DECEMBER 18, 2008

Full News Archive

• Headline: Revising 'The Joy of Sex' for Today. Impact: As 'The Joy of Sex' was revised, it created a domino effect that led to the rise of awkward conversations between parents and teenagers everywhere. The term 'the talk' quickly morphed into the cringe-fest we've come to know and love.. Fact: Did you know that awkward moments are a universal language? They’re the real unifying force of humanity, more so than any self-help book!.
• Headline: Luxury Shopping with Chanel Experts. Impact: The rise of personal shoppers for the elite encouraged regular folks to start their own 'personal shopper' services, leading to an underground economy of people being paid to tell their friends what looks good on them. Fashion advice has never been so lucrative—or so dubious.. Fact: Did you know that spending $30,000 on fashion is a great way to ensure you never have to talk about your feelings? Because who needs therapy when you have a wardrobe that costs more than a small car?.
• Headline: As the Fed Flattens Rates, the Dollar Gets Bruised. Impact: The Fed's rate cuts turned the dollar into the financial equivalent of a piñata—everyone wanted a piece! This led to a worldwide game of currency exchange that made Monopoly look like child’s play, resulting in the eventual rise of currency-themed board games.. Fact: Did you know that the dollar was once the go-to currency for the world? Now it's just another currency that gets bruised like a peach in a supermarket..
• Headline: S.E.C. Knew Him as Foe and Friend. Impact: Madoff's dual relationship with the SEC created a template for future fraudsters on how to charm regulators while simultaneously planning elaborate cons. This set the bar for future scandals, proving that the best way to get ahead is to do it with a smile.. Fact: Did you know that Madoff's charm was so potent that it could probably sell ice to an Eskimo? Too bad he didn’t think to sell them investments instead..