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 July 17, 2015
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- Headline: Exploring 'Amazing Grace' and its Impact. Impact: This musical about a slave trader's moral awakening somehow sparked a global trend of people feeling guilty about their ancestors' actions. As a result, we now have an entire industry dedicated to genealogy and a bunch of awkward family reunions where everyone discusses their great-great-grandfather's questionable choices.. Fact: The hymn 'Amazing Grace' was written by John Newton, a former slave trader. So, it's kind of like a musical version of a redemption arc, but with a lot more singing and a lot less personal accountability..
- Headline: Umbrella House: From Squat to Co-op. Impact: The transformation of the Umbrella House from a squatters' den to a co-op is a perfect example of how one person's trash can become another person's treasure—or in this case, a community garden. Who knew that squatting could lead to sustainable living and a hipster paradise?. Fact: Squatting is like the ultimate form of 'finders keepers,' but with a lot more legal drama and a side of social activism. It’s the real-life version of extreme home makeovers!.
- Headline: A Tiny Bank’s Surreal Trip Through a Fraud Prosecution. Impact: Abacus Bank's misadventure in fraud prosecution has inspired countless underdogs to speak up when they see something suspicious. Thanks to this tiny bank, we now have a whole genre of movies featuring plucky heroes fighting against the odds—just without the happy ending.. Fact: Abacus Bank's struggle reminds us that sometimes doing the right thing can land you in hot water. It's almost like being a whistleblower is a full-time job… without the benefits..
- Headline: Can Montana’s Smith River Survive a Nearby Mine?. Impact: The battle for Montana's Smith River could lead to a national movement focused on preserving natural resources. If the river survives, it might just become a tourist attraction and a symbol of environmental resilience—because nothing says 'save the planet' like a river selfie.. Fact: The Smith River is so beloved that locals might just plant a flag and declare it their own country if the mine proposal goes through. Imagine 'Smithland,' where the currency is fishing licenses and everyone speaks fluent river..