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 January 2, 2022
Full News Archive
- Headline: Solar Farm Transforming Martin County. Impact: When coal miners swapped their pickaxes for solar panels, it sent a shockwave through the energy sector. Little did they know, this would spark a global trend of miners trading in their coal-dusty boots for eco-friendly sandals, leading to a worldwide shortage of sunscreen.. Fact: Fun fact: The first solar panel was created in 1954, but it took until 2021 for it to be considered a viable alternative to coal. Talk about slow progress!.
- Headline: Stacey Abrams: A Contested Political Identity. Impact: The battle over Stacey Abrams' identity could have led to a timeline where Georgia became the epicenter of a new political party: the 'Stacey Party,' where everyone just agrees with her to avoid conflict. Spoiler: it didn't work out.. Fact: Did you know that political parties have been known to claim members like they're trading cards? 'I've got a Stacey Abrams, what do you have?'.
- Headline: Child Tax Credit Ends Amid Covid Resurgence. Impact: The end of the Child Tax Credit during a pandemic was like pulling the fire alarm in a crowded theater—chaos erupted, leading to a frenzied quest for financial aid that could have inspired a new reality show called 'Survivor: Congress Edition.'. Fact: Ironically, the pandemic sparked a lot of creativity in Congress—just not the kind that helps people. Who knew they could be so good at standoffs?.
- Headline: In the Tinderbox of Bosnia, a Serb Nationalist Lights a Match. Impact: Milorad Dodik's nationalist antics not only threatened Bosnia but also inspired a new genre of 'political thrillers' where the plot twist is always someone trying to tear a country apart. Hollywood is still waiting for that script.. Fact: Bosnia's multiethnic government is like a soap opera that never ends—full of drama, betrayal, and the occasional plot twist that leaves everyone on the edge of their seats..
- Headline: Boldface Names Give Los Angeles a New Cultural Center. Impact: The new cultural center in LA became an unexpected hotspot for art thefts, with thieves believing they could somehow turn stolen art into a crypto fortune. The results? An art heist movie that went terribly wrong.. Fact: Eli Broad is known for his philanthropic efforts, but did you know he once tried to donate a giant inflatable duck to the city? It didn't float... literally..