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 April 5, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: Eizenstat: Carter's Key Advisor on Policy. Impact: If Eizenstat could read Carter's mind, one can only imagine the chaos that would ensue if that skill spread. Suddenly, every politician would be required to wear mind-reading helmets—voters would be confused, and conspiracy theorists would have a field day.. Fact: Did you know that mind-reading technology has yet to be invented? But if it were, politicians would definitely find a way to use it to avoid answering questions..
- Headline: Allegations of Racial Bias in Real Estate Ads. Impact: The accusations of bias led to a domino effect in media accountability, resulting in more diverse advertising practices. In a parallel universe, Chicagoans are now well-informed about where to buy homes without having to decode a secret bias code.. Fact: Did you know that real estate bias is so prevalent that it could practically be classified as a sport in Chicago? The only game where everyone loses is the housing market!.
- Headline: Carter Reconsiders Neutron Bomb Ban. Impact: Carter's indecision on the neutron bomb led to a series of mishaps in international relations, resulting in a bizarre timeline where world leaders now send each other 'please don't bomb us' gift baskets.. Fact: Did you know that the neutron bomb was famously dubbed the 'people killer' that leaves buildings standing? Kind of like a really bad landlord..
- Headline: Personal Health. Impact: The advancements in cataract surgery not only improved millions of lives but also led to a surge in people realizing they didn't need glasses for the first time, triggering a national 'who knew' moment across the country.. Fact: Did you know that cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries? Because who doesn’t love a little clarity in life?.
- Headline: 20,000 in Manila Burn Marcos in Effigy. Impact: By burning Marcos in effigy, the people of Manila ignited a spark of resistance that echoed through generations. This led to an unexpected rise in effigy-burning as a form of protest worldwide, ultimately resulting in a new sport: 'Effigy Olympics.'. Fact: Did you know that burning effigies has been around since ancient times? Though back then, they didn't have the added flair of social media hashtags..
- Headline: Conferees Vote Bill That May Increase Food Prices by 3%. Impact: The 3% increase in food prices was a small ripple that caused a tsunami of complaints from families everywhere. Subsequently, grocery shopping became a competitive sport, with coupons as the ultimate trophies.. Fact: Did you know that 3% increase in food prices is just the tip of the iceberg? Welcome to the food price rollercoaster, where tickets are always expensive!.
- Headline: Rhodesia to Receive Envoys. Impact: The envoys' arrival in Rhodesia led to diplomatic discussions that, in a roundabout way, resulted in a series of international sitcoms where misunderstandings between countries became the norm. Think 'Friends' but with more awkward political discussions.. Fact: Did you know that diplomacy is often just a fancy word for trying to avoid awkward silences? It’s like a first date but with more paperwork..
- Headline: Tuition at Some Private Colleges To Exceed $5,000 for First Time. Impact: With tuition exceeding $5,000, a generation of students went into debt only to realize that their degrees came with the inability to buy a house or afford avocado toast, forever altering their brunch choices.. Fact: Did you know that tuition skyrocketing is just a rite of passage for young adults? It’s like a badge of honor, but with crippling debt attached..
- Headline: U.S. Aide at U.N. Flies To South‐West Africa. Impact: The U.S. aide's visit to South-West Africa sparked a chain reaction of diplomatic visits that ultimately led to the creation of an annual 'Let's Talk About It' day where countries gather to discuss their grievances over snacks.. Fact: Did you know that diplomacy is often just a fancy word for talking things out? It's like couples therapy, but with more flags involved..
- Headline: Wall Poster Assails Peking Mayor Over Riots. Impact: The wall posters attacking the Peking Mayor created a culture of vocal dissent that eventually turned into a global trend of passive-aggressive graffiti, ensuring that no politician could ever feel safe from critique.. Fact: Did you know that wall posters have been a form of protest for centuries? Who knew that spray paint could be such a powerful political tool?.
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)