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 June 23, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Steel Price Increases by Major Companies. Impact: When J.&L. decided to raise steel prices, it set off a chain reaction that ultimately led to the invention of the inflatable steel beanie hat—an essential item for those who couldn’t afford proper headgear after the price hike.. Fact: Steel prices are like your ex—always going up when you least expect it..
- Headline: Stuttgart Ballet's NY Premiere Showcase. Impact: The premiere of 'Return to the Strange Land' inspired a generation of dancers to abandon traditional choreography for interpretive styles that looked suspiciously like they were just flailing about. Thanks, Jiri!. Fact: Ballet is just like a soap opera—lots of drama without the need for dialogue..
- Headline: Carter's Response to Truckers' Strike. Impact: The truckers' strike not only caused layoffs but also led to the invention of the delivery drone. Because if you can't get your chocolate, you might as well order it from the future.. Fact: Did you know that Hershey's chocolate was once considered a luxury? Now, it's a staple for every couch potato—thank you, truckers!.
- Headline: Europeans Urge Action to Freeze Oil‐Import Level. Impact: The oil freeze initiative inadvertently sparked the rise of eco-friendly cars, as people were left with no choice but to find alternatives. Who knew a bunch of politicians could lead to Tesla?. Fact: Oil prices fluctuate like my mood on a Monday morning—just when you think they’re stable, boom! A new crisis..
- Headline: Palomino Floored Once. Impact: Duran's victory made him a legend, but it also led to a bizarre trend of people naming their pets after him, which resulted in an uptick in dog fights at the local park—clearly, not the kind of fighting we endorse.. Fact: Did you know that Roberto Duran’s nickname was 'Manos de Piedra'? If only he could have taught my ex that lesson!.
- Headline: Social Security Chief Starting Drive To Give Women Equal Treatment. Impact: Ross's push for equal treatment helped pave the way for the modern-day debates about gender pay gaps, which are still going strong—like a bad sequel that nobody asked for.. Fact: Fun fact: Social Security was originally designed to be just as difficult to understand as tax returns. It’s like they wanted us to suffer..
- Headline: Challenger Surprises Crowd. Impact: Holmes's TKO victory not only secured his championship but also led to an increase in people claiming to be 'experts' on boxing, complete with unsolicited advice at every bar.. Fact: The only thing more surprising than Holmes's victory is the sheer number of people who still think they can out-box a heavyweight champion—spoiler alert: they can’t..
- Headline: Marx Regains Foils Title In National Fencing Meet. Impact: Marx regaining the foils title sparked a renewed interest in fencing, leading to an awkward spike in Renaissance fairs where more people were trying to stab each other with foam swords.. Fact: Fencing is the only sport where you can wear a mask and still be socially acceptable. So, if you've ever wanted to duel someone without the judgment—here’s your chance!.
- Headline: For the Parent in Doubt, a Book of Answers. Impact: The book on parenting turned many parents into self-proclaimed experts, resulting in a new generation of kids who can recite every parenting strategy but still can’t tie their shoes.. Fact: Parenting books are like diet plans—everyone buys them, but very few actually follow the advice!.
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)