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 July 17, 1998
Full News Archive
- Headline: Se Ri Pak's JAL Big Apple Challenge. Impact: Se Ri Pak winning the US Women's Open inspired a generation of female golfers, leading to the rise of a global women's golf tour. Little did they know, this would eventually result in a hilarious reality show featuring golf and drama, aptly titled 'Putts and Pouts'.. Fact: Did you know that Se Ri Pak's victory led to an increase in golf participation among women? Because who wouldn't want to swing a club like a future champion while wearing fashionable golf attire?.
- Headline: Price-Fixing Trial of Archer Officials. Impact: The Archer Daniels Midland price-fixing scandal revealed by secret recordings led to stricter regulations in the food industry, which ultimately caused a rise in the popularity of organic foods. All thanks to a few guys who couldn't keep their mouths shut about corn syrup prices!. Fact: Did you know that price-fixing conspiracies are basically the adult version of 'I didn't do it'? Because nothing says trust like a secret government recording..
- Headline: DuPont Expands Operations in Spain. Impact: DuPont's investment in Spain not only brought jobs to Asturias but also inadvertently led to the creation of a new kitchen design trend: 'Corian Chic'. Who knew countertops could be so fashion-forward?. Fact: Fun fact: Corian is so stain-resistant that it could probably survive a paintball fight. Not that anyone would want to test that theory..
- Headline: Judges Turn Down Justice Dept. In Bid to Block Agents' Testimony. Impact: The judges' refusal to block the testimony led to a series of legal precedents that made it easier for whistleblowers to come forward. Irony of irony, this turned into a popular trend of public defenders becoming reality TV stars.. Fact: Did you know that the judicial system often resembles a soap opera? Complete with drama, unexpected twists, and a cast of characters that would make even the most seasoned writer raise an eyebrow..
- Headline: Stealing Love and Loyalty, Among Some Other Things. Impact: The tale of the 'handsome Soviet stranger' became the foundation for countless spy novels and rom-coms, leading to a cultural obsession with mysterious foreigners. Fast forward, and now we have too many dating apps with 'mysterious' profiles.. Fact: Did you know that 'handsome Soviet stranger' could easily be the title of a poorly written romantic novel? It’s like every cliché rolled into one!.
- Headline: Genetic Map of Syphilis Is Decoded; Hope for Vaccine Is Raised. Impact: Decoding the genetic map of syphilis not only raised hopes for a vaccine but also inadvertently led to a wave of awkward conversations about sexual health. Spoiler alert: those conversations are still happening.. Fact: Did you know syphilis has been around long enough to have its own fan club? Just kidding—no one wants to be a fan of STDs..
- Headline: F.B.I. Seeks Access to Mobile Phone Locations. Impact: The FBI's request for access to mobile phone locations set a precedent for privacy debates that would continue for decades. Thanks to this, we now have apps that can help you locate your lost phone... or your ex.. Fact: Did you know that your phone knows more about your whereabouts than your best friend? But it won’t spill the tea on your secrets... unless it’s hacked..
- Headline: F.C.C. May Act to Aid Home Internet Access. Impact: The FCC's plan to aid home internet access led to the digital revolution, resulting in the creation of memes, cat videos, and endless streaming wars. Who knew that high-speed internet would spark a societal obsession with 'Netflix and chill'?. Fact: Did you know that the world's first cat video was uploaded in 2005? Coincidence? I think not! Thanks, FCC!.
- Headline: Enslaved Deaf Mexicans Tell of Life in City Shadows. Impact: The plight of enslaved deaf Mexicans highlighted systemic issues in labor laws and human trafficking, sparking nationwide reforms. This dark chapter became a catalyst for change, much like the plot twist in an Oscar-winning film.. Fact: Did you know that stories of resilience often start with a tragedy? It’s like the universe's way of reminding us to do better—or at least to make a very dramatic movie about it..
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)