DECEMBER 5, 2007

Full News Archive

• Headline: Al Franken's Serious Senate Campaign. Impact: Al Franken's run for the Senate led to a series of late-night jokes about politics that somehow resulted in a new genre of political comedy — leading to an increase in voters choosing their leaders based on who could tell the best dad jokes.. Fact: Did you know that before becoming a senator, Franken's biggest political achievement was impersonating a certain President on SNL? Clearly, America was ready for a new kind of jokester-in-chief!.
• Headline: Wine Prices Surge Amid Economic Turmoil. Impact: The rise in wine prices caused a cultural shift, leading to an explosion of DIY wine-making in basements across America, resulting in a new era of home vintners who can’t tell a Merlot from a Malbec.. Fact: Ever wonder why wine enthusiasts seem to always have a glass in hand? It's probably because they’re bracing for the next price hike while trying to convince themselves that box wine is a legit choice..
• Headline: Without a Writer, Is a Joke Still Funny?. Impact: Carson Daly's decision to tape without writers inadvertently launched a movement of 'unscripted' television, leading to reality TV stars attempting stand-up, which in turn resulted in an existential crisis among actual comedians.. Fact: In a world where unscripted TV is all the rage, the only thing more awkward than a comedian without a script is a politician trying to be funny. Spoiler: neither is winning any awards anytime soon..