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 May 19, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: Tragic Shooting in Austin Schoolroom. Impact: The boy's arrest prompted a nationwide conversation about the influence of political families on youth behavior. Little did anyone know that this would lead to the creation of the 'Do Not Let Your Kid Become a Politician' parenting guide in the 2020s.. Fact: In a shocking twist, the press secretary's next job was as a motivational speaker on the dangers of mixing family politics and schoolyard drama..
- Headline: Atlantic City's Gamble for Economic Renewal. Impact: The anticipation of legalized gambling in Atlantic City not only transformed the city into a gambling capital but also inspired countless movies, including 'Casino' and 'The Hangover.' Who knew that the fate of a city would hinge on the ability to roll dice?. Fact: Eventually, the wheel turned so many times that it was declared a local deity, leading to an annual 'Wheel Worship Festival.'.
- Headline: Signs of Hope Amidst Economic Chaos. Impact: This article triggered a series of events leading to the establishment of anti-terrorism measures worldwide, which in turn caused the rise of the 'We Are Not Terrorists' T-shirt industry. Who knew fashion could be so political?. Fact: Italy's economy got so used to being buffeted that it started to develop a personality—enter the charming yet chaotic 'Italian Economy' persona that still has us guessing..
- Headline: Solvent Is Found In Students’ Blood In Massachusetts. Impact: The solvent found in students' blood led to stricter lab regulations and a surge in safety protocols. Ironically, it also inspired a popular body spray called 'Toluene Fresh'—because who doesn't want to smell like a chemistry lab?. Fact: The affected students became accidental spokespeople for the 'Keep Labs Safe' movement, which ironically gained more popularity than any lab experiment ever could..
- Headline: Notes on People. Impact: Billy Carter's public feud with his cousin set off a chain reaction of family drama that culminated in a reality TV show titled 'The Carters: Family Feud Edition.' Reality TV producers everywhere rejoiced.. Fact: Billy's claim to fame became a series of increasingly ridiculous stories about how the Carter family handled family gossip—such as hiding in the attic during Thanksgiving..
- Headline: 9th Ave. Is Cooking Up A Mile‐Long Party. Impact: The mile-long party on 9th Ave became an annual tradition that eventually evolved into the 'Great 9th Avenue Bake-Off,' where every year, someone tries to bake a mile-long cake—and fails spectacularly.. Fact: Local legends say that if you listen closely during the festival, you can still hear the ghosts of failed bakers weeping over their undercooked cakes..
- Headline: Art People. Impact: The Brewster circus art festival not only revived interest in the circus arts but also inspired a wave of circus-themed reality shows. Who knew juggling could be so entertaining?. Fact: Hakaliah Bailey's elephant was so famous that it was rumored to have its own fan club, complete with merchandise and a newsletter called 'Elephantine News.'.
- Headline: Art: Angelo Savelli, Uptown and Down. Impact: The honor of four blind college seniors at the White House inspired a wave of inclusivity movements that transformed workplaces and educational institutions worldwide. Who knew a simple ceremony could spark such a revolution?. Fact: Rumor has it that these students later became the go-to consultants for ensuring accessibility in every aspect of life, making them the real MVPs of the decade..
- Headline: 4 BLIND COLLEGE SENIORS ARE HONORED BY CARTER.
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)