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 February 21, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Camp David Peace Talks Reopening Today. Impact: This peace talk led to the Camp David Accords, which not only reshaped Middle Eastern politics but also inspired countless sitcoms about awkward diplomatic dinners. Who knew peace negotiations could lead to punchlines?. Fact: Did you know that Camp David is also a popular vacation spot? Just imagine the awkward conversations between world leaders and families on summer break..
- Headline: Bidding Wars for School Bus Contracts. Impact: This decision triggered a competitive bidding war that resulted in school buses becoming the hottest commodity since Beanie Babies in the 90s. Who knew yellow could be so lucrative?. Fact: Fun fact: School buses are often referred to as 'big yellow taxis' by children who just want to get home faster..
- Headline: Ormandy's Majestic 'Creation' Performance. Impact: Ormandy's performance stirred such inspiration that it led to a nationwide surge in piano lessons, resulting in a generation of kids who can play 'Chopsticks' but not much else.. Fact: Did you know that 'The Creation' has been performed more times than most pop concerts? It’s like the original 'greatest hits' album, but with more harps..
- Headline: Mobil Aids Bullet‐Vest Fund. Impact: Mobil's donation to bullet-proof vests not only saved lives but also sparked an entire industry dedicated to making fashionable armor. Who knew police could be runway-ready?. Fact: Fun fact: The first bulletproof vests were made for the mob. Talk about a fashion statement in crime!.
- Headline: Washington, Helped by Farmers And Shovelers, Nearing Normal. Impact: This moment of community spirit inspired an annual 'Shoveling Together Day,' where everyone forgets their differences and just clears out the snow. Who knew snowy weather could bring people together?. Fact: Did you know that in Washington, 'nearing normal' is basically code for 'we're still figuring it out but at least there's no snow right now'?.
- Headline: The Charge of the Right Brigade. Impact: This comment about political opportunism set off a chain reaction of everyone suddenly becoming an armchair political analyst. Now everyone has an opinion, and they're not afraid to tweet about it.. Fact: Did you know that political commentary has become more popular than cat videos? Just kidding, nothing will ever top cat videos..
- Headline: The Kingdom and the World: 1 Saudi Life: An Anvil. Impact: This article helped reinforce the idea that oil is king, leading to a global obsession with fossil fuels and a slight increase in conspiracy theories about aliens using oil as currency. The truth is out there, people!. Fact: Fun fact: Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth is so massive that if you stacked all the money, it could probably reach the moon. Or at least a very high cloud..
- Headline: Issues in School Unions Dispute. Impact: The disputes led to a nationwide 'Unionize Everything' movement, resulting in your local coffee shop workers demanding to be paid in lattes and respect. Welcome to the future!. Fact: Did you know that school unions have been fighting for better pay since the dawn of time? It’s like the original version of 'keep your job or get a better one.'.
- Headline: Talks to Resume Today in Strike Of 37 Days by St. Louis Teachers. Impact: The prolonged strike inspired a new genre of protest songs, with teachers becoming the unexpected rock stars of the education system. Who knew that power chords could be so educational?. Fact: Did you know that teachers are often better negotiators than your average parent? They have to deal with kids every day, after all..
- Headline: Conference Is Told of Advances in Research and Therapy That Alleviate Chronic Pain. Impact: This conference led to a groundbreaking shift in pain management, prompting a rise in wellness trends like yoga and essential oils, turning everyone into a 'pain expert' overnight. Namaste.. Fact: Fun fact: Chronic pain can be alleviated with a good cup of coffee and a motivational quote. Just ask anyone with a 'live, laugh, love' sign in their kitchen..
Wall Street Time Machine
WMT
Walmart
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1979, it would be worth $6,997,064 today (6997.1x return)
INTC
Intel
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1979, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1979, it would be worth $417,979 today (418.0x return)