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 December 25, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: Tribal Courts Take Charge of Child Custody. Impact: The decision to let tribal courts handle child custody cases set off a chain reaction that resulted in the empowerment of Indigenous rights movements worldwide. Who knew a simple legal decision could lead to a global uprising for justice and equality? Just a small shift in the legal landscape, and boom – the world starts examining its colonial past. Talk about a butterfly with some serious wing power!. Fact: Did you know that the Indian Child Welfare Act was introduced in 1978 after a shocking 25-35% of Indian children were being removed from their homes? Apparently, the government had a knack for family separation long before it became a trending topic..
- Headline: Victory Over C-Rations Announced. Impact: The end of C-rations led to a culinary renaissance in the military, resulting in soldiers who could finally enjoy edible food. This culinary upgrade not only improved morale but also inadvertently inspired a new generation of military chefs who would later dominate the Food Network. Thanks, Pentagon!. Fact: Did you know that C-rations were designed to last forever but tasted like cardboard? It’s like they were preparing soldiers for a lifetime of dining at bad diners..
- Headline: Helping Schools to Help Themselves. Impact: Macchiarola's budget proposal, while optimistic, set a precedent for future budgets that would either lead to innovative educational reforms or a series of hilarious financial disasters. It’s a toss-up, really. Either way, the kids are still waiting for their textbooks.. Fact: Did you know that educational funding debates have been around longer than most of the proposals themselves? It's like a never-ending game of 'who can ignore our kids the longest.'.
- Headline: TROUBLED COLLEGES KEEP BUSINESS GOING. Impact: The investigation into troubled colleges and their recruitment tactics set the stage for today’s mega-universities that thrive on international student tuition. It’s a win for the schools and a head-scratcher for students trying to figure out if they’re getting an education or a marketing campaign.. Fact: Did you know that 'risky recruitment' sounds a lot like a reality TV show? Coming soon: 'The Real Students of Higher Education!'.
- Headline: Louis de Rochemont, 79, Is Dead; Producer of Film Documentaries. Impact: Louis de Rochemont's passing marked the end of an era in documentary filmmaking, leading to a decade of mediocre attempts at storytelling before the rise of modern documentaries. But hey, at least we got some great Netflix content out of it!. Fact: Did you know that Louis de Rochemont's documentaries were so groundbreaking that they paved the way for today's filmmakers? Talk about being ahead of your time!.
- Headline: The Editorial Notebook Tut Tut. Impact: Ada Louise Huxtable's commentary on architectural exhibits contributed to the modern appreciation of architecture as an art form, influencing countless architects to create buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Who knew a little notebook could change the skyline?. Fact: Did you know that Ada Louise Huxtable was one of the first women to make a name for herself in architectural criticism? It’s about time someone told architects that buildings need to look good, not just stand up!.
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)