NOVEMBER 4, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tocqueville's Unpublished American Letters. Impact: Had Tocqueville's letters been published sooner, we might have avoided the entire genre of existential crisis literature—after all, nobody wants to read about the French guy who found America only to complain about its coffee.. Fact: Did you know that Tocqueville's observations about democracy might have inspired more pub debates than actual political change? Turns out, people prefer arguing over the state of the union rather than fixing it..
• Headline: Sesame Street Celebrates 40 Years. Impact: If 'Sesame Street' hadn't turned 40, we might still be teaching kids about the world through chalkboards and dusty encyclopedias—just think, no Muppet-based therapy sessions for the next generation!. Fact: Did you know that 'Sesame Street' was originally conceived as a way to make poor kids less poor? Because nothing says economic stability like a giant furry monster teaching you your ABCs..
• Headline: China Approves Disney Theme Park in Shanghai. Impact: The approval of a Disney park in Shanghai might have sent a ripple through the global economy, leading to the rise of overpriced churros and more people dressed as giant mice than ever before.. Fact: Did you know that Disney parks are often referred to as 'the happiest places on Earth'? That must be true, considering the number of people who willingly spend half their paycheck to wait in line for a ride..
• Headline: Health Bills Aim a Light on Doctors’ Conflicts. Impact: If Congress had acted on doctors' conflicts sooner, we might have fewer pharmaceutical commercials featuring smiling doctors who look suspiciously like they just stepped off a catwalk.. Fact: Did you know that the average American spends more time researching their next phone than their next doctor? Healthcare: where you can put your life in the hands of someone you met on a Google search..