Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON December 12, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Connally Rejects Federal Campaign Funds. Impact: Connally's refusal of campaign funds created a domino effect in political fundraising strategies, leading to the rise of 'independent' funding groups. This ultimately resulted in campaigns so overloaded with cash that they could practically buy a small country...or at least a state.. Fact: Did you know that this decision was seen as revolutionary? Because, you know, nothing says 'I'm a man of the people' like not taking money from them..
- Headline: Misconceptions About Children's Food Allergies. Impact: This revelation about allergies set off a chain reaction in the food industry, leading to a rise in gluten-free, nut-free, and fun-free food options that somehow became a trend. The irony? It turns out the kids weren't even allergic, just picky eaters.. Fact: Did you know that the misconception about food allergies has led to an explosion of alternative diets? Picky eating has never been so trendy!.
- Headline: Advertising. Impact: Miller's promotion caused a ripple effect in corporate structures, resulting in a surge of vice presidents with increasingly absurd titles. Soon enough, companies were hiring Senior Vice Presidents of Vaguely Related Activities.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more inflated than corporate titles is the egos of the people holding them?.
- Headline: Bachrach. Impact: Fickinger's ascension to the presidency of Bachrach resulted in a power shift that made the company a household name in the 'who cares?' department, proving that sometimes leadership changes are as exciting as watching paint dry.. Fact: Did you know that corporate leadership changes are often celebrated with parties? Because nothing screams 'celebration' like a new name on a door..
- Headline: Bomb Damages Russian Mission On East 67th St.. Impact: This bombing incident led to heightened tensions between the US and Soviet Union, ultimately contributing to the creation of more spy movies where the plot twist is always... a bombing. Because nothing says 'espionage' like explosives.. Fact: Did you know that this attack was a reminder that diplomacy often ends with a bang? Quite literally in this case..
- Headline: Chevron And Gulf Accused. Impact: The accusations against Chevron and Gulf triggered a series of lawsuits and regulations that made 'Big Oil' a household name for all the wrong reasons, leading to countless conspiracy theories about how gasoline prices keep rising. Spoiler alert: It's not because of supply and demand.. Fact: Did you know that the oil industry has mastered the art of charging more while saying less? It's like a magician's trick but with your wallet!.
- Headline: NATO VOTING TODAY ON NUCLEAR MISSILES. Impact: The NATO meeting significantly influenced global military strategies, leading to a new era where nuclear missiles became the ultimate bargaining chips. Who knew that a 'meeting of minds' could arm the world?. Fact: Did you know that NATO meetings often resemble family dinners? Lots of arguing over the nuclear options, but no one really wants to talk about the elephant in the room..
- Headline: Dutch Cabinet Considers Missiles. Impact: The Dutch Cabinet's missile discussions led to a regional arms race that made the Cold War look like a friendly game of Monopoly. Everyone wants to get their piece of the action, but nobody's ready to pass 'Go.'. Fact: Did you know that politicians discussing missiles is just like kids arguing over toys? Only with far more serious consequences and less chance of sharing..
- Headline: Army Aides Convinced Hanoi Is Poisoning Laotians. Impact: The allegations of chemical warfare against Laotians escalated international scrutiny on Vietnam, leading to a series of humanitarian efforts that ironically became more about politics than actual aid. Because nothing screams 'help' like politicizing suffering.. Fact: Did you know that this situation led to more investigations than actual help? It's almost like being a victim means becoming a case study instead of a person..
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)