SEPTEMBER 1, 2014

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mental Floss Thrives with John Green. Impact: John Green's ascendance in the video realm leads to an unexpected rise in educational YouTube channels, eventually causing a worldwide spike in nerd glasses sales, proving that looking smart is a lucrative business. Fact: Fun fact: John Green was once a minor character in a book. Now he’s a full-on video star, which just goes to show you—always read the fine print on your book contracts.
• Headline: Amazon Fuels Twitch's Content Expansion. Impact: Amazon's bet on Twitch not only transforms the way we consume live content but also inadvertently leads to the rise of competitive couch-sitting, where individuals train rigorously to become professional stream viewers. Fact: Did you know Twitch started as a platform for gamers? Now it’s a place where people can watch others play games, which is basically the modern equivalent of watching paint dry—if the paint were also sponsored by Mountain Dew.
• Headline: Start-Ups Accrue Funding in Case of Leaner Times. Impact: Start-ups hoarding cash during uncertain times leads to a future where entrepreneurs develop 'Lean Times' survival kits, complete with ramen noodles and motivational posters—because nothing says success like a wall full of quotes. Fact: Did you know that hoarding cash is basically the adult version of stuffing your teddy bear full of candy? Just as comforting, and equally effective at solving problems.
• Headline: P.R. Firm for Putin’s Russia Now Walking a Fine Line. Impact: The PR firm walking a fine line for Putin leads to a future where PR professionals are trained in the art of double-speak, sparking a new sub-genre of political thrillers where every character is a consultant. Fact: Did you know that Ketchum's job is essentially to polish a narrative? It’s like putting a shiny bow on a box of confusion—everyone knows it’s not really a gift.