MAY 24, 2015

Full News Archive

• Headline: ISIS Gains Ground with Ramadi and Palmyra. Impact: The victories of ISIS in Ramadi and Palmyra not only prolonged their existence but also planted seeds of radicalization worldwide, leading to an increase in online conspiracy theories that suggest your neighbor might actually be an undercover jihadist. Thanks, ISIS!. Fact: Did you know that ISIS once tried to trademark the term 'Islamic State'? Talk about marketing gone wrong..
• Headline: The Legacy of John F. Nash Jr.. Impact: Nash's story of brilliance and struggle inspired countless films and narratives, leading to a spike in the production of biopics - which may have contributed to Hollywood's obsession with glorifying mental illness rather than depicting it realistically.. Fact: Did you know that Nash once had a moment of clarity while walking through a park, leading him to conclude that pigeons were actually government spies? Not quite what you'd expect from a 'Beautiful Mind', huh?.
• Headline: Defense Lawyers Use Video Biographies. Impact: The use of flattering biographical videos in court could lead to future defendants hiring directors instead of lawyers, sparking a new trend in legal battles that resembles a reality show more than a courtroom drama.. Fact: Did you know that defense attorneys might start offering popcorn at trials? Because who wouldn’t want to enjoy a good flick while deciding someone's fate?.
• Headline: ‘Tomorrowland’ Is a Box-Office Disappointment. Impact: The disappointment of 'Tomorrowland' helped cement the idea that nostalgia-laden, big-budget films might not be the golden ticket they were thought to be, leading studios to start digging deeper into their vaults for even more obscure content.. Fact: Did you know that 'Tomorrowland' was supposed to be a celebration of optimism for the future? Maybe if they had focused on the present, it wouldn’t have bombed at the box office..
• Headline: In Busy Silicon Valley, Protein Powder Is in Demand. Impact: The rising demand for protein powder among Silicon Valley workers has led to a new trend of techies replacing meals with shakes, ultimately causing a generational gap where young people might forget what actual food tastes like.. Fact: Did you know that the first protein powders were actually created for bodybuilders who didn’t want to chew? Now they’re a staple for people who just want to skip lunch altogether..