DECEMBER 28, 2012

Full News Archive

• Headline: Legacy of Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf. Impact: Schwarzkopf's passing triggered a global obsession with military strategy books, leading to a spike in the sales of 'How to Win Friends and Influence Nations.' Scholars argue this may have indirectly influenced the plot of a famous video game series decades later.. Fact: Schwarzkopf's nickname was 'Stormin' Norman,' which is ironic considering the number of storms he faced in his own life..
• Headline: Senators Return to Tackle Budget Crisis. Impact: In a twist of fate, the senators' collective grumbling about inaction led to a nationwide trend of people complaining about their jobs, effectively making 'workplace grievances' a popular pastime across the nation.. Fact: Senators returning to work is like watching a family of raccoons trying to open a trash can—they’re just going to make a mess and still get nothing done..
• Headline: Islamists’ Harsh Justice Is on the Rise in North Mali. Impact: The rise of harsh justice in North Mali created a cultural backlash that led to the emergence of underground art movements, which ironically flourished in regions where expression was most restricted, proving that creativity thrives on adversity.. Fact: The notion of harsh justice is as old as time, yet one must wonder: is it justice if it’s harsh enough to make even the Grim Reaper reconsider his career choices?.
• Headline: Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener. Impact: The introduction of carbon taxes not only made Ireland greener but also inspired a global trend of 'environmental guilt' that led to the invention of guilt-free chocolate—because who doesn’t want to save the planet while indulging?. Fact: Ireland’s carbon tax strategy is proof that you can charge people for being human. Next up: a tax on breathing!.