APRIL 19, 2004

Full News Archive

• Headline: Spain Withdraws Troops from Iraq. Impact: By bringing the troops home, Zapatero inadvertently set off a chain reaction of 'let’s not get involved in foreign wars' that echoes through future elections, leading to candidates having to promise not just to end wars but also to never even think about starting one. Who knew a simple order could shift the future of diplomacy?. Fact: Did you know that this decision made Spain a favorite at dinner parties? 'Oh, you're Spanish? What do you think about the Iraq War?' 'We think we should just stay home and eat tapas instead.'.
• Headline: At Computer Associates, Jobs on the Line. Impact: The fallout from Kumar's scandal sent ripples through the tech industry, leading to an era where CEOs were suddenly more concerned about their PR than their programming. Suddenly, every tech giant started hiring image consultants instead of software engineers. Genius move, right?. Fact: Did you know that after this scandal, the phrase 'it's not personal, it's just business' was completely rewritten to mean 'it's absolutely personal, but I’m pretending it’s business'?.
• Headline: Metro Matters; What Awaits The G.O.P. In Convention. Impact: This column predicted a future where political conventions became less about policy and more about who could shout the loudest and wear the most ridiculous costumes. Spoiler alert: that future came true. Just look at any recent convention.. Fact: Did you know that political conventions are basically the Super Bowl for people who think wearing a suit is dressing up? Only difference? No halftime show featuring a wardrobe malfunction—but we can always hope!.