OCTOBER 31, 2002

Full News Archive

• Headline: Alcatel Reports Consecutive Losses in Europe. Impact: Alcatel's continuous losses led to a mass exodus of employees who eventually formed a tech startup that created the first flip phone. If it weren't for that quarterly loss, we might still be using rotary phones today.. Fact: Did you know that Alcatel was once in a fierce competition with Nokia? Spoiler alert: they lost. A lot..
• Headline: Giants Stadium Grass Tray System Ceases Operation. Impact: The destruction of the grass field at Giants Stadium sparked a nationwide trend of 'greener' solutions. Unfortunately, it also inspired a wave of grass-themed reality TV shows that the world is still recovering from.. Fact: Fun fact: The grass tray system cost $7 million, which is about $6.99 million more than anyone would ever pay for a tray of grass..
• Headline: Bob Newhart Receives Mark Twain Prize. Impact: Bob Newhart's receipt of the Mark Twain Prize inspired a generation of comedians to chase after recognition, inadvertently leading to the rise of cringe-worthy stand-up specials that would haunt Netflix for years.. Fact: Bob Newhart once accidentally invented the concept of awkward silence in comedy. His entire act is essentially an extended awkward pause..
• Headline: SHARON COALITION SHATTERS AS LABOR QUITS OVER BUDGET. Impact: The shattering of the Sharon coalition led to political instability that prompted a series of reality shows based on Israeli politics, making political discourse even more entertaining and confusing than reality itself.. Fact: The only thing more unstable than the Israeli government is your internet connection when trying to stream political debates..