Inventions & Breakthroughs of May 2001
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Portable Music Player (iPod)
2 
Wi-Fi Public Hotspots
3 
Online Encyclopedia (Wikipedia)
4 
3G Mobile Networks
5 
Cloud Computing Concept
6 
Digital Video Compression (H.264)
7 
Online Photo Sharing
8 
Instant Messaging Platforms
9 
Tablet Computer Concept
10 
Satellite Broadband Internet
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON May 16, 2001
Full News Archive
- Headline: Bush Pushes for Action on Gas Prices. Impact: In a desperate attempt to lower gas prices, President Bush accidentally sparked the 'Great Oil Wars of the 21st Century,' leading to a worldwide obsession with alternative energy sources, and thus, the invention of the solar-powered skateboard. Who knew rising gas prices could lead to eco-friendly transportation trends?. Fact: Did you know that while the Bush administration was busy with gas prices, people were actually considering walking? Shocking, I know!.
- Headline: Sony's Historic Tracking Stock Launch. Impact: The introduction of Sony's tracking stock sent investors on a wild goose chase, leading to a decade-long obsession with tech stocks. This obsession eventually culminated in the rise of meme stocks, proving that people will invest in anything as long as it has a catchy name.. Fact: Fun fact: Sony’s tracking stock didn’t actually track anything; it just added to the confusion of investors who thought they were buying a GPS device..
- Headline: UBS Reports Significant Profit Decline. Impact: UBS's profit drop sparked a series of financial crises that ultimately led to a global trend of 'not trusting banks,' giving rise to the underground economy of trading rare Pokémon cards as a legitimate currency.. Fact: Did you know that after this report, people actually started keeping their money under mattresses? Mattress sales skyrocketed, making it the best investment of the year!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 2001, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #3
AAPL
Apple
Price in 2001
$0.22
2025 dataset value
$1,220,264
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 2001, it would be worth $1,220,264 today (1220.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #36
$200
Ultimate Spider-Man #1
$50
Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again #1
$50
Y: The Last Man #1
$150
American Gods #1
$25
🧸 Top 5 Toys
LEGO BIONICLE
$150.00
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
$540.00
Harry Potter Movie Merchandise (Action Figures)
$120.00
Bratz Dolls
$150.00
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game
$100.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Halo: Combat Evolved
$100.00
Grand Theft Auto III
$200.00
Super Smash Bros. Melee
$74.00
Final Fantasy X
$200.00
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
$25.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Yu-Gi-Oh! Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon - 1st Edition Blue-Eyes White Dragon
$10,000
2001 Topps Chrome Traded #T247 Ichiro Suzuki Rookie Card
$471
2001 Upper Deck Tiger Woods #1 Rookie Card
$25,100
2001 Pokémon Neo Revelation 1st Edition Holo Houndoom #8
$1,200
2001 SP Authentic Michael Jordan #MM1 Auto Jersey
$40,000