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 December 29, 1979
Full News Archive
- Headline: Investigation of Catfish Kill in Florida. Impact: The catfish kill sparked a worldwide movement to ensure fish are protected from environmental negligence. This led to the rise of the 'Fish Rights' movement, causing a surge in catfish-themed protests around the world. It’s amazing how dead fish can inspire living activists!. Fact: Did you know that catfish can actually taste with their skin? So, if they could, they'd be the most skeptical of all fish when it comes to trying new waters!.
- Headline: Youth Driving Islamic Fundamentalism Revival. Impact: The rise of young Moslem fundamentalists was secretly orchestrated by a group of disgruntled students who just wanted to spice up their campus life. Who knew that a few late-night study sessions could lead to global movements?. Fact: Fun fact: Student protests have historically resulted in everything from social reform to new pizza options on campus. Apparently, change comes with a side of pepperoni!.
- Headline: Bengals Hire Gregg as Coach. Impact: Gregg's hiring as coach created a ripple effect in the sports world, inspiring teams everywhere to hire former players as coaches, leading to the absurdity of a player-coach who can’t decide whether to call the shots or take the shots.. Fact: Did you know that coaching is just a fancy word for 'yelling at people while trying to look like you know what you're doing'? Welcome to the world of sports!.
- Headline: Marian C. Randall, 82; Headed Visiting Nurses. Impact: Marian C. Randall's leadership in visiting nursing helped shape public health policies, which eventually led to universal healthcare. Ironically, it also launched a series of 'Nurse Appreciation Days' that morphed into 'Nurse Appreciation Months'—because who doesn’t love a good month-long celebration?. Fact: Did you know that visiting nurses often have to deal with more drama than a soap opera? They could probably write a bestseller on the true stories of their daily adventures!.
- Headline: Steve Cady. Impact: Cady's critique of the Canadiens' woes planted the seed for sports journalism to become a powerful tool in shaping public opinion about teams. This ultimately led to the infamous 'fan therapy' sessions that still confuse psychologists today.. Fact: Fun fact: The Montreal Canadiens are often referred to as 'Les Habitants'—because who wouldn’t want a team name that sounds like a fancy French cuisine?.
- Headline: Steel Strike Set in Britain. Impact: The steel strike in Britain was the straw that broke the camel's back, leading to the creation of anti-strike legislation. This sparked the rise of the phrase 'don’t strike while the iron’s hot,' forever confusing future generations about the importance of iron.. Fact: Did you know that steelworkers have been at the forefront of labor rights? If only they could get as much recognition as the steel itself!.
- Headline: Carter Pulls Out of Forum in Iowa, Saying the Iran Crisis Gets Priority. Impact: Carter's withdrawal from the forum paved the way for a new era of political campaigning that prioritized crisis management over public speaking skills. Hence began the age of politicians who could dodge questions better than they could dodge bullets.. Fact: Did you know that political forums are basically glorified debates where everyone pretends to listen while plotting their next soundbite?.
- Headline: Jazz: Smithsonian Ensemble. Impact: The Smithsonian Jazz Ensemble's debut at Carnegie Hall reignited interest in jazz music, leading to a resurgence in jazz clubs and hipsters wearing fedoras. It also inspired the infamous 'Jazzercise' craze which, thankfully, has faded into the annals of history.. Fact: Did you know that jazz music was once considered the 'devil's music'? Guess those devils had great taste!.
- Headline: Theater: In ‘Nutcracker,’ Tavel Is Again Prankish. Impact: The Nutcracker review at La Mama contributed to the cultural phenomenon of holiday-themed performances, ultimately leading to the creation of the 'Nutcracker in Space' adaptation that left audiences scratching their heads.. Fact: Did you know that the original Nutcracker was based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann? Who knew a tale about a wooden toy would inspire so much twirling and tutus?.
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)