SEPTEMBER 20, 1999

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fen-Phen Settlement Flexibility Debated. Impact: If only the Fen-Phen settlement had been as flexible as the dieters who used it. This case ended up leading to stricter regulations on diet pills, which in turn helped create an explosion of kale-based diets. Who knew kale would be the trendy vegetable of the 21st century thanks to heart valve damage?. Fact: Did you know that Fen-Phen was once touted as a miracle weight-loss solution? Turns out, the only thing it miraculously achieved was a slew of lawsuits and a national obsession with eating leaves..
• Headline: Medicare Fraud Linked to Claims Contractors. Impact: The Medicare fraud scandal was the spark that ignited a thousand conspiracy theories about the government and its contractors, leading to a societal obsession with checking for fraud in every nook and cranny. Today, everyone’s a detective in their own health care plan.. Fact: Isn't it charming when the people meant to catch fraud are the ones committing it? It's like letting the fox guard the henhouse and then being surprised when breakfast goes missing..
• Headline: World DJ Championship Sparks Turntable Magic. Impact: The DMC/Technics World DJ Championship proved that turntables could spin more than just records—they could spin entire careers. This event laid the foundation for today's DJ culture, which is basically just glorified playlist-making.. Fact: Fun fact: DJing requires more than just spinning records. It also requires the ability to make awkward eye contact with your audience while pretending to be deep in thought about the next track..
• Headline: Sports of The Times; She Missed the Trip, but That's O.K.. Impact: Diana Logan's involvement in the Race for the Cure was a small step in sports philanthropy, but it paved the way for a massive wave of athletes getting involved in causes. Now, every athlete is either running for a cure or putting their name on a charity—because nothing says 'I care' like a sponsored 5K.. Fact: Did you know that 'Race for the Cure' is not just about running? It's also about collecting T-shirts and bragging rights. Because nothing says 'I support breast cancer research' like a fresh new tee..
• Headline: The Big City; Catching Up To McCourts In Irish Stakes. Impact: The McCourt family's memoir success story highlighted the power of storytelling in overcoming adversity. This led to countless other celebrity memoirs, turning the literary scene into a playground of 'How I Survived My Parents' Drama.'. Fact: Ever wonder how much drama you need to write a bestseller? Just enough to make your family cringe at Thanksgiving. The McCourts have mastered this art form beautifully..