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 1, 1974
Full News Archive
- Headline: VA Chief Confident on G.I. Bill Veto. Impact: If Congress had not overridden the veto, it would have led to a massive wave of disgruntled veterans who might have formed a reality TV show called 'Veteran’s Revenge'. Imagine the drama!. Fact: In an alternate timeline, this veto led to an army of veterans mastering the art of interpretive dance to express their grievances..
- Headline: Maspeth Celebrates Its 332-Year Heritage. Impact: The establishment of the 'instant museum' led to an unexpected Renaissance of local history buffs, eventually resulting in Maspeth becoming the hipster capital of the East Coast, complete with artisanal history tours.. Fact: 332 years of history and they still couldn't figure out how to spell 'museum' correctly..
- Headline: 2 Arab Raiders in Israel Kill Moslem, Surrender. Impact: This tragic event contributed to a longstanding cycle of conflict that echoed through decades, shaping geopolitics in the region and beyond.. Fact: Rihaniya, the Circassian village in question, has its own complex history, which is just as tangled as the events that unfolded that fateful day..
- Headline: Norway Plans to Extend Fishing Limits. Impact: This move not only protected local fishermen but also led to an accidental rise in fishing reality TV shows, pushing the boundaries of what we consider 'sports'.. Fact: Norwegians have been known to spend more time arguing over fishing rights than actually fishing. It's practically a national pastime..
- Headline: ‘We Don't Know Where We're Going, but We're Going,’ Jazz Society Says. Impact: The Jazz Society’s existential motto inspired a whole generation of musicians to create jazz-infused motivational speeches, leading to a surge in the use of berets and coffee shops.. Fact: Jazz is the only genre that can make you feel deep emotions while simultaneously questioning your life choices..
- Headline: Builder Renews Bid for Housing Project in East Brunswick. Impact: This prolonged battle led to the legendary East Brunswick Housing Wars, where builders faced off against residents in a series of increasingly absurd competitions.. Fact: After six years, the builder realized he could have just built a tiny house in someone’s backyard and saved everyone a lot of trouble..
- Headline: The Nation/Continued. Impact: Mondale's withdrawal from the race led to a series of 'what if' scenarios, including the creation of a time-traveling presidential campaign that would have confused everyone.. Fact: Mondale's campaign strategy was so theatrical that even Shakespeare would have raised an eyebrow..
- Headline: ARABS PRESS U.S. ON GENEVA TALKS. Impact: The pressure on the U.S. during these talks set a precedent for international diplomacy that would eventually inspire countless diplomatic memes.. Fact: Geneva talks are so famous, they have more drama than a soap opera, and yet somehow fewer cliffhangers..
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)