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 February 12, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Concerns Over Sex and Drugs in Rock Music. Impact: This meeting set off a chain reaction that led to the establishment of a 'Parental Advisory' sticker, which ironically made explicit content even more appealing to teenagers. Who knew that censorship could be such a marketing strategy?. Fact: Did you know that 'sex-rock' and 'drug-rock' became popular genres among rebellious teens, thanks to this very effort? Thank you, moral guardians!.
- Headline: Virginia Payne, Actress, Dies at 66. Impact: Virginia Payne's passing marked the end of an era for radio drama, leading to a decline in audio storytelling that left millions with only their imaginations and daytime television to entertain them. Thanks a lot, Virginia!. Fact: Virginia Payne was the voice of Ma Perkins, an icon of radio! Who knew playing a fictional matriarch could be so impactful? There's a whole generation that learned their life lessons from Ma..
- Headline: The Swamp That Breeds Heroin Addiction. Impact: This article ignited discussions about drug addiction being a societal issue rather than a law enforcement problem, paving the way for future policies that still struggle to treat addiction with the compassion it deserves. Who knew we could learn so slowly?. Fact: It's shocking to think that addiction wasn't always treated as a crime. For decades, it was just a misunderstood hobby—thanks for the enlightenment, Fishman!.
- Headline: Hanoi Toughness In South Is Seen. Impact: The reports of harsh conditions in re-education camps would later fuel anti-war sentiments in the U.S., turning public opinion against the Vietnam War even faster than you can say 'political backlash.'. Fact: Re-education camps sound like a fun summer camp, right? Spoiler: They were anything but. Vietnam's approach to 're-education' was more about survival than enlightenment..
- Headline: E. Vincent Curtayne, 71, Dies. Impact: Curtayne's death, while personal, represents the loss of a generation of thinkers and writers who shaped public discourse. This ripple effect would inspire countless others to pick up pens and keyboards to fill the void.. Fact: E. Vincent Curtayne was a name that resonated with many, but if you didn't know him, don't worry—you weren't alone! Sometimes, it's just nice to acknowledge someone who contributed to the literary tapestry..
- Headline: With a Little Bit of Luck. Impact: The discussions about peace in Cyprus following the Denktash-Makarios meetings would eventually lead to a complex web of international relations, where every little diplomatic move had the potential to spark a major geopolitical incident. Talk about high stakes!. Fact: Cyprus has been a hotspot for peace talks, but with the luck of a four-leaf clover, you'd be better off betting on a horse race. Peace negotiations often feel like a game of musical chairs—when the music stops, someone always ends up without a seat!.
- Headline: Assassination Panel's Fate in Doubt As Sprague Faces New Allegations. Impact: The drama surrounding Sprague created a soap opera-level scandal that detracted from the panel's original purpose, leading to a series of conspiracy theories and a public more concerned with gossip than accountability. Great job, guys!. Fact: Who knew that serving on a panel could lead to more drama than a reality TV show? Sprague was just trying to do his job, but it turns out, being an attorney and a panel member is a recipe for scandal!.
Wall Street Time Machine
WMT
Walmart
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $10,678,835 today (10678.8x return)
INTC
Intel
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $414,492 today (414.5x return)