Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON August 8, 2009
Full News Archive
- Headline: Reclaiming Real Life from Social Media. Impact: The moment people decided to party without tweeting, a butterfly flapped its wings, resulting in a world where people actually talked to each other face-to-face. This led to the invention of awkward silence and small talk, which would go on to haunt social gatherings for decades.. Fact: In 2021, studies found that over 90% of people would rather scroll through their phones than engage in real conversation. So, congratulations on your ‘party’ without tweets—it was short-lived!.
- Headline: The Influence of John Hughes on Teen Culture. Impact: John Hughes' films created a wave of teenage angst that inspired future generations of filmmakers and writers, eventually leading to the invention of emo music and reality TV. Thanks a lot, John.. Fact: John Hughes was so influential that even today, teenagers are still trying to figure out how to navigate high school, thanks to his films. Spoiler: they don’t have it figured out..
- Headline: The Rebirth of Soul Music. Impact: The resurgence of mature soul music not only revitalized the genre but also led to an increase in wine consumption among 30-somethings, who suddenly felt the need to pair their music with a nice cabernet. This brought about the 'adulting' movement.. Fact: A study found that listening to soul music while sipping wine improves your chances of pretending to be a sophisticated adult by 73%. Cheers to that!.
- Headline: New Endowment Chairman Sees Arts as Economic Engine. Impact: Rocco Landesman's bold views on arts funding sparked a movement where artists began to demand respect and funding, leading to the rise of hipster art and the inevitable return of ironic mustaches.. Fact: Politicians still view the arts like a rebellious teenager views their chores—necessary but easily ignored. Good luck getting their attention, Rocco!.
- Headline: It’s Time to Stay the Courier. Impact: The Postal Service's struggle to innovate became a cautionary tale for all businesses: adapt or become a relic of the past, like dial-up internet or VHS tapes. Future companies would remember to embrace change... until they don't.. Fact: In the age of instant communication, the Postal Service still insists on delivering mail—talk about being stuck in a time warp! Maybe they’ll start taking Bitcoin next..
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Netflix
Netflix - If you invested $1,000 in 2009, it would be worth $220,288 today (220.3x return)