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 December 28, 2017
Full News Archive
- Headline: MoviePass Hits One Million Subscribers. Impact: The surge in MoviePass subscribers led to a temporary boom in cinema attendance, which inadvertently sparked the creation of a 'silent film revival' trend 10 years later, as people realized they just liked sitting in the dark for hours without being interrupted by their phones.. Fact: Despite its initial popularity, MoviePass eventually became a cautionary tale about the perils of unsustainable business models—like a diet that relies solely on cake..
- Headline: Venezuela's Oil Company Crisis Unfolds. Impact: The collapse of Venezuela's oil company sent shockwaves through global markets, leading to a decade-long trend of 'people trying to explain oil prices at parties,' which is still ongoing and makes every social gathering awkward.. Fact: Venezuela was once the richest country in Latin America, which shows that even the most promising cash cows can turn into tough jerky if you don’t manage them properly..
- Headline: Chaos Behind Met's 'Tosca' Production. Impact: The chaotic production of 'Tosca' not only became a legend in opera history but also inspired a reality TV show about backstage drama, which ultimately led to the rise of influencers pretending to be artists.. Fact: In opera, losing a singer can still lead to a standing ovation, unlike at a karaoke bar, where losing your voice means you’ll never be invited out again..
- Headline: China Offers Tax Incentives to Persuade U.S. Companies to Stay. Impact: This tax incentive made U.S. companies reconsider their allegiance, leading to a future where companies start holding 'loyalty ceremonies'—complete with cake and confetti—just to keep their employees from leaving.. Fact: China's tax incentives are like that friend who always offers to buy you drinks to keep you from going home—eventually, you realize you just want a quiet night in..
- Headline: The Patriarchs Are Falling. The Patriarchy Is Stronger Than Ever.. Impact: The #MeToo movement sparked a global conversation that eventually led to the establishment of 'Patriarchy Awareness Day,' where people celebrate their freedom by doing absolutely nothing and calling it a protest.. Fact: The irony of 'The Patriarchs Are Falling' is that they often just trip over their own egos, which are notoriously hard to navigate..