Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON August 18, 2005
Full News Archive
- Headline: Art and History of the Kingdom of Siam. Impact: If it weren't for the exquisite art exhibits, future generations might have never learned how to appreciate poorly curated IKEA furniture. Who knew a 14th-century painting could lead to the invention of overpriced, minimalist home decor?. Fact: Did you know that the kingdom of Siam is now known as Thailand? Apparently, they decided 'Siam' was too hard for tourists to pronounce, so they simplified it. Thanks, English speakers!.
- Headline: New Jersey's Inexplicable Gas Prices. Impact: The gas pricing anomaly led to a series of road trips where people filled their tanks at toll booths, inadvertently causing the rise of roadside 'gas station tourism'—now we have Instagram influencers posing with pumps instead of landmarks.. Fact: Did you know that New Jersey is the only state that prohibits self-service gas stations? I guess they figured it was safer to keep the masses away from the gas pumps. Can't have them accidentally fueling their own adventures!.
- Headline: For Addicts, Killer Dope Must Be Good Dope. Impact: The prevalence of killer dope led to an unexpected surge in DIY rehab programs, which ultimately resulted in a spike in 'wellness retreats'—because nothing screams 'healthy lifestyle' like detoxing in a yurt.. Fact: Did you know that addiction has existed for centuries? Ancient Romans had their own version of 'dope'—they just called it wine and had a far better marketing team!.
- Headline: Circling a Decision. Impact: The impending strike at Northwest Airlines triggered a movement towards the formation of labor unions that eventually demanded better benefits, leading to the birth of the 'Fly With Rights' movement. Who knew mechanics had such a flair for drama?. Fact: Did you know that airline mechanics are often the unsung heroes of the aviation world? Without them, your flight might just be a glorified rollercoaster ride with snacks!.
Wall Street Time Machine
AMZN
Amazon
Amazon - If you invested $1,000 in 2005, it would be worth $101,869 today (101.9x return)