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 September 8, 1997
Full News Archive
- Headline: Honoring Princess Diana's Legacy. Impact: The endless stream of flowers for Princess Diana inspired future generations to express grief through social media, leading to countless hashtags and a rise in flower emojis. Thank you, Diana, for the Instagram era of 'thoughts and prayers'.. Fact: Did you know that the mountain of flowers was so vast that it could have been used as a makeshift fortress for any flower-loving army?.
- Headline: Energy-Saving Initiative by Public Service Electric Gas. Impact: By introducing energy-efficient refrigerators, Public Service Electric Gas inadvertently kickstarted the 'eco-friendly' trend, paving the way for hipster homes filled with sustainable avocado toasters and solar-powered cat houses.. Fact: Did you know that these refrigerators were so efficient they could almost run on the hopes and dreams of those who wanted to save the planet?.
- Headline: Ad Store Expands By Licensing Name. Impact: The Ad Store's expansion led to a global proliferation of cringe-worthy ads, ultimately resulting in the rise of 'influencer culture' where people now license their lives for marketing—thanks for that, Ad Store.. Fact: Did you know that 'Ad Store' was almost called 'Ad Shack' but they thought it sounded too much like a fast-food joint?.
- Headline: Close Game Decided by a Foot. Impact: The Eagles' nail-biting victory led to a never-ending debate about whether a foot can truly decide a game, resulting in philosophers pondering the meaning of feet in sports for centuries to come.. Fact: Did you know that this game was so close, they almost had to resort to a kick-off to settle disputes over who really deserved the win?.
- Headline: ALBRIGHT PLANNING SOME TOUGH TALK TO ARAFAT ON TRIP. Impact: Albright's tough talk may have sparked a long-standing tradition of U.S. officials playing hardball with Middle Eastern leaders, leading to decades of heated discussions, awkward handshakes, and a lot of eye-rolling.. Fact: Did you know that her tough talk was so tough it once shattered a coffee cup at an international meeting?.
- Headline: 49ers Prove They're Not Done Yet. Impact: The 49ers' win proved they weren’t a relic of the past, spiraling a resurgence in the popularity of 90s nostalgia, leading to a revival of scrunchies, slap bracelets, and deep-seated discussions about the best Pokémon.. Fact: Did you know that the 49ers at one point considered changing their name to the '49-Pers' to appeal to a younger audience?.
- Headline: Man Is Killed in Crash. Impact: The tragic accident highlighted the need for better road safety, eventually leading to the invention of the seatbelt alarm—because why not add a reminder to your already stressful driving experience?. Fact: Did you know that this bridge is often called the 'Bridge of Tears' due to its many accidents, but no one really knows how it got that nickname?.
- Headline: Respect (and Customers) Comes Back to Drive-Ins. Impact: The resurgence of drive-in theaters sparked a wave of nostalgia that led to hipster festivals dedicated to retro experiences, complete with overpriced popcorn and vintage cars that barely run.. Fact: Did you know that drive-ins peaked in the 1960s, and now only survive on the hopes of millennials looking for a cute Instagram backdrop?.
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)