MARCH 11, 2014

Full News Archive

• Headline: Congress Investigates G.M. Ignition Switch Issues. Impact: This investigation led to countless memes about car safety, which eventually influenced the rise of automotive safety influencers on social media. Meanwhile, GM's PR team was forced to create a new slogan: 'We're not trying to kill you... we promise!'. Fact: Did you know that GM's ignition switch issues were so serious that they inspired an entire generation of 'How Not to Drive' YouTube tutorials? Just kidding, but they really should have..
• Headline: Icahn vs. eBay: A Corporate Showdown. Impact: This war of words escalated corporate rivalries to such a degree that the term 'investor feud' became a popular reality TV show genre. Spoiler alert: no one wins, but everyone loses money.. Fact: Did you know that if you combine Carl Icahn and Marc Andreessen in a room, it’s scientifically proven that at least three lawsuits will spontaneously generate?.
• Headline: Stolen Passports Reveal Aviation Security Gaps. Impact: This security flaw not only intensified airport security checks but also led to the birth of an entire subculture of conspiracy theorists claiming that missing jets were just a government cover-up for intergalactic travel.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more confusing than airport security procedures is how to explain to your grandma why she can't bring her homemade apple pie on a flight?.
• Headline: Yen-Pinching Undercuts Japan’s Push Against Years of Deflation. Impact: The Japanese public's reluctance to spend not only prolonged deflation but also led to an unexpected boom in 'how to save money' blogs. Ironically, those blogs now have more followers than any spendy lifestyle influencer.. Fact: Did you know that in Japan, the phrase 'saving is the new spending' has become so popular that it might as well be printed on t-shirts? Not that anyone is buying them, of course..