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 July 22, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Fire Aboard USSR Destroyer Injures Crew. Impact: The fire aboard the USSR Direct not only injured six crewmen but also sparked a series of unfortunate events leading to a global trend of ships carrying fire extinguishers that were actually just fancy soda dispensers. Who knew hydration was the real key to safety?. Fact: Fun fact: If only those crewmen had known that 'fire drills' didn't involve actual fire. They might have saved themselves a singed eyebrow or two!.
- Headline: Carter Proposes Limits on Big Missiles. Impact: Carter's bid to limit Soviet missiles led to a game of international missile whack-a-mole, where every attempt to limit arms just made them pop up in unexpected places. Thanks, Jimmy, for the unintended game night!. Fact: Did you know? The term 'big missiles' was actually a marketing strategy by Soviet engineers trying to make their missiles sound more appealing—like the 'Big Mac' of the Cold War..
- Headline: Europeans Increasing Investments in U.S. Market. Impact: The influx of European investments in the U.S. set off a chain reaction of gentrification that eventually led to artisanal avocado toast being served at every brunch spot. Thanks for raising the bar, Europe!. Fact: Ironically, the Europeans investing in U.S. real estate were also the first to complain about the rising prices of real estate—something we now refer to as the 'Ironic Paradox of Gentrification'..
- Headline: 50,000 L. I. Bathers Driven From Shore By Sewage Debris. Impact: The sewage debacle on Long Island not only drove 50,000 bathers from the shore but also gave rise to the first-ever 'Bring Your Own Clean Water' beach parties. A trend that didn't really take off but was fun while it lasted!. Fact: Did you know? This event marked the first known instance of a beach party being canceled due to 'too much crap'—a phrase that would later become a popular excuse for many social gatherings..
- Headline: BEAME PRAISES RAID ON A ‘LOOTING CACHE’. Impact: Mayor Beame's praise for the police raid on the looting cache inadvertently led to a spike in DIY heist movies, inspiring generations of filmmakers to create stories about 'the one that got away'—mainly because the robbers just forgot to check the time!. Fact: Fun fact: The raided items were later found to include holiday decorations and a collection of questionable garden gnomes. Talk about a 'loot' of a different kind!.
- Headline: Ray P. Whitman, Aviation Pioneer And a Founder of Bell Aircraft. Impact: Ray P. Whitman's legacy in aviation inspired a new generation of inventors who thought 'flying cars' were just around the corner. Spoiler: they weren't. But we did get some pretty slick drones out of it!. Fact: Did you know? Whitman was so ahead of his time that he once suggested that airplanes be equipped with coffee makers—because nothing says 'safety' like turbulence and a hot cup of joe!.
- Headline: JAWORSKI PROMISES FIRM KOREA INQUIRY. Impact: Jaworski's promise for a firm Korea inquiry not only dug into the Democratic scandals but also inspired future generations of political investigators to adopt the motto 'What happens in politics stays in politics—until an election!'.. Fact: Did you know? Jaworski's investigation techniques included a lot of coffee and late-night brainstorming sessions that often ended with 'We should really write this down!'—but never did..
- Headline: Carter's Record Assailed by Head Of Urban League. Impact: Vernon Jordan's critique of Carter's policies led to a ripple effect in political discourse where 'life is unfair' became the go-to excuse for any policy failure. It's now a classic line in every politician's playbook!. Fact: Did you know? The phrase 'life is unfair' has been used so frequently in politics that it was almost trademarked by the National Political Association—until they realized it wasn't very catchy..
- Headline: Troubles Multiply for Nazi Leader in Chicago Suburb. Impact: Collin's troubles in Chicago not only highlighted the ongoing tension in race relations but also inspired a wave of community activism that would ultimately lead to a stronger push for civil rights—proof that some battles are worth fighting.. Fact: Interestingly, the Skokie case became a landmark moment that showed how democracy can be pretty messy. Sometimes the bad guys get a platform, and sometimes they get a community that fights back!.
- Headline: ‘Charismatic Christians’ Seek to Infuse the Faith With Their Joyous Spirit. Impact: The charismatic Christian movement's gathering at Arrowhead Stadium sparked a nationwide trend of mega-churches and inspirational messages, leading to a boom in 'positive vibes only' bumper stickers and more people believing they could actually fly—if only they had enough faith.. Fact: Did you know? The term 'charismatic' in this context refers to both the energy of the crowd and the sheer number of times they shouted 'Hallelujah!'—which, if counted, might just break the sound barrier..
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)