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 October 18, 1969
Full News Archive
- Headline: Cunard Pays Off QE2 Loans. Impact: This seemingly mundane loan payment led to the eventual rise of cruise culture, causing people to believe that vacations should be spent on floating cities rather than actual land. Consequently, this has resulted in more people getting sunburned in the middle of the ocean than ever before.. Fact: Did you know the QE2 was once considered a 'floating hotel'? It was so luxurious that only the most elite could afford to stay thereβso naturally, it became the ultimate spot for people who wanted to complain about how hard their life was..
- Headline: Clifton Bank Heist Shocks Community. Impact: This bank heist sparked a series of copycat crimes that led to the rise of the 'bad guy' archetype in movies, forever influencing Hollywood to glamorize crime while completely ignoring the actual consequences. Thanks, thieves!. Fact: Did you know that robbing a bank is illegal? Shocking, I know! But hey, at least these guys had a solid understanding of cash flowβunlike most of us..
- Headline: Rand Corp Advocates Gradual Troop Reduction. Impact: This modest request for troop cuts set off a chain reaction that resulted in endless debates about military presence, leading to countless political careers being launched on the backs of people who just wanted to go home. Talk about long-term effects!. Fact: Did you know that the Rand Corporation is not a place where you exchange your money for ideas? It's actually a nonprofit global policy think tank. So, you wonβt find any actual randos there..
- Headline: LAIRD ASKS HALT IN GERM OUTPUT FOR USE IN WAR; Sends Secret Memorandum to National Security Panel as Policy Study Nears. Impact: This secret memo led to an unexpected surge in conspiracy theories about government cover-ups and war strategies, turning even the most mundane bureaucratic discussions into fodder for dramatic movies and TV shows.. Fact: Did you know that the government loves secret memos? Theyβre basically the adult version of passing notes in class, except this time, itβs about stopping Germany from doing something totally legal..
- Headline: Governor Dedicates Center At the State U. in Fredonia. Impact: This dedication of an art center inadvertently encouraged generations of students to pursue art degrees, leading to a surplus of baristas with fine arts backgroundsβbecause apparently, pouring lattes is an art form too.. Fact: Did you know that Asmat art is known for its intricate wood carvings? It's a shame that many art center dedications are just as intricate yet are often forgotten by the next week..
- Headline: Somaten Returns $97.60 in 3-Mile Temple Gwathmey at Belmont; LAKE DELAWARE 2D IN RICH CHASE. Impact: This riveting horse race not only influenced betting habits in the region but also sparked a series of terrible puns about horses and their 'galloping' success. Thanks, Somaten, for making horse racing a real hoot!. Fact: Did you know that horse racing is one of the few sports where you can lose money by betting on the wrong horse? Itβs like investing in a startup, but at least the horses donβt take themselves too seriously..
- Headline: Amax Aluminum Raises Its Price for Siding Coil. Impact: This price hike led to an inflationary spiral that made everyone's home renovation dreams ever so slightly more expensive, resulting in a nationwide increase in DIY disasters as people attempted to save money.. Fact: Did you know that aluminum siding is known for its durability? Too bad that most people think it's just a fashionable choice for the 1970s chic, right before the 'that's a little too much' phase kicked in..
- Headline: City Lets Contracts to Build Addition to Hall of Science. Impact: This decision to expand the Hall of Science led to a generational love for science fairs, ultimately resulting in more people becoming scientistsβand a lot more parents stressing over poster board presentations.. Fact: Did you know that the Hall of Science is actually a great place to learn about science? Shocking, I know, but youβd be surprised how many people think itβs just a place for kids to play with slime..
- Headline: Michigan State Chief; Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr.. Impact: The career sketch of Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr. set the stage for future leaders from diverse backgrounds, ultimately leading to a more inclusive political landscapeβwho knew a name could spark such change?. Fact: Did you know that having a middle name can make you sound more important? Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr. could probably run for president just because of that impressive moniker!.
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)