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 23, 1997
Full News Archive
- Headline: Culinary Adventures in SoHo. Impact: The rise of eclectic food in SoHo sparked a culinary revolution, leading to the eventual invention of fusion tacos that are somehow both delicious and confusing—thanks for that, hipsters.. Fact: SoHo stands for 'South of Houston Street,' but the only thing more confusing than the name is how many avocado toasts one can eat in a single sitting..
- Headline: Soccer Stars Cross Paths at Airports. Impact: When players start meeting themselves in airport terminals, you know we've entered a timeline where sports metaphysics becomes a thing, leading to the creation of a new genre: 'Self-Help Sports.'. Fact: Meeting oneself can be a great way to settle arguments, but I wouldn’t recommend it before a big game—too much ego in one room can lead to a paradox!.
- Headline: Women Caught By the Allure Of Gambling. Impact: The allure of gambling among women led to the establishment of a secret society of female gamblers, who now meet in the shadows, plotting to take over the poker world one bluff at a time.. Fact: Gambling addiction doesn’t discriminate; it’s just as happy to ruin lives whether you're a woman in Connecticut or a man in Las Vegas. Cheers!.
- Headline: In Ballet, Small Can Be Beautiful. Impact: The belief that 'small can be beautiful' in ballet led to a nationwide trend of tiny dancers, resulting in a shortage of adult-sized tutus and a surge in 'ballet fitness classes' for the less-than-graceful.. Fact: Ballet's origins can be traced back to the Italian Renaissance, which begs the question: Did they have tiny dancers back then or just really large shoes?.
- Headline: Jones Loses His Cool And Also His Crown. Impact: Roy Jones Jr.'s disqualification for hitting a downed opponent opened the floodgates for 'Rules of Boxing: The Game,' leading to countless arguments among friends about how many punches is too many.. Fact: Disqualifications in boxing are like bad hair days—they happen to the best of us, but they sure can ruin a title fight and an athlete's reputation in one fell swoop..
- Headline: Art That Saved A Man's Spirit. Impact: Jack Demyan's art exhibit inspired a generation of bar owners to turn their establishments into makeshift art galleries, leading to the rise of 'drink-and-draw' nights everywhere, where talent is optional.. Fact: Art and alcohol have been best friends since ancient civilizations, often resulting in masterpieces that are probably better appreciated after a few drinks..
- Headline: The City's Big Wheel. Impact: The comprehensive biking map planned by NYC's bike planner inadvertently led to a city-wide movement, where suddenly, everyone believed they were a cycling expert—cue the 'bike lane warriors'!. Fact: New York City’s bike lanes are like treasure maps for cyclists, but instead of gold, they lead to a parking ticket or an awkward encounter with a taxi driver..
- Headline: Opportunities Abound For Piano Concerts. Impact: The abundance of piano concerts in Westchester led to a bizarre trend of piano duel competitions, ultimately resulting in a reality show that no one asked for but everyone secretly watched.. Fact: Piano concerts can be a great way to impress a date—but if you can't play, just remember: there’s always air guitar..
- Headline: Truckin'. Impact: Tom Simmons' impulsive VW camper purchase set off a chain reaction of vintage vehicle enthusiasts, leading to the rise of overpriced 'Instagrammable' road trips that somehow still end up in a fast-food drive-thru.. Fact: VW campers have been the choice of wanderers for decades, often leading to spontaneous adventures or a surprisingly comfortable spot to nap in the middle of nowhere..
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)