Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON May 9, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: NYC Consumer Survey on Interest Rates. Impact: This survey ignited a financial awakening that eventually led to the rise of the modern-day meme stocks. Who knew that the lack of decent interest rates would fuel a generation of people throwing their money at random companies?. Fact: Interest rates are like that friend who never shows up to the party—everyone complains about them, but no one really knows how to change the situation..
- Headline: Namibia Gains Legislative Promise. Impact: This promise set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to Namibia's independence. Who knew that a mere promise could have such far-reaching consequences? Almost sounds like a plot twist in a superhero movie!. Fact: Namibia's path to independence was so long that it could easily be the plot of a very dramatic soap opera—complete with betrayals and cliffhangers!.
- Headline: Are Small Savers Being Shortchanged?. Impact: This controversy paved the way for the modern banking system, where small savers became the unsung heroes of financial institutions. They may not have gotten the best interest rates, but they sure helped banks get rich!. Fact: If you ever feel like you're being shortchanged by your bank, just remember: somewhere, a bank executive is probably on a yacht, sipping a cocktail made from your savings..
- Headline: Student Editor Backed By Judge After Ouster. Impact: This ruling created a ripple effect that encouraged student journalism across the nation, leading to a generation of reporters with a flair for satire. Who knew a mock newspaper could empower future journalists to mock everything they hold dear?. Fact: Judges backing student journalism is a rare combo—like finding a unicorn in a courtroom! Maybe the judge was just tired of boring legalese and wanted to read some clever satire..
- Headline: Monte F. Boudaily, 85, Headed Globe Syndicate. Impact: Boudaily’s leadership in the Globe Syndicate helped shape media narratives, ultimately leading to the rise of sensationalism in journalism. Thanks to him, we now have an endless stream of 'breaking news' that’s really just fluff!. Fact: Monte Boudaily's name sounds like a character from a noir film. If only he had a fedora and a mystery to solve!.
- Headline: Food CompanyLifts Net 14.8%. Impact: This 14.8% increase in net income inspired food companies to wage war on each other, leading to the creation of bizarre food fusions. Who knew profits could lead to sushi burritos and cronuts?. Fact: When companies report profits, they’re basically giving themselves a high-five while the rest of us are just trying not to cry over our grocery bills..
- Headline: 2 Lie Detector Examiners Differ On Tests of a Talmadge Accuser. Impact: The conflicting testimonies of these examiners set the stage for future courtroom dramas, creating a love affair with courtroom reality shows where everyone is a lawyer and no one actually knows the truth.. Fact: Lie detectors: helping people feel confident in their lies since... well, let’s just say they’re not exactly foolproof..
- Headline: Tougher Communications Law Hinted. Impact: This hint at tougher communications law would eventually lead to a world where we all have to read the fine print, making us all experts in legal jargon. Who knew protecting consumers would require a law degree?. Fact: If you ever feel overwhelmed by the legalese in contracts, just remember: it's all just a really long way of saying 'we're not responsible for your poor decisions.'.
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)