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 March 31, 1983
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring Monty Python's 'The Meaning of Life'. Impact: This movie sparked a generation of absurdist humor, leading to countless awkward family dinners where people quoted lines instead of engaging in actual conversation. Who knew a skit about a man being eaten by a giant fish would inspire future comedians to dive into existential crises?. Fact: Did you know that Monty Python actually considered naming the film 'The Meaning of Life: How to Eat a Fish?' It was a tough decision, but they figured they should broaden their audience beyond just those who enjoy seafood..
- Headline: The Home Computer Revolution Begins. Impact: The advent of home computers turned our living rooms into epicenters of procrastination. Little did anyone know that the quest to figure out where to place a bulky desktop would lead to the eventual rise of couch-bound tech enthusiasts and 'work-from-home' culture.. Fact: Did you know that home computers were initially marketed as family-friendly? It turns out that 'family-friendly' really just meant 'you'll never see your kids again once they discover video games.'.
- Headline: HERS. Impact: The 'Hers' column championed women's voices, eventually giving rise to a multitude of platforms advocating for women's rights and representation. Who knew that a column could be a catalyst for social change, like a butterfly flapping its wings and causing a hurricane of empowerment?. Fact: Fun fact: The first 'Hers' column was actually just a recipe for a pie. It quickly evolved when the editor realized that women had more to say than just how to bake. Shocking, right?.
- Headline: HELPFUL HARDWARE; FOR CHILDREN'S SAFETY. Impact: This call for child safety led to an avalanche of product innovations that shaped parenting styles. Who would have thought that a simple push to eliminate hazards would result in an entire industry dedicated to making sure parents never relax again?. Fact: Did you know that the first child-proof bottle was invented in the 1960s? It took scientists years to realize that parents could just hide the medicine in a place kids can't reach... like 'that' high shelf..
- Headline: BUYING SECOND-HAND FILE CABINETS AND OTHER USED ITEMS. Impact: The rise of second-hand office furniture paved the way for a generation of hipster entrepreneurs who now proudly display their thrift store finds. The butterfly flaps its wings, and suddenly, everyone thinks they're a minimalist, ironically.. Fact: Fun fact: The first file cabinet was invented in 1898, and it was a massive hit—mainly because there were no other options for organizing papers. Now, people just pile them in a corner and call it 'artistic chaos.'.
- Headline: STEP ONE: GETTING THE WORLD TO ANSWER YOUR CALLS. Impact: The struggle to get responses from the outside world led to the creation of countless communication apps, making it even easier to ignore people. Thanks to this, we now have a digital age where ghosting is a legitimate form of communication.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'I’ll call you' has officially been redefined to mean 'I’ll think about it and then never do it' in 87% of social interactions? Progress!.
Wall Street Time Machine
WMT
Walmart
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1983, it would be worth $784,047 today (784.0x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1983, it would be worth $188,194 today (188.2x return)