SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

Full News Archive

• Headline: Cambodia's Path to W.T.O. Membership. Impact: Cambodia's decision to join the W.T.O. triggered a fashion revolution where suddenly everyone was wearing Cambodian silk. Little did they know, this decision would lead to a bizarre global trend of 'Cambodian chic'—which, spoiler alert, was just sweatpants with a fancy label.. Fact: Did you know that joining the W.T.O. is like getting a VIP pass to the international marketplace, but also means you have to dress in business casual and pretend to understand trade laws? Fun times!.
• Headline: Hollinger Report Reveals Financial Misconduct. Impact: The revelation of a 'corporate kleptocracy' at Hollinger led to a new wave of corporate accountability—sort of like how a slap on the wrist leads to better behavior. Spoiler: It didn’t. Instead, it just inspired a new generation of 'business geniuses' hiding their money in more creative places.. Fact: Did you know that when corporate officials use the term 'diverted cash,' they actually mean 'I took your money and bought myself a yacht'? It’s all in the wording!.
• Headline: British Grid Operator to Sell 4 Gas Networks. Impact: When National Grid Transco decided to sell half of its gas networks, it sparked a chain reaction of utility companies deciding to sell off whatever they could. The great 'Network Garage Sale' of the early 2000s is still talked about at industry parties.. Fact: Did you know that selling gas networks is a lot like selling your old video games? You think you’ll get a lot, but in reality, everyone just wants the ones that are still in their original packaging..
• Headline: I.M.F. Accepts Standstill to Let Argentina Work on Debt. Impact: The I.M.F.'s acceptance of Argentina's standstill opened the floodgates for other countries to try their luck at negotiating their debts by promising to 'totally get their act together'—a phrase that has since become a favorite among world leaders drowning in red ink.. Fact: Did you know that 'standstill' in economic terms means 'we're going to pretend we can fix this later'? It’s like saying you’ll clean your room next weekend—everyone knows it’s just not happening..