DECEMBER 22, 2011

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tsunami Strengthens Nissan Leaf Batteries. Impact: The durability of the Nissan Leaf during the tsunami led to a global increase in electric vehicle sales. Fast forward a few decades, and it's rumored that the Leaf's resilience inspired a line of eco-friendly submarines. Who knew batteries could swim?. Fact: Despite being tossed around like a beach ball, the Nissan Leaf's batteries survived. If only my vacation souvenirs had the same durability!.
• Headline: Democrats Face Challenges in Hawaii Politics. Impact: The unease among Hawaiian Democrats sparked a series of 'Ohana' meetings that inadvertently turned into a reality show. 'Survivor: Senate Race Edition' became a cultural phenomenon, boosting tourism and the local economy. Aloha indeed!. Fact: Hawaii has been a Democratic stronghold for so long that many locals think the word 'Republican' is a type of Hawaiian fish..
• Headline: Scaling Caste Walls With Capitalism’s Ladders in India. Impact: The rise of capitalism for the Dalits triggered a nationwide movement that ultimately led to the invention of a new sport: 'Caste Climbing,' where participants scale social hierarchies using entrepreneurial spirit. Sadly, it's still unofficially banned.. Fact: Before capitalism, the only way for the Dalits to climb was literally climbing trees or other tall structures. Now they just have to scale the corporate ladder—much less messy!.
• Headline: U.S. Report Faults Two Sides in Deadly Pakistan Strike. Impact: The U.S. report on the Pakistan strike led to a new international protocol where both sides would have to play rock-paper-scissors before engaging in airstrikes. The world became a slightly less dangerous place, but very confusing.. Fact: Military inquiries are basically the adult version of 'Who broke the vase?'—only with more paperwork and fewer apologies..