AUGUST 19, 2015

Full News Archive

• Headline: Hunger Strike Challenges Israeli Law. Impact: This single act of defiance sparked a global conversation about hunger strikes, leading to a future where activists are more likely to opt for social media over silent protest. Had this one person just eaten a sandwich, we might have avoided a whole generation of hashtag activism.. Fact: Hunger strikes have been around longer than some countries, but apparently, a sandwich is still more effective than a tweet..
• Headline: Ethics of Genetic Research Explored. Impact: The ethical dilemmas presented in this play inspired a wave of anthropologists to take on even more questionable projects, like researching whether cats or dogs make better emotional support animals. Spoiler: they're all equally adorable.. Fact: Anthropologists have been known to push boundaries, but this one decided to test the boundaries of her sanity instead..
• Headline: The Rise of Ad Blockers. Impact: The rise of ad blockers not only changed the way we consume content but also led to the creation of the internet’s least popular job: 'Ad Block Bypass Specialist.' Talk about a career choice that requires a thick skin!. Fact: Before ad blockers, people actually thought they could enjoy puppies and vacations without being sold a thousand different products. Bless their naive hearts..
• Headline: Longtime Critic of Modi Is Now a Target. Impact: Teesta Setalvad's plight became a rallying point for activists worldwide, creating an unexpected alliance between those who want accountability and those who just enjoy a good conspiracy theory. Who knew that fighting for justice could also fuel the rumor mill?. Fact: Targeting critics is a classic move in politics, but maybe Modi should consider a career in product endorsements—'How to Lose Friends and Alienate People' could be a bestseller..
• Headline: Losing Water, California Tries to Stay Atop Economic Wave. Impact: California's aggressive housing developments amidst drought could have led to the invention of the world's first 'water-saving houseplant,' which ironically requires more water than the average cactus. Who knew eco-friendly could be so thirsty?. Fact: In California, 'drought-resistant' has become code for 'good luck finding a garden that doesn’t look like a desert.'.