DECEMBER 2, 2004

Full News Archive

• Headline: Powell's Visit Amidst Haiti's Turmoil. Impact: Colin Powell's visit to Haiti, while intended for support, became the catalyst for a new trend in diplomacy: 'Gunfire Diplomacy'. Countries now send diplomats to listen to gunfire and call it 'engagement'. Who needs meetings when you have bullets?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' was coined shortly after a diplomat visited a conflict zone? Talk about a motivational speech!.
• Headline: Interactive Technology Transforms Museum Experiences. Impact: The introduction of touch-screen technology in museums led to an unexpected increase in museum attendance, prompting a bizarre competition among museums to create the most ridiculous interactive exhibits, including 'Pet the Mummy' and 'Guess What’s in the Ancient Urn'.. Fact: Did you know that the first museum exhibit to use a touch screen was actually about the history of touch screens? The irony is palpable..
• Headline: King Tut, Set for 2nd U.S. Tour, Has New Decree: Money Rules. Impact: King Tut's financial goals led to a renaissance of ancient Egyptian tourism, causing museums worldwide to also adopt 'money rules', which eventually resulted in the invention of the 'Merchandising Pharaoh'.. Fact: Did you know that the Egyptian government once considered taxing tourists for every selfie taken with Tut's tomb? 'Cairo's Got Your Back' was their slogan until they realized it was just a bad pun..
• Headline: World Business Briefing | Americas: Mexico: U.S. Eases Avocado Limit. Impact: The easing of avocado limits caused a global avocado craze, resulting in the rise of hipster farmers who now charge $10 for a single avocado while claiming it was 'handpicked by artisanal elves'.. Fact: Did you know that the avocado was once considered a 'poor man's fruit'? Now it's the favorite of every influencer and their overpriced toast!.