SEPTEMBER 15, 2004

Full News Archive

• Headline: South Korea's Computer Company Breakup. Impact: The breakup of the computer company in South Korea led to an unexpected surge in tech startups, which eventually birthed the mobile app that monitors your cat’s mood. Yes, that’s right; your cat is now an entrepreneur.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more complicated than a computer company breakup is trying to explain to your grandmother what a 'startup' is?.
• Headline: Resilient Growth in Jamaican Economy. Impact: Jamaica's ability to weather Hurricane Ivan without major economic fallout set a precedent for future countries, leading to the development of the 'Hurricane Resilience Olympics,' where nations compete to dodge disaster while maintaining a beach party vibe.. Fact: Did you know that Jamaica's economy is so resilient that it could survive a zombie apocalypse, provided the zombies take a break for some reggae?.
• Headline: World Business Briefing | Asia: Japan: Flat-Panel TV Venture. Impact: The flat-panel TV venture in Japan inspired a global obsession with ever-larger screens, ultimately leading to the creation of TV-watching marathons that left an entire generation unable to remember what sunlight feels like.. Fact: Did you know that flat-panel TVs were originally invented so that we could finally watch our favorite shows in high definition while completely ignoring the outside world?.
• Headline: Carmakers Face Huge Retiree Health Care Costs. Impact: General Motors' staggering health care costs prompted a healthcare reform movement that eventually led to robots being programmed to provide medical care—because why not replace humans with someone who won’t complain about their coffee order?. Fact: Did you know that General Motors spends so much on health care that they could probably fund a small country’s entire education system? But hey, who’s counting when there are cars to sell?.