In 2023, “Eggo Brunch in a Jar” is an alcoholic drink that combines the flavors of buttered and toasted Eggo waffles, savory bacon slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
HTC First “Facebook Phone”
In 2013, it was the first and only Android device to be pre-loaded with Facebook’s own user interface layer. Panned by critics for its poor camera and lack of removable storage, and was also affected by the similarly underwhelming reception faced by the Facebook Home software. Time named it among the biggest failures in the technology industry for 2013.
Bird
In September 2023, Bird was delisted from the NYSE after being valued at $12M. After a 1-for-25 reverse stock split, Bird wasn’t able to achieve a $15M market cap for 30 consecutive days. Bird peaked at a $3B market cap in the public market (in 2021) and $2.5B in the private market (in 2019). Over $5B in venture funding, of which $1.4B went to Bird, was invested into scooter startups. Bird overstated revenue for over two years after recognizing unpaid customer rides as revenue. The decline in ridership is due to increased competition from cheaper traditional bikes, an increase in working from home, and complaints from city residents.
Gloobee
“Real life expression” doll from the 1970’s featuring an open mouth and winking eye.
Herb Washington
From 1974-1975, Herb was the A’s designated runner. He had no professional baseball experience and wasn’t asked to develop other baseball skills. He played 105 games and had 31 stolen bases, 33 runs scored, and zero at bats. This 1975 Topps baseball card is the only baseball card ever released that uses the “pinch runner” position label.
One of the biggest misconceptions about the art of stealing bases is that it is all about speed. That isn’t the case. If it were, Herb Washington, a world-class sprinter, would have been unstoppable.
In reality, he was thrown out in 16 of his 45 attempts that year, for a pedestrian success rate of 64%. (Modern baseball analysts have concluded that trying to steal ultimately hurts your team if you are under 80%).
Buffalo Braves
The Braves were one of three NBA expansion franchises in the 1970-71 season. However, a series of missteps resulted in the league taking control of the team before it even played a preseason game. In 1978 the team became the San Diego Clippers and in 1984 the team became the Los Angeles Clippers.
Food Fighters
In 1988, the Food Fighters line of action figures has the good guys (the “Kitchen Commandos”) fight the bad guys (“Refrigerator Rejects” which includes Chip-The-Ripper) for control of your refrigerator.
Sam Bowie
In 1984, Portland drafted Sam Bowie ahead of Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Portland management was told by Bob Knight, who had just coached Jordan on the Olympic team, that they should draft Jordan no matter what. They went with their gut, though, and ended up drafting one of the biggest busts in NBA history.
Brien Taylor
In 1991, the New York Yankees selected Brien with the first overall selection in the draft, but he never played a game in the majors. He threw a punch that didn’t connect, which ripped his left arm right out of the socket, dislocating his shoulder and tearing both his labrum and capsule.
Bic Pantyhose
In 1976, Bic decided to introduce disposable pantyhose as they were successful with other disposable products, such as pens and lighters.