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 October 19, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: NATO's Deterrent Power in Jeopardy. Impact: If NATO had chosen to deploy those missiles, we might have seen a surge in Cold War paranoia, leading to a global trend of collecting survivalist supplies like canned beans and bunkers, influencing the rise of reality TV prepping shows decades later.. Fact: Fun fact: NATO’s deterrent power is like a high school prom date—everyone’s worried about it but no one really knows what to do if it shows up..
- Headline: Fed Raises Bill Rate to 12.02%. Impact: This rate hike sent shockwaves through the economy, causing a chain reaction where people started hiding their cash under mattresses, inadvertently sparking a home decor trend of 'vintage cash storage.'. Fact: Did you know? When interest rates rise, so do the chances of you having to explain to your grandparents why you can't afford to buy a house—thanks, Fed!.
- Headline: The Legacy of Hawkins' Passing. Impact: The passing of Hawkins led to a series of events that ultimately resulted in a new movement for memorials, inspiring a generation of people to take up crafting as a hobby to honor those who had passed.. Fact: Hawkins’ death reminds us that mortality is just a gentle nudge from the universe to prioritize that long-neglected bucket list..
- Headline: By and About Elytis. Impact: The publication of works about Elytis inadvertently influenced the popularity of Greek cuisine in literary circles, leading to an explosion of tzatziki recipes in the 80s, which still haunt dinner parties today.. Fact: Did you know? Odysseus Elytis wrote poetry so beautiful that it’s rumored even his grocery lists were published as bestsellers..
- Headline: 40% in Survey Say Inflation Is Major Issue for 1980 Race. Impact: The inflation concerns led to a series of economic policies that would eventually spark debates over brunch prices—resulting in the first-ever avocado toast tax in 2020.. Fact: Fun fact: In 1980, inflation was such a hot topic that it probably had its own fan club. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t very popular..
- Headline: GUERRILLAS ACCEPT RHODESIAN CHARTER PROPOSED BY BRITISH. Impact: This acceptance set off a domino effect in diplomatic negotiations, ultimately leading to a trend of nations believing they could solve problems by simply sitting down for coffee, a practice that continues today... sometimes with pastries.. Fact: The acceptance of the Rhodesian charter was about as popular as a surprise pop quiz in a history class—necessary but no one was thrilled about it..
- Headline: O'Neill Asks Speed on Fuel Help. Impact: O'Neill's plea for quicker fuel assistance led to a rash of government-funded heating assistance programs, inadvertently creating a new generation of 'heating bill warriors'—the unsung heroes of winter.. Fact: Did you know? Asking for speed in Congress is like asking a sloth to run a marathon—good luck with that!.
- Headline: Elytis, Greek Lyric Poet, Is Given The Nobel Award for Literature. Impact: Elytis’ win inspired countless poets and writers to pick up their pens, leading to an explosion of cringe-worthy poetry slams that still haunt coffee shops today.. Fact: Odysseus Elytis winning the Nobel Prize for Literature was such big news, even the ancient Greeks probably raised their eyebrows and said, 'Finally!'.
- Headline: A Lyric, Poetic Greek Voice That Has a Special Texture. Impact: This lyrical appreciation led to a sudden trend in textured poetry, resulting in a rather unfortunate movement where people started comparing poetry to fabric swatches.. Fact: Did you know? In poetry circles, the term 'texture' now refers not to the quality of the verse but to how many different fabric patterns one can incorporate into a reading—great for fashion, not so much for literature..
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)