AUGUST 17, 2010

Full News Archive

• Headline: Denmark Reduces Unemployment Benefits Duration. Impact: The decision to cut benefits sparked a chain reaction, leading to a new trend in 'extreme thriftiness' that inspired a reality show where contestants survive on two dollars a day, proving desperation makes for good TV.. Fact: Denmark's safety net was so generous that even the local squirrels were considering taking a vacation. Now, they're just hoarding nuts like everyone else..
• Headline: Mortgage Giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Impact: Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae’s survival extended the zombie apocalypse metaphor to finance, inspiring a generation of young economists to don zombie costumes for Halloween—because who wouldn’t want to be a financial undead?. Fact: The term 'zombie' has officially left the realm of horror films and entered the financial lexicon, demonstrating that even the undead can have a stake in the housing market..
• Headline: Exclusive Golf Course Is Organic, So Weeds Get In. Impact: The Vineyard Golf Club’s organic approach led to a national trend of 'eco-friendly' golf courses, ultimately resulting in a ridiculous new sport where players compete to grow the most organic weeds.. Fact: The only thing more exclusive than that golf course is the list of people who actually care about whether their grass is organic or not. Spoiler: it's a very short list..
• Headline: Aisle by Aisle, an App That Pushes Bargains. Impact: The launch of the Shopkick app set off a shopping revolution, eventually leading to a dystopian future where people are monitored for their shopping habits, and 'retail therapy' becomes a government-mandated activity.. Fact: Shopkick is basically a high-tech way to bribe you into shopping more—because who doesn’t need a little extra incentive to spend money they don’t have?.