Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON February 5, 2014
Full News Archive
- Headline: Debt Relief with Unexpected Tax Consequences. Impact: In a twist of fate, the tax bill inspired homeowners to start a secret society dedicated to financial survival, eventually leading to the invention of the 'Homeowner's Survival Guide'—a bestseller that somehow became the go-to manual for living in a cardboard box.. Fact: Did you know that tax codes are like the ultimate escape room? You think you’ve solved it, but there’s always one more puzzle lurking in the shadows..
- Headline: WellPoint's Transformation in Health Insurance. Impact: WellPoint’s transformation from critic to benefactor sparked a chain reaction that led to the rise of insurance companies beginning to moonlight as life coaches, because who wouldn’t want financial advice from someone who just hiked your premiums?. Fact: Fun fact: When insurance companies say they’re here to help, it’s usually followed by the fine print that says ‘...after we help ourselves first.’.
- Headline: Crisis Hotlines Embrace Texting for Support. Impact: The texting trend for crisis hotlines turned into a global phenomenon, leading to the world's first 'Texting Therapist' who only communicates in emojis. This revolutionized mental health support, but left everyone confused about their feelings.. Fact: Did you know that the first text message ever sent was 'Merry Christmas'? If only it came with a crisis hotline number!.
- Headline: The Road Back: Frost’s Letters Could Soften a Battered Image. Impact: Robert Frost's letters reignited debates over his character, eventually leading to a reality TV series called 'Keeping Up With the Frosts' that had absolutely nothing to do with poetry but everything to do with drama.. Fact: Fun fact: Frost once said, 'Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.' Too bad he couldn’t find a way to avoid the drama of the literary critics..
- Headline: New Boss at Microsoft, With Gates at His Side. Impact: Bill Gates' return to Microsoft inspired a whole new generation of tech billionaires to start wearing hoodies and glasses, thinking they could magically become the next big thing. Spoiler: Most just ended up in their parents' basements.. Fact: Did you know that Gates was once asked how he felt about competition? He said, 'I love it!'—a sentiment echoed by every sibling during board games..