MARCH 20, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: School Districts Brace for Budget Challenges. Impact: As school budgets went into a downward spiral, students started trading lunch items like they were on Wall Street. This eventually led to the first underground economy of lunchables and soda, setting the stage for the modern barter system.. Fact: Did you know that one school's budget cuts led to a thriving black market for crayons? Kids really will trade anything for a pack of colored pencils..
• Headline: Controversial Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus. Impact: The failed laser treatment for toenail fungus sparked a surge in DIY home remedies. Fast forward a few years, and the rise of essential oils and avocado toast as cures for everything became a thing. Thanks, fungus!. Fact: Did you know that toenail fungus has been known to cause more arguments in households than the TV remote? It's a serious problem!.
• Headline: GE Capital's Competitive Edge Revealed. Impact: G.E.'s finance unit's bravado led to a corporate culture where showing off your spreadsheets became the new flex. This ultimately resulted in an entire generation of finance majors who think PowerPoint is an extreme sport.. Fact: Did you know that G.E. has been around longer than sliced bread? Though frankly, I'm not sure which one was more revolutionary..
• Headline: Rapid Declines in Manufacturing Spread Global Anxiety. Impact: The manufacturing decline caused a ripple effect that turned cities into ghost towns, leading to the creation of new reality TV shows about survival in abandoned factories. Who knew economic downturns could give rise to such 'entertaining' content?. Fact: Did you know that the Great Depression inspired more songs than any other tragedy in history? Apparently, misery does love company—especially when it comes to jazz..
• Headline: Scorn Trails A.I.G. Executives, Even in Their Driveways. Impact: The scorn aimed at A.I.G. executives led to a nationwide trend of hating the rich, which in turn inspired a new wave of punk rock music. Who knew financial scandals could revive a genre?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'Let's just blame the bankers' has been used more times than 'I promise to do my homework' by high school students? It's practically a national pastime..