SEPTEMBER 26, 2005

Full News Archive

• Headline: Innovative Ideas Flourish at Design Schools. Impact: As students lounged and contemplated their next big idea (or just their next coffee break), the 'big concepts' birthed here eventually led to the design of a futuristic coffee shop that would later become the go-to meeting place for tech moguls plotting the next social media app. Who knew procrastination could spark innovation?. Fact: The Pratt Institute's architecture school has produced alumni who are both celebrated and... well, let’s just say ‘interesting’ in their design choices. Ever seen a building shaped like a giant shoe? Yeah, that was one of theirs..
• Headline: Federal Contracts after Hurricane Katrina. Impact: The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina made the government shower money on contractors like they were at a casino, leading to a gambling-like mentality in disaster response. This paved the way for future disasters being treated as opportunities for shady deals. Who needs a safety net when you have a money net?. Fact: Did you know that many of these contracts were so large, they made the GDP of small countries look like pocket change? Apparently, clearing debris is a very lucrative business!.
• Headline: Black Voter Dynamics in NYC Mayoral Race. Impact: As black voters began to split, the political landscape of New York was forever altered, paving the way for future candidates to realize that winning votes requires more than just a catchy slogan. This 'up for grabs' mentality led to a series of increasingly bizarre campaign promises, including a proposal for free pizza Fridays.. Fact: Fun fact: In political races, 'up for grabs' is just code for 'let's throw every idea at the wall and see what sticks,' which explains why one candidate suggested a pet therapy day at City Hall..
• Headline: A Web of Faith, Law and Science in Evolution Suit. Impact: The court case over intelligent design sparked a chain reaction that led to a resurgence in debates about science in schools, resulting in a new generation of students who grew up convinced that dinosaurs coexisted with humans because, well, their science classes were confused. Thank you, intelligent design!. Fact: The trial was so groundbreaking that it could have been mistaken for a reality TV show, complete with dramatic music and questionable science. Who doesn’t love a good courtroom drama?.
• Headline: In Mexico's Murders, Fury Is Aimed at Officials. Impact: The murders in Ciudad Juarez highlighted the incompetence of local officials, leading to a wave of protests, increased media attention, and a new trend in political accountability. Ironically, it also led to a surge in the slogan 'We demand better!' on T-shirts around the world.. Fact: Did you know that Ciudad Juarez became the poster child for how not to do law enforcement? It’s like a cautionary tale wrapped in a tragedy that no one wants to read..