In 1978 the American culture and society change forever. One way is by Americans buying $13 million worth of jogging shoes and 42 million pairs of "look-alike" jogger-type sneakers. Americans start getting concerned about their health and start to exercise. The first legal casino is opened in May. It opens in New Jersey. Within the first six days the casino is open it brings in $2.6 million. Americans start gambling. The President signs legislation on April 6, which increased the age of retirement for American workers. They now raised the retirement age to 70. On television Dallas premieres on April 2 on CBS. The first test-tube baby is born, Pope Paul VI dying, human insulin is produced, and Huggies disposal diapers are introduced. The Yankees and the Red Sox were tied at the end of regular season play. Many other important events also occurred in 1978.
On January 11, Joseph Califano, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, announced a new government campaign to discourage children and teenagers from smoking and to help 53 million American smokers quit the habit.
In Super Bowl XII the Dallas Cowboys beat the Denver Broncos 27 to 10 in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 15.
The United States first class postal rate goes to $0.15 per ounce on May 18.
Proposition 13 is passed on June 6 in California. It reduces state property taxes by 57%. Some Californians are afraid it will seriously hurt public education.
The world's first test-tube baby is born on July 25 at a hospital in London her name is Louise Brown.
Muhammad Ali regains the World Boxing Association title September 15 by winning an easy 15-round decision over Leon Spinks in the Superdome at New Orleans.
Pope Paul VI dies on August 6 at the age of 80. A new pope is elected on October 16, he takes the name Pope John Paul and he is the first non-Italian pope since 1523.
On September 6 the first DNA product human-insulin is produced at the City of Hope Medical Center in California. The United States Food and Drug administration will eventually approve its use in 1982.
Sculptor Christo covers 3 miles of winding footpaths in Kansas City's Loose Park with nylon on October 3 in a $100,000 project.
The New York Yankee's beat the Boston Red Sox 5 to 4 in a one game playoff for the American League eastern division. The Yankees go on to win the World Series defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4 games to 2 on October 10.
Led by Cult Leader Jim Jones, more than 900 people, mostly Americans, committed suicide in Jonestown , Guyana on November 18.
"Boat People" pour out of Vietnam. Many counties such as the United States, Canada, France, West Germany, Taiwan, take thousands of refugees. Malaysia reverses its policy on December 4 and permits the entry of Vietnamese people.
Coca-Cola signs an exclusive agreement to bottle its drink in the People's Republic of China.
Kimberly Clark introduces Huggies disposal diapers. They have an elastic waist that will fit all infants.
Philip Morris acquires 7-UP for $520 million.
Hollywood musical Grease with John Travolta is a major event. The movie also stars Olivia Newton John and it includes many famous songs of the time.
In 1978, now 98% of American households own televisions. The number of families who own television is 9% in 1950, and dramatically rose or 83.2% in 1958. Now also more television sets have color.
There are many popular songs of 1978.
Diff'rent Strokes premiers on November 3 on NBC.
Sony introduces the world's smallest tape recorder for standard cassettes.
Superman starring Christopher Reeves, Halloween starring Jamie Lee Curtis, and Animal House starring John Belushi are released.
Emmy
Awards:
Outstanding Comedy: Taxi (ABC)
Outstanding Drama: Lou Grant (CBS)
21st
Annual Grammy Awards
Record of the Year: Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel
Album of the Year: Saturday Night Fever by Bee Gees
Song of the Year: Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel
Best New Artist: Taste of Honey
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