AUGUST 29, 2006

Full News Archive

• Headline: Jonathan Franzen's Unforgiving Memoir. Impact: Franzen's self-reflection leads to an unexpected surge in therapy sessions worldwide, as millions realize they too might be jackasses. The therapist industry booms, and ironically, psychologists start writing self-help books about the dangers of self-obsession.. Fact: Did you know that Franzen's writing has been described as 'like watching paint dry, only less exciting'? Critics love him!.
• Headline: Metropolitan Opera's Advertising Initiative. Impact: The Metropolitan Opera's decision to embrace advertising opens the floodgates for sponsorships from brands like 'Opera-licious' and 'Bach’s Burgers', forever altering the cultural landscape of high art. Soon, every aria is accompanied by a catchy jingle.. Fact: Fun fact: The Met's previous advertising strategy was to just hope people would show up because they liked the color of the building. Spoiler: it didn’t work..
• Headline: Court Ruling Clears Mother in Son’s Suicide. Impact: The court ruling sets a precedent that leads to a series of bizarre legal defenses where parents blame inanimate objects for their children’s actions. Soon, a mother is sued by her child’s favorite video game for 'emotional distress'.. Fact: This case sparked a national debate, but did you know that in some cultures, messy homes are considered a sign of creativity? Maybe this mother was just ahead of her time!.