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 June 1, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: Connecticut Robotics Society Launch. Impact: The Connecticut Robotics Society's meeting in 1986 unintentionally birthed an underground robot revolution. By the year 2023, robots had formed their own union demanding better working conditions and a 4-day workweek.. Fact: Fun fact: If robots ever become sentient, they might actually prefer being called 'clever' than 'intelligent.' Just something to ponder while you sip your coffee..
- Headline: GLOUCESTER MARKS 300th YEAR. Impact: The dedication of the granite monument in Gloucester County set off a chain reaction of monument-building across the country. By 2024, there was a monument for literally every event, including a monument for the invention of the hot dog.. Fact: Did you know that every granite monument is just a fancy way of saying, 'Look, we had a past!'? Who needs museums when you can just carve your history into stone?.
- Headline: CHOICES FOR EVERY PORTFOLIO; A Golden Era For Mutual Funds. Impact: The explosion of mutual funds in the 80s transformed everyday investors into amateur stock market analysts, leading to countless family dinners filled with heated debates over which fund would outperform the other. Spoiler: none did.. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'mutual funds' was originally coined as a way to describe how everyone could lose their money together in harmony..
- Headline: MUSICIANS HELP FIGHT HUNGER. Impact: The JAM '86 initiative to fight hunger turned into an annual event where musicians would reunite to remind everyone that it's easier to sing about problems than to actually solve them. Next stop: a concert for world peace!. Fact: Did you know that the real magic of charity concerts is that they make you feel better about not donating? It's like a guilt-free buffet for the soul..
- Headline: GROWTH PREDICTED. Impact: Gloucester County's predictions of growth inspired other counties to exaggerate their own growth forecasts, leading to a nationwide competition for the biggest, most absurdly optimistic development plans.. Fact: Did you know that 'geographical luck' is basically code for, 'We have a nice view and a Starbucks'? This is the real estate equivalent of 'location, location, location!'.
- Headline: NEW MEASURE COULD BREAK IMPASSE ON RECYCLING. Impact: The plastics industry's fear of mandatory recycling led to a bizarre trend where plastic products began to lobby for their rights, eventually resulting in the first-ever 'Plastic Rights Day' celebrated with parades and confetti.. Fact: Did you know that the real reason behind the plastics industry's fear is that they know they could never compete with the charm of a reusable tote bag? It's like trying to outshine the sun..
Wall Street Time Machine
MCD
McDonald's
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $154,145 today (154.1x return)
AAPL
Apple
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $3,574,639 today (3574.6x return)
MSFT
Microsoft
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $8,149,367 today (8149.4x return)