Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
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Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON August 19, 2018
Full News Archive
- Headline: Pennsylvania's Political Landscape Shift. Impact: Trump winning Pennsylvania set off a series of events that led to countless bar debates over who has the best cheesesteaks and whether they should be classified as sandwiches. Eventually, this culminated in a national sandwich summit where no real conclusions were reached, but everyone left with a full belly.. Fact: Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to the oldest zoo in the U.S.? So, if politics doesn’t work out for them, they can always join the animal kingdom..
- Headline: Trump Administration's Air Policy Controversy. Impact: As Trump dismantled clean air rules, a butterfly in Brazil might have flapped its wings and caused a tornado in Kansas. Who knew air pollution could have such far-reaching effects? Maybe next time, industries will consider a little less smog for the sake of tornado prevention.. Fact: Did you know that air quality is linked to mood? So, thanks to the Trump administration, not only is the air dirtier, but your relationship with your neighbor might also be on the rocks due to your sudden mood swings!.
- Headline: Kevin Kwan Discusses 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Impact: The success of 'Crazy Rich Asians' sparked an unexpected trend in Hollywood: every studio suddenly had a 'Rich' project in development, leading to a bizarre future where movies are just about increasingly wealthy people doing increasingly ridiculous things. Think 'Crazy Rich Hamsters' next.. Fact: Did you know that the author Kevin Kwan was inspired by his own family’s wealth? So the next time you feel bad about your bank account, just remember that someone out there may have a cousin who owns a diamond-encrusted yacht..
- Headline: A New, Flourishing Literary Scene in the Real Shangri-La. Impact: Bhutan getting TV was like opening Pandora's box. Suddenly, young authors were sharing their stories, and who knows? The next 'Game of Thrones' could be set in the Himalayas, featuring yaks instead of dragons. Get ready for the yaks to take over the world.. Fact: Did you know Bhutan measures success by Gross National Happiness? So while the rest of us are stressing over our bank accounts, they’re over here measuring happiness levels. Talk about living your best life!.
- Headline: Harlem’s Trash Bins Were Overflowing. So the City Took 223 Away.. Impact: By removing trash bins, New York City inadvertently created a new sport: Extreme Litter Dodgeball. Residents now have to dodge both trash and each other while trying to find a place to throw their garbage. Who knew sanitation could lead to athleticism?. Fact: Did you know that New York City has a 'Rat Czar'? So while they’re busy removing trash bins, they should probably consider hiring a Rat Czar to handle the overflow of... well, everything!.