MAY 1, 2011

Full News Archive

• Headline: Promoting Happiness Through Community Census. Impact: The Boston suburb's inquiry into happiness sparked a nationwide movement, leading to the creation of the Department of Happiness. Years later, politicians used the happiness index to justify tax cuts for billionaires, claiming that rich people are happier. Spoiler: It didn’t work.. Fact: Did you know that the most popular answer in happiness surveys is 'I’d be happier if I could just stop taking these surveys'?.
• Headline: Corruption in Afghanistan's Highway Project. Impact: The corruption surrounding the Afghanistan road project resulted in a massive increase in the use of the phrase 'more potholes than promises' in political discussions. This eventually led to the development of a new political party: The Road Less Traveled.. Fact: Fun fact: If you stacked all the money wasted on this project, it could reach the moon—just kidding, it would barely reach your neighbor's backyard!.
• Headline: Albert Brooks' Novel on America's Future. Impact: Albert Brooks' novel inspired a wave of dystopian literature that inadvertently led to the rise of reality TV, as producers realized people preferred watching disasters unfold on-screen instead of reading about them.. Fact: Did you know that the future is just a series of poor reality show decisions waiting to happen?.
• Headline: Beethoven Devotee Makes Some Keyboard Time for Schubert. Impact: Paul Lewis's exploration of Schubert led to a revival of interest in classical music, which ironically caused a spike in the sale of 'Beethoven for Dogs' albums as pet owners sought to enrich their pets' lives.. Fact: Did you know that Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' was originally titled 'For My Dog' until the composer realized he couldn’t sell it that way?.
• Headline: Beneath the Greasepaint, the Roar of ‘Fam-i-ly!’. Impact: The Insane Clown Posse's fans' attempts to uplift their image resulted in a nationwide campaign for 'Alternative Clown Culture,' which ironically gave rise to even more negative stereotypes about juggalos.. Fact: Did you know that 'Fam-i-ly!' is not just a slogan but also the secret password to get into the ICP's annual family reunion? You might want to work on your face paint skills first!.