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 7, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Historic All-Black Jury Selection. Impact: The selection of an all-black jury in this case led to a ripple effect, inspiring future jurors to wonder if they too could just be a random selection from a box of assorted jelly beans instead of being picked based on their race. This eventually led to the popular belief that jury duty could be a fun game of chance, much like a lottery but with more guilt.. Fact: Did you know that jury selection has become a popular reality TV show format? I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a group of strangers decide the fate of one person over a few commercial breaks?.
- Headline: Beame's School Reform Proposal Debated. Impact: Beame's school plan, met with mixed reviews, likely inspired countless future politicians to realize that 'mixed reviews' really just means 'everyone hates this but we’ll keep pretending.' This paved the way for the modern practice of ignoring public opinion while pushing through less-than-stellar policies.. Fact: Did you know that 'mixed reviews' is just a polite way of saying 'nobody actually likes this'? It’s the same phrase your mother used to describe your art project!.
- Headline: US Urges Compliance with Helsinki Accords. Impact: The U.S. pressing the Soviet Union on the Helsinki Accords sparked an unexpected trend of diplomatic negotiations where no one walked away satisfied. This eventually led to the development of an entire genre of movies where characters argue over things they can’t really change, like human rights.. Fact: Did you know that the Helsinki Accords were not actually a new brand of potato chips? They sound like they should be, right? 'Helsinki Crunch – the taste of diplomacy!'.
- Headline: Loft Jazz Festival Ends on a Popular Note. Impact: The Loft Jazz Festival's final performances not only showcased incredible talent but also inspired future generations to throw jazz festivals in their basements, leading to a modern trend of hipster gatherings where everyone pretends to appreciate 'real music' while sipping overpriced coffee.. Fact: Did you know that jazz was originally just a way for musicians to take long breaks while sounding productive? It’s basically the musical equivalent of putting off doing your laundry!.
- Headline: Rhodesia Guerrillas Interrupt Service On Major Rail Link. Impact: The guerrilla interruption of service on Rhodesia's major rail link not only halted transportation but also inspired a series of unfortunate events that led to train delays being universally accepted as a part of life, much like traffic jams and awkward small talk.. Fact: Did you know that this 'major rail link' was just a fancy way of saying 'the only way people could travel without getting lost'? It’s like the highway of the 1970s, minus the roadside attractions..
- Headline: HOUSING AID TO POOR TRIMMED BY SENATORS. Impact: The trimming of housing aid for the poor may have seemed like a small decision at the time, but it set off a chain reaction of budget cuts that eventually led to the birth of the phrase, 'Just make do with less,' which has since become a staple in every politician's handbook.. Fact: Did you know that cutting housing aid is like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound? It’s a temporary fix that leaves everyone wondering how they’re going to survive the next budget meeting..
- Headline: Carter Pleased With His Family And Presidency. Impact: Carter's appointment of a counselor on aging was a moment that led to a series of decisions where the elderly were finally recognized as human beings with needs, eventually leading to the modern senior center where bingo is not just a game, but a way of life.. Fact: Did you know that being 'counselor on aging' is just a fancy way of saying 'the person who reminds everyone to take their vitamins'? It’s like being a life coach but with a lot more gray hair..
- Headline: I.R.S.: No Inquiry On Amateur Sports. Impact: The IRS's declaration of no inquiry on amateur sports had a surprisingly positive effect, leading to a world where people could play sports without fear of being audited – a real game-changer for weekend warriors everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that the IRS thought amateur sports were so boring they didn’t even want to bother? It’s like being told your high school talent show isn’t worth their time!.
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)