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 22, 1996
Full News Archive
- Headline: O'Rourke's Budget Veto of 1997. Impact: O'Rourke's veto sparked a series of budgetary debates that led to a county-wide obsession with budgetary transparency, resulting in an annual 'Budget Day Parade' where citizens dress as their favorite line items. Yes, the citizens of Westchester can really rock a 'Road Repair' outfit.. Fact: Did you know that budget vetoes are like a toddler's tantrum? They often lead to more shouting and less progress!.
- Headline: New Jersey's Welfare System Overhaul Debate. Impact: The New Jersey Senate's decision to overhaul the welfare system inadvertently ignited a series of reality TV shows about dysfunctional government meetings, culminating in a gripping series titled 'Legislative Survivor'. Who knew public policy could be so entertaining?. Fact: Fun fact: When it comes to government debates, it's less about the issues and more about who can shout the loudest. Just ask any state assembly!.
- Headline: Sisters Establish Pilgrimage Service. Impact: The sisters’ pilgrimage service launched a global trend of pilgrimage tourism that eventually led to the rise of 'Spiritual Selfies', where tourists take photos of themselves in front of holy sites, often with misguided filter choices.. Fact: Did you know that more people have seen the Virgin Mary in their toast than in Medjugorje? It's true; bread is a very spiritual medium!.
- Headline: County's Rails Tell Of Past and Future. Impact: The exhibition on railroads triggered a fascination with train travel, leading to an explosion of hipster train-themed cafes that serve artisanal sandwiches on vintage train cars. All aboard the gluten-free express!. Fact: Did you know that trains used to be the fastest way to travel? Now, they're just the fanciest way to experience delays!.
- Headline: Raw Sewage Poses Threat to Kentucky County. Impact: The raw sewage crisis in Kentucky became the catalyst for a viral movement called 'Clean Up Kentucky', inspiring countless TikToks of residents cleaning up their neighborhoods while dramatically singing 'Singing in the Rain'.. Fact: Fun fact: Sewage problems often lead to more than just bad smells; they can inspire community spirit—just not the kind you want to smell!.
- Headline: Debbie Reynolds, Perky Long Ago. Impact: Debbie Reynolds’ return to film set off a nostalgic revival of the 1960s that inspired a new line of hipster fashion, complete with retro hairstyles that could potentially be used as flotation devices.. Fact: Did you know that Debbie Reynolds was so charming that even her shadow has its own fan club? True story!.
- Headline: Apple Hopes Its Founder Rediscovers His Old Magic. Impact: Jobs’ return to Apple not only revitalized the company but also inadvertently created a global obsession with minimalist design that led to the invention of the 'invisible toaster'. Yes, people will buy anything if it looks good!. Fact: Did you know that Jobs once put a piece of fruit in his pocket and called it a 'tech accessory'? Apple was born from the fruit of his labor...literally!.
- Headline: A Free Speech Hero? It's Not That Simple. Impact: The controversy surrounding 'The People vs Larry Flynt' accidentally ignited a new genre of film called 'Cinematically Controversial Biopics', which led to a movie about a cat that fought for the rights of other cats named 'Paws of Justice'.. Fact: Did you know that free speech is often confused with 'free to scream nonsense'? Welcome to America, where shouting is an art form!.
- Headline: Bell-Casting Is Booming As a Craft In Europe. Impact: The booming bell-casting business inadvertently sparked a global campaign for 'More Bells, Less Stress', leading to a yearly 'Chime Festival' where people gather to ring bells and complain about their work-life balance.. Fact: Did you know that the sound of church bells is often considered calming? Unless you're trying to sleep in on a Sunday, then it's a nightmare!.
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)