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 4, 1974
Full News Archive
- Headline: Crisis in NYC Construction Industry. Impact: The construction workers' protest was the start of a long chain of labor movements that eventually led to the rise of the 'Dad with a Toolbelt' meme. Thanks for that, NYC!. Fact: It turns out that 18,000 construction workers protesting is just the tip of the iceberg. At least they showed up—unlike some politicians when it's time to fix infrastructure..
- Headline: Exploring Schlesinger's Unique Legacy. Impact: Schlesinger’s strategic aims somehow led to the idea of using ‘Peanuts’ characters in military strategy, culminating in a bizarre comic strip where Charlie Brown negotiates peace treaties.. Fact: Leslie H Gelb penned articles that were often more captivating than his childhood adventures in 'The Peanuts' comic strips. Spoiler: no one kicked Lucy's football..
- Headline: Government Called Cause of Inflation By 48% in a Survey. Impact: The belief that the government was the root of inflation set off a chain reaction of conspiracy theories, resulting in a future where people hoarded toilet paper and canned beans. Thanks a lot, Gallup!. Fact: Gallup Polls: where the average American's opinion goes to be safely stored away for future historians to chuckle about..
- Headline: ... No Single Remedy. Impact: This economic advice led to more bureaucratic discussions and ultimately resulted in the invention of the 'money supply' as a concept that no one understands but everyone pretends to.. Fact: Remember, when in doubt about the economy, just blame the money supply. It's as effective as blaming your dog for the missing homework..
- Headline: Visions of Electric Light In a Philippine Barrio. Impact: The electrification of Sapang Palay sparked a passion for renewable energy that would eventually lead to hipsters in Brooklyn installing solar panels on everything from their apartments to their artisanal coffee shops.. Fact: Rural electrification is the reason your friends can now text you about their organic vegetable gardens. Thanks, US AID!.
- Headline: Dog Considered a Weapon In Massachusetts Robbery. Impact: The ruling on the dog as a weapon led to a future where every household pet could be seen as a potential weapon, causing many to consider adopting goldfish for their safety and insurance policies.. Fact: In Massachusetts, even dogs can be dangerous. So, if you're ever thinking about a pet, maybe go for a cat—less chance of a robbery charge!.
- Headline: Two Coast Shows Draw Large Crowds To See Record Dog Entries Compete. Impact: The huge dog show became a catalyst for the rise of dog influencers on social media, leading to a future where dogs earn more than their owners through sponsored paw-dventures.. Fact: 4,288 dogs in one show means someone was busy collecting fur for a new fashion line. It's called 'Canine Chic'—and it's surprisingly popular..
- Headline: “It is an African ‘Gulag,’” a former diplomat said.. Impact: The reign of terror in Uganda had a profound impact on international human rights movements, eventually inspiring a wave of documentaries that would make everyone feel guilty about their dinner choices.. Fact: Idi Amin is often referred to as one of history's most infamous dictators, yet he once claimed he wanted to be remembered as a 'caring leader.' Talk about a PR disaster!.
Wall Street Time Machine
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1974, it would be worth $222,233 today (222.2x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1974, it would be worth $2,553,677 today (2553.7x return)
BA
Boeing
Boeing - If you invested $1,000 in 1974, it would be worth $1,592,290 today (1592.3x return)