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 March 17, 1978
Full News Archive
- Headline: Sadat's Peace Efforts Amid Tensions. Impact: Sadat's declaration set off a chain reaction where everyone suddenly became an expert in Middle Eastern politics. Who knew that a statement about peace could lead to decades of armchair diplomacy among internet trolls?. Fact: Did you know that peace in the Middle East is like that elusive sock that disappears in the dryer? Everyone talks about it, but no one really knows where it went..
- Headline: Indictment of Hughes's Associates in Drug Case. Impact: The drug case against Hughes’ aides sparked a wave of conspiracy theories, leading to a future where every celebrity's doctor is questioned for their prescription practices. Thanks a lot, Howard Hughes!. Fact: Fun fact: Howard Hughes had such a wild life that if you wrote a book about it, people would say, 'This is too far-fetched!'.
- Headline: Vesco's Trial: A Financial Fraud Scandal. Impact: Vesco's trial opened Pandora's box for financial fraud, leading future financiers to become experts in hiding their money in offshore accounts, thus creating a booming niche for shady accountants.. Fact: Did you know that some people invest in stocks, while others, like Vesco, invest in dodging the law? Different strokes for different folks!.
- Headline: Carter Urban Policy: Blacks Concerned and Skeptical. Impact: Carter's urban policy led to an explosion of community activism and skepticism that still resonates today, making politicians everywhere cringe at the thought of actually living up to their promises.. Fact: Fun fact: The skepticism shown here is still alive and well, especially when politicians say they're 'listening to the community' – usually while plotting their next big fundraiser!.
- Headline: Spain May Admit Foreign Banking. Impact: Spain’s potential acceptance of foreign banks turned out to be the first step towards a global banking system where your money could be in three countries before you even finished your morning coffee.. Fact: Did you know that foreign banks are like that friend who always shows up uninvited? They just can't resist crashing your financial party!.
- Headline: New Senator Gives Decisive 67th Vote. Impact: Senator Hatfield’s vote was pivotal, leading to a political world where every vote is scrutinized and turned into a social media meme. Thanks for the pressure, Senator!. Fact: Did you know that in politics, the phrase 'decisive vote' is just code for 'let's hope this doesn't come back to haunt me in the next election'?.
- Headline: U.S. Text on Middle East Crisis. Impact: This text became the template for future diplomatic statements, proving that politicians can write a lot without actually saying much. It’s like the world's longest game of charades.. Fact: Did you know that most diplomatic texts are just fancy ways of saying, 'I hear you, but I'm still doing what I want'?.
- Headline: Hometown Lions Honor ‘Citizen’ Flood. Impact: Flood's local honor turned into a cautionary tale about the risks of mixing politics with public admiration, leading future politicians to hire PR teams for even the most mundane events.. Fact: Did you know that being honored in your hometown can quickly turn into a 'whoops' moment when the investigation hits the headlines? Talk about a party foul!.
- Headline: Small Coal Companies Are Hardest Hit by Strike. Impact: The plight of small coal companies during the strike highlighted the fragility of family businesses, eventually inspiring a wave of reality shows about struggling businesses. ‘Coal Miners of New Jersey', anyone?. Fact: Did you know that striking coal miners have a tendency to strike while the iron is hot, and also when they’re just really tired of working? Who can blame them?.
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)