JANUARY 5, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Impact of 2008 on Auto Industry Sales. Impact: The auto industry's struggles in 2008 led to innovations in electric vehicles, which then sparked a global obsession with eco-friendly cars. Who knew a downturn could lead us to Teslas and a world where people argue over charging stations?. Fact: Did you know that the 2008 crisis made everyone suddenly experts on economic theory? It’s the only time people discussed ‘liquidity’ without referring to cocktails..
• Headline: Sheriff Arpaio's Reality TV Adventure. Impact: Sheriff Arpaio's rise to fame paved the way for a new genre of reality TV where law enforcement figures became celebrities, leading to the eventual creation of countless 'cop shows' that people now binge-watch instead of doing actual research on crime.. Fact: Did you know that being tough on crime is a surefire way to get a reality show? Just ask anyone who's ever been on a police procedural—real or fictional!.
• Headline: Eagles Advance Past Vikings to Face Giants. Impact: The Eagles defeating the Vikings seemed innocuous at the time, but it triggered a series of Philadelphia sports wins that led to a collective city-wide celebration, complete with greased poles and a Super Bowl victory that made everyone forget how to act in public.. Fact: Did you know that in Philadelphia, winning a Super Bowl means you can throw a parade that literally stops traffic? Just ask anyone who had to take an extra hour to get to work!.
• Headline: Google Hopes to Open a Trove of Little-Seen Books. Impact: Google's ambitious book project not only brought forgotten titles back into circulation but also led to the rise of e-books, which subsequently made it socially acceptable to read in public without anyone knowing if you're actually enjoying 'War and Peace' or a trashy romance novel.. Fact: Did you know that before Google, finding obscure books was like searching for a needle in a haystack? Now, you can find a needle in a digital haystack instead!.
• Headline: CNN Gets Buzz It Wants (if Not the Way It Wants). Impact: CNN's attempt to spice up their New Year's Eve coverage with a splash of comedy opened the floodgates for other networks to follow suit, culminating in a bizarre tradition of celebrity chaos that distracts viewers from the impending doom of the new year.. Fact: Did you know that CNN’s New Year’s Eve special was basically a party where you can laugh and cry simultaneously? It’s like a therapy session, but with more confetti..