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 March 3, 2020
Full News Archive
- Headline: Surge in U.S. Coronavirus Testing Capacity. Impact: The widespread availability of coronavirus tests led to a global obsession with testing, eventually resulting in a reality show called 'Tested: The Game Show', where contestants raced to get tested before the clock ran out. Spoiler: it was far less exciting than it sounds.. Fact: Did you know that testing for a virus can sometimes feel like trying to find a parking spot at a mall during the holiday season? Good luck!.
- Headline: Explore Caribbean Islands Beyond the Shore. Impact: The promotion of Caribbean islands beyond their beaches caused an unexpected spike in people discovering that they enjoy hiking, leading to the creation of a new cult that worships the 'Mountain Piña Colada'.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'beyond the beach' is just a fancy way of saying, 'Look, we promise there are other things too, but you probably won't care?'.
- Headline: Impact of Coronavirus on Economy Observed in Barbershops. Impact: The attention on barbershops during the pandemic triggered a wave of entrepreneurs opening 'virtual barbershops', where you could get a haircut via video call. Spoiler: it didn’t go well.. Fact: Did you know that during a recession, people often get creative with their haircuts? Just ask anyone who tried to cut their own hair during lockdown!.
- Headline: Fed Makes Emergency Rate Cut, but Markets Continue Tumbling. Impact: The emergency rate cut by the Fed set off a chain reaction where every financial expert started using the phrase 'unprecedented times' so much that it became the official motto of 2020.. Fact: Did you know that 'unprecedented' is just a fancy way of saying, 'We have no idea what's happening, but let's pretend we do'?.
- Headline: Pritzker Architecture Prize Goes to Two Women for the First Time. Impact: The awarding of the Pritzker Prize to two women sparked a global movement that led to the establishment of the 'Women Who Build' day, celebrating female architects who are very much tired of being asked about their male colleagues.. Fact: Did you know that the last time two women won the Pritzker Prize, a group of men tried to claim it was an error? Spoiler: it wasn't..