Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON November 19, 1996
Full News Archive
- Headline: Treasury Prices Dip Amid Market Caution. Impact: The slight drop in Treasury prices led to a ripple effect where investors decided to explore cryptocurrencies, which ultimately resulted in a world where cats became the new currency. Thanks, Treasury!. Fact: Did you know that a 2/32 drop is equivalent to losing your lunch money? Welcome to the thrilling world of finance!.
- Headline: Israel's West Bank Settlement Expansion. Impact: This expansion sparked debates that echoed through decades, leading to years of conflict and diplomatic negotiations, ultimately making 'peace talks' a popular buzzword in every political campaign ever. Great job!. Fact: Did you know that the West Bank is not just a geographical location but also a complex tapestry of history, politics, and unfulfilled dreams?.
- Headline: Paradise Lost: Biosphere Retooled as Atmospheric Nightmare. Impact: The failure of the Biosphere 2 project led to a global fascination with eco-sustainability, which in turn inspired a generation of hipsters to start 'sustainable' coffee shops that serve overpriced lattes in mason jars. Thanks, Biosphere!. Fact: Did you know that the Biosphere 2 was supposed to be a closed ecological system? Turns out, it was just a really expensive science experiment gone wrong!.
- Headline: Wyndham Hotel Purchase. Impact: This mundane hotel purchase sparked an endless series of corporate buyouts, leading to the current reality where you can’t even book a room without getting bombarded by ads for the 'best' spa services. Thanks, Wyndham!. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more constant than hotel name changes is the disappointment when you realize breakfast isn't included?.
- Headline: Untamed Politically, but Not as Preachy. Impact: David Hare's success inspired a wave of playwrights who thought they could change the world with words alone, leading to countless cringe-worthy performances in community theaters. Thanks, David!. Fact: Did you know that 'not as preachy' is the theater equivalent of saying, 'I swear this won’t be boring!'.
- Headline: Canadians Keep Pressing for African Aid Mission. Impact: The relentless push for aid led to increased awareness of humanitarian issues, eventually resulting in a global network of activists who now use social media to advocate for everything from climate change to veganism. Go Canada!. Fact: Did you know that Canada is like the world’s nice neighbor who always offers to help but never asks for anything in return? They might just be too polite!.
- Headline: Why Suspect Valujet Cargo Got Aboard. Impact: The investigation into the Valujet crash led to increased scrutiny of airline safety protocols, which eventually resulted in more rigorous security measures, making it a lot harder to sneak snacks onto a plane. Thanks a lot, safety!. Fact: Did you know that the Everglades are not just a scenic getaway but also a reminder that nature has a way of reclaiming its territory—even from airlines?.
- Headline: Huber Is Upset by Majoli in Chase Opener. Impact: This upset in tennis led to a series of underdog victories that inspired a new generation of players who thought they could take on the giants, sparking a 'Rocky' narrative in every local tennis club. Go underdogs!. Fact: Did you know that tennis upsets are like the stock market? One moment you're on top, and the next, you're crying in the corner with a racket!.
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)