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 July 8, 2007
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring 1890s Phonograph Smut Records. Impact: The introduction of dirty ditties in the 1890s led to a surge in the popularity of phonographs, which eventually morphed into the modern music industry. If it weren't for those saucy tunes, who knows? We might have never had reality TV stars trying to sing!. Fact: The first recorded dirty joke dates back to ancient Sumer! Turns out, humor is timeless—much like our need for a good laugh about bodily functions..
- Headline: Discover Portugal’s Enchanting Pousadas. Impact: The promotion of Portugal's hidden gems sparked an entire trend of 'Instagrammable' travel destinations, leading to the birth of influencers who think standing in front of a picturesque wall is a form of art. Thanks, pousadas!. Fact: Portugal is home to more than just beautiful inns; it also has the oldest bookstore in the world, Livraria Bertrand, which has somehow survived despite the rise of e-books. Who knew that paper could outlast social media?.
- Headline: The Rise of the Modern Librarian. Impact: The emergence of hip librarians has led to an unexpected explosion of 'cool' library programs, making libraries the new hotspots for millennials. Forget clubs, who needs loud music when you have quiet study rooms and free Wi-Fi?. Fact: The Dewey Decimal System was invented by Melvil Dewey, who probably never imagined his brilliant organizational system would one day be run by someone sporting tattoos and a beanie..
- Headline: A Keeper: Surfer’s Island Trailer Park. Impact: This family’s refusal to sell their beach retreat has inadvertently contributed to a rise in 'tiny house' culture, where people are now clamoring to live in shoebox-sized homes in overpriced areas. Thanks for the inspiration, beach dwellers!. Fact: Surprisingly, staying put in one place isn't just a family value; it's also a strategy that has kept many a property from becoming a high-rise nightmare. Go figure!.
- Headline: A Second Cousin Once Removed. Impact: Mazda's quirky decision to grow their family with the CX-9 has led to a long-standing rivalry with car manufacturers that have opted for more traditional naming conventions. Their family tree is now more complicated than most soap operas!. Fact: The CX-9 is not just a car; it’s also a fun conversation starter at parties—especially when you’re trying to explain to your friends why your vehicle sounds like a family reunion gone wrong..
Wall Street Time Machine
AMZN
Amazon
Amazon - If you invested $1,000 in 2007, it would be worth $117,189 today (117.2x return)
NFLX
Netflix
Netflix - If you invested $1,000 in 2007, it would be worth $247,275 today (247.3x return)