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 May 21, 1976
Full News Archive
- Headline: Bronx Market Fire Damage Discrepancy Revealed. Impact: The lessee's inflated damage claim sparked a legal battle that eventually led to the invention of the phrase 'money doesn't grow on trees, but it might grow in the Bronx'. This phrase became a popular saying among aspiring entrepreneurs in urban areas, leading to a boom in small businesses and an influx of aspiring 'financial influencers' who think they can negotiate with fire damage estimates.. Fact: Did you know that rent abatement can sometimes be more confusing than trying to explain Bitcoin to your grandparents?.
- Headline: Robert Lewis Named President of Washington Chapter. Impact: Robert Lewis's ascension to the presidency of the Washington chapter caused a ripple effect that ultimately resulted in a nationwide shortage of ink and paper. The conspiracy? He was secretly an advocate for digital news but was too polite to say so.. Fact: Did you know that in the 1970s, being president of a newspaper group actually required you to know how to use a typewriter? Shocking!.
- Headline: Proposed Changes to Adirondack Park Agency. Impact: The discussions about the Adirondack Park Agency led to a series of changes that, decades later, resulted in the creation of 'Adirondack Yoga Retreats', where hipsters now gather to meditate while sipping artisanal herbal teas. Who knew bureaucracy could lead to such tranquility?. Fact: Did you know that the Adirondack Park is larger than the state of Vermont? It’s basically the state park that ate Vermont for breakfast..
- Headline: NEW YORK'S G.O.P. REPORTED MOVING TO ENDORSE FORD. Impact: This move to endorse Ford created a butterfly effect that resulted in an endless loop of political endorsements, eventually leading to an annual 'Endorsement Gala' where politicians awkwardly praise each other while secretly plotting to outdo one another. Think of it as a political prom.. Fact: Did you know that political endorsements are just like high school popularity contests, but with less drama and more money involved?.
- Headline: HEARINGS OPENED ON TV DRUG PERIL. Impact: The FTC and FCC hearings on TV drug advertising opened a Pandora's box that led to the invention of the 'Dare to Care' campaign, which ultimately resulted in children being taught about the dangers of excessive television watching. Now kids are more likely to be found outside than in front of a screen. Shocking, I know!. Fact: Did you know that in the 1970s, TV ads for drugs were basically the equivalent of a modern influencer's sponsored post? Just with fewer disclaimers..
- Headline: Where a 4.5‐Ton Rock Glitters Like a Gem. Impact: The display of the massive copper ore block led to a short-lived craze for 'rock collecting', which soon spiraled into a reality TV show about rock enthusiasts, culminating in the first-ever 'Rock Olympics'. Who knew geology would become the next big sport?. Fact: Did you know that copper has been used since ancient times for making tools and jewelry? So really, that shiny rock is just a fancy old tool waiting to be appreciated..
- Headline: Morale of Justices in New York Is Low. Impact: The low morale among justices sparked a judicial wellness movement, leading to mandatory yoga sessions in courtrooms. This did not, however, improve the legal system, but it did make for some very interesting courtroom selfies.. Fact: Did you know that the legal profession has been known to cause high levels of stress? Maybe they should just switch to interpretive dance instead..
- Headline: INOUYE AND CASE’ TO HEAD SPY PANEL. Impact: Inouye and Case heading the spy panel inadvertently led to the creation of spy-themed reality TV shows. People became obsessed with the thrill of espionage, leading to a rise in amateur spies trying to eavesdrop on their neighbors. Spoiler: it never ends well.. Fact: Did you know that the real spies probably find amateur sleuths more entertaining than useful? It's like watching a toddler try to solve a Rubik's Cube..
- Headline: Committee to Draft Humphrey Is Set Up. Impact: The formation of this drafting committee for Humphrey set off a series of events that established the precedent for 'drafting' candidates who didn't even want to run. This led to the awkward moment when your uncle was 'drafted' to run for local dog catcher.. Fact: Did you know that being 'drafted' for a political position is essentially just a fancy way of saying, 'We really want you to do this, but no pressure...'? It's very high stakes!.
Wall Street Time Machine
BA
Boeing
Boeing - If you invested $1,000 in 1976, it would be worth $726,602 today (726.6x return)
WMT
Walmart
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1976, it would be worth $12,495,503 today (12495.5x return)
INTC
Intel
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1976, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)