Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 2004
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Social Networking Platform (Facebook)
2 
Podcasting Technology
3 
Web-Based Email (Gmail)
4 
Online Map Navigation (Google Maps)
5 
Digital Music Store (iTunes)
6 
Wi-Fi Voice Calling
7 
Portable GPS Navigation
8 
Search Engine Autocomplete
9 
Online Travel Aggregators
10 
Medical Imaging PACS Expansion
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 19, 2004
Full News Archive
- Headline: The Rise and Fall of the Pontiac Aztek. Impact: The demise of the Pontiac Aztek led to a secret society of disgruntled minivan owners who now meet weekly to discuss their grievances over ugly cars, inadvertently starting a movement for better automotive design.. Fact: Did you know that the Pontiac Aztek was once voted the 'World's Ugliest Car'? It seems like a harsh title, but it's hard to argue when your vehicle looks like a melted Transformer..
- Headline: A Bronx Curbside Whisper: 'Hey, Need a Tuneup?'. Impact: The rise of curbside auto mechanics in the Bronx inspired a new genre of guerrilla entrepreneurship, leading to a national trend where people start businesses out of their basements, garages, and sometimes, their living rooms.. Fact: Did you know that hiring a curbside mechanic can save you a ton of money? Just be sure your insurance covers 'unlicensed underground repairs'—it's probably in the fine print..
- Headline: In a Cold Country, the Nights Are Hot. Impact: Reykjavik's vibrant nightlife inadvertently led to the creation of the 'Icelandic Hangover Cure', which is now a global phenomenon involving fermented shark and dubious vodka cocktails.. Fact: Did you know that in Iceland, the nightlife is so hot that even the sun takes a break during the winter? It’s like nightfall combined with a dance party, and no one knows how to dress for either..
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Astonishing X-Men #1
$50
Identity Crisis #1
$75.00
Superman/Batman #10
$6,000
Blade of the Immortal #91
$10
The Walking Dead #9
$150
🧸 Top 5 Toys
RoboSapien
$200.00
Barbie as Princess Anneliese
$75.00
Nintendo DS
$350.00
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game
$300.00
Beyblade G-Revolution
$700.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
World of Warcraft
$4.25
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
$180.79
Halo 2
$370.00
Half-Life 2
$200.00
Far Cry
$50.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
2004 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection LeBron James Autographed Rookie Card
$500,000
2004 Topps Chrome Lionel Messi Rookie Card
$322,080
2004 Pokémon EX Team Rocket Returns Charizard Star
$450
2004 Topps Chrome Eli Manning Autographed Rookie Card
$1,500
2004 Magic: The Gathering Chalice of the Void (Mirrodin)
$250