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 August 28, 1983
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring John Wain's Greek Inspiration. Impact: This whimsical love affair inspired countless novels about doomed romances, leading to a surge in moody coffee shop poetry. In an alternate timeline, a barista in Seattle named ‘Syme’ becomes the world’s leading poet, but only writes in haikus about coffee beans.. Fact: Did you know that the Greek Islands have more poets per square mile than actual people? It’s like a literary Tinder over there..
- Headline: Harmonica Innovation in American Music. Impact: The harmonica’s evolution sparked a musical revolution, leading to the bizarre invention of the 'harmoniphone' in a parallel universe where everyone communicates through harmonica solos.. Fact: Fun fact: The harmonica is the only instrument that can be played while simultaneously looking like you’re suffering from a slight asthma attack..
- Headline: Where Wildlife Comes First. Impact: Roger Spaulding's vigilant fight against poachers inspired a new generation of wildlife activists, leading to the creation of ‘Alligator Protection Day,’ celebrated annually with a parade of inflatable alligators. It's a real crowd-pleaser.. Fact: Did you know that alligators can be up to 20 feet long? So if you see one, don’t just worry about poachers—worry about your own life choices!.
- Headline: Gardening; An Ideal Time for Improving the Lawn. Impact: This seemingly mundane lawn care advice led to a global obsession with yard aesthetics, resulting in a world where lawns have their own Instagram accounts and grass is the new cryptocurrency.. Fact: Did you know that lawnmowers have been known to cause more mid-life crises than any sports car? Talk about a grass-roots movement!.
- Headline: The Lively Arts; It'll Be a Weekend for Festivals. Impact: The decision to labor on Labor Day sparked a nationwide debate on the true meaning of ‘labor,’ resulting in the invention of the ‘Do-Nothing Festival’ where the only requirement is to do absolutely nothing. It’s a hit!. Fact: Fun fact: The arts are considered lively because they keep people from dying of boredom—so really, every weekend is a festival if you think about it..
- Headline: The Black Image In Centuries of Art. Impact: This exhibition inspired a renewed appreciation for Black artists, leading to the establishment of ‘Artistic Equality Day,’ where all art is celebrated, except for that weird one with the broccoli that no one understands.. Fact: Did you know that art is just a fancy way of saying 'Look at what I can do with a canvas and some paint'? The broccoli piece? Just a cry for help..
- Headline: AT WHAT AGE DOES ONE BECOME 'OLD'?. Impact: This existential question led to a worldwide movement to redefine aging, resulting in the invention of a new age classification system based entirely on how many memes you understand. Spoiler: It's not age-related.. Fact: Did you know that the only age that truly matters is the one where you can still remember where you left your keys? Good luck with that!.
- Headline: WHAT'S NEW IN TELEPHONE MARKETING; A.T.&T.; COURTS THE BUYERS. Impact: This corporate maneuvering stirred a revolution in phone marketing, leading to the era of unsolicited calls where salespeople became more persistent than your Aunt Edna during the holidays.. Fact: Did you know that just like your Aunt Edna, phone salespeople never take 'no' for an answer? It’s a talent, really..
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)