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 25, 1983
Full News Archive
- Headline: Toys: Reflecting Cosmic Imagination. Impact: The rise of children's toys as symbols of imagination led to an unprecedented influx of adult collectors in the future, sparking a global debate on whether childhood nostalgia is just a fancy term for mid-life crisis.. Fact: In the future, adult collectors will pay thousands for vintage toys, proving that some people never really grow up—they just get better at hiding their obsession..
- Headline: The Song of Paterson's Legacy. Impact: The 'Song of Paterson' became a viral sensation in the 21st century, leading to a revival of city pride that inspired a reality show about small-town America, because who doesn’t love drama over a civic pride anthem?. Fact: If only they had known that civic pride could lead to reality TV fame, perhaps they would have thrown in a dance number..
- Headline: THAT'S HOW IT BOUNCES. Impact: The strategic meeting led to the creation of the bouncy ball, which later evolved into a multi-million-dollar industry. Little did they know, it would also lead to countless broken windows and childhood injuries.. Fact: Bouncy balls have been responsible for more impromptu games of catch than any other toy. Who needs a playground when you have a living room and a decent arm?.
- Headline: A NATIONAL CRISIS IN ETHICAL VALUES. Impact: This alarming trend on university campuses ignited a philosophical debate that spiraled into a full-blown cultural revolution, forever altering how society views ethics—and leading to the invention of virtue-signaling.. Fact: It's fascinating how a crisis in ethics resulted in an entire generation obsessively tweeting about moral superiority while ignoring their own questionable life choices..
- Headline: I.R.S. SEARCH FOR OFFICE SPACE MIRED IN PROBLEMS. Impact: The IRS's struggles to find office space turned into a nationwide joke, leading to the popular meme 'Where's the IRS?' which ironically distracted people from their taxes—mission accomplished?. Fact: Despite their best efforts, the IRS still hasn't found the elusive office space that could handle all the complaints about tax returns—maybe they should just keep looking in the couch cushions?.
- Headline: BELL HERE IS EXPECTED TO GROW. Impact: Ma Bell's growth led to an era where communication became so ubiquitous that people began to communicate less face-to-face and more through emojis, paving the way for future generations to forget how to have actual conversations.. Fact: The more we relied on telecommunication, the less we remembered how to talk to our neighbors—unless, of course, they were on the other end of the line..
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)