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 August 19, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Successful Rescue of Hostages in Kochi. Impact: The successful rescue inspired a global surge in hostage negotiation tactics, leading to an unexpected boom in 'How to Save Your Friends from Crazy People' workshops. Who knew that saving lives could also lead to a cottage industry?. Fact: Did you know that the term 'hostage' comes from the Latin 'hostis', meaning enemy? Because nothing says 'friendly conversation' like being held against your will..
- Headline: Judge Denies Lawyer Fees in Hughes Case. Impact: This decision triggered a chain reaction where lawyers across the country began to rethink their life choices, transitioning from lawyering to interpretive dance as a more lucrative career path. Who can argue with a well-placed pirouette?. Fact: Fun fact: Howard Hughes was so reclusive that he turned being a multi-millionaire into a full-time hobby of hiding. Maybe he should have just bought a really good WiFi connection..
- Headline: Court Ruling on Housing Discrimination. Impact: This ruling created a ripple effect that led to a nationwide trend of condos embracing children, ultimately resulting in a new sub-genre of reality TV: 'Toddlers and Tiaras Go Condo Hunting'.. Fact: You know, it’s funny how laws can change. Just a century ago, kids were practically in charge of the family business. Now they can’t even live in a condo without permission!.
- Headline: Lance Says His Ability to Do Job Has Not Been Damaged by Inquiry. Impact: Lance's insistence on his competence sparked a historic precedent where all future politicians could claim 'I’m still competent!' with no actual evidence. It’s like saying you can run a marathon after finishing a pint of ice cream.. Fact: You know, every time a politician claims they’re competent under investigation, a unicorn gets its wings. Or maybe it’s just the other way around..
- Headline: Striking Coal Miners Fear Return of ‘Company Store’. Impact: The miners' fears about the return of company stores sparked a national conversation about fair wages, leading to the creation of 'Anti-Company Store' clubs—because nothing screams solidarity like a group of people bonding over their disdain for corporate greed.. Fact: Did you know that 'company stores' often charged workers inflated prices, ensuring they were perpetually in debt? Who knew capitalism could be so... cozy?.
- Headline: British Report Says 500,000. Work For Less Than the Minimum Wage. Impact: The revelation that so many people worked for less than minimum wage led to a new trend in British comedy: the 'Underpaid Worker' stand-up routine. Because if you can't afford rent, at least you can afford a laugh, right?. Fact: Isn’t it ironic? In a country where tea is a national pastime, half a million workers are brewing up a storm of poverty instead of chamomile..
- Headline: Korean Lobbyist Sought In U. S. Inquiry Reported Visiting Mother in Seoul. Impact: This inquiry incident led to a surprising increase in lobbyists using family visits as a cover, resulting in a new trend of ‘lobbying family reunions’. Nothing like buying influence while passing the mashed potatoes.. Fact: Did you know that lobbying can sometimes feel like family dinner? Everyone’s pretending to like each other while secretly plotting the next move..
- Headline: PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE REJECTSBUDGET AGAIN. Impact: The continual budget rejection not only led to widespread frustration among state workers but also gave rise to a new reality TV series: 'Survivor: State Legislature Edition'. Spoiler: Nobody gets voted off the island.. Fact: Did you know that Pennsylvania’s budget debates are so dramatic, they could easily be mistaken for a soap opera? Tune in next week for the thrilling episode 'As the Budget Turns'..
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)