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 May 20, 2020
Full News Archive
- Headline: Robots Deliver in COVID-19 Quarantine. Impact: The rise of delivery robots during lockdown led to a future where humans are practically obsolete, and robots are debating whether to form a union. Who knew that the path to a robot uprising started with grocery delivery?. Fact: Did you know that robots are now better at social distancing than most humans? They don’t even need to wear masks!.
- Headline: COVID Crisis in NYC Jails. Impact: The outbreak in jails not only highlighted the systemic issues in the correctional system but also sparked a future movement for prison reform that made Netflix documentaries a hot commodity.. Fact: Correctional officers are now considered essential workers, but let’s be honest, they were always essential for keeping reality TV stars out of prison..
- Headline: Starting a Business During a Pandemic. Impact: Entrepreneurs who thrived during the pandemic inadvertently created the next wave of 'startup culture' where people actually think selling hand sanitizer is a viable business model.. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'pivoting your business model' became a euphemism for 'we're just winging it.'.
- Headline: What Do the Paparazzi Do When the Stars Are Quarantined?. Impact: As celebrities turned to social media for attention, paparazzi evolved into digital stalkers, leading to an era where influencers are chased more than actual movie stars.. Fact: Paparazzi have become so desperate during lockdown that they've started photographing squirrels in hopes of going viral..
- Headline: Poor Americans Face Hurdles in Getting Promised Internet. Impact: The struggle for internet access during the pandemic paved the way for future policy debates about digital equity, resulting in a future where Wi-Fi is treated as a basic human right (finally!).. Fact: Ironically, the companies promising to help the poor during the pandemic were the same ones who believe 'buffering' is a legitimate form of communication..