NOVEMBER 19, 2012

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tablet Market Becomes Highly Competitive. Impact: The cluttering of the tablet market led to the rise of extreme tablet enthusiasts who now hold annual gatherings where they debate the merits of various brands, inadvertently creating a niche community that spawns an entire culture around mobile device hoarding. Who knew a gadget could cause a social phenomenon?. Fact: Did you know that the first tablet was invented in 1968? Spoiler alert: it didn’t come with Angry Birds..
• Headline: Investors Prepare for Tax Code Changes. Impact: This rush to beat higher taxes caused a ripple effect leading to the creation of an underground economy where people traded goods and services for vintage tax loopholes and old pizza coupons, forever changing the landscape of bartering.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Tax season' is the only time of year when people actively seek out the company of accountants..
• Headline: Union Protests Against Wal-Mart on Black Friday. Impact: The protests against Wal-Mart marked the beginning of a trend where retail workers across the nation started demanding better conditions; this eventually led to the invention of 'Protest Discounts'—a new shopping holiday where consumers get 10% off for showing up with a picket sign.. Fact: Protesting in front of Wal-Mart is a great way to get your daily steps in—just make sure to wear comfortable shoes..
• Headline: Back on Hill, Ryan Remains a Fiscal Force. Impact: Ryan's efforts to avoid tax increases and spending cuts not only kept the economy afloat for a little longer but also inadvertently led to a popular meme: 'Fiscal Cliff Diving'. Many still wonder how someone can dive off a cliff while simultaneously holding a budget report.. Fact: Did you know that budget negotiations are the only theatrical performances that can be even more dramatic than a soap opera? Spoiler alert: no one ever wins..
• Headline: An Outgunned Hamas Tries to Tap Islamists’ Growing Clout. Impact: Hamas trying to tap into the clout of Islamists in Egypt created an intricate web of alliances that eventually led to high-stakes dinner parties, where ideological discussions were paired with local cuisine. These gatherings later inspired a new trend in political diplomacy: 'Dinner Diplomacy'.. Fact: The art of negotiation is so complex that some say it rivals the intricacies of assembling IKEA furniture—without the instructions..