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 July 10, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Substantial Rise in Saudi Oil Output Reported. Impact: This monumental rise in oil output led to the creation of more SUVs than any civilization ever needed. In an alternate timeline, environmentalists protested so hard that they invented a new form of renewable energy – and it involved dancing with trees.. Fact: Did you know that Saudi oil is like a magician? It can make entire economies disappear if the price drops too low..
- Headline: Cornelia Otis Skinner Passes Away at 80. Impact: Cornelia's passing marked the end of an era for witty, cultured performances that combined humor and intelligence. This paved the way for a future where reality TV became a 'thing,' proving that sometimes, our tastes can devolve faster than we can say 'popcorn'.. Fact: Cornelia Otis Skinner was a pioneer of her time, which means she probably had to deal with more than her fair share of 'The Good Old Days' nostalgia from critics..
- Headline: Discontent with Disco Culture. Impact: Robert Vare's disdain for disco music resulted in a backlash that eventually led to the rise of the punk movement. Imagine a world where disco was never a thing, and we all dressed in leather jackets instead of sequins. What a sad, sad world that would have been.. Fact: Fun fact: Discophobia is a real thing, but so is the fear of running out of snacks during a long movie marathon. Priorities, people!.
- Headline: Efforts Increase to Aid Groups That Salvage ‘Unwanted’ Food. Impact: The increase in salvaging unwanted food sparked a global movement that led to food banks everywhere. Eventually, this inspired a reality show called 'Chopped: Dumpster Edition' where chefs competed to create gourmet meals from expired food.. Fact: It's estimated that food waste could fill the Great Wall of China, and yet we still have people arguing over who gets the last slice of pizza..
- Headline: IN THE NATION. Impact: Carter’s energy speech cancellation was like a pebble thrown into the pond of political history, creating waves that would crash into future elections. Who knew that one cancelled speech could lead to a million late-night comedians' routines?. Fact: Public relations blunders are like bad hair days for politicians – they just can't seem to get rid of them..
- Headline: Tax Treaties Approved. Impact: The approval of these treaties set a precedent for international tax collaboration, leading to the eventual global phenomenon of pointing fingers at tax loopholes and politicians who use them like kids in a candy store.. Fact: Fun fact: Tax treaties are like relationship contracts for countries—because who doesn’t want to avoid a messy breakup over double taxation?.
- Headline: DEFINITION OF CRIME CLARIFIED BY PEKING. Impact: This shift in legal definitions paved the way for a more structured judicial system in China, which ultimately influenced criminal justice reforms worldwide. It was like a domino effect, except the dominos were made of laws.. Fact: The evolution of legal systems is fascinating, but let’s face it: no one ever got excited about reading laws – it's like trying to devour a textbook on the history of paper..
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)