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 January 7, 1998
Full News Archive
- Headline: Remembering John H. Yoder's Legacy. Impact: Yoder's death led to a sudden spike in theological debates across coffee shops worldwide. Many unwittingly became armchair theologians, leading to an alarming rise in hipster beards and ironic tattoos.. Fact: Did you know that John H. Yoder's writings are so influential that they've been known to cause spontaneous discussions about pacifism in the most unlikely of places, like barbershops?.
- Headline: Rangers Triumph Over Hurricanes in Solid Win. Impact: The Rangers' win led to an unexpected rise in sports bar revenues, causing a butterfly effect that resulted in an avalanche of wings orders and the invention of the 'Ranger's Special' drink—a dubious mix of cheap beer and regret.. Fact: Did you know that if the Rangers had lost that night, an entire generation of fans might have been spared the trauma of learning about 'the penalty box'? It's a dark place, trust me..
- Headline: Sonny Bono's Tragic Skiing Accident. Impact: Sonny Bono's untimely demise set off a wave of ski safety regulations that took decades to implement, leading to a future where skiing accidents are less common, but the number of people wearing ridiculous helmets skyrocketed.. Fact: Did you know that Sonny Bono was a member of Congress? Yes, the man who once wore a fur coat on stage was also a serious politician. Talk about a career pivot!.
- Headline: Hot Truck Sales Make Ford's and Chrysler's Day. Impact: Ford and Chrysler's good fortune in truck sales led to a national obsession with oversized vehicles, causing suburban backyards to morph into parking lots for behemoth trucks that could probably survive a meteor strike.. Fact: Did you know that the average truck sold today is larger than most '90s SUVs? Just think about all the extra space for snacks!.
- Headline: Senators' Tour Includes Resort Stay. Impact: The senators' luxury stay inadvertently led to a rise in public disdain for politicians, as it became painfully clear that they preferred sandy beaches over the very constituents who elected them. Thanks, Trent Lott!. Fact: Did you know that 'Fantasy Island' was not just a TV show but also, apparently, a popular vacation spot for politicians? Because why not mix policy with palm trees?.
- Headline: Flight to Replace Cruise to See Pope in Cuba. Impact: The cancellation of the cruise to Cuba resulted in a resurgence of interest in air travel, leading to the creation of the phrase 'pack your bags, we're flying!'—a staple for families trying to avoid the awkwardness of spending three days on a boat with Uncle Larry.. Fact: Did you know that Pope John Paul II's visits were so impactful that they could change the weather? Pilgrims often reported unexpected sunny days—talk about divine intervention!.
- Headline: Smithsonian Alters Plan For Israel's Anniversary. Impact: The Smithsonian's decision to alter plans caused a ripple effect in cultural institutions, prompting them to rethink their anniversary celebrations and leading to a nationwide trend of over-correcting historical narratives.. Fact: Did you know the Smithsonian has more artifacts than you can shake a stick at? Honestly, they could open a museum dedicated solely to the sticks they have collected over the years..
- Headline: When an Auditor's Hats Clash; KPMG Case Shows Varied Duties Can Create Conflicts. Impact: The KPMG case opened Pandora's box on accounting ethics, leading to so much scrutiny that even your average high school student began questioning the integrity of their math teacher's grading system.. Fact: Did you know that KPMG once had a slogan about being 'the right choice'? Ironically, it didn't apply to their business practices during this incident!.
Wall Street Time Machine
AAPL
Apple
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1998, it would be worth $2,234,025 today (2234.0x return)
AMZN
Amazon
Amazon - If you invested $1,000 in 1998, it would be worth $914,661 today (914.7x return)