JUNE 16, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fritz Henderson's Tough Stance at GM. Impact: Fritz Henderson's tough talk at G.M. led to a chain reaction of corporate restructuring that ultimately inspired a new wave of motivational posters featuring cats in business suits. Who knew that corporate bravado could lead to such feline wisdom?. Fact: Did you know that G.M. once produced a car called the 'Aztek'? So, clearly, their decision-making has always been a little questionable..
• Headline: Credit Bailout: Balances Reduced by Issuers. Impact: The credit bailout's slashing of card balances made consumers feel as if they were finally gaining control over their finances. This 'balance-slashing' eventually inspired reality TV shows where contestants literally cut up credit cards—who doesn't love some good financial drama?. Fact: Fun fact: The credit card industry once operated like a game of Monopoly—except instead of 'Go,' you just kept paying interest until you were bankrupt..
• Headline: Khamenei's Power and Islamic Rule Challenges. Impact: Ayatollah Khamenei's wavering grip on power set off a chain reaction that led to countless memes about 'Iron Clerics' having midlife crises. Thanks to social media, the idea of a powerful cleric sweating over his authority became a global punchline.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'Iron Cleric' was actually coined during a game of risk? Unfortunately, no one played by the rules..
• Headline: U.S. to Confront, Not Board, North Korean Ships. Impact: The U.S. deciding to confront North Korean ships instead of boarding them turned naval tactics into a game of 'tag, you're it!' This has since inspired countless naval officers to take up a new hobby in maritime hide-and-seek.. Fact: Did you know that North Korea once attempted to launch a satellite named 'Kwangmyongsong'? Turns out it was just a really ambitious, overly optimistic balloon..
• Headline: Tobacco Regulation Is Expected to Face a Free-Speech Challenge. Impact: The impending legal battle over tobacco regulation and free speech has caused a ripple effect where every industry now fears a lawsuit for hurting their feelings. Soon, we might see a rise in 'anti-offense' legislation for everything from broccoli to bad puns.. Fact: Did you know that the first recorded use of tobacco dates back to the 1400s? Talk about a long-lasting relationship—clearly, some habits die hard..