FEBRUARY 25, 2013

Full News Archive

• Headline: New Cold War in Cyberspace. Impact: If the Obama administration had just sent a strongly worded email rather than escalating demands, we could have avoided a generation of memes about cyber warfare. Who knew that politeness could have changed the course of the internet?. Fact: Did you know that the first-ever computer virus was created in 1986? It was called 'Brain' and was made by two brothers in Pakistan. Clearly, they were just trying to get their hacking career started early!.
• Headline: Netflix's Predictive Programming Revolution. Impact: The success of 'House of Cards' set the stage for future political dramas, leading to a world where people think binge-watching can substitute for actual political engagement. Spoiler alert: It can’t.. Fact: Did you know that 'House of Cards' was actually based on a British miniseries? So, thank the Brits for giving us a reason to be addicted to politics… and Kevin Spacey..
• Headline: Controversy Over Turkish Airlines Uniforms. Impact: The uproar over flight attendant uniforms sparked a global fashion revolution in the airline industry. Now, every time you step onto a plane, you're greeted by outfits that look like they belong in a 'Who Wore It Best' competition.. Fact: Did you know that the first flight attendants were actually nurses? So if you ever feel sick on a flight, just remember: they used to be trained to care for you, not just to look fabulous..
• Headline: Lack of Backup Power Puts Cruise Passengers at the Ocean’s Mercy. Impact: The lack of backup power on cruise ships led to the rise of reality TV shows featuring people stranded at sea. Thanks to this, we learned that nothing says fun like a group of strangers fighting over limited food rations.. Fact: Did you know that the Titanic had backup power systems? Too bad the cruise industry decided to trade safety for profits. I guess they thought it was just a 'sailing suggestion.'.
• Headline: In Turnabout, NBC Prime Time Lands in the Cellar. Impact: NBC's ratings plunge not only cemented the idea that audiences prefer reality TV over scripted shows but also paved the way for future executives to make questionable decisions based on panic rather than creativity. Thanks, NBC, for inspiring chaos!. Fact: Did you know that NBC stands for 'Nothing But Commercials' these days? Good to know that the original vision of quality programming is still alive… somewhere in an alternate universe..