APRIL 10, 2014

Full News Archive

• Headline: Concerns Over G.M. Ignition Switch Recall. Impact: The recall of G.M. cars led to an unending series of conspiracy theories about car manufacturers and their shady safety practices. Eventually, someone decided to start a podcast series about it, which in turn inspired a new generation of amateur detectives. Who knew a faulty ignition switch could spark a detective craze?. Fact: Did you know that G.M. once had a car called the 'Hugger'? Ironically, it was not very good at hugging the road..
• Headline: De Blasio's Commitment to Activism as Mayor. Impact: De Blasio's activist style somehow led to a global rise in the number of hipster coffee shops, as mayors everywhere tried to emulate his 'cool' factor. Now, every city council meeting is followed by artisanal latte tastings.. Fact: Fun fact: Bill de Blasio once tried to start a grassroots movement to bring back VHS tapes. It didn't go well..
• Headline: Heartbleed: A Wake-Up Call for Internet Security. Impact: The Heartbleed bug became the catalyst for countless memes about internet security. The result? A massive uptick in people using 'password123' as their password, because who needs security when you have humor?. Fact: Did you know that Heartbleed was named because the researchers just couldn't stop crying over how bad internet security really was?.
• Headline: Flaw Calls for Altering Passwords, Experts Say. Impact: The password change advice led to an avalanche of angry social media posts from users frustrated by their inability to remember 47 different passwords. This in turn spawned a whole industry of password managers, making tech companies rich while users still struggled with basic security.. Fact: Interestingly, the average person now has to remember more passwords than the number of friends they have. So, good luck with that!.
• Headline: Eye Doctors Say Their Profits Are Smaller Than Data Makes Them Look. Impact: Ophthalmologists complaining about their profits led to a national movement of doctors whining about reimbursements, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the 'Doctors' Grievance Club'. Membership is free, but the complaints are priceless.. Fact: Did you know that the most common eye exam question is still 'Do you see the numbers?'? Eye doctors are just as confused about their billing as we are!.