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 19, 1997
Full News Archive
- Headline: Gulf War Nerve Gas Spread Revealed. Impact: The nerve gas incident led to a whole new era of conspiracy theories regarding government cover-ups, ultimately resulting in more people questioning whether their salad dressing is actually ranch or just a clever ruse by the CIA.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more toxic than nerve gas is the political fallout from its misuse? Just kidding, it's definitely the nerve gas..
- Headline: Jerusalem Housing Project Sparks Tensions. Impact: This housing project ignited a series of events that would eventually lead to a million debates over 'who owns the land,' resulting in everyone forgetting what 'peace negotiations' even meant.. Fact: Did you know that real estate is the only industry where everyone thinks they can be a mogul? Just look at social media influencers!.
- Headline: Ralph S. Abascal, 62, Dies; Leading Lawyer for the Poor. Impact: Abascal's work created a legacy that would inspire countless legal aid organizations, ultimately leading to a significant increase in lawyers who claim to fight for the 'little guy' while charging 'little' fees.. Fact: Did you know that lawyers are the only people who can charge you for their 'time' while they spend it making more lawyers? Talk about a racket!.
- Headline: Four Top-Seeded Teams Take Lumps and Carry On. Impact: The first two rounds of the NCAA tournament paved the way for an entire culture of March Madness, where brackets became more important than any family gathering.. Fact: Did you know that the real madness isn't the games, but rather the number of office pools where Bob from accounting thinks he knows basketball? Spoiler: he doesn't..
- Headline: Easing Crisis, China Lets North Korea Defector Go. Impact: This diplomatic maneuvering set the stage for North Korea to master the art of 'defector diplomacy,' which has now become a popular tactic in international relations—like a really intense game of hot potato.. Fact: Did you know that North Korea's greatest export might actually be defectors? They really know how to make an exit!.
- Headline: Sound Tested to Blast Heart Clots. Impact: Using sound waves to break up clots was a game-changer, eventually leading to doctors experimenting with everything from whale songs to elevator music in hopes of curing ailments—because who doesn't want a soundtrack to their surgery?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more relaxing than a spa day is listening to your doctor trying to blast your heart clots away with a Barry White album?.
- Headline: Angiograph Use Questioned. Impact: Questioning angiograph use sparked a whole new trend in medical practices where patients started to get second opinions and, shockingly, many survived without invasive tests. Who knew that asking questions could save lives?. Fact: Did you know that the best medicine is often just a second opinion? Or a glass of wine on a Friday night—whichever works!.
- Headline: Power Brokers In New York: Beware Iridescent Ties. Impact: Cochran's foray into New York's legal scene led to an influx of flamboyant lawyers, ultimately transforming court appearances into the most entertaining reality show, complete with iridescent ties and dramatic monologues.. Fact: Did you know that in New York, a good tie can get you a better deal than a solid legal argument? Better start shopping!.
Wall Street Time Machine
AAPL
Apple
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1997, it would be worth $1,728,706 today (1728.7x return)
AMZN
Amazon
Amazon - If you invested $1,000 in 1997, it would be worth $2,315,839 today (2315.8x return)