DECEMBER 20, 2007

Full News Archive

• Headline: E.P.A. Blocks State Emission Standards. Impact: The E.P.A.'s ruling sent shockwaves through environmental policy, leading to a decade-long cat-and-mouse game between states and federal regulations. By the time the dust settled, a hipster bar in Brooklyn was serving cocktails named after the battle of emissions, proving that even pollution can inspire artisanal drinks.. Fact: Did you know that California tried to set its own rules because it wanted to save the world? Spoiler alert: it didn't work, but at least they got some really cool bumper stickers out of it..
• Headline: Exploring the Potomac Man's Quirks. Impact: As 'Homo Politicus' was published, it inadvertently inspired a reality TV show about politicians trying to survive in the wild. It turns out voters prefer watching them struggle with nature over actual governance.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Homo Politicus' is just a fancy way of saying 'politician,' which is Latin for 'person who makes us regret our life choices.'.
• Headline: Unearthing Hidden Treasures. Impact: The discovery of forgotten products sparked a renaissance of hoarding, leading to the rise of 'dusty tech' enthusiasts who now pay top dollar for obsolete gadgets. Who knew that a 15-year-old smartphone could be considered a vintage artifact?. Fact: Did you know that the average person has enough unreviewed products lying around to start their own museum? It's called 'The Hall of Regretful Purchases.'.
• Headline: Columbia’s Historic Atom Smasher Is Now Destined for the Junk Heap. Impact: The decision to junk the atom smasher led to a sudden surge in nostalgia for the nuclear era, prompting a bizarre trend of retro-futuristic parties where attendees dress as scientists and debate over cocktails whether the atom bomb was a good idea or not.. Fact: Columbia's atom smasher was like the grandparent of modern physics – old, slightly cranky, and full of stories that make you question your life choices. But hey, at least it didn't have to deal with social media!.
• Headline: Bond Insurer Cut to Junk; Negative Outlook for 4 More. Impact: The bond insurer's cut to junk triggered a financial panic that ultimately led to a new genre of horror films called 'The Mortgage Horror,' where homeowners face their greatest fear: paperwork.. Fact: Did you know that 'junk' bonds are not made of actual junk? If they were, at least we could recycle them into something useful, like art installations or very confusing sculptures..