Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 2002
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
2 
Smartphone with Touch Interface
3 
Web Services APIs
4 
Social Networking Platform (Friendster)
5 
Online Payment Expansion
6 
Wi-Fi Security Standard (WPA)
7 
Digital Audio Streaming
8 
Medical Robotic Surgery Expansion
9 
High-Definition Digital Television
10 
Location-Based Mobile Services
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 27, 2002
Full News Archive
- Headline: Security Breach in Moussaoui Case. Impact: This little slip-up led to the FBI becoming the poster child for 'How Not to Handle Classified Information 101.' It triggered a series of awkward conversations over coffee breaks in government offices, where everyone just pretended not to know who Zacarias Moussaoui was. Spoiler: he became a household name.. Fact: Did you know that turning classified documents over to a terror suspect is a great way to get promoted in the FBI? Just kidding, that’s a surefire way to get fired… or worse..
- Headline: Fiber Financing: El Paso's Rise and Fall. Impact: The executives lining their pockets while shareholders weep? Classic! This set a precedent for future CEOs, ensuring they’d continue the tradition of cashing out right before the ship sinks. Truly, a masterclass in 'How to Use Fiber for Profit, Not Health.'. Fact: Did you know that fiber is essential for a healthy diet? Too bad the El Paso Corp executives clearly had their fiber intake from cash instead of the good stuff..
- Headline: German Technology Stock Market to Be Dissolved. Impact: Dissolving the Neuer Markt created a ripple effect that sent tech investors scurrying for cover faster than you can say 'dot-com bubble.' It taught future investors that 'new' and 'exciting' doesn't always mean 'profitable.'. Fact: Did you know that the Neuer Markt was like a tech startup that forgot to check if it had a business plan? Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well..
- Headline: Ex-Councilman Changes His Mind And Awaits His Day in Court. Impact: Sheldon Leffler’s change of heart started a new trend of politicians ‘changing their minds’ just when it was convenient—because who doesn’t love a plot twist? It paved the way for countless future political dramas that would keep audiences glued to their screens.. Fact: Did you know that waiting for your day in court is basically the political version of 'I'll get back to you on that'? It’s just a nice way of saying, 'I’ve got some explaining to do.'.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 2002, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
NFLX
Netflix
Price in 2002
$0.12
2025 dataset value
$785,671
Netflix - If you invested $1,000 in 2002, it would be worth $785,671 today (785.7x return)
Rank #2
AAPL
Apple
Price in 2002
$0.35
2025 dataset value
$779,032
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 2002, it would be worth $779,032 today (779.0x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Ultimates #1
$25
Y: The Last Man #1
$300
New X-Men #128
$50.00
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume 2 #1
$30
Spider-Man: Blue #1
$200
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Beyblade (Metal Series)
$250.00
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game
$150.00
LEGO Bionicle
$150.00
Bratz Dolls
$150.00
RoboSapien
$200.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
$400.00
Metroid Prime
$22.98
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
$100.00
Kingdom Hearts
$120.00
Battlefield 1942
$50.47
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Yu-Gi-Oh! Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon 1st Edition Blue-Eyes White Dragon
$10,000
2002 Pokémon Neo Destiny Shining Charizard
$250,000
2002 Topps Chrome Tom Brady Refractor
$200,000
2002 Magic: The Gathering Set Foil Charmed Griffin
$20
2002 FIFA World Cup Ronaldo Panini Sticker
$28,800