MAY 21, 2015

Full News Archive

• Headline: Congress Faces Decision on Export-Import Bank. Impact: If the Export-Import Bank had been allowed to die, American companies would have been forced to communicate with foreign markets via carrier pigeons, drastically changing the course of international trade. Who knew the fate of global economics hinged on birds?. Fact: In a parallel universe, the Export-Import Bank is actually a trendy café in Brooklyn where hipsters discuss the intricacies of fiscal policy over overpriced lattes..
• Headline: Confusion Over Takata Airbag Recall. Impact: The confusion over Takata airbags led to a secret underground market for inflatable cushions. This underground economy actually contributed to the rise of 'Cushion Collectors', a niche group that later lobbied for softer seating in Congress.. Fact: Did you know the Takata airbag crisis inspired a popular meme? It's called 'When Your Car is More Dangerous than Your Ex'..
• Headline: U.S. Rockets to Aid Iraq Against ISIS. Impact: The U.S. sending rockets to Iraq inadvertently sparked a new trend in military-themed birthday parties. Kids began asking for 'Drone Drop' piñatas filled with candy and toy soldiers, forever changing the landscape of childhood celebrations.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more complex than the U.S. military strategy is the number of times children have asked for cake instead of rockets at those birthday parties..
• Headline: Puffy, Feathered Sticking Point of a $612 Billion House Bill. Impact: The battle over the sage grouse and lesser prairie chicken led to an unexpected rise in backyard birdwatching. This hobby gained such popularity that it spawned a reality TV show called 'Keeping Up with the Chickens', which became a cultural phenomenon.. Fact: Who knew protecting birds could be so dramatic? Next season features a love triangle between a sage grouse, a prairie chicken, and an environmentalist. Tune in!.
• Headline: Review: ‘Permission’ and Spankings at the Lucille Lortel Theater. Impact: The play 'Permission' became a cult hit, leading to a revival of interest in domestic discipline, which ironically resulted in a spike in therapy sessions for parents who realized their methods were more comedic than effective.. Fact: The author, Robert Askins, once tried to teach a class on 'Creative Disciplinarian Techniques'—attendance was low, but the surviving students formed a support group..