Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON March 2, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: City Exodus: A Rising Trend. Impact: This mass exodus from cities triggered an urban planning revolution, leading to the rise of suburban sprawl, and ultimately, the phenomenon of suburban dads wearing socks with sandals while mowing the lawn.. Fact: 36% of people wanting to leave the city is just a fancy way of saying they’ve finally had enough of overpriced lattes and crowded public transport!.
- Headline: Cancer Scientists Unite Against Repression. Impact: The boycott inspired a wave of scientific activism, leading to the establishment of secret societies among scientists that would only communicate through interpretive dance. Who knew science could be so theatrical?. Fact: Turns out, scientists have feelings too! Who knew they could get all riled up over repression? Next, they might demand snacks at their conferences..
- Headline: Aviva Players Premiere New Musical Quartet. Impact: The premiere of this quartet inadvertently sparked a musical renaissance, leading to the widespread belief that all music should feature at least one kazoo solo. Thank you, Aviva Players!. Fact: Speaking of new works by women composers, it’s a miracle this event didn’t end with someone playing a triangle and calling it art!.
- Headline: New Construction in January Off By 4%, Largest Decline in a Year. Impact: This construction decline led to a nationwide panic in the 80s where everyone suddenly believed they were experts in DIY. Home improvement shows were born, and the world was never the same.. Fact: 4% might not sound like much, but in construction, that’s basically the difference between a sturdy house and a pile of lumber that looks like it was assembled by toddlers..
- Headline: Battered Dollar Hits 1.99 Marks In West Germany, a Record Low. Impact: The battered dollar's decline led to an underground economy of barter, where people traded homemade cookies for gas. The Great Cookie Economy of the 80s was born!. Fact: When your dollar is worth less than a piece of chalk, you know things are getting serious. Just wait until it’s worth less than a used tissue!.
- Headline: A New Postal Chief Is Selected, First Since ‘47 to Rise From Ranks. Impact: Selecting a new postal chief from the ranks created a ripple effect that led to postal workers becoming the unsung heroes of the 21st century, known for their ability to deliver mail through blizzards and apocalyptic weather.. Fact: The last time a postal chief rose from the ranks, they accidentally delivered a lifetime supply of stamps to their own house. Talk about dedication!.
- Headline: Hopkins Named Raceway Head. Impact: Hopkins taking the helm at Roosevelt Raceway led to a series of racing legends, including the infamous 'Hopkins Hustle,' a race where everyone pretended to care about the horses.. Fact: Being named Raceway Head sounds impressive, but it’s mostly about knowing how to yell at horses and keep score. Skills everyone should master!.
- Headline: The Varsity Show at Columbia Should Be a Riot. Impact: This show would go on to ignite a cultural phenomenon of university shows being treated as serious art, eventually leading to the creation of an entire genre of cringe-worthy college films.. Fact: Columbia’s Varsity Show: where the only thing more exaggerated than the performances is the enthusiasm of the parents in the audience!.
- Headline: First Alaskan Oil Arrives in. This Area. Impact: The arrival of Alaskan oil marked the beginning of America’s addiction to fossil fuels, leading to a series of questionable decisions regarding energy that resulted in climate change. Thanks, oil!. Fact: First Alaskan oil means you can finally say, 'I love the smell of crude in the morning!' while pretending to be a rugged outdoorsman..
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)