OCTOBER 30, 2004

Full News Archive

• Headline: Challenges in Recruiting NYC School Principals. Impact: The slow recruitment of principals led to an exodus of teachers who were tired of working under ineffective leadership, which ultimately resulted in a nationwide teacher shortage. If only they had thought to offer a free pizza at the interviews, maybe things would have turned out differently.. Fact: The average principal spends more time in meetings than actually leading. So, you know, the $200,000 investment really went to productive use!.
• Headline: The Rise and Fall of David Wittig. Impact: David Wittig's extravagant lifestyle inspired a new wave of corporate greed, leading to the phrase 'living like an Enron executive' to become a common insult in boardrooms across America. Next up: Ferraris as a required perk for CEOs.. Fact: If you ever feel bad about your life choices, remember that someone bought a Ferrari with money from a utility company. Because what says 'responsibility' like a flashy car?.
• Headline: Corporate Chiefs and Investment Strategies. Impact: The decline of corporate giants led to a rise in the popularity of small businesses, as investors realized that maybe the guy down the street making artisanal pickles is a safer bet than someone managing billions with a questionable moral compass.. Fact: Ronald S. Baron believes in investing by looking for corporate chiefs who haven’t crashed and burned yet. It’s like playing 'Where’s Waldo?' but with billion-dollar companies..
• Headline: Bush Agrees to Consider Textile Limits. Impact: The decision to consider textile limits set off a chain reaction of trade policies that would lead to the rise of fast fashion, making it possible for everyone to wear clothing that falls apart after two washes. Thanks, political decisions!. Fact: Remember when the Bush administration was considering textile limits? It’s almost as if they thought they could control imports like a toddler trying to keep their toys from being shared..
• Headline: Dogs. Insults. Yes, It's a Battleground.. Impact: Adela Simone's unfortunate door-to-door experience became the basis for reality TV content, leading to a series of shows where people are insulted by strangers while walking dogs—because nothing says entertainment like public humiliation.. Fact: Door-to-door campaigning is a lot like dog walking: it requires stamina, a good sense of direction, and the ability to dodge angry homeowners. Who knew politics could be this much fun?.