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 October 2, 1998
Full News Archive
- Headline: Secrets of a Tacoma Hotel Bellhop. Impact: The bellhop's dishonesty sparks a nationwide investigation into the integrity of hotel staff, leading to a reality show called 'The Front Desk', where contestants must lie convincingly while balancing trays and avoiding spills. Spoiler: nobody wins.. Fact: Did you know that hotel staff sometimes have more drama than soap operas? Just ask any bellhop about their day!.
- Headline: L. L. Redding, 96, Desegregation Lawyer, Dies. Impact: The death of L. L. Redding inspires generations of lawyers and activists, leading to more diverse representation in law, and eventually, a world where people of color can watch courtroom dramas without rolling their eyes at the lack of diversity. Progress, folks!. Fact: L. L. Redding not only fought for desegregation, but he also probably wished for a world where people wouldn't judge books by their covers—or lawyers by their skin color..
- Headline: Ambulance Driver Is Arrested After Crash Kills 3 Children. Impact: The crash caused by the ambulance driver leads to stricter regulations on emergency vehicle operations, ensuring that future ambulance drivers will have to pass a 'red light' awareness course. Because apparently, that was a thing we needed to clarify.. Fact: Did you know that in some places, running a red light in an ambulance can lead to more than just a traffic ticket? It can lead to a real-life horror story. Let's not do that..
- Headline: John Gotti's Son Is Freed on Bail Of $10 Million. Impact: John Gotti Jr.'s bail sets a precedent for wealthy defendants being able to play Monopoly with their legal troubles, leading to a new game called 'Bail Out!'—where the winner gets to walk free while the rest of us are stuck in jail. Fun times!. Fact: Did you know Gotti Jr. is like the poster child for the phrase 'money can buy freedom'? If only it worked for our Netflix subscriptions..
- Headline: H.M.O.'s Are Retreating From Medicare, Citing High Costs. Impact: The retreat of H.M.O.'s from Medicare sends shockwaves through the health care system, ultimately leading to the rise of overpriced insurance plans and a new era where people start to consider medical bills as a form of abstract art.. Fact: H.M.O.'s once promised to revolutionize health care, but it turns out they were just really good at retreating. Who knew?.
- Headline: THE MARKETS: Market Place; Hints of Change at GE Capital as Financial Companies Lose Favor. Impact: Speculation about changes at GE Capital sparks countless conspiracy theories about the company's future, leading to a generation of amateur financial detectives who spend their evenings decoding corporate memos like they're the Da Vinci Code.. Fact: Did you know that corporate speculation can sometimes be more thrilling than a Netflix thriller? Just add popcorn and a good pair of binoculars!.
- Headline: Survivor of Kosovo Massacre Describes the Killing Garden. Impact: The survivor's account of the Kosovo massacre leads to increased awareness of war crimes and a global push for accountability, reminding us that while history can be brutal, it also has the power to shape a more just future.. Fact: The Kosovo massacre remains one of those tragic reminders that peace is often just a fragile agreement waiting to be broken. It’s like trying to balance a stack of cards—you think you’re safe, but one wrong move and it all comes tumbling down..
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)