Gary Ross Dahl created the Pet Rock, a simple yet absurd fad that captured the hearts of Americans in 1975. With a 32-page instruction manual full of puns and gags, Dahl's idea became a sensation, selling over 1.5 million units and earning him a six-figure payout. The Pet Rock's popularity was short-lived, but it remains a beloved piece of American pop culture, symbolizing the fleeting nature of trends and the power of clever marketing. [... more]

The story of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two basketball legends who transcended their rivalry on the court to form a lasting friendship that went beyond basketball, and their journey to the Olympics as part of the first Dream Team. [... more]

The concept of barcodes dates back to ancient civilizations, but the modern barcode was invented in the 1950s by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. Their bullseye code was the first to be developed, but it was later replaced by the Universal Product Code, or UPC, which was established as the standard in 1973. Barcodes have since become ubiquitous in modern commerce, used for stock checking, inventory maintenance, and checkout scanning. [... more]

Bob Hamner shares his passion for sailing, which he discovered later in life, and recounts his exciting experiences on the water, including a harrowing incident where he had to navigate through a storm and a close call with a tanker ship. He also talks about his journey to becoming a skilled sailor and the lessons he learned along the way. [... more]

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis played a pivotal role in saving Grand Central Terminal from demolition in the 1970s, leading a movement that would become a landmark case in historic preservation. Her efforts not only preserved the iconic building but also inspired a new generation of preservationists, leaving a lasting legacy in New York City and beyond. [... more]

Humans have engaged in trade for millennia, but the concept of barcodes revolutionized the system by automating and streamlining trade networks and supply chains. The first barcode was invented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in the 1940s, but it wasn't until the 1970s that the Universal Product Code (UPC) was developed and became the standard for the National Association of Food Chains. Barcodes have since become ubiquitous, used for stock checking, inventory maintenance, and checkout scanning, and have played a crucial role in facilitating commerce and making civilization easier. [... more]

A devoted fan's quest to uncover a long-lost Marx Brothers movie, Animal Crackers, leads him to meet Groucho Marx and rally a committee to get the film re-released, ultimately breaking a house record and bringing joy to fans. [... more]

Patty Kingsbaker shares a story from 1962 about meeting Elvis Presley at a gas station in California, where she got an autograph and a picture with the music legend. The story takes place near Elvis' birthplace in Memphis and Graceland, his famous home. [... more]

The Edmund Fitzgerald, a 729-foot freighter, sank on Lake Superior in 1975, killing all 29 crew members. The ship's tragic fate has become a legendary story, immortalized in a song by Gordon Lightfoot. Rick Mixter, a shipwreck researcher, recounts the events leading up to the disaster and the subsequent investigation, shedding light on the mysteries surrounding the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. [... more]

Patty Hearst, the granddaughter of a publishing dynasty, was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974 and eventually joined the organization, sparking a tumultuous and bizarre series of events that would leave her a convicted felon and a symbol of the era's cultural battles. [... more]

Faith-based investing offers a deeper impact than just financial gains, aligning investments with Christian values and promoting integrity, impact, and performance. Dr. Phinney Kuravilla discusses the benefits of faith-based investing, including the love-your-neighbor principle, and how it can lead to outperformance and a positive impact on society. [... more]

Parents in Texas are coming under fire because they are throwing measles parties This was a common practice back in the s and s to expose kids to chickenpox and the mumps because all were so highly contagious Nowadays there's a vaccine for that But many parents are wary of the vaccines Just one of the many topics covered on today's podcast edition of my radio show nbsp See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the NFL season, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys and their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. Baker Mayfield joins the show, discussing his team's performance and his personal life, including his friendship with Mike Evans and his plans for the bye week. The conversation also touches on college football, with a focus on quarterbacks and the upcoming playoffs. [... more]

Baker Mayfield, quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, discusses his team's performance and his own experiences as a quarterback in the NFL. He also talks about his upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys and his thoughts on Brock Purdy's impressive play. Additionally, Rich Eisen discusses the latest news in college football, including the Heisman Trophy and Caleb Williams' impressive season. [... more]

The Fian family has served in the New York City Fire Department for four successive generations, with members facing numerous challenges and tragedies, including the devastating 9-11 attacks, as told by author Brian McDonald in his book Five Floors Up. [... more]

Colonel Oliver North shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife Betsy, who suffers from degenerative corticobasal syndrome, and how his faith has sustained him through the challenges of caregiving. He discusses the importance of trust in Christ and the need for caregivers to find peace and contentment in their situation. [... more]

On a sweltering June night in 1974, a promotion at Cleveland Stadium offering 10-cent beers sparked a chaotic and violent riot, as fans clashed with each other and the Texas Rangers, leading to a forfeit and a infamous place in American sports history. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie reflects on the Jesus movement, a spiritual awakening that occurred in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and how it can inspire another great move of God's Spirit in today's culture. He shares insights on the importance of prayer, humility, and seeking God's face, drawing from biblical examples and historical events. [... more]

Bass Reeves, born into slavery, became the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, known for his exceptional skills in tracking and apprehending outlaws, and his ability to work across racial lines in the Indian Territory during the late 19th century. [... more]

The Fian family's four generations of service in the New York City Fire Department are chronicled in author Brian McDonald's book, 'Five Floors Up.' From the 1970s 'war years' to the heroism of 9-11, the family's story is one of courage and sacrifice. [... more]