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 September 6, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Helmetless Motorcyclists Rally in Madison. Impact: This helmetless protest sparked a revolution in motorcycle fashion. By 2023, helmet-less selfies became the go-to for Instagram influencers, leading to an increase in head injuries and a decline in common sense.. Fact: Did you know that helmet laws are often controversial? Who knew safety could be such a contentious topic? It’s like arguing about whether wearing pants is necessary..
- Headline: Torrijos Celebrates Treaty with U.S.. Impact: Torrijos' praise for the U.S. was a moment that set off a chain reaction: subsequent politicians learned that flattery could sometimes win them foreign allies, leading to an increase in overly nice diplomacy, and a sudden shortage of honest negotiations.. Fact: Fun fact: When it comes to international treaties, the more you praise the other side, the less you have to actually do anything. It’s like saying 'great job!' to a toddler who just scribbled on the wall..
- Headline: Tragic Picnic Shooting in Charlotte. Impact: This tragic incident fueled a wave of awareness about hate crimes, leading to the establishment of numerous organizations dedicated to fighting racism. However, it also inspired a few misguided attempts at 'edgy' fashion statements. Spoiler alert: they didn’t catch on.. Fact: Did you know that hate crimes often become catalysts for change? Sadly, the change is frequently slow and painful, like trying to remove a stubborn stain from a favorite shirt..
- Headline: Barnard Patient Gets 2d Heart. Impact: The success of this heart transplant paved the way for a medical revolution where organ transplants became common. Ironically, it also led to a spike in bad puns about 'heart-throbs' in medical dramas.. Fact: Did you know that the first heart transplant was performed in 1967? This one just shows that even in the world of medicine, timing is everything—much like trying to catch the last slice of pizza..
- Headline: Nomads Are the Missing Experts at Desert Talks. Impact: The desert talks marked the beginning of a new era in environmental awareness, causing a ripple effect that eventually led to climate change activists being born—who would later argue over the color of their protest signs.. Fact: Did you know that nomads have been around for thousands of years? They’re basically the original hipsters, always looking for the next best spot to set up camp..
- Headline: METRIC ROAD SIGNS DUE IN CANADA TODAY. Impact: Canada’s move to metric road signs inadvertently sparked a decade-long debate in the U.S. about whether to switch over, which has since become a national pastime—like watching paint dry.. Fact: Did you know that the U.S. is one of the few developed countries still using the imperial system? Apparently, 'inches' just sounded cooler than 'centimeters' to some folks..
- Headline: Carey Plays A Risky Role. Impact: Carey’s risky political role became a textbook example of how to alienate potential allies while simultaneously trying to win votes. This set a precedent that politicians could make enemies faster than they could make friends.. Fact: Did you know that getting involved in a mayoral race is like jumping into a shark tank? The odds are never in your favor, and you’ll probably leave with a few new scars..
- Headline: World News Briefs. Impact: This denial of a meeting led to a series of diplomatic misunderstandings and also inspired a popular meme format for denying all sorts of meetings—because who doesn't love a good denial?. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic denials are as common as bad coffee at a conference? If you’re ever in a pinch, just deny everything with a smile..
- Headline: COLLEGES RESISTING FEDERAL PRESSURES. Impact: The Bakke case paved the way for a long, drawn-out debate on affirmative action that continues to this day, which is like a never-ending family argument over who gets the last cookie.. Fact: Did you know that legal battles over education often involve more drama than a high school prom? Because nothing says 'I care about the future' like a lawsuit over who gets to enroll..
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)