NOVEMBER 3, 2007

Full News Archive

• Headline: Writers Guild Strike Begins in Hollywood. Impact: The writers' strike not only halted productions but also triggered a worldwide trend of people realizing they could actually live without reality TV for a while. Shocking, I know!. Fact: The last time writers went on strike, it led to the creation of some truly bizarre unscripted television—like watching paint dry but with more drama..
• Headline: Japan's Prisons Adapt for Aging Population. Impact: As Japan's prisons adapted to an aging population, they inadvertently sparked a new trend in rehabilitation programs that included knitting and bingo night. Because nothing says 'reform' like crafting.. Fact: Japan has such a high elderly population that soon we'll see retirement homes with better amenities than prisons. Who's signing up for that gig?.
• Headline: Justice Nominee Gets 2 Key Votes From Democrats. Impact: The confirmation of Michael B. Mukasey led to a cascade of political back-slapping that eventually became known as the 'Mutual Admiration Society'—a club with only two members: Democrats and Mukasey.. Fact: In the Senate, 'key votes' are often just politicians holding the door open for each other to cross the aisle. How polite!.
• Headline: From a Trash Bin, Singing Cossacks and a Bitter Dispute. Impact: From a trash bin to a bitter dispute, this event led to a revolutionary new genre of storytelling: 'Dumpster Dramas,' where the plot is as messy as the setting. Hollywood has a new hit on its hands!. Fact: It turns out, some of the best stories are literally found in the garbage. Next time you're spring cleaning, remember: one man's trash is another man's Oscar-winning screenplay..