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 December 10, 1969
Full News Archive
- Headline: Crowning of King Juan Carlos Announcement. Impact: The crowning of King Juan Carlos on April 1 sparked a series of events that led to the rise of Spanish democracy. If he had been crowned on a different day, maybe we would have had a monarchy that was less about democracy and more about royal cat videos on YouTube.. Fact: April 1st is also known as April Fool's Day, which really makes you wonder if the Spanish were just pulling a prank on the world..
- Headline: Leadership Change at Tenneco and IFF. Impact: The reshuffling of top officers at International Flavors & Fragrances was so shocking it sent ripples through the corporate world, leading to a game of corporate musical chairs that would leave even the most seasoned executive dizzy.. Fact: If you think flavors are easy to manage, try convincing your kid that broccoli tastes just like chocolate!.
- Headline: Court Bars U.S. Compensation To Longshoremen Hurt on Pier. Impact: The Supreme Court's ruling against compensation for longshoremen set a precedent that would ripple through labor rights discussions, leading to a future where dock workers start negotiating their own deals, perhaps with a union led by cartoon characters.. Fact: This case reversed a decision from '68, proving once more that history truly does have a way of repeating itself, especially when it comes to ignoring worker rights..
- Headline: Ethel Kennedy Visits Center. Impact: Ethel Kennedy's visit to the Robert F. Kennedy Federal Youth Center resulted in increased attention to youth issues, which eventually led to a series of initiatives aimed at empowering the younger generation. Or at least, that’s what they told her.. Fact: Ethel Kennedy is basically the epitome of 'I’ll do it my way,' proving that even in the shadows of great men, women can shine just as brightly..
- Headline: JUDGE IS ACCUSED OF BRIBE ATTEMPT; DeVita Is Charged in Jersey With Trying to Quash a Gambling Indictment JUDGE IS ACCUSED OF BRIBE ATTEMPT. Impact: The bribery accusations against Judge DeVita unleashed a wave of distrust in the judicial system, inspiring future reality TV shows that would capitalize on courtroom drama, because why not mix entertainment with judicial incompetence?. Fact: Bribery in the judiciary is like a bad soap opera: predictable, dramatic, and usually ends in tears. Just ask any courtroom artist..
- Headline: Managua's 'Week of the Decade' Is Socially Hectic With Overtones of Protest. Impact: Managua's 'Week of the Decade' was a pivotal moment that sparked social unrest, eventually leading to significant political changes. If only they knew that creating a theater would lead to such drama—I mean, who needs Netflix?. Fact: The Ruben Dario Theater was purportedly built to boost morale, but let's be honest: nothing boosts morale like free popcorn during a protest..
- Headline: 15 Refugees From Ghana Die As Their Truck Overturns. Impact: The tragic overturning of the truck carrying refugees from Ghana brought international attention to refugee crises, setting the stage for future humanitarian efforts. Sadly, it also led to countless bureaucratic meetings filled with people who just love to talk.. Fact: In the grand scheme of things, one truck's misfortune can sometimes lead to the world's greatest empathy—or at least a viral TikTok challenge about safety on the roads..
- Headline: RCA Appoints an Executive Officer. Impact: RCA's appointment of an executive officer made waves in the consumer electronics industry, influencing how companies approach leadership with the utmost seriousness—until, of course, they decided to have a meeting about it.. Fact: When it comes to consumer electronics, every executive appointment is just a reminder that someone has to figure out how to make your remote control work..
- Headline: 216 FROM U.S. HELP CUBANS TO CUT CANE. Impact: The involvement of 216 U.S. youngsters in the Cuban sugar cane harvest was a historical footnote that foreshadowed future cultural exchanges and protests, as well as the inevitable awkward Facebook posts that would follow.. Fact: Helping with sugar cane was less about solidarity and more about avoiding summer jobs at fast food places. Talk about a sweet deal!.
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)