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 April 1, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Three Mile Island Radiation Incident. Impact: This incident sparked a wave of distrust in corporate communications that would ripple through decades, leading to the invention of the phrase 'fake news'—because if they could lie about radiation, what else could they lie about? Spoiler: a lot.. Fact: Despite claiming all is well, the employees probably developed superpowers. Or maybe just a persistent glow..
- Headline: China Considers Joining Nuclear Oversight Agency. Impact: China's interest led to a decade of diplomatic tap dancing, eventually resulting in more high-stakes negotiations than a game of chess between grandmasters. The world now holds its breath every time they cough.. Fact: Taiwan's nuclear ambitions are like a soap opera—lots of drama, but thankfully, no explosions... yet..
- Headline: Grass-Roots Innovation in Lawn Care. Impact: The push for better grass varieties set off a turf war (pun intended) that would lead to the eventual rise of lawn care influencers and a questionable obsession with the perfect lawn.. Fact: Kentucky Bluegrass is so desirable that it probably has its own fan club. No, seriously—lawn enthusiasts unite!.
- Headline: Oh Fed, Where Is Thy Sting?. Impact: This decision caused ripples in the housing market that would echo through time, resulting in several generations of people wondering why they can’t afford a shoebox in the city.. Fact: The Federal Reserve's monetary policy is about as clear as mud; good luck deciphering it without a degree in economics and a fortune teller..
- Headline: Debate on Safety of Nuclear Plants Intensifies in the Tristate Area. Impact: The fallout from the 3 Mile Island accident intensified public skepticism about nuclear energy, leading to more renewable energy initiatives—because who doesn’t want to put their faith in windmills and solar panels?. Fact: Nuclear safety debates have more twists than a pretzel. At this point, it’s like a political thriller, minus the thrilling part..
- Headline: DINING OUT. Impact: The rise of dining establishments like Fabric Cafe paved the way for the hipster food movement, leading to avocado toast being the new gold standard of brunch—it all started with a nice review.. Fact: If you think dining out is a modern concept, just wait until you see how many people were actually reviewing ancient Roman banquets on Yelp..
- Headline: ART. Impact: Peter Freudenthal’s geometric abstract paintings contributed to the modern art movement, prompting countless debates about whether a blank canvas was truly art—a discussion that continues to baffle even the most educated art critics.. Fact: If abstract art is just shapes and colors, then I’m pretty sure my doodles during meetings qualify as masterpieces..
- Headline: Reviving the Dream: A Westport View. Impact: The formation of a new civil rights organization inspired countless social justice movements, leading to a ripple effect that would eventually bring us to today's passionate activism—because making a difference is always in vogue.. Fact: CORE's legacy is like a fine wine; it gets better with age, but unfortunately, some of the issues persist like an uninvited guest at a party..
- Headline: Sir Charles and the Forte Succession. Impact: Sir Charles Forte’s success in hospitality set a benchmark for the service industry, leading to the birth of luxury hotels and the modern traveler’s obsession with Instagrammable stays.. Fact: Trust Houses Forte was so successful that it probably has more loyal fans than your average pop star—who knew hotels could steal hearts?.
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)