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 February 2, 1968
Full News Archive
- Headline: Civilians Confront Snipers in Saigon. Impact: This vigilant civilian behavior sparked a new trend in neighborhood watch programs. Fast forward a few decades, and you have nosy neighbors using drones to spy on mailmen. Thanks, Saigon!. Fact: Did you know that one of the most effective sniper deterrents is actually just a well-placed garden gnome? They really add a sense of peace to a war zone..
- Headline: McNamara Asserts No Pilot Shortage Exists. Impact: This bold statement led to an overabundance of pilot training programs, which eventually resulted in a reality show called 'So You Think You Can Fly?' The ratings were sky-high.. Fact: Fun fact: McNamara was actually referring to the pilots who could fly well. The rest were just 'passengers' in the cockpit..
- Headline: Student Protests Against Fare Hikes. Impact: These protests marked the beginning of student activism that would evolve into global movements. Now we have TikTok influencers protesting for likes. Progress?. Fact: Protesting for lower bus fares is a classic student move. In 2023, students are protesting for free Wi-Fi in every classroom. Priorities, people!.
- Headline: SEOUL THREATENS 'PUNITIVE ACTION'; North Koreans Are Warned to Halt 'Provocations'. Impact: This was just the beginning of a long and complicated relationship, leading to decades of political tension, occasional peace talks, and more Netflix documentaries than anyone can count.. Fact: Did you know that punitive action can also refer to an overly dramatic soap opera? Because tensions between North and South Korea could definitely use some plot twists..
- Headline: Offensive is Said to Pinpoint Enemy's Strengths; Despite U.S. Stress on Toll, Vietcong Gains Are Seen in Morale and Prestige. Impact: The perception of morale and prestige had lasting effects on military strategy, leading to endless debates in war rooms filled with maps and takeout menus. Who knew dining could be so strategic?. Fact: It's fascinating how morale can be boosted with just a good pep talk, pizza, and a motivational poster. The Vietcong must have had a great HR department..
- Headline: JOHNSON DISCUSSES LONGER DUTY TOURS. Impact: This discussion opened the floodgates for military personnel to have their vacation plans ruined for decades to come. Thank you, President Johnson, for extended family reunions via video call.. Fact: Longer duty tours mean more time for soldiers to learn new skillsβlike how to expertly avoid family questions about their love lives during holiday dinners..
- Headline: GANG FIGHTS HIT 2 BROOKLYN AREAS; 26 Are Seized in Park Slope and East New York. Impact: These gang fights laid the groundwork for future neighborhood rivalries, eventually evolving into hipsters arguing over artisanal coffee. Gentrification is a fun ride!. Fact: Fun fact: gang violence may have started as a serious issue, but now itβs more likely to end in a heated debate over who makes the best bagels in Brooklyn..
- Headline: Surgery for Margaret Today. Impact: This tonsillectomy not only affected Margaret's vocal capabilities but also shaped her future as a karaoke champion. The world was never ready for her rendition of 'I Will Survive.'. Fact: Did you know tonsillectomies were once performed with little more than a spoon and a sense of adventure? Thankfully, modern medicine has upgraded to slightly more sophisticated tools..
- Headline: CUBAN PARTY DAILY REDUCED TO 4 PAGES. Impact: This reduction symbolized the tightening grip of the Soviet Union, which led to a long series of awkward dinner conversations about freedom and limited reading material. Yes, it really shaped the literary landscape.. Fact: In Cuba, where the newsprint was scarce, people learned to improvise. Reading the daily news became an extreme sportβjust try to catch the latest updates before the paper runs out!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1968, it would be worth $1,150,821 today (1150.8x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1968, it would be worth $500,431 today (500.4x return)
MCD
McDonald's
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1968, it would be worth $1,093,100 today (1093.1x return)