OCTOBER 7, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Debt-Market Crisis Affects Credit Availability. Impact: As the credit markets froze up like a deer in headlights, countless businesses were forced to innovate or perish. This led to an unforeseen boom in DIY startups, which ultimately resulted in a bizarre rise in knitwear fashion and an explosion of artisanal pickle shops. Who knew a credit crisis could lead to the great pickle renaissance?. Fact: Did you know that the term 'credit crunch' actually originated from a group of economists who couldn't find their way out of a metaphorical paper bag? True story..
• Headline: Ex-Political Boss Admits Guilt in Scandal. Impact: Raymond B. Harding's guilty plea sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting a wave of 'let's pretend we care about ethics' campaigns. This eventually led to the rise of reality TV politicians who thought they could do a better job—because, obviously, that worked out well.. Fact: Did you know that in New York, 'favor' is just another word for 'donation'? It's the oldest trick in the book, but somehow, it still catches them off guard..
• Headline: In E-Books, It’s an Army vs. Google. Impact: The battle over e-books sparked a massive underground movement of 'book rebels' who shunned digital reading and began rediscovering ancient scrolls and quills. Libraries became secret meeting spots for hipsters in search of 'real' literature, leading to a spike in ink sales.. Fact: Did you know that before e-books, the most common argument in libraries was about whether it was appropriate to shush someone for reading too loudly? Ah, simpler times..
• Headline: Partisan Economics in Action. Impact: Bruce Bartlett’s insights ignited a series of 'what if' debates among economists about what the Republican Party might have looked like if they actually cared about economic policy. This debate eventually devolved into an annual comedy festival where economists perform stand-up about the absurdity of their own profession.. Fact: Did you know that economic policy meetings are essentially just glorified coffee breaks where everyone pretends to listen while actually debating the merits of avocado toast?.