Step Back Into….2001
Four terrorist’s attacks occur on 9/11
Wikipedia goes online
By Paula Green
On Sept. 11, hijackers rammed jetliners into the twin towers of New York City's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania (80 miles outside of Pittsburgh). The death toll on that horrific day reached 2,977. Within days, Islamic militant Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda terrorist network were identified as the parties behind the attacks.
Average: The average income was $42,350. Cost of a new home $136,150. The average cost of a new car is $25,850. Gasoline was $1.46 per gallon. A loaf of bread sold for $1.82. A pound of bacon sold for $3.06. A pound of ground beef was $1.49. Eggs sold for 90 cents per dozen. Movie ticket was $5.65. The price of a first-class stamp was .34 cents.
Firsts: In January 2001,Wikipedia, the free user-generated online encyclopedia, came online and quickly became the reference site of choice for Internet users. The Segway PT was introduced. The iPod was released in October and the X-Box came out in November. The Apple Computer Company released the iTunes program in January. Microsoft released Windows XP.
U.S. Events: A series of Anthrax attacks spreads fear amongst the American public and several people are infected by handling infected letters. California suffers more rolling blackouts and electricity rate hikes of up to 46 percent. On June 11, Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh was executed on June 11. On July 3, an artificial heart is implanted in a man in Louisville, Kentucky.
World News: The United States invades Afghanistan, with some participation from the UK, marking the beginning of the US "War on Terrorism" campaign. The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy re-opened to the public in December; it was closed 11 years for repairs. Remains of what may be the oldest ancient human were found in Ethiopia and were estimated to be 5.5 million years old. On October 7, the War in Afghanistan began.
Entertainment: The big movies included: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Monsters Inc. , Shrek, Ocean’s Eleven, Jurassic Park III, The Mummy Returns, Planet of the Apes, Moulin Rouge, Hannibal, A Beautiful Mind, Planet of the Apes, Pearl Harbor and The Fast & Furious.
Television: Popular TV shows – Alias, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Crossing Jordan, ER, Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, Law & Order, The Office, Scrubs, Leap of Faith, NYPD Blue, Smallville, The Sopranos, Survivor, The West Wing, and Will & Grace.
Songs: Billboard hits – Again, All For You, Drops of Jupiter, Fallin,’ Hanging By a Moment, Hit ‘Em Up Style, If You’re Gone, I’m Real, Independent Women, It Wasn’t Me, Let Me Blow Ya Mind, Thank You, and Until the End of Time.
Publishing: Time Magazine names New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani “Person of the Year,” for his leadership after 9/11 attacks. Popular books: The Bonesetter’s Daughter, The Corrections, Death in Holy Orders, Ghost Soldiers: The Forgotten Epic Story of World War II’s Most Dramatic Mission, and John Adams.
Sports: Superbowl Champs: Baltimore Ravens; World Series Champions: Arizona Diamondbacks; Stanley Cup Champs: Colorado Avalanche; NBA Champions: Los Angeles Lakers. On February 18, NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt was killed in a final-lap collision in the Daytona 500.
Politics: President: George W. Bush, Vice President: Dick Cheney (Bill Clinton was president and Al Gore was vice president until January 20).
Quotes: “One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in America’s history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” – George W. Bush
“Look, I’m not the one with the problem, okay? It’s the world that seems to have a problem with me!”
-Shrek
“I live my life a quarter mile at a time.” – Dom from The Fast & Furious
Sources: https://www.infoplease.com/year/2001, https://www.thepeoplehistory.com/2001.html, https://pop-culture.us/Annual/2001.html, https://www.onthisday.com/events/date/2001