MAY 9, 2004

Full News Archive

• Headline: 1988 Campaign Echoes in 2004 Election. Impact: Had they not meticulously crafted the image of Dukakis, we might have ended up with an entirely different political landscape. Picture a world where every candidate had to wear a giant duck costume to get elected. Thank you, 1988!. Fact: Did you know that first impressions are like the first pancake? Usually, they end up on the floor, and everyone pretends it didn't happen..
• Headline: Media and War: A Historical Perspective. Impact: The overwhelming media coverage of the Iraq war fostered a new era of instant information that has led to countless conspiracy theories and memes about everything from government secrets to cats in military uniforms. Who knew a war could give rise to the internet’s greatest mysteries?. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'lost weekend' originally referred to the time lost to bad decisions, but in this context, it also applies to how long it took for the public to process the 'good news' of war..
• Headline: Soldiers' Struggles in Abu Ghraib Scandal. Impact: The revelations of abuse at Abu Ghraib changed military protocols and public perception forever. Imagine if those soldiers had been given a crash course in proper behavior instead of a crash course in chaos. The ripple effects? An entire generation of military training programs now includes 'How to Not Be a Jerk 101.'. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'I was just following orders' has become a classic excuse, much like 'the dog ate my homework' for soldiers? Only with a much grimmer twist..
• Headline: Quick, After Him: Pac-Man Went Thataway. Impact: This real-world Pac-Man game sparked a trend for interactive urban gaming, which ultimately led to people chasing each other in funny costumes across cities. If only we could harness that energy for something productive, like, say, chasing down politicians for their promises!. Fact: Did you know that Pac-Man was originally named 'Puck Man'? But they changed it because they feared vandals would change the 'P' to an 'F.' So, thanks to graffiti artists, we now have an iconic character instead of a foul-mouthed ghost muncher..
• Headline: Shift on Salmon Reignites Fight On Species Law. Impact: This decision set the stage for a slippery slope where fish became the new political pawns. We could have ended up with a world where salmon ran for office – now that’s a campaign I’d vote for! Who wouldn’t want a fish in charge?. Fact: Fun fact: If you ever feel insignificant, just remember that a salmon's life is a constant battle against being counted. Talk about a fish out of water!.