FEBRUARY 17, 2006

Full News Archive

• Headline: Plushenko Dominates Men's Figure Skating. Impact: If Plushenko hadn't glided his way to victory, figure skating might have devolved into a series of interpretive dances involving interpretive ice shoveling. Thank goodness for sequins and over-the-top costumes!. Fact: Did you know that figure skating was once considered a 'gentleman's sport'? Imagine that—a time when we thought twirling and landing jumps in sequins was reserved for, well, gentlemen!.
• Headline: The Rise and Fall of Condo Cash-Outs. Impact: The condo craze in Arlington spurred a nationwide obsession with overpriced shoeboxes that would eventually lead to the great housing bubble—because who doesn't want to live in a glorified closet with a view of the neighbor's fence?. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'condo' comes from 'condominium,' which means 'the right of individuals to overpay for a tiny space in a big building.'.
• Headline: KeySpan Corporation Auction Announcement. Impact: The sale of KeySpan Corporation likely triggered a domino effect in utility companies trying to one-up each other in a bidding war that led to a series of increasingly ridiculous corporate mergers—remember when we were just trying to keep the lights on?. Fact: Did you know that the average person uses about 30 kWh of electricity per day? That’s enough to power a small army of phone chargers—but who's counting?.
• Headline: Mardi Gras Set for City Stripped of All but Pride. Impact: Mardi Gras in a hurricane-damaged city became a symbol of resilience, inspiring future celebrations that would involve even more beads and questionable decisions—because nothing says 'we survived' like a hangover!. Fact: Did you know that Mardi Gras actually means 'Fat Tuesday' in French? It’s the one day a year where it's socially acceptable to eat cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—so, a Tuesday, really!.
• Headline: Oil's a Means, Not an End, at Dubai Inc.. Impact: Sultan Ahmed's vision for Dubai Inc. was the catalyst for transforming the city into a global hub for luxury and excess, leading to the modern-day phenomenon of tourists taking selfies with buildings they can't afford—because why not?. Fact: Fun fact: Dubai's Burj Khalifa is so tall that on a clear day, you can see it from the Moon—as long as you're also equipped with a telescope and a good sense of humor..