Inventions & Breakthroughs of July 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 July 14, 2001
Full News Archive
- Headline: Gambling Proposal at Niagara Falls Sparks Debate. Impact: As the gambling industry flourished, it inadvertently led to the rise of the world's most absurd tourist attractions, including the world's largest souvenir shop shaped like a casino chip. Thanks, Niagara Falls, for the future of tacky tourism!. Fact: Did you know that before gambling, the biggest draws for Niagara Falls were actually its stunning views and the sound of water? Shocking, I know!.
- Headline: Umpires Ordered to Call More Strikes. Impact: The decision to call more strikes led to a sudden spike in arm injuries among pitchers, resulting in a new trend: the 'weeping pitcher' who claims arm pain while simultaneously throwing perfect game after perfect game. Truly a marvel of modern sportsmanship!. Fact: Fun fact: Umpires have been known to call strikes since the invention of baseball, probably to make the game more exciting. Who knew they could just throw a wrench in it at any time?.
- Headline: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Host Win. Impact: The Beijing Olympics sparked a global love affair with synchronized swimming and an international obsession with oversized mascots, leading to the eventual rise of inflatable animal suits at every Olympic event. Because who needs serious athleticism when you can have a giant panda in a tutu?. Fact: Did you know that the 2008 Olympics in Beijing were not only about sports but also about China's impeccable ability to stage a show? Just ask their elaborate opening ceremony!.
- Headline: Man Is Guilty In Bomb Plot At Millennium. Impact: This plot not only highlighted security flaws but also inspired a generation of future bomb plotters to get really creative with their choice of explosives—leading to a bizarre trend in 'how to fail spectacularly' tutorials on dubious online forums.. Fact: In a twist of fate, security measures adopted post-9/11 actually made it easier for airport authorities to identify suspicious behavior. Who knew a guilty conscience had such a clear trail?.
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