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 February 13, 1998
Full News Archive
- Headline: School Bus Accident Injures 19 Students. Impact: This incident sparked a nationwide outcry leading to stricter safety regulations for school buses. Fast forward a decade, and school buses were equipped with more safety features than some luxury cars, because apparently protecting children became a thing.. Fact: Did you know that school buses are statistically the safest vehicles on the road? But apparently, 19 kids decided to upgrade the statistics with a dramatic flair..
- Headline: Canada Lynx Gets Protective Status. Impact: The Canada lynx's newfound protection led to a resurgence of their population, which in turn caused a ripple effect in the ecosystem. This eventually led to the restoration of forest health, and who knows, maybe the lynx will start a wildlife renaissance and host their own nature documentaries.. Fact: Did you know that Canada lynxes have oversized paws to walk on snow? Because, you know, being a cat in the snow should be a cushy experience..
- Headline: G.O.P. Voter Citizenship Bill Fails. Impact: This failure resulted in a timeout for the GOP, leading to the eventual realization that maybe fighting against voting rights wasn't the best PR move. Who knew democracy could be so complicated?. Fact: Did you know that voter suppression has a long history in the U.S.? Apparently, the right to vote is like a buffet that some people just don’t want everyone to enjoy..
- Headline: California Governor's Race: A New Height in Spending. Impact: This record-setting spending spree in the governor's race set the precedent for political campaigns that resembled more of a real estate auction than a democratic process. Now, every campaign feels like an episode of 'The Real Politicians of California.'. Fact: Did you know that in California, you can practically buy your way into office? Who needs votes when you've got a fat wallet?.
- Headline: Treacherous Downhill Run Sends Skiers Crashing. Impact: This incident led to an increase in safety measures at ski resorts. Now, every ski run feels like a gentle walk in the park instead of a near-death experience. Thanks for ruining the thrill, safety regulations!. Fact: Did you know that ski racing has been an Olympic sport since 1936? Because who wouldn’t want to watch people fly down a mountain at breakneck speed while risking life and limb?.
- Headline: What Becomes a Legend?; A New Executive Rethinks America's Lingerie Pioneer. Impact: This change in leadership revitalized the brand and led to a renaissance of lingerie culture. Suddenly, every woman felt empowered, and men had to learn how to navigate the complexities of the lingerie section without panic.. Fact: Did you know that Frederick's of Hollywood was once the go-to place for all things risqué? Because what’s more empowering than a lace bra?.
- Headline: Amsterdam News' New Generation; Owner's Daughter Tries to Rebuild Famous Paper for Blacks. Impact: This generational shift in leadership revitalized the publication, leading to a resurgence in community engagement and representation. The paper became a platform for voices that had been silenced, proving that sometimes the best changes come with a fresh perspective.. Fact: Did you know that Amsterdam News has been around since 1909? Talk about longevity—this paper has seen more history than most history books..
- Headline: U.S. JUDGE RULES LINE ITEM VETO ACT UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Impact: This ruling changed the landscape of presidential power, leading to more comprehensive legislative battles. It turns out that checks and balances are a thing, and Congress had to learn the hard way that they can’t just let the president have all the fun.. Fact: Did you know that the line-item veto was like giving a kid a credit card with no limit? And we all know how that ends—buying things no one needs, like a pet rock..
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)