AUGUST 12, 2007

Full News Archive

• Headline: Real Estate and Rising Divorces in Economy. Impact: If couples realized they could profit from divorcing, it led to an unexpected spike in the self-help book industry. Suddenly, everyone was an expert on 'divorce as a financial strategy,' which, of course, led to the rise of a new reality show: 'Extreme Divorce: Split or Stay'.. Fact: Divorce rates tend to spike during economic booms. So, if you thought your marriage was solid, just wait until the stock market hits new highs. Nothing says 'I love you' quite like a sudden influx of cash..
• Headline: The Rise of Zabar's Influence. Impact: The Upper West Side's newfound snobbery turned it into a cultural battleground, leading to the creation of overpriced artisanal avocado toast that would eventually be the downfall of many a millennial’s bank account.. Fact: Zabar’s is practically a New York institution—so much so that if you don’t buy your bagels there, you might as well be shopping at a discount store in New Jersey. Sorry, not sorry!.
• Headline: Conflict Over Sacred Lands in the West. Impact: As American Indian leaders gained power, they inadvertently inspired a wave of 'spiritual retreats' that turned every yoga studio into a faux sacred space—complete with overpriced crystals and questionable life coaches.. Fact: The struggle between developers and tradition-minded leaders is a classic. It's like watching a game of tug-of-war, except the rope is made of sacred land and the spectators are just here for the popcorn..
• Headline: The Myth, the Math, the Sex. Impact: This revelation led to a decade-long debate that culminated in the creation of a 'Men's Rights Activism' movement, which ultimately resulted in a series of poorly-researched podcasts and a surprisingly successful line of 'I’m Just Not That Into You' merchandise.. Fact: Despite what the headlines say, the math is pretty simple: men are just as likely to cheat, they just tend to be worse at it. So next time someone tells you 'it’s in their DNA', remind them that so is common sense..
• Headline: Select Hospitals Reap a Windfall Under Child Bill. Impact: The confusion surrounding hospital funding led to a nationwide game of 'which hospital is hiding what?', creating a black market for hospital names and a new trend in medical tourism: 'The Secrecy Tour'.. Fact: Earmarks are like the secret sauce of legislation—everyone knows they exist, but no one quite knows how they’re made or what’s actually in them. Spoiler alert: it’s not always pretty..