AUGUST 4, 2008

Full News Archive

• Headline: Experts Assess New York's Fiscal Outlook. Impact: If Albany had recognized this financial issue as a crisis, they might have inspired a wave of proactive fiscal responsibility across the nation. Instead, we got a series of budget cuts that led to the rise of independent 'Pizza Tax' advocates, who now control half of New York's pizza parlors.. Fact: Did you know that New York's budget analysts have a secret underground society where they play poker with Monopoly money? It's true; the stakes are high!.
• Headline: China's Olympic Drug Policy Shift in 2008. Impact: China's efforts to distance itself from the '90s drug scandal magically birthed a new generation of athletes who now have to train harder just to stay clean. This led to the creation of an entire industry of herbal supplements that are 99% placebo. Thanks, Olympics!. Fact: Did you know that the Beijing Olympics were so focused on image that they considered renaming it the 'Olympics of Public Relations'? Spoiler alert: they didn't..
• Headline: Yankees Rally in Thrilling Comeback. Impact: The Yankees' dramatic comeback sparked a nationwide trend of urban sports rivalries. Now, every minor league team in America has a 'comeback victory' night that ends with fireworks and a questionable amount of hot dog consumption.. Fact: Did you know that the Bronx is home to the world's largest collection of unclaimed baseball hats? Rumor has it they all belong to fans who left after the eighth inning..
• Headline: Ragtag Taliban Show Tenacity in Afghanistan. Impact: The Taliban's tenacity in Afghanistan led to a never-ending cycle of military interventions, which in turn inspired a new genre of reality TV: 'Surviving the War Zone'. The show features military personnel competing for survival tips while dodging actual bullets.. Fact: Did you know that the Taliban once attempted to start a book club? The first book they selected was 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'—but they never got past the title..
• Headline: With Flemish Nationalism on the Rise, Belgium Teeters on the Edge. Impact: The rise of Flemish nationalism in Belgium has led to a comedic series of political debates where representatives argue over who can make the best fries. Ultimately, this has resulted in the creation of the 'Fries Parliament' where everyone eats and nobody decides anything.. Fact: Did you know that Belgium has more than 1,000 different types of beer? That means if you can't agree on politics, at least you can drown your sorrows in a good brew!.