FEBRUARY 24, 2006

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fannie Mae's Accounting Manipulation Scandal. Impact: This little accounting scandal at Fannie Mae led to a chain reaction where executives everywhere started to worry that their bonuses might be tied to something called 'ethics.' As a result, they began investing heavily in courses on creative accounting, which eventually gave birth to every terrible financial drama in the early 2000s. Thanks, Fannie Mae!. Fact: Did you know that Fannie Mae's name actually comes from the Federal National Mortgage Association? It's like naming your dog 'Doggy McBarkface.'.
• Headline: Jean Harris: The Scandal that Shocked America. Impact: Jean Harris's tragic tale became the precursor to the O.J. Simpson trial frenzy. It's almost as if fate said, 'Hold my beer, I can do better!' The media circus that followed had ripple effects on how personal tragedies are sensationalized in the news. Who knew murder could be such a ratings booster?. Fact: In the wake of Jean Harris's trial, many women thought they could just shoot their way into the tabloids. Spoiler: it didn't work out well for most..
• Headline: Makeover at Mohonk Mountain House. Impact: The makeover at Mohonk Mountain House sparked a revolution in the hospitality industry where rustic charm became synonymous with overpriced lattes and overpriced everything. Now, every hipster in the world thinks they can charge you $9 for a tiny cup of artisanal coffee while telling you about their 'authentic' experience.. Fact: Mohonk has been run by the same Quaker family for 137 years. They probably know more about commitment than most modern relationships!.
• Headline: The Russians Are Coming, Eyes on the Prize. Impact: The Russians preparing for Olympic semifinals had a domino effect that led to the global phenomenon of hockey becoming a 'big deal' in the U.S. Suddenly, everyone was trading in their football jerseys for hockey gear, as if the ice was the new gridiron. Thanks for the trend, Russia!. Fact: The phrase 'The Russians are coming!' has been used in pop culture so much that it could almost be a sequel to any current political drama. Can we get a hockey movie about it, please?.
• Headline: 36 Hours in St. John, V.I.. Impact: The struggle to find a restaurant in St. John set off a series of events leading to the creation of Yelp and millions of food blogs. No longer would anyone endure the horror of asking a local for directions without the safety net of the internet. Say goodbye to human interaction!. Fact: St. John is so small and beautiful that it makes you wonder if people actually live there or if it's just a living postcard. Good luck finding a place to eat, though!.