SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exotic Mortgages Cause Payment Surge. Impact: The spike in mortgage payments led to a mass exodus of homeowners trying to sell their homes, which ironically caused a housing market crash that made 'For Sale' signs the hottest new trend in yard decor.. Fact: The phrase 'exotic mortgage' sounds fancy, but it's really just a way to say, 'You probably shouldn't be buying a house if you need this much creativity in your financing.'.
• Headline: Pentagon Monitoring Troops' Online Activities. Impact: As troops began to blog, the internet was flooded with memes, leading to the invention of 'tactical memes' that would eventually become a staple in military strategy and online warfare.. Fact: The Pentagon kept a wary eye on troop blogs, not because of potential leaks, but because they were worried someone might accidentally go viral for a bad pun..
• Headline: Bank Counsel Firing Under Scrutiny. Impact: The firing of a bank counsel sparked a series of legal dramas that turned the banking industry into a soap opera, complete with plot twists that would make Shakespeare proud.. Fact: In the banking world, refusing to reveal details is just another way of saying, 'I’m not here to make friends; I’m here to make money and maybe get a book deal out of it.'.
• Headline: Marred Afghan Vote Leaves U.S. in a Delicate Spot. Impact: The marred Afghan vote set off a chain reaction of political maneuvering that ultimately led to reality TV shows about politics, proving that the American public really does want to watch a circus.. Fact: Vote fraud in Afghanistan was so concerning that it almost made American political scandals look like kindergarten drama—almost..
• Headline: Despite Fears, Health Care Overhaul Is Moving Ahead. Impact: The health care overhaul proceeded despite fears, triggering endless debates, memes, and enough late-night comedy bits to fuel a generation of stand-up comedians.. Fact: Despite the uproar, health care reform was like a roller coaster: everyone screamed, but you couldn't help but get back in line for more..