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 October 31, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Singapore Government Investigating Key Case. Impact: This case study in Singapore led to the development of the world's most boring government report, which subsequently caused a mass exodus of tourists seeking more exciting vacations. Who knew a study could make an entire country less appealing?. Fact: Did you know that Singaporeans have the world's highest life expectancy? Maybe it's all those government studies keeping them so healthy!.
- Headline: Cambodian Refugees Share Their Harrowing Tales. Impact: The plight of these Cambodian refugees triggered a global awareness campaign that inadvertently made 'grim and work-gang land' a popular vacation theme for hipsters seeking 'authentic' experiences. Who knew misery could become a trend?. Fact: Fun fact: Cambodia is home to some of the most beautiful temples in the world. Just don’t ask the locals about their living conditions while you 'Instagram' the scenery..
- Headline: HIGH COURT RULINGS OF 25 YEARS ASSAILED. Impact: Berger's criticisms led to a series of Supreme Court decisions that inadvertently made 'usurping power' the hottest new government trend, inspiring future politicians to follow suit with the classic 'if they can do it, why can't I?' mentality.. Fact: Here's a fun tidbit: Earl Warren was such a controversial figure that if he were alive today, he'd probably trend on Twitter for being the original 'power usurper.'.
- Headline: Captain in Search of the Great Banned Whale. Impact: The Great Banned Whale saga brought about a global awareness of marine laws, resulting in a new wave of 'whale yoga' classes for eco-conscious individuals who wanted to connect with the ocean without actually getting wet.. Fact: Did you know that whale hunting is illegal in many parts of the world, yet people still pay a fortune to watch them breach? Talk about a confusing love-hate relationship!.
- Headline: 10 Bostonians Plus 2 Guests Present Chamber Concert at ‘Y’. Impact: This concert showcased the Boston Pops Orchestra, leading to a decade-long debate over whether classical music could ever be considered 'cool,' ultimately resulting in a generation of hipsters trying to bring back the bow tie.. Fact: Did you know that the Boston Pops Orchestra was founded in 1885? That’s right, they've been redefining 'pops' long before it was a genre in music!.
- Headline: Cape Cod Indians Show Their Tribe Once Owned Land. Impact: The legal recognition of the Wampanoag tribe sparked a legal precedent that would inadvertently inspire other marginalized groups to reclaim their history, ultimately leading to a massive increase in 'heritage tourism' where people pay to learn about the past while ignoring the present.. Fact: Here's a kicker: the Wampanoag people were the ones who helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter. Maybe they should start charging for guided tours of that history!.
- Headline: Alan Paton Reports 2 Ministers In South Africa Have Been ‘Banned’. Impact: The banning of these two ministers ignited a wave of protests that ultimately led to a new genre of music called 'Banned Rhythms,' where artists express their dissent through catchy tunes that get stuck in your head—much like the feelings of oppression they represent.. Fact: Did you know that banning someone in South Africa is like giving them a membership to the 'I'm Oppressed Club'? It just makes them more famous!.
- Headline: Linda Ronstadt Blends Styles. Impact: Ronstadt's genre-blending performance inspired a new wave of artists to ignore all musical boundaries, leading to the creation of bizarre mashups like 'Country Rap Opera,' which still haunts us today.. Fact: Did you know that Linda Ronstadt was once considered the 'Queen of Rock'? It's hard to believe that a queen would blend styles, but hey, variety is the spice of life!.
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)