundabout way, this killer is just a really twisted bird enthusiast..
• Headline: Bank of England Maintains Steady Rate. Impact: By keeping interest rates unchanged, the Bank of England inadvertently set off a chain reaction that resulted in a whole generation of homebuyers being trapped in a never-ending cycle of renting. Thanks, guys, for the decades of 'just a bit more saving'!. Fact: Fun fact: Interest rates are like that friend who always says 'I’m fine' when they’re clearly not. You never really know what’s going on until it blows up in your face..
• Headline: Challenges of DIY Home Contracting. Impact: The DIY contractor boom led to an entire subculture of 'how not to' home renovation shows that now dominate television. Who knew that failing spectacularly at home repairs could become a lucrative business model?. Fact: Did you know that the average DIYer spends more on tools than on actual materials? So much for saving money—welcome to the 'I have a toolbox but still can’t fix a leaky faucet' club!.
• Headline: Sports of The Times; Messier Is Now a Part Of the City. Impact: Mark Messier’s rise to prominence not only solidified his status in sports but also led to the inevitable overuse of the term 'legend' in sports commentary. Now, every mediocre player gets a 'legend' label slapped on them—thanks, Messier!. Fact: Did you know that Messier once said, 'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take'? Which is a fancy way of saying, 'Just throw the puck and hope for the best!'.
• Headline: World Business Briefing | Europe: France: Vivendi Trims Management. Impact: Vivendi's job cuts in Paris triggered a wave of similar layoffs across the industry, resulting in a workforce that is now more familiar with job hunting than actual job security. Who needs a stable career, anyway?. Fact: Fun fact: The French have a word for layoffs—'licenciement'—which sounds far more dignified than 'you're fired', but still feels equally devastating when you’re staring at your empty desk..