Inventions & Breakthroughs of October 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 October 23, 2001
Full News Archive
- Headline: Rumsfeld on U.S. Support for Rebels. Impact: Rumsfeld’s comments on supporting rebels somehow led to an unexpected renaissance of rebel fashion in the Middle East. Who knew that tactical vests would become the new black?. Fact: Did you know that 'Rumsfeld' is an anagram for 'dumb flers'? Coincidence? I think not..
- Headline: Yankees Claim 4th Consecutive Pennant. Impact: The Yankees' victory set off a chain reaction that resulted in the creation of a new sport called 'Yankee Hating', which is still played by fans in every other city in America.. Fact: Did you know the Yankees have won so many championships that they single-handedly keep the 'New York is the best' debate alive? Poor other cities..
- Headline: A Quick Response for Politicians; A Slower One for Mail Workers. Impact: The anthrax scare turned into a wild goose chase, leading to a new reality show called 'Mail Workers Under Siege' where postal workers dodge letters like they’re in a video game.. Fact: Did you know that the speed of response was so slow, it made molasses look like a cheetah? Thank you for your service, postal workers!.
- Headline: On Many Fronts, Experts Plan for the Unthinkable: Biowarfare. Impact: Experts preparing for biowarfare unintentionally led to an increased interest in bio-themed escape rooms. Because, you know, nothing says fun like escaping from a simulated plague.. Fact: Did you know that the current warning system for biowarfare is just people saying 'Hey, that smells funny!'? Science at its finest!.
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