Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON August 1, 1984
Full News Archive
- Headline: Reviving the Roycroft Arts and Crafts Legacy. Impact: The return of a high-backed bench sparked a nationwide trend among hipsters, leading to the 'Bench Revival Movement' of 2025, where people began to sit on anything that resembled furniture, including logs, hay bales, and the occasional friendly dog.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more difficult than restoring a traditional piece of craftsmanship is explaining to your friends why your 'new' bench costs more than their car..
- Headline: Redgrave's Role in Bostonian Drama. Impact: The portrayal of a 19th-century feminist lawyer inspired a surge in legal dramas, ultimately leading to a bizarre reality show where contestants compete to become the next 'Feminist Lawyer of the Year'—spoiler alert: they never actually get to practice law.. Fact: Bet you didn't know that the 19th-century feminist movement was essentially the original 'Girl Boss' movement, minus the Instagram filters and overpriced lattes!.
- Headline: HELPFUL HARDWARE; CARVED WOOD DETAILS. Impact: Arthur Stickney's obsession with carved details led to a worldwide shortage of wood, as people began hoarding planks to craft their own 'artisanal' homes. In 2024, a black market for decorative wood flourished, with prices rivaling those of fine wines.. Fact: Did you know that carpenters used to be the rockstars of their time? Now, they're just the guys who show up late to fix your leaky sink..
- Headline: HERS. Impact: The meticulous preparation for a honey harvest brought about a 2023 honey shortage, which led to widespread panic and the creation of a 'Honey Black Market' where people traded honey for toilet paper and other essentials during times of crisis.. Fact: Honey never spoils! Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still edible. So, if you ever run out of food, just remember: there's always a backup plan—if you're not too picky!.
Wall Street Time Machine
WMT
Walmart
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1984, it would be worth $490,961 today (491.0x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1984, it would be worth $222,603 today (222.6x return)
MCD
McDonald's
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1984, it would be worth $271,190 today (271.2x return)