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 March 29, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Carter Promotes School Bond in Plains. Impact: This seemingly innocent push for a school bond led to an unending debate about education funding, resulting in future politicians using 'community's children' as a catchphrase to pander for votes while doing nothing. Thanks, Jimmy!. Fact: Did you know that this bond vote probably inspired more kids to dream of becoming politicians than actual teachers? Oh, the irony!.
- Headline: Dock Strike Wage Negotiations. Impact: This delicate dance of wage negotiations eventually inspired labor movements worldwide, leading to the birth of the phrase 'better than a dock strike' as a euphemism for any workplace grievance. Who knew dock workers were trendsetters?. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing less effective than this government's negotiation skills is a cat trying to catch a laser pointer..
- Headline: Carter Attends Benefit Concert for Marine Life. Impact: Carter's attendance at this recital may have sparked a global resurgence in orchestral music, leading to the 'Save the Whales' tour that included more cellists than actual whales. They might have even thrown in a few porpoises for good measure.. Fact: Did you know that Mstislav Rostropovich was so good that even the whales swam closer to the surface, hoping for a front-row seat?.
- Headline: High Court to Rule on Right of Public to Nixon's Tapes. Impact: The decision to allow public access to Nixon's tapes opened the floodgates for conspiracy theories, ultimately leading to countless documentaries, podcasts, and a few too many 'Nixon was framed' t-shirts.. Fact: Fun fact: The tapes contained more drama than a soap opera, and yet people still acted surprised when they heard about the Watergate scandal..
- Headline: 10 New Judges Appointed by Beame. Impact: This dramatic influx of judges probably led to a secret competition among them to see who could hand down the most creative sentences—an unsanctioned reality show, if you will.. Fact: Fun fact: The last time there were this many judges appointed at once, they accidentally formed a band called 'The Gavel Brothers.' Didn't chart..
- Headline: Prosecutor Asserts He Will Prove That 2 Nurses Poisoned Patients. Impact: This tragic event shone a spotlight on hospital safety, leading to stricter regulations and a paranoia that would inspire TV dramas for decades. Because nothing says 'trust your nurse' like a sensationalized courtroom drama.. Fact: Sadly, this case marked the birth of the 'medical thriller' genre, which has since led to more plot twists than actual medical breakthroughs..
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)