Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 12, 2022
Full News Archive
- Headline: Prosecutor Fani Willis Challenges Major Figures. Impact: Fani T. Willis's legal battles set off a chain reaction that inspired a surge of aspiring prosecutors nationwide. This led to an influx of legal dramas on television, culminating in a reality show where contestants compete to prosecute imaginary presidents. It turns out, the fate of democracy hinged on the quality of our screenwriters.. Fact: The last time a local prosecutor caused this much chaos, it involved a certain 'attorney-client privilege' disappearing act. Spoiler: it didn't end well..
- Headline: Humor and Humanity in Oil Fields. Impact: Kate Beaton's experiences in the tar sands inspired a new genre of comedy: 'eco-sarcasm'. This genre became wildly popular, leading to a global movement where oil executives now take improv classes to learn how to laugh at their own environmental disasters.. Fact: In a groundbreaking twist, Beaton's book became the first to be categorized as both a comedy and an environmental manifesto. Who knew oil could be so funny?.
- Headline: Global Disparities in Monkeypox Resources. Impact: The vaccine shortage not only highlighted global inequities but also led to the first-ever international game of 'vaccine Monopoly', where high-income countries built hotels on low-income countries' properties, leaving them stranded with 'Chance' cards that say 'You lose your healthcare!'. Fact: This situation is a harsh reminder that the world of public health sometimes resembles a really bad board game, where everyone's just trying to avoid the 'Go to Jail' card..
- Headline: Store Shelves Are No Longer Bare, but Baby Formula Remains in Short Supply. Impact: The baby formula shortage resulted in a new trend of parents forming underground networks to trade formula like it's rare baseball cards. This eventually led to an underground economy where parents barter with homemade baby food and secret recipes for 'super-nutritious' mashed peas.. Fact: This shortage has turned baby formula into the new Bitcoin. Just wait until they start minting 'baby formula NFTs'..
- Headline: Who Are America’s Missing Workers?. Impact: The mystery of missing workers sparked a nationwide 'Where’s Waldo' hunt, but instead of striped shirts, participants donned business casual and formed search parties across coffee shops and parks. This resulted in a surprising spike in productivity—mostly from people avoiding actual work.. Fact: If only the job market had a 'Find My iPhone' feature, we might actually locate those elusive workers. Or maybe they’re just still on their coffee breaks..