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 December 11, 1988
Full News Archive
- Headline: Shoreham Showdown in Albany. Impact: The Shoreham showdown was the catalyst for every politically charged brunch discussion since. Now, instead of discussing the weather, we debate the merits of compromise, while secretly wishing for a New York-style bagel to solve all our problems.. Fact: Fun fact: New York politicians have a 50% chance of resolving issues before their next coffee break. The other 50% is spent arguing about who gets the last bagel..
- Headline: Bank Theft and Check Fraud Insights. Impact: The rise in check fraud led to the creation of more digital banking security measures, which ironically resulted in more fraudulent activities, thus creating a never-ending cycle of 'who can outsmart whom'—like a game of chess, but with more paperwork.. Fact: Did you know that check fraud is the banking equivalent of a toddler throwing a tantrum? It’s messy, frustrating, and you just want it to stop..
- Headline: WHAT'S NEW IN BANK THEFT; STEALING MILLIONS WITH PUSH-BUTTON EASE. Impact: The Union Bank of Switzerland heist sparked a global panic that led to the implementation of the absurdly complicated password policies we all now endure. Thanks, electronic robbers—now we’re all making passwords that resemble ancient hieroglyphics.. Fact: Ever wonder why your password needs a capital letter, a number, and a small child's laughter? Blame the hackers. They ruined it for the rest of us who just wanted to remember 'password123'..
- Headline: Hospitals' Services Imperiled. Impact: The financial troubles of hospitals created a ripple effect that led to the rise of telehealth services, which, while convenient, also means we can now get diagnosed with a cold while wearing pajamas from our living rooms. Thanks, budget cuts!. Fact: Did you know that half of Long Island's hospitals were in the red? Meanwhile, the other half are just trying to stay afloat on a sea of paperwork and insurance claims..
- Headline: Valhalla Lab Specializes in New Forensic Test. Impact: The introduction of new forensic tests in crime-solving spawned a wave of true crime documentaries, creating a culture where binge-watching murder mysteries is now a perfectly acceptable Saturday night activity. Who needs a social life when you have crime-solving?. Fact: Did you know that true crime shows have become so popular that they might as well be considered a new form of therapy? Nothing says 'self-care' like watching someone else solve a murder while you sip your herbal tea..
- Headline: WINTER IN THE SUN; A Taste of Puerto Rico At Its Country Inns. Impact: Raul Julia's ad campaign may have unintentionally led to a mass migration of sun-seekers to Puerto Rico, resulting in the local economy booming while the rest of us are stuck shoveling snow and wondering why we didn’t book a flight.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing hotter than Raul Julia’s smile in that ad was the Puerto Rican sun. You could fry an egg on the sidewalk—if only you could make it there without a plane ticket!.
- Headline: JERSEYANA. Impact: The 201st anniversary of New Jersey's ratification of the Constitution sparked a statewide identity crisis, leading New Jerseyans to question whether they were the 'Garden State' or just a giant toll booth. The ensuing debate is still ongoing.. Fact: Did you know that New Jerseyans take their state pride very seriously? It's like a national sport, except the only trophies are roadside diners and a lifetime supply of bagels..
Wall Street Time Machine
AAPL
Apple
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $884,238 today (884.2x return)
MSFT
Microsoft
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $2,037,337 today (2037.3x return)