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 June 4, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Ex-NYC Officer Sentenced for Colorado Murder. Impact: If only Michael Borelli had taken up knitting instead of murder, maybe we would have had a whole new trend in crime fighting—'Knit & Grit', where crime is solved with cozy sweaters.. Fact: Hal Levine's murder was a turning point in Colorado's criminal justice system, but you know, it’s not like that’s ever been a hot topic or anything..
- Headline: Repeated Vandalism in Ozone Park Cemetery. Impact: The desecration of the Jewish cemetery ignited a wave of community solidarity, leading to the formation of 'Vandalism Watch' groups. Because nothing screams 'we care' quite like creating a committee.. Fact: This wasn't the first time a cemetery was targeted by vandals—turns out disrespecting the dead is a timeless tradition..
- Headline: House Approves Energy Agency; Limits Its Term. Impact: The establishment of an energy agency with limited terms ensured that decisions could be made at a snail’s pace. This paved the way for politicians to argue about energy while we all just waited for electric cars to become a reality.. Fact: In a shocking twist, President Carter’s breakfast discussions didn’t lead to immediate oil booms, which is a real letdown for those hoping for a 1970s energy miracle..
- Headline: Britain Comes to Rescue Of Stranded Performers. Impact: The rescue of stranded performers became the foundation for future British theatrical tours, ensuring that no one else would ever suffer from a bombed performance without a way home. Thank goodness for government intervention!. Fact: This incident is often cited as the reason why performers now keep a spare 'emergency fund'—because being stranded after a flop is practically a ritual..
- Headline: U.S. Bars Prosecuting 9 Colombians Seized on High Seas With Marijuana. Impact: The decision not to prosecute these Colombians opened the doors for future discussions about drug laws and maritime rights. Who knew that letting people off the hook could lead to decades of debate?. Fact: This case is a classic example of how the law can sometimes look like a game of chess, where only the players know the rules—and they’re just making them up as they go along..
- Headline: Screen: ‘Ossessione’ by Visconti. Impact: The release of 'Ossessione' marked the beginning of a cinematic revolution, inspiring future filmmakers to realize that intense emotional drama is much more appealing than reality TV. Thank goodness for art!. Fact: Visconti's film is often credited with laying the groundwork for Italian Neorealism, which is just a fancy way of saying, 'We like our dramas as real as our pasta.'.
- Headline: NEW SOVIET CRAM MAY ALLOW BREZHNEV TO TAKE PRESIDENCY. Impact: Brezhnev's potential presidency could have changed the course of Soviet leadership, leading to a reality where we’d be discussing the Cold War over tea instead of missiles. What a missed opportunity!. Fact: This draft constitution showcased just how flexible Soviet politics could be—like a gymnast, but with more bureaucracy and fewer medals..
- Headline: Cousteau and Sir Peter Scott Assail Nuclear Power Lobbyists. Impact: Cousteau and Scott’s criticism of nuclear lobbyists led to a growing environmental movement that, ironically, would eventually be overshadowed by the very same lobbyists they were warning about. Talk about irony!. Fact: It’s fascinating that the same people who argue for nuclear energy are often the ones who can’t handle a simple power outage without a meltdown..
- Headline: 3 on Hospital Agency's Board Sue Beame. Impact: The lawsuit against Mayor Beame was just the beginning of political drama in New York City, setting the stage for future lawsuits that would make soap operas look like children's programming.. Fact: This legal battle is a reminder that in politics, if you can't win at the polls, suing your way to victory is always an option—because who needs democracy when you have lawyers?.
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)