FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Full News Archive

• Headline: Jafar Panahi's Defiant Film Experience. Impact: Jafar Panahi's defiance in front of the camera inspired a generation of filmmakers to creatively express their dissent, leading to a secret underground cinema movement. Ironically, this movement put Iran on the global film map while simultaneously making the government more paranoid about watching movies.. Fact: Did you know that 'This Is Not a Film' was smuggled out of Iran on a USB stick hidden in a cake? Because apparently, cakes are the ultimate spy tool..
• Headline: Romney Triumphs in Key State Battles. Impact: Romney's victories in 2012 set off a chain reaction of questionable hairstyles and awkward moments at future Republican events. Future candidates learned that 'winning' often means finding new ways to lose the popular vote.. Fact: Fun fact: Mitt Romney once famously said he was 'not concerned about the very poor.' Apparently, that was his strategy for winning their hearts..
• Headline: Controversy Over Economic Recovery Efforts. Impact: The condemnation of the stimulus package led to a decade-long debate over economic policies, resulting in Congress developing an even more impressive ability to avoid actual solutions—like a championship game of dodgeball with taxpayers.. Fact: Did you know that some economists believe that without the stimulus, the recession could have led to the emergence of 'Zombie Economies'? But hey, at least we’d have a cool horror movie franchise!.
• Headline: U.S. Sees Iran Attacks as Likely if Israel Strikes. Impact: The U.S. assessing the likelihood of Iranian attacks created a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to increased military presence in the region and more tense diplomacy. Who knew that fear could be so economically stimulating?. Fact: Fun fact: This fear of retaliation led to more military spending, which is like trying to fix a leaky faucet by buying a new house..