DECEMBER 3, 2012

Full News Archive

• Headline: Revitalizing the Lincoln Brand. Impact: After Ford's rebranding of Lincoln, an unforeseen chain reaction led to an influx of overly dramatic Lincoln-themed merchandise, including stovepipe hats for pets. Fashion designers now credit this moment as the birth of the 'Presidential Pet' trend.. Fact: Did you know that Lincoln once had a pet goat named Nanny? Talk about a historical figure with a sense of humor—imagine the debates about goat vs. horse during his presidency!.
• Headline: Texas Incentives: Who Really Benefits?. Impact: Texas's incentive bonanza caused a ripple effect where other states attempted to outdo each other, leading to a nationwide competition for the most ridiculous tax breaks. Soon, states were offering free tacos for life to attract businesses, leaving citizens wondering if they were part of a sitcom.. Fact: Texas is so big that it has its own time zone—because apparently, they just couldn't wait for the rest of the country!.
• Headline: Uber Faces Legal Challenges in Startup Battle. Impact: Uber's legal battles sparked a wave of tech rebellion, leading to the rise of 'disruptive' app-based services like 'Rent-a-Roomba' and 'Drone Delivery of Your Ex's Stuff,' fundamentally changing how we view everyday inconveniences.. Fact: Uber's name was originally derived from the German word 'über,' meaning 'over' or 'above.' So, when you're stuck in traffic, remember, it's just 'above' you in the rideshare hierarchy!.
• Headline: DVR Use One Factor in Networks’ Low Ratings. Impact: The decline in network ratings due to DVR use led to a mad scramble for reality TV content, culminating in a bizarre reality show where contestants compete to watch the worst new shows live. Spoiler alert: everyone loses.. Fact: In 2015, a study found that 92% of people only watch commercials during the Super Bowl. So, really, what's the point of all those other boring shows?.
• Headline: Collaboration in Gaza Leads to Grisly Fate. Impact: The tragic fate of collaborators in Gaza turned into a grim parable for the future, leading to a worldwide debate on the ethics of intelligence sharing, which eventually inspired a popular dystopian TV series about a society where everyone is a spy—because who doesn't love a little paranoia?. Fact: The term 'collaborator' has been used in various contexts throughout history, often leading to some pretty intense dinner conversations—so, maybe avoid that topic at your next family gathering!.