FEBRUARY 15, 2011

Full News Archive

• Headline: Airlines Tackle Winter Storm Challenges. Impact: When airlines started canceling flights ahead of storms, they inadvertently created a generation of travelers who now believe that a snowstorm is just an excuse for a spontaneous road trip. This, of course, led to the rise of the 'Staycation' trend, where people decided their living rooms could also be vacation destinations. Thanks, airlines!. Fact: Did you know that airlines have a secret society that meets during storms to discuss how to make flying as fun as sitting in traffic? No? Well, now you do!.
• Headline: Impending Price Increases from Major Companies. Impact: When companies warned of impending price hikes, they unleashed a chain reaction of panic-buying that would make even the most chaotic apocalyptic movie look like a Sunday picnic. This ultimately led to the rise of hoarders, who now stockpile everything from toilet paper to that weird cheese spread nobody buys.. Fact: Did you know that the average person can now identify their local grocery store's hoarding regulars just by the look of sheer panic in their eyes? It's a real skill!.
• Headline: To Stand Out, Retailers Flock to Exclusive Lines. Impact: Retailers flocking to exclusive lines triggered an arms race of consumerism where brands began to compete over who could sell the most ridiculous stuff. This ultimately resulted in the creation of a 'limited edition' line of left-handed coffee mugs. Because who doesn’t need that?. Fact: Did you know that the term 'exclusive line' was originally coined to describe a very special line of overpriced air? Yeah, it didn't take off like they hoped..