AUGUST 20, 2010

Full News Archive

• Headline: GM's IPO: A Path to Independence. Impact: Edward E. Whitacre Jr.'s desire to exit the government embrace might have inspired countless CEOs to dream of IPOs as their personal escape plans. Who knew that one man's exit sign could lead to a whole new wave of corporate freedom fantasies?. Fact: Did you know that GM's IPO was so highly anticipated, it had a better opening than most Hollywood blockbusters? Too bad it didn’t come with a sequel..
• Headline: Mixed Feelings Among Muslim New Yorkers. Impact: This local ambivalence about the Islamic center became a microcosm for the nation's ongoing struggle with identity, leading to countless debates that would eventually inspire a reality show called 'Who Wants to Be a Tolerant American?'. Fact: Did you know that the mixed feelings about cultural centers can sometimes lead to a new social movement? Or it can just lead to more awkward potlucks..
• Headline: U.S. Assures Israel on Iran's Nuclear Timeline. Impact: This reassurance, while meant to be calming, sparked a series of clandestine meetings and spy novels that would make anyone think the Cold War was just a warm-up act for the real drama. Thanks, Obama!. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic reassurances often come with a side of popcorn? Because who doesn’t love a good geopolitical thriller?.
• Headline: Ferrari 458 Italia Has Enough Superlatives to Match the Sticker. Impact: The over-the-top praise of the Ferrari 458 not only set unrealistic expectations for future supercars but also gave rise to a generation of car enthusiasts who now think 'sensory experience' means merely hearing the engine roar while sitting in traffic.. Fact: Did you know that in the world of supercars, calling something 'sensory' is code for 'you’ll need a second mortgage to own it?'.
• Headline: $375,000 Lexus LFA: Ferrari Fighter or Exotic Fantasy?. Impact: The Lexus LFA’s introduction sparked a debate about whether luxury cars are actually vehicles or just pieces of art that you can’t afford to drive. This existential crisis has led to many a mid-life crisis in driveways across the nation.. Fact: Did you know that paying $375,000 for a car doesn’t guarantee it won’t still break down? But hey, at least it looks good doing it!.