Inventions & Breakthroughs of January 2009
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)
2 
Mobile Voice Assistant
3 
Cloud Database Services
4 
4G LTE Networks
5 
Smartphone Camera Improvements
6 
Online Streaming Subscriptions
7 
Digital Navigation with Real-Time Traffic
8 
Virtual Reality Headset Prototype
9 
Social Media Mobile Apps
10 
Digital Payment Wallet
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON January 3, 2009
Full News Archive
- Headline: Stax/Volt Revue's 1967 European Tour. Impact: If it weren't for this PBS special, we might have never realized that the 1967 European Tour was the warm-up for the eventual creation of the hipster coffee shop scene, where soul music is ironically played over overpriced lattes.. Fact: Did you know that Stax Records was named after its founders, Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton? It seems like a missed opportunity to call it 'Soul Central.'.
- Headline: Credit Card Companies Embrace Debt Settlement. Impact: This moment of credit card companies 'being nice' could lead to the eventual rise of a generation who thinks it's fine to buy avocado toast on credit. Thanks, 2023!. Fact: Did you know that credit card debt is often considered a rite of passage for millennials? It's like their version of a coming-of-age ceremony, but with more interest rates..
- Headline: Exploring Culinary Art at the Whitney. Impact: This installation could be the catalyst for a future where cooking is considered high art, leading to a bizarre reality show where chefs battle it out in a gallery instead of a kitchen. Who wouldn't want to watch that trainwreck?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more chaotic than trying to execute a perfect soufflé is trying to do it while someone critiques it as if it were a Picasso?.
- Headline: Make ’em Laugh, and Love Classics. Impact: Luchini's one-man show could inspire a wave of narcissistic performers who think they can carry entire productions on their own, leading to an era of cringe-worthy solo acts and a shortage of ensemble casts.. Fact: Did you know that in France, the term 'one-man show' can also mean 'I couldn't find anyone else to work with me?'.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 2009, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #3
NFLX
Netflix
Price in 2009
$0.43
2025 dataset value
$220,288
Netflix - If you invested $1,000 in 2009, it would be worth $220,288 today (220.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Detective Comics #854
$25
Batman and Robin #1
$42,000
Chew #1
$50
Captain America: Reborn #1
$25
The Walking Dead #60
$75
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Bakugan Battle Brawlers
$50.00
Zhu Zhu Pets
$50.00
Lego Games
$300.00
Beyblade: Metal Fusion
$150.00
Mindflex
$75.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
$55.00
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
$50.00
Assassin's Creed II
$40.00
Minecraft
$150.00
Batman: Arkham Asylum
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Mike Trout Autograph
$46,800
2009 Topps UFC Round 1 Brock Lesnar Autograph
$1,200
2009 Panini Crown Royale Tom Brady Autograph
$240,000
2009 Pokémon Platinum Arceus Holo
$1,500
2009 Topps Chrome Stephen Curry Rookie Card
$1,888.00