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 July 17, 1969
Full News Archive
- Headline: Prominent Figures Gather for NASA Event. Impact: This gathering of prominent figures inadvertently led to the creation of a secret society known as the 'Awkward Speech Club,' where they met annually to share their best stuttering moments, ultimately influencing public speaking as we know it today.. Fact: Did you know that the real reason they were speechless was because they were all trying to figure out who brought the worst potato salad to the potluck?.
- Headline: Disappointment Over Nixon's Drug Policy Proposal. Impact: Nixon's focus on penalties instead of treatment led to decades of ineffective drug policies, resulting in the rise of the 'Just Say No' campaign, which inadvertently inspired a generation of kids to say 'why not?' instead.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Just Say No' became the favorite slogan of countless middle school students trying to dodge their homework too..
- Headline: Joint Space Initiatives in Western Europe. Impact: The collaborative spirit of Western Europeβs space achievements inspired future generations to join together for less noble causes, like creating the world's first international cheese festival, proving that teamwork really can lead to more cheese.. Fact: You know, if they had just aimed for cheese from the start, they might have landed on a moon made entirely of brie..
- Headline: Armada of Small Craft Clogs River to See Apollo Launching. Impact: The overwhelming presence of spectators on boats led to an accidental invention of the floating picnic, which later became a crucial part of summer block parties across the nation, forever changing how people enjoy BBQs and fireworks.. Fact: Fun fact: The boat traffic was so bad that some people ended up watching the launch on their phones, claiming it was a 'better experience'βwe see you, hipsters!.
- Headline: Son of Masiello, 26, Linked to Mafia, Given Jail Term. Impact: This event triggered a series of poorly planned mafia-themed reality shows in the 2000s, where contestants were often seen asking 'What would the Masiellos do?' before promptly getting eliminated for lack of street smarts.. Fact: And you thought your family reunion was awkward? At least you don't have to dodge the mob at Thanksgiving..
- Headline: Joan Baez's Husband Seized. Impact: The refusal of Baez's husband to be inducted into the armed forces sparked a wave of anti-war protests, leading to a cultural shift that ultimately made it socially acceptable to avoid family gatherings by citing 'political activism.'. Fact: And you thought your protest against doing the dishes was a bold stance? Try telling your family you're 'not going' because of 'the man.'.
- Headline: SATURN 5'S RECORD CONTAINS NO ERRORS. Impact: This flawless record inspired engineers worldwide to adopt the motto 'Aim for Saturn 5 levels of perfection,' which ironically led to millions of people achieving mediocrity in their own lives while still expecting five-star service.. Fact: It's rumored that the only error the Saturn 5 ever made was when it accidentally took the wrong turn on its way to the moonβguess it didn't have Google Maps..
- Headline: Public Offices to Shut Here; City and State Offices to Be Shut; Essential Services Will Continue. Impact: This announcement paved the way for the great 'Government Shutdown' era, where politicians learned that closing offices could be a great way to avoid work and still get paid, and the rest of us learned how to make sourdough bread.. Fact: If only they had actually closed the offices for good, we might have saved billions on coffee and donuts!.
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)