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 22, 2023
Full News Archive
- Headline: Brittney Griner's Inspiring W.N.B.A. Return. Impact: Brittney Griner's return led to an unexpected surge in youth basketball participation, inspiring a generation of future champions who, ironically, have no idea who she is because they were born in 2035.. Fact: Did you know that Griner's first game back had more emotional weight than a thousand melodramatic rom-coms combined? Spoiler alert: No one won an Oscar..
- Headline: Protests Rock France with Saucepans. Impact: The clanking saucepans sparked a culinary revolution, leading to the establishment of the first-ever 'Protest Cuisine' restaurant, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal while simultaneously banging your pots and pans.. Fact: In France, a good protest is often more about the noise than the message. It’s like a rave, but with more existential dread and fewer glow sticks..
- Headline: Meta's $1.3 Billion E.U. Privacy Fine. Impact: Meta's fine turned out to be a pivotal moment in the tech world, leading to the creation of an underground network of privacy advocates known as 'The Data Whisperers', who communicate solely through carrier pigeons to avoid hacks.. Fact: Fun fact: $1.3 billion is roughly equivalent to the GDP of a small island nation. So, congratulations Meta, you just bought your own little slice of financial embarrassment..
- Headline: After Writing About Mental Illness, Kay Redfield Jamison Turns to Healers. Impact: Jamison's shift to exploring healing practices inadvertently triggered a global trend of self-help retreats featuring overpriced ayahuasca ceremonies and questionable life coaches. Who knew healing could be so… profitable?. Fact: Psychotherapy: because sometimes just talking to your houseplant doesn't cut it. Spoiler: they don't give good advice..
- Headline: A Movement to Make Workplaces ‘Menopause Friendly’. Impact: The push for menopause-friendly workplaces led to a new corporate title: 'Menopause Officer', a role that involves handing out fans and herbal tea while pretending to understand hot flashes.. Fact: Did you know that the average office temperature is set to 'chilly' just to keep the coffee hot? Sorry, ladies, you'll have to bring your own fan..