Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON September 17, 2021
Full News Archive
- Headline: Crisis at the Del Rio Bridge. Impact: As thousands huddled under that Texas bridge, a butterfly flapped its wings in Brazil, leading to a national taco shortage years later. Who knew the migration of people could affect taco night in the future?. Fact: Did you know that 'huddling' is not just a cozy term? It can also mean 'let's all squish together in a place that resembles a dystopian movie set.'.
- Headline: Manhattan Retail Transformation Post-Pandemic. Impact: In response to the pandemic, retailers started rethinking Manhattan, which ultimately led to the bizarre trend of mobile-ordering a coffee while standing in a physical line. Time travel joke: It's a line for a line!. Fact: Did you know that Starbucks closing stores is like your favorite band breaking up? It feels tragic, but then you realize they just needed 'creative space.'.
- Headline: Thomas Mann's Views on Art and State. Impact: Mann's reflections sparked a philosophical renaissance, leading to a future where artists are consulted on political matters. This eventually resulted in a very awkward meeting between a painter and a politician over a canvas of spaghetti.. Fact: Did you know that 'Reflections of a Nonpolitical Man' was so nonpolitical that it became the go-to read for anyone trying to avoid political discussions at parties? It's like the book version of a polite nod..
- Headline: How Old Is This Old House?. Impact: The quest to date houses by tree rings led to the invention of a new dating app for historical homes, where users swipe left on houses that aren't 'old enough' but swipe right on those with charming history. 'Age is just a number' takes on a whole new meaning!. Fact: Did you know that tree rings are the ultimate gossipers? They tell you everything about a tree's life, from its childhood growth spurts to those years it just couldn't 'leaf' the past behind..
- Headline: He Was Swept Down a Sewer Pipe: ‘I Just Let the Water Take Me’. Impact: The incident of being swept down a sewer pipe led to a rise in superhero origin stories where protagonists emerge from the sewers, causing a spike in the popularity of underground-themed comics. Turtles everywhere cheered!. Fact: Did you know that sewer systems are basically the 'underbelly' of cities? They're the perfect hiding spot for things you'd rather not see—like those socks that go missing in the wash..