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 28, 2014
Full News Archive
- Headline: Bank Rossiya's Role in Putin's Power. Impact: As Putin's friends got richer, they made some questionable investments in bizarre side projects, including a line of gourmet vodka that somehow led to the rise of hipster bars worldwide. Who knew vodka could change the landscape of nightlife in Brooklyn?. Fact: The only thing stronger than Putin's grip on power is the grip of a Russian babushka on her secret borscht recipe..
- Headline: Hong Kong Protests Escalate Amid Police Crackdown. Impact: The protests in Hong Kong sparked global conversations about democracy, leading to an unprecedented increase in online petitions, most of which were signed by people who also think 'likes' on social media count as activism.. Fact: Tear gas is basically just the world's most aggressive air freshener. Who knew protesting could come with such a strong olfactory experience?.
- Headline: Chasing Sprites on a Summer Night. Impact: The quest for sprites inadvertently ignited a global trend of nighttime garden parties. People began to believe that if they stared at the sky long enough, they'd summon spirits—turns out they were just attracting mosquitoes.. Fact: Sprites are not just mythical creatures; they also make for awkward conversations at dinner parties when someone tries to explain their existence to a skeptic..
- Headline: With Perspective From Both Sides of His Desk, F.C.C. Chairman Ponders Net Neutrality. Impact: Tom Wheeler's musings on net neutrality sparked a wave of memes and internet debates that led to countless hours wasted arguing on social media—because who needs real-world issues when you can just tweet about them?. Fact: Net neutrality is like the 'no rules' rule in a game of Monopoly. Everyone claims to support it until they land on Boardwalk..