APRIL 24, 2012

Full News Archive

• Headline: Wealth and Power: The Bo Xilai Saga. Impact: If Bo Xilai's family had just stuck to selling noodles instead of amassing a fortune, we might not have had a political scandal that influenced China's approach to corruption, leading to a future where billionaires are just as likely to be exiled as celebrated.. Fact: Did you know that in China, the phrase 'keeping up with the Joneses' is often replaced by 'keeping up with the Party members'?.
• Headline: Mexico Reconsiders Oil Industry Practices. Impact: Mexico's oil monopoly reining in could have led to a future where oil is as rare as unicorns, causing everyone to switch to bicycles and thereby saving the planet – or at least reducing traffic jams.. Fact: Fun fact: In Mexico, oil is like a piñata; everyone wants a hit, but only a few ever get the goodies inside..
• Headline: Wal-Mart Faces Stock Drop Amid Scandal. Impact: Wal-Mart's stock drop could eventually lead to a future where people start shopping at local stores again, rediscovering the joy of human interaction instead of self-checkout machines that judge your every move.. Fact: Did you know that Wal-Mart's idea of 'everyday low prices' might just be a euphemism for 'everyday low ethics'?.
• Headline: MetLife Settles Cases on Benefits. Impact: MetLife's failure to track policyholder deaths might have inadvertently created a new insurance trend where people are now more likely to take selfies at funerals to ensure their loved ones get paid out—talk about a life insurance selfie!. Fact: Fun fact: Insurance companies once thought they'd become popular by being more attentive, but it turns out that people don’t appreciate being ghosted after they die..
• Headline: Insurers Alter Cost Formula, and Patients Pay More. Impact: By altering the cost formula, insurers may have inadvertently paved the way for a future where patients become expert negotiators, bargaining for their life-saving treatments like they're haggling at a flea market.. Fact: Did you know that negotiating medical bills is a new Olympic sport? Too bad the judges are all insurance companies..