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 14, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Italy's Push for Domestic Consumption. Impact: This call for Italians to 'buy Italian' not only boosted local businesses but also inadvertently led to a global obsession with artisanal pasta. Who knew that a campaign against imports would spark a world-wide pasta renaissance and an excessive amount of Instagram posts featuring homemade gnocchi?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'Buy Italian' was actually a secret code among pasta enthusiasts to avoid sharing their nonna's recipes?.
- Headline: Debtor's Inquiry Leads to Jail Term. Impact: Smith's refusal to answer questions about his debts led to a series of unfortunate events, including the rise of debtors' prison-themed reality shows, proving that you can indeed turn your financial misfortunes into entertainment.. Fact: Fun fact: In the 1800s, debtors' prisons were so popular that they had waiting lists. Truly a sign of the times!.
- Headline: Taste of Greece Festival in Tenafly, NJ. Impact: The success of this festival not only increased the popularity of Greek cuisine in New Jersey but also inadvertently led to a global trend of food festivals, resulting in an annual competition of who can fry the most obscure dish. Thanks, Greece!. Fact: Did you know that 'Taste of Greece' was originally a code name for an undercover mission to find the best baklava?.
- Headline: Books of The Times. Impact: The mere existence of this column led to a massive uptick in book sales, prompting authors to think they were the next Shakespeare. Spoiler alert: They weren't.. Fact: Did you know that reading books was once considered a form of punishment? Now it’s a trendy self-care routine!.
- Headline: Atlantic City Mayor Warns State Not to Block Casinos on Wetlands. Impact: This warning led to a series of questionable decisions regarding environmental protections, ultimately resulting in casinos being built on every available wetland. Because who needs ecosystems when you can have blackjack?. Fact: Did you know that the original name for Atlantic City was 'Gambling Haven for All'? Just kidding, but it might as well have been!.
- Headline: La Pasionaria Returns Home to Spain After 38 Years. Impact: Her return sparked a renewed interest in political activism, leading to a resurgence of revolutionary enthusiasm—though it mostly resulted in more people wearing berets and quoting outdated slogans.. Fact: Did you know that 'La Pasionaria' translates to 'The Passion Fruit?' Clearly, she was a hit among fruit enthusiasts, too!.
- Headline: Trenton Topics. Impact: The halt on chemical discharges led to stricter environmental regulations, causing a ripple effect that made eco-friendly products suddenly trendy. Who knew that stopping pollution could lead to more sales of reusable straws?. Fact: Did you know that the original name for the chemical effluents was 'Trenton's Secret Sauce'? Not as appetizing as it sounds!.
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)