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 March 31, 1994
Full News Archive
- Headline: Discover a 16th Century Sussex Gem. Impact: This picturesque house inspired a generation of hipsters to plant urban gardens and start Instagram accounts, thus indirectly leading to the rise of avocado toast as a brunch staple. Thanks, Sussex!. Fact: If you ever wondered why your friend insists on decorating with flint and brick, it's because they think it gives them 'character.' Spoiler: it doesn't..
- Headline: The Rise of Secondhand Fitness Gear. Impact: The surge in used fitness gear sales led to a bizarre subculture of 'used gym equipment enthusiasts,' who feel a deep connection to the sweaty history of their treadmills. Who knew nostalgia could smell like old rubber?. Fact: Buying used fitness gear is like dating: you might find a gem, but there's also a chance you’ll get stuck with a 'couch potato' treadmill that’s seen better days..
- Headline: Cost of Architectural Features in 1989. Impact: The extra cost of that atrium led to an architectural revolution where homeowners decided that skylights were a fundamental need for a fulfilling life. Now we can't go a day without staring at the ceiling.. Fact: In 1989, $6,000 could buy you a small car, but here we are, spending it on a glorified sunroof. Priorities, right?.
- Headline: Bloomsbury by Heritage and by Outlook. Impact: Cressida Bell's designs became the rallying cry for future generations of artists, leading to a 21st-century movement where everyone believes they can make a career out of 'painting lamp shades.' Thanks to her, we now have an abundance of overpriced home decor.. Fact: Cressida Bell is not just a textile designer; she’s also a living reminder that you too can be successful by doing something utterly niche and pretentious..
- Headline: HOUSE PROUD. Impact: Marvin and Cathie's obsession with indoor outdoor living sparked a home renovation craze that led to millions of people mistaking their living rooms for jungles. Now, every house must have at least one indoor plant or face social exile.. Fact: The phrase 'bringing the outdoors in' was originally coined by people who were too lazy to actually go outside. True story..
- Headline: When Cleaners Don't Clean. Impact: The chaos of in-home cleaning services led to a rise in DIY cleaning solutions, resulting in a dangerous cocktail of vinegar, baking soda, and questionable decisions across the nation. Who knew cleaning could be such a hazardous activity?. Fact: If you think your cleaners are unreliable, just remember that the SOS Carpet Steam-Cleaning Company once sent out a flier that was probably more effective at scaring people than cleaning their carpets..
- Headline: ITT Offers New Initiatives That Are Part of Revamping. Impact: ITT's restructuring initiatives sent shockwaves through corporate America, leading to a trend of companies making vague promises about 'strategic focus' but ultimately just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.. Fact: Corporate jargon is like a bad magic trick: it distracts you while the real mess is happening right under your nose. 'Strategically focused businesses' really just means we have no idea what we're doing!.
Wall Street Time Machine
ORCL
Oracle
Oracle - If you invested $1,000 in 1994, it would be worth $159,565 today (159.6x return)