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 15, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Solar Power's Economic Benefits for Long Island. Impact: This study on solar power sparked a grassroots movement that eventually led to the establishment of solar panels in every neighborhood—yes, even on that one guy's house who thinks he’s saving the world by buying organic bananas. Who knew saving the planet would be the new cool?. Fact: Did you know that solar energy is considered a renewable resource? Unlike your enthusiasm for visiting the gym, it actually lasts!.
- Headline: Indonesia Increases Oil Prices Significantly. Impact: By raising oil prices, Indonesia inadvertently set off a chain reaction that led to an increase in electric scooters and bicycles. Suddenly, hipsters in every city were racing to be the first to make their coffee runs on two wheels—who knew oil could be so trendy?. Fact: Fun fact: The price of oil fluctuates more than my mood after a long day. Buckle up!.
- Headline: Congress to Investigate Iran Hostage Crisis. Impact: This inquiry led to such intense political debates that, years later, Congress decided to hold hearings on the color of the sky, just to give everyone more to argue about. The ripple effect? A nation divided over atmospheric hues!. Fact: Did you know that Congress is famous for its long-winded speeches? They could give a TED Talk on the importance of talking without saying anything at all!.
- Headline: House Revises Beef Imports. Impact: Allowing more foreign meat opened the floodgates for a culinary invasion. Suddenly, BBQs became an international affair—who knew brisket and bangers could unite people more than political speeches?. Fact: Did you know that the beef industry is so large, it could probably run for president? And it’d probably have a better approval rating!.
- Headline: ‘Bent’ to Be 2d Play to Open at New Apollo. Impact: This play opening at the Apollo sparked a revival of Broadway that made theatergoers think they were witnessing the renaissance of arts. Spoiler alert: It was just a lot of singing about feelings.. Fact: Did you know that Broadway shows can be so dramatic, even the intermissions get standing ovations? No pressure!.
- Headline: Action Disturbs Financial Circles. Impact: The freeze on Iranian assets caused a worldwide financial panic, prompting other nations to rethink their banking strategies. The result? A global 'keep your money under your mattress' initiative was born—so much for interest rates!. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'money talks' is often true, unless it's frozen, in which case it just sits there awkwardly..
- Headline: Open Oil Market Firm. Impact: Iran finding a new buyer for its crude oil led to a shift in the global oil market, which eventually resulted in a dramatic increase in the price of gas—because who doesn't love paying more for less?. Fact: Did you know that oil prices are like a game of Monopoly? You think you’re winning until you land on Park Place and suddenly you're bankrupt!.
- Headline: Budget Director, Defending Carter, Warns of Political ‘Easy Solutions’. Impact: The warning against political easy solutions led to a long-standing tradition of politicians making promises they can't keep, which continues today. Thanks, James T. McIntyre Jr. for the legacy of empty rhetoric!. Fact: Did you know that politicians often promise the moon but deliver a rock? At least rocks are good for skipping across lakes..
- Headline: Pianist: Gilels Plays Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Impact: The return of contract negotiations led to the rise of concert tours that are now more complex than a NASA launch sequence. Who knew a pianist’s schedule could be more complicated than world diplomacy?. Fact: Did you know that musicians often negotiate contracts that rival the length of a novel? Maybe they should just start writing bestsellers instead!.
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)