Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON August 30, 2012
Full News Archive
- Headline: Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Vito J. Lopez. Impact: This office atmosphere led to a nationwide conversation about workplace harassment, ultimately resulting in the #MeToo movement. Who knew that an uncomfortable chair could cause a seismic shift in corporate policies and lead to a few more 'uncomfortable conversations' in HR?. Fact: Did you know that in the 21st century, we still needed to remind people that sexual harassment is bad? Guess some folks skipped that chapter in the 'How to Be a Decent Human' manual..
- Headline: GSV Capital's Struggles with Start-Ups. Impact: GSV Capital's downfall could be seen as the spark that ignited a thousand startup dreams... or nightmares, depending on who you ask. Without that hiccup, we might have been inundated with even more 'innovative' apps that nobody asked for.. Fact: Did you know that investing in startups is like betting on horses? Except the horses are often just ideas scribbled on a napkin, and the odds of winning are approximately the same as finding a unicorn in your backyard..
- Headline: The Competitive Nature of Love. Impact: This play's themes of competition and reinvention have inspired countless reality TV shows where people fight over the last slice of pizza. Truly, art imitates life, and life imitates... well, really bad television.. Fact: Did you know that some critics argue that the best part of a relationship is the constant battle for the last word? Perhaps we should just install a referee..
- Headline: Rousing G.O.P., Ryan Faults ‘Missing’ Leadership. Impact: Ryan's nomination led to an uptick in political memes and endless debates about whether charisma can be bottled. Spoiler alert: It can't, but it sure can be marketed.. Fact: Did you know that political leadership often resembles a game of poker? Everyone is bluffing, but the stakes are your future… and also snacks at the viewing party..
- Headline: Defeat, Introspection, Reinvention, Nomination. Impact: Romney's journey of introspection and reinvention set a precedent for future candidates who also needed to rebrand themselves after failing spectacularly. It's like a corporate makeover, but with more campaign ads.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'reinvention' often means 'let's try the same thing again but with a different haircut'? Because nothing says 'new me' like a fresh haircut and a slightly tweaked slogan..