Inventions & Breakthroughs of November 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 November 8, 2001
Full News Archive
- Headline: Japan's Rising Bad Loans Concern Investors. Impact: The rising bad loans in Japan led to a global financial crisis in the future, but it also inspired a hit TV show where bankers compete to see who can dodge fiscal responsibility the longest. 'Loan Sharks: The Reality Show' became a cultural phenomenon.. Fact: Did you know that Mizuho, the bank in question, means 'abundant rice'? Perhaps they should have stuck to farming instead of risky loans..
- Headline: McGreevey's Cautionary Fiscal Address. Impact: McGreevey's warning about New Jersey's fiscal future inadvertently inspired a reality show called 'Fiscal Follies,' where politicians compete to see who can make the most absurd budget cuts. Spoiler alert: they all win.. Fact: Did you know that New Jersey is known as the 'Garden State'? Ironically, it has more budgetary weeds than actual gardens..
- Headline: The Role Of a Lifetime: Elaine Stritch As Herself. Impact: Elaine Stritch's role as herself in a play influenced a whole wave of actors who decided they could just play themselves in every project. Now, we have a reality show star in every film and a film star in every reality show, and the universe is just a bit more confused.. Fact: Did you know that Elaine Stritch was known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude? She once said, 'I love to entertain! It's the business of making people happy.' So, basically, she was the original influencer..
- Headline: Footlights. Impact: Nathan Lane's vocal fatigue led to an unprecedented trend where actors began to prioritize vocal health over performances. This resulted in a surge of 'silent' theater productions, which were basically just awkward staring contests with a fancy title.. Fact: Did you know that Nathan Lane has won multiple Tony Awards? Maybe he should consider adding 'Best Performance in a Silent Role' to his collection..
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