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 May 7, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Celebrating Harold Clurman's Legacy. Impact: This glamorous gathering set off a chain reaction that led to a nationwide obsession with celebrity tributes, ultimately resulting in a reality show dedicated to honoring the forgotten heroes of thrift store fashion. Clurman was just the beginning!. Fact: Did you know Harold Clurman was so influential that his name became synonymous with theatrical genius, while most attendees were just hoping for a free cocktail?.
- Headline: Senate Eases Jet Noise Regulations. Impact: This momentous decision rippled through time, leading to the rise of 'Jet Noise Appreciation Clubs,' where members gather to celebrate the soothing sounds of overactive engines while sipping overpriced lattes. Thank you, Senate!. Fact: Did you know that the only thing quieter than the Senate's debates on noise pollution is the sound of your dreams of a peaceful night’s sleep?.
- Headline: Arthur Blyth's Jazz Quintet at Public Theater. Impact: The performance was so electrifying that it inspired a generation of musicians to form bands based solely on the color of their berets. In a parallel universe, jazz is now exclusively played by artists wearing socks with sandals.. Fact: Did you know that saxophones were originally invented for people who wanted to play the clarinet but found it too quiet?.
- Headline: Bees Endangered by Insecticide Resembling Pollen. Impact: This tragic event led to an urgent, albeit misguided, fashion trend where people began wearing bee costumes to raise awareness, resulting in the world's first 'Pollinator Parade' where actual bees were not amused.. Fact: Did you know that without bees, we could lose a third of our food supply? So, yes, it’s not just a honey crisis; it's a human crisis!.
- Headline: Notes on People. Impact: This headline set off a flurry of political maneuvering that culminated in a bizarre game show called 'Who's Your Candidate?' where contestants vied for the title of Best Potential Senator based on their ability to pander.. Fact: Did you know that political endorsements are often less about merit and more about who can throw the best party? Just ask Mayor Koch!.
- Headline: New Relay for Voice of America. Impact: The launch of this satellite relay inadvertently led to the creation of 'Global Gossip Networks,' where misinformation travels faster than any signal, proving that the truth is still taking the scenic route.. Fact: Did you know that 'Voice of America' was originally considered a band name before they realized it was just a radio network? Spoiler: they never made it to the top of the charts..
- Headline: Sharp Rise in Success For Heart Transplants Is Hailed by Specialist. Impact: This breakthrough marked a pivotal moment in medical history, shifting perspectives on organ transplants and paving the way for reality TV shows about surgeons who save lives while navigating dramatic personal dilemmas.. Fact: Did you know that heart transplants were once considered so rare that each successful surgery came with a party invite? You know, to celebrate the heartbeat of hope!.
- Headline: AUSTRIAN SOCIALISTS INCREASE MAJORITY. Impact: This election result not only strengthened the Socialist party but also sparked a chain of events that led to the creation of 'Socialist Dance Parties' across Austria, where everyone is encouraged to dance like nobody's watching—because they probably aren’t.. Fact: Did you know that in Austria, voting is less about politics and more about the best schnitzel served during campaign season?.
- Headline: KHOMEINI ORGANIZES A NEW ARMED FORCE. Impact: This move fundamentally transformed the political landscape in Iran, leading to decades of conflict but also inadvertently inspiring a series of action films where the rebels always win against impossible odds, albeit with questionable plot twists.. Fact: Did you know that Khomeini's revolutionary ideas are still studied today, not just in political science, but also in film schools for their dramatic flair?.
- Headline: Music: Bach Cello Suites by Neikrug. Impact: This performance reinvigorated interest in classical music, leading to an unexpected rise in hipster bars featuring 'Bach and Brews' nights, where patrons are encouraged to sip craft beer while pretending to understand baroque compositions.. Fact: Did you know that the Bach Cello Suites are so timeless that they might even make your neighbor's off-key karaoke sound somewhat bearable?.
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)