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 September 1, 2014
Full News Archive
- Headline: Mental Floss Thrives with John Green. Impact: John Green's ascendance in the video realm leads to an unexpected rise in educational YouTube channels, eventually causing a worldwide spike in nerd glasses sales, proving that looking smart is a lucrative business.. Fact: Fun fact: John Green was once a minor character in a book. Now he’s a full-on video star, which just goes to show you—always read the fine print on your book contracts..
- Headline: Amazon Fuels Twitch's Content Expansion. Impact: Amazon's bet on Twitch not only transforms the way we consume live content but also inadvertently leads to the rise of competitive couch-sitting, where individuals train rigorously to become professional stream viewers.. Fact: Did you know Twitch started as a platform for gamers? Now it’s a place where people can watch others play games, which is basically the modern equivalent of watching paint dry—if the paint were also sponsored by Mountain Dew..
- Headline: Start-Ups Accrue Funding in Case of Leaner Times. Impact: Start-ups hoarding cash during uncertain times leads to a future where entrepreneurs develop 'Lean Times' survival kits, complete with ramen noodles and motivational posters—because nothing says success like a wall full of quotes.. Fact: Did you know that hoarding cash is basically the adult version of stuffing your teddy bear full of candy? Just as comforting, and equally effective at solving problems..
- Headline: P.R. Firm for Putin’s Russia Now Walking a Fine Line. Impact: The PR firm walking a fine line for Putin leads to a future where PR professionals are trained in the art of double-speak, sparking a new sub-genre of political thrillers where every character is a consultant.. Fact: Did you know that Ketchum's job is essentially to polish a narrative? It’s like putting a shiny bow on a box of confusion—everyone knows it’s not really a gift..