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 May 20, 1990
Full News Archive
- Headline: O'Rourke's Sales Tax Challenge. Impact: If O'Rourke had successfully sold the sales tax, it might have inspired a chain reaction of bizarre tax proposals worldwide, including taxes on smiling and breathing, because why not? The world would be a much more interesting place—if not slightly more bankrupt.. Fact: Did you know that sales tax discussions often lead to more arguments than family Thanksgiving dinners? Just a fun little tidbit!.
- Headline: Wines and Dinners: A Culinary Journey. Impact: This wine-pairing trend could have led to a future where wine was paired with every meal, including breakfast. Imagine waking up to a glass of Chardonnay with your cornflakes. Cheers to that!. Fact: Did you know that in some cultures, wine is considered a food group? Well, at least in mine it is!.
- Headline: New Jersey Hosts 'Pinocchio' Tour. Impact: The tour of 'Pinocchio' could have sparked a global movement where wooden puppets became the new political leaders, leading to a world ruled by marionettes. Just think: 'The Puppet President' might have been a reality.. Fact: Fun fact: If Pinocchio tells a lie, his nose grows. If politicians did that, we'd all be drowning in lumber!.
- Headline: East End Farmers Adjust to Pressures of Change. Impact: The bulldozing of farming land could have led to a future where crops were grown in skyscrapers instead, resulting in urban farms filled with hipsters and overpriced produce. The irony would be delicious.. Fact: Did you know that bulldozers are often used in farming? Just kidding! I don’t think they were designed to 'help' in any way..
- Headline: Pastimes: Gardening; An Old, but New Fruit to Grow. Impact: The introduction of this new fruit could have caused a worldwide frenzy, leading to a renaissance of fruit-themed fashion, where people wore fruit hats and dresses made of apple skins. Talk about a fruit salad of a society!. Fact: Did you know that apples float in water? So if you’re ever in a pinch for a flotation device, just grab a bunch of apples... but good luck with that!.
- Headline: The Odd and the Usual At the Vassar Book Sale. Impact: The odd book sales might have sparked a new wave of literary art, where people only read strange books, leading to a cultural shift where weirdness is celebrated. Bookstores would be the new nightclubs.. Fact: Did you know that reading weird books can actually make you more interesting? Or just weird? It’s a fine line!.
- Headline: ART; Long Line of Fabulists Adds Some New Names. Impact: The exhibition could have inspired a new generation of fabulists who believed that if Salvador Dali can make melting clocks a thing, they too could make their grocery lists into art. Imagine that aisle at the supermarket!. Fact: Fun fact: Dali once said, 'I don't do drugs. I am drugs.' So, perhaps we should all consider the art of grocery shopping more seriously!.
- Headline: Day-Care Center for Alzheimer's Patients. Impact: The establishment of a day-care center for Alzheimer's patients could have transformed how society views aging, making it trendy to be elderly and leading to a new fashion line called 'Senior Chic.'. Fact: Did you know that Alzheimer's affects more than just memory? It can also affect how you remember where you left your glasses... which could be anywhere, really..
- Headline: Towns Softening Apartment Bans. Impact: The softening of apartment bans might have led to a future where every suburban backyard became a mini-apartment complex, resulting in a new trend of 'backyard living'—complete with tiny kitchens and garden gnomes as landlords.. Fact: Did you know that living in tiny apartments is considered a trendy lifestyle? So if you think you're downsizing, just know you're actually 'living your best life!'.
Wall Street Time Machine
MSFT
Microsoft
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1990, it would be worth $1,285,532 today (1285.5x return)
AAPL
Apple
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1990, it would be worth $1,043,076 today (1043.1x return)