Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON November 14, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: NYC Retail Sales Surge in October. Impact: The increase in sales led to an influx of hipster coffee shops and overpriced avocado toast, forever altering brunch culture in NYC and beyond. Who knew a 13.5% sales gain would lead to a nationwide obsession with artisanal everything?. Fact: Did you know that NYC retailers have been on an upward sales trend long enough to rival the stock market? If only their profits reflected the cost of living!.
- Headline: Energy Chief's Pessimistic Outlook on Oil. Impact: Swearingen's gloomy predictions sparked a national panic that led to the creation of alternative energy sources—some of which are now used to power ironic hipster bicycles. Thanks, pessimism!. Fact: If only Jane Fonda knew her protests would lead to more yoga studios and organic cafes. Talk about an ironic twist!.
- Headline: Tanker Blaze Contained Near Texas Coast. Impact: The successful maneuvering of the tanker prevented an environmental disaster that could have turned Texas into a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. Instead, it just kept the oil flowing, ensuring that gas prices remained a constant source of outrage.. Fact: Did you know that 12 million gallons of crude oil can cause more drama than any reality TV show? Just imagine the ratings!.
- Headline: Supreme Court Roundup; Shopping Area Wins a Review Over Leafleting. Impact: The Supreme Court's decision on leafleting sparked a new era of public discourse, leading to both the rise of grassroots movements and an explosion of unsolicited pamphlets in your mailbox. Thanks a lot, democracy!. Fact: Did you know that leafleting is basically the original version of social media? Just less scrolling and more paper cuts!.
- Headline: Helping To Match School And Child; Helping to Match School and Child. Impact: The rise of private school placement counseling led to a new industry of consultants who now charge parents an arm and a leg to find the 'perfect' school. Because who needs a solid education when you can pay for a fancy name?. Fact: Did you know that with over 800 private schools, the hardest decision for parents is no longer 'what school?' but 'which overpriced tuition can we afford?'.
- Headline: Boom Year for South Africa; Boom Year for South Africa Gold Offsets Capital Flight Mining Profits Set Records. Impact: South Africa's gold boom inadvertently fueled a global obsession with gold jewelry, leading to countless regrettable fashion choices in the '80s. Thanks, mining profits!. Fact: Did you know that gold was once $386 an ounce? Now it’s just a sign of how far you can go into debt for a shiny rock!.
- Headline: Evaluating Prep Schools. Impact: The evaluation of prep schools paved the way for a rise in elitism and the creation of the term 'legacy student,' ensuring that privilege would continue to be passed down through the generations. Because what’s better than nepotism?. Fact: Did you know prep schools often charge more for the privilege of being snobby? It’s like paying for a VIP pass to the social ladder!.
- Headline: CURRENCY MARKETS; Bank of Japan Steps In To Rescue Sagging Yen. Impact: The Bank of Japan's intervention was the first step in a long saga of currency manipulation that would eventually lead to more confusing financial policies and a never-ending struggle to understand economics. Thanks, Japan!. Fact: Did you know that the yen's value fluctuates more than a reality TV star's relationship status? Welcome to the wild world of currency!.
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)