NOVEMBER 13, 2002

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mitsubishi's Financial Turnaround. Impact: Mitsubishi's profit undoubtedly inspired a new generation of executives to believe that with enough corporate restructuring and some creative accounting, they too could achieve the impossible: a profit in the face of adversity. Cue the inspirational business memes!. Fact: Did you know that Mitsubishi's logo is a combination of three diamonds? Kind of ironic when you think about how they might have preferred cash instead!.
• Headline: Japan Telecom Sees Strong Financial Turnaround. Impact: Japan Telecom's return to profitability led to a minor renaissance in corporate optimism, encouraging companies worldwide to embrace the idea that, yes, loss is just a stepping stone to future gains! This eventually resulted in the era of 'fake it till you make it' in the corporate world.. Fact: Did you know that Vodafone once was so obsessed with being global that they nearly bought the moon? Okay, I might be exaggerating, but you get the point!.
• Headline: Footlights. Impact: The Houston Museum's exhibition of Afghan art sparked a renewed interest in ancient cultures, leading a few hipsters to trade in their thrift shop finds for bronze-age relics. Suddenly, wearing a 3,000-year-old necklace was all the rage!. Fact: Did you know that Thelonious Monk was known for his eccentric style? His hats could probably start their own fashion line called 'Monk's Madness.'.
• Headline: Under Mayor's Latest Plan, School Cuts Total $215 Million. Impact: Mayor Bloomberg's budget cuts became the template for future politicians who wanted to play fiscal games while pretending they cared about education. This eventually led to the rise of the phrase 'education budget cuts' being the most popular party trick in politics!. Fact: Did you know that cutting education budgets is a time-honored tradition among politicians? It's basically like taking candy from babies, if the candy were knowledge and the babies were future generations!.