DECEMBER 6, 2009

Full News Archive

• Headline: Surge in Charities Costs U.S. Tax Revenue. Impact: The rise of charities led to a massive influx of philanthropic enthusiasm, which, ironically, created a new class of tax-evading billionaires who now donate just enough to avoid a public relations disaster. Meanwhile, the government is left wondering if they should just start a 'Tax Breaks Anonymous' support group.. Fact: Did you know that if you add up all the tax breaks from charities, you could fund a small nation? Or at least a decent pizza party..
• Headline: Bloomberg's Data Dive into Baseball Analytics. Impact: Bloomberg's leap into baseball analytics somehow triggered a chain reaction that eventually led to the creation of fantasy leagues where people spend more time managing virtual teams than their actual lives. Who knew managing a bunch of pixels could be so addictive?. Fact: Fun fact: Bloomberg's player-evaluation software is so advanced that it can predict when a player will need to visit the bathroom during a game—because obviously, that’s vital information..
• Headline: B.C.S. and the Longhorns Controversy. Impact: The debate over college football rankings sparked a nationwide obsession with algorithmic formulas, leading to the invention of a new degree: Bachelor of Science in B.C.S. Disappointments. Universities are now cashing in on the confusion!. Fact: Spoiler alert: the only way Texas Christian or Cincinnati could leap past the Longhorns is if they invent a time machine to go back and change the past. Good luck with that!.
• Headline: In Mametland, a Skirmish in Black and White. Impact: Mamet's 'Race' ignited a series of discussions about race relations in America, ultimately inspiring a million awkward dinner conversations and leading to the invention of the 'Mamet Drinking Game'—take a shot every time someone says 'I can’t believe he said that!'. Fact: David Mamet’s works are known for their sharp dialogue, but apparently, sharp dialogue doesn’t guarantee a gripping plot. Who knew?.
• Headline: Mysteries of Crime Fiction? P. D. James Is on the Case. Impact: P. D. James's examination of crime fiction not only solidified her legacy but also inspired countless wannabe writers to try their hand at crime novels, many of whom still think 'murder mystery' means turning their family Thanksgiving into a true-crime episode.. Fact: Did you know that P. D. James wrote her first novel while working as a secretary? Talk about multitasking—now that's some serious plot-thickening talent!.