FEBRUARY 22, 2014

Full News Archive

• Headline: Gowanus: Balancing Progress and Preservation. Impact: The Gowanus Canal's transformation from a toxic wasteland to a trendy neighborhood led to a global real estate boom. Suddenly, hipsters everywhere decided that living next to a body of water—regardless of its color or aroma—was the new chic. Thanks, Gowanus, for making 'canal chic' a thing.. Fact: Did you know that Gowanus was once home to the first commercial ice cream factory in Brooklyn? Because nothing says 'ice cream' like the smell of industrial waste!.
• Headline: Japan's Sake Export Initiative. Impact: Japan's push for sake exports sparked a worldwide obsession with Japanese culture, leading to sushi bars on every corner. Who knew that a little fermented rice could result in a global economy and a rise in hipster sushi joints? You can thank sake for your overpriced avocado rolls.. Fact: Did you know that sake is sometimes called 'rice wine'? It’s technically brewed like beer but marketed like wine, proving that marketing is just as important as the product itself..
• Headline: Government Concerns Post-Lehman Collapse. Impact: The collapse of Lehman Brothers created a domino effect, leading to global financial regulations that made banks less reckless—at least for a while. But let's be real, we all know they were just waiting for the chance to go back to their old tricks. Thanks for nothing, Lehman.. Fact: Did you know that Lehman Brothers was founded in 1850? That's a long time to build a legacy only to blow it up in spectacular fashion..
• Headline: Religious Right in Arizona Cheers Bill Allowing Businesses to Refuse to Serve Gays. Impact: This bill opened the floodgates for similar legislation across the U.S., leading to years of legal battles and protests. Thanks to Arizona, businesses everywhere realized they could mix religion and customer service like oil and water—very messy!. Fact: Did you know that refusing service based on religious beliefs has historical roots in the Jim Crow laws? Because nothing says 'progress' like repeating the past..
• Headline: As Crisis Loomed, Yellen Made Wry and Forceful Calls for Action. Impact: Yellen’s wry humor during financial crises became a template for future leaders to mix comedy with crisis management. Now, we’re left with politicians who think telling a joke while the economy crashes is a viable strategy. Thanks, Janet.. Fact: Did you know that Janet Yellen is the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve? Who knew that breaking the glass ceiling would include dodging financial disasters with humor?.