DECEMBER 4, 2015

Full News Archive

• Headline: Steel Mill Workers Locked Out in Pennsylvania. Impact: The steel mill lockout in Pennsylvania created a ripple effect through the industry, leading to a decline in steel production that ironically spurred innovation in alternative materials, like aluminum, which eventually became the go-to for everything from soda cans to luxury cars. Who knew a bunch of locked-out workers could change the entire manufacturing landscape?. Fact: Did you know that steel is the backbone of civilization? Without it, we’d still be living in caves, or worse, using stone tools. Thanks, Allegheny Technologies!.
• Headline: Barnes & Noble Expands Beyond Books. Impact: Barnes & Noble’s quest to become a multi-faceted retailer turned it into a sad, oversized toy store, where the scent of coffee competes with the smell of desperation. This led to a resurgence of independent bookstores, who thrived on being, well, actual bookstores. Thanks for the inspiration, BN!. Fact: Did you know that Barnes & Noble's foray into toys and gadgets was like your uncle trying to fit in with cool kids by suddenly wearing skinny jeans? Spoiler alert: it didn’t work..
• Headline: JPMorgan's Controversial Whistle-Blower Incident. Impact: The firing of whistle-blower Johnny Burris led to a series of lawsuits that would eventually expose the underbelly of Wall Street, resulting in a new era of regulations. Ironically, it turned out that the loudest complaints came not from clients, but from the top brass at JPMorgan, who feared their own shadows.. Fact: Did you know that whistle-blowing is a lot like being the kid who tells the teacher about the bully? You get ostracized, but at least you get to sleep at night knowing you did the right thing... until you get fired..
• Headline: Fear in the Air, Americans Look Over Their Shoulders. Impact: The collective fear following the mass shooting incited a wave of political activism, which led to new gun control measures, or at least a lot of heated debates over coffee. This fear turned into a catalyst for change, albeit very, very slowly, like a sloth on a Sunday drive.. Fact: Did you know that fear can be a great unifier? It’s like a really bad party where everyone awkwardly stands around, not knowing what to do, but all sharing the same horrifying experience..
• Headline: Review: In David Mamet’s ‘China Doll,’ Al Pacino as an Urban Warrior in Winter. Impact: The fraught backstory of 'China Doll' and its star-studded cast made it an instant classic, but also a cautionary tale about how celebrity can overshadow substance. Future playwrights learned that sometimes, it’s better to focus on the story rather than just the star power—unless you're aiming for a reality TV show.. Fact: Did you know that Al Pacino could read the phone book and it would still be riveting? But apparently, even he can’t save a play that sounds like it was written in a hurry during a coffee break..