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 January 7, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: Finley Rejects Kuhn's Peace Proposal. Impact: Finley's refusal to compromise led to a series of legal battles that would inspire future lawyers to believe they could also win cases based on sheer stubbornness, eventually giving rise to the phrase 'I’ll sue you if you don’t agree with me!'. Fact: Did you know that lawyers are like eagles? They both soar high, and they both have a knack for circling around a problem until they get what they want..
- Headline: Effective Lobbying for Nuclear Opposition. Impact: The Union of Concerned Scientists’ lobbying efforts eventually led to the introduction of 'nuclear power awareness week', which, ironically, raised more awareness about how concerned citizens were about nuclear power than the power itself.. Fact: Did you know that lobbying is like fishing? The more bait you throw out, the more likely you are to catch something — usually a lot of angry fish..
- Headline: Ali: ‘I'll Fight for $12 Million’. Impact: Muhammad Ali's demand for $12 million sparked a trend of athletes asking for ridiculous sums, which in turn led to the rise of social media influencers boasting about their outrageous sponsorships, effectively turning the art of negotiation into a circus.. Fact: Did you know that Ali once turned down a million-dollar endorsement because he didn't want to be seen promoting something he didn't believe in? Talk about a principled fighter!.
- Headline: Renaissance Sounds Become Music to Their Ears. Impact: Newe Jewell’s performances at a high school led to a renaissance of sorts in arts funding, causing future generations to believe that if you just throw enough money at kids with instruments, magic will happen — spoiler alert: it doesn't always.. Fact: Did you know that the real reason musicians are often broke is because they spend all their money on instruments? It’s like a never-ending cycle of 'buy high, play low.'.
- Headline: Raise the Ceilings. Impact: Richard P. Cooley's call for help in the housing industry led to countless homebuyer seminars that turned into awkward first dates for many. Now, the phrase 'let's talk about financing' sends shivers down the spines of young couples everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that the housing market is like a roller coaster? You scream a lot, you feel nauseous, and you hope you don't lose your lunch — or your house..
- Headline: 2 Sisters Asphyxiated in Yonkers. Impact: The tragic asphyxiation of the sisters in Yonkers spurred a wave of safety regulations that led to the invention of the world's first 'Propane Detector.' This device later inspired a line of scented candles that helped people remember to check their gas before lighting up.. Fact: Did you know that propane is often referred to as the 'silent killer'? Kind of like that guy who always sneaks up behind you at parties and scares the life out of you!.
- Headline: Michael Carney, Singer and Pianist, WithTrio at Carlyle. Impact: Michael Carney's performance at Cafe Carlyle became the launchpad for a wave of piano bar singers who would later influence the rise of karaoke, forever changing the way we embarrass ourselves in public.. Fact: Did you know that singing in a piano bar is like therapy? Only you pay to make a fool of yourself instead of getting actual help..
- Headline: Sports News Briefs. Impact: Don James' surprisingly lucrative contract set a new standard for college coaches, creating an avalanche of outrageous contracts that would eventually lead to the phrase 'the money is in the coaching!' becoming a mantra for aspiring coaches everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that college coaches are often paid more than the university president? It’s like having a glorified babysitter with a six-figure salary..
- Headline: Justice Dept.Team Is Off for Seoul To: Begin Questioning Tongsun Park. Impact: The Justice Department's questioning of Tongsun Park became a blueprint for future high-profile investigations, leading to the creation of the phrase 'you've been served!' which is now synonymous with awkward encounters at the DMV.. Fact: Did you know that being questioned by the Justice Department is like being on a reality TV show? You never know what will happen next, but you can bet it’ll be dramatic!.
Wall Street Time Machine
WMT
Walmart
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1978, it would be worth $7,945,492 today (7945.5x return)
INTC
Intel
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1978, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1978, it would be worth $423,037 today (423.0x return)