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 19, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Carter Questions AWACS Jet Spending. Impact: If Carter had actually stopped the purchase of AWACS, we might have seen a surge in 'DIY' military aircraft modifications, leading to a new trend of civilians building their own fighter jets in backyards. Next thing you know, your neighbor is a self-proclaimed Air Force General, and you're dodging homemade missiles on your morning commute.. Fact: Did you know that an AWACS plane costs more than a mansion in most parts of the U.S.? That's right, one plane could buy you a whole neighborhood—if only the neighborhood came equipped with radar and jet engines..
- Headline: Women’s Economic Inequality in 1975. Impact: The disparity in wages sowed the seeds for future protests and movements, leading to the rise of the hashtag #EqualPay in 2010. Who knew that a gender pay gap would lead to a digital explosion of memes and angry tweets? Thank you, internet!. Fact: Did you know that in 2023, women still earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar a man makes? Apparently, the concept of 'equal pay' is as elusive as Bigfoot..
- Headline: Bomb Attacks on NYC Skyscrapers. Impact: These bombings might have inadvertently pushed New Yorkers to become even more resilient, leading to the birth of coffee shops that serve lattes infused with a sense of existential dread. 'Welcome to Manhattan, where the skyline is beautiful, but so are the explosives!'. Fact: Bomb threats in NYC are as common as pigeons. This particular incident only underscores how some people really take 'explosive' to heart..
- Headline: PROGRESS REPORTED ON HEALTH MONITOR. Impact: This conceptual agreement could have led to a chain reaction of health innovations, ultimately resulting in fitness trackers that remind you to breathe every hour. Because who doesn't want their wrist telling them to take a deep breath?. Fact: Did you know that health monitors today can track your sleep, steps, and even your caffeine intake? If only they could monitor your sanity during long Zoom meetings..
- Headline: Martin Marietta Layoff. Impact: The layoffs sparked a new trend of 'drought survival' workshops where laid-off workers became experts in how to conserve energy at home. Who knew that losing your job could turn you into a water conservation guru?. Fact: Did you know that hydropower shortages can lead to unexpected home DIY projects? Because nothing says 'power outage' like trying to make a wind turbine out of old lawn chairs..
- Headline: Virginians Giving Up Land To Save It From Strip Mines. Impact: The act of gifting land to prevent strip mining set off a domino effect, inspiring future generations to turn their backyards into eco-parks. By the year 2030, we could be living in a world where every home is a mini conservation area. Just don't forget to water the plants.. Fact: Did you know that the land they gifted could have been turned into a strip mine? Instead, they chose nature—how refreshing! It's like opting for a salad instead of fries..
- Headline: Trenton Topics. Impact: This amendment could have led to a tidal wave of adoption cases being processed, resulting in a new reality show called 'Adoption Wars.' Forget The Bachelor; it’s all about who gets to adopt the cutest kid this season.. Fact: Did you know that adoption laws are so convoluted they make the tax code look straightforward? You might need a PhD just to figure out where to sign..
- Headline: Unions and Industry Oppose Bill to Ban 16 Chemicals Found Cancer‐Producing. Impact: This opposition may have inadvertently led to the rise of the 'green' movement, where people decided to ditch chemicals altogether and embrace organic kale. Because nothing says 'healthy living' like pretending you enjoy the taste of grass.. Fact: Did you know that some of those chemicals are still used today? It's like a game of toxic roulette—will you get the cancer-causing agent or the regular one?.
- Headline: U .S. Tries to Minimize the Impact Of Report on C.I.A. Aid to Hussein. Impact: The attempt to downplay the CIA's secret payments could have led to a long-standing tradition of government cover-ups, culminating in the popular conspiracy theory that the moon landing was staged by the CIA to distract us all.. Fact: Did you know that secret payments to foreign leaders are often just as common as your neighbor borrowing sugar? You just never know what's brewing behind closed doors..
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)