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 25, 1969
Full News Archive
- Headline: Brandoa's Building Crisis and Earthquake Relief. Impact: If Brandoa had been demolished, the resulting housing crisis could have led to the rise of a secret society of squatters who would have formed their own government, leading to a bizarre diplomatic incident with Portugal. Who knows, we could have had a new country: Brandoa-land, known for its underground parties and questionable construction practices.. Fact: Brandoa's buildings were so poorly constructed that even pigeons refused to nest there. They knew better!.
- Headline: Historic Milestone for Women in Horse Racing. Impact: This event sparked a nationwide trend where parents began adopting increasingly outrageous pets, leading to 'pet showdowns' at childrenβs birthday parties across America. Suddenly, everyone had a goat named 'Bubbles' or a parrot that could recite Shakespeare.. Fact: Owning a horse is just a step away from owning a small farm. Next thing you know, theyβll be hosting barnyard raves..
- Headline: Russian Cellist Seeks Asylum in U.S.. Impact: This brave cellist's decision to seek asylum could have inspired a wave of musicians to flee oppressive regimes. Imagine an underground network of classical musicians smuggling notes and compositions across borders. Mozart would be rolling in his grave... or cheering them on.. Fact: This cellist could have been the next big thing in the U.S., but instead, he just became the official poster child for musicians fleeing bad gigs..
- Headline: Assembly Votes to Cut Aid In Cases of Campus Crime; Removal of Most Traffic Cases From Court Urged by Governor. Impact: In a twist of fate, this decision led to university campuses becoming crime-free zones where students were actually forced to socialize and learn things like, you know, 'how to function as a human being' instead of just binge-watching shows.. Fact: Cutting aid for campus crime is like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. Good luck with that!.
- Headline: SCHOOL REFORMS FACING SETBACK; Decentralization Bill Is in Trouble as Vote Nears in Senate at Albany School Reforms Facing a Setback in State Senate. Impact: The failure of this reform sparked a series of events that eventually led to the creation of a secret society of teachers who met in basements to discuss how to teach students without a budget. They became known as the 'Underground Educators.'. Fact: They say teaching is a noble profession. Apparently, it also comes with a side of drama worthy of a soap opera..
- Headline: Kempton Terms Chicago March a 'Peaceful Revolt'. Impact: This 'peaceful revolt' could have inspired future protests to adopt more whimsical names, like 'The Great Pastry Uprising' or 'The March of the Bored.' Who knows, maybe future generations would rally for donuts instead of democracy.. Fact: Calling a march a 'peaceful revolt' is just a fancy way of saying, 'Weβre upset, but we brought snacks!'.
- Headline: GROUND FIGHTING HEAVY IN VIETNAM; Battles Reported in All Four Tactical Zones -- Enemy Shells 35 Targets Ground Fighting Flares in All Zones in Vietnam. Impact: The ongoing violence not only impacted Vietnam but also influenced countless movies and music, creating an entire genre of protest songs and war films that still echo in pop culture today. Just think about how many times 'Fortunate Son' has been played at parties.. Fact: Conflict and chaos often lead to some of the best art. Too bad the artists didn't get a say in the matter..
- Headline: NIXON SEEKS BIDS FOR RIGHT TO BUILD LOW-COST HOUSING; Romney Hopes to Pool Needs of Mass Market and Spur Contract Competition Nixon Seeks Bids for Right to Build Housing Units. Impact: This initiative could have inadvertently led to a housing boom that created the first 'luxury' low-cost housing, complete with avocado green appliances and shag carpets. 'Affordable chic' could have been a thing!. Fact: Building low-cost housing is just a fancy way of saying, 'Letβs build shacks with style!'.
- Headline: Doctor Says Sirhan, Hypnotized, Relived Crime in 'Blind Rage'; Doctor Testifies Sirhan Slew in 'Rage'. Impact: The implications of hypnosis in criminal cases could have changed the course of legal history, opening the door for every criminal to claim they were 'hypnotized' into committing their crimes. Next thing you know, criminals would be attending therapy instead of prison.. Fact: Hypnosis as a defense is like saying, 'I was under the influence... of my own mind!'.
- Headline: STAFF RISE CALLED VITAL FOR BROKERS. Impact: This call for more staff could have led to a nationwide hiring spree that ultimately resulted in the over-staffing of brokerages. Suddenly, every broker had a team of assistants that had assistants. Welcome to the age of corporate bloat!. Fact: Increasing staff by a third is just a nice way of saying, 'We need more people to do the same amount of work!'.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1969, it would be worth $972,040 today (972.0x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1969, it would be worth $527,083 today (527.1x return)
MCD
McDonald's
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1969, it would be worth $1,470,783 today (1470.8x return)