JANUARY 15, 2014

Full News Archive

• Headline: NSA's Secret Radio Pathway to Computers. Impact: The N.S.A.'s genius plan to surveil computers led to a global paranoia that resulted in everyone double-checking their webcams. Eventually, this led to the rise of the tinfoil hat industry, boosting the economy in ways no one anticipated.. Fact: Did you know that the N.S.A. once tried to convince Americans that their toaster was spying on them? Imagine the breakfast conversations!.
• Headline: Exploring Obesity Insights from Prader-Willi Syndrome. Impact: The research into Prader-Willi syndrome could have inadvertently sparked a reality TV show about the struggles of overeating. Who knew that a medical condition could lead to an explosion of snack-based entertainment?. Fact: Fun fact: Prader-Willi syndrome was so rare that for a while, it was believed to be an elaborate hoax by donut manufacturers to sell more pastries..
• Headline: Emerging Tech Security Innovations. Impact: The rise of tech security companies meant that every time someone forgot their password, it contributed to a burgeoning industry of online therapy for 'tech anxiety.'. Fact: Here's a shocker: Symantec and McAfee didn't actually invent computer security. They just made it so confusing that you’d pay anything to avoid dealing with it yourself!.
• Headline: As Refinancing Wanes, Banks Are Wary of New Loans. Impact: The banks' reluctance to loan money turned countless hopeful borrowers into amateur economists, leading to a surge in YouTube channels dedicated to 'How To Ask Your Bank For A Loan' tutorials—because nothing says financial literacy like a selfie video.. Fact: Did you know that banks are so wary of new loans, they often treat potential borrowers like they're auditioning for a reality show? Only the most dramatic get the loan!.
• Headline: Arab Neighbors Take Split Paths in Constitutions. Impact: The divergent paths of Tunisia and Egypt set off a chain reaction where political analysts began using the phrase 'Arab Spring' to describe their favorite coffee blends, inadvertently leading to an obsession with brunch.. Fact: Fun fact: The Arab Spring had nothing to do with the weather; it was just a really long metaphor for the ongoing confusion about democracy in the region..