DECEMBER 24, 1999

Full News Archive

• Headline: Cruise Ship Workers' Struggles Exposed. Impact: The plight of cruise ship workers sparked an underground movement among seafaring laborers, leading to the creation of a secret society known as 'The Deckhands' who fight for better wages with interpretive dance performances on deck.. Fact: Did you know that cruise ships are basically floating hotels where the staff works harder than the guests? It's like a vacation where the only ones truly suffering are the people serving you cocktails..
• Headline: Board Ousts Schools Chief Rudy Crew. Impact: The ousting of Rudy Crew set off a chain reaction in educational leadership, prompting a series of fixations on school reform that eventually led to the invention of standardized testing. Because nothing says 'you care about education' like a bubble sheet.. Fact: Did you know that school boards are like reality TV? There's a lot of drama, questionable decisions, and everyone thinks they know better than the person in charge..
• Headline: Old Home Movie Captures the Shot The Babe 'Called'. Impact: Babe Ruth's legendary home run call inspired a generation of athletes to believe they could also predict their victories, leading to bizarre pre-game rituals and the eventual rise of motivational speeches that often involve pointing dramatically.. Fact: Did you know that Babe Ruth's home run call is the original 'mic drop'? He pointed, he hit, and suddenly everyone was convinced that confidence was all you needed to succeed—until they realized they still had to practice..