Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON October 27, 1996
Full News Archive
- Headline: Negative Campaigning Affects Voter Decisions. Impact: After this headline, negative campaigning became the go-to strategy. Imagine a world where politicians are too busy digging dirt on each other to actually govern. Thanks, New Jersey, for paving the way for future mudslinging!. Fact: Did you know that negative ads actually work? It’s like being in a toxic relationship; you know it's bad, but you just can't look away..
- Headline: Islanders and Sharks Battle to Stalemate. Impact: This tie inspired countless future teams to embrace mediocrity. Thanks to the Islanders, we now have a whole generation that believes ‘at least we didn’t lose’ is a suitable life philosophy.. Fact: Did you know that ties in sports are like non-committal relationships? Both sides leave feeling unsatisfied but somehow relieved..
- Headline: Explore Neighborhood Fun in NYC. Impact: As these neighborhood happenings gained popularity, they inadvertently led to a boom in artisanal lemonade stands and overly enthusiastic yoga classes—because heaven forbid we just enjoy the event.. Fact: Did you know that there are more outdoor yoga classes in NYC than actual yoga mats? That’s right, everyone is stretching their budget rather than their hamstrings..
- Headline: In the Fall, Fairs Are a Lure for Thousands. Impact: These fairs became the breeding ground for everything from funnel cake to questionable carnival games, setting the stage for future generations to waste their money on stuffed animals and dizzy rides.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing scarier than a haunted house at a fair is the realization that you just spent $10 on a plastic trinket? At least the memories are free!.
- Headline: So Many Changes, But All for the Better. Impact: Joanne Starkey's review of La Marmite inadvertently set off a chain reaction of hipster restaurants with unpronounceable names, leading to the culinary landscape we know today—where avocado toast costs more than your rent.. Fact: Did you know that 'La Marmite' actually translates to 'the pot' in French? That's ironic considering the prices they charge—more like 'the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.'.
- Headline: At Last, Zito Wins At the Cup. Impact: Zito's win at the Cup inspired countless aspiring jockeys, leading to an influx of reality TV horse racing shows that no one asked for but everyone secretly watched.. Fact: Did you know that horses have better publicists than most celebrities? They’re always winning awards, while the rest of us just get participation trophies..
- Headline: Settling for Truth in the Quest for Justice. Impact: South Africa's truth commission became a global model for addressing past atrocities, leading to a ripple effect where countries began to prefer heartfelt apologies over actual consequences—because who needs justice when you have 'feelings'?. Fact: Did you know that truth commissions are basically the adult version of 'let’s talk it out'? Spoiler alert: they rarely lead to actual closure..
- Headline: The Charge Was Rape; The Issue Was Timing. Impact: The debate over the timing of rape complaints set off a cascade of legal discussions and reforms, leading to more awareness of victims' rights—because, apparently, some things just take forever to get through people’s thick skulls.. Fact: Did you know that legal jargon can often sound like a foreign language? No wonder it takes so long for justice to be served—everyone's still figuring out what 'fresh complaint' means!.
- Headline: In a Classic Upset, Cigar Runs Third to Alphabet Soup. Impact: Cigar's unexpected loss to Alphabet Soup changed the betting landscape forever, leading to a rise in long-shot bets and the inevitable birth of the phrase 'never underestimate the power of soup'.. Fact: Did you know that betting on horses is basically gambling with extra steps? You could just flip a coin, but where’s the fun in that?.
Wall Street Time Machine
MSFT
Microsoft
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1996, it would be worth $141,245 today (141.2x return)
AAPL
Apple
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1996, it would be worth $1,130,051 today (1130.1x return)