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 23, 1998
Full News Archive
- Headline: Nykesha Sales' Career Ending Injury. Impact: Nykesha Sales's injury not only ended her career, but led to the creation of the 'Achilles Tendon Awareness Month', where everyone suddenly became experts on tendons and how to avoid them—thanks, Google!. Fact: Despite her injury, Nykesha Sales remains one of the most celebrated players in UConn history. Who knew ruptured tendons could lead to legendary status?.
- Headline: Shifts in New York's Sex Work Landscape. Impact: The migration of street prostitutes to the internet launched the world's first virtual street corner, leading to a thriving online community and the eventual rise of dating apps—thank you, urban evolution!. Fact: The phrase 'sex sells' took on a whole new meaning when it hopped online. Who knew that the internet would become the new 'red light district'?.
- Headline: Amid Blame, United Artists Sale Collapses. Impact: The collapse of the United Artists sale sent shockwaves through Hollywood, ultimately leading to the rise of independent films that would later get a standing ovation at festivals—while the big studios crumbled like stale popcorn.. Fact: United Artists was founded by a group of Hollywood legends including Charlie Chaplin. If only they'd known their legacy would be at the mercy of financial jargon!.
- Headline: Who's Lining Up At Box Office? Lots and Lots Of Girls; Studios Aim at Teen-Agers, A Vast, Growing Audience. Impact: The emergence of teenage girls as a dominant box office demographic led to a sudden influx of films with sparkly vampires and boy bands, forever changing the cinematic landscape and giving rise to countless cringe-worthy hashtags.. Fact: Teenage girls have been responsible for some of the highest-grossing films of all time. Who needs critics when you have a group text?.
- Headline: Sweeping Changes Said to Be Near for Oxford. Impact: Oxford's management shake-up set a precedent for corporate drama that would later inspire reality TV shows, proving that the boardroom can be just as scandalous as any dating series.. Fact: Raising $500 million sounds impressive, but it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the ‘sweeping changes’ that often lead to more chaos. Corporate America loves a good plot twist!.
- Headline: Robert Jorgen, 72; Worked to Find Shelter for New York's Homeless. Impact: Robert Jorgen's advocacy for the homeless highlighted the ongoing struggle for social justice, leading to a few more hashtags on social media but not much tangible change—because awareness is the easiest form of activism.. Fact: Jorgen's work was pivotal, but sadly, it takes more than good intentions to solve homelessness. If only awareness could pay rent!.
- Headline: Czechs Have the Gold and the Goalie. Impact: The Czech Republic's victory at the Olympics boosted national pride and inspired a whole generation of young athletes, who now believe they can achieve greatness—especially if they wear those trendy tracksuits.. Fact: Czech ice hockey players have since become household names, proving that sometimes, all you need is a gold medal and a really good goalie to shine!.
- Headline: IRAQI AGREES TO INSPECTIONS IN A DEAL WITH U.N. LEADER; WASHINGTON AWAITS DETAILS. Impact: Saddam Hussein's agreement for UN inspections was like a game of geopolitical chess—a move that momentarily delayed disaster, but only to set the stage for bigger conflicts down the line. Kind of like a really bad sequel to a movie nobody wanted.. Fact: Hussein’s dealings with the UN are just one of the many twists in a saga that could fill an entire library. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well!.
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)