FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Obama Increases Troop Levels in Afghanistan. Impact: The surge of troops in Afghanistan led to a chain reaction of military strategies over the next decade, ultimately resulting in a nationwide obsession with camo-patterned everything. Who knew a fashion trend could come from war?. Fact: Did you know that sending troops is just like sending an RSVP? You can’t really take it back once it’s out there!.
• Headline: General Motors Cuts Four Brands. Impact: The painful departure of G.M. brands led to a historic pivot towards electric vehicles—if only they had sent the memo to the gas stations! Now they’re just awkwardly waiting for the inevitable.. Fact: Fun fact: G.M. once had more brands than most people have pairs of shoes. But unlike shoes, you can’t just toss them out if they’re ugly!.
• Headline: Obama's Bold Move in Auto Industry Crisis. Impact: Obama's unprecedented reach into the auto industry created a ripple effect where car manufacturers started to realize they might need to care about the environment. Because nothing says 'we care' like a shiny new electric car.. Fact: Did you know that having a ‘Czar’ in charge sounds a lot more important than it actually is? It’s just a fancy title for someone who gets to sit in meetings and agree with everyone..
• Headline: Bailout Likely to Focus on Most Afflicted Homeowners. Impact: The focus on the most afflicted homeowners during the bailout led many to believe that 'afflicted' was just a fancy term for 'too broke to pay attention.' This laid the groundwork for the 'foreclosure fashion' trend that followed.. Fact: Did you know that homeowners facing foreclosure were often seen as the real estate equivalent of the last kid picked in gym class? It’s a tough life out there!.
• Headline: For Uninsured Young Adults, Do-It-Yourself Health Care. Impact: The DIY health care craze among uninsured young adults has led to a generation of self-diagnosing experts who can diagnose anything from strep throat to existential crises. Who needs WebMD when you have Google?. Fact: Did you know that if you Google your symptoms, you’re 100% likely to think you have every disease under the sun? Congrats, you’re now a medical professional!.