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 26, 1969
Full News Archive
- Headline: Santa Fe Industries Restructure Plan Revealed. Impact: This restructure plan led to Santa Fe Industries becoming a monopoly in the railroad sector, which subsequently resulted in a nationwide shortage of trains. People began using bicycles, leading to the invention of extreme unicycling competitions in the 21st century.. Fact: Fun fact: This plan was so effective that it inspired other companies to 'restructure' their way into monopolies, proving that capitalism sometimes just means 'really good at playing Monopoly.'.
- Headline: Exploring the Triangle: A Unique Auto Tour. Impact: This triangle auto trip sparked a nationwide obsession with road trips, leading to the invention of the 'Instagram Road Trip.' People began taking pictures at every corner, ultimately resulting in a global shortage of scenic views by 2025.. Fact: Did you know that the Pennsylvania Dutch are not actually Dutch? They are German! So, if you want to confuse someone, just tell them that you're visiting the 'German Dutch' country..
- Headline: Redford Praises Resilience in Fighters. Impact: Redford's declaration that he likes fighters led to a surge in sports movies, resulting in an entire generation believing that they, too, could become champions. Spoiler: most ended up on their couches eating popcorn instead.. Fact: Fun fact: Robert Redford is the reason why every 80s movie had to include a training montage. Thanks, Redford!.
- Headline: Miller Adds Brewery. Impact: Miller Brewing's new plant led to a massive increase in beer consumption, which in turn caused a spike in karaoke bars and regrettable decisions made on Saturday nights across America.. Fact: Did you know that the $13 million plant is basically the equivalent of building a small village-sized brewery? Cheers to that!.
- Headline: Pairing Off; By Julian Moynahan. 252 pp. New York: William Morrow & Co. $5.95.. Impact: Julian Moynahan's book 'Pairing Off' sparked a literary revolution that led to thousands of self-help books about finding the perfect partner, ultimately resulting in an explosion of failed Tinder dates.. Fact: Did you know that 'Pairing Off' is not about dating but rather a deep dive into human relationships? But hey, who reads the fine print?.
- Headline: $2,300 Water Pistol Stolen. Impact: The theft of a $2,300 water pistol led to a global surge in security measures for even the most absurd items, resulting in the creation of the 'Water Pistol Security Task Force' in the early 2020s.. Fact: Fun fact: This water pistol was considered a top-secret NASA itemβbecause nothing says 'space exploration' like a water gun..
- Headline: Aluminum Output. Impact: The increase in aluminum output led to a boom in the DIY home improvement market, resulting in a generation of people who thought they could build their own houses with just a YouTube tutorial and a few cans of soda.. Fact: Fun fact: Aluminum was so popular that it was often used in everyday items like foil and soda cans, proving that you can never have too much of a good thingβuntil youβre in a recycling bin..
- Headline: Jersey Suicide Inquiry Reported To Include Paying Of Informers. Impact: The inquiry into the suicide and the use of informers sparked a wave of conspiracy theories about government cover-ups, leading to a resurgence of amateur detective clubs and a boom in 'true crime' podcasts.. Fact: Did you know that prosecutors have been known to pay informants for information? Itβs like a really dark version of a game show where nobody wins..
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)