JANUARY 16, 2003

Full News Archive

• Headline: Untangling the World Trade Center Development. Impact: If only they had just made the map in crayon, we might have avoided the confusion altogether. Alas, the tangled web of bureaucracy led to a generation of lost tourists and an explosion in the sales of GPS devices.. Fact: Did you know that some tourists still use paper maps? They think they’re 'vintage.' That's like using a rotary phone because it’s got 'character.'.
• Headline: 2003 Federal Deficit Estimates by Bush Aide. Impact: This $200 billion deficit was like a snowball rolling down a hill—by the time it reached the bottom, it had become an avalanche of debt that future generations are still digging out from under. Thanks, Bush administration!. Fact: Fun fact: If you stacked $200 billion in dollar bills, it would reach to the moon and back—oh wait, that’s just the national debt, not an actual plan!.
• Headline: G.E. to Spend $100 Million Promoting Itself As Innovative. Impact: G.E. deciding to market itself as 'innovative' was the corporate equivalent of a middle-aged man buying a sports car. It didn’t fool anyone, but it sure made for a funny headline in years to come.. Fact: Did you know that G.E.'s slogan change was meant to suggest they were on the cutting edge? Because nothing says innovation like a new slogan for your refrigerator..