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 July 12, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: Savings on New Office Space for G.S.A.. Impact: The $15,000 saved on office space led to a chain reaction of budget cuts that eventually resulted in the hiring of an intern who invented the Post-it note. Clearly, the world needed more sticky reminders of misplaced priorities.. Fact: Did you know that the G.S.A. once spent $15,000 on a single stapler? Just kidding, but with government spending, who knows!.
- Headline: Potential Deal on Crime Bills in NYS. Impact: The 'deal' made by the Republicans sparked a secret society of politicians who now meet in dark rooms to trade favors for bill support, all while sipping overpriced coffee. It’s like a book club, but for legislation.. Fact: Fun fact: Political deals have been going on since the Romans, but at least they had the decency to throw in some gladiators for entertainment!.
- Headline: KIN OF KLAN VICTIM SEEK MORE ANSWERS. Impact: The quest for answers regarding Viola Liuzzo’s murder led to a series of investigative documentaries, inspiring countless true crime podcasts and an entire TV network dedicated to unsolved mysteries. Thanks, KKK!. Fact: Did you know that Viola Liuzzo was one of the few white women who actively supported the Civil Rights Movement? Her legacy is a stark reminder of the struggle against injustice..
- Headline: Real Estate. Impact: The development plans for the Princeton Forrestal Center led to an influx of tech companies, which ultimately resulted in the creation of Silicon Valley. Who knew an office park could change the world?. Fact: Did you know that Princeton Forrestal Center was once considered cutting-edge? Now it’s just another spot for people to pretend they’re working while browsing cat memes..
- Headline: Moynihan Charges White House Is Trying to Destroy Welfare Bill. Impact: Moynihan's accusations against the White House resulted in an explosion of conspiracy theories about government sabotage, leading to a new genre of political thrillers that made us question everything – including why we still trust politicians.. Fact: Did you know that Moynihan's welfare bill was as popular as a dentist appointment? But hey, at least it got people talking... about how to avoid it!.
- Headline: Trade Center ‘Bomb’. Impact: The 'bomb' incident at the Trade Center led to heightened security measures that eventually resulted in the creation of airport body scanners. Because nothing says 'freedom' like being scanned for weapons before boarding a flight.. Fact: Did you know that the 'hollow bomb' was so unthreatening it could have been used as a prop in a bad comedy? Just imagine the police reports!.
- Headline: Youth in the Rockefeller Crash Was a Top Student.. Impact: The tragic crash involving a bright student sparked discussions about youth safety and mental health, leading to eventual reforms in how we support our young people. Because clearly, we always learn the hard way.. Fact: Did you know that sometimes the brightest minds can face the darkest challenges? It’s an unfortunate reminder that success doesn’t shield you from life’s harsh realities..
- Headline: $36 BILLION IN ARMS INCLUDING NAVY F•18 IS VOTED BY SENATE. Impact: The Senate’s approval of the $36 billion arms package turned military spending into a political sport, leading to ever-increasing budgets and a culture of excess. Who knew that war machines could be so popular?. Fact: Did you know that ‘smaller and less costly’ military carriers are just code for ‘we’ll still blow your budget, but at least it’ll look good on paper’?.
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)