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 May 3, 1981
Full News Archive
- Headline: Goldin vs Bronx Leaders on Bus Fees. Impact: This mini-drama led to the establishment of the 'Bus Line Protest Movement' which eventually inspired a sitcom where senior citizens become rebellious bus riders. You can thank Goldin for that laugh track!. Fact: Did you know that holding senior citizens hostage is technically illegal? But hey, who reads the fine print on a bus line contract anyway?.
- Headline: Actor Shares Insights and Trade Secrets. Impact: Anthony Heald's revelation that actors are just people too sparked a worldwide movement where everyone started sharing trade secrets, leading to a global crisis in industries where mystique was actually key, like magic and politics.. Fact: Fun fact: Actors are not actually wizards, but their ability to disappear into a role sometimes makes you wonder if they've stumbled upon some ancient sorcery!.
- Headline: Owl and Pussycat at the Crossroads. Impact: The lack of direction in 'The Owl and the Pussycat' ironically became a guiding principle for future playwrights, leading to a decade of intentionally confusing theater that audiences still pretend to understand.. Fact: Did you know that sometimes plays go nowhere on purpose? It’s called 'artistic expression'—the fancy way of saying, 'I forgot to write an ending.'.
- Headline: NEW EDITION OF BIBLE. Impact: The release of a new Bible edition sparked a series of debates on modern interpretations, which led to a faction of literalists who believed every comma was a divine revelation—resulting in the creation of the Church of the Punctuation.. Fact: In medieval times, owning a Bible was like having a rare Pokémon card—except instead of trading it, you had to guard it with your life. No wonder they took so long to make copies!.
- Headline: U.S. WATER RULES CITED AS RATES INCREASE. Impact: This increase in water rates led to the rise of backyard rainwater harvesting, which is now the primary means for hipsters to claim they are living sustainably while complaining about the cost of artisan water.. Fact: Did you know that water is technically the most expensive drink in the world? Just kidding! It's actually the least expensive, but you wouldn’t know it from your last bill..
- Headline: PEACE CORPS RECALLED. Impact: Margaret Chamberlin’s experience in the Peace Corps contributed to a surge in volunteerism, making it so fashionable that even reality TV shows started showcasing 'volunteer vacations' as a trendy way to get likes.. Fact: The Peace Corps has sent over 240,000 volunteers to 141 countries. That’s a lot of people trying to improve the world while also figuring out how to avoid being eaten by local wildlife!.
- Headline: DNA & SONS: A HIGH RISK VENTURE. Impact: The race for genetic engineering funding inadvertently led to a boom in bizarre reality shows where contestants compete to create the weirdest hybrid animals. You can blame this for the existence of the 'Liger' and its sensational Instagram following.. Fact: Did you know that genetic engineering is one of the few industries where 'high risk' sounds a lot cooler than it actually is? Don't worry, they don't actually make you sign a waiver... yet..
- Headline: A CONSULTANT'S VIEW OF A GOVERNOR'S ROLE. Impact: This sage advice led to a slew of political consultants who coined the phrase 'managerial charisma,' which basically means you can be a boring leader as long as you smile and nod at the right moments.. Fact: Ever notice how politicians always seem to have a consultant whispering in their ear? It’s because being genuine is hard work, and they prefer to keep it to a minimum!.
- Headline: ANTIQUES; TREASURE HUNTING AT THE FLEA MARKETS. Impact: The rise of flea market treasure hunting turned millions into amateur appraisers, leading to a generation of people who mistakenly think they can find a Picasso in Grandma's attic. Spoiler: it's usually just a broken vase.. Fact: Did you know that 'antique' is just a fancy word for 'old junk'? But hey, one person's junk is another person's vintage treasure—or at least that's what they tell themselves!.
Wall Street Time Machine
INTC
Intel
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1981, it would be worth $155,194 today (155.2x return)