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 March 21, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Nuclear Waste Disposal Agreement in New York. Impact: Decades later, the decision to dispose of nuclear waste just outside New York State sparked a series of horror movies where radioactive waste mutated local wildlife into terrifying creatures. Who knew that a bad decision could lead to the next blockbuster franchise?. Fact: Fun fact: In New York, it's not just the nuclear waste that's radioactive; the political discussions around it can be equally explosive!.
- Headline: Oklahoma Suspect Speaks After Year of Silence. Impact: The suspect's break in silence led to a media frenzy that transformed courtroom dramas into a reality TV genre. Now, instead of justice being served, we just binge-watch celebrities squabble over who gets to sit in the jury box.. Fact: Did you know that sometimes, silence speaks louder than words? Especially when you're trying to avoid a courtroom full of relatives during the holidays!.
- Headline: Roan Consolidated. Impact: Roan Consolidated's profits inadvertently funded a new era of copper jewelry fashion, leading to the rise of hipster artisans who now charge exorbitant prices for what was once just scrap metal. Thanks, Roan!. Fact: Did you know that copper is not just a metal, but also a great way to impress your friends at parties? Just casually mention how it used to be the 'it' material before the rise of plastic!.
- Headline: Bell Names Former U.S. Attorney To Investigate Carter Peanut Loans. Impact: The investigation into peanut loans led to a nationwide obsession with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Thus, the humble sandwich became the highlight of school lunches, creating a generation of kids who were never quite sure what a 'real' meal was.. Fact: Did you know that most people believe peanut butter is a food group? It’s practically the food pyramid’s secret weapon!.
- Headline: Woman, 78, Battles for Her Apartment. Impact: The ongoing battle for the apartment became a symbol of the rent-controlled struggle, inspiring a new reality show called 'Who Wants to Keep Their Rent?' where contestants vie for the ultimate prize: a lifetime lease.. Fact: Did you know that in New York, fighting for your apartment can feel like a game show? Except instead of a car, you get the privilege of paying rent for a place that may or may not have hot water!.
- Headline: 9 Automatic Stoplights Inaugurated by Peking. Impact: Peking's introduction of automatic stoplights inadvertently led to a global obsession with traffic control technology, paving the way for TikTok influencers to dance in front of them, claiming to spread awareness about road safety while ignoring all forms of personal safety.. Fact: Did you know that the real traffic jam is caused by pedestrians trying to take the perfect selfie in front of a stoplight? Safety first, right?.
- Headline: Dominican Republic Is Lent $185 Million. Impact: The Dominican Republic's substantial loan led to a generation of future economists who believed that borrowing was the key to prosperity. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t, but it sure made for some interesting dinner conversations.. Fact: Fun fact: In finance, asking for a loan is basically like saying 'I love you' but only if you can pay me back with interest!.
- Headline: Sad Hoffman Tells of Film Suit. Impact: Dustin Hoffman's legal woes inspired a wave of actors to file suits against their studios, leading to a new trend where actors spend more time in court than on set. Hollywood's new motto: 'Why act when you can litigate?'. Fact: Did you know that suing in Hollywood is like getting a sequel? Everyone wants their chance to shine, even if it’s in the courtroom!.
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)