Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON February 25, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: NYC Unions Unite for Joint Pay Negotiations. Impact: This united front led to the eventual rise of union power, paving the way for the modern labor movement. In a twist of fate, a disgruntled janitor in 1978 would accidentally discover the secret to making the perfect cup of coffee, which became a mandatory perk in union contracts.. Fact: Did you know that the collective bargaining agreements of today can be traced back to the time when workers demanded more than just a pat on the back? Shocking!.
- Headline: Carter Announces Historic Coal Strike Settlement. Impact: The end of this strike heralded the rise of alternative energy movements decades later. Had the miners not returned to work, we might still be relying on coal to power our smartphones.. Fact: Fun fact: Miners once used pickaxes, but now they just pick their battles—like which reality TV show to binge next..
- Headline: House Postpones Grazing Fee Increase. Impact: This delay set off a chain reaction, leading to ranchers forming secret societies dedicated to keeping grazing fees low. These societies would eventually influence local BBQ joints to serve only the finest cuts.. Fact: Did you know that grazing fees have been debated longer than the existence of reality TV? Now that’s a true American pastime!.
- Headline: Phones Ring. for Philharmonic. Impact: This phone festival marked the beginning of desperate fundraisers, leading to telethons that would eventually inspire 'Dancing with the Stars'—because who doesn’t want to see a violinist trying to cha-cha?. Fact: Fun fact: Before phones, fundraising involved either a tin can or a tap dance routine. Guess which one was less effective?.
- Headline: Understanding and Profiting From Ego Defense Mechanisms. Impact: The insights from this article led to an entire generation of overly confident psychologists, who now charge by the hour to help you realize that your biggest enemy is your own inflated ego.. Fact: Did you know that ego defense mechanisms are so powerful, they can even convince you that your karaoke skills are top-notch? Spoiler: They're not..
- Headline: About New York. Impact: This interview inspired countless aspiring politicians to think they could also achieve greatness by just knowing someone in the right place. Spoiler: They can't.. Fact: Did you know that New York City has more mayors than most countries have leaders? Makes you wonder about their job security!.
- Headline: Redskins Hire Beathard As General Manager. Impact: Hiring Beathard became a pivotal moment, leading to the eventual birth of fantasy football leagues. Yes, people started believing they could run a team better than actual professionals.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'general manager' can be loosely translated to 'person who gets blamed when the team loses'? Welcome to the job!.
- Headline: BRZEZINSKI ASSERTS THAT SOVIET GENERAL LEADS ETHIOPIA UNITS. Impact: This assertion sparked intrigue that led to an entire genre of political thrillers, where every character is just a slightly exaggerated version of a real-life figure. Thanks, Zbigniew!. Fact: Did you know that the Cold War was so tense, it could have been a soap opera? 'As the World Turns' would have nothing on that drama!.
- Headline: Bar Asks Jersey to End Process Of Trial Approval for Divorces. Impact: This request led to a wave of divorcees celebrating their freedom with reality TV shows, making 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' a thing. Talk about a butterfly effect!. Fact: Did you know that the only thing longer than a divorce process is the list of reasons why someone should just stay single? Cheers to freedom!.
- Headline: Kenyans Due in U.S. for Talks. Impact: These discussions contributed to a greater understanding of international relations, setting the stage for future global leaders to meet and discuss world peace over coffee and pastries.. Fact: Fun fact: Nothing says 'serious diplomacy' like a good pastry. If only world leaders could negotiate over cupcakes more often!.
Wall Street Time Machine
WMT
Walmart
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1978, it would be worth $7,945,492 today (7945.5x return)
INTC
Intel
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1978, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1978, it would be worth $423,037 today (423.0x return)