MAY 18, 2008

Full News Archive

• Headline: Doctors Apologize to Patients Before Lawsuits. Impact: The medical centers' apologies inadvertently set off a chain reaction where patients began expecting apologies for everything. Now, a simple sneeze at the doctor's office results in a formal letter of regret and a free lollipop.. Fact: In the world of medicine, 'I'm sorry' is often followed by 'but we're still billing you.'.
• Headline: Sectarian Strife Escalates in Lebanon. Impact: The sectarian tensions escalated so dramatically that they accidentally inspired a new trend in reality TV: 'Keeping Up with the Conflicts.' Ratings soared, but peace negotiations... not so much.. Fact: Lebanon's civil tensions have been so creative that they could be mistaken for a Shakespearean drama, minus the happy endings..
• Headline: Voters Face School Budget Decisions. Impact: This appeal to voters sparked a nationwide trend of candidates resorting to interpretive dance as a way to win over voters. Spoiler alert: they still lost.. Fact: Apparently, school budgets are the only thing more boring than watching paint dry in a classroom..
• Headline: A Buyer’s Market, a Seller’s Pain. Impact: The real estate downturn led to a new phenomenon: houses are now auditioning for reality shows in hopes of finding a buyer who will overlook their numerous flaws. 'Fixer Upper' just got a whole new meaning.. Fact: In real estate, 'buyer's market' is just code for 'you get what you pay for... and then some.'.
• Headline: Does the ‘Real’ Ireland Still Exist?. Impact: The ongoing search for the 'real' Ireland inspired a new tourism campaign: 'Visit Ireland, Where Reality is Optional.' Tourists now arrive expecting leprechauns and rainbows, only to find construction sites.. Fact: The 'real' Ireland exists somewhere between the Guinness factory and a scenic overlook—just don't ask for directions..